2021 has been and gone, with a new series of car registrations alongside it. The number of new car registrations at the end of any year is fascinating, but the combination of the pandemic's continuing effects and another year of advances in the hybrid-electric sphere means a real market shake-up is on the cards. Read on to find out more about the best selling cars of 2021, and some of the trends driving their success.

1. Kia Sportage

The highest selling car of 2021, by a comfortable margin, was the Kia Sportage. Selling 3,458 units in 2021, the Kia Sportage sold more than 800 more units than its nearest rival and it's easy to see why. Kia offers a seven-year warranty on each and every one of its vehicles, so drivers know that they can rely on what they get for years to come. Add extremely high production quality from Kia into the mix alongside affordable vehicle prices, and the Sportage is positioned perfectly to be the best selling car. A great value SUV with both traditional and hybrid powertrain options, the Sportage is one of the most reliable options for any driver on the road.

"With a far more simplified range in the past few years, the fourth most popular car in the UK in 2021 was the MINI."

2. Ford Puma

Another SUV crossover, the Ford Puma is the country's second highest-selling vehicle for all of 2021. With 2,608 sales throughout the year, the city-loving SUV is the latest wildly popular option from Ford, offering both a standard powertrain and a self-charging hybrid that limits its emissions when driving at lower speeds. The quality and reliability of a hybrid, in combination with Ford's name recognition across the UK, means that the Puma was always going to be a strong candidate to be one of the more successful cars in terms of sales throughout 2021.

3. Kia Niro

The Kia Niro was destined for a high level of sales. With high fuel efficiency, Kia's excellent warranty and a marketing team featuring one of Hollywood's most popular actors, the success of the Niro was almost inevitable. Selling 2,372 cars in 2021, the Kia Niro comes in as the third most popular car of the year, narrowly trailing the Ford Puma. More factors drawing buyers to the Niro include excellent buying terms, such as 0% interest over 24 months, which keep the car more affordable. An affordable yet powerful SUV, the Niro is a popular option for buyers working on a budget.

4. MINI

With a far more simplified range in the past few years, the fourth most popular car in the UK in 2021 was the MINI. One of the UK's most iconic brands, the MINI range is highly configurable and emphasises the customer's unique experience with the car above all else. This is why the MINI sold 2,313 cars in 2021, as more and more drivers seek out affordable yet tailored driving options. There is a MINI to suit any budget, and more and more people are choosing the MINI range as their car of choice for the long term.

5. Vauxhall Corsa

Coming in as the fifth most popular car in 2021, the Vauxhall Corsa sold 2,285 units in 2021, beating the Hyundai Tucson and the Vauxhall Mokka to this list by under 100 units. A key factor for this is the all-electric option that the Vauxhall Corsa provides, pulling more and more people towards an eco-friendly way of driving. This, combined with the natural pull of Vauxhall's name in the UK, means that the Corsa is naturally one of the highest selling cars across the country.

Insuring these cars

Buying and insuring a brand new car is an expensive process. In the case of new (and even used) vehicles, a significant proportion of the car's value disappears the moment it rolls off the forecourt. That's why considering GAP insurance is a wise move when you purchase, finance or lease a new vehicle. GAP insurance comes in different product types such as Finance GAP insurance, Return to Invoice GAP insurance and even Vehicle Replacement GAP Insurance. The Policy essentially covers the difference between your insurance payout and your vehicle's value, ensuring you're covered and not left out of pocket if the worst was to happen.

Consider Direct Gap

If you're interested in GAP insurance for your vehicle and would like to learn more about GAP insurance, our friendly team of GAP insurance experts are happy to answer any questions you might have, and make sure that you get the perfect GAP insurance policy for your brand new car.