SUVs have invaded the European market, but some traditional car models continue to shine. In a landscape where large vehicles dominate, the Dacia Sandero and the Renault Clio demonstrate that the appetite for compactness is not yet completely extinguished.
A market in full transformation
We, Europeans, often took pleasure in criticising Americans for their penchant for large SUVs, preferring small, agile, and economical cars. But it seems the tide has turned. SUVs have burst onto the Old Continent with such force that they now account for nearly 60% of new vehicle sales. According to a report from the market research company Dataforce, this figure was 41.3% in 2020, and it has climbed to 59.2% in 2025. A true tidal wave!
Volkswagen leading the pack
In this surge, Volkswagen stands out as the king of SUVs. With models like the T-Roc and the Tiguan, the German brand has managed to win the hearts of motorists. Indeed, the T-Roc saw its sales increase by 4.5% during the first eleven months of 2025, reaching 196,123 units. Its bigger brother, the Tiguan, is not far behind with a 1% rise to 180,562 units. One could almost say that these two models have become staples on our roads.
Renault Clio 2026
Small cars are holding their ground
However, in this sea of SUVs, traditional cars have not had their last word. Until November 2025, two non-SUV models have risen among the most popular: the Dacia Sandero and the Renault Clio. Although the Sandero experienced a slight decline of 8.7%, it remains at the top with 225,862 units sold. The Renault Clio, on the other hand, took second place with 206,583 vehicles sold, even showing a 5.2% increase compared to the previous year. This proves that the appetite for small saloons is not completely extinguished.
A declining segment
But beware, the general trend is clear: sales of hatchback saloons are in decline. This segment, which represented 35% of vehicle sales at the beginning of the decade, now accounts for only 23.9%. To give a precise idea, this means dropping from 4.2 million units in 2020 to a forecast of 2.9 million in 2025. The dynamics are worrying for lovers of the small family car.
Impact of SUVs and crossovers
This rise of SUVs and crossovers has also had repercussions on saloons. In 2020, traditional models still held a market share of 4.7%, but this share has fallen to 3.5%, representing about 426,000 vehicles. Estates have also not been spared by this trend, dropping from 10.2% to just 7.1% over the same period. It is safe to say that the situation is concerning for brands that rely on these body styles.
Dacia Sandero 2026
The numbers do not tell the whole story
But beware, all these figures do not tell the entire picture. Manufacturers and journalists have sometimes broadened the definition of an SUV somewhat excessively. Take, for example, the Toyota Yaris Cross: the sixth most popular vehicle in Europe, but in reality, it is an urban crossover. The same goes for the Peugeot 2008, which ranks eighth. Marketing teams have cleverly played with words to entice consumers towards these models at the expense of traditional saloons.
Low prices make the difference
Despite this trend towards the rise of SUVs, price remains a determining factor for many buyers. This is probably why cars like the Sandero and the Clio continue to sell so well. Models such as the Peugeot 208, the Opel Corsa, the Toyota Yaris, the Citroën C3, and the Skoda Octavia also feature in the top 20 best-selling vehicles in Europe in 2025. A true return to basics for those seeking good value for money.
In summary, despite the invasion of SUVs, small cars like the Dacia Sandero and the Renault Clio continue to attract European motorists. In a world where everything seems to be getting larger, these models remind us that sometimes, less is more.
