UK's best-selling new cars in May

UK car sales slumped in May, as shortages of computer chips hampers production and the cost of living squeeze hits spending. Photo: Getty (Karl Hendon via Getty Images)

The Vauxhall Corsa was the best-selling new car in the UK in May, with the 4399 units registered, taking it to the top spot with 17,198 registrations year-to-date, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Coming in second was the Ford Puma (F), with 3,580 sold in May, bringing the year total to 15,526.

The Ford Kuga, with a price tag of £35,675 ($44,786) and plug-in hybrid power available, was number three on UK roads, with 3,379 units sold in May. It has sold 11,568 this year so far.

The Vauxhall Corsa was the best-selling new car in the UK in May. Photo: Vauxhall (David Shepherd Photographer/Vauxhall)

The Volkswagen Golf (VOW3.DE) remains popular with drivers, as the German manufacturer sold 2,623 of this popular model in the UK, bringing year-to-date sales to a total of 10,174.

Mini’s popularity shows no sign of diminishing as it came in at number five. With 2,538 units sold in May alone and 13,486 this year so far, the hatchback is still finding its way onto driveways.

Read more: New UK car sales plummet to second worst May in 30 years

At number six was the car to kick off the crossover to electric vehicles (EVs). The Nissan Qashqai (7201.T) registered 2,261 sales in May and is already at 13,596 for the year to date, making it the third most popular new car this year.

The Nissan Qashqai at number six was the car to kick off the crossover to electric vehicles. Photo: Nissan (Nissan)

With 2,260 cars sold, Kia (000270.KS) continues to see strong demand for its Sportage model, which came in at number seven in May.

Another Kia — the Kia Niro — landed the number eight spot on May’s top selling cars list with 2,258 units sold.

The Kia Niro came in at number eight on the list of the UK's best selling new cars in May. Photo: Kia (Kia)

Volkswagen’s newest Polo is considered by many as the other default supermini. It sold 2,118 in May putting it at number nine on the list of most popular cars in May.

Volkswagen’s newest Polo is considered by many as the other default supermini. Photo: Volkswagen (MARTIN MEINERS/Volkswagen)

Rounding out the list of the top ten best-selling cars in May was the Hyundai Tucson (005380.KS). The SUV has regular and plug-in hybrid engine options and sold 2,094 units.

Rounding out the list of the top ten best-selling cars in May was the Hyundai Tucson. Photo: Hyundai (David Dewhurst Photography/Hyundai)

The SMMT highlighted the ongoing popularity in Britain of superminis, which claimed a 32.7% market share despite sales in this segment falling 16.4% to 40,667 units.

Of all the new cars registered last month, one in eight (15,448) were battery-electric, a 17.7% increase on last year.

Read more: One in every four cars in UK over 13 years old

UK car sales slumped in May, as shortages of computer chips hampers production and the cost of living squeeze hits spending.

So far this year, the UK has registered 661,121 new cars, down from 723,845 compared to the same time last year and 40.6% lower than the pre-pandemic five-year average.

Petrol cars lost ground, with nearly 20,000 fewer registered year on year.

Watch: What is a recession and how do we spot one?