Knowing the car market and sales on your continent is essential to be able to understand the present and the future of this world. For this, today we will see together which are the 10 best-selling cars in Europe in the first half of 2021. The queen is still, unquestionably, the Volkswagen Golf: however, there are many fierce rivals, starting from Peugeot 208, the first arrow in the arc of Stellantis which challenges the supremacy of the VAG Group. Welcome to Auto for Dummies, the column that tells you the details of the car world, in a simple way. Are you ready? Let's go!
The queen of the best-selling cars in Europe is still her, Volkswagen Golf: 14 years at the top
We obviously start from the gold medal, the first place, where we find a confirmation that has lasted for a long time now 14 years old: Volkswagen Golf. The German compact, contender for the title of best-selling car in history, continues to reap successes and surpass any other car in Europe by obtaining the gold medal. According to data from Nato Dynamics, on which we relied for our in-depth analysis, 6 Golfs were sold in the first 2021 months of 124.445, 5% more than in 2020.
Although the eighth generation continues to make many debates for its aesthetics not yet thoroughly appreciated and for the overly touchy interior, the flagship car of the House of Wolfsburg has convinced more customers than any other car in Europe. Thanks to his versatility, and its many faces. Golf in fact does not excel in any field, but it is excellent in everything. Practical, tasty, sporty, spacious, economical, methane, hybrid, diesel, complete or pragmatic: in the Golf range there is a car for every need.
From the sportsman to the employee, from the family to the single career, for over 40 years Golf has been able to adapt perfectly to every context and every need. From the sporty GTI, GTD and GTE and R, to the methane TGI, from the pragmatic Life versions to the very complete R-Line, with all turbocharged engines from 110 HP up to 320 of the R, there is always a Golf for all tastes. Then, thanks to MQB platform Golf 8 drives well, is technological (perhaps too much, with all its touch controls), offers the necessary space for a young family (for those who need more space there is the familiar Variant), it is agile in the city and at the at the same time excellent on long journeys. Golf knows how to do everything well: for this reason, it unquestionably deserves first place.
In second place, a small, tasty and complete: Peugeot 208
It follows at a safe distance but not too much a car that with its second generation has really made a bang: Peugeot 208, the Car of the Year 2020. The little Frenchwoman convinced well 113.016 customers, issandosi al second among the best-selling cars in Europe, with a growth of 33% compared to 2020. Credit for all this success is certainly due toreally successful aesthetics, personal and original, both inside and out, but not only.
208 also convinces at the wheel, with excellent driveability, a remarkable level of comfort and a beautiful build quality. The space it is also good for its category, with the rear seats perhaps a little sacrificed on the altar of aesthetics. Inside then 208 amazes with a unique and original interior, so much so that it seems to be of a clearly superior category. The lines are captivating, the technology excellent and the driving position very particular. The small steering wheel and the high instrumentation typical ofi-cockpit divides minds between those who love and those who hate this solution, but it certainly never leaves you indifferent. The merit of all these qualities goes to CMP modular platform, to which is added an offer that satisfies both pragmatists with the Active and Allure versions but also the most demanding, with the complete GT Line and GT.
However, an openly sporty GTI version is missing, and for now there is no hybrid engine on the list. However, the little French makes up for it with petrol and diesel engines from 75 to 130 hp, with the very interesting electric e-208 from 136HP and over 300 km of real autonomy. A complete and successful small car, which also represents the first car brought to the top 10 by Stellantis, which gives Volkswagen a big hard time in this 2021.
Toyota Yaris closes the podium of Europe's best-selling cars: the strength of the hybrid
To close the podium among the best-selling cars in Europe there is a real bestseller in the Old Continent: Toyota Yaris. The now ex Piccolo Genius reaped incredible successes since 1998, the year of birth of the first revolutionary generation, and today, now in its fourth series, reaches full maturity. In the first 6 months of 2021 Yaris scored 112.028 registrations according to Jato Dynamics, deserving the third place. They are 1.000 less than the Peugeot 208 and a good 51% more than last year.
A great result for a car launched with great expectations last year and awarded the prestigious award Car of the Year 2021. Based on the modular platform Toyota TNGA in version B, Yaris abandons with this fourth generation the reassuring and traditional look of the previous three series to embrace abold, original and unmistakably Japanese aesthetic. Small but rather spacious for its size, Yaris is original and pleasant to look at, both outside and inside where it welcomes with good quality materials and a large and practical infotainment screen. It also drives really well thanks to a nice frame and a very low weight.
