UK sales of the Mini are surging ahead, latest figures have revealed.

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 4,925 of the Cowley-built cars were sold during June, 5.57 per cent more than in the same month last year.

During the year to date, 22,266 cars have been sold compared to 17,422 for the same period in 2009, a rise of 27.8 per cent.

The sales boost has meant the Mini is now the sixth best-selling car in the UK, ahead of Volkswagen’s perennial best sellers the Golf and Polo.

Spokesman Graham Biggs said: “We have had a particularly strong month and the UK is the fastest growing market for Mini in the world.”

Nationally, new car registrations were up 10.8 per cent in June and 19.9 per cent during the first half of 2010, boosted by a 25.3 per cent hike in fleet market sales.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “The new car market continued to perform above expectations in June.

“The results indicate improved business confidence and a strengthening economic recovery.”