UK sales of the Mini fell by more than nine per cent last month, latest figures have revealed.

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 8,451 cars were sold in March, compared to 9,319 in the same month last year.

Over the year to date, 11,306 cars have been sold, compared to 12,106 in the first quarter of 2011, a drop of 6.6 per cent.

Spokesman Sarah Heaney said: “We still have a very strong order book. We are where we want to be.”