These are the most searched-for cars on CarGurus this winter

For bargain hunters, now is a good time to source something interesting for the summer

The Volkswagen Scirocco makes the list

What did you get for Christmas, then? Or, maybe more likely, what did you treat yourself to?

Maybe an Audi TT?

According to data from CarGurus, an online automotive marketplace, the cars with the biggest increase in searches during the festive season are sports coupes, both, as it happens based on the Volkswagen Golf – the Audi TT and the VW Scirocco.

The Audi TT registers a more than doubling in search queries in December compared to November. The VW Scirocco is not far behind, as the table shows.

The cold, wet weather and the prospect of icy and muddy roads might also be behind a rise in search activity for SUVs and pickup trucks, also suitable for the long family drives in the wintry months ahead.

The UK was blasted by snowstorms in the early part of 2018 and it seems British drivers are perhaps preparing themselves for a repeat performance.

The BMW X1, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan X-Trail all appeared in the CarGurus list.

So the most searched for cars on CarGurus this Christmas are as follows – based on the November to December 2018 spikes:

1 Audi TT Coupe +154%

2 Volkswagen Scirocco +132%

3 Vauxhall Zafira +88%

4 BMW X1 +83%

5 Peugeot 207 +79%

6 Audi A6 +69%

7 BMW 3 Series +51%

8 Nissan X-Trail +44%

9 Mercedes-Benz E-Class +41%

10 Mitsubishi L200 +38%

Predictably enough, roadsters (excluding TT convertibles presumably) are absent from the top of the charts and, for bargain hunters, the winter is traditionally a good time to source something interesting for the summer months.

The Audi TT appeared on the CarGurus list as one of the most covetable cars to buy

In terms of the Audi TT, there is a vast range of possible options to go for, as the model has been in continuous production, through various iterations, for 20 years now. That Bauhaus-inspired shape seems never to date, and usable early examples can be found for £1,500. Prices for early second generation models, from 2006, are currently available on CarGurus from £4,500.

The current version, the Mark 3, was revealed in 2014 with a bolder, more aggressive look. Current examples on CarGurus start from £12,000. The official list prices for a new TT start at £31,500.