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Perennial favourite the Ford Fiesta was Britain's most popular car in March, with 25,753 units sold. Similarly healthy sales figures have been enjoyed by the usual suspects of the UK motor industry, combining to create a year-on-year improvement of 17.7 per cent.

That compares to a February year-on-year rise of 3 per cent.

Throughout March 464,824 new cars were registered, while 'alternative fuel' cars also did well – enjoying their best month yet with 8,713 registered vehicles – a dramatic 63.8 per cent rise compared to the same month last year.

The data, from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), demonstrates a dramatic shift in the mood of would-be car buyers, as Britons start to feel richer following years of economic stagnation. However, as many of our breakdown insurance customers will be aware, new March registration plates will also have boosted sales for the month, which usually follows a quieter February.

As is often the case, Ford dominates the list with the Fiesta and Focus, while Vauxhall's Corsa and Astra take 3rd and 5th respectively. The Corsa was the second highest seller in February, but has dropped one place.

Germany's Volkswagen also claims two top-10 spots, with its Golf (4) and Polo (7).

The Toyota Yaris is the only Japanese car brand in the top 10, with 7,438 sales; there were no Japanese marques in February's top 10.

Top 10 best-selling cars in the UK:

1) Ford Fiesta

Sales: 25,753

2) Ford Focus

Sales: 16,860

3) Vauxhall Corsa

Sales: 16,231

4) Volkswagen Golf

Sales: 13,142

5) Vauxhall Astra

Sales: 11,359

6) Nissan Qashqai

Sales: 8,858

7) Volkswagen Polo

Sales: 8,306

8) Fiat 500

Sales: 8,136

9) BMW 3-series

Sales: 7,782

10) Toyota Yaris

Sales: 7,438