Mitsubishi Motors UK’s sales are down from 11,274 sales in Q1 2005 to 10,498 in the first quarter of this year.

Despite the dip, March sales were at a record high of 6,782 for the Japanese manufacturer.

Mitsubishi dealers sold 2,370 of the new L200 in the first quarter. Sales of the Colt shot up by 45% in Q1 2006 against the same period last year.

Lance Bradley, sales and marketing director of Mitsubishi Motors UK, said: "We have enjoyed a very successful quarter with the reaction to the new L200 far surpassing even our own high expectations.

“The performance of the Colt has also been extremely positive and it appears to be firmly establishing itself as an important player in the super-mini segment."

Next to arrive in showrooms will be the Colt CZC convertible. Mitsubishi’s first convertible model for the UK market completes the Colt range and is equipped with the choice of 1.5 107bhp or 147bhp turbo engine. The CZC is priced at £13,999 on-the-road for the CZC 1.5 and £15,999 on-the-road for the CZC turbo. The turbo is the best performing engine of all B segment coupe-cabriolets and the only vehicle in the segment to offer traction control.