UK new car buyers drive a bargain as average discount nears £6,000

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Jasper JollyJanuary 31, 2026 at 08:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

UK car buyers are currently benefiting from significant discounts on new vehicles, with the average reduction nearing £6,000, or 11.4% of the on-the-road price. Data from Insider Car Deals indicates even larger discounts on electric vehicles, averaging 12.9% including government grants, though petrol car discounts can be proportionally higher for some models. Car industry executives cite pressure from EV sales targets and competition, especially from Chinese brands, as reasons for these price reductions. Despite the higher upfront cost of EVs, lower running and maintenance costs can make them a more economical choice overall. Experts recommend haggling, particularly at the end of sales periods, to secure the best possible deal.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

China 40% Insider Car Deals 40% Kia Niro Hybrid 50% Kia Niro EV 50% Nissan 50% Nissan Qashqai ×260% UK 80%

Keywords

new car discounts 90% electric vehicles 80% average discount 70% petrol cars 60% car industry 60% sales targets 50% uk 50% nissan qashqai 40% total cost of ownership 40%