The best-selling cars in Europe in 2024

The German automotive market research company "Dataforce" has revealed its list of the best-selling cars in Europe for 2024, and the results were somewhat surprising.

This year, small cars dominated the top three spots in sales across the European continent: the Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio, and Volkswagen Golf.

According to the "Dataforce" report, the compact Dacia Sandero recorded sales of 270,111 units in the European Union, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the United Kingdom.

The sales of this small hatchback model increased by 14.3% compared to the previous year.

The Sandero significantly outperformed its more mechanically advanced sibling, the Renault Clio, which ended 2024 with sales of 216,569 units, reflecting a 6.5% year-over-year increase.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Golf, which once dominated the European car sales charts, slipped to third place with 216,549 units sold, marking a 17.5% year-over-year increase.

The difference between Clio and Golf sales was only 20 units. Since "Dataforce" figures account for 98% of cars sold in December across the EU, EFTA, and the UK, the final full-year figures may vary slightly.

It’s not hard to see why the Dacia Sandero topped the sales charts last year.

Like all Dacia models, it offers a practical vehicle at a low price, with decent equipment and a simple, non-controversial design.

While its three-cylinder engines are not particularly powerful, the naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.0-liter options are well-suited for those seeking a budget-friendly car.

In some markets, the Sandero is sold directly from the factory with an LPG-compatible engine, making it cheaper to operate. In Dacia"s home market of Romania, LPG costs roughly half the price of standard gasoline.

To keep costs low, Sandero has avoided transitioning to electric vehicles. However, Dacia’s CEO, Denis Le Vot, told "Automotive News Europe" that this will change in 2027 when the next-generation model will include an electric version.