The European new car market experienced modest growth in 2017, reveal latest figures from JATO Dynamics – and would have been better still if it weren’t for the declining UK market and a fast-growing distaste for diesel cars. 

• Britain’s best-selling cars of 2017

Overall, 15.57 million cars were sold in Europe last year, a 3.1 percent increase on 2016. Thank Southern and Eastern Europe for this: the UK, in contrast, remains a “concern” and dragged down the otherwise-solid overall results. Britain is, remember, Europe’s second-largest new car market, behind Germany. 

Other trends were more universal. Just as in Britain, diesel market share fell by 7.9 percent (and a whopping 20.5 percent in December 2017): across Europe, it’s down to 43.7 percent, the lowest in a decade. Europe, don’t forget, is the world’s leading market for diesel cars. If the declines here continue, the fuel’s entire future may soon be in doubt. 

Petrol sales were boosted as a result – 760,000 more of them (growth of almost 11 percent) were sold in the EU last year. But that’s nothing compared to the growth of SUVs. 4.56 million were registered in Europe last year, almost a 20 percent rise on 2016.

As for alternative fuel cars such as hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs, they were up 46 percent, to take 4.8 percent of the overall European market. 

Along with the headline numbers, Europe’s favourite new cars of 2017 have been revealed. Using data supplied by JATO Dynamics, we run through the top 25 best-selling cars in Europe, along with figures that tell us if the cars are on the up or on the way down. The data is presented in reverse order.

25. Audi A3: 164,045 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 13.9%

A3 registrations were down 13.9 percent in 2016, but Audi’s volume hero just manages to hold on to a place in the top 25. A new-generation A3 will arrive in 2019, with Audi confirming that the three-door variant will be axed from the range.

24. Peugeot 3008: 166,784 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 554.9%

We’re not going to pretend that this is anything other than a list of cars you’ll probably see on your European travels in 2018, but there are some genuinely impressive figures. Take the Peugeot 3008, which has seen registrations increase by 554.9 percent. Having an all-new and much improved model certainly helps.

23. Renault Megane: 168,132 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 12.9%

The current Renault Megane arrived in 2016 as a long-overdue replacement for the ageing Mk3 Megane. The coupe and cabriolet versions are long gone, but you can still buy the five-door hatchback and Sport Tourer estate models in the UK, along with a four-door saloon in other European markets. The Renault Sport version will finally join the range in 2018.

22. Vauxhall/Opel Mokka: 170,384 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 3.5%

The PSA Group has plans to make Vauxhall and Opel profitable, and cars like the Mokka X – along with the smaller Crossland X and larger Grandland X models – will be key to that success. In the UK, the Mokka X is priced from £19,000, but you’ll pay £27,000 for the Ultimate model.

21. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: 176,705 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 0.2%

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the ninth most popular car in the UK in 2017, and the 21st across the whole of Europe. It’s a terrific result for a car with a premium badge and in a segment supposedly struggling in the wake of the continued rise of the crossover and SUV.

20. Skoda Fabia: 180,136 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 2.1%

Skoda will unveil a new Fabia at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, but the outgoing model continues to put on a good show of strength. Since 1999, more than four million Fabias have been sold worldwide, with the current model accumulating sales in excess of 500,000. Amazingly, it’s not even Skoda’s most popular car.

19. Peugeot 2008: 180,868 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 2.6%

The Peugeot 2008 was launched in 2013 and given a mid-life facelift in 2016. It must have worked, because registrations are up 2.6 percent to 180,868 in 2017. Prices start from £16,495, but you’ll pay upwards of £18,645 for the recently released Allure Premium trim, which offers £1,400 of equipment over the Allure model at a price increase of £800.

18. Volkswagen Passat: 184,123 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 11.6%

Sales of the Volkswagen Passat are on the decline, which is hardly surprising for a car that dates back to 2014 in Europe. Volkswagen’s SUV offensive might also play a part, with the German manufacturer offering no fewer than four models, namely the T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg. In this company the Passat feels so last year.

17. Fiat Panda: 187,322 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 2.1%

Of all the cars in the top 25, the Fiat Panda is the one in need of a refresh. Amazingly, the current model dates back to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, although we should see a facelift in 2018. For now, the Panda continues to punch above its weight, especially in Italy, where it has been the best-selling vehicle for six years in a row.

16. Fiat 500: 189,928 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 3.5%

Meanwhile, the Fiat 500 is the fourth best-seller in Italy and the 16th in Europe as a whole. The popular city car was given a facelift in 2017, which has played a part in a small but significant increase in registrations.

15. Dacia Sandero: 196,067 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 15.6%

Good news: Dacia Sandero registrations are up 15.6 percent, which is proof that Europeans love a good deal. The Sandero was given a facelift at the tail end of 2016, but the headline price of £5,995 remains.

14. Toyota Yaris: 199,182 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 3.1%

In 2017, the Toyota Yaris was awarded a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, scoring 83 percent for adult occupant safety and 80 percent for child safety. Registrations fell just short of the 200,000 mark, but were up 3.1 percent year-on-year.

