Articles by Neil Dowling

More than a quarter of a million Toyota HiAce vans have been sold in Australia - but history is no pointer to the future of buyer trends. European manufacturers are taking a swipe at Toyota's lead, at the same time that the giant Japanese maker is seeing HiAce sales being lost to Hyundai's iLoad van model.This year to May, Hyundai sold 243 iLoads against 186 HiAces. But while the Korean now dominates commercial vans, the HiAce bus sold 264 units to give it dominance in the sub-20 seat bus sector.The Europeans are also in the race and though now small in number, there's a wave coming. This year in WA, Fiat sold 10 Scudo vans, Mercedes sold 24 Vitos, Ford found 66 Transit owners, Mitsubishi's Express went to 46 buyers while under the radar, Peugeot won two sales with its Expert, Volkswagen sold 17 Transporters and Renault's Trafic had five sales.Renault MasterRenault Trafic's big brother, the Master, is one of the latest to be upgraded as it takes on the Australian market. Renault has the biggest share of Europe's huge van segment but is almost unknown here. That may change.The Master is designed for big loads to be hauled over long distances - perfect, it seems, for Australia. It comes with payloads of up to 1650kg and in its long wheelbase format (there's also mid and short wheelbases) can fit up to three standard Australian pallets.The cargo area is 12.5cu.m - and even in the mi-wheelbase model, it's a cavernous 10.3cu.m - while the rear barn doors open to 270-degrees for easy loading with a forklift.The Master comes with one sliding door (on the left side), which is 1200mm wide, while a second sliding door is available as an option. For the Australian market, Renault boosted safety by fitting a steel bulkhead and a cargo barrier as standard equipment. This adds to the electronic stability control, traction control, ABS brakes and airbags for the driver and passenger.Pricing starts at $43,990 for the manual mid-wheelbase model and runs through to the long wheelbase with automated transmission for $47,490. The new Master is powered by a 107kW/350Nm 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or $2300 optional six-speed automated (clutchless) transmission.Fuel consumption is claimed at 9.0 L/100km for the manual and 8.5L/100km for the automated version. More pertinent is the Master's range of more than 1230km with the semi-auto version. The fuel tank holds 105 litres. For fleet buyers, the new Master has low running costs and a three year or 200,000km warranty.Toyota HiAceSafety also features high for the Toyota HiAce but it can't match the Renault's standard equipment. All HiAce models have two airbags, ABS brakes and brake assist as standard.There are 12 models in the HiAce range, comprising three body styles, two wheelbases, two engines and two transmissions. The bodies are long wheelbase (2570mm), wide-body and high roof "Super-Long'' wheelbase (SLWB) van and the commuter bus (both 3110mm).Drivetrains are a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol or 2.5-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine. The petrol engine has hardened valves and valve seats to allow for LPG operation while the SLWB diesel models get an air to air intercooler. Both engines can be mated to a five-speed overdrive manual or electronically controlled four-speed overdrive automatic transmission.Toyota last upgraded the HiAce - which was launched in its current form in 2005 - in 2010 with a taller final drive ratio to suit an increase in output of the diesel engine to 100kW/300Nm. It claims fuel economy improvements of 7 per cent, now 8 L/100km for the LWB diesel.The HiAce LWB has 6cu.m of cargo space and the SLWB model has 9.8cu.m of space. Cargo height is 1335mm for LWB and 1635mm for the SLWB van and widths are 1545mm and 1730mm respectively.Hyundai iLoadThe Hyundai iLoad is a refined and well-built worker with two models - van and crew van - and two engines. The crew van adds an extra row of seats, making it a six-seater van that still has a huge cargo area.All models have a four-star crash rating, dual front airbags, ABS brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution while the diesel models can be optioned with electronic stability control and traction control.Hyundai offers two engines - a 129kW/228Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol and the more prefered 125kW/392Nm 2.5-litre turbo-diesel. The petrol comes only with a manual gearbox but the diesel has the option of a five-speed auto.Hyundai claims the petrol gets 10.5 L/100km and the diesel returns 8.5 L/100km with the manual gearbox and 9.6 L/100km with the auto. In standard form the iLoad has handy sliding doors on each side and a lift-up tailgate but there is an option of barn doors for forklift loading.Despite its modest exterior size, the iLoad's space is cavernous. The van will take up to 5.3cu m of cargo and a payload of 1100kg.

