Category: Blog

Hey car lovers! If you’re curious about what everyone was buying last year, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a spin through the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars of 2025, with a quick look at what makes each one stand out.

1. Ford Puma: The Comeback King – The Ford Puma is back on top! After a strong showing in May, it’s been cruising ahead of the pack, even if it missed the #1 spot a couple of times. The motoring press loves it, and it’s got a solid Expert Rating of A (72%). If you want a crossover that’s both popular and well-reviewed, this is your ride.

2. Kia Sportage: Always a Contender – The Kia Sportage nearly took the crown last year and started 2025 with a bang. It’s super consistent, but just can’t quite catch the Puma. Still, with an A rating (73%), it’s a smart choice for anyone after a reliable SUV.

3. Nissan Qashqai: The British Star – The Nissan Qashqai is a homegrown hero – designed, developed, and built right here in the UK. It’s always in the top 10 and was the best-seller back in 2022. This year, it’s still shining with an A rating (74%).

4. Vauxhall Corsa: The Compact Favourite – The Vauxhall Corsa is a classic for a reason – compact, affordable, and loved by many. It’s slipped a bit in the rankings but still holds its own. The petrol version has a C rating (65%), but if you go electric, you get an A (71%).

5. Nissan Juke: The Funky Alternative – Looking for something a bit different? The Nissan Juke is a quirky, compact crossover that’s been winning fans as a smaller, cheaper alternative to the Qashqai. It’s got a B rating (68%) and plenty of personality.

6. Volkswagen Golf: The Steady Performer – The Volkswagen Golf is a staple on UK roads. It’s never been the absolute best-seller, but it’s always in the mix. This year, it’s sitting pretty with an A rating (77%) – the highest on this list!

7.Volvo XC40: The Stylish Swede – It’s one of Volvo’s most affordable models and, while its sales have been a bit up and down, it still makes the cut.

8. MG HS: The Value Champ – If you’re after value for money, the MG HS is hard to beat. It’s MG’s most popular model this year, offering lots of car for your cash and an A rating (75%).

9. Volkswagen Tiguan: The Up-and-Comer – The Volkswagen Tiguan has been bouncing around the top 10, but is now matching the Golf’s popularity. It’s got an A rating (76%) and is a great pick if you want a family-friendly SUV.

10. Hyundai Tucson: The Reliable Rival – The Hyundai Tucson is always in the conversation, especially if you’re comparing it to the Sportage or Qashqai. It’s back in the top 10 with an A rating (74%).

2025 New Car Registrations

Position	Make Model	No of Registrations	Where to Find the Car Mats
1	Ford Puma	55,488	Ford Puma Car Mats
2	Kia Sportage	47,788	Kia Sportage Car Mats
3	Nissan Qashqai	41,141	Nissan Qashqai Car Mats
4	Vauxhall Corsa	35,947	Vauxhall Corsa Car Mats
5	Nissan Juke	34,773	Nissan Juke Car Mats
6	Volkswagen Golf	32,478	VW Golf Car Mats
7	Volvo XC40	30,404	Volvo XC40 Car Mats
8	MG HS	30,191	MG HS Car Mats
9	Volkswagen Tiguan	29,857	VW Tiguan Car Mats
10	Hyundai Tucson	28,613	Hyundai Tucson Car Mats

So, whether you’re looking for something sporty, practical, or just want to follow the crowd, these are the cars making waves in the UK right now. Which one would you pick for your next adventure?

After a five-year absence, Kia is making a comeback to UK roads – and it’s bringing something special. Kia has officially announced that the second-generation Seltos compact SUV will launch in the UK in summer 2026, marking the first time this global best-seller will be available to British drivers.

What Makes the Seltos Stand Out?
The new Seltos is designed to turn heads and challenge the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc. It’s a little smaller than the popular Sportage but bigger than the Niro, aiming to capture the sweet spot for drivers who want practicality with a dash of style. Kia is targeting younger, style-conscious buyers with a “lifestyle” focus, offering a vibrant colour palette – think Iceberg Green and Magma Red – that ensures you’ll stand out in any car park.

