Discover why the budget-friendly Dacia Sandero outsold SUVs and EVs across Europe in 2025. Read the full analysis now!
EU SUV market surges
From 41% of new‑car registrations in 2020, SUVs now claim roughly 59% of the European market in 2025. Models such as the VW T‑Roc and Toyota Yaris Cross have redefined the segment, shifting consumer preference toward higher ground clearance and a robust look.
Traditional body styles lose ground
While hatchbacks, sedans and estates once dominated, their combined share has slumped. Hatchbacks fell from 35% to 23.9%, and sedans now represent only 3.5% of the market.
The budget hatchback that outpaced the hype
Despite the SUV “storm,” the B‑segment hatchback Dacia Sandero is projected to finish 2025 as Europe’s best‑selling car for the second year running. Starting at under €13,000 (about $14,000) in Germany, the Sandero offers a cost‑effective solution for buyers battling inflation.
Sales performance
Sandero deliveries rose from just over 168,000 units in 2020 to more than 225,000 by November 2025, underscoring the continuing appetite for inexpensive, reliable transport even as the market pivots toward electrification.
What this means for manufacturers
The decline of conventional models suggests many brands will concentrate on high‑ground‑clearance vehicles to protect margins. Yet the Sandero’s success highlights a clear split in European consumer demand: a segment chasing modern SUVs and EVs, and another clinging to value‑driven, low‑cost cars.
For a deeper dive into the data and what it means for the future of mobility, explore our full report.