Global sales of the Mini fell significantly last month.

A total of 15,975 cars were delivered to customers, down 13.8 per cent on the February 2013 figure of 18,527.

Bosses said the slowdown was due to anticipation of the new model being launched in dealerships on Saturday.

However, sales of the Clubman estate remain strong. In the first two months of the year, a total of 2,532 vehicles were delivered, an increase of 22.5 per cent on the 2,067 figure from last year.