Coronavirus: SEAT and Skoda dealers offer virtual tours of cars

• Prospective and recent buyers can ask questions
• Car sales likely to plummet during coronavirus crisis
• Buyers can still buy new and used cars online

SEAT and Skoda are conducting virtual tours of selected models from home as the coronavirus lockdown measures look set to keep car dealerships closed for the foreseeable future.

Product experts at the two manufacturers are hosting video livestreams so that potential buyers can get more information on engines, trim levels, options and prices of cars on sale. People who have recently bought a car can ask questions about particular features and accessories.

Coronavirus: what Covid-19 means for car buyers

Six SEAT product experts are running demonstrations of the company’s SUV range, consisting of the Arona, Ateca and Tarraco. Similarly, six Skoda representatives are hosting videos on the Kamiq, Karoq, Octavia and Superb, and pre-recorded videos of other models in the range are available.

Richard Harrison, SEAT UK’s managing director, said: “At SEAT, we live by the mantra of ‘We not Me’ and Live Showcase is a perfect example of how we’re adapting to ensure our customers remain supported and our team remains safe and well at home.”

Both brands are offering the service between 11am and 9pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 7pm on weekends. The ‘Live’ function pops up in the corner when you visit each brand’s website.

Elsewhere, Tesla has begun offering ‘contactless’ test drives in China, where vehicles can be unlocked remotely and the key left in the car for the customer. This may come to the UK when our travel restrictions are lifted; only essential travel is currently permitted.

The car industry is bracing itself for a huge drop in sales, despite the fact that many manufacturers offer an online sales service. You can configure your perfect car, add any accessories and get a finance deal in place from the comfort of your home, and your car will be delivered once it’s ready.

You can also buy pre-registered and used cars from BuyaCar, and grab a great deal in the process. While the outbreak is still ongoing, BuyaCar is also offering key workers free delivery and a free two-year warranty.

Read our Driver Power owner survey for the best-ranked new cars on sale.