13. Citroen C3: 207,299 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 54.2%

The new Citroen C3 arrived in UK showrooms in January 2017, so it had a full year to accumulate strong sales. It hasn’t disappointed, with registrations up 54.2 percent, which is the second highest figure in the top 25. Sales in 2018 will be bolstered by the arrival of the C3 Aircross.

12. Renault Captur: 212,768 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 1.8%

It’s not great news for the Renault Captur, which records a 1.8 percent fall in registrations. That said, it remains the best-selling B-segment SUV in Europe for the second year in a row. It’s also Renault’s best-selling car in the UK.

11. Ford Focus: 214,661 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 4%

A new Ford Focus will be unveiled in the spring, ahead of its launch in the summer. Ford has circulated an image of a test car wearing a #TimeToFocus hashtag as it builds some hype ahead of its arrival. Sales remain strong, even with a new version just around the corner.

10. Vauxhall/Opel Astra: 217,813 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 13.8%

This is a miserable performance for the Astra, with registrations down 13.8 percent. It’s a thoroughly decent car, but it’s hard to see an improvement in 2018, not when a new Focus is being launched and the Volkswagen Golf continues to sell in big numbers. How long before the Astra slips below one of Vauxhall’s SUVs?

9. Skoda Octavia: 230,116 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 0.5%

Skoda delivered more than 1.2 million vehicles worldwide in 2017, the fourth time in a row the company has sold more than one million cars in a year. China was the most successful market, with Skoda shifting 325,000 units, while the UK was the fourth best with 80,100 registrations. Octavia sales were actually down 3.9 percent globally, but up 0.5 percent in Europe.

8. Vauxhall/Opel Corsa: 232,738 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 12%

We’ve got a while to wait before the launch of the all-new Corsa in 2019, so Vauxhall’s best-seller must soldier on for another year at the very least. The arrival of the new Ford Fiesta will have focused the minds of the people in charge at PSA.

7. Volkswagen Tiguan: 234,916 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 30.6%

What a difference a new model can make. The launch of a new Tiguan has resulted in a 30.6 percent increase in sales for the popular Volkswagen SUV, and we suspect the arrival of the more practical Tiguan Allspace will have a positive impact on registrations in 2018. Unless it simply robs sales from the standard Tiguan.

6. Peugeot 208: 244,615 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 1.7%

Six of the cars in the top 10 saw a fall in registrations in 2017, including the Peugeot 208, which remains the brand’s best-selling car. UK prices start from £14,630 for the three-door Active, but a number of trim levels and personalisation packs are available.

5. Nissan Qashqai: 247,939 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 6.2%

Into the top five, where we find Europe’s most popular crossover: the Nissan Qashqai. Even in the face of some fierce competition, the Qashqai goes from strength-to-strength, with registrations up 6.2 percent.

4. Ford Fiesta: 254,539 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 15%

Britain’s best-selling car has to settle for fourth place in Europe, with registrations down 15 percent. The shift from the old to the new Fiesta would have played a part in the slump, so it will be interesting to see how the supermini does in 2018.

3. Volkswagen Polo: 272,061 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 11.6%

It’s no surprise to find the Volkswagen Polo on the slide, as many buyers will have been waiting for the all-new and much improved model. The new Polo is on sale now, with prices starting from £13,855.

2. Renault Clio: 327,395 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: up 4.1%

The Renault Clio didn’t even appear in the top 20 of the UK’s best-selling cars in 2017, so it might come as a surprise to find it performing so well in the rest of Europe. According to the Best Selling Cars Blog, the Clio is the best-seller in France for the 19th time in the past 26 years. It has been number one for seven years in a row, which is the longest run since the Renault 5 in the 70s and 80s. Go Clio!

1. Volkswagen Golf: 483,105 registrations

Change 2016 vs 2017: down 1.7%

But the runaway leader, by a country mile, is the Volkswagen Golf. Even with a slight downturn in registrations, the Golf is some 155,000 units stronger than the Clio, and it’s hard to see anything dethroning the evergreen Volkswagen in 2018.

Renault has launched a new special edition Clio called the Urban Nav. It’s based on the popular Dynamique Nav model, so includes TomTom sat nav as standard, but also adds 16-inch grey alloy wheels, full LED headlights and rear parking sensors.

The Urban Nav is finished in a special body colour called, fittingly, Urban grey.

Prices start from £16,225, which is £575 more than a Dynamique Nav – but Renault calculates the extra equipment is worth £1,265.

There’s more. Renault’s also pulled together a 0 percent finance PCP package; in return for a £5,030 deposit, customers can pay £149 a month for three years, with a final payment of £5,831. If they’re aged 21-75, they’ll also get a year’s free insurance.

