THIS YEAR, TOYOTA has seen a healthy rise in sales of its hybrid models, which is attributed partly to the negative publicity around ‘dirty’ diesel engines.

Hybrids have accounted for 30 per cent of total Toyota sales, with this number estimated to rise to 45 per cent in 2018. Furthermore, it is predicted that diesel will only account for 55 per cent of new car sales in Ireland in 2018 and will drop much further by 2020.

If you are worried about the resale value of a hybrid car, Toyota Financial Services (Toyota Ireland’s new financial provider) claims that the future residual value of a hybrid vehicle will be up to 6 per cent higher than a diesel vehicle.

So, to help customers switch from diesel to a hybrid, Toyota has launched its 181 ‘Upgrade to Hybrid for Free’ campaign.

Customers can take advantage of a 2.9 per cent APR and a trade in, trade up bonus of up to €4,500 plus scrappage on diesel vehicles. These offers are designed to bridge the price gap between diesel and hybrid models.

There are other offers too, including a €2,000 price reduction on the RAV4 Hybrid Luna Sport or an additional €2,200 worth of kit for the Auris Luna Sport Hybrid, which  includes 17-inch alloys, a sports interior trim and satellite nav with connected service or 2.9 per cent APR on all Yaris hybrids.

Where a hybrid option is not available on a model, customers can avail of other special offers. Corolla customers are being enticed away from diesel models and into Luna Sport petrol models with €1,400 worth of extras including 17-inch alloy wheels, retractable mirrors, satellite navigation and heated seats. Those looking to buy an Aygo can avail of an APR from 2.9 per cent and models come with Toyota Safety Sense and a rear-view camera.

The nationwide Toyota Ireland sales event runs from 8 to 11 November. For full terms and conditions, see the Toyota Ireland website.

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