With ongoing supply chain issues and the effects of the pandemic, it should be no surprise to find that new cars sales in March are at their lowest levels since 1998 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. In total, 243,479 cars were sold this March, down 14.3% on the same period in 2021.
This demand has pushed the price of used cars ever higher, making the deposit contributions and low APR rates of many manufacturer-backed PCP schemes ever more tempting. With electric cars featuring prominently in the list, it’s certainly a time of change in the car buying market.
Top 10 bestselling cars for March 2022
10. Ford Fiesta (3,890 sold)
Although it’s not the most practical supermini out there, the Fiesta is a fine choice. The Ecoboost engines have plenty of power and it’s great fun to drive, too. There’s a range of safety and infotainment tech available while competitive finance deals make it even more tempting.
9. Toyota C-HR (3,910 sold)
As you might expect, the CH-R utilises Toyota’s efficient hybrid system to improve economy, especially around town, without the faff of plugging your car in. It’s good in the bends although you really need the 2.0-litre to take advantage of it, the 1.8 is a bit weak.
8. Ford Kuga (4,223 sold)
You get a choice of regular petrol, hybrid or plug in hybrid power in the Kuga, diesel having been dropped at the end of 2021. The PHEV in particular is very efficient, even without a charged battery, and it handles well, too. A small boot and cheap-feeling interior count against the Kuga, though.
7. Kia Sportage (4,563 sold)
Like the Kuga, the Sportage is available with a range of hybrid and non-hybrid petrol engines under the bonnet. Four-wheel drive is also an option, something not every SUV this size offers, while space inside is generous. A seven-year warranty makes it a tempting long-term choice, although it’s not particularly cheap to buy.
6. Ford Puma (4,755 sold)
The Puma is simply one of the best small SUVs out there, with a surprisingly large boot and just enough rear seat space. Like the Fiesta on which its based, it’s fantastic fun to drive and shares its range of Ecoboost engines. There’s even a hot ST version that’s more entertaining than many far pricer performance SUVs.
5. Hyundai Tucson (4,876 sold)
With a distinctive style inside and out and lots of space, it’s easy to see why the Tucson has been so popular. Quality is good and the infotainment impresses, although it’s by no means the sharpest steer in the class. It shares its engines with the Sportage, so there’s plenty of choice and four-wheel drive on offer.
4. Nissan Qashqai (5,401 sold)
A fresh look inside and out has helped the latest generation Qashqai remain near the top of the best sellers list. It’s bigger and plusher inside with physical controls for things like the heating, making it easier to operate than rivals’ touch sensitive systems. Standard kit is generous, although there’s no plug-in version.
3. Vauxhall Corsa (5,515 sold)
You get a choice of engine or electricity in your Corsa these days, helping it towards bronze in this list. It’s a thoroughly decent little car that’s good to drive, reasonably spacious and available with plenty of driver assistance tech. We just wish it was a little less drab inside.
2. Tesla Model 3 (6,457 sold)
Electric cars are no longer the future, they’re the present as Tesla so clearly shows. The Model 3’s combination of long range and fast, easy charging make it easier to transition from a petrol or diesel car, and the performance sweetens the deal.
1. Tesla Model Y (6,464 sold)
Unsurprisingly, the SUV version of the Model 3 is even more popular than the saloon. It’s not as good to drive, but the huge boot and increased rear space make it a far more practical proposition.
