Skoda has roared into the new year with sales in the UK at an all-time high.

The Czech car maker set a record for sales in 2001, with total car sales of 36,053. This represents an increase of 23.2 per cent, compared to an overall market increase of 10.5 per cent. Skoda ended the year with market share of 1.5 per cent.

Skoda's record year in 2001 continues Skoda's amazing growth, with five consecutive years of record sales. Sales have more than doubled from 16,560 in 1997 to the 2001 total.

Fabia led the way in 2001, with total sales of 22,574. These included the Fabia hatchback, the What Car? Supermini of the Year 2001, with 15,541 sales, as well as 6,644 Fabia estates and 389 Fabia saloons.

Octavia sales totalled 13,336, also a record. Included were 8,912 sales of Octavia hatchback and 4,424 estates.

Octavia RS sales were outstanding, totalling 1,001 and proving again the popularity of Skoda's sportiest model, with its excellent combination of 180 horsepower engine and great price of £15,100. The balance of the annual car sales total is made up of sales of Felicias.

Director of Skoda, Rob Tracey said: "This has been a great year for Skoda, even better than we anticipated. We're already off to a great start in 2002."