The Ford Fiesta remains Britain's most popular car, continuing its decades-long dominance of UK roads despite fierce competition from newer models, according to fresh RAC data revealing the nation's automotive preferences.
The supermini favourite held onto first place ahead of the Volkswagen Golf in second and Ford Focus in third, with all three models highlighting British drivers' continued preference for compact, fuel-efficient vehicles amid rising living costs and petrol prices.
The Nissan Qashqai emerged as the highest-ranking SUV on the list, reflecting a growing shift towards larger family vehicles. Several SUVs featured in the top 10, demonstrating increasing demand for cars offering higher driving positions, more boot space and perceived safety advantages as families adapt to changing lifestyle needs.
Models from Vauxhall and BMW also secured prominent positions, suggesting British buyers balance affordability concerns with brand loyalty and reliability expectations. The diverse manufacturer mix shows multiple factors influence purchasing decisions beyond price alone.
The findings offer crucial insights for industry bosses and government planners alike. The continued dominance of petrol and diesel models highlights the significant transition still needed to meet environmental targets, despite the push towards electric vehicles. Understanding which cars dominate UK roads will help shape future infrastructure planning, emissions regulations and consumer protection policies affecting millions of motorists.