Experts at Scrap Car Comparison stressed the popularity of the car in the 21st century is likely behind its current position.
They said: “With the Focus topping the charts as the most sold vehicle in the UK for much of the 2000s, many of the cars sold during this period may now be coming to the end of their life after 20 years on the road – which may be a reason as to why the Focus has topped the charts for the much of the last decade.”
Major British brand Vauxhall was next, with the plucky Astra second on the list of most scrapped vehicles in 2024.
Stellantis have already axed the Astra name from its production line, with the last drop rolling off factory floors back in 2022.
Another star of the early 2000s, many Astra’s are now reaching the end of their lifespan and account for 5.6% of vehicles scrapped last year.
The Vauxhall Corsa was next with machines making up 4.8% of models lost from UK roads.
The analysis found the Ford Fiesta was next in the table (4.4%) followed by the Volkswagen Golf (2.5%)
Scrap Car Comparison added: “Alongside the Ford Focus, all of these models sold in high numbers from 2000-2010, and with the average age of cars scrapped by Scrap Car Comparison in 2024 sitting at 17 years, many of them may have now become unviable to keep on the roads due to high repair costs.”
The Renault Clio was sixth highest with the hatchback accounting for 2.5% of all vehicles axed.
This was followed by the Vauxhall Zafira (2.3%), Mini Hatch (2.2%) and Peugeot 207 (2%).
The Volkswagen Polo rounded out the top 10 with the model making up 1.7% of cars scrapped over the past year.
Top 10 list of cars scrapped in 2024
- Ford Focus – 6.3%
- Vauxhall Astra – 5.6%
- Vauxhall Corsa – 4.8%
- Ford Fiesta – 4.4%
- Volkswagen Golf – 2.5%
- Renault Clio – 2.5%
- Vauxhall Zafira – 2.3%
- Mini Hatch (Cooper/One) – 2.2%
- Peugeot 207 – 2.0%
- Volkswagen Polo – 1.7%
