A European Commission
survey
performed last year revealed that 80% of the most popular models cost more in
the UK than elsewhere in Europe; The British have to pay a substantial premium
just for the privilege of buying in the UK.
For example, a
VW
Golf 1.8 GTi Turbo can cost from as little as £14000 (UK List Price £17500)
while a Ford Puma 1.7 with all options costs as little as £12000 (UK List Price
£16000). These prices include the VAT that has to be paid for an
imported vehicle.
The past eighteen months or so has seen a
huge increase in the number of UK buyers buying their
next new car from Europe. This demand will not subside until car
manufacturers take heed and substantially reduce the cost of new cars in the UK.