Dealers are targeting not only pricey premium petrol and diesel SUVs but also lower value used EV and hybrid models, according to the latest desirability index from auction house Aston Barclay.

Figures from August show that larger premium SUVs were the most in demand used ICE cars with the Jaguar F-Pace topping the ICE desirability index closely followed by the VW Touareg and three Land Rover SUVs – the Velar, Discovery, and Range Rover. Ford’s Puma and the Mazda MX5 were also in the mix.

“Dealers are generally buying higher value used premium SUVs to order rather than for stock to protect their cashflow,” said Nick Thompson, Aston Barclay’s director of sales.

Demand for used EVs and hybrids has remained consistent during the summer, with the market still weighted more towards sub-£20,000 models. The Toyota Prius topped the EV and hybrid desirability index, with the Kia Niro, Renault Zoe, and the Hyundai IONIQ in third, fourth and fifth place respectively. The only exception to the rule was the higher value Audi E-TRON in second place.

“Used EV prices and demand are also now stabilising with dealers focussed on models that deliver good value for customers.

“We predict both these trends continuing. The introduction of ULEZ zones in the UK will drive some buyers towards low-emission cars for the first time, while dealers are likely to continue buying high value cars to satisfy sold orders to reduce stocking costs,” said Thompson.

Aston Barclay’s monthly index takes into consideration three key metrics: web views prior to sale, number of physical and online sale bids, and sale price achieved as a percentage of CAP average.