A guide to the UK's most popular Volkswagen models

Volkswagen is an automotive brand we’ve all heard of. 

And one that has enjoyed lasting popularity across the board over many years. But what is the secret to this lasting success?

And when we talk success, Volkswagen currently couldn’t do any better.

Pipping Ford to the popularity post (try saying that after a beer or two), Volkswagen registered the most cars out of any other manufacturer in 2023.

Accordingly to data from the The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the German giant put a whopping 162,087 new cars on our roads over twelve months, accounting for 8.52% of all 2023’s new car registrations. This marked an increase from 131,850 and 8.17% respectively in 2022.

This is the third year they’ve dominated the top spot. Their 2023 performance also compares favourably to statistics of Volkswagen’s closest rivals: Ford 144,072 (7.57%), Audi 137,485 (7.22%) and BMW 111,734 (5.87%).

Being a whole % up in market share compared to any other competitor is no mean feat, we can tell you.

Volkswagen also had two models placed on the list of overall best-selling EVs in 2024 – enter the ID.3 and ID.4. However, they didn’t feature at all in the UK’s top 10 list when looking at individual model registrations.

Keep reading to delve further into 2023’s registration data to reveal Volkswagens best selling cars and see just how they’ve achieved the overall top spot.

Introducing Volkswagen

Shooting onto the scene in 1937, Volkswagen have built cars that are synonymous with quality, innovation and reliability. Their models seem to effortlessly combine the premium influence of luxury brands, the sporty look and feel that makes true car lovers swoon yet the mass appeal that drives sales volume.

And, not to mention, visually divergent models that become both iconic and joyous to see on British roads.

Forget yellow car punch. Hello vintage VW excited scream.

Just think about the VW Beetle and the VW camper. And we’re sure the ID. Buzz, their latest quirky iteration, will follow suit given time.

It’s also the chosen car brand for Capricorns out there, if we lived in a world where we chose our cars by our zodiac sign.

Back to the current day (and clawing onto some semblance of practicality), Volkswagen’s illustrious line-up now boasts vans, superminis, SUVs, and all-electric cars.

Using their own newly released registration data, we’ll count down the UK’s most popular Volkswagen models in 2023.

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.

1. Volkswagen Golf – 28,545 models sold

Drum roll please – currently in number one, everyone’s favourite, the VW Golf is officially still VW’s best-selling car.

One of the best hatchbacks on the market, it's spacious, reliable, and boasts 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 – keeping its title from 2022 with just over 25,000 sold.

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, the UK loves it – we can see it topping Volkswagen's best-seller list for years to come.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen Golf lease deals.

2. Volkswagen Polo – 25,084 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 second 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’s only marginally behind first place this year, so there’s every chance we’ll be seeing the VW Polo take the top spot in 2024.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen Polo lease deals.

3. Volkswagen Tiguan – 25,049 models sold

The Tiguan slots in as the third best-selling Volkswagen model in 2023. In so doing, also officially claiming the coveted position as VW’s most popular SUV.

We’re used to seeing the Tiguan and T-Roc tussle it out, and there still wasn’t a lot to separate them in 2023. Noticeable, though, is the increase in Tiguan sales compared to 2022. Launching forward from 15,823 sales last year which is an increase of 158%.

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 Volkswagen Tiguan lease deals.

4. Volkswagen T-Roc – 24,041 models sold

Coming in as the fourth most popular Volkswagen model of 2023, 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 third place in the best-selling Volkswagen model list, with over 18,150 sold – so it has slipped back in the rankings. But watch this space as it battles to climb the charts and become VW’s most sold SUV once again.

Browse our latest Volkswagen T-Roc lease deals.

5. Volkswagen T-Cross – 10,371 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 a model that does tend to sit pretty around fifth or sixth spot in VW’s list of most popular cars. But with grounded foundations and design inspiration coming from the Golf, we don’t think it’ll mind that one bit – and nor should you.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen T-Cross lease deals

7. Volkswagen Taigo – 8,723 models sold

Wondering how to pronounce this one, as well as its annual ranking among VW’s best-selling cars?

The VW Taigo, pronounced ‘tie-go’, slots in at a commendable seventh place. But out of 22 total available VW models, that is no bad innings. And, we’ll give it second spot for hardest to say (we’re looking at you Touareg).

The Taigo combines coupe and SUV stature to bring a sleekness to Volkswagen’s crowded SUV line-up. It offers the practicality of a compact crossover, a reliable badge and an extra touch of style.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen Taigo lease deals

6. Volkswagen ID.3 – 10,295 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 (WLTP comb), and a practical amount of space and storage.

For now, it’s VW’s most popular EV and the UK’s number six, sitting just behind the Polestar 2. 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

8. Volkswagen ID.4 – 8,495 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 modular electric drive matric (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 337 miles (WLTP comb) depending on which trim you choose, the Volkswagen ID.4 is an excellent choice for your next VW lease. It also holds position nine in the SMMT’s list of all EV’s sold last year. Which is quite some accolade.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen ID.4 lease deals

Special mention: Volkswagen ID. Buzz – 1,967 models sold

It doesn’t compete among Volkswagen’s most popular cars in terms of registration volumes, but it’s certainly a fan favourite – achieving What car? 2023 Car of the Year.

We couldn’t complete our list of Volkswagen's most popular cars without mentioning the VW ID. Buzz.

New to the range, oozing the iconic design features Volkswagen do so well and combining this with the all-electric successes of the ID. line-up. It’s the perfect meld of MPV, SUV and EV – but we won’t try and create a new abbreviation in its honour (MUVEV, anyone?).

We can’t wait to see it climbing to achieve a legitimate place in Volkswagen’s most popular models list in years to come.

Browse our best-selling Volkswagen ID. Buzz lease deals

There you have it: Volkswagen's most popular cars in 2023 based on UK registrations. Did your favourites make the list?

Here is a full list of Volkswagen's sales figures for 2023.

Most popular Volkswagen models:

1. Volkswagen Golf hatchback – 28,545 models sold
2. Volkswagen Polo – 25,084 models sold
3. Volkswagen Tiguan - 25,049 models sold
4. Volkswagen T-Roc – 24,041 models sold
5. Volkswagen T-Cross – 10,371 models sold
6. Volkswagen ID.3 – 10,295 models sold
7. Volkswagen Taigo – 8,723 models sold
8. Volkswagen ID.4 – 8,495 models sold
9. Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace - 3,819 models sold
10. Volkswagen ID.5 - 3,638 models sold
11. Volkswagen Touareg - 2,877 models sold
12. Volkswagen Up! - 2,618 models sold
13. Volkswagen ID.Buzz - 1,967 models sold
14. Volkswagen Passat - 1,572 models sold
15. Volkswagen Arteon - 1,521 models sold
16. Volkswagen Caddy - 1,507 models sold
17. Volkswagen Golf Estate - 1,252 models sold
18. Volkswagen Multivan - 1,178 models sold
19. Volkswagen Touran - 458 models sold
20. Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle - 307 models sold
21. Volkswagen ID.7 - 13 models sold
22. Volkswagen Caravelle - 9 models sold