Citroen has sparked speculation it is to launch a new online sales channel by announcing “internet-only” offers on its C5 range. The French carmaker is giving drivers the chance to save up to £350 via www. citroen.co.uk. Online print-out vouchers are redeemable at Citroen dealerships, which order the car and act as delivery points.

Internet analyst David Sumner Smith says this system allows Citroen to gauge just how many consumers are willing to buy online. “Citroen is exploring direct selling, which means its dealers would act as delivery points,” he says.

A Citroen spokesman says: “I am not aware of any large scale plans to launch a direct internet sales route.”