Nissan, VW and Mercedes lead biggest new car discounts in Q3

Nissan, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are all offering around 20% discounts on some models ahead of the September plate-change.

According to What Car?’s analysis of its Target Price mystery shopper data, dealers across the country have cut cash prices on new cars by an average of 7.68% or £3,066.

The Nissan Qashqai can be had with a 20.9% saving from dealers, while Volkswagen’s Touran is available with a 20.5% discount, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon is being offered with a 19.1% saving.

Across powertrains, diesel vehicles are available with the highest savings, with the average discount at 8.46% or £4,547.

Electric and hybrid discounts have steadily risen since the beginning of the year, with the average electric car offered with a 4.73% or £2,208 cash saving in August.

Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?, said: “Normally September is the second-biggest month for new car registrations after March, but this year’s lockdown means it has the potential to eclipse all other months.

“With all sales now crucial to the industry’s efforts to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 there are some terrific discounts available to try and tempt car buyers back into showrooms.

“Our team of mystery shoppers is constantly scouring the market to set our Target Prices, and the evidence is that for certain types of car, this is a great time to be buying.”

Top 12 Target Price cash savings