What are the best-selling Volkswagen models in Europe in 2021?

Volkswagen has enjoyed lasting popularity across the board – but which VW model has been the most popular across Europe in 2021 so far?

Shooting onto the scene in 1937, Volkswagen has gone from strength to strength. With their illustrious line-up now boasting vans, superminis, SUVs, and all-electric cars, which models have resonated with the European public?

We all know and love the VW Golf. It’s been a staple on our roads since 1974 and its popularity hasn’t waned.

But what of the other models?

If you’re thinking about a Volkswagen lease, it might help you to narrow down your choice by knowing the models people love. After all, thousands of people can’t be wrong.

Using data collected by Car Sales Base*, it’s time to count down the top 10 best-selling Volkswagen models across Europe in 2021 so far.

10. Volkswagen Caddy Life – 25,070 models sold

Coming in at number ten, everyone’s favourite family MPV – the Volkswagen Caddy Life.

Based on the popular VW Caddy van, the Caddy Life might not be the trendiest of vehicles, but it is affordable, sturdy, reliable, and big enough to deal with family life – even if family life is four kids, three dogs, and enough suitcases to play suitcase Jenga with.

It’s versatile too – you can take the back seats out of the regular five-seater Caddy Life and end up with a mammoth 3880L capacity. Multiple trips to the tip when you’ve had a clear-out will be a thing of the past.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen Caddy Life lease deals

9. Volkswagen ID.4 – 31,997 models sold

Volkswagen’s second all-electric family hatchback, the VW ID.4 has been steadily growing in popularity since its launch in late 2020.

Based on the same MEB architecture as the popular ID.3, it offers desirable looks, plenty of standard kit, and a refined drive.

The large touchscreen infotainment system dominates the minimalist dashboard and controls virtually everything in the cabin, while the spacious interior means you’ll be able to cart all your friends around with ease – though if you happen to be pals with a rugby team, you might struggle to get three of them in the back.

With a claimed range of 322 miles, depending on which trim you choose, the Volkswagen ID.4 is an excellent choice for your next VW lease.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen ID.4 lease deals

8. Volkswagen ID.3 – 45,194 models sold

The Volkswagen ID.3 is a fantastic option for anyone who loves the VW Golf but is looking to switch over to the electric market. Its interior is slightly larger, but it boasts similar desirability when it comes to its sleek looks and stellar drive.

VW really homed in on the basics with the VW ID.3, making sure that its performance matches its good looks.

And Volkswagen succeeded – the ID.3 boasts a competitive amount of onboard tech, a claimed range of up to 336 miles, and a practical amount of space and storage.

It’s one to keep an eye on – we can see it creeping up the best-selling VW model list next year.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen ID.3 lease deals

7. Volkswagen up! – 47,665 models sold

Small but mighty, the sophisticated Volkswagen up! is one of the best city cars in its class.

First hitting our roads in 2011, VW has now introduced an electric version – the VW e-up! – if you’re after something small and affordable to run around town in.

It’s perfect if you live in an area with emissions charges, as electric vehicles are exempt. And it’s surprisingly practical for its size. The slightly boxier shape gives rear passengers a little more headroom and the boot clocks in at a competitive 251L.

We’re also big fans of the exclamation mark – it gives the up! a sense of pizzazz that rivals don’t share.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen up! lease deals

6. Volkswagen Passat – 65,439 models sold

Comfortable drive, spacious interior, high-quality finish – the Volkswagen Passat ticks many boxes.

More affordable than rivals like the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, the VW Passat is reassuringly reliable. The latest models come equipped with the latest tech, including Volkswagen’s third-generation infotainment system and up-to-date digital dials.

With a generous boot, space for five adults to sit comfortably, and a fresh look, the Passat remains a contender in the executive saloon class.

We’re not surprised to see it sit comfortably inside the top ten most popular VW models.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen Passat lease deals

5. Volkswagen T-Cross – 91,273 models sold

Kicking off the top five best-selling Volkswagen models – the Volkswagen T-Cross.