Kia Sportage Platinum and Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Renault is looking to launch its Kangoo ZE - an all-electric version of its Kangoo small-class van - here.The French company, which is poised to debut its Fluence ZE sedan in the next few months, said the Kangoo ZE (for zero emissions) is an eco-friendly model that will match the running costs of the existing petrol-engined version.One of the vehicle's advantages is the reduced maintenance cost, with estimated savings of 20 per cent. These savings come from dispensing with oil changes, timing belts, air filters or fuel filters.Running costs are also cut by a dramatic reduction in fuel bills, with the actual cost per km dependent on electricity prices in various areas. Renault is coy about the price of the van when it gets here but, based on the European price, could be about $27,000. However, Renault leases the batteries in its all-electric vehicles which may have a cost of $100 a month. The Kangoo ZE has a 44kW/226Nm electric motor under the bonnet and a 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor just behind the front seats. Renault said the van has a range of 170km and the rechanging time is four hours or, via a fast charger station, one hour will give a 20km range. The payload is 650kg and the load volume ranges from 3cu.m to 3.5cu.m. Renault says the recharging time, using a wall-mounted Renault charger, is between six and eight hours. 

Naming your cars after winds can be as tricky as sailing into them. Volkswagen claims the German word for the trade winds that charted early sail boats as the name for its family model, Passat.But with 188kW and the attitude of a psychotic guard dog, a soft breeze wouldn't wash over the two-door version of the hot Golf R.That's why the Scirocco - a hurricane-size wind that blows north from the Sahara into the Mediterranean - so suits Volkswagen's coupe and explains that even Maserati was enamoured with the same wind by twice using using its Arabic name, Ghibli, for high-performance cars. Even Errol Flynn's first yacht filled its sails in the Pacific wearing the name spelt as Sirocco.VALUEI expected it to cost more. At $47,490 - and an extra $2500 for the six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto - it has the h ot looks, bristling performance and thundering exhaust note to trounce coupes with double its price tag.The kit is expansive, starting with the eight-speaker audio with Bluetooth and iPod/USB connection, bi-xenon headlights and 19-inch alloys, heated seats and park sensors, and electronic adjustable suspension damping.mThere's 345 nation-wide sales to June 1 this year, indicating it's also pleasingly uncommon.DESIGNEven since I saw one - white with silver alloys and red brake calipers - rumbling through a narrow, cobblestone Berlin street five years ago, it has become one of my key yardstick cars.Its design is purposeful yet beautiful, feminine in parts with its sculptured hips and chamfered nose, while relaying undeniable strength. Inside, my love diminishes somewhat - not because it's done badly but because I've seen all of it before in other Volkswagen products. It seats four adults - ensure they're not to tall for the rear, however - and the boot is surprisingly deep (mainly b ecause there's no spare wheel).TECHNOLOGYThe Scirocco arrives in Australia in one version only - the 188kW/330Nm wearing the R label. This is the white-hot version of our 155kW Golf GTI and uses the same direct-injection turbo-petrol engine as the $49,990 all-wheel drive Golf R.Scirocco deletes the AWD and saves 120kg over the Golf, but with a 0-100km/h of 6.2sec, still isn't as quick as the grippy Golf's 5.9sec sprint. Scirocco shares the Golf R's extended electronic diff lock (XDL) that successfully improves traction and minimises understeer. It also has three-mode damper adjustment - normal, sport and comfort - and electric steering.SAFETYNo crash rating for this car. It's regarded as a limited production car - like all Porsches, for example - so doesn't get to kiss the concrete wall. But given it's based on the Golf, it should be seen as a "safe'' car.Standard gear includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, tyre pressure monitors, heated mirrors, park  sensors, bi-xenon headlights and a hill holder. There's no spare wheel, just aerosol