Best car deals: the biggest cash and finance discounts on new cars

New cars can be eye-wateringly expensive, so whatever model you're looking at and however you plan to pay for it, you won't want to pay over the odds. But it's not easy knowing exactly what a good deal looks like.

That's where our unique pricing data comes in, allowing us to reveal the cars with the biggest cash and finance discounts, so you know exactly what you should expect to pay.

Read on to find out how we calculate these discounts, what discounts brands are offering on the UK's most popular cars, the models with the most money off their list prices and some heavily discounted 'in-stock' deals.

Please note: the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of a provider before committing to any financial products.

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How we calculate new car discounts

We calculate new car discounts by combining real-world mystery shopping, detailed market research and rigorous validation. This includes analysis of dealer discounts, manufacturer incentives, PCP finance terms and other key factors that shape transaction pricing.

Unless otherwise stated, all manufacturer-related data and pricing apply to all UK franchised dealers. Dealer-related pricing discounts are based on a 'whole of market' view (i.e. achievable at any franchised dealer in the UK).

The result is data that reflects genuine, achievable discounts and finance offers, so you'll know how much you should be paying for your new car. 

All figures calculated 20 January, 2026.

Discounts on the UK's best-selling new cars

The list below is based on SMMT's 2025 sales figures, ordered by sales figures (high to low). For each model, we've listed typical cash and PCP discounts for petrol and electric/hybrid versions. As with all tables in this article, the figures are averages and obtainable, but you might have to haggle.

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Average cash discounts

Average PCP discounts

Looking at the UK’s best-selling cars, January brings no dramatic reset in pricing, but a clearer sense of where value is being supported and where it is easing.

For many high-volume petrol models, cash discounts are broadly steady or slightly softer than in December. Cars such as the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan remain tightly priced, with only modest cash savings on offer. The Volkswagen Golf is one of the clearer examples of easing, with average cash savings lower in January than at the end of last year.

Electric versions of best-selling models continue to stand apart. The Ford Puma Gen-E and Vauxhall Corsa Electric still offer noticeably stronger savings than their petrol equivalents, underlining the ongoing emphasis on EV incentives even within mainstream ranges.

On PCP, the picture is a little more positive. Several popular family cars, including the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan, show improved overall value compared with December, often translating into lower monthly payments. That said, not every model follows this pattern, with the Golf again moving the other way, becoming slightly less competitive on PCP in January.

Overall, the comparison suggests that best-selling cars remain carefully managed on price, with limited movement on cash discounts, more flexibility appearing through PCP, and electric versions continuing to benefit from stronger support than petrol models.

Top 5 average cash discounts

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January’s top five deals show that electric cars continue to dominate the biggest savings, particularly when looking at cash discounts. All five models in the cash top five are electric, with savings of around 20–28% versus list price, underlining how strongly manufacturers are still supporting EVs at the start of 2026.

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Top 5 average total PCP savings

On PCP, electric models again feature prominently, accounting for three of the five strongest deals, but the mix is broader than on cash discounts alone. Mainstream crossovers and family-friendly cars feature heavily, suggesting that competitive finance offers are now being used to drive demand in higher-volume parts of the market, rather than just niche EV models.

The Vauxhall Mokka Electric stands out in January’s PCP Top 5, combining a high overall saving with a monthly payment of £322 on the stated terms. Elsewhere, models such as the VW ID.3 and Audi Q4 e-tron show how lower APRs and manufacturer deposit contributions continue to play an important role in shaping the most competitive PCP deals.

Confused about the different car finance products? Our expert guide to car finance explains all

In-stock deals

Dealers want to free up cash, so in-stock cars that they already own will sometimes come with a higher discount. That means you can often secure better savings compared to ordering a new build to your chosen specification.

However, there are some potential downsides to be aware of when buying in-stock cars:

• You may need to be flexible on model, colour and specification
• Cars may be pre-registered, meaning you won't be the first recorded owner (this could impact the car’s future value when you come to sell)
• Savings may be tied to taking a manufacturer-backed finance offer – always confirm the details with the dealer
• The car may be located at a dealership a long way from you

Here are five standout in-stock deals that we’ve spotted from dealers advertising on car listing sites:

These in-stock offers show how strong savings can still be found on new cars that are ready to drive away. With delivery delays removed, dealers can be more flexible on price, particularly on specific colours or higher-spec examples.

Petrol models feature prominently at the top of the list. The Fiat 600 Hybrid and Volkswagen Golf Black Edition both offer savings of around 20% versus list price, highlighting how well-equipped mainstream cars can represent good value when bought from stock. With Volkswagen easing back on factory-order discounts, an in-stock Golf that suits your needs could be worth considering for the extra saving.

Electric cars make up the remainder. The Peugeot E-408 and Alpine A290 both show sizeable reductions, while the Toyota Urban Cruiser Electric stands out in particular. It’s a relatively new model, so seeing a double-digit percentage saving so early in its lifecycle is notable.

It’s worth checking dealer websites and Autotrader for in-stock new cars from various manufacturers. If you’re planning to order a car, always ask whether there’s an in-stock alternative with a better deal available.

If you find a strong in-stock offer, act quickly as these cars tend to sell fast.

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