In 2013, only 7 all-new models were introduced in Europe, and another 22 models celebrated their first full year of sales. With all-new models, I mean models that have no direct predecessor, they expand their brand’s line-up.
The most successful model launch is the Renault Captur, selling 84.085 units in Europe, in only 10 months on the market. The second best all-new model is the Peugeot 2008, which sold 58.672 units in 11 months, and the Chevrolet Trax takes the final spot on the podium, thanks to 17.658 sales in 10 months on the market.
Do you notice a trend here? Yes, small crossovers are booming business in Europe at the moment. The segment as a whole grew an astonishing 81% in 2013, without really cannibalizing on the subcompact, compact, or small MPV segments.
Three out of seven all-new models for 2013 were small crossovers, with another handful of model entering the segment this year: the Ford Ecosport is due in showrooms, the Fiat 500X and a small Jeep on the same platform will be introduced in the second half of 2014. 
Further down the road, VW will have its Up!-based Taigun ready for the market at the end of 2015, around the same time as the Honda Vezel, which is based on the Jazz. Toyota is planning a true crossover to replace its slow-selling Urban Cruiser in 2016 and Hyundai/Kia are hoping to match their success in the midsized SUV segment with models below their ix35 and Sportage, to be introduced in 2016 as well.
If we take a look at cars that marked their first full year of sales in 2013, there’s another small crossover on the podium: the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka comes in third place with 70.768 sales, right behind the Fiat 500L small MPV with 74.536 sales and the Volvo V40 premium compact with 74.079 sales.
Thanks to the success of the Fiat 500L, the “500” subbrand made up over 40% of total 2013 Fiat sales in Europe. And with the aforementioned introduction of the 500X, this percentage is likely to grow to over half in 2015. Clearly, this product line has been a lifesaver for Fiat.
| All new in 2013 | ||
| Model | 2012 | 2013 |
| Renault Captur | 0 | 84.085 |
| Peugeot 2008 | 0 | 58.672 |
| Chevrolet Trax | 0 | 17.658 |
| Suzuki S-Cross | 0 | 8.365 |
| Jaguar F-type | 0 | 2.750 |
| Maserati Ghibli | 0 | 339 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | 0 | 225 |
| First full year in 2013 | ||
| Model | 2012 | 2013 |
| Fiat 500L | 10.494 | 74.536 |
| Volvo V40 | 21.554 | 74.079 |
| Opel/Vauxhall Mokka | 5.475 | 70.768 |
| Ford B-Max | 15.871 | 68.557 |
| Opel/Vauxhall Adam | 429 | 45.756 |
| Skoda Rapid | 2.929 | 38.447 |
| Dacia Lodgy | 27.429 | 33.244 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | 37 | 27.598 |
| Dacia Dokker | 1.026 | 19.867 |
| Mitsubishi Space Star/Mirage | 34 | 13.978 |
| Seat Toledo | 1.240 | 13.597 |
| Citroën C4 Aircross | 11.037 | 11.822 |
| Toyota Prius+ | 10.571 | 10.416 |
| Renault Zoe | 13 | 8.262 |
| Citroën C-Elysee | 1.609 | 7.091 |
| Toyota GT86 | 4.783 | 6.080 |
| Opel/Vauxhall Cascada | 30 | 5.696 |
| Peugeot 4008 | 3.744 | 3.972 |
| Peugeot 301 | 1.100 | 3.943 |
| Mercedes-Benz Citan | 941 | 2.252 |
| Subaru BRZ | 381 | 865 |
| Lancia Flavia | 534 | 467 |