PoloDriver

It was a story of continuing success for the Polo last month, as it remained in the top 10 UK best-selling cars chart, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Holding firm in seventh place with 1437 units sold, it fended off competition from the newly-launched Peugeot 208, although when the year-to-date tallies are taken into account, the positions are reversed. The Ford Fiesta hold the number one spot for 2013 so far, but was second in February’s chart, held off the top position by the larger Focus. Volkswagen’s Golf was placed higher last month than in January, no doubt buoyed by the introduction of the new Mk 7 car, and possible buying deals on the outgoing Mk 6 model.

Overall, February’s new car figures were up 7.9 per cent to 66,749 units, with last month securing the highest growth in the private market since the end of the Scrappage Incentive Scheme in Spring 2010. ‘February is traditionally a low volume month as motorists look forward to the plate-change in March, but attractive new car deals are sustaining the market. New models are delivering ever greater fuel efficiency, practicality, refinement, technology and predictable ownership costs, so motorists are seeing the benefit of new car purchases,’ said Mike Baunton, Interim Chief Executive, SMMT. The UK’s top 10 best-selling cars during February 2013 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) are as follows:

1 Ford Focus: 38536 (9647, 2nd)

2 Ford Fiesta: 3655 (11,561, 1st)

3 Vauxhall Corsa: 3214 (8392, 3rd)
4 Volkswagen Golf: 2413 (5748, 6th)

5 Vauxhall Astra: 2181 (7643, 4th)

6 Nissan Qashqai: 1856 (6136, 5th)

7 Volkswagen Polo: 1437 (4322, 8th)

8 Peugeot 208: 1423 (4382, 7th)

9 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: 1317 (3673, 9th)

10 Nissan Juke: 1106 (3628, 10th)