Auto Trader has revealed that the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the UK’s fastest selling car in July.

Taking an average of just 17 days to turn in petrol engined guise, the saloon's July performance for dealers marks the second time since Septemeber 2016 that a premium brand has taken the top spot.

The C-Class was followed into second and third place by the 2015 Kia Sportage (petrol manual) and the 2014 Hyundai ix35 (petrol manual) taking a respective 19 days and 20 days to turn. 

Petrol fuel types dominated July’s fastest selling national top ten leaving no room for diesels.

The list featured nine petrol cars in total and one electric hybrid, the 2012 Lexus RX 450H (electric hybrid automatic), which was the fourth fastest selling car in July taking 20 days to leave the forecourt.

Across the UK it was the hatchback that dominated, taking the top spot in 10 out of the 13 different regions/countries: East England (2016 Nissan Qashqai diesel); North East (2015 Ford Fiesta petrol); North West (2015 Renault Clio petrol); Northern Ireland (2016 Seat Ibiza petrol); Scotland (2016 Fiat 500 X diesel); South East (2016 Ford Focus petrol); South West (2015 Ford Fiesta petrol); Wales (2014 Fiat 500 petrol); West Midlands (2016 Fiat 500 X diesel); and Yorkshire (2015 Nissan Juke petrol).

Auto Trader’s retailer and consumer products director Karolina Edwards-Smajda said: “July’s results show that premium brands can be turned just as quickly using best practice techniques.

“This includes being more responsive to customer enquiries and of course creating trust through transparency, presenting clear images and videos that reflect the true condition of the car, as well as offering impartial reviews.

“We also know from our research that the most successful retailers are complementing their own expertise with data management tools.

“They’re using data to find the most desirable cars in their area and their using it to price according to the live retail market, offering greater price transparency and building more trust in the process.”