The European new car market stablised in 2018, with registrations up by 346 units (yes, just three hundred and forty six cars!).

According to JATO Dynamics, a total of 15.6 million vehicles were registered, making it the market’s best result since 2017, but consumer confidence was hit by the aftereffects of dieselgate, WLTP and Brexit. 

Here, we reveal the top 25 best-selling cars of 2018, with the results presented in reverse order.

Also be sure to check out our British top 20 best-sellers of 2018, to see how we compare with the rest of Europe; we have more in common than you may think…

25: Ford Kuga – 154,125 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 1%

The Ford Kuga creeps into the top 25, with a slight increase in registrations in 2018. Four cars slipped out of the top 25: Audi A3, Renault Megane, Vauxhall Mokka and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Commenting on the results, Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO Dynamics said: “The effects of WLTP and the lack of availability of many key versions affected registrations in Q4, which is not surprising given that by late November less than two in three versions in Europe were homologated.”

24: Peugeot 308 – 155,925 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 2%

“Throughout 2018 we continued to see the effects of the diesel crisis, as announcements of policy changes by governments led to confusion and panic among consumers,” continued Munoz. Meanwhile, Peugeot 308 registrations were down in 2018.

23: Mercedes-Benz A-Class – 156,020 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 8%

Fresh from its launch at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes A-Class has cemented its position as Europe’s most popular premium car. Highlights include a much-improved interior and a new MBUX infotainment system.

22: Volkswagen Passat – 157,986 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 14%

Sales of the Volkswagen Passat continue to fall, which is hardly surprising for a car that dates back to 2014 in Europe. The slump was offset by strong performances from the Polo and the new T-Roc.

21: Vauxhall Astra – 160,275 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 27%

This is another wretched performance for the Astra, with registrations down 27 percent. This time last year, registrations were down 13.8 percent, as the Astra just managed to hold on to a top ten slot. It might even struggle to secure a place in the top 25 in 2019.

20: Fiat Panda – 168,697 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 10%

If Fiat wasn’t aware of the desperate need for a Panda replacement, the city car’s zero-star Euro NCAP crash test rating should have rammed the message home.

19: Skoda Fabia – 172,511 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 5%

The Skoda Fabia has been on sale a while, but a raft of revisions in 2018 delivered a much-needed refresh. The Fabia still offers excellent value for money, but has been left behind the likes of the Polo and Ibiza. Which means it’s no surprise to see registrations down in 2018.

18: Peugeot 2008 – 180,204 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: no change

The Peugeot 2008 was launched in 2013 and given a mid-life facelift in 2016. Sales remained static in 2018, but the 2020 version of this popular compact SUV is required to avoid a sales slump in 2019.

17: Dacia Duster – 182,100 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 22%

Go Duster! Or something. From outside the top 25 in 2017, the Dacia Duster catapults itself to 17th in 2018, with registrations up 22 percent. The new version has been improved in a number of areas, including more comfortable seats and more efficient engines.

16: Fiat 500 – 191,205 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 1%

The Fiat 500 is a non-mover at number 16, with registrations up once again. Since it went on sale way back in 2007, the 500 has remained one of the most fashionable cars you can buy, with recent sales assisted by a 2016 facelift.

15: Ford Focus – 196,583 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 9%

Sales of the new Ford Focus are down from 214,661 in 2017 to 196,583 in 2018. Blame disruption from the switchover to the new model. Ford registered just over a million new cars in 2018, placing it third overall on the list of manufacturers behind Renault in second and Volkswagen at the top.

14: Peugeot 3008 – 204,197 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 26%

It has been a good couple of years for the Peugeot 3008, with this performance following a huge increase of 554.9 percent in 2017. This is the largest increase in the top 25, with Peugeot registering just shy of a million cars in 2018.

13: Citroen C3 – 210,082 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 1%

Launched in January 2017, the Citroen C3 remains in 13th place for the second successive year. UK prices start from just shy of £12,000, with top-spec models weighing in at around £16,000.

12: Renault Captur – 214,720 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: no change

The Renault Captur is another non-mover, with registrations remaining static in 2018. With overall registrations of 1.1 million, Renault is the second biggest brand in Europe.

11: Dacia Sandero – 216,306 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 8%

It’s another good year for the Dacia Sandero, with this performance following an increase of 15.6 percent this time last year. It also sees the Sandero climbing from 15th to 11th place. Another 731 registrations and it would have made the top ten.

10: Vauxhall Corsa – 217,036 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 7%

The Vauxhall Corsa is left clinging on to a place in the top ten, with registrations falling from 232,738 to 217,036. It means that the 2020 Corsa is long overdue – the new car will use the same platform as the next-generation Peugeot 208.

9: Toyota Yaris – 217,642 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 9%

From 14th place in 2017, the Toyota Yaris has broken the 200k mark to finish above the Corsa. Amazingly, this is the only Toyota to feature in the top 25, although the company made the top ten on the list of manufacturers.