goo and a compressor.DRIVINGDon't expect that because it's based on the Golf R that it feels like one. In fact, the Scirocco's lower seating position amplifies its performance aggression and, combined with the tuned exhaust note - that burbles and grumbles, roars and screams in proportion to right-foot pressure - makes all the car's dynamics come alive.It's quick, though you find that halfway through the rev range. Under about 3000rpm it's docile enough to go shopping. Hit the pedal hard and the acceleration is so instant it almost pulls its own clothes off. Handling is very, very good - more grip that you'd expect from a front-drive car thanks to electronics fiddling with the diff and the ABS system. Purists would prefer a mechanical system but our streets are not race tracks.The car's suspension is best left in "comfort'' mode for the city and suburbs, clicked to "sport'' for country roads. Ride in sport is firm - you get kicked in the butt on rough roads - but keeps the car flat through the curves. Clearly, it's a lot of fun.VERDICTWonderful piece of art that works on so many levels. But two doors limit cabin accessibility making the five-door Golf R a worthy alternative.

The brushed alloy analogue clock centred in the Lexus dash is so neat, so understated and so, well, Jaguar, that its simplicity is almost lost within the electronic efficiency of the dashboard.That's a clear, and timely, pointer to the disparate nature of the Lexus GS450h - the "h'' is for hybrid - that holds pieces of the past and melds with the future. The GS450h platform, for example, is virtually unchanged from the outgoing model yet the drivetrain reeks of a fresh look at creating a civilised handshake between electric and combustion power sources.Now - if you want it - you have a spacious, luxurious and even sensibly-priced saloon that uncompromisingly offers big-bore performance with small car economy. The only question is that, stacked up against its more conservatively engineered rivals, is a hybrid worth the bother?Out the gates at $99,900, the GS450h is already a winner. Only Euro diesels combine price, economy and features but even then Lexus keeps upping the equipment level. The test car is the F Sport model, adding even more kit and wearing new body adornments, that is $111,900.An "enhancement pack'' with LED headlights, 17-speaker audio and the monster 308mm monitor lifts your invoice to $116,900. But across the board, equipment levels are exhaustive and will outpace  rivals costing up to $50,000 more.Self-healing paint (which I have subsequently used on my body), Volvo-inspired blind-spot warning, sunroof, five-mode selectable driving options, digital radio, HDD sat-nav, heated and vented front seats, head-up display and adaptive suspension are just some of the items on the base-model GS450h standard list.It uses the same platform but this second-generation GS450h gets the corporate grille - shaped like a spindle - and ensures buyers find distinct ion in its 330 colour and trim combinations.The new car's size is almost identical to its predecessor but boasts a bigger boot thanks to a new battery layout, upping space by 45 per cent on the old model to 465 litres. The F Sport gets mesh side grilles, unique bumper and lip spoiler, a rear spoiler and dark-finish 19-inch alloys.The seats have diamond-shaped perforations and the cabin wears a sports theme accenting alloy and leather. Spacious seating is for five, though the saloon genre bette r suits four. Despite the apparent complexity of the dashboard and the wealth of functions, it's intuitive.Lots here. The platform may be regenerated but the suspension is new, especially the rear that is now a multi-link system to better suit the rear-wheel steering and the bulky transaxle that comprises two electric motors - one for motive power and the other as a generator.The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, which has an electric water pump and runs on standard unleaded, now is a more efficient Atkinson cycle design - as is Prius - yet together with the motor, is 20 per cent more fuel efficient than before and is faster with a 0-100km/h time of only 5.9 seconds. But Lexus claims an average of 6.3 L/100km.The suspension is electronically adjustable through a drive-mode select function that includes five features from all-electric to sport