The UK car market may still be feeling the pinch of lockdown, but that hasn’t stopped the usual suspects from being the most popular cars of the year so far.

Ford, Volkswagen and Vauxhall have all vied for domination in the eyes of the British car buyer, though Ford’s Fiesta generally comes out on top over the course of the year. But this year’s unusual circumstances may offer some hope that Vauxhall can overall the traditional leader.

The Corsa has enjoyed a decent start to the year in terms of new car sales, and tops the chart after shifting 3,078 units in January. In fact Vauxhall’s super-mini has stolen a march on the Fiesta, which is currently only fourth in the list, behind the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai.

Ford still dominate the list with the Fiesta, Puma and Focus all occupying places in the top 10. Mercedes-Benz probably take the most popular luxury car of the year so far, with the A-Class taking sales of 1,859.

Speaking about the early figures for 2021, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT said: “Following a £20.4 billion loss of revenue last year, the auto industry faces a difficult start to 2021. The necessary lockdown will challenge society, the economy and our industry’s ability to move quickly towards our ambitious environmental goals. Lifting the shutters will secure jobs, stimulate the essential demand that supports our manufacturing, and will enable us to forge ahead on the Road to Zero. Every day that showrooms can safely open will matter, especially with the critical month of March looming.”

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