New 21-plate arrives: Best discounts from dealers despite lockdown

With car showroom doors shut until 12 April at the very earliest as part of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown, dealers are from the start of this week handing over the keys to new models with the latest ’21’ registration plates while still under tough Covid-19 restrictions.

However, that’s not to say buyers can’t strike a discount on a new motors just because they can’t haggle in person with a sales representative. Quite the contrary, in fact.

What Car? has revealed 12 new popular models with the best savings they’ve struck with dealers already in 2021, with deals shaving up to 18 per cent off retail prices.

March marks the arrival of the first of two new registration numbers that come each year, making it one of the most profitable months for dealers.

Going back to a time when coronavirus wasn’t having the huge economical impact and restrictions it has had in the last year, a fifth of new models bought in the entirety of 2019 were purchased in March.

While retailers will be disappointed that the Prime Minister’s measures for easing lockdown would have included letting them reopen for this busy period, they are still able to selling vehicles using click and collect online sales.

And drivers can reap the rewards of big discounts, says What Car?.

It offers ‘guaranteed discounts’ negotiated by its Target Price team of mystery shoppers – all of which are met or beaten by hundreds of approved franchised dealers who are have signed up to sell motors via the website. 

Below is a list of 12 popular models all with significant savings via the online platform secured in 2021 already.

Kia e-Niro – save up to 3%

Best 2021 deal on: 150kW 4+ 64kWh 5dr Auto

With electric cars in such significant demand in recent months that manufacturers have waiting lists as long as their arms, it comes as a surprise that Kia dealers have already shaved £1,000 off the price of its e-Niro this year.

This top spec example – with an official driving range of 282 miles – is the version What Car? says it has haggle the largest discount on in 2021 so far.

Dacia Sandero – save up to 4%

Best 2021 deal on: 1.0 TCe Bi-Fuel Comfort 5dr

A saving of just four per cent might not sound a lot, but Dacia’s Sandero is already the UK’s cheapest new model and has only been on the market a matter of months.

The Bi-Fuel example here combines petrol and LPG, which means you will need to find a station that sells the latter. 

Audi A3 – save up to 6%

Best 2021 deal on: 35 TDI Vorsprung 5dr S Tronic 

The latest A3 only hit showrooms last year so is a model that remains very much in demand at the moment.

The version with the biggest discount is one that might not entice everyone – the most powerful diesel version, the 35 TDI. 

Land Rover Discovery Sport – save up to 8%

Best 2021 deal on: 2.0 P250 R-Dynamic HSE 5dr Auto [5 Seat]

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the sister car to the Range Rover Evoque, and similarly is the most affordable entry into Land Rover ownership.

What Car? says it has struck a deals in the region of eight per cent off the price of range topping examples, like the P250 R-Dynamic listed here. 

Ford Puma – save up to 9%

Best 2021 deal on: 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV ST-Line X 5dr

The Puma bagged What Car?’s Car of the Year award in 2020, so it comes with a high recommendation from the motoring title.

The best discount struck with a Ford dealer is on a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol in the sport ST-Line X trim level, slashing the asking price by nine per cent. 

Skoda Karoq – save up to 10%

Best 2021 deal on: 2.0 TSI [190] Sport Line 4×4 5dr DSG

The Karoq is the smallest member in Skoda’s blossoming range of SUVs. This is the most powerful petrol variant with go-everywhere all-wheel drive and the DSG automatic gearbox.

Buyers have saved up to 10 per cent using What Car?’s Target Price. 

BMW 1 Series –  save up to 10%

Best 2021 deal on: M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack]

The 1 Series is the family hatchback for those who want a premium badge and rear-wheel drive. This latest model arrived in 2019 with a boost in practicality.

The example with the best deals so far in 2021 is the M135 hot hatch. What Car? says it has saved customers 10 per cent on the RRP.  

Volkswagen T-Roc – save up to 11%

Best 2021 deal on: 2.0 TSI 4MOTION R 5dr DSG

The T-Roc is one of VW’s latest SUVs, offering such a soft ride that it is considered one of the most comfortable in the class.

A combination of a spacious interior, a potent turbocharged petrol engine, all-wheel drive and the firm’s tried-and-tested DSG automatic gearbox – and an 11 per cent discount – could make it appeal to family-car buyers. 

Seat Ateca – save up to 14%

Best 2021 deal on: 2.0 TSI Xperience 5dr DSG 4Drive

Anyone in the market for a family-size SUV that’s roomy, well-equipped and competitively priced will likely already have the Seat Ateca on their shopping list.

However, What Car? has been able to secure savings of up to 14 per cent on higher trim levels and relatively strong deals on those at the lower end of the Ateca spec list.      

Range Rover Evoque – save up to 14%

Best 2021 deal on: 1.5 P300e R-Dynamic SE 5dr Auto 

The Evoque is the baby Range Rover in line-up and is popular with buyers who want a stylish compact SUV.

The best deal What Car? can strike is on the plug-in hybrid p300e version, which usually costs just under £50,000. The biggest discount secured so far in 2021 is almost £7,000 off the RRP. 

Volvo XC40 – save up to 17%

Best 2021 deal on: 1.5 T5 Recharge PHEV R DESIGN Pro 5dr Auto

The XC40 is a rival to the Evoque but has received more acclaim than the Range Rover rival, picking up a number of awards since it hit the market in 2018.

The best deal in 2021 according to What Car? is 17 per cent off the T5 Recharge plug-in hybrid, which is the equivalent to almost £4,000 off the £32,550 retail price. 

Seat Arona – save up to 18%

Best 2021 deal on: 1.5 TSI 150 FR Sport [EZ] 5dr DSG

If you’re looking for a great small SUV that’s accomplished to drive and marginally undercuts rivals, the Arona is a great option.

It might not be as good dynamically as the Ford Puma but it does have the added draw of discounts in the region of 18 per cent.