New car registrations ‘held steady’ during October, as numbers rose by a modest five per cent to a total of 144,948 units during the month, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The top 10 list for the month is populated by a lot of familiar favourites, alongside some newcomers looking to shake things up. Let’s take a look at how things played out.

It was the top spot yet again for the Ford Puma, continuing a streak which has seen Ford’s compact crossover take first place on numerous occasions. With a cleverly packaged interior and a decent driving experience, the Puma is an appealing proposition
There’s an ST version, too, for those who want a go-faster version of the Puma.

It was the second-place spot for the Kia Sportage, which was recently facelifted to introduce a sharper look and more standard equipment than before. The Sportage offers a great range of plus-points, too, with a well-made interior and lots of space.
The Sportage is available with a great range of engines, too, including an efficient plug-in hybrid.

Mini’s Cooper is a common sight on this list with this hatchback’s premium appeal and retro-inspired looks striking a chord with a lot of buyers. Available in both three- and five-door specifications, the Cooper gets a wealth of customisation options and a good range of engines.
The Cooper also has strong residuals, boosting its popularity further.

Few cars are as well-known as the famous Volkswagen Golf. Through eight generations, the Golf has proven to be a great fit for all types of drivers, from those heading out into the roads for the first time to busy households looking for a reliable day-to-day car.
The latest Golf is available with a broad range of engines and a good series of specifications to ensure there’s always a version to suit anyone’s needs.

The Juke is an ever-popular small crossover from Nissan, bringing quirky looks and clever packaging, which helps to bring a decent level of practicality. The latest Juke is also available with Nissan’s clever e-Power technology, which helps to improve efficiency further.
While the Juke is the smallest model within Nissan’s range, it continues to be one of the brand’s most popular models.

It’s been a big month for newcomer Jaecoo, which has made a big impact with its new 7 SUV. Arriving with a budget-busting price and loads of standard equipment, the 7 has quickly become a common sight on the UK’s roads.
Key to Jaecoo’s success has been an integration with a wide number of dealer partners in the UK, allowing it to have prominent outlets in key locations.

The Qashqai is another common sight on this monthly list. Often cited as ‘the original crossover’, the Qashqai is a big hitter among family buyers, where its practical design and clean-running engines help it to appeal.
The Qashqai also has handy rear doors which open 90 degrees to help with entry and exit.

The Tiguan remains one of Volkswagen’s best-selling models, bringing much of this brand’s well-known solid build quality as well as some handy technology. The Tiguan has also benefitted from a recent refresh, introducing a new look to help bolster its appeal.
The Tiguan is also available with a great variety of engines, going from petrol and mild-hybrid petrol through to plug-in hybrid and diesel.

The Corsa has gone through a big transformation period, going from a slightly understated compact hatch into something which really looks special. Available with both combustion engines and electric power, the Corsa is a great showcase of how Vauxhall has transformed its look and feel.
Like others here, the Corsa has also been refreshed recently, introducing an even more striking design.

Audi’s A3 shares many elements with Volkswagen’s Golf, but introduces a number of more upmarket finishes and materials. Like others here, there are plenty of options when it comes to powertrains, so there should be something for everyone.
As a practical five-door hatchback or stylish saloon, the A3 also offers some variety in terms of looks and style, too.
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