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Whether you're looking at the latest technology or the minutiae of a finance agreement, don't let jargon come between you and the right deal. Here, we'll explain some of the most important terms you may come across when you're buying a new car.

ABS (anti-lock brakes)
Helps you stop the car quickly without locking the brakes. It also allows you to steer while braking hard. Climate control Automatic air-conditioning system which allows occupants to set an exact temperature and direct ventilation.

Common-rail diesel
A single, high-pressure pipe supplies diesel to the engine. Metering the fuel under high pressure means the motor runs more efficiently.

CVT 'automatic'
Continuously Variable Transmissions feature two cone-shaped pulleys with a steel belt between them. The pulleys alter to achieve an infinite number of 'gears'.

Direct injection
Fuel is squirted directly into the cylinder under extremely high pressure so it atomises and burns much more efficiently.

EBFD
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution apportions the stopping effort of the brakes equally between the wheels, to keep the car stable.

Sequential manual 'box
A manual gearbox with a lever which moves forwards and backwards rather than in an H pattern, and goes up and down the gears in sequence. Some can also be operated by controls on the steering wheel.

Side airbags
These are mounted in the side of the seat. There are different types available which protect the head and/or chest in a side impact. Normally offered for front seats only.

Stability control (ESP or DSC)
These systems stop skids in corners by detecting slippage at any wheel and applying the brakes at the other end of the car, cutting engine power - or both.

Turbo/supercharger
This increases the flow of air into the engine to improve its performance. Turbos are driven by the engine's exhaust gases, superchargers are powered by a belt from the motor. Both are sometimes used in tandem with intercoolers, which chill the air to boost power further.

Variable valve timing
Valves let air and fuel in and waste out of the engine. Most cars' timing is fixed; VVT varies the point at which the valves open, for improved efficiency.

APR
Short for annual percentage rate. The lower the APR, the more attractive the loan. When comparing loans, insist on knowing the APR.

Cost to change
The difference between the price of the new car and the value of your trade-in. This is how much a new car is really going to cost you.

Ex-demo
Cars registered by the dealer to use on customer test drives end up for sale as 'ex-demo' cars. These are usually low in mileage and can be bargain alternatives to a new car

Flat rate
The interest payable on a loan per year as a percentage of the amount borrowed. Sales people love to quote the flat rate rather than the APR because the interest appears lower - unlike the APR, the flat rate doesn't include interest and charges. Don't make the mistake of comparing flat rates with APRs.

Mats and flaps
Floor mats and mud flaps. Salesmen will often throw these in to sweeten the deal. Fine, but don't accept a mud flap instead of a discount.

Pre-reg
Many dealerships register cars in their own name to bump up the sales figures. These cars are advertised as 'pre-reg' (pre-registered) at a discount. They will be new in all but name - but make sure you couldn't haggle a similar amount off a new car.

TBA
To be arranged. If the sales person enters this in the order form's section on delivery dates, there'll be little you can do if delivery is delayed.

UK-spec
Imported cars which match the equipment levels of cars sold through UK franchised dealers are described as UK-spec. It's important for an import's resale value that it is to UK specification or higher. If, say, an alarm is fitted to UK cars but not to your import, this could put up your insurance. Cars described as UK-sourced will have come via a UK dealer.

Wind and skin
Sales speak for leather seats and air-conditioning.