Nissan, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are all offering around 20% discounts on some models ahead of the September plate-change.

According to What Car?’s analysis of its Target Price mystery shopper data, dealers across the country have cut cash prices on new cars by an average of 7.68% or £3,066.

The Nissan Qashqai can be had with a 20.9% saving from dealers, while Volkswagen’s Touran is available with a 20.5% discount, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon is being offered with a 19.1% saving.

Across powertrains, diesel vehicles are available with the highest savings, with the average discount at 8.46% or £4,547.

Electric and hybrid discounts have steadily risen since the beginning of the year, with the average electric car offered with a 4.73% or £2,208 cash saving in August.

Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?, said: “Normally September is the second-biggest month for new car registrations after March, but this year’s lockdown means it has the potential to eclipse all other months.

“With all sales now crucial to the industry’s efforts to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 there are some terrific discounts available to try and tempt car buyers back into showrooms.

“Our team of mystery shoppers is constantly scouring the market to set our Target Prices, and the evidence is that for certain types of car, this is a great time to be buying.”

Top 12 Target Price cash savings

Model	Trim	OTR	% Cash Saving	TP Cash Saving**
Nissan Qashqai	1.5 dCi N-Connecta	£26 770	20.90%	£5,471
Volkswagen Touran	1.5 TSI EVO SE	£28 905	20.50%	£5,676
Mercedes-Benz E Class	E220d AMG Line Edition 4dr 9G-Tronic	£41 710	19.10%	£7,653
Suzuki Sx4 S-Cross	1.4 Boosterjet 48V Hybrid SZ4	£20 759	17.50%	£3,501
BMW 2 Series Coupe	M240i Step Auto	£41 550	16.90%	£6,655
Nissan Micra	1.0 IG-T 100 N-Sport	£17 525	16.20%	£2,794
Seat Ibiza	1.0 SE	£16 475	16.10%	£2,609
Vauxhall Grandland X	1.2 Turbo Griffin	£28 855	15.90%	£4,423
Seat Ateca	1.5 TSI EVO SE	£24 750	15.70%	£3,852
BMW 5 Series	530e M Sport 4dr Auto	£51 545	15.70%	£7,930
Mini Convertible	2.0 Cooper S Classic II	£25 155	13.80%	£3,312
BMW X2	sDrive20i M Sport Step Auto	£38 010	13.40%	£4,901
** % Cash saving takes into account OTR less delivery and registration fees. Prices correct at the time of writing.