UK sales of the Mini dropped significantly in February, latest figures have revealed.

Statistics produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 979 cars were bought compared to 1,124 in the same month last year, a fall of 12.9 per cent.

But for the year to date, 2,998 cars have left dealer forecourts, compared to 2,784 for the same period in 2013.

The new third generation Mini goes on sale on Saturday.