10 of the most popular cars in the UK: Then and now | Top 10 - Car News Aug 2015

15:15 Wednesday 19 Aug 2015

We take a look at 10 of the most iconic car models to hit our shores in a 'then and now' comparison.

We'll get the wheels rolling with the Ford Fiesta, because it is a well known science-fact that everybody in the UK has at some point been in a Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta was introduced in 1976 as Ford Europe's first multi national front-wheel-drive automobile and it is now in its 7th generation.

First generation Ford Fiesta 1976

ford fiesta mk1

2015 Ford Fiesta

fiesta

Next up is the BMW 3 Series, comfortably BMW's most popular model over the years, accounting for just under a third of all their sales. So far the Fiesta and the 3 Series are almost unrecognisable from their respective originals, other than the badges, and the grills (at a push).

First generation BMW 3 Series E21 1975

bmw 3 series mk 1

2015 BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 series

In comes the Mini, the first of our collection that actually looks pretty similar to the day it was born. This is a feat made even more impressive by the fact that the original dates all the way back to 1959. Ze Germans may be manufacturing the Mini these days but they have certainly remained true to a lot of the original styling.

First generation Mini 1959

mini 1959

2015 Mini

Mini Cooper S

The Toyota Corolla has been one of the world's best selling cars now for a little over four decades and it hasn't changed a bit. Oh no, wait. It is completely unrecognisable. Apart from the fact that it has wheels.

First generation Toyota Corolla 1966

Toyota Corolla first generation

2015 Toyota Corolla

toyota corolla 2015

Much like the Fiesta, there's not a man, woman or dog that hasnt spent at least an hour of his/her life inside this fantastic stalwart of the hatchback sector, the Volkswagen Golf.

First generation Volkswagen Golf 1974

VW Golf first generation

2015 Volkswagen Golf

golf

The Merc E Class is our most premium entry so far and it is also the youngest. Regardless of the fact it was born as recently as 1993, the E Class has changed just as much (if not more) than all of the others. It doesn't even boast that highly pinchable Merc bonnet star any more. One thing hasn't changed though; it still oozes plenty of class.

First generation Mercedes-Benz E Class 1993

e class first generation

2015 Mercedes-Benz E Class

Mercedes Benz E Class

Next up is the Fiat 500, a car which - like the Mini - still looks very much like it did (almost) 60 years ago. The 500 has enjoyed a real resurgence in recent years as city cars have become extremely popular.

First generation Fiat 500 1957

fiat 500 first generation

2015 Fiat 500

fiat 500 2015

The XJ series was first released in 1968 and was visually very recognisable for around 50 years until the pressures of modern styling completely reshaped this iconic, premium Jag. However, it is every bit as luxurious and lustworthy as it has always been.

First generation Jaguar XJ Series 1968

xj mk1

2015 Jaguar XJ Series

Jaguar XJ

The wildly popular Ford Mustang inspired countless imitators across the pond, some of the coolest cars we've ever seen in fact, but it has never been available in the UK as a right had drive vehicle, until now. As one would expect there has been huge demand for the Michigan-made monster in the UK.

First generation Ford Mustang 1964

mustang mk1

2015 Ford Mustang

ford mustang 2015

Last but not least is the Nissan GT-R (which technically was given the birth name of Nissan Skyline GT-R, but let's not get caught up in the details). The GT-R was a beast then and it is still a beast now. Bask in its glory. Former and current.

First generation Nissan Skyline GT-R 1969

Nissan gtr first generation