SWEDISH manufacturer Saab has started 2005 with a record -breaking sales drive for January to take poll position as the fastest-growing premium brand in the UK.

Last month, the company sold 1,611 cars, against 1,089 in January 2004 an increase of 48 per cent on the previous year.

Saab GB managing director Jonathon Nash said: "We are confident we will continue to increase our sales. The 1.9 litre TiD common rail diesel engine has been received extremely well and is now more freely available.

"In addition we have won a battle with some of our European companies for more Saab 9-3 Convertibles for the UK. These together are standing us in excellent stead,"