Powertrains and Tech
Built on the same K3 platform as the Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona, the Seltos will offer several engine options:

• A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (147bhp)
• A 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol, with 178bhp (manual) or 192bhp (automatic)
• A hybrid version, expected to combine a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 139bhp, similar to the Niro

Due to stricter UK emissions rules, the 2.0-litre model may not make it to British showrooms, but the hybrid is confirmed for 2026. Kia has reworked the Seltos to meet all EU safety and emissions standards, clearing the way for its European debut.

Why Now?
Kia’s CEO, Ho Sung Song, describes the Seltos as “one of Kia’s most strategically important cars globally, like the Sportage,” which sold over half a million units in 2025 alone. With more than 150,000 Sportage’s sold annually in Europe, Kia sees a huge opportunity for the Seltos to capture new fans.

When and How Much?
While the official UK launch date and pricing are still under wraps, expect more details early next year. Industry insiders estimate the Seltos will start at around £30,000 – a competitive entry point for a tech-packed, stylish compact SUV.

Seltos Car Mats
We are committed to being the first to market with car mats specifically designed for Seltos models, when they are introduced to the UK later this year. Available in both luxury carpet and heavy-duty rubber, they are complemented by an extensive selection of custom trim choices. Choosing quality car mats will enhance the interior of your Seltos and achieve an elevated standard of refinement and style, surpassing even its exterior appeal.

A new player is about to enter the UK’s premium car market, it has big ambitions and it’s coming from China. Zeekr, part of the Geely family (which also owns or has stakes in Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and Smart), is gearing up for a UK launch in 2026, aiming to challenge established giants like Audi, BMW and Porsche.

What Is Zeekr Bringing to the Table?
Already making waves in parts of Europe, Zeekr is expanding its retailer network and moving beyond an online-only sales model. The brand’s line-up is impressive and diverse:

• Zeekr 001: A stylish shooting-brake EV targeting Porsche Taycan buyers – Shop car mats for Zeekr 001
• Zeekr X: A compact SUV rivaling the BMW iX1 – Shop car mats for Zeekr X.
• Zeekr 7X: A mid-size SUV aimed at the BMW iX3 – Shop car mats for Zeekr 7X
• Zeekr 009 MPV: An eye-catching electric people-mover – Shop car mats for Zeekr 009
• Zeekr 9X “Super Hybrid”: The flagship, boasting a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine paired with three electric motors for a jaw-dropping 1,395bhp and 0-62mph in just 3.1 seconds – Shop car mats for Zeekr 9X

Fast Charging and Long Range
Zeekr’s vehicles are designed for tech-savvy drivers who value performance and convenience. The 9X “super hybrid” can charge from 10% to 80% in about 10 minutes, and its quoted range is an impressive 746 miles (combining petrol and electric power under generous test conditions).

Competitive Pricing and Warranty
One of Zeekr’s biggest selling points is its pricing – set below German rivals, with plenty of features included and a 10-year warranty. According to Zeekr’s European CEO, Lothar Schupet, the UK is a priority market, and the brand is targeting direct competition with Germany’s premium brands in the mid-term.

Who Is Zeekr Targeting?
Zeekr aims to attract three main groups:
• Tech enthusiasts looking for the latest innovations.
• Drivers switching from Tesla or Porsche Taycan.
• Traditional premium buyers seeking better value than German brands.

The Bigger Picture
Zeekr’s UK debut is part of a broader trend, with other global brands like Toyota launching ultra-luxury models to rival Range Rover and Bentley. The competition is heating up, and buyers now have more choices than ever for high-tech, high-performance vehicles.

Zeekr Car Mats
As ever, we are looking to be first to market for car mats for Zeekr models when they arrive in the UK in 2026. Available in luxury carpet and heavy duty rubber, with a great range of custom trim options to choose from, your Zeekr will look even better inside than it does from the outside.

