Volkswagen's 132 offers

It used to be that this time of year was filled with 'summer sizzler' offers, designed to entice car buyers into the showrooms, but with the change to dual registration that has been replaced with new '132' offers for this year. Volkswagen is the latest to join the ranks of those making special concessions for the new plates with a host of specification improvements and a low finance offer for cars sporting the new 132 plate.

First up is the introduction of the smoking versions of the popular Golf, the 220hp GTI and the 184hp GTD. Available with a choice of six-speed manual or Volkswagen's dual-clutch DSG automatic (seven-speed for the petrol GTI, six-speed for the diesel GTD) the performance models are priced from  €33,820 and €35,740 respectively. Ordinarily such performance models would attract high road tax, but the GTI costs just €280 a year to tax while the GTD is even more impressive at €190.

Aside from the Golf, the mid-spec Move up! now gets 15-inch alloys as standard while the High up! gains the Maps and More portable navigation and infotainment system, Sports Pack with 16-inch alloy wheels, the body has been lowered by 15mm and there are also tinted rear windows.

Trendline and BlueMotion versions of the Polo get a leather multifunction steering wheel as standard while the Comfortline gains tinted rear windows. The Cross Polo gets a leather multifunction steering wheel, tinted rear windows, Park Distance Control and cruise control.

Bluetooth and touch-screen audio systems are now standard on mid- and top spec Beetles with the Sport model also getting a rear spoiler and electrically folding mirrors.

Comfortline and Highline version of the Jetta saloon get tinted rear windows as standard while the Highline also gains rear LED lights. The BlueMotion version of the larger Passat now comes fitted with a leather multi-function steering wheel and the Comfortline gets Park Distance Control. In addition, the Edition-R gains Park Distance Control, chrome side strips on the windows and electrically folding exterior mirrors. The Passat Highline now gets Park Distance Control and bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights as standard.

This increase in equipment is trumped by the CC model, which gains Park Distance Control, Alcantara/Nappa heated leather seats and Bluetooth. The CC Sport gets 18-inch alloy wheels (previously 17-inch), Nappa leather trim, the RCD510 touch-screen audio system, tinted windows and electrically folding exterior mirrors.

There are also significant changes to the Tiguan range with the introduction of a new entry-level model, powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, starting at €26,495. The new engine is also joined by a new trim line known as 'Life and Leisure'.  Sitting below 'Sport and Style' the new trim line features 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, Park Assist, a Flat Tyre Indicator and tinted rear windows as standard. Sport and Style itself is bumped up with the inclusion of 18-inch rims, Bluetooth, Park Assist and electrically folding exterior mirrors. While the new Tiguan Edition-R incorporates all of the  features of the 'Sport & Style' as well as 18-inch 'Mallory' alloy wheels and exclusive R-Line styling for both the exterior and interior.

All of these new cars will be available from 1 July with a special finance rate of 1.32% APR. Alternatively, buyers can choose the option of a Personal Contract Plan, which allows financing of a new Volkswagen with affordable monthly repayments - including all servicing costs.

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