An accomplished compact crossover, the VW T-Cross combines sleek looks, bags of practicality, and an easy drive into one versatile package.

Released in 2019, it’s quickly climbed the VW ladder (and it’s a big ladder – Volkswagen has one of the largest line-ups) to become a top contender.

It’s already surpassed last year's performance, where the T-Cross came in sixth place on the Volkswagen best-selling list of 2020 with just over 113,000 sold.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen T-Cross lease deals

4. Volkswagen Polo – 110,836 models sold

Smaller than a Golf, but practical enough for everyday life, the VW Polo has long been a fan favourite.

With the supermini remaining a popular choice, especially for city dwellers, it’s no big bombshell to see the Polo in fourth place.

And it’s a classy supermini, expertly straddling the divide between affordable and premium, with its high quality – but roomy – interior and fun performance.

It won third place in the 2020 best-selling Volkswagen models list, with 169,467 sold, and there’s a definite chance it can retain its bronze badge this year.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen Polo lease deals

3. Volkswagen Tiguan/Tiguan Allspace – 130,267 models sold

Accounting for sales of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Tiguan Allspace, the popular SUV comes in as the third best-selling Volkswagen model in 2021 so far.

There’s no huge revelation here – last year it claimed silver with 176,286 models sold in 2020, and it’ll be interesting to see whether it can regain second place at the end of the year.

If you’re after a spacious, comfortable SUV with an easy drive and fantastic levels of practicality, the VW Tiguan is a brilliant choice. And if the regular model doesn’t have enough space for you (or you love an Ikea trip), the Tiguan Allspace adds an extra two seats and a longer base.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen Tiguan and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace lease deals

2. Volkswagen T-Roc – 132,741 models sold

Coming in as the second most popular Volkswagen model of 2021, the VW T-Roc is a small SUV with a commanding presence.

It’s on the slightly larger end of the small SUV category, adding a little more practicality and nudging its rivals out the way. The T-Roc’s stylish looks only add to its air of desirability – this is an SUV that’ll have you turning heads no matter where you are.

There’s no surprise that it’s so popular.

Last year it came in fourth place in the best-selling Volkswagen model list, with over 158,000 sold – but watch this space. The T-Roc has been replaced by the new VW Taigo, and we're excited to see whether this new model can retain the same popularity as the VW T-Roc. 

Browse our latest lease deals on the new Volkswagen Taigo

1. Volkswagen Golf – 162,833 models sold

And finally – drum roll please – currently in number one, everyone’s favourite, the VW Golf.

One of the best hatchbacks on the market, it's spacious, reliable, and boasts a powerful performance. And if you're after a little more space, it's available as an Estate too, so you never have to stray too far from that iconic badge. 

And it’s not shocking news that the Volkswagen Golf has done so well – last year it won first place with over 285,000 sold, and only time will tell if it’ll live up to this legendary performance.

The Golf has been a popular choice among motorists for years. It’s a brilliant first car, commuter car, running up and down the motorway car; it can do it all.

We love it, you love it, Europe loves it – we can see it topping Volkswagen's best-seller list for years to come.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen Golf lease deals

Most popular Volkswagen models across Europe in 2021 – full list

1. Volkswagen Golf – 162,833 models sold
2. Volkswagen T-Roc – 132,741 models sold
3. Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace – 130,267 models sold
4. Volkswagen Polo – 110,836 models sold
5. Volkswagen T-Cross – 91,273 models sold
6. Volkswagen Passat – 65,439 models sold
7. Volkswagen up! – 47,665 models sold
8. Volkswagen ID.3 – 45,194 models sold
9. Volkswagen ID.4 – 31,977 models sold
10. Volkswagen Caddy Life – 25,070 models sold
11. Volkswagen Touran – 21,520 models sold
12. Volkswagen Arteon – 14,676 models sold
13. Volkswagen Touareg – 9,954 models sold
14. Volkswagen Sharan – 6,721 models sold

*who cite manufacturers, the Automotive News Data Center, and JATO Dynamics