Diesel cars still dominate spain's january 2026 sales
Despite a decade-long decline, diesel engines continue to find buyers in Spain, with 17,625 new diesel-powered vehicles registered in January 2026, a 5% drop from the same month last year.
Top 10 diesel car sales in spain for january 2026
Here are the top 10 diesel car models sold in Spain last month:
- Volkswagen Tiguan: 468 units (33.3% increase from January 2025)
- Seat León: 286 units (16.7% increase)
- Renault Clio: 212 units (34.5% decrease)
- Mercedes GLA: 207 units
- Audi Q3: 177 units
- Mercedes GLB: 165 units
- Skoda Octavia: 154 units
- Mercedes A-Class: 145 units
- BMW Series 2: 135 units
- Volkswagen T-Roc: 125 units
Renault clio's decline
The Renault Clio, once the top-selling diesel car in Spain, has seen a significant drop in sales due to the introduction of its new sixth generation, which does not come with a diesel engine option. The fifth-generation Clio is now increasingly hard to find, making it a less competitive choice for those seeking diesel-powered vehicles.
German brands lead the pack
Notably, all the top 10 diesel car models sold in Spain last month come from German manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Seat, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. This dominance highlights the enduring popularity of diesel engines in Germany.
Total diesel sales in january 2026
Adding up the sales of these 10 models, a total of 2,074 diesel cars were registered in Spain last month, slightly exceeding the 2,055 units registered by the best-selling car in the country during the same period.