The economy might be in the doldrums, but new cars are still selling in their tens of thousands - and it's not just bargain-basement econoboxes either. We've taken a look at the sales figures for 2011 and find out why Britain's best-loved new cars are so popular.

Ford Fiesta
2011 sales: 96,112

With almost 100,000 new registrations in 2011, the Ford Fiesta is streets ahead of its big brother, the Focus. It's hardly surprising though; the Fiesta is the best supermini currently on sale by some margin. Buyers love its styling, low cost of ownership and its fun-to-drive nature.

A range of petrol and diesel engines are available with the highlights being the 76bhp Econetic diesel and the revvy Zetec-S performance model. Fiesta sales are set for another fillip this year with the launch of the eagerly-awaited Fiesta ST hot hatch.

Ford Focus
2011 sales: 81,832

The stalwart of the mid-sized family car market, the Ford Focus has been one of Britain's favourite cars since the original launched in 1998. The third generation has seen the model grow up, and feels like the solid and dependable machine it is.

A stack of clever technology, including automatic parallel parking, cameras that scan for speed limit signs to display in the dashboard and blind spot monitoring systems are all kit more commonly found in much more expensive models. Like the Fiesta, the Focus will continue to be under the spotlight thanks to the launch of its halo model, the Focus ST hatchback and estate.

Vauxhall Corsa
2011 sales: 77,751

The Vauxhall Corsa is the car of choice for many driving schools, meaning it has huge appeal to new drivers. But it's more than a teenager's runabout as it offers a great mix of comfort and handling, and with its simplicity and the huge numbers of Vauxhall dealerships around the country, it's a very easy car to own.

It was facelifted earlier this year, and continues to be sold in both three- and five-door configurations. Cost conscious buyers love the 1.3-litre diesel ecoFLEX model, while the VXR hot hatch is a 140mph road rocket. There's something for everyone in the range.

Volkswagen Golf
2011 sales: 63,368

Now in its sixth generation, the Volkswagen Golf remains at the top of many shopping lists, thanks to superlative build quality, comfort, economical engines and an image that appeals to a wider cross section of motorists than any other car. It 's available as a three- or five-door hatchback, estate and convertible.

The Golf was among the first family cars to offer petrol engines with diesel-like economy with its clever TSI range which packs 2-litre power from a 1.4-litre package. But it's the diesels that steal the show; they're among the most refined and fun to drive available. Fans of automatic gearboxes are well served with VW's excellent DSG semi-automatic gearbox too.

Vauxhall Astra
2011 sales: 62,575

The all-new Vauxhall Astra hatchback launched in 2009, and was followed by the Sports Tourer estate in 2010. Next year will see the GTC coupe, VXR hot hatch and an Astra-based convertible. So with all this attention lavished on the popular mid-sized family car, it's likely to continue to sell by the bucketload.

Popular with fleets and company car buyers, the Astra is bigger, more stylish and more economical than ever. Key models are the 1.7 diesel ecoFLEX models which are free to tax and London congestion charge exempt. SRI models lend a slightly sporty look and drive and entry-level Expression model apart, all are well equipped.

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Vauxhall Insignia
2011 sales: 46,324

The Vauxhall Insignia is the longest car here, and goes to prove that you don't need a premium German badge to succeed in the large family car market. The Insignia is one of the best looking cars in its class and offers more practicality than many of its rivals. The fact it has achieved tens of thousands more sales than the Ford Mondeo underlines this.

Like the Astra and Corsa, the greenest models are the diesels wearing the ecoFLEX badge, and the hottest models are the turbocharged VXR versions, but most buyers choose a mid-range diesel for decent performance and economy. It 's offered as a hatchback, saloon and estate - unique for a car of this size.

Volkswagen Polo
2011 sales: 45,992

The 2010 European Car of the Year continues to sell in vast numbers. Many buyers see the Volkswagen Polo as a great choice for a comfortable, spacious and upmarket car to trade down into from bigger cars which are more expensive to run. It has a grown-up feel rare in a supermini, but that's not to say it's not fun to drive, and its suspension soaks up the worst bumpy urban tarmac.

All engines are excellent, and the smallest 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol is surprisingly competent on the motorway. The 1.4 is the better all-rounder though, and the 1.4 TSI fitted in the GTI hot hatch is a real fireball.

BMW 3 -Series
2011 sales: 42,471

Consistently the most searched-for used car on Auto Trader, the BMW 3-Series has enduring appeal despite its premium badge and upscale pricing. Starting at almost £23,000 it 's pricey, but it's easy to spend a similar amount on a mid-spec Mondeo and BMW buyers will enjoy stronger used values, meaning the Three will be worth more come trade-in time.

The 3-Series comes from years of breeding, and is the benchmark for how large family cars should drive. The most popular engines are diesels which are nothing short of brilliant. Saloon, estate, coupe and convertible bodystyles are offered.

Nissan Qashqai
2011 sales: 39,406

Part hatchback, part MPV, part 4x4, the Qashqai has been a massive success. It's one of the safest cars on sale, and offers so much practicality, there are few cars better suited to family car duties. A seven-seat version is available, the Qashqai +2, which has a pair of extra seats for occasional use.

The Qashqai is built in Britain and it shows; its suspension is perfectly suited to the UK's broken roads making it an exceptionally comfortable way to travel. It's offered in two-wheel drive, or winter-friendly four-wheel drive forms, while the 1.5 diesel and 1.6 petrol engines can manage 45-55mpg.

MINI Hatch
2011 sales: 35,845

The MINI Hatch is proof you can sell an upmarket supermini for an upscale price - and even more once a few customisation options have been chosen. But that price can only be justified for an outstanding car, and the MINI is such a model.

Utterly brilliant to drive whatever the engine, well-built and effortlessly stylish, the MINI hatchback has been on sale since 2002 and shows no sign of slowing down, despite the lack of space in the back or boot. Two diesel engines offer great performance and economy and the 1.6 Cooper is a brilliant all-rounder. Cooper S and John Cooper Works models are bone fide performance icons.