MONEY and taxes are creating a boom in sales of superminis.

British drivers are going for smaller cars as fuel economy and the latest company-car tax scheme bites.

The supermini segment has grown by more than 4.5 per cent in the last five years as buyers increasingly switch to smaller vehicles, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Small cars now come with more standard requipment and safety features, with an array of extras previously found only on larger executive models.

Air bags, anti-lock brakes, CD players and air-con are now the norm, making these cars true 'super minis'.

Another attraction for buyers is the wider choice. Buyers can choose the car which best suits their lifestyle.

This variety covers not only performance models which allow genuine driver involvement but also economical diesel engines where 60mpg can be expected.

SMMT boss Christopher McGowan says: "There is an incredible amount of competition in this segment, and motorists are benefiting form this.

"Practically all the volume manufacturers have a supermini model in their range, and the level of equipment fitted as standard is phenomenal."