Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
Sales of top models have not been dented by inflation, says the magazine Which?
In fact, Volkswagen Polo and the Renault Megane prices have been 8% or more above inflation contrasting with rivals such as the Mini (down 2.5%) and the Ford Galaxy (down 5.5%), and the normally armour priced BMW 3 Series dipped 7.5%, which of course makes them even more desirable.
Which? Said, “It’s disappointing to find some manufacturers are hiking the price of new cars above inflation, especially smaller cars, at a time when consumers are already feeling the pinch due to the rise in VAT, car tax and general cost of living.
“However, we’re surprised to find that some cars are now better value than they were four years ago – so there are some bargains around.”
Which? compared prices in real terms in March 2012 with those in March 2008 for 20 best-selling models but excluded VAT, the first year’s car tax and the registration cost, as these had changed over the period.
It then inflated the March 2008 price by 14.53% – the increase in the CPI inflation rate from March 2008 to March 2012 and on the difference in pre-tax prices, after adjusting for inflation, the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 70 Match had gone up 8.5% in the four-year period, while the Renault Megane 1.5dCi (106) Expression had gone up 8.5%.
However, the BMW 3 Series 320D diesel went down 7.5% and the Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec dipped 5%.
Keep up to date with the market in our business car news section and our company car comparisons give you an unbiased view of their true appeal.