We're all driving rather a bit less than we were at the moment, and while the vaccine roll-out means (hopefully) we can get back to some semblance of normality in the next few months, Renault for one reckons that working from home is here to stay. And that means cheaper PCP rates for new cars...
Lower mileage? Lower repayments...
You can see the mathematical logic of it. Many companies are going to continue to encourage people to continue working at home, post-pandemic, simply because it makes much more sense to do so, especially for those with young families. Because of that, commuting mileage is likely to fall for many of us, and if our annual mileage goes down, so too do our PCP repayments.
Why? Because you're putting less wear and tear on the car, and so Renault's financial bods, at Renault Bank, can translate that into more second-hand value, which means a lower monthly cost of repayment. In fact, Renault is now offering Clio buyers a 0 per cent interest PCP plan, with monthly payments of €130 and the option to defer those payments for three months. The 'Drive Less, Pay Less' offer also includes €1,000 cashback and is available on all Clio models from the basic 100hp 1.0 TCE petrol to the new Hybrid model.
Electric Zoe selling strongly
If you fancy going fully electric, the Renault Zoe is also available on a 0 per cent plan, with a €1,000 'Green Grant' on top of the Government electric car incentives. Clearly, many of you are taking this route - Renault Ireland says that it was the best-selling electric car brand in all of 2020, and has kept that crown into 2021.
"Over 100,000 Zoes were sold in 2020 in Europe alone and Zoe is the first and only electric car to achieve a six-figure sales volume in a single year in Europe, a testament to its excellent value, 395km range, flexible charging, spacious interior and practicality," said Renault in a statement.
There are still offers on other Renault models - €1,000 cashback and 3.9 per cent APR interest on a Captur crossover; €1,250 cashback and 3.9 per cent APR on the Megane, and €1,500 cashback on a Kadjar. All of the above come with the same three-month payment deferral as the Clio and Zoe.
There's also the new lineup of hybrid Clio and plug-in hybrid Megane and Captur, all with €1,000 'Green Grant' and 3.9 per cent finance.
Deals on vans and Dacias too
Renault remains on the podium for van sales in January and its award-winning Pro+ LCV range including the Master, Trafic and Kangoo, is available to order with a continued offer saving at least €3,000 vs high-street banks (so Renault Ireland claims) with 3.9 per cent APR HP; three months' deferred payments and five years' warranty, as well as five years' roadside assistance.
Dacia had an excellent performance in January, achieving 2.6 per cent market share, up from 2.3 per cent in January 2020. If Dacia Duster fans fancy an upgrade to the high spec Duster Prestige, then the good news is that Dacia's 211 offers on Duster have been extended to 31st of March with the Duster Prestige available at 0 per cent APR with three months' deferred payments. On Sandero and Sandero Stepway there is a 4.9 per cent APR offer, and three months' deferred payments available at Dacia Dealerships until 31st March.
Renault Ireland told us that all of its dealerships, including Dacia outlets, are fully open for servicing, maintenance and repair work and although sales showrooms are closed, they are open for business virtually. Click & Deliver is available, and the dealership will drop a customer's new car to their home, in accordance with HSE & HSA COVID-19 guidelines. There's also a virtual showroom online, with product experts who will answer questions and demonstrate the latest cars via live one-to-one video chat. The virtual showroom is open seven days a week between 10am and 8pm.