The C-Segment is having big changes nowadays. The usual leader – VW Golf – is facing challenging times due to the emissions issue and its age (the updated version will be presented in Paris auto show). Meanwhile its rivals are getting stronger thanks to the new generations, and other big players are joining the segment.
The Mini Clubman continues to climb in the European C-Segment ranking. It seems that the Mini strategy of enlarging the family is working.
The Opel/Vauxhall Astra recorded the opposite performance. Thanks to the new generation, GM was able to position the Astra as the fourth best-selling model in Europe, and the second best-selling compact, after the Golf. Its volume grew by 26% to 20.954 units, outselling other popular models like the Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia, Peugeot 308 and Audi A3, which posted all double-digit falls. However the Astra was not the model to post the highest segment share gain, as it was second after the Fiat Tipo. There were other few models to post positive growth: Mercedes A-Class, Volvo V40, Toyota Prius and Hyundai Elantra.