The Urban Nav is available with a 0.9-litre TCe 90 turbo petrol engine for the £16,225 starter price. The 1.5-litre dCi 90 costs £17,625, and if it wasn’t for the fact it was also available with an auto (for, deep breath, £18,995), we’d question Renault’s logic in offering it at all.

Few people buy diesel superminis, yet alone in the current down-on-diesel climate. Besides, even the petrol does 60.1mpg.

Deliveries of the new Urban Nav begin in March – just in time for the new 18-plate registration.

Read more: 

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Secondhand diesel cars are three times more likely to go wrong – and when they do, they cost 20 percent more to fix on average.

That’s according to data revealed today by car warranty firm, MotorEasy. The company analysed 30,000 policies for three- to eight-year-old vehicles and found the average repair bill for a diesel car was £517 – compared with £433 for a petrol.

It says that engine faults are “far more prevalent in diesels than petrol cars”, with the biggest bill for a faulty diesel coming to an eye-watering £4,030.80.

Diesel cars are less reliable than petrols for more than seven in 10 manufacturers (71%), with Alfa Romeo diesels faring the worst against their petrol counterparts – and experiencing a fault almost four times as often.

Secondhand Skodas are the most reliable diesels, according to MotorEasy, with a failure rate of nine percent.

The manufacturers with highest average diesel engine repair costs compared to their petrol counterparts were Alfa Romeo, Kia and Mazda.

The higher rate of diesel engine failures is mainly because they’re under more pressure than petrol counterparts, says the warranty firm. Diesel units rely on self-compression, meaning that fuel is compressed to a much greater extent, putting more pressure on internal engine parts.

Curiously, petrol-powered BMWs experienced faults 60 percent more frequently than the equivalent diesels. Audis, Skodas, Minis and Peugeots also bucked the trend.

“Diesels experience many more small problems than petrol cars,” said MotorEasy founder, Duncan McClure Fisher. “They are less reliable and, when a big item goes wrong, it costs a lot more to put right.

“If you’re still considering a used diesel car, our advice is to avoid high-mileage examples, particularly if you are only driving low mileage or doing city driving.”

What is a DPF?

Many issues related to diesel cars can be related to its ‘diesel particulate filter’, or DPF.

Mandatory on all new diesels since 2009, DPFs capture dirty particulate matter from the exhaust. This is stored until it’s burned off – usually by driving at motorway speeds to allow the exhaust to reach a higher temperature.

Problems arise when the DPF gets blocked, usually because the car’s been driven for lots of short, urban journeys, which means the stored particulate matter hasn’t been burnt off.

Although there was a period when simply removing the DPF was common, this is now illegal – with fines of up to £1,000 and £2,500 for vans enforceable.

BMW now fits Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust convertor to every single diesel model it sells. Considered the most effective NOx-reduction system on sale, all 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series and 4 Series will now get SCR technology as standard.

Branded BMW BluePerformance, the SCR system uses AdBlue injection to neutralise NOx emissions before they leave the exhaust tailpipe. The firm hopes this will convince diesel naysayers that the fuel still has a place – although with public mood against it, the firm has an uphill battle.

For some models, it’s not simply been bolt-on technology. The X1 xDrive18d and sDrive18d both now have a new dual-fed exhaust system to incorporate the BMW BluePerformance setup.

It is hoped this move will stop buyers switching to petrol and help keep overall brand CO2 emissions in check. But for those who really now don’t want to be seen in a diesel, BMW’s taking steps to quell the emissions of its petrol models as well.

Today’s high-pressure direct-injection petrol engines can, like diesels, be susceptible to the production of NOx emissions. BMW is now thus fitting a petrol engine particulate filter to the 420i Coupe, 430i Coupe and X1 sDrive18i. They join the 220i Coupe, 230i Coupe (and Convertible equivalents) plus the new X3 xDrive20i in offering filters.

Even the BMW i8 Coupe and new Roadster will now get a petrol particulate filter. One of the greenest sports cars in the world, it seems, still has potential to get a bit greener still.

Read more: 

• Anti-diesel agenda is not affecting new BMW X3 sales
• Fleets warned plug-in hybrids are not like-for-like replacements for diesel
• Diesel car sales plunge 30% in November 2017

The new Volkswagen Up GTI’s 115hp three-cylinder petrol engine is perky enough that you don’t have to be a particularly skilled driver to drive it fast along a twisty, hairpinned road in the South of France. I should know, I tried it earlier this week.

But what was really impressive, while driving along said road, was eventually catching up with an enthusiastic local in a Citroen 2CV van.

Now, anyone who knows anything about the 2CV will know that its long-travel suspension means you can get some pretty impressive body lean in the corners. But equally, its lack of power means you have little choice but to maintain momentum through corners, especially when travelling uphill.

There’s nothing faster on rural, French roads that a cigarette-smoking local, and that’s what exactly what we came across yesterday. His commitment to getting up the hill was incredible – to the point that he nearly ran out of road at one point. Even then, he refused to lift.

Anyway, the video tells the story better than words can. Enjoy…

Read more:

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