{"id":68325,"date":"2025-08-19T08:18:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T12:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/why-used-car-buyers-are-choosing-superminis-over-suvs-in-the-uk\/"},"modified":"2025-08-19T08:18:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T12:18:06","slug":"why-used-car-buyers-are-choosing-superminis-over-suvs-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/why-used-car-buyers-are-choosing-superminis-over-suvs-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Used Car Buyers Are Choosing Superminis Over SUVs in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Are Hatchbacks and Superminis Still the Top Choice for Used Car Buyers?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been browsing the used car market lately, you might have noticed something surprising: while SUVs and crossovers seem to rule the roads when it comes to new car sales, it\u2019s the humble hatchbacks and superminis that dominate the second-hand charts. In fact, nine out of the ten best-selling used cars in the UK are still these compact, practical models. So, what\u2019s driving this trend, and why do so many buyers stick with these smaller cars even as the new car market shifts toward bigger, bolder SUVs?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dig into what\u2019s really going on\u2014and what it means if you\u2019re thinking about your next car.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Behind the Shift from Hatchbacks to SUVs in New Car Sales?<\/p>\n

Over the past decade, the new car landscape has changed dramatically. Back in 2015, the top sellers were almost all hatchbacks and superminis\u2014think Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Ford Focus. Only a couple of crossovers, like the Vauxhall Mokka and Nissan Qashqai, cracked the top ten.<\/p>\n

Fast forward to 2025, and it\u2019s a different story. SUVs now make up eight of the ten best-selling new cars in the UK. Models like the Ford Puma and Kia Sportage are leading the charge, while only the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf keep the hatchback flag flying in the top ten.<\/p>\n

Why the change? It\u2019s partly down to what manufacturers want to sell. SUVs and crossovers offer higher profit margins, and with tougher safety and emissions regulations squeezing the bottom line, many carmakers have scaled back or even discontinued their smaller models. The Ford Fiesta, for example, was withdrawn from sale in 2023 despite being a long-time favourite.<\/p>\n

Why Do Used Car Buyers Still Favour Smaller Cars?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s where things get interesting. Despite the SUV boom in new car sales, the used market tells a different story. Hatchbacks and superminis remain the go-to choice for second-hand buyers, with the Ford Fiesta topping the charts for the first half of 2025. The only SUV to break into the top ten? The Nissan Qashqai.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s keeping these smaller cars in such high demand? For starters, there are still a lot of them on the road. Even after Ford stopped making the Fiesta, nearly 1.4 million were registered in the UK at the end of last year\u2014making it the nation\u2019s most common car.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not just about availability. Superminis and hatchbacks are practical, affordable, and economical to run. They\u2019re easy to park, cheap to insure, and perfect for city driving or short commutes. For many buyers\u2014especially those looking for value in a cost-of-living crisis\u2014these qualities matter more than the latest styling or tech.<\/p>\n

How Do Residual Values Stack Up Between Hatchbacks and SUVs?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s talk numbers. You might assume that SUVs, being newer and more in demand, would hold their value better. Not necessarily.<\/p>\n

Take the Ford Fiesta and Ford Puma as examples. A three-year-old Fiesta with 30,000 miles in Titanium trim is currently worth around \u00a311,500. The equivalent Puma fetches about \u00a313,500. But here\u2019s the kicker: the Fiesta cost \u00a318,655 new in 2022, while the Puma was \u00a324,940. That means the Fiesta\u2019s depreciation rate is 38%, compared to 46% for the Puma.<\/p>\n

In plain English? The Fiesta loses less of its value over three years than the Puma does. For used car buyers, that\u2019s a big deal\u2014it means you\u2019re getting more car for your money, and you\u2019re less likely to take a hit if you sell it on in a few years.<\/p>\n

Are Used Car Sales Really Bouncing Back After the Pandemic?<\/p>\n

Absolutely. According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), second-hand car sales in the UK topped four million units in the first half of the year\u2014the highest figure since before the pandemic. By contrast, new car sales still haven\u2019t fully recovered to pre-Covid levels.<\/p>\n

Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT, summed it up: the used car market is regaining momentum, but for this to continue, the new car market needs to stay healthy too. It\u2019s a delicate balance\u2014today\u2019s new cars are tomorrow\u2019s used cars, after all.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Happening with Used Electric Vehicles and Hybrids?<\/p>\n

No conversation about the car market is complete without mentioning electric vehicles (EVs). Between April and June, used EV sales shot up by 40% year-on-year, reaching nearly 69,000 units and making up 3.4% of the used market. Tesla\u2019s Model 3 led the pack.<\/p>\n

