Volkswagen UK new car sales bucked the trend during 2017, posting a 0.69 per cent increase in a new car market down by 5.65 per cent.

Figures released today by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) also show that Volkswagen posted a 10.06 per cent share of new car sales in December, just 0.13 per cent behind the market leader.

Volkswagen’s growth was spread across the range, with Tiguan and Polo performing particularly well. But it was the Golf which really stood out, as its popularity made it the best-selling car in its class in the UK for the first time with a clear 4,702 sales lead over its nearest rival.

With a market share of 8.21 per cent, Volkswagen is now the UK’s second biggest car brand. The previous year, its share was 7.69 per cent.

Volkswagen says recent revisions have bolstered the Golf’s long-standing popularity with UK buyers. It took the top-spot in the monthly best-sellers list on three separate occasions during 2017, including December.

The Polo is also a firm favourite with UK buyers at seventh place overall in 2017, making it the UK’s third most popular supermini. The new, sixth-generation model is now available to order.

Aside from the revised Golf, the new Tiguan enjoyed its first full year on sale, and is about to be joined by a long wheelbase version – the Tiguan Allspace. The all-electric e-Golf has been updated with a significantly more powerful battery for better performance and a major increase in usable range. In addition, the revised Golf SV, Arteon and T-Roc – Volkswagen’s first crossover – have all gone on sale.

Over the next few months there will be the arrival of the new up! GTI and Polo GTI hot hatches, while a new Touareg luxury SUV and the T-Cross small SUV will also debut.

Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “Against the backdrop of a declining market, Volkswagen performed strongly in the UK during 2017. We have the right products for UK customers – particularly now that our growing SUV range has been bolstered by the new T-Roc – and our Retailer Network continues to offer ever-improving levels of already-high customer satisfaction.

“We are determined to continue this positive momentum into 2018 and beyond.”