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The Nissan Ariya has received a price cut of more than £6000 as the firm shuffles the electric SUV's line-up to make it eligible for the new Electric Car Grant (ECG).

The Ariya was included in a list of 19 models last week that were declared eligible for a £1500 discount under the ECG scheme – the smaller of two amounts offered – but unlike the other 18 cars was priced higher than the £37,000 threshold in all its guises.

Now, though, Nissan has adjusted the range to bring the cheapest version of the Ariya down from £39,645 to just £33,500 after the grant.

That's for the newly added Shiro edition – marked out by its exclusive pearlescent white paint – which comes in entry-level Engage trim and is fitted with the shorter-range 63kWh battery pack, but the larger 87kWh battery is available from £35,500 and so still falls under the threshold. 

Only front-driven Ariyas in Engage trim are eligible for the grant, with mid-rung Advance starting at £37,500 and the entry-level e-4orce four-wheel-drive car priced from £45,500. The range-topping Nismo performance edition starts at £56,630.

The announcement means both of Nissan's current UK-market EVs receive the ECG, with the new Micra's entry price reduced to £21,495 with the £1500 discount. The UK-built Leaf crossover, due in the coming months, is in a "strong position" to receive the higher £3750 discount, Nissan's UK boss James Taylor told Autocar. 

Nissan GB marketing director Fiona Mackay said: “Securing eligibility for the UK government’s £1500 electric vehicle grant makes the Ariya more accessible than ever. It now offers greater value without compromising on the innovation, design and performance our customers expect, and reflects our approach of removing barriers to EV ownership and empowering more drivers to make the switch to zero-emission driving.

“And this is just the beginning. Alongside Ariya and the newly launched all-new Micra, we’re looking forward to the third-generation British-built Leaf later this year, followed by the electric Juke in 2026, also coming from our Sunderland plant.”

Chinese brand Jaecoo has confirmed UK deliveries of its new E5 electric SUV will begin in October, with prices starting from £27,505.

A rival for models such as the Peugeot e-2008, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3, it packs a range of 248 miles between charges thanks to a 61.1kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack.

This can be recharged at up to 80kW on a DC connection, allowing a 30-80% refill in 27 minutes. It also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, meaning the car's battery can be used to power external devices.

Powering the E5 is a single front-mounted electric motor that puts out 204bhp and 212lb ft of torque, enabling it to complete the 0-62mph sprint in 7.7sec.

Visually, it's distinguished from the petrol Jaecoo 5 by the near complete removal of its front grilles, which are replaced with flat panels that doubtless improve the car's aerodynamic performance. 

Inside, it gets a 13.2in portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, plus seating for five people.

Boot space is said to measure 480 litres, rising to 1180 with the rear seats folded down.

Two trim levels will be available, named Pure and Luxury. The former is priced at £3000 more than the equivalent petrol-powered 5. It gets a six-speaker Sony sound system and manually adjustable front seats.

Luxury, priced from £30,505, brings an upgrade to an eight-speaker Sony system, a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated front seats with electric adjustment.

The E5 is covered by a seven-year/100,000 mile warranty. 

British car buyers love used cars. Case in point: more than 7.6 million were sold last year, outperforming new models four to one. 

The top 10 best-selling used cars form a failsafe selection, many of which ticking the most important boxes for most buyers. Key to their appeal is their genuine value for money and reasonable ownership costs. Indeed, this criteria will be high on the agenda for many prospective buyers, especially when new cars continue to rise in price. 

Adding further complexity into the used car buying experience is the sheer amount of choice that is now available. Do you buy a BIK-busting plug-in hybrid or a long-range EV? Is it more sensible to buy a practical and versatile estate over an SUV? Will the keen drivers among us be satisfied with the performance of a hot hatch or is there a sports car offering better value for money? 

We think the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is the best used car available today. Its practical and spacious interior is formed of high-quality materials; its broad engine line-up means it can play the role of frugal high-miler or dynamic hot hatchback; and its ease of use and simplicity only makes it easier to recommend. 

But which other used cars are worthy of investment? We’ve put together a list of the best, from 4x4s to convertible sports cars.