During the first half of the year sales of B-segment models reached 1.11 million units – 0.2 per cent higher than sales of lower medium cars.

According to data analyst Experian, which compiled the used car study, it is the first time in eight years that the lower medium segment has not been the nation's best selling sector, although its lead has been whittled away in recent years.

The Ford Fiesta is the UK's best selling used supermini and was also the best selling used car overall during the first half of the year. The Fiesta notched up sales of 176,351 units, ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa with 154,224 units and the Renault Clio which followed with 111,762 sales. The Vauxhall Astra topped lower medium car sales with 167,080 units, the Ford Focus and Ford Escort were the next best-selling lower medium models. Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experian's Automotive division, said: “With growing levels of personal debt, higher running costs, increasing tax and pressures to reduce our impact on the environment, the benefits of a smaller car are becoming more apparent to car buyers. “It is not surprising that supermini sales have topped the popularity list in the used car world.”