Game-changer?
Zeekr’s arrival in the UK promises to shake up the premium EV market with rapid-charging, high-performance models, competitive pricing, and a tech-focused approach. If you’re considering a new electric vehicle, keep an eye out for Zeekr’s launch in 2026 – it could be a game-changer.

Chery’s expansion into the UK is a new chapter for the Chinese automotive brand. Yet, Chery’s entry into the UK is far from abrupt, the company is ready for the market, having already introduced two of its subsidiary brands – Omoda and Jaecoo to British buyers over the past twelve months.

Chery’s Strategic Launch in Britain
Omoda and Jaecoo debuted together in 2024, quickly establishing a robust network of 75 dealerships nationwide. The arrival of vehicles bearing the Chery badge marks the centrepiece of a broader five-brand initiative by Chery Automobile Group. Although Chery remains relatively unknown to UK motorists, it has held the title of China’s largest vehicle exporter for decades.

Chery’s approach is to assign each brand a specific segment of rivals: Omoda competes with European marques such as Cupra, while Jaecoo targets the premium end, going head-to-head with Land Rover’s Range Rover. In addition to the parent brand, the group is considering launching two further names in the UK – Lepas, positioned as a value brand, and iCaur (known as iCar in China), which specialises in off-road vehicles. Either or both could appear on British forecourts as soon as next year.

Fluid Plans and Speculation
Chery’s UK strategy has been notably dynamic, leaving industry observers struggling to predict its next steps. Various forecasts suggested Lepas would be the third brand after Omoda and Jaecoo, while some rumours claim iCaur may not launch in Britain at all, and others point to Jetour as a possible candidate for the market. Chery already manufactures Omoda models in Spain and there is speculation, perhaps more hope than certainty, that a UK production facility could follow, likely serving as an assembly centre for imported components, similar to MG’s previous operations in Birmingham.

Understanding Chery: Background and Growth
Despite being a relatively youthful presence among global automotive giants, Chery is one of China’s oldest carmakers. Ranked fourth among China’s domestic car groups, it takes the top spot for exports. The brand has always been state-owned. Founded in 1997 by officials in Wuhu, Anhui province, Chery launched its first car, the Fengyun, in 1999, based on the SEAT Toledo. The company initially sold only within Anhui due to regulatory constraints, with nationwide sales not permitted until 2003.

Chery’s early years were marked by controversy, including accusations from General Motors over the Chery QQ’s resemblance to the Daewoo Matiz, and legal threats from Volkswagen regarding alleged copying of the Jetta. Attempts to break into the American market failed, resulting in a lawsuit loss to US partner Visionary Vehicles. However, Chery’s fortunes improved as it invested in engineering and design, launching the A3 in 2007, styled by Pininfarina, and achieving China’s first five-star safety rating. By 2009, Chery produced its own engines, supplied Fiat, and was manufacturing over half a million cars annually.

In 2009, Chery began making electric vehicles and shifted towards a multi-brand strategy, though initial plans for 100 models were later scaled back. In 2012, the company partnered with Jaguar Land Rover, building Range Rovers for the Chinese market and launching a new EV range under the Freelander name. Chery revived its multi-brand ambitions with launches such as Cowin and Exeed, though the latter’s American debut is still pending. The group’s global vision remains undiminished, with the ‘Double 50’ strategy targeting 500,000 annual exports – a goal surpassed, as Chery shipped over 900,000 vehicles abroad by the end of 2023.

Recent Moves and Upcoming Models
Chery’s recent exports include its first ventures into Europe, with Omoda and Jaecoo arriving in the UK in early 2024. Lepas and iCaur are also being readied for the British market, and the launch of Chery-branded vehicles has surprised industry watchers.

UK Launch Timeline
As of December 2025, Chery is in the final stages of its UK rollout and cars are expected to be on British roads shortly thereafter. Omoda and Jaecoo have swiftly gained traction, selling 20,000 vehicles and establishing over 70 dealerships within their first year in Britain.

