Motability promotes new year bargains

Motability, the leading car scheme for disabled people, has launched a promotional campaign to highlight the biggest savings available on new cars this year. Featuring models that have fallen by over £1,400, such as the Kia Carens S 2.0 now available at nil advance payment compared to the previous price last year of £1,495, the prices apply to cars ordered by 31st March 2008.

Anyone who claims the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (currently £45 per week), or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (currently £50.30 per week), is eligible for the Motability Car Scheme and can exchange this allowance for a brand new car. Popular cars with no further cost above this as part of the New Year best prices promotion include:

Vauxhall Astra Life 1.8 16v VVT – from £0

Automatic five-door model including air conditioning, one-touch electric front windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat height adjustment function. An upgrade to the Vauxhall Astra Club 1.8i 16v automatic with metallic paint costs from £149.

Nissan Note Acenta 1.6 16v – from £0

Option for automatic or manual model, features five-doors, electric front and rear windows, alloy wheels, flexiboard boot storage system and air conditioning. An upgrade to the Nissan Note Tekna 1.6 16v automatic with metallic paint costs from £99.

Mazda3 1.6 TS – from £0

Prices includes air conditioning and applies to both manual and automatic options. Model also features driver’s seat height adjustment facility, and driver’s lumbar seat support for more comfortable and secure driving. For the Mazda3 1.6 TS2 five-door manual prices start from £495.

Ford New Focus 1.8 Style – from £0

Holding the 5-star Euro NCAP safety accolade, this manual five-door model also includes anti-lock breaks, power steering, and an electronic stability programme, plus air conditioning. From £150 advance payment upgrade to the Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 manual including metallic paint.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Constables Kangoo – from £0

With lowered floor and counter-balanced ramp for wheelchair access, the Constables Kangoo is available as either a 1.6 automatic, or 1.2 manual, both with metallic paint.

Mike Betts, chief executive, Motability Operations commented: “This time of year offers great opportunities to take advantage of New Year bargains when choosing a new car. Look out for makes and models that include extras such as MP3 players and alloy wheels at no extra cost. And of course, all Motability customers benefit from our great value inclusive package that includes full RAC breakdown assistance, free replacement tyres, free window replacement, annual car tax and comprehensive insurance just for starters.”

The Motability Scheme offers disabled people who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance a brand new car every three years including insurance, personal accident cover, aftersales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 60,000 miles over the three years and free tyre replacement.

For more information about the Motability Scheme, visit motability.co.uk.