New car registrations continued the positive start to 2016 in February, growing 8.4% compared with the same month in 2015, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT).

A total of 83,395 new cars were registered in the month, making it the biggest February since 2004.

Demand was up across all fuel type, with diesel and petrol registrations growing by 5.6% and 10.7% respectively, while alternatively-fuelled enjoyed an uplift of 19.9%. Fleet demand dipped slightly compared with the private sector, but still retained its 53.1% majority share of new vehicles.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "February is typically one of the quietest months of the year, ahead of March's plate change, but this positive performance is encouraging and puts the sector in a good position for the coming 12 months."

Unsurprisingly, the Ford Fiesta came out on top of the best-selling models throughout February, with 4,507 new registrations, followed by the Volkswagen Golf (2,574) and Nissan Qashqai (2,486).

The Fiesta is already running away with the highest number of new car registrations for 2016, with 12,860 so far, opening up a gap of over 5,000 between the Qashqai (7,325) and Vauxhall Corsa (7,211).

New diesel  models outperformed petrol fuelled cars, with 40,711 sold compared to 40,463, but both were miles ahead of alternatively-fuelled sales which recorded just 2,221.

A total of 44,254 new car registrations were bought through fleet, with 37,666 via private and just 1,475 for business.

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In 2015, a record number of new car registrations were made with 2,663,503 new cars arriving on UK roads.

Best Sellers February

1. Ford Fiesta - 4,507

2. Volkswagen Golf - 2,574

3. Nissan Qashqai - 2,486

4. Vauxhall Corsa - 2,408

5. Ford Focus - 2,369

6. Vauxhall Astra - 1,626

7. Audi A3 - 1,619

8. Volkswagen Polo - 1,585

9. Kia Sportage - 1,521

10. Vauxhall Mokka

Best Sellers Year-To-Date

1. Ford Fiesta - 12,860

2. Nissan Qashqai - 7,325

3. Vauxhall Corsa - 7,211

4. Ford Focus - 6,654

5. Volkswagen Golf - 6,387

6. Volkswagen Polo - 4,883

7. Audi A3 - 4,846

8. Vauxhall Astra - 4,811

9. Nissan Juke - 4,485

10. Vauxhall Mokka - 4,410

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