Chery Models Available in the UK
Chery’s initial UK offerings consist of two SUVs: the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8. The Tiggo 7 is a competitively priced mid-sized SUV, available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine or a plug-in hybrid capable of 56 miles on electric power alone. With prices under £25,000 for petrol and under £30,000 for the plug-in, it aims squarely at rivals like the Dacia Bigster. The Tiggo 8 is a larger, seven-seat version, sharing the same engine options. Pricing for the Tiggo 8 is yet to be confirmed. Future model launches may include further Chery vehicles or even new brands, though details remain under wraps.

Where to Experience Chery in the UK
Opportunities to test-drive Chery cars are presently limited due to the newness of the launch, but rapid expansion is anticipated. Omoda and Jaecoo established widespread dealer networks quickly, and Chery intends to follow suit with dedicated showrooms. Many current Omoda and Jaecoo dealers, including major groups like Arnold Clark, are expected to add Chery outlets.

Chery’s Global Significance
Chery may not yet be a household name among British drivers, even those familiar with other Chinese brands like BYD. However, its global impact is substantial – it has been China’s largest automotive exporter since 2003. In 2024 alone, Chery shipped over 1.1 million vehicles to more than 80 markets, with the UK set to receive an increasing share.

What Sets Chery Apart?
Unlike most carmakers, which build brand recognition through a unified badge or occasional upmarket sub-brands, Chery is notable for its proliferation of new brands. By mid-2025, it boasts at least 14 different marques and over 50 models worldwide. Chery’s approach is markedly more complex than other Chinese entrants, such as BYD and GWM, who opt for a more streamlined strategy.

Conclusion
Tracking Chery’s progress in the UK is no simple task, given the breadth and complexity of its ambitions. Nevertheless, the swift success of Omoda and Jaecoo, combined with Chery’s formidable export record, suggests that the Chery badge may soon become as familiar on UK streets as those of its competitors.

Car mats are a great gift, but as our car mats are custom made to order, we would recommend that orders for Christmas gifts should be placed by:

• • 1:30pm on Thursday 11 December 2025

Please see our full Christmas/New Year information here.

Happy Christmas everybody – Prestige Car Mat Company

Rubber car mats offer very practical solutions and many benefits, they’re versatile and durable, weatherproof, and offer excellent protection for your car floor. But there’s sometimes one problem – ‘the rubber smell!!’

If you fit rubber car mats straight out of the packaging and into the car, you may quickly start to notice a ‘rubber smell’, however it should disappear in a few days usually. But if it lingers, we have a number of rubber odour removal tips to help. Continue reading Rubber Car Mats – Getting rid of a ‘rubber smell’ from rubber car mats

Car showrooms in England can re-open to the public on June 1, following the easing of the existing lockdown measures, but decisions when dealerships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can re-open has yet to be decided and will be made independently.

Buyers can now visit showrooms to see the cars and talk to sales staff face-to-face, but with strict social distancing measures in place. Sales can be processed in person or online, including finance agreements, and many dealerships have already intr0duced home delivery services. Continue reading Dealerships to start selling cars from June 1

According to research undertaken by Auto Express, many car speedometer readings are not as accurate as they could be.

The results, taken from a sample of 10 models from leading car manufacturers, including BMW, Volvo, Peugeot, Kia, Skoda, Mazda, Dacia and Seat, showed that it would be wise for driver’s not to put too much trust on the accuracy of their cars’s speedo. Continue reading Can you trust your car’s speedo?

New rules provisionally agreed by the EU regarding speed limiting technology look set to become mandatory for all vehicles sold in Europe from 2022.

The Department for Transport said the system would also apply in the UK, despite the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

Road safety campaigners welcomed the decision, saying it would save thousands of lives. Continue reading UK set to adopt vehicle speed limitation technology

Jaguar Land Rover has issued a voluntary recall after it was found that 10 models were emitting more CO2 than they were officially certified for.

The Vehicle Certification Agency found the irregularities, which affect a number of models using 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines, sold in the UK between 2016 and 2019.

