Best-selling cars in Europe so far in 2023

New car registrations increased by 20% year-on-year in August with demand led by a growing demand for electric vehicles, according to industry analyst Jato Dynamics. 

Some 900,000 units were sold across 28 European markets, with 22% of that total, or 196,000 units, consisting of battery electric models. In total, EV registrations increased by 102%. 

Petrol-powered cars are still Europe’s most sought-after though, with 53% of all registrations forming of gasoline models. 

Registrations for BEV models increased in Belgium (+224%), Greece (+183%), and Luxembourg (+164%). Demand in Germany alone, which increased 171%, accounted for 44% of Europe’s total electric vehicle registrations in August. 

Jato says demand for electric models has remained strong due to more accessible pricing and government support.

“Although the current industry debates often point towards a slowdown in growth for BEVs, our data shows that growth in demand remains strong, due to their increasingly competitive pricing, and continuous support from governments across Europe,” said Felipe Munoz, Jato’s global analyst.

For the month of August, Tesla secured both the top spot for registrations. The Tesla Model Y sold 21,549 units for a year-on-year increase of 208%. The Model Y is also the continent’s highest-selling car of the year so far, with 169,420 units sold. 

“It’s likely that the Model Y will become Europe’s most popular new passenger car by the end of the year. As a non-European model leading in Europe, it will be a remarkable and historic moment,” Munoz said. The smaller Tesla Model 3, meanwhile, was sold 11,943 times, increasing by 307% year-on-year. 

Tesla’s surging sales come after the US firm slashed prices for its Model Y SUV and Model 3 saloon. In the UK, Tesla cut prices of the Model Y by £8000 in January this year, while the Model 3’s price was reduced by as much as £6500. 

The discounts were introduced to stimulate sales after the firm’s supply dramatically outstripped demand by 34,000 units in the final quarter of 2022. 

With the Model Y at the top of the list for the month of August, the top five was rounded out by the Pegueot 208 (21,549), the Volkswagen T-Roc (15,198), the Fiat 500 (14,469), the Dacia Sandero (14,428). 

Read below for Europe’s top 10 best-sellers so far in 2023.

The top 10 best-selling cars in Europe

1. Tesla Model Y, 169,420 sales so far, +216% year on year

Tesla’s stranglehold on the global electric car market continues, with the Model Y appearing to be a shoo-in for a podium finish in this year’s European sales charts. It ended the first six months as the year’s best-selling car. Can it hold its place until the end of 2023?

2. Dacia Sandero, 154,538 sales, +20% year on year

Last year’s second best-seller, the Dacia Sandero, is still very much in with a shout of taking the top spot in 2023. Its appeal is bolstered by its exceptional value for money, which will have resonated with buyers as the cost of living crisis continues to hit across Europe. That it’s also a competitive supermini with a spacious interior and decent handling makes it an especially compelling buy.

3. Volkswagen T-Roc, 145,131 sales, +19% year on year

The Volkswagen T-Roc is always a popular choice in Europe and that looks set to continue for the foreseeable future. It ranked third last year, and its sales even outnumber those of the venerable Volkswagen Golf. A recent facelift boosted its interior quality, addressing one of the few criticisms of this well-rounded crossover.

4. Peugeot 208, 135,187 sales, -5% year on year

The Peugeot 208 was 2022’s best-selling car in Europe, but it has yet to hit that pace in 2023. Don’t count it out yet, though. Expect it to challenge for a podium spot once again later this year, as Stellantis works to resolve widely reported problems with logistics.

5. Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, 130,757 sales, +14% year on year

The cheaper sibling of the Peugeot 208 enjoys strong demand. A refreshed model is due in the coming months – adding Vauxhall’s signature ‘Vizor’ front end and bringing a range boost for the Corsa Electric – which could catalyse its rise up the charts. 

6. Renault Clio, 129,115 sales, +44% year on year

Renault’s popular supermini is now a bigger seller than the Volkswagen Golf: who’d have thunk it? Renault also announced the model’s fifth generation would be sold exclusively with a hybrid powertrain in the UK, but all of Europe will benefit from a wider mid-life refresh and design overhaul. A new interior and a simplified range of options are also on the way. 

7. Toyota Yaris Cross, 118,893 sales, +48% year on year

It’s easy to see why the Yaris Cross is a hit. Not only is it a relatively affordable car, but it’s also backed by Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability and can easily average 60mpg with a careful right foot. 

8. Volkswagen Golf, 118,351 sales, +2% year on year

The ubiquitous Volkswagen Golf has been a long-time favourite in Europe, but it was leap-frogged by the smaller (and cheaper) Peugeot 208 last year. Its slide down the charts doesn’t appear to be slowing, based on its latest sales.

9. Abarth/Fiat 500, 112,469 sales, +4% year on year

Is there a more recognisable small car than the Fiat 500? It’s been on sale since 2007 and it’s unlikely to be dropped any time soon. More recently, the model gained an electric variant with a battery size of up to 44kWh. Its range is pegged at 199 miles, but mild-hybrid and petrol models remain on sale as well. An electric version of the Abarth 500 hot hatch is also on the way, with sales beginning later this year.

10. Dacia Duster, 109,804 sales, +10% year on year

The second Dacia to feature in the top 10, the Duster is a capable, hardy and – most importantly – cheap model, capturing a significant share of the booming crossover market. It will soon be joined by the Dacia Bigster, a C-segment SUV spearheading Dacia’s push into larger, more profitable segments.