Most popular new cars for the 231 registration period

As we head into 2023, these are likely to be some of the most popular cars for the 231 sales period.

It’s almost that time of year again. No, not Christmas, not New Year’s Eve, but something far more joyous — the competition to see who can spot the first car with the new year’s reg number. Alright, switching to a dual-period system back in 2013 may have taken some of the thrill out the glorious and ancient tradition, but ten years on from the change, the sight of the first “231” car will surely bring a glimmer of hope and wonder to the dark and miserable January.

Though the year may be about to change, what won’t have changed are the tastes of Irish buyers. There’s no slew of new models hitting the market in January, so what was popular in 2022 is almost certainly still going to dominate the charts in the first half of 2023.

At the time of writing, the Hyundai Tucson is on course to be Ireland’s most popular car in 2022, with five models from Toyota in the top ten making it the best-selling car brand. None of that is likely to change for the 231 period. While there are new models on the way in 2023 that may prove popular — the Nissan X-Trail, the Renault Austral and the Mégane E-Tech Electric to name a few — these probably won’t make a significant market impact at least in the first part of the year and the top 10 best-sellers for the 231 period is likely to look very similar to the top 10 best-sellers in 2022.

Hyundai Tucson

Ireland’s best-selling car in 2021 and (almost certainly) 2022 and with good reason. The Tucson’s design is appealing compared to its rather bland predecessor and there’s a choice of diesel, hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. Add in a strong level of spec, a seven-year warranty and excellent value for money and the Tucson’s level of success among Irish buyers isn’t any great surprise.

Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross hasn’t hit Irish roads in earnest yet, but it’s hard to believe it won’t be a strong seller in Ireland based on a pretty wide range of indicators. It’s a Toyota for starters which, judging by the rest of the field, is practically guaranteed to give it a place in the top 10. It’s a crossover too, like eight of that same top 10. It has a lot going for it in terms of its spaciousness, inoffensive styling, a decent level of spec and its 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain (a 1.8 is due to follow). Toyota has played it very safe with the Corolla Cross but, judging by the success of its smaller Yaris Cross model, the company is onto a winner.

Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 is Ireland’s best-selling electric car by a long shot, way, way ahead of the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6 and its own sibling, the VW ID.3. Even with more competition coming in the form of the new Renault Mégane, such is the ID.4’s lead over its rivals that it looks set to maintain its position for some time to come. And why wouldn’t it? It looks good, is decent to drive, well-specced (though VW going all-in on the touchscreens may put some off) and, depending on the model, offers a range of up to 511km, which is impressive.

Toyota Corolla

A Corolla that looks nice and is pretty decent to drive? A Corolla? Seriously? The latest-generation Corolla was something of a revelation in Toyota terms offering all of the model’s stellar reputation for reliability and build quality with a measure of buyer appeal beyond the strictly sensible. The standard 1.8-litre hybrid hatchback will suit most, though those in need of more space in the rear can opt for the saloon (traditionally a favourite for Irish buyers) or the Touring Sports estate.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Tucson, though its looks, especially at the front, really set it apart (in a good or bad way, depending on your taste). The Sportage majors on space and reliability with a substantial 587-litre boot and a choice of diesel or hybrid powertrains. The diesel is considerably cheaper than the entry-level hybrid, so it’s arguably the one to go for as both return similar economy figures. While the Sportage is likely to retain its top 10 status for the 231 period, don’t discount the Kia Niro making a splash either.

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai has been lurking just outside the list of top 10 best-sellers for some time, so depending on when the new e-Power model arrives, it could just give the Qashqai the leg-up it needs to get back into the top 10. The Qashqai is looking pretty good these days, and there’s a lot to be said for the new e-Power model that basically drives like an electric car but with an engine on board to keep the battery charged and electric motor supplied with power.

Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is one of the best superminis out there and the latest model has proven deservedly popular with Irish buyers. It looks great for one, reliability is strong and the 1.5-litre petrol hybrid model returns excellent fuel economy. Though a tad cramped, it’s broadly on a par with competitors inside. From a sales perspective, it’s almost in a league of its own. The Yaris is Ireland’s seventh best-selling car at the time of writing; the next nearest supermini is the Volkswagen Polo, way down in 20th place.

Toyota Yaris Cross

Bored of Toyotas yet? The Irish car market certainly isn’t. The Yaris Cross is, as its name suggests, the crossover equivalent of the Yaris and uses the same 1.5-litre petrol hybrid powertrain that gives it sufficient — if not breath-taking — performance. Performance is missing the point though. This is a pleasant, practical and spacious car with plenty of boot space (more than either the more-expensive Toyota CH-R and the Corolla hatch) making it a strong competitor for the likes of the Renault Captur and Skoda Kamiq. Buyers seem to agree; the Yaris Cross made its debut in 2022 and is on track to be Ireland’s eighth best-selling car for the year — something that is likely to continue for the 231 sales period, the arrival of the Corolla Cross notwithstanding.