Established in Japan in 1937, Toyota has since grown to be a pioneering car manufacturer with a truly global outlook. Its market share in Europe rose to 4.7% in 2019, representing the biggest Asian brand in the continent by volume.
Much of the brand’s success is owed to its high-quality design, drive for innovation, and a hard-earned reputation for reliability. ButToyota is versatile too. Alongside its dependable compacts and hatchbacks, the manufacturer has pushed the boundaries with hybrid technology, while producing impressive sports and heavy-duty vehicles to match.
The brand reported last year that UK demand for its hybrid vehicles was outpacing supply. The current Coronavirus lockdown has significantly impacted the automotive industry, however, with many a Toyota dealer in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England temporarily closed as all non-essential travel is put on hold.
But with sales remaining strong in the first two months of the year, below are the brand’s top-selling passenger vehicles this year to date. Figures are taken from Toyota’s official UK sales report.
Top-selling Toyota passenger vehicles in 2020
- Aygo–5943 sales
The compact Toyota Aygo has been on the market since 2005 and continues to be a popular choice for UK drivers. Positioned at the lower end of the brand’s price range, it’s primarily designed for nipping around busy city streets with ease.
The Aygo’s distinctive details and bold colours help it stand out on the street -but it doesn’t compromise on the interior either. Drivers have the choice of a range of multimedia and safety features to help them get around in maximum comfort.
- Yaris – 5768 sales
The slightly larger Toyota Yaris dates back to 1999, though today the majority of its sales come from its hybrid edition. In that time the brand has refined its performance and handling to provide excellent fuel-efficiency and an exceptionally smooth ride.
Its current anniversary edition boasts a raft of smart safety and entertainment features as standard, including a low-speed pre-collision system and an impressive range of multimedia capabilities.
- Corolla – 5416 sales
Moving further up the size and price range, the Toyota Corolla was first introduced in 1966 and has long been one of the best-selling cars in the world. It’s undergone several major redesigns over time, each one retaining the Corolla’s guiding principles of simplicity and high build quality.
With enough room for plenty of luggage or family trips away, its practicality, fuel economy and competitive pricing are just part of what makes this model so popular with UK drivers.
Why drivers are drawn to the brand
Perhaps above all, Toyota cars are legendary for their reliability. YouGov data shows Brits describe the brand as ‘well made, safe and trustworthy’ – all qualities indicative of machines that can be depended on for many years to come.
Knock-on benefits of Toyota’s commitment to building quality include industry-leading efficiency and safety. They’re cheap to run and safe to drive, all while retaining more of their resale value than most.
Will you be making your next car a Toyota?