8: Skoda Octavia – 223,352 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 3%

With more than six million Octavias of all generations sold, this is by far the best-seller in the Skoda range. Registrations might have been down in 2018, but this is around 50,000 more units than the Fabia.

7: Volkswagen Tiguan – 224,788 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 5%

With three models in the top ten, Volkswagen recorded a 3 percent increase in registrations, with sales totalling 1.75 million. As an aside, the majority of vehicles registered in 2018 were powered by petrol engines, with the fuel type making up 57 percent of all registrations.

6: Peugeot 208 – 230,026 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 6%

Interestingly, the top seven cars have all retained their places in 2018, which proves that European consumers are a predictable bunch.

5: Nissan Qashqai – 233,026 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 6%

The Nissan Qashqai remains Europe’s most popular crossover, although the Volkswagen Tiguan is closing in.

4: Ford Fiesta – 270,738 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 6%

Britain’s best-selling car is Europe’s fourth-best, with registrations up from 254,539 to 270,738. The new Fiesta is available in a range of flavours, including hot ST, posh Vignale (pictured) and semi-rugged Active.

3: Volkswagen Polo – 299,920 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 10%

It was another good year for the Volkswagen Polo, although the premium supermini fell agonisingly short of the 300,000 mark. Just 80 more units would have made all the difference.

2: Renault Clio – 336,268 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: up 2%

A new Renault Clio will be shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, but sales of the outgoing model are showing no signs of slowing up. Good work, Renault.

1: Volkswagen Golf – 445,754 registrations

Change 2017 vs 2018: down 8%

Even with an 8 percent fall in registrations, the Volkswagen Golf remains the best-selling car in Europe. Sales of diesel models were down by a massive 30 percent. Still, there’s little chance of anything catching the Golf in 2019.

Skoda has launched a new range-topping version of the performance Octavia vRS, featuring more power and extra standard equipment.

Proving that practicality can still be fun, the Octavia vRS Challenge packs more than £4,500 worth of extra goodies, for only a £2,460 premium compared to the regular vRS version.

Key to the vRS Challenge is the use of the enhanced 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine, previously used in the vRS 245 model.

For those who missed out to buy that particular version, this is a second chance opportunity for an extra 15hp over the normal vRS.

What, no diesel?

With 245hp and 273lb-ft of torque, the vRS Challenge accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds. Opting for the cavernous estate version drops that slightly to 6.7 seconds – an acceptable debit for 1,740 litres of luggage space.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch on the options list. Whatever transmission choice, the vRS Challenge comes fitted with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to help transfer power to the road more effectively.

Sadly for fans of long-range cruising, the vRS Challenge trim won’t be offered with the 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Fully loaded for the challenge

Standard vRS Challenge specification closely mirrors that of the previous vRS 245 version. That means 19-inch ‘Xtreme’ alloy wheels, a sports exhaust with black tailpipes, and black vRS badging front and rear.

Inside, the sports seats are finished in grippy Alcantara trim, and can be adjusted electronically. Front and rear parking sensors, folding and automatically dimming exterior mirrors, and keyless entry are also notable upgraded compared to the standard vRS.

Dynamic Chassis Control is also fitted to the vRS Challenge, featuring electronically regulated suspension dampers. Engaging vRS mode sees the dampers stiffen, along with adding extra weight to the steering. For the really committed, there is even a lap timer function for the colour trip computer.

Available to order right now, prices start at £30,085 for the hatchback, with the estate beginning from £31,285.

The man who helped create landmark Jaguars such as the F-Type sports car and F-Pace SUV has, after 17 years, left the firm to set up a new UK design centre for Chinese giant Geely Auto Group.

Wayne Burgess, formerly chief designer and design director at Jaguar Cars, is now vice president of Geely Design UK.

The brand new UK design centre will be based in Coventry – where, for years, Burgess worked for Jaguar.

There are already plans for the new Geely Design UK centre to quickly expand, growing to a staff of around 100 designers. It is being set up to expand the design base of Geely’s in-house brands: these include Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Proton, Lotus and LEVC, the London Electric Vehicle Company taxi brand.

The new UK design and innovation centre will complement other Geely design studios in Shanghai, Gothenburg, Barcelona and California.

Speaking of his new role, Burgess said: “Geely Design has moved quickly to establish itself over the past five years, growing to become one of the strongest teams in the automotive design field.”

His new boss, Peter Horbury, said: “The addition of Geely Design UK showcases Geely’s commitment to the UK and also shows Britain’s leading position in the areas of creativity and design.

“Wayne brings with him a wealth of experience in premium car design which will help us develop our brands.”

Brexit has already done ‘enormous damage’ to the British car industry as new figures show 2018 production figures fell by 9.1 percent.

Overall investment in the UK car industry also halved in 2018, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Total 2018 car production of 1.52 million cars was a six-year low for the British automotive industry.

