WHAT CAR?, in association with Sainsbury’s Bank, is launching a competition to find Britain’s best new car buyer, with a year’s free motoring as first prize.

The winning entrant will not necessarily be the person who achieved the biggest discount. What Car? is looking for the buyer who comes closest to the perfect deal.

David Motton, What Car?’s editor, said: “We’re not just looking for the most impressive saving compared with the list price. Our team of experts will take into account the quality of the car purchased, the likely depreciation, any finance package and the part-exchange offer.

“The winning contestant will be the buyer who, in the opinion of the judges, has blended all these factors to make the best possible deal.”

The winner will receive a cheque to cover the cost of a year’s motoring, which will include depreciation, insurance, fuel bills, and servicing. Twenty runners-up will get a car kit full of driving essentials, including a first aid kit.