The Ford Fiesta has unexpectedly topped the charts as the UK’s most popular used car in 2025, despite production ending two years ago. A staggering 303,090 examples were sold last year, illustrating how deeply ingrained the model remains in British car culture.
Hatchback Dominance in Second-Hand Sales
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirms that hatchbacks overwhelmingly dominate the used car market. The Fiesta claimed 3.9% of all second-hand sales, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa (247,853 units), Volkswagen Golf (226,082), and Ford Focus (218,962). The Nissan Qashqai, a crossover, was the only exception in the top 10, suggesting that while SUVs are popular new, buyers still lean toward more practical hatchbacks when buying used.
This trend highlights a key dynamic: the used car market is driven by affordability and practicality. Hatchbacks have historically been budget-friendly options, and a large existing supply keeps prices competitive.
Petrol and Diesel Still Lead, but EVs are Gaining Momentum
While new petrol and diesel car sales are in decline, they continue to dominate the second-hand market. In 2025, 4.4 million used petrol cars and 2.6 million used diesels were sold, dwarfing the 407,531 hybrids and 274,815 electric vehicles.
However, the electric vehicle (EV) segment is rapidly growing. Used EV sales rose by 45.7% compared to 2024, reaching a 3.5% market share. This surge is driven by the increasing proportion of EVs entering the new car market, which will inevitably feed into used sales in the coming years.
The shift towards electric is inevitable: as more EVs are sold new, they will naturally appear in the used market, potentially reshaping the landscape within the next few years.
Implications for Buyers and Sellers
The Fiesta’s continued popularity underscores the enduring demand for small, efficient cars. For buyers, this means affordable options remain plentiful. For sellers, this suggests that certain models retain high resale value due to sustained demand.
The dominance of hatchbacks in the used market points to a pragmatic approach among British car buyers—prioritizing affordability and practicality over the latest trends.
The gap between petrol/diesel and EVs is closing, but the transition will take time. The data confirms that while the future is electric, the present is still very much powered by traditional combustion engines.
