BETTER TIMES AHEAD?
THERE has never been a new-reg September like this one - with car makers desperate to sell new models to buyers who, hopefully, are beginning to feel happier to take the financial plunge.
All this uncertainty means, for sure, that there are deals to be made on a new 70-plate car. You are unlikely ever to find a car dealer more anxious to make you an offer you can’t refuse.
The signs of modest optimism for the future emerged when UK new car registrations rose for the first time this year, by 11.3 per cent in July, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A tempting incentive comes, for instance, from Nissan, which continuing to run its Switch-Up campaign, which offers a cash saving of up to £6,300 on selected models when customers trade in an eligible vehicle.
Priced at £26,845 on-the-road, the Qashqai N-TEC is a real bargain, featuring black 19-inch alloy wheels and Alcantara-trimmed seats. Technology is also upgraded, adding the advanced ProPILOT system and Intelligent Park Assist, plus the NissanConnect infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
IT’s been all systems go for Suzuki this year with a firm focus on petrol hybrid engines as well as an all-new mid-size SUV which is certain to shake-up a hugely competitive marketplace.
The successful Swift special edition Attitude is now available as a hybrid with a run of just 350 cars. Powered by a 1.2litre Dualjet Hybrid engine is knocks out 89bhp and notches up just 121g/km making it one of the cleaner superminis.
The spec is generous, including air con, LED running lights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as side skirts and rear spoiler. Price is £15,999 until the end of September with zero percent PCP.
Mitsubishi is offering its UK customers savings of up to £4,000 until September 28, as well as the assurance of prompt delivery of their chosen vehicle either to their local dealership or to their home, completely free of charge.
Anyone purchasing a new Outlander petrol or Outlander PHEV – the UK’s best-selling plug in hybrid - can save £4,000 off the retail price on most variants.
The Outlander petrol represents outstanding value at just under £26,000 on-the-road, offering seven seat practicality, an automatic transmission with all-wheel drive, 18-inch alloys wheels and dual-zone climate control.
The new fourth generation Kia Sorento is the first vehicle to be based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform. Paired with a larger body to maximise cargo and luggage space, the platform ensures the Sorento is one of the most versatile and spacious three-row SUVs on the road.
Its innovative interior packaging means it can also accommodate Kia’s new electrified powertrains, offering owners greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
The Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda, European leaders in their segment, become the first Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) city cars to be fitted with new petrol mild hybrid technology.
The hybrids are powered by new three-cylinder engines combined with a 12-volt belt-integrated starter generator which will deliver 70hp. CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 30%, along with improved fuel efficiency.
The latest Citroen C3 features new front-end styling, updated interiors and efficient petrol and diesel engines, with prices starting from £16,280. Available in three trim levels, Feel, Flair and Flair Plus, the new C3 comes with a wealth of standard equipment, including Airbump door panels, EcoLED headlights, 3D rear lights, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic air conditioning and cruise control.
The same is true of the pumped up SUV Aircross derivative of the C3 which can be had from £18,110 for a version powered by a petrol PureTech 110 engine in Flair trim or £22,370 for a special Rip Curl model with the same powerplant.
The Peugeot 108 city car has been updated for 2020 with a refreshed colour palette, interior upgrades and new personalisation options and priced from £12,785 for the three door Active with the 72hp 1.0-litre petrol engine and S&S five speed manual transmission. The TOP! range now starts from Allure trim with prices for the 108 TOP!