Figures from the DVLA and Experian show Greater London buyers bought 11 per cent more SUVs in quarter one compared to the same period last year.

The region recorded the second highest increase in the purchase of used multi-purpose vehicles and an increase of 14.3 per cent in used diesel cars, compared to a national increase of 10.1 per cent.

“Greater London continues to be the capital of 4x4 drivers. It is also the region to continue to see some of the biggest increases in diesel cars,” said Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experian’s Automotive division.

“Car buyers are more aware of the cost of running a car these days and if the rapid increase in fuel prices continues, we will see a more rapid growth in the sale of alternative fuel cars.

“Certainly over the last couple of years, sales of these vehicles types have risen more swiftly throughout the country.”

Despite the increase in certain sectors, total used car sales in London remained static, increasing by a nominal 0.1 per cent.

Total used car sales throughout Great Britain fell by 0.5 per cent from 1,978,465 to 1,999,750 sales.