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are also gaining ground, with sales up 27.7% and 10.3% respectively. The growth is impressive, but it\u2019s still early days\u2014most used car buyers are sticking with petrol and diesel for now, mainly due to concerns about charging infrastructure and upfront costs.<\/p>\n

That said, as more new EVs hit the market and filter down into the used sector, expect these numbers to keep climbing. Incentives like the Electric Car Grant are helping, but the real tipping point will come when used EVs are as affordable and practical as their petrol-powered counterparts.<\/p>\n

What Does This Mean for You as a Used Car Buyer?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re shopping for a used car, the message is clear: hatchbacks and superminis still offer unbeatable value, especially if you\u2019re looking for something reliable, economical, and easy to live with. Models like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Volkswagen Golf remain top picks for good reason\u2014they\u2019re everywhere, parts are cheap, and they hold their value surprisingly well.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t ignore the growing options in the used EV and hybrid market. Prices are coming down, and as the infrastructure improves, these cars will become an increasingly smart choice for more drivers.<\/p>\n

The bottom line? The used car market is more diverse and dynamic than ever. Whether you\u2019re after a tried-and-true hatchback or ready to make the leap to electric, there\u2019s never been a better time to find a car that fits your life\u2014and your budget.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"Mini<\/a><\/p>\n

Top 10 list of best-selling used cars is dominated by hatches, not SUVs<\/p>\n

\n

Nine of the 10 best-selling used cars in the UK are still traditional hatchbacks and superminis, in stark contrast to the popularity of SUVs among buyers of new cars.<\/p>\n

The greater sales potential and profitability of crossovers and SUVs \u2013 together with the arrival of margin-slashing safety and emissions regulations \u2013 have threatened the commercial viability of superminis and small family hatchbacks in recent years. As a result, many such models have been withdrawn from sale as their manufacturers focus instead on larger, higher-riding models.<\/p>\n

This trend is reflected in the evolution of the top 10 new cars sales chart. In 2015, just two crossovers featured \u2013 the Vauxhall Mokka<\/a> and Nissan Qashqai<\/a> \u2013 and the chart was comfortably topped by the\u00a0Ford Fiesta<\/a>, Vauxhall Corsa<\/a> and Ford Focus<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ten years later, the Qashqai is one of eight SUVs in the UK\u2019s top 10 list of best-selling new cars, with the Ford Puma<\/a> and Kia Sportage<\/a> the two most popular models of 2025 so far. The fourth-placed Vauxhall Corsa and the Volkswagen Golf<\/a>, at number six, are the only non-SUVs to feature in the top 10.<\/p>\n

However, almost the opposite is true of today\u2019s second-hand market, where hatchbacks dominate and the Qashqai is the only SUV to feature in the top 10 best-sellers for the first half of the year.<\/p>\n

Superminis remain the best-selling used car by body type and the Ford Fiesta was the country\u2019s best-selling used car in the first six months of 2025.<\/p>\n

Despite Ford withdrawing the Fiesta from sale in 2023, almost 1.4 million Fiestas\u00a0were still registered in the UK at the end of last year, which means it remains the most common car on the nation\u2019s roads.<\/p>\n

\"Ford<\/p>\n

These latest figures suggest there is still strong demand for the sort of small combustion cars that are being forced out of production for legislative and economic reasons \u2013 a view that is reinforced by their relatively strong residual values.<\/p>\n

A three-year-old Fiesta with 30,000 miles in Titanium trim is worth around \u00a311,500, compared with an equivalent Puma at \u00a313,500. While the Fiesta cost \u00a318,655 when new in 2022, giving a depreciation rate of 38%, the Puma Titanium was \u00a324,940 when new, a 46% decline in value.<\/p>\n

As well as naming the UK\u2019s latest best-selling used cars, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that second-hand car sales rose above four million units for a half-year period for the first time since the pandemic. By contrast, new car sales have yet to recover to pre-Covid levels.<\/p>\n

SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said: \u201cSurpassing the four million half-year milestone for the fi rst time since 2019 shows the UK\u2019s used car market is building back momentum. To maintain this trajectory, a thriving new car market must be delivered as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

What about used EV sales?<\/h2>\n

Between April and June, used EV sales grew 40% year on year \u2013 the biggest powertrain rise \u2013 to 68,721. This accounted for 3.4% of the market. Tesla\u2019s Model 3<\/a> was the best-seller.<\/p>\n

The SMMT says further growth will hinge on uptake being driven by factors such as the Electric Car Grant<\/a>, which will result in more EVs filtering through to the used market over time.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, sales of used hybrids and PHEVs also increased by 27.7% (to 100,127 units) and 10.3% (to 24,370) respectively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":68326,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-68325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68325"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68325\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}