CARBUYER: UK dealers are offering better deals on new cars while imports are becoming more expensive. Research from Carbuyer magazine shows the gap between the UK and Europe is closing but alternative sales channels still offer better value.

The average discount available on a new car bought from a franchised dealer in Britain grew in April to £958 (average discount in February 2003 was £815).

Meanwhile, the average discount available from alternative retailers such as importers, car supermarkets and brokers fell to £1,890 from £1,977 in Feb 2003.