While the overall growth in sales of new cars in Europe was stagnant, the 'Euro Index' . . . compiled by motoring website Roadtodata . . . shows that in the 12 months to last June, the Irish market grew by 8.4%.

The figures show that despite environmental concerns and higher petrol prices, sales of gas-guzzling SUVs were up by a thumping 21%.

Diesel models accounted for most of the market growth . . .

increasing by 25% . . . the website said, adding that the largest increase in sales came in the 'mini' segment.

Only Belgium and Denmark, with growth rates of 7.3% and 7.1% respectively, come close to the level of growth recorded in Irish new car sales. In the UK, sales were down by 4.2% and the average rate of growth in the big-five markets of Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Britain was just 1.6%.

The website said that prices of new cars increased by 1.7% in Ireland during the 12 month period and prices here "remain very high in relation to Europe (28% higher), largely because of high taxation levels".

It showed Irish prices as being 28% above the European average and 29% higher than in Britain. The website said that car prices in Ireland were the third highest in Europe. Cars are most expensive in Denmark and Norway where motorists pay 91% and 66% more than the European average respectively. The cheapest cars are in Switzerland, where new car prices are just 89% of the European average.