Parker’s Car Guides: this month’s trends, best buys and great deals

Little can be read into the new car registration figures for January. Most manufacturers are gearing up for the new 07 registration in April, and January is not one of the busier months for sales. The appearance of the Audi A4 is interesting. We have become used to the BMW 3-Series appearing in the top 10, but the Audi is a rare visitor. Also, the Ford Mondeo has taken fifth spot, when the car is just months away from being replaced by an all-new model. Talking of the Mondeo, 2007 will see the debut of other new models in its sector of the market. Renault will replace the Laguna towards the end of the year, while Chrysler and Dodge will introduce the Sebring and Avenger to the UK in the next few months. Can these new models make an impact in a declining sector as customers migrate to premium-badge cars and on-road-biased 4x4s? Frequent appearances of the BMW 3-Series in the top 10, and now the Audi A4, could be a sign that these new large family cars will struggle.

SMALL CARS:

New: Deals on Skoda Fabia as old model runs out

Skoda is about to replace the Fabia with an all-new model, so the time could be right for scoring a good discount on one of the outgoing cars. We’ve seen a handful of cars being advertised at about £1000 below the official list price. The Fabia hatchback is roomy, and its five-door body is practical. All Fabias come with air conditioning as standard, and that includes a chilled glove compartment. A 1.2 Classic model we found priced at £6495, comes with power steering and anti-lock brakes, like all modern small cars, plus twin front airbags and a height and reach adjustable steering wheel.

Used: Hyundai warranty is as good as it Getz

The Hyundai Getz was the company’s first success in attempting to produce what European customers expect in a small car. It is good to drive, cheap to run, attractive to look at and well equipped. The car launched in October 2002 - the same time that Hyundai began its five year/unlimited mileage warranty. It means that if even if a headlamp bulb goes before the car is five years old, it could still get it replaced free of charge by a Hyundai dealer

FAMILY CARS:

New: Buy a pre-reg PT Cruiser and save £3000

The novelty might have worn off Chrysler’s PT Cruiser, but there are some tempting deals available on pre-registered cars. Chrysler dealers seem to be able to sell the large and imposing 300C model with ease, while pre-registered versions of the Dodge Caliber family hatchback are advertised with a maximum of £1000 off list price. Dealers are advertising PT Cruisers with £3000 off list price. A 2.4 Classic is well equipped and has a versatile interior. Air conditioning and electric windows are standard, as well as a CD/radio, alarm and immobiliser. The faux-retro styling may be uncool, but the car remains good value.

Used: Diesel Vectra estate majors on space

The Vectra estate is one of the most practical family cars you can buy. Its load space is bigger than every other estate in its class. Three-year-old examples with a modern 1.9-litre diesel engine can be picked up for as little as £6500. Lower mileage cars of the same age are closer to £8000. The Vectra is at its best on the motorway, and the diesel should return 45mpg. Unlike the hatchback and saloon, the estate also benefits from a longer wheelbase, giving rear passengers extra inches of legroom.

4X4S AND PEOPLE CARRIERS:

New: Tiny Terios offered with large discounts

The original Daihatsu Terios was replaced with a bigger, better, model in 2006. However, demand for a compact off-roader at the price of a mid-range family hatchback is quite small. It means it is possible to buy a pre-registered Terios for £3000 off the official list price. We found a dealer in the north of England with three 1.5 S models advertised at £9995. The Terios is a competent off-road vehicle, and the S model comes with air conditioning, electric windows, rear parking sensors, a CD/radio and split/folding/reclining rear seats. Other dealers are less generous, but there are still good discounts to be won.

Used: Fiat Ulysse is king of the people movers

The Fiat Ulysse people carrier is part of a partnership with Peugeot and Citroën. All the vehicles are built in France and use the French companies’ sophisticated diesel engines. Of the second-generation vehicles launched in 2003 (alongside the Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807) the Fiat is arguably the most handsome and shares the same stylish interior. £5500 will be enough to buy a high mileage diesel version, although average mileage cars are higher. Choose an average mileage diesel with a full service history for peace of mind.

SPECIALIST CARS:

New: Act now for £10,000 off big Aussie coupe

The last few Vauxhall Monaro VXR models are available with £10,000 off the normal showroom price. These aren’t the 500bhp supercharged final editions, but the potent 400bhp hardcore version of the big V8 coupe. The car is roomy, well equipped and has a thunderous soundtrack.