and, including firming the suspension and steering feel and sharpening engine response, the sport-plus mode.The transmission is a CVT with paddle shifters for manual gear selection. The new regenerative system that recharges the battery when the car is coasting and braking is responsible for lowering fuel use over the old model by 20 per cent.Expect the best here and Lexus delivers with a five-star crash rating, 10 airbags, standard equipment Blind Spot Monitor - which uses two radar sensors to detect other vehicles in either adjacent lane - and tyre pressure monitoring.There's also an eight-sensor parking sonar syst em, a reverse camera with rear guide assist, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights, the usual electronic brake suspects such as stability and traction control. The F Sport gets a pre-collision safety system including an all-speed active cruise control feature that will bring the car to a stop.There's an unsettling initial period where the GS450h doesn't feel as planted as its European rivals. The steering is too light, too distant from the road to engage the driver. But familiarity exposes two things - you become accustomed to it and then you find the Sport+ button.By default the car selects a lethargic, yet fuel efficient engine-transmission program. Dial in Sport or Sport+ and the big sedan tightens. It's nowhere near BMW in feel, yet strangely the electronics and rear-wheel steering make it surprisingly agile and quick through the bends.Acceleration is sparkling, both off the mark - where the electric motor's instant torque bites hard on the bitumen - and when overtak ing. Invigorating as this all is, it's the comfort, serenity and sheer gadgetry of the Lexus that will win its buyers.For me, the fuel economy benefits of a $111,000 car are almost futile. But the near-perfect build quality, the ocean of gadgetry, the urge of the hybrid drivetrain and the superb ride and comfort should win canny buyers.Understated and clever luxury car at prestige-car prices.

Smart cars that avoid accidents and clever fuel-saving technology are bonuses, but they can turn sour by forcing up insurance premiums and wiping out the economic repair of a damaged car.

More than 31 per cent of new vehicle sales in the past year are diesels, up from 28 per cent in the previous year. The casualty is petrol vehicles, falling to 67 per cent in the past 12 months from 70 per cent in the previous year. Motorists want high fuel economy, a long range between filling up, brisk performance and all the standard features of a petrol car but aren't willing to pay too much extra for a diesel engine. And car companies are delivering. There are 14 zippy small cars on the market with diesel engines, priced from $19,490 for the Hyundai Accent. Even larger, more family-friendly cars are affordable and none lose anything in performance to their petrol counterparts. Of the 10 medium to large car models with diesel engines, all but one are priced from below $40,000 with the cheapest being the $27,790 Skoda Octavia sedan. Diesel-engined cars previously have had a price premium to equivalent petrol cars but the gap is narrowing. A diesel-engined BMW 118d hatch, for example, is $46,193 compared with the petrol 118i at $45,493. The difference between a Hyundai i30 SLX petrol and an SLX diesel is $2500. Diesels can repay the difference in purchase price with better fuel consumption, though it is slightly offset by the extra price of diesel fuel. Buyers can be comforted by the fact that, according to resale specialists Glass's Guide, used vehicle prices for diesels are as strong as petrol models, meaning that the extra purchase price will be recouped when the car is sold. Motorists wanting more luxury can still get the benefits of diesel. There are 24 models from eight carmakers in the prestige category that have diesel engines, and 51 models from 21 different brands offering diesels in a passenger-focused SUVs. Data from the Federal Chamber of Automoti ve Industries shows 7 per cent of passenger cars sold to private buyers in the past year have been diesels, compared with hybrids with only 1 per cent of the market. But the burgeoning SUV sector takes the biggest slice of the cake. Its diesel population 34 per cent of the private buyer sector, more than half of the 65.5 per cent of petrol SUVs sold.  The trend is increasingly swinging to diesel. One year ago diesels only had 29 per cent of the private buyer SUV market.  Diesels typically dominate  the light-commercial vehicle market, holding sales about six times the volume of petrol vehicles and again the diesel percentage is growing. Australia's best-selling vehicle in April was the Toyota Hilux with 3565 sold - and about 84 per cent were diesels.   TOP FIVE PASSENGER DIESELS 2011   TOP FIVE SUV DIESELS 2011  

