New car sales soared to their highest May level for six years on the back of bumper private purchases, it was announced today.

There were 180,111 new car registrations in May - an 11% increase on the May 2012 total, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Of the May 2013 total, more than 84,000 was made up of private sales, 20.9% up on May last year and above pre-recession levels.

The latest figures took total new registrations for the year so far to 948,666 - a 9.3% rise on the January to May figure last year.

SMMT interim chief executive Mike Baunton said: "The performance of new car registrations in May marks a significant milestone for UK automotive, with cars registered by private buyers bettering pre-recession volumes posted in 2007.

"While it is clear that buying confidence among UK motorists is very strong, continued economic uncertainty abroad, particularly in the rest of Europe, will mean that manufacturers remain cautious about performance in the second half of 2013."

May marked the 15th successive month of rising sales, but volumes were still 3% below May 2007.

The SSMT said: "The growth reflects a combination of factors, which may include consumers returning to the new car market after delaying regular replacement cycles, motorists replacing vehicles bought under the scrappage scheme, motorists switching to more efficient vehicles in every class and attractive offers catching the attention of buyers with funds and access to finance.

"A switch from used to new may also be occurring, as the recession-induced dip in new car sales restricts the supply of used cars."

The mini segment has seen the strongest growth this year.

These were the top-selling models in May:

1. Ford Fiesta

2. Ford Focus

3. Vauxhall Corsa

4. Volkswagen Golf

5. Vauxhall Astra

6. Nissan Qashqai

7. BMW 3 Series

8. Volkswagen Polo

9. Peugeot 208

10. Audi A3