Best selling cars in Europe revealed – with pricey EV ruling the roost for the first time
AN ELECTRIC vehicle has been named Europe’s best-selling car for the first time ever, as a full list of drivers’ favourites are revealed.
The winning family SUV offers plenty of storage with the latest technology, sports car performance, and a panoramic roof.
The Tesla Model Y, built by Elon Musk‘s electric vehicle manufacturing company in the US, China, and Germany since 2020, sold 251,604 units last year – an increase of 84 per cent from 2022.
It was the only fully-electric model to appear among the top 30 of Europe’s best-selling cars for 2023.
Tesla sold some 17,000 more Model Y cars than it did any others, according to figures by industry analyst Jato Dynamics, including the Dacia Sandero and the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Last year, it was revealed one Tesla Model Y owner was living in her car full-time – and using a hidden feature in the EV to keep warm.
Ahnika said she chose to live in her Tesla over a van because charging it was free and its “camp mode” kept the heat on while she slept.
She explained: “I have travelled across the US and Canada and barely paid a dime.”
Another Tesla Model Y driver, who took the £45,000 car on a 435-mile road trip, said he found the car’s navigation and supercharging network were “extremely reliable”.
The second-best selling EV of 2023 was the Tesla Model 3 saloon, which finished in 32nd place with 100,883 sales.
Jato global analyst Felipe Munoz said: “The soaring popularity of the Model Y and price cuts across its range helped Tesla record its largest market share since arriving in Europe.
“Tesla has the right product in the right place at the right time.”
Europe’s best-selling cars of 2023
1. Tesla Model Y: 251,604 sales
Taking the cake as Europe’s favourite car of 2023 is the Tesla Model Y, much loved for its range and performance.
Its reign may have also been helped by a wave of price cuts seen at the start of the year.
2. Dacia Sandero: 234,715 sales
The Sandero’s popularity is likely due to its value for money.
It is a competitive supermini that offers a spacious interior and responds well to the inputs of its driver.
3. Volkswagen T-Roc: 204,610 sales
Always a sought-after car in Europe, the Volkswagen T-Roc was especially so in 2023, and came third in the list of best-sellers.
Drivers have said its interior quality has been improved significantly, addressing one of their previous few criticisms.
4. Renault Clio: 201,604 sales
As well as being eye-catching, this small French car has a frugal powertrain line-up with an E-tech hybrid option and a 1.0-litre petrol.
It is likely to remain just as popular in 2024 as it was in 2023, some experts say.
5. Peugeot 208: 193,679 sales
Although fifth place is impressive, the Peugeot 208 supermini’s current standing doesn’t compare to its first place title of 2022.
But the car remains one worth considering for prospective buyers, offering a clean look and a choice of petrol and all-electric powertrains.
6. Opel/Vauxhall Corsa: 188,154 sales
The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa has been described as the cheaper sibling of the Peugeot 208.
Available in petrol, hybrid, and electric, the new Corsa has a redefined look inside and out with a design that includes its signature Vizor.
7. Volkswagen Golf: 183,716 sales
It would seem the Volkswagen Golf is sliding down the ranks of Europe’s favourite cars with each year.
But the ever-reliable all-rounder will soon receive a facelift in celebration of its 50th anniversary which should also enhance performance.
8. Toyota Yaris Cross: 176,285 sales
This hybrid is a relatively affordable car much loved for its dependability.
It averaged 60 miles per gallon in What Car?’s real-world True MPG fuel economy test, which editor Steve Huntingford said in 2022 was “the best average figure we’ve ever seen”.
9. Fiat 500: 173,187 sales
The Fiat 500, available to buy since 2007, recently gained a next-generation electric sibling with a battery size of up to 44kWh.
Drivers still seem to prefer the petrol version of the car, however, with 63 per cent of last year’s sales attributable to such.
10. Skoda Octavia: 160,662 sales
A strong end to 2023 shot the Skoda Octavia into the prestigious list of Europe’s 10 best-selling cars.
Many expect its popularity will only continue to grow this year as it receives a facelift set to bring a more powerful vRS model, a new infotainment system, and more sustainable materials.