Seat is extending and refreshing its VAT-free deals into 2011 in a bid to help its dealer network kick-start sales in the first quarter.

The Spanish manufacturer is also offering a new half VAT deal which amounts to a 10% discount off certain Seat models, as well as 0% finance deals.

The new offers will run throughout the first quarter of 2011, ending on March 31 this year, and applies to eligible retail customer cars registered before that date. The retail campaign is also available to small fleet customers (sub-25 cars) who buy their vehicles outright.

The VAT-free offers apply to Seat's biggest seller, the Ibiza SC and five-door, with the 1.4 Chill and 1.4 83bhp petrol models while all other versions (excluding the entry level cars) benefit from the new ½ VAT discount.

Meanwhile all versions of Ibiza ST qualify for the VAT-free deal.

Moving up the size range into the Leon family-sized five-seat hatch, VAT-free deals apply to S Emoción and all petrol models (excluding entry and Cupra R versions) while Cupra R and all diesel models (excluding entry and S Emoción versions) benefit from the new half VAT discount.

The Altea and Altea XL are being offered with either VAT-free or ½ VAT deals.  Likewise, the Exeo and Exeo ST get VAT-free, or half VAT offers.

All versions of the new Alhambra seven-seat MPV get the half VAT discount which brings the newly-increased VAT rate of 20% down to its original 1973 level of 10%.

Explaining the decision to extend and enhance the VAT offers, SEAT UK head of operations Richard Harrison said: "The success of our VAT offer towards the end of 2010 meant we were understandably keen to continue the momentum into 2011.

"Our dealers up and down the country have been busier than ever and now, with the announcement of these great new retail offers, I’m sure they can look forward to a fantastic start to the New Year."