Models include the Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, F-Type, XE and XF and the Land Rover Discovery and Discovery Sport and certain Range Rover Evoque, Velar and Sport models. Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover recall 44,000 cars over high CO2 emissions

One of the most desirable Porsche’s ever made will be up for auction at this weekend’s Race Retro at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.

An original Porsche 356 A Speedster will be going under the hammer and could fetch between £280,000 and £320,000.

Built in 1958, the 356 A T2 Speedster is one of an estimated 555 making up the final and most desirable production run of the model. Continue reading 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster to go under the hammer at Race Retro

Fingerprint scanners will now be used to unlock and start your car, as Hyundai have announced that the technology will initially be available on its 2019 Santa Fe SUV.

The South Korean manufacturer is making the feature available in select markets (as yet unknown) in the first quarter of this year before making it more widely available. Continue reading Is this the end of the car key?

A new car sharing service is to be launched at Manchester Airport with future plans to expand to Birmingham and Gatwick airports.

ForestCar will enable passengers flying from Manchester Airport to rent out their vehicles while they’re away, in a move that will potentially disrupt the airport parking and car rental market. Continue reading Car sharing service for passengers to be launched at Manchester Airport

The number of cars failing the MOT has more than doubled since tougher rules were introduced in May to improve air quality and make UK roads safer.

Nearly 750,000 cars failed the test in the six months after the change on May 20, compared with 350,000 during the same period last year. Continue reading MOT failure’s soar after rule changes

Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle, the I-Pace, has been voted the overall Car of the Year at the 2018 Scottish Car of the Year Awards.

The I-Pace was also voted the Best Alternative Fuel Car, as Jaguar picked a trio of top-spot’s at the awards ceremony held at the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club in Edinburgh last night.

The F-Pace’s ‘little brother’, the compact performance SUV, the E-Pace, completed the hat-trick of awards, as it beat all rivals to collect the Best Premium SUV title. Continue reading Jaguar I-Pace named 2018 Scottish Car Of The Year

BMW will unveil the new 2019 BMW 3 Series at the Paris Motor Show which begins today.

Codenamed G20, the all-new seventh-generation executive saloon is larger, lighter and more efficient, and continues BMW’s evolutionary design philosophy that has underlined every new 3 Series since it was first launched in 1975. Continue reading BMW to unveil new 3 series at Paris motor show

Drivers who are stopped by the police will have their licences immediately revoked if they fail a a new on-the-spot eyesight test, as part of a crackdown on road safety.

Throughout September, every motorist stopped by officers in three pilot areas, Thames Valley, Hampshire and West Midlands, will have to pass a basic vision test before being allowed to continue driving. If the driver cannot read a number plate clearly from a distance of 20 metres they will have their licence revoked on the spot. Continue reading Drivers will lose licence for on-the-spot eye test failure

New research suggests that one in three car buyers would consider purchasing a car they have not seen up close and personal.

The survey, carried out by CitNOW, an automotive video specialist, asked 2000 second-hand car buyers about their car buying habits and it was found that a third of car buyers would consider parting with their money after seeing a picture or video of the vehicle. Continue reading One third of car buyers would consider buying a car they haven’t seen

The RAC is warning drivers about fake social media posts and emails falsely linking cars to recent fires that only occur in hot weather and heatwaves.

According to some online reports, filling your car’s petrol tank in high temperatures could cause a fuel tank explosion, however the RAC has dismissed these claims as a social media hoax. Continue reading RAC issues ‘fake news’ warning over exploding petrol tanks

A new Guinness World Record has been set by Jaguar Land Rover Deutschland GmbH for the largest ever parade of Land Rovers and Range Rovers.

The world record, set in Bad Kissingen, Bavaria, Germany, consisted of 632 Land Rover and Range Rovers, of which over 80% were Land Rover Defenders.

Jaguar Land Rover Deutschland set the new record, with the help of volunteers, as part of Land Rover’s 70th anniversary celebrations marking the original Land Rover’s unveiling, which took place on 30 April 1948 at the Amsterdam Motor Show. Continue reading Parade of Land Rovers and Range Rovers sets new Guinness World Record