“UK automotive is on red alert,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes. “Brexit uncertainty has already done enormous damage to output, investment and jobs.” New investment of less than £600 million in 2018 was 46.5 percent below 2017 levels.

“Yet this is nothing compared with the permanent devastation caused by severing our frictionless trade links overnight, not just with the EU but with the many other global markets with which we currently trade freely.

“Brexit is the clear and present danger and, with thousands of jobs on the line, we urge all parties to do whatever it takes to save us from ‘no deal’.”

UK demand for British-built cars fell 16.3 percent, while exports dropped 7.3 percent. 80 percent of new cars built in Britain (that’s 1.24 million cars) are exported – the majority of then to the EU.

10 percent of all cars sold in the European Union are built in Britain.

Overseas demand from China fell 24.5 percent, but exports to the United States actually grew 5.3 percent. The U.S. is now the second largest export market for UK automotive, behind the EU.

Exports to Japan also grew, by 26 percent, and South Korea grew 23.5 percent.

As the SMMT pointed out, both markets, along with Canada and Turkey, are “subject to preferential EU trade agreements, from which the UK benefits.

“Time has almost run out to guarantee continuity of any of these arrangements before Brexit, and ‘no deal’ could therefore put more than two thirds of UK automotive’s global trade under threat.”

Top 10 British-built best-sellers in the world

1. Nissan Qashqai
2. Mini
3. Honda Civic
4. Toyota Auris
5. Vauxhall Astra
6. Range Rover Sport
7. Nissan Juke
8. Range Rover
9. Range Rover Velar
10. Jaguar F-Pace

We imagine not many people would describe an intake manifold as the favourite part of their vehicle. But Ken Block does. Although the one fitted to his insane ‘Hoonitruck’ is no ordinary part…

Block’s latest Gymkhana Ten video saw his newly created 900-horsepower Ford F-150 pickup truck burning rubber and causing mayhem.

Yet such antics would not have even been possible without some groundbreaking engineering by Ford Performance and researchers in Germany.

Full metal racket

Powering the Hoonitruck is the same 3.5-liter V6 Ford EcoBoost engine as found in the GT supercar. There, the twin-turbocharged unit makes an impressive 647-horsepower, which is more than sufficient for a top speed in excess of 210 mph.

However, this was never going to be enough for Ken Block, who wanted the 1977 F-150 to have more than 900-horsepower. Mating the engine with a complex uprated turbocharger system meant special parts would be needed, including the intake manifold to funnel the boosted air.

The answer was a complex solution, based upon simulations undertaken by Ford Performance engineers in America. Data was shared with colleagues in Europe, who worked with the University of Aachen to produce a record-breaking 3D metal-printed intake manifold.

Burning rubber, and metal

Weighing almost 6 kilos (13 pounds), and having taken some five days to print, the special manifold is genuinely one of a kind. Creating the complex shapes in one smooth piece would have been impossible without 3D printing, according to Mr. Block.

Even once created, the design team had to come up with new methods to make the printed item usable. A complex system of supports, used whilst the printed layers were created, needed to be dissolved with acid once their work was done.

The result of their efforts was the epic tyre-slaying seen in the Gymkhana video, plus the prize for the single largest 3D metal-printed part to feature in a working vehicle.

Ford has previously won awards for the use of plastic 3D printed parts in the Mustang and Ranger models. Given the success seen with the Hoonitruck, more 3D metal-printed items seem a logical step forward.

The latest Suzuki Jimny is already one of 2019’s most-wanted cars. Now, ratifying that cult status, a private buyer has advertised one for £5,000 above list price.

This new Jimny is for sale on Auto Trader for a heady £24,950. The strap line? ‘Beat the waiting list!!’

The Jimny has, of course, been lathered with affections by motoring journalists. Whether that would translate into real sales was the question. After all, the Toyota GT86 was equally lauded by the press, yet failed to follow-up with sales success.

That’s not the case for the Jimny, it seems. Indeed, the owner of this car claims ‘there’s a year’s waiting list for this car in the UK’.

Jimny residuals are set to be inordinately strong, too – kicking off , apparently, with 125 percent of list price to own one now.  

Such mark-ups are normally the preserve of limited-run sports cars and supercars like the Ford GT, LaFerrari and Porsche 911 R. Early Porsche Cayman GT4s were hitting the classifieds at similarly inflated margins.

In reality, the Jimmy is good for going off-road, but struggles a bit at being a normal car. That’s to say, motorway speeds are a windy, noisy struggle, and the space known in other cars as the ‘boot’ is barely larger than a rucksack.

Affairs of the heart recognise no such logic, though. We love the Jimny for its flaws as much as the next person. We’re not sure we’d pay £25,000 for one, though.

If you’re interested, this car is a 1.5-litre auto with the £650 Kinetic Yellow paint, and just 90 miles on the odometer. The supply is there but is the demand high enough? Time will tell…