Sales of the Cowley-built Mini fell in the UK by more than 12 per cent in September, latest figures have revealed.

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 7,567 cars found buyers compared to 8,634 in the same month last year. It is the third successive month of sales falls.

But the 32,820 cars sold so far this year means the company is still 10 per cent ahead of the equivalent 2009 figure.