The new Countryman model has helped Mini record its best ever September sales.

Figures released by parent compant BMW show 25,222 cars were sold globally, a rise of 1.9 per cent on the same month last year.

A BMW statement said the Austrian-built Countryman had been a “major contributor” to sales with 1,760 cars sold since the model was launched in mid-September.

The worldwide figures contrast with UK sales statistics released earlier this week which showed a 12 per cent fall.

Industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders put that down to the withdrawal of the scrappage scheme which saw drivers offered £2,000 off the price of a new vehicle provided they traded in their own car of ten years old or more.

In the year to date, 167,751 Minis have been sold a riose of 3.8 per cent on 2009.

Group BMW sales of 142,950 in September were 16.8 per cent higher than in the same month last year.

Sales and marketing director Ian Robertosn said: “Growth was encouragingly strong in September, with gains on most of our markets.

“We have exceptional new products and intend to maintain this upward trend throughout the fourth quarter.”