The Italian range is quite simple, with Trend and Active trim levels, very spartan and essential, others more refined such as Lounge and Premiere and three very different engines. Between the town 1.0 da 70 CV and the very sporty one GR Yaris with 261 HP and four-wheel drive, the lion's share does it Yaris Hybrid. Equipped with a revamped system featuring a 1.5CV 90 three-cylinder engine, two electric motors and the E-CVT gearbox, the DynamicForce powertrain offers 116 HP, excellent driveability and very low fuel consumption. Yaris is the only Japanese car on the list, the only standard bearer of the global Toyota giant.
Off the podium of Europe's best-selling cars Renault Clio for the first time since launch
From Japan we return to France to find out who occupies the fourth position among the best-selling cars in Europe, that is Renault Clio. The highly regarded fifth generation of the French compact has totaled 109.556 units sold, about 3.000 cars detached from Yaris. The numbers of June however they tell how Clio in this month has lost 40% compared to 2020, a decline which however does not affect its excellent commercial success.
The little French, launched two years ago, is in fact among the most popular compacts on the market. Thanks to aaesthetics loved by all which incorporates most of the traits of the best-selling fourth generation, showing off a personal, modern and pleasant style. Compared to the previous one, however, if outside the mantra it was "team that wins you don't change", the revolution took place inside. A lot of build quality, excellent space availability and a great technological equipment are the salient points of Clio seen from inside, which are confirmed by an excellent behavior on the road. The CMF-B platform allows for a truly successful rigid and communicative frame, capable of offering excellent driveability with a driving comfort from the top places in the standings.
Good soundproofing and the ability to deal with long journeys, as excellent are the engines, from 65 to 140 hp. In Italy the most popular version is the excellent 1.0 TCe LPG 100 HP, lively and economical, while the version is increasingly popular. full Hybrid E-TECH da 140 CV. An innovative and technological system, which we tried a few months ago and of which find our test drive who su technologicfans.
In fifth place, another Stellantis: Opel Corsa, the pragmatic compact
Let's now pass from a French to a German who, however, can speak the language of Paris. There fifth classified among the best-selling cars in Europe is in fact Opel Corsa, now in its sixth generation, the first under the Stellantis Group. The Franco-German has in fact totaled 107.709 cars sold, 36% more than in 2020. Under the skin, Corsa shares the mechanics and most of the features with the Peugeot 208, from which it also takes the engines.
Compared to the French, however, the Corsa sports a more classic and reassuring look, with sporty and compact lines but less daring than the sister with the Lion, and also and above all inside. Although the technological equipment is almost the same, Opel Corsa has more rational and traditional lines, starting with the almost perfect driving position, much less daring than the controversial i-cockpit. Excellent build quality and space availability, which is paired with one first-rate technological availability, including the excellent Matrix LED headlights, a rarity in the category.
On the road, the Corsa is not the sportiest compact around, nor the most exciting. However, it differs a lot from cousin 208 for one driving more mature, composed and a car of a higher category, without sacrificing the agility and comfort common with the French. Here too, a GSi or OPC sports version is missing, with the most powerful version represented by the Corsa-e. Here too the good 1.5 diesel 100 hp for those who do a lot of km, while it is excellent in all contexts 1.2 turbo with 100 or 130 hp, both with manual and automatic transmission.
The first SUV among the best-selling cars in Europe is in sixth place: Peugeot 2008
Al sixth place among the best-selling cars in Europe we find the first SUV in the ranking, Peugeot 2008. The Stellantis Group did not excel in the general classification, but it won the scepter in the most popular category of the moment, SUVs and Crossover, with the 2008. In 2021, the second generation of the French high-wheeled 106.243 units sold, beating all rivals. His credit was and is that of aver brought all the great qualities of 208 to the world of SUVs.
Which? First of all it style: beautiful to look at and much more captivating than the previous one, 2008 sports a bold and original look both inside and out, like the little sister 208. Inside, the space is also very generous behind and in the trunk, definitely more than 208. The dashboard it is then directly taken up by her little sister, from whom she inherits the unique, particular and impressive lines. The on-board technology was also excellent in 2008, with the digital instrument panel also in 3D, the cantilevered infotaimment screen and all the latest generation ADAS. Then there is the i-cockpit, the Peugeot driving setting with the small and low steering wheel and the raised instrumentation.
