ROME – 2024 is off to a good start for the car market in Italy, but electric cars are collapsing. In January, 141,946 cars were registered in our country for an increase of 10.6% compared to the 128,329 in 2023. A result in line with the forecasts of Unrae, which estimates for the whole of 2024 a total of 1,600,000 license plates, equal at around 2.1% growth. But electric car sales have taken a nosedive. In fact, in the first month of 2024, only 2,947 full electric cars were registered in the Peninsula (-56.6% compared to the previous month and -11.6% compared to January 2023), with the market share falling to 2. 1% from the 6.1% recorded in December 2023 and from the 2.6% in January 2023. The fully electric vehicle fleet thus stands at 222,711 units.
But let’s see what the 10 best-selling cars were in January.
1. Fiat Panda – 11,149 units
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Without too many surprises, even in the first month of 2024 the queen of the market in Italy is the Fiat Panda which registered 11,149 units confirming its leadership. Offered with various bi-fuel petrol/LPG and mild hybrid units, for a power range from 69 to 85 HP, the Lingotto best seller is among the smallest sedans in circulation with a 3.69 meter body which contains a passenger compartment for 4 people. The model’s strong point is its easy handling in city traffic, as well as its load capacity from 225 to 870 litres. The range includes different versions, also with 4X4 mechanics, and includes the Cross urban SUV configuration. The price list starts from 15,500 euros.
2. Dacia Sandero – 6,617 units
The race in the sedan market of the Romanian Renault brand continues unstoppable and in January, with 6,617 units registered, it took the second step of the podium in the top ten. This, thanks to the extremely competitive price list, starting from 11,500 euros, combined with higher category contents: including an infotainment system with 8″ screen, associated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection interfaces. There are two body versions for the model, Streetway sedan and Stepway crossover, while the engine range includes petrol and bi-fuel petrol/LPG units up to 110 HP.
3. Citroën C3 – 4,697 units
The new generation is about to arrive in dealerships, but this has not stopped the run of the Citroën C3 which continues to be one of the most popular cars in Italy and with 4,697 units occupies third place in the ranking. The unconventional design, characterized by unique features such as the air bumpers on the sides, makes it immediately recognizable and for those who are not satisfied, the French car can be customized with as many as 97 color combinations and 23 bodywork configurations. The range includes two petrol versions, 83 and 110 HP, and a 100 HP diesel variant. Prices start from 18,200 euros.
4. Jeep Avenger – 4,389 units
Fourth place went to the Jeep Avenger which convinced 4,389 customers in January. The small off-road vehicle from the American Stellantis brand has an unmistakable look that recalls that of its bigger sisters, showing off the classic 7-slot grille on the front. It offers the possibility to choose between the 100 HP 1.2 turbo petrol version, or the 101 HP 1.2 mild hybrid, and the 115 kW (156 HP) zero-emission electric variant. To have it you have to spend at least 24,300 euros.
5. Lancia Ypsilon – 3,910 units
In fifth position in the top ten for January we find the Lancia Ypsilon with 3,910 units registered. Even though the debut of the new generation is now imminent, also offered in an all-electric version, the small car from Turin continues to generate sales. It appeals for the chic and glamorous verve that makes it a unique model, but also for the exclusive features that facilitate its use in the city: such as the control to lighten the steering during maneuvers, or the parking camera. Among the engines it offers mild hybrid and bifuel units
petrol/LPG with 69 and 70 HP and is available in 14 versions with a price list starting from 15,600 euros.
6. Toyota Yaris Cross – 3,788 units
Sixth place in the ranking is occupied by the Toyota Yaris Cross which won 3,788 customers in Italy in January. The crossover layout of the bodywork is the Japanese’s winning ace, equipped underneath with the same 116 HP and 131 HP full hybrid system as the Yaris sedan. The latter, available with front or all-wheel drive mechanics, according to the manufacturer’s data, allows the car to have reference fuel consumption, reduced by up to 4.4 liters per 100 km in the mixed cycle. In addition to making them travel several stretches of road in zero-emission electric mode. The price list starts from 28,050 euros.
7. Peugeot 2008 – 3,289 units
The small-medium crossover from Leone ranks seventh with 3,289 units registered. Characterized in the bodywork design by sculpted and aggressive shapes, it offers a cabin where hi-tech style reigns, underlined by the dashboard which features a three-dimensional digital dashboard. The high driving position makes it a car also favored by the female public and the range includes various hybrid, petrol and diesel versions up to 136 HP, alongside electric variants of 100 and 115 kW (136 and 156 HP). It has a price list that starts from 25,950 euros.
8. Volkswagen T-ROC – 3,258 units
With 3,258 units registered, the Volkswagen T-ROC rightfully ranks eighth in the top ten. The German SUV, which boasts among its pluses an on-board lounge with a boot with a load capacity of up to 1,290 litres, can count on petrol and diesel engines for a power ranging from 110 HP in the 1.0 TSI version up to to the 300 HP of the spirited R 2.0 TSI. The latter offers track performance, with 0-100 in 5 seconds, making the most of features such as the all-wheel drive mechanics and the DSG dual clutch gearbox. It costs 30,100 euros in the basic model
9. Peugeot 208 – 3,059 units
Thanks to 3,059 units registered, the Peugeot 208 achieved ninth position in the ranking in January. Revised and corrected with a recent restyling, the French model offers the traditional family feeling of the Lion in its design, marked by the dynamic and aggressive front. The passenger compartment is welcoming and spacious, with a boot that has a capacity of 387 to 1,163 litres. The range, with a price list starting from 20,120 euros, includes various petrol versions, including mild hybrids, up to 136 HP. As well as electric variants of 100 and 115 kW (136 and 156 HP).
10. Dacia Duster – 3,016 units
Among the 10 most requested cars in Italy in January we still find a Dacia, it is the Duster which registered 3,016 units and closes the month’s ranking in tenth position. It too, like the Sandero, is offered with an attractive price list starting from 14,350 euros. While as regards the engine range, the Pite?ti SUV includes different petrol, LPG and diesel versions up to 150 HP. Some of these use 4X4 mechanics that allow you to cross over from paved roads without problems to tackle light off-road routes if necessary.