UK car registrations increased by 31.6% in October to 168,942 units – the biggest monthly rise since the scrappage scheme was introduced in May.

It was also the fourth consecutive month that witnessed a rise in motor sales, though there’s still a long way to go before the industry makes a full recovery. Year-to-date registrations stand at 1,685,981 units – 12.3% less than last year’s sales figures.

"October has seen this year’s biggest monthly increase in registrations, with the successful scrappage scheme accounting for over 20% of them," said Paul Everitt, chief executive of UK motor industry body SMMT.

"We have seen additional demand created by the extension of the scheme and customers wanting to avoid the VAT increase planned for January. Encouragingly, there has also been an increase in demand in the fleet and business sectors, which will be critical in sustaining recovery next year."

Along with the increase in sales, the other most significant story of the month was the Fiat 500 breaking into the Top 10 for the first time since it was relaunched in January 2008. And for the second month running, there isn't a Ford one-two at the top.

To find out where the Fiat 500 is positioned in the Top 10, and to see the car that managed to stop Ford from dominating the top two spots, check out our gallery of Britain's Top 10 best-selling cars.