At the wheel, the 2008 is more comfortable and quiet than the 208, while inheriting its agility and excellent handling between curves. Compared to 208, 2008 offers only the turbo engines of 100 and 130 hp, both petrol and diesel, with the 1.2 three-cylinder arriving up to 155 hp. Also on 2008 a hybrid engine is missing, which, however, is compensated by the presence of the e-2008. Equipped with the same mechanics as the electric versions of the Corsa and 208, due to the larger dimensions it stops at just over 250 km of autonomy, while the 136HP always pushes well.
Challenge to the last car among the SUVs: for a handful of cars, Volkswagen T-Roc is seventh
The second and last SUV in this top 10 is another popular car, Volkswagen T-Roc, that is satisfied with the seventh place absolute. The challenge between sixth and seventh place was the tightest, with a handful of specimens separating the two contenders. T-Roc has in fact totaled 103.143 units sold, only 100 cars less than 2008. Despite being on the market for over 4 years, T-Roc continues to give a hard time to all the youngest competitors, starting from 2008. Larger and more spacious than the Stellantis proposal and equivalent to a Golf, T-Roc is based on the same MQB platform as the famous German compact.
Thanks to its long presence on the market, T-Roc is well known and appreciated in Italy and in Europe. Thanks to an excellent availability of space, to the engines suitable for every need and to apleasant and recognizable aesthetics. Inside, on the other hand, the T-Roc does not have the quality of its “low shot” sister Golf, with some only sufficient quality plastics. The technology is also from the previous generation compared to the Golf 8, but this is an advantage for many. In fact, it does not have the riot of touch controls of its sister, still relying on the dear, old physical buttons. T-Roc also amazes for its surprisingly pragmatic and complete set-ups. Already the basic Style set-up has everything you need, while the more refined Advanced and R-Line offer more than a whim.
At the wheel, T-Roc is comfortable, practical and pleasant, with excellent visibility and predictable and reassuring driving. The engines, all turbocharged, range from 110 to 300 HP on the sporty version T-Roc R. The most balanced, however, is the 1.5 HP 150 TSI, park and lively. No hybrid, methane or electric engines for the T-Roc. The only variation on the theme is the version Convertible, the only uncovered SUV on the market.
The eighth of the best-selling cars in Europe is Italian: FIAT 500, powered by electricity
All 'eighth place among the best-selling cars in Europe we find the first and only Italian car, FIAT 500. This is also the fourth car of the Stellantis Group in the standings, and it scored 96.370 cars sold, both thermal and electric. Yes, because despite the seniority of the project born in 2007, lhe thermal version of the 500 is still popular throughout Europe, and sold in large quantities throughout the Continent.
Above all thanks to aunique aesthetic, incredibly recognizable and loved all over the world, which unites both the thermal and electric versions. Easygoing, fun, pleasant and intrinsically Italian, both the classic and the electric 500 are loved. The thermal version, however, begins to feel the weight of the years in some situations, such as build quality, interior space and driveability, excellent in the city but not exceptional outside the city walls. The best-selling engine is the new and renewed one 1.0 Hybrid da 70 CV, not super lively but very low in consumption. Perfect for city driving, the 500 continues to reap success despite its 14 springs.
The merit of this ninth position, however, is above all of the new 500 Elettrica, appreciated almost everywhere. With the thermal version there are very few things in common, starting from the outside. Beautiful and indisputably 500, the Elettrica is more mature, more cared for, more grown in size and appearance. Inside, the quality has improved a lot, as well as the habitability, the driving position and the infotainment system, the new Uconnect 5, among the best in circulation. When driving, the dedicated platform performs very well, making the 500 agile and a lot of fun. THE 118 CV they push well, and the battery guarantees a real range of about 250/260 km. Then the versions are beautiful Cabrio e 3+1 with a fourth, small rear door, which increases the exclusivity of a truly successful model.
In ninth place a low cost… “grown up”: Dacia Sandero
Al ninth place we find a car diametrically opposite to the FIAT 500, a car that makes the pragmatism and practicality. his workhorse: Dacia Sandero. The Romanian compact has in fact totaled 95.126 registrations, also obtaining the third place overall in June.
