Chinese Cars Grab 18% of UK New Car Market – MG Leads the Charge
Bottom line: In December, Chinese‑made cars accounted for 18.2% of all new registrations in the UK, with MG taking the surprising second spot behind Volkswagen.
Chinese Cars Grab 18% of UK New Car Market – MG Leads the Charge
Image: Chinese Cars Grab 18% of UK New Car Market – MG Leads the Charge – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Chinese manufacturers have finally caught up on style. MG’s latest hatchback sports a sleek front grille and LED headlights that look familiar enough to sit beside a German rival. Chery’s Tiggo 8 adopts a bold SUV silhouette, while BYD’s Tang offers a futuristic electric crossover design. The common thread is a focus on modern, family‑friendly aesthetics rather than the cheap‑look image of the past.
Performance & Mileage
Performance is no longer a weak point. MG’s 1.5‑litre turbo engine delivers about 35 mpg (WLTP), which is respectable for its price class. Chery’s hybrid powertrain pushes the mileage up to roughly 45 mpg, and BYD’s all‑electric Tang can travel around 250 miles on a single charge – enough for most UK commutes.
Price & Rivals
Affordability is the real game‑changer. MG starts at roughly £22,000, undercutting many German compact cars. Chery and BYD sit in the £24‑30k range, still cheaper than comparable models from Volkswagen or Toyota. This price pressure helped the overall market grow by 50% last year, with Chinese EVs grabbing 29% of the UK electric‑car share.
| Brand | Engine | Mileage (WLTP) | Price (£) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG (HS) | 1.5L Turbo | ~35 mpg | £22,000 |
|
| Chery Tiggo 8 | 1.6L Hybrid | ~45 mpg | £24,500 |
|
| BYD Tang | Electric | ~250 miles | £30,000 |
|
FAQ
What share of UK new car registrations did Chinese brands achieve in December?
They made up 18.2% of all new car registrations.
Which Chinese brand became the second best‑selling car in the UK?
MG secured the number‑two spot, just behind Volkswagen.
Are Chinese cars affordable compared to European rivals?
Yes. MG starts around £22,000, roughly £3‑5k less than comparable German or Japanese models.
What do you think about Chinese cars taking a larger slice of the UK market? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
