This month’s trends, best buys and great deals from Parker’s Car Price Guide

Ford’s Focus celebrated its eighth year at the top of the UK sales charts in 2006 in what was a lacklustre year for new car registrations.

The trade is expecting 2007 to be equally tough, but several new models are on the way that should attract interest from customers. The Nissan Qashqai effectively replaces the slow-selling Almera and Primera in its line-up and seems to offer the best elements of a family car and a 4x4. Its high driving position and spacious interior will work well, and if you need four-wheel drive it is available on the top models, although this is not an off-roader. Toyota is replacing the Corolla with a new car with a new name. The Auris (pronounced ow-riss) is hoped to make conquest sales against cars like the Focus and Volkswagen Golf where the old Corolla may have failed. And the 4x4 haters will be disappointed to learn a new BMW X5 is weeks away. The new model offers new technology and will be available with seven seats and should be just as popular as its predecessor.

SMALL CARS:

New: Popular Ka offers cheap driving for £5000

Popular Ka offers cheap driving for £5000 The Ford Ka is one of the oldest vehicles on the roads, but it has remained very popular since it was introduced in 1996. Derived from a previous-generation Fiesta, the Ka is pleasant to drive, good value and cheap to run, although some of the cheaper ones seem pretty basic. Next year the Ka will be replaced with by a new vehicle developed in a joint venture with Fiat, so during the course of this year, new versions of the current model should be sold with some tempting deals. However, you can already find pre-registered versions of the Ka for under £5,00. These will show the dealer as the owner, and will have delivery mileage on the clock.

Used: Racy MG ZR is good value for money

A handful of new MG ZRs are still being registered every month, despite the closure of the car’s factory nearly two years ago. But the earlier ZRs are beginning to look like good value. The 1.4-litre MG ZR develops 103bhp and are fun to drive. It’s possible to find good five-year old cars for less than £3000.The Standard ZR 1.4 comes with a driver’s airbag and alarm, while the ZR+ comes with remote central locking, a sunroof, electric front windows and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

FAMILY CARS:

New: Good discounts on final Kia Cerato models

The Kia Cerato has never really caught on in the UK, and has just been replaced by the new European-designed Kia cee’d. It means there are plenty of low-price new Ceratos around. The Cerato is available in salon or hatchback styles with a choice of petrol or diesel engines. Even the base Cerato comes with air conditioning, and it also includes electric front windows, a CD player that also plays MP3 files on CD plus central locking. It should be possible to buy a Cerato already registered to a dealer for about £7000 or so - equating to a saving of about £3000 over the car’s price when new.

Used: V6 diesel Superb has a luxury car feel

The Skoda Superb offers among the best value in its class, offering luxury car comfort for a fraction of the price. For a true luxury car feel, but with low running costs, choose the V6 diesel engine. It should still achieve 40mpg - even if you find an automatic versions – and is well equipped. The least expensive of these V6 TDI cars will have rear parking sensors, a six-CD autochanger, electronic climate control, cruise control, electric windows, and almost as much rear legroom as a limousine.

4X4S AND PEOPLE CARRIERS:

New: Older Outlander offers bigger savings

Mitsubishi’s all new Outlander goes on sale int he UK this month, but there’ll still be a few new examples of the old Outlander around. The original Outlander didn’t sell in huge numbers because it was only had a petrol engine and an auto gearbox. We found a few pre-registered models with £4000 off the list price. The Outlander is a decent drive, feeling more like an estate car with the added security of four-wheel drive, than a traditional 4x4. All come with alloy wheels, electronic climate control, a CD player and electric windows. If you’re a low mileage driver and like a higher driving position it could be a good choice.

Used: SEAT’s people carrier looks hard to beat

The seven-seat SEAT Alhambra has long been regarded as the best value vehicle in compared with its sister cars the original Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan. It is possible to buy average mileage cars from around £2500. This practical seven-seater is good to drive and well-equipped. Demand for diesel versions will be higher, so expect to pay at least £3,000 for average mileage 1.9 TDI models. Many of these cars will have spent the early part of their lives as mini-cabs, so the highest mileage versions may seem rather tired, but there should be plenty to choose from.

SPECIALIST CARS:

New: A cool £7000 off hot Vauxhall roadster

The VX220 Turbo VXR was Vauxhall’s fastest accelerating car. Not far behind, and still available at some dealers, supermarkets and Network Q is the standard VX220 Turbo. Capable of 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds, expect to save at least £7000 over list price for these last-of-the-line cars.