Audi has launched a new fixed priced service plan for three to five-year old Audi models to help attract service work lost to independent garages.

The Audi Service plan is available to retail customers for a fixed price of £299 including VAT.

Eligibility extends to all cars powered by TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines of up to 2.0-litres in size (excluding hybrids) that are more than 36 months and less than 72 months from the date on which they were first registered.

Included as part of the plan are one major service and one oil change service.

There are no age, mileage or time restrictions affecting the validity of the plan, and it can also be transferred to a new owner if the vehicle is sold  - the only stipulation is that the services must be claimed as the next two consecutive scheduled fixtures in the car’s service regime.

Tasks included as part of the Audi centre major service include an oil and oil filter change, cleaning, and if necessary replacement, of the air filter, replacement of the spark plugs or diesel fuel filter if required and a full vehicle inspection and road test.

Audi will be offering nationally fixed prices for frequently replaced components like brake pads and cambelts. These are extra cost items that are not included in the service plan.

Customers can schedule a service within the ‘owners area‘ on www.audi.co.uk to book a slot in real time.

Audi is also offering free vehicle health checks and free software updates when required. Dealerships will also be offering car collection and return for service and maintenance jobs, complimentary MoT protection, on-site tyre sales and fitting, as well as Audi cam video-based diagnoses of work required.

> Volkswagen recently launched a service offer for customers with cars up to 15 years old: £149 for a minor service or £189 for a minor service and MoT. It used to be applicable to cars up to 10 years old, but has been extended to acknowlege the growing vehicle parc.

It's on offer at participating retailers and ARs (all of which have opted into the scheme bar about six).

VW also offers a price match, so if an owner finds their local independent offering exactly the same for less they can ask the franchised retailer to match (with T&Cs applicable: www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/servicing).

In March, VW also launched monthly service plans for vehicles either up to eight years old (servicing only) and 12 months old (service, maintenance and tyres). Details here.