The Rapid is Skoda's first big step in the transformation away from functional - but bland - design. The small car hatch-sedan has crisp lines, spacious cabin and platform and drivetrain components from parent Volkswagen.Skoda intends to launch the Rapid in Europe in August - and here mid-2013 - priced to challenge like-sized family cars including the Mazda3 and Holden Cruze.The Rapid hits the global market a few months after the Czech manufacturer released its Citigo light car - a hatch based on the Volkswagen Up and also due in Australia in 2013 - as part of its model overhaul.A new Octavia is expected in 2014 along with a large SUV. The Rapid, which goes public in September at the Paris motor show, will be driven next month and tested in Europe by Carsguide.The hatch uses components from the Volkswagen family - especially Polo and Golf - but doesn't have the new MQB platform that will feature on this year's Golf VII.It sits in size and price between the Fabia and the Octavia in a segment that Skoda says accounts for about 36 per cent of the world's automobile market.Within this segment, sedans have a share of about 42 per cent but industry analysts estimate mid-size sedan-hatch models will globally rise by about 50 per cent by the year 2020. The expansion will be driven mainly by Asian markets - notably China - that prefers sedan-shaped cars. The Rapid is 4.48m long and will be made with five petrol and two diesel engines. Skoda says it's too early to pick drivetrains - and prices - but expect a 77TSI and 90TSI petrols and a 103TDI diesel. The car will also be morphed into a Seat sedan for Spain. Seat is also in the Volkswagen Group. 

Char-grilled hatchbacks are more fun than a stick and almost as cheap. However, some people get personal joy in wringing the neck of small engines in little hatchbacks. Fortunately, since the 1970s kickstart of the Peugeot 205 GTI and Volkswagen Golf GTI, there's still a string of car makers willing to pump out a line of cars once called hot hatches, now more like toasted on the grill. Suzuki - like Daihatsu, Nissan and Toyota - has played the game before.Only one of these is still on the field. Now, after a 12-month hiatus which saw off its six-year Swift Sport model, Suzuki is back with a new engine, a new look and a competitive mid-$20K price.VALUE Okay - so any lines blurred between a Polo GTI and a Swift Sport should be clarified immediately. The Swift Sport is a punchier version of the endearing Swift shopping trolley.It gets a bigger engine, bodykit, neat alloy whe els and lots of features inside. At $23,990 as a manual, its purity as a small hatch insists that it refuse any options. The auto - a CVT unit - is $2000 more.Value rates well with standard keyless entry and start, Bluetooth, cruise control, USB port for the six-speaker audio, bi-xenon headlights and sports seats with red stitching.DESIGN The Sport picks up the new body which looks like the old body shape, making its presence known with a yawning grille, bi-xenon headlights, side skirts, deep front spoiler and integrated roof spoiler. It sits 120mm longer than the old Sport but its rounded body still looks like the winner of a baking competition. But it defies its stumpy exterior with a roomy cabin for four adults.Seats are black cloth with red trim and are really comfortable and suppportive while the hard-plastic, satin-finish dash implies low-rent but actually looks good. The boot is tiny but the near-flat, fold-down rear seats create a versatile hauler.TECHNOLOGYThe previous S port exited Australia in January 2011 as a 92kW/148Nm 1.6-litre hatchback with one gearbox - a five-speed manual - within its distinctive snail-like shell. Now there's a new engine based on the standard Swift's 1.4-litre mill but with 100kW/160Nm - that's a weight to power ratio of 10.6 kg/kW, making it outgun the old Swift GTi.Suzuki made the car bigger but shaved 30kg from the final weight, upping its zip factor while trimming fuel thirst back to 6.5 L/100km from 7.3 L/100km.  