France 1998: Renault Clio reclaims top spot

Renault Clio

* See the Top 100 best-selling models by clicking on ‘Read more’ at end of post! *

French car sales are up a healthy 14% this year at 1,943,553 registrations. The race for the first place was very close, with the Renault Megane leading up until August. However thanks to the 2nd generation launched on March 11, the Renault Clio reclaims the title of best-selling car in France with 166,937 sales and 8.6% share compared to 161,219 units and 8.3% for the Megane.

Renault Megane Scenic

The Peugeot 306 (5.1%) and Renault Twingo (4.4%) hold onto their #3 and #4 spots and the Citroen Xsara makes a remarkable first appearance in the year-end Top 10 in 5th place with 83,331 sales and 4.3%. It reached #4 in May. Below the Peugeot 106 (-1%), the Renault Laguna (+11%), Citroen Saxo (+17%) and Peugeot 406 (+12%) all improve their sales figure. The Fiat Punto is the best-selling imported model for the first time at #10 at 59,120 units and 3%.

Citroen Xsara

1998 is the year Peugeot finally replaced the 205 with 206, launched on September 10. It ranked #2 that month and finishes the year above Peugeot’s 40,000 units target at 44,025 sales. The Renault Kangoo is a great success at #19 in its non-commercial version.

Previous year: see the France 1997 Top 100 best-selling models here.

Full Year 1998 Top 100 and monthly Top 10 Ranking Tables below.