While Fiat may be stuck in the doldrums in terms of overall sales and market share, it remains the leader of the pack in the supermini category with its little Panda (634). It holds a 34.4 per cent share of this segment, but then that's not surprising given its strong history in the small car markets.
BESTSELLERS: Fiat Panda; Kia Picanto; Ford Ka
Unfortunately for the Italians, here in Ireland, at least, the supermini segment makes up just one per cent of overall sales. And the bad news doesn't end there; next year sees the arrival into the segment of some heavy hitters.
Toyota, Peugeot and Citröen have come together to build effectively one car - sold under each of the brands. These big names should expand the market to perhaps two per cent overall, but it would be a safe bet to expect one of the three to be top dog in this segment come October next year.
In second place for now is the Kia Picanto (439), a cheeky looking entry from the Koreans and one that has gone down well with Irish motorists. Third is the Ford Ka (219), getting a little long in the tooth by now. Fourth place goes to Chevrolet's Matiz (167), the rebadging of the Korean-made cars from Daewoo proving this year's greatest marketing triumph.
BESTSELLERS: Ford Fiesta; Toyota Yaris; Peugeot 206
It's one of the more popular segments in the Irish market, though engine sizes are usually at the lower end of what's on offer from the manufacturers. Ford has opened up something of a lead with its Fiesta (4,377) over arch-rivals, the Toyota Yaris (3,793) and the seemingly ever-lasting Peugeot 206 (3,304).
The 206 has been a huge hit for years in this segment and even though it's approaching the end of its life - the replacement 207 is due in the middle of next year - it continues to prove immensely popular with Irish buyers.
Of the rest, the Nissan Micra is doing well (2,837) in third place, and will build on its current position with the arrival of minor adjustments to the range for the start of next year.
Likewise the Opel Corsa (2,370), VW Polo (2,338), Renault Clio (1,234) and Fiat Punto (1,164) all have or are about to have new versions on offer for Irish buyers next year. That should make this one of the most active markets for 2006, though it's unlikley to topple the family hatchback market as the top selling segment.
Of the rest, the Mitsubishi Colt (862) has done well so far this year, and for once Smart has some good news with its ForFour (24) now outselling the rest of its range.
Figures in brackets refer to sales from January to October 2005