Sport gets tripl e-synchromesh on frist and second gear cogs, firmer suspension, bigger 17-inch alloys and a tighter steering feel as part of its mechanical armament. SAFETY For a small car the Swift Sport packs an impressive safety kit. There's a five-star crash rating, electronic stability control, seven airbags and all the electronic brake aids. The bi-xenon headlights make night driving some much easier but the lack of a spare wheel - there's some aerosol goo and a compressor in the emty wheel well - limits  the Swift's range.DRIVING This can be an angry, hot and sweaty little car in the right hands. It has so much pluck that it will almost burst its little heart trying to please the driver. Yes, the Sport can be work - sometimes hard work - but the reward is letting it get under your skin and to drive it like it was an extension of your body.Big surprises are the willingness of the engine to run cleanly and eagerly to 7000rpm, the extra kick from the engine at 5500rpm, the almost hydraulic feel  of the electric steering system and the ride comfort despite the low-profile 17-inch rubbers.The keyless start button, the encompassing driver's seat, the small-diameter leather-bound steering wheel and the superbly bright headlights provide the theatre. Gee, it almost feels like an early Golf GTI. Almost.VERDICT A sparkling hatch for enthusiastic motorists divided between commuting and weekend fangs while being acutely aware of the need to retain their licence.Suzuki Swift Sport Price: $23,990Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 58 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: Five starSpare: aerosol repair kitEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl petrol 100kW/160NmTransmission: 6-speed manual; FWDBody: 3.9m (L); 1.7m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 1060kgThirst: 6.5 1/100km; 98 RON; 153g/km Co2 

If you're itching for a fresh piece of metal in the driveway, car distributors and dealers traditionally clean out their yards as the financial year ends. That means they'll quit cars with discounts they wouldn't normally dream about.Why? The start of a new financial year regenerates a new business financial budget and allows time to clean out the cobwebs of the past. In some cases the vehicles in the yard may be built in the previous calendar year and everyone wants to pay less for a car that is nominally 12 months old. So that's another saving.But it's not all about slashing the car's retail price. Some manufacturers with the backing of a finance company have taken the axe to the interest rates on their loans. The savings here can be substantial and likely to beat any bank.Doing this rather than chopping the car's price also ensures resale value remains high - a bonus when you finish with the car. Others have promised to pay all the on-road costs - that's registration, third-party insurance and stamp duty - which can be a saving of anywhere from $2500 to $8000-plus.It's not only about what the car maker is publicly chopping of the recommended price - you can haggle a few more thousand dollars out of the deal by bumping up the price of the trade-in.Don't jump the starter's gun - if you show too much eagerness the dealer knows he doesn't have to cut anything else out of the deal. Adopting a casual attitude to the haggling process may put the dealer on the forward foot. If you're keen, get on the grid now.Most car makers, distributors and dealers have started their end of financial year (EOFY) rollout of models. Here's a selection of the vehicles you may want at prices you may not have thought possible.AUDIThe A4 and S4 models (to be replaced in July) and the three-door A1 hatch (a five-door adds to the A1 in July) means a choice for buyers of free on-road costs (saving about $3000-$5000) or a 2.8 per cent comparative loan rate.CITROENDrive away on all C models (except DS) - saving about $4000 - and a C5 Turbo for $32,990 drive away.FORDGood deals here and it's not because there's a new model coming anytime soon. Ford - which also has a budget-priced capped service program - is copping all the on-road charges and chopping a few thousand plastic queens of the prices as well.Have a look at the