NEW car registrations rose by 13.7% in September, according to new data – with the UK’s most popular cars revealed.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said there were 312,891 registrations last month, making it the strongest ‘new numberplate’ month since September 2020.

And the figures revealed 50.8% of new vehicles registered during the 75-plate month were electrified, with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) becoming fastest growing powertrain, rising 56.4% to achieve a 12.2% market share.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) totalled 15.3% of all new car deliveries in September.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake increased by 29.1% to 72,779 registrations, the best month on record for BEV volumes, accounting for 23.3% of market share.

It came after the start of a new Electric Car Grant, a government-backed scheme that offers discounts to EV buyers.

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Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer – and with record ZEV uptake, massive industry investment is paying off, despite demand still trailing ambition.

“The Electric Car Grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch – and tackling remaining roadblocks, by unlocking infrastructure investment and driving down energy costs, will be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share.”

The top-10 most popular new cars in the UK in September 2025:
Kia Sportage: 9,455
Ford Puma: 8,310
Nissan Qashqai: 7,218
Jaecoo 7: 6,489
Vauxhall Corsa: 5,841
BYD Seal U: 5,373
Hyundai Tucson: 5,348
MG HS: 5,173
Volkswagen Golf: 5,147
Volvo XC40: 4,942

The top-10 most popular cars of 2025 so far in the UK:
Ford Puma: 41,531
Kia Sportage: 38,734
Nissan Qashqai: 32,789
Vauxhall Corsa: 29,327
Nissan Juke: 26,995
Volkswagen Golf: 25,163
MG ZS: 24,104
Hyundai Tucson: 23,730
Volkswagen Tiguan: 23,519
Volvo XC40: 22,941