Seat UK has joined the ranks of manufacturers posting best ever half-year sales results with 13,423 new cars sold to the end of June.

This puts the brand 3,294 units and 32.5% ahead of the same period last year, and gives it a 1.1 % market share. June sales were 2,182, 17% up on 2000.

Head of operations, Gary Savage, said: “This is an excellent result for SEAT and our dealers. Many new customers are discovering the brand's secret – something for everyone with stylish, well-specified performance cars which offer great value for money.”

Seat's star performers in the first six months were the Ibiza with 4,902 sales and Leon at 4,679. Inca van registrations for the half-year amounted to 411.