The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that new car registrations increased by 3.0% in February 2014. It was the twenty-fourth consecutive month of growth in new car registrations, and with the 14-plate on sale from March 1, registrations are only expected to increase further.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: “While February is typically a quieter month ahead of the March registration plate change, we expect the arrival of the new 14-plate and increasing economic confidence to maintain a steady rate of growth.”

SMMT also released figures about the most popular types of car. In the two years since February 2012 the appetite for small hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Up has increased by 97.2%. Big growth was seen in the crossover segment too, which is 49.2% more popular now than two years ago. The large family car segment shrank – cars like the Volkswagen Passat are now almost 20% less popular than before.

During February 2014 the most popular model was the Ford Fiesta, a stalwart bestseller, followed by Vauxhall Corsa and Vauxhall Astra. Year-to-date the Ford Fiesta has sold almost double the volume of the next most popular car – which is the Ford Focus.