As we say goodbye to the Outlander, this final review looks at the role new digital tools play in the car search and purchase process.

An enquiry to Carwow, based on our test car, generated a fascinating insight into how dealers are exploiting the digital opportunity and how much information is being made conveniently available to consumers.

The first dealer response came in 24 minutes from Grays of Holbeach, 20 miles away; the second from my nearest dealer, 14 miles away in Corby, after two hours, 45 minutes.

The third response wasn’t until 10.50 the following day. Subsequently, there werze two more.

One of the slowest to respond offered the best price: £2,340 off the RRP on a cash deal and a 14.2% saving on finance. The dealer was also the furthest away – at 73 miles. It would cost me £15 in diesel to get there. The dealer offered a free tank of fuel. A compelling offer.  

He had only six Carwow reviews, but all were 100% positive over four measures: friendliness, communication, knowledge and ordering process.

A closer dealer (83 miles) had 134 reviews, 99% of them four stars or above.

In addition to these offers, Carwow sent details of five nearly new and used DI-D auto and manual ‘special offers’. It also sent another three emails nudging me towards a decision between February 16 and 25.