British car buyers turn their backs on flashy motors in favour of CHEAP brands – here are the most popular models

BRIT car buyers are turning their backs on flashy motors and favouring cheaper models as they feel the pinch due to the cost of living crisis, experts say.

Vehicles which represent good value for money dominate the sales charts, a trend which is becoming clear following publication of the latest SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) UK car sales data.

VAUXHALL UK

The Vauxhall Corsa currently tops the sales charts in the UK[/caption]

“Drivers are turning away from oversized diesel leviathans and are instead choosing smaller or fully electric vehicles,” according to Stuart Masson, Editorial Director at The Car Expert, the UK’s automotive consumer advice site.

Value brands like Dacia and MG are gaining market share and more affordable models dominate the top-10 sellers, including the Vauxhall Corsa, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

Large SUVs are mostly absent from the higher reaches of the sales charts.

“As consumers increasingly feel the burden of the cost of living, pressures could put strain on household budgets, especially for those locked into longer finance deals which are now typically four years instead of three” added Masson.

The ultra-luxury vehicle market remains robust as wealthy buyers don’t suffer the same need to tighten their belts.

“It is intriguing how after years of cars getting ever larger, we are now seeing habits change as drivers opt for vehicles that are smaller and, in many cases, cheaper too.

“Drivers are making pragmatic choices. They want a vehicle that meets their needs and, with the challenges of the increasing cost of living, are cutting their cloth accordingly.”

Sales of electric cars are also booming, with its market share representing more than 12 per cent of total sales in May, an increase of nearly 18 per cent compared to the same month last year.

In other motoring news, a parking space is up for sale in London’s posh Belgravia for an eye-watering price – the cost of three-bed house in Wales.

A pub landlady has also revealed to The Sun that she slaps sarcastic cards on cars congratulating “selfish” drivers on their shoddy parking.

Mary Thornton-Smith began handing out cards that read, ‘Congratulations – your vehicle has blocked the pavement’ near her micropub during lockdown.

The landlady of The Witch’s Brew in Southampton, Hants, has grown frustrated at council inaction over drivers who block pavements.

Elsewhere, a doc has told how he was fined £100 twice over parking after his hospitals shifts overran by nine minutes.

GP registrar Malinga Ratwatte has blasted the “absolutely abhorrent” tickets after dashing to his car less than 10 minutes after his parking ran out.

KIA UK

Electric cars like the Kia Niro, pictured, are proving to be popular[/caption]

MINI UK

The Mini remains a popular choice with new car buyers in the UK[/caption]