Europe’s best-selling car of 2024 REVEALED and it’s a budget motor which dethroned Tesla – does YOURS make the top 20?

THE most popular car across Europe isn’t a Ford or a Volkswagen – it’s a Dacia.

The £14,000 Sandero supermini sold more than 250,000 copies in 2024, miles ahead of the Golf and Renault Clio in second and third.

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According to recently revealed stats, Dacia sold 268,101 units of the Sandero – making it Europe’s best-selling vehicle across all channels.

It also makes it the best-selling vehicle in the European retail market since 2017.

That means it even outsold the Tesla Model Y.

1. Dacia Sandero – 268,101

The supermini has been on sale in the UK since 2008, with the third-gen model, released in 2020, and especially the 2022 refresh, becoming a hot favourite with motorists.

When Sandero is renewed in 2027 it will come in two power types – petrol and electric.

Its popularity is likely down to a number of factors, not least its low price that makes it a budget alternative to more expensive small hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Polo.

Indeed, the Sandero is the UK’s cheapest new car.

But despite its price, it’s remarkably spacious inside making it great for families.

It also features a comfortable driving position, good fuel economy, and basic but functional gadgets.

2. Renault Clio – 216,317

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As well as being eye-catching, this small French car has a frugal powertrain line-up with an E-tech hybrid option and a 1.0-litre petrol.

It is likely to remain just as popular in 2025 as it was in 2024, some experts say.

3. Volkswagen Golf – 215,715

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It would seem the Volkswagen Golf is sliding down the ranks of Europe’s favourite cars with each year.

But the ever-reliable all-rounder received a facelift in celebration of its 50th anniversary which also enhanced performance.

4. Tesla Model Y – 209,214

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The winning family SUV offers plenty of storage with the latest technology, sports car performance and a panoramic roof.

The Tesla Model Y has been built by Elon Musk‘s electric vehicle manufacturing company in the US, China, and Germany since 2020.

It was revealed that one Tesla Model Y owner was living in her car full-time – and using a hidden feature in the EV to keep warm.

Another Tesla Model Y driver, who took the £45,000 car on a 435-mile road trip, said he found the car’s navigation and supercharging network were “extremely reliable”.

5. VW T-Roc – 202,840

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Always a sought-after car in Europe, the Volkswagen T-Roc was especially so in 2024, and came fifth in the list of best-sellers.

Drivers have said its interior quality has been improved significantly, addressing one of their previous few criticisms.

Very good year for Dacia

2024 was generally a very good year for Dacia as a brand as it became the continent’s biggest seller to retail customers overall.

In total, Dacia sold 676,340 cars last year, which was an increase of nearly 3 per cent on 2023.

They also account for close to 4 per cent of all passenger car sales across Europe.

Dacia is not just about selling low-price hatchbacks though, as Sun Motors’ supremo Rob Gill discovered.

The Romanian marque is currently competing in the world famous Dakar Rally – a punishing 3,200-mile speed test across the breathtaking dunes of Saudi Arabia.

Or, as Rob puts it, the equivalent of the entire WRC season in 13 days.

Our man caught up with the Dacia team, which includes superstar driver Nasser al-Attiyah.