The small car has been Europe's best selling model for the past two months, according to data from Jato dynamics, allowing it to pip the Ford Focus and Fiat Punto to the top spot.

The second and third-placed models sold 229,249 units and 222,432 units respectively.

Volkswagen remained the best selling brand for the year-to-date, ahead of Opel/Vauxhall, Renault, Ford and Peugeot.

Outside of the top five, carmakers showing significant year-on-year sales increases included Daihatsu, up by 52.5 per cent and Honda which rose by 15.9 per cent.

Nasir Shah, international sales and marketing director for Jato said: “While the total figures for 2007 reveal a challenging picture for manufacturers in the Europe markets, it's clear to see from the performance of individual brands that there are still opportunities for growth.”

Overall, year-to-date sales are down 0.9 per cent compared to the first six months of 2006.

Volumes stand at 8.36 million units – 79,324 fewer than last year.