News round-up: Skoda Fabia SE upgraded and Ford revises used car programme

* Special-edition Skoda Fabia SE costs £9595 * Ford Direct scheme open to cars up to five years old * VW Transporter celebrates 60 years in UK...

News round-up: Skoda Fabia SE upgraded and Ford revises used car programme

Skoda

The Skoda Fabia 1.2 70 SE is now available for £9595, representing a 20% saving on the previous list price.

As well as the price reduction, the Fabia comes with a spare wheel and metallic paint as standard, on-top of the existing SE specification that includes air-conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels and electric door mirrors.

If you sign up to a Skoda Finance personal contract plan, you will also receive a free servicing package for three years or 30,000 miles.

Ford

Ford has launched a new Ford Approved used car programme, which mirrors its Ford Direct used car scheme, but extended to include all used cars, up to five-years old and 70,000 miles.

Now all eligible used cars will offer benefits including a full service history, a 160-point inspection, mileage and finance checks, a 30-day no-quibble exchange, seven-day drive-away insurance, a one-year warranty and roadside assistance.

As part of the new scheme, prospective buyers will be able to search the whole Ford UK dealer network for the model of their choice, with detailed search criteria for key items such as the vehicle colour and type of alloy wheels.

Previously this was only available for Ford Direct vehicles up to 2-years old with less than 18,000 miles.  

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has launched the special edition Transporter Sportline 60, to celebrate 60 years since the model was launched in the UK.

Available as a Kombi or a panel van, it comes with plenty of standard kit, including sat-nav with a seven-inch colour touch screen, quilted leather seats and climate control, plus styling upgrades such as 18-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and a rear spoiler.

Power comes from a 178bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, with either a six-speed manual or automatic DSG gearbox.

Prices start at £29,940 (ex. VAT), rising to £34,170 (ex. VAT) for a long-wheelbase version with the DSG.