I’ve been thinking about this since volvo advised me that metallic is no longer included in the AP this week.
I am interested in the XC40 T4 R Design Pro auto. It has an AP of £1999. That included metallic last quarter but now its a £575 option.
I think what we shouldn’t forget is that, as an example, this particular spec is well priced for what it is, as its a car that costs in the region of £35k / £36k
Motability and Volvo could simply have increased the AP of that spec to £2574 for the car with metallic paint, and not given us any choice.
If we compare that to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson 1.6 turbo petrol Premium SE auto which this quarter has an AP of £2499 it suddenly doesn’t seem that out of sorts.
As I see it, what I think Motability and Volvo have done is not mandate a higher AP for the XC40. They have at least given the opportunity to still pay £1999 for that spec in solid black. So for anyone that likes that colour there’s a hell of a lot of car still to be had for the money. But, for those wanting a metallic, is it really an expensive car for what is on offer?
Don’t get me wrong, the likes of the Tiguan R Line auto, especially with the JCT600 discount currently on offer, is exceptionally good value for money whilst that offer lasts (it won’t last forever), but as I found out recently it doesn’t suit everyone ergonomically.
So we can’t necessarily compare everything back to the Tiguan.
Just my 10p worth on it guys. Food for thought though.