Deals on wheels — March 11
It’s time for the latest instalment of Deals on Wheels, which looks at factory-backed special offers for all you weekend shoppers.
This isn’t a promotional campaign, just us trying to offer you some interesting suggestions if you’re in the market for some new wheels.
Toyota HiLux WorkMate 4x4 dual-cab
Toyota has never really had to discount new-generation HiLuxes much before. They sold themselves. But with stronger rivals such as the Ford Ranger selling in similar numbers, the company is sharpening its pencil.
Right now, Toyota is basically covering all on-road costs associated with its base 4x4 dual-cab variant, the Workmate, giving you a drive-away price of $43,990 (saving about four grand). Yes, it’s more expensive than rivals such as the Isuzu D-Max, but for some, that HiLux badge is vital.
The caveat? It applies to MY15-plated cars only. Still, we suspect you might do even better if you push…
The new Workmate sports a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel (smaller than higher-grade versions) with 110kW/400Nm, matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. Braked-trailer towing capacity is 3.2-tonnes.
This workhorse gets vinyl floors, 17-inch black steel wheels with all-terrain tyres, unique underbody protection and heavy duty suspension, auto on/off halogen headlamps with manual-levelling and daytime running lights, plus a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio display with USB/AUX and Bluetooth.
Holden SV6 Ute
On the topic of utes, time is running out for you to buy an Australian staple before production ends late next year.
It’s not the V8 SS, but the Holden SV6 ute with its 210kW engine, six-speed manual gearbox and rear-drive configuration is still a ton of fun, and practical to boot.
You get standard features such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring, a reverse-view camera, push-button start and DRLs. You’re saving at least $4000 with this deal, given the price of $34,990 drive-away.
To cap it off, Holden will also service your car for free at any of its dealers until 2020. A steal.
Hyundai i30 SR
Look, you might not equate the words ‘Hyundai’ and ‘warm hatch’ in the same sentence, but the Australian-tuned i30 SR is a very decent and dynamic little car.
This 124kW/201Nm warm hatch with six-speed manual gearbox has niceties such as DRLs, a subtle body kit with racier alloys, a 7.0-inch touchscreen and proximity key.
Hyundai will sell you one at the moment for $25,590 drive-away in red paint, saving you almost $4000. It’s no firebrand, but you can have a lot of fun in these (Colin McRae’s WRC engineer did the damper tune for Hyundai Australia). A good buy.
Audi A1 Sportback
An automatic (S tronic) Audi A1 with the base 1.0 TFSI engine normally sells for a tick under $33,000 drive-away. Right now, Audi Australia will sell you one for $29,900 drive-away, with free Style Package that adds LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Beyond the turbocharged petrol engine, you get with audio streaming, MMI radio with 6.5-inch colour display and a multi-function sports steering wheel with paddle shifts.
So you get a damned Audi with nice wheels for less than 30 grand. If badge cache is your thing, then here’s your chance. This is new stock, by the way, not 2015-plate.
Peugeot 2008 Active
This quirky little French crossover doesn’t get much love from punters, but this deal might build interest.
Right now you can get a 2008 Active with automatic gearbox (it’s a naff four-speeder, but does the target buyer care?), and standard kit such as seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth/USB, reverse-view camera and a special five-year/100,000km warranty with capped servicing costs, for $25,990 drive-away.
You’re saving around $4000 if you bundle that together. It’s a sharp little Euro alternative, and the longer warranty should put any reliability concerns at rest. It’s cooler than most rivals, let’s be honest.