In 2023, the Renault Clio took the lead in the registration rankings in France. © Renault/Hamdi Ben Lagha
Since 1974, the ranking of the best-selling passenger cars (PV) in France has always been led by a Renault or Peugeot city car. Depending on the generation, the flagship model of one or the other of the two manufacturers therefore eclipsed its competitor. The Renault Clio 4 sold better than the first generation of Peugeot 208. From 2020, the second generation 208 outperformed the Clio5.
However, in 2023, the fifth generation of Renault Clio has overtaken its main rival for the first time. It thus recorded 97,471 registrations on the passenger car market (14,270 registrations on the light utility market) last year, according to figures from the PFA. The Peugeot 208 takes second place in the ranking. 2023 saw both French market stars undergo a mid-career restyling, but with the Clio having benefited slightly earlier this year, the timing must have worked to its advantage.
Let us also remember that the registration values of the Peugeot 208 include those of its electric version e-208, while Renault has a model in its own right. The Renault Zoé electric city car sold 5,990 units (VP) last year, i.e. at the end of its career, since it will say goodbye in 2024. The podium is completed by the Dacia Sandero, which does better than the aging Citroën C3 (4th place).
TOP 10 BEST-SELLING PASSENGER CARS IN FRANCE IN 2023 (SOURCE: PFA)
| Rank | Model | Registrations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renault Clio | 97,471 |
| 2 | Peugeot 208 | 86,263 |
| 3 | Dacia Sandero | 69 106 |
| 4 | Citroën C3 | 59,603 |
| 5 | Peugeot 2008 | 49,344 |
| 6 | Renault Captur | 47,569 |
| 7 | Peugeot 308 | 45,564 |
| 8 | Tesla Model Y | 37,127 |
| 9 | Dacia Duster | 32,625 |
| 10 | Fiat 500 | 31,973 |
Important new features coming in 2024
In 2024, many models present in this top 10 will be renewed. After the restyling of the Peugeot 2008 in 2023, its main rival, the Renault Captur, will also benefit from a facelift. The Citroën C3 will be replaced by a new generation, first in the 100% electric ë-C3 version, which will compete in particular with the future Renault 5 E-tech electric. A new Dacia Duster was also presented and the Tesla Model could benefit from significant developments this year.