The credit goes all to renewed third generation that abandons the austerity of the previous series by embracing a much more modern and refined setting. Farewell to the old platform dedicated to the 1998 Clio II. Sandero today shares the mechanical base and most of the engines with the current Clio V. The floor is in fact the CMF-B, which guarantees a lot of safety, a great technological availability and, last but not least, a respectable driveability. It is not refined or fun to drive like the Clio, but for the low price (with an attack of around 9.000 euros) Sandero offers everything you can ask for in a compact. Aesthetically, today Sandero is a more pleasant and modern car than ever. The lines resume the physiognomy of Clio but show off a distinct personality, especially in front. Inside we find a lot of space and a dashboard made with hard materials but very well assembled and very complete.
Automatic climate control, on-board computer, latest generation infotaimment. Today Sandero has everything you need in a modern car. In terms of engines, the French-Romanian compact sports only one engine, the 1.0 three-cylinder but declined in three versions. One aspirated by 65 CV, a turbo from 90CV and a turbo-LPG from 100CV, the most interesting, with 100 hp. The SUV-ized version is beautiful Stepway, the favorite in Italy, while diesel or hybrid versions are missing for now.
Closes the ranking a "revived": Citroen C3 is the tenth best-selling car in Europe
We have reached the end of our Top 10 of the best-selling cars in Europe. In tenth and final place finally we find a nice surprise: Citroen C3. The compact French has indeed well 5 springs on the shoulders, but in the last year he got one second youth which makes it the fifth car of the Stellantis Group in the standings. The French scored 94.365 units sold, thus obtaining the tenth place overall. A surprising result considering that it is the oldest of the three compact cars of the Stellantis Group, and the only one yet based on the platform of the previous 208.
Despite this, C3 is appreciated thanks to aaesthetics that winks at SUVs with generous ground clearance and side protectors reminiscent of the C4 Cactus. Aesthetically, the C3 is very original and captivating, with a good dose of personality, especially after this year's restyling which has greatly improved its front aesthetics. Inside, C3 is very personal, with a minimalist but refined aesthetic. The materials are not exceptional, but the assemblies are accurate, the infotaimment screen well placed and there are many particular details, such as the colored molding on the dashboard or the door handles that resemble the handles of luxury bags and suitcases. The real secret weapon of C3, however, is the comfort. In fact, it is not the most fun, nor the fastest, nor the most mature. When it comes to ride comfort, the C3 puts everyone in line.
Thanks to a soft but never yielding set-up, and really efficient shock absorbers with pneumatic end stops. G.Thanks to its low weight, the C3 is agile and pleasant to drive even with the base engine, the 1.2 bhp 83. Thanks to the reduced mass, both performance and consumption are excellent. Finally, very well in terms of habitability, both in front and behind and in the trunk. The standard equipment is also very good from intermediate levels, with the basic Feel version which instead forces you to buy the manual air conditioning separately. The engines are almost the same as 208, with the 1.2 declined in the version aspirated by 83 CV and turbo from 110 CV. There are no LPG or electric versions, but for those who travel a lot of km the 1.5 100 hp turbodiesel.
But what is Europe's best-selling electric? And the best-selling plug-in hybrid?
Our in-depth analysis on 10 best-selling cars in Europe. As usual, also this year it is Volkswagen Golf to be the master, with however many fierce rivals ready to make war on it, 208 and Yaris in the first place. These data paint very lively and interesting European market, where the challenge between the Volkswagen Group and the Stellantis Group. The German group continues to occupy the first place with its bestselling models, Stellantis follows me with its brands and successful models in all segments. Who will win this tight competition? Most likely it will come to a collision at the last car, such as between Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Roc.
But now it's your turn: what's your favorite on the list? Do you agree with the first place in Golf? Or would you prefer another car in the lead? We haven't seen the car sales percentages today electrical, which are increasingly popular, nor the ranking of the most popular battery-powered cars. In June, Tesla Model 3 was the second best-selling car in the European overall ranking, second only to Golf. But will she be the best-selling electric car in Europe? And what will be the most popular plug-in hybrid? We will discover all this in the next installments of Auto for Dummies, every Friday. Where is it? But here, on technologicfans. Hi!
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