2007 top ten best-selling cars in Europe
Peugeot 207 - currently multiplying across Europe like rabbits
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 28 January 2008
The new Peugeot 207 was the highest-selling model in Europe in 2007, with Peugeot doubling sales of the supermini to 437,505 according to figures from JATO Dynamics.
The 207 just pipped the Volkswagen Golf to the number one spot, with VW´s evergreen hatch selling just 2,500 less.
The other big winners were the Vauxhall Corsa - sold as the Opel Corsa outside the UK - with a 41% rise in sales thanks to a new model.
The Volkswagen Passat saloon was a new entry in the top ten, despite sales slipping nearly 10% in 2007.
Sales generally slipped in 2007, with most of Western Europe suffering from stagnant sales. However, huge growth in Eastern Europe meant that overall the industry recorded 0.8% growth in 2007 - a ´huge achievement´, according to JATO, in a generally depressed economy.
VW took the top spot, with 1.6m cars sold, edging out GM´s Opel/Vauxhall models and Ford, both with 1.3m sales.
Renault and Peugeot recorded falling sales, but hung on top fourth and fifth spots respectively.
Europe´s best-selling models in 2007
Peugeot 207
A new model propels the 207 into top spot thanks to good list prices, impressive safety package and good all-round driving. Although it doesn ´t sell nearly as well in the UK, its European sales are quite staggering, especially considering the 207 was met with warm, rather than glowing, reviews.
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Volkswagen Golf
Soon to be replaced due to an incredibly tight margin for VW on this Golf model. VW´s loss is the car-buyer´s gain, as the Golf is as impressive as ever. Strong sales in Germany bucked the trend in a depressed home market, and an increase in sales in this light proves VW still has the brand power.
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Ford Focus
Not quite the sheen of the Golf, but the Focus is widely held to be the best hatch on the European market, holds the top spot in the UK year- upon-year and it comes without the price premium of the German hatch. 2008 model out in March.
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Vauxhall Corsa
New Corsa has been an undeniable winner for Vauxhall, with a Car of the Year gong under its belt and steepling sales bucking the trend in 2007. Annoying C´Mon! advertising campaign hopefully not credited with strong performance.
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Vauxhall Astra
A big step up from previous models and knocking on the door of the Focus, with only a few thousand sales´ difference. Having saved Warrington, the Astra´s now off to save GM´s bacon in the US as the Saturn.
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Renault Clio
A personal favourite of ours at MT, the Clio´s joie de vivre makes it a great option in the supermini sector. But falling sales in the face of increased competition are a surprise - and worrying - result.
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Fiat Punto
The car that restored Fiat to the top table still sells well and is a competent all-round performer, even if doesn´t have the buzz of the new 500. Then again, what does?
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Ford Fiesta
Finally due to be retired at the end of the year by the Verve - or is it? - the Fiesta is aging well and still a strong seller for Ford, particularly in the UK. If only domestic sales were as strong for Ford.
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Volkswagen Passat
The highest-placed saloon in the list, but a big drop in 2007 sales that can only go the same way in 2008 with every manufacturer and their dog replacing their family saloons.
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New Volkswagen Passat Estate review
BMW 3-Series
A European favourite, the 3-Series always creeps into UK sales top tens, despite the price premium. Will face stiff competition in 2008 from the Mercedes C-Class and new Audi A4. Lexus and Infiniti will also contest the segment this year.
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Top ten cars by sales
| Position | Manufacturer | Model | Sales | % change |
| 1 | Peugeot | 207 | 437,505 | 105.5% |
| 2 | Volkswagen | Golf | 435,055 | 4.5% |
| 3 | Ford | Focus | 406,557 | -7.5% |
| 4 | Opel/Vauxhall | Corsa | 402,173 | 41.7% |
| 5 | Opel/Vauxhall | Astra | 402,044 | -7.9% |
| 6 | Renault | Clio | 382,041 | -11.5% |
| 7 | Fiat | Punto | 377,989 | -5.9% |
| 8 | Ford | Fiesta | 355,933 | -0.6% |
| 9 | Volkswagen | Passat | 300,566 | -9.4% |
| 10 | BMW | 3-Series | 295,312 | 2% |
A case of Va-Va-Doom for Renault.
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