Volkswagen T-Roc becomes Europe’s best-selling car in August

Although it is nearing replacement by a new generation expected to reach the market at the end of this year, the Volkswagen T-Roc is still winning over buyers at a rapid pace. In August, the “made in Portugal” SUV became Europe’s best-selling model, displacing the previous month’s sales leader, the Dacia Sandero (source: Dataforce).

The T-Roc recorded 14,252 registrations, up 12.4% on the same month in 2024. The Dacia Sandero, meanwhile, slipped to second place with 13,416 units, a decline of 11.3% that extends the negative trend seen in the preceding month.

Volkswagen T-Roc leads Europe’s August sales

Another model from the German marque completed the podium: the Volkswagen Tiguan, with 11,834 units (+6.2%). The Volkswagen Group’s strength in the ranking was also underlined by the Golf, which took 10th place (9,350 units, -0.6%).

The Renault Clio was another notable top seller, claiming fourth place with 11,799 units (-0.8%). Like the T-Roc, the Clio has recently unveiled its sixth generation, although it will not arrive on the market until 2026.

The Renault Group is another manufacturer challenging the Volkswagen Group, placing three models in the Top 10. Alongside the Clio and Sandero, the Dacia Duster ranked eighth with 9,442 units, despite a 16% fall compared with 2024.

Toyota secured two positions on the list: the Yaris Cross came fifth with 11,558 units (+9.3%), followed by the Yaris in seventh with 9,491 units (-6.1%).

Other best-selling cars in Europe during August

Also among Europe’s 10 best-selling cars in August were the Hyundai Tucson, in sixth place with 10,749 units (27.1%), and the Opel Corsa, in ninth with 9,358 units (0.5%).

Outside the Top 10, the BMW 1 Series stood out among Europe’s best-selling cars in August after sales surged by an impressive 137.8% - more than doubling - while the Citroën C3 posted growth of 98.3%.

By contrast, the Tesla Model Y (-38.5%), Volkswagen Polo (-32.1%) and Skoda Karoq (-24.1%) were among the models suffering the sharpest sales declines in August.

Year-to-date figures

From January to August 2025, the Dacia Sandero retained its lead, reaching total sales of 166,009 units. This was despite selling 9.4% fewer vehicles than in the equivalent period last year. The Renault Clio occupied the second podium position, with 149,768 units, 5.8% more than in August 2024.

The Volkswagen T-Roc again rounded off the podium, with 141,600 units and a decline of 1.7%. This is a surprising result given that the current T-Roc generation will be discontinued by the end of this year.

Expanding the ranking to the 50 best-selling cars in Europe so far this year, the Volkswagen ID.3 recorded the strongest growth: 39.1%, to 49,489 units.

The Tesla Model Y registered the biggest sales drop in the year-to-date figures as well, falling 34% to 83,480 registered units.