Best-selling cars in Europe 2021

3 Volkswagen Golf 17,763, +132%

March was an excellent month for the Golf, as it overtook the Peugeot 208 to come top in the rankings. April sees the quintessential family hatch lose this crown, but compared with last year, demand for the model in Europe grew by 132% – although this is less than half the average growth in the market. New variants – including the GTI Clubsport and R should help the model solidify its strong position in future months.

4 Toyota Yaris 17,365, +438%

Although the Toyota Yaris has slipped from first in January to fourth in the runnings this month, April was still a good month for the Ford Fiesta rival. A total of 17,365 examples were purchased, representing a 438% increase on last year, an impressive boost over January, when its sales increased by only 3%. Expect another strong performance in May, driven by demand for its attractive, fourth-generation model. Recently winning the gong for the European Car of the Year 2021 won’t hurt its chances, either.

5 Volkswagen T-Roc 17,168, +355%

Volkswagen’s characteristic blend of ergonomics and practicality, wrapped up in a crossover-shaped package was always going to be a hit in Europe. Of all the models on this list, the T-Roc gained the fifth most ground compared with April 2020, with registrations rising 355%, significantly outperforming the general market trend. Its 17,168 sales allowed it to jump one place in the rankings and made it the second-best-selling SUV/crossover in Europe, too.

6 Opel/Vauxhall Corsa 16,934, +312%

Bringing a radically overhauled, sharper design, the new Corsa won plaudits when it was revealed in late 2019. Autocar’s testers were also impressed with its fresh engine and platform, shared with the Peugeot 208. As with each of its predecessors, Opel has been hoping for continued strong sales, and after a difficult few months, these arrived in April. 16,934 Corsas were registered in Europe, over three times the amount moved in April 2020.

7 Renault Clio 16,859, +167%

Gaining 167% more sales compared with the same period last year, the Clio remains a front-runner in the competitive supermini market. Renault revitalised the supermini in mid 2020, introducing a hybrid option in a bid to broaden its appeal and boost its green credentials.

8 Fiat 500 15,771 +734%

The small and stylish Fiat 500 is a new entry to the top 10 best sellers list, driven chiefly by demand for its new electric variant, the 500e. In mid-range trim, this car boasts 199 miles of range, which outperforms several of its same-sized EV rivals. Retaining the 500’s appealing retro look, the EV looks to be profiting, even 14 years later, from Fiat’s canny decision to revive its ‘people’s car’ in 2007.