Fiesta CL hatch petrol manual with Safety Pack - $16,790 drive away; Focus Trend hatch petrol manual $22,890 drive away; and XR6 ute manual at $33,990 drive away and for ABN holders, a five-year/200,000km warranty. My favorites are the Territory 2WD TX automatic diesel for $40,990. It's normally $43,240 plus the $5000-plus onroad costs, a saving to you of about $9000. Plus the diesel Territory is a nice ride.HOLDENDrive-away costs have been absorbed across the range but in addition, there are a handful of cut-price specials under the Equipe nametag. Holden has lifted the price of many of its smaller cars and then paid for the on-road costs, so the benefits to the buyer aren't as huge as first thought. I guess that every dollar helps.For example, the Barina hatch is $15,990 but Holden now quote $16,990 drive away ($2500). So the actual saving is $1500. But it gets better with the Cruze CD (normally $21,990) that's now $21,490 drive away, a total saving of about $3400. Commodore's SV6 is $42,790 but until June 30 is $36,990 including on-road costs, leaving a decent $7300 in your wallet.The Captiva 7 SX is normally $32,490 but pre-July gets free driveaway and a total saving of $3500. Unfortunately it only applies to the petrol model.But the hat goes off to the Equipe special edition models in Cruze and Commodore which add three years to the roadside assist, two year extra factory warranty (now five years) and a free service. Depending on the Equipe model, you'll also get free parking sensors, big-diameter alloy wheels, leather or a rear-view camera - plus on-road costs. But you have to pay on-road costs.HONDAIt's drive-away pricing at Honda. An example is the Accord Euro manual for $29,990 drive-away, saving about $3000. The same deal is on other models until June 30.ISUZUThe manufacturer has made significant reductions to the price of its D-Max models - up to $4510 in one case - and also absorbed drive-away costs into its range. The savings can be hefty but be aware that the lure is in the water because there's a new model coming.Examples of the cuts are the SX dual-cab 4WD ute (normally $38,600) that's now $34,990. That's a saving of $3610 on the price and about $3500 in on-road costs, totalling about $7100. The more up-spec LS-U 4WD dual-cab is slashed by $4510 to $37,990 drive away, a total saving of about $8000.MAZDAA selection of models come with all drive-away costs included but the savings are minor. The list also doesn't include the new hot-selling CX-5 SUV, but there's some examples of the neat Mazda3 and Mazda6. Mazda has added $2000 to the price of the Mazda3 Maxx Sport hatch (now $26,490) but has included on-road costs ($3000) so the saving to you is only $1000.The same with the Mazda2 Neo (normally $15,790) which is now $16,490 with on-road costs ($2600) - an actual saving of only $1900. Big-car buyers may be enticed by the seven-seater CX-9 SUV which is normally $44,425 for the front-wheel drive automatic version but is now $45,990 drive away ($5500), saving $3935MITSUBISHIDrive away prices abound as Mitsubishi apply the tease across the range. The Lancer, ASX and Outlander have special edition ``Activ'' models that add some extra equipment for no extra cost. The Lancer Activ manual costs $21,888 with metallic paint, 16-inch alloys, a body kit and voice-activated Bluetooth. It's based on the ES Lancer which is normally $21,690. The on-roads are about $3000, so the saving over an ES is about $2800 even without the extra kit. It's a good deal.There's also a deal on the Pajero Platinum (based on GLX) which comes with a heap of extra stuff - reverse camera, sat-nav, premium audio and big screen, rear airconditioning, auto headlights and wipers and sidesteps - for $58,990. The GLX is usually $55,990. You save $6500 on on-road costs plus get all the fruit. Favourite in this bunch is the ASX Activ (it's only available as a front-wheel drive) that gets 17-inch alloy wheels and a body kit, privacy glass, Bluetooth and audio steering wheel controls. The pretty SUV is $30,490 as an automatic, including all drive-away costs.NISSANCheap finance is Nissan's lure, with 2.7 per cent on Murano, Pathfinder, Micra, Dualis and X-Trail models. All models also come with a reassuring six-year/120,000km capped price service program and three-year 24-hour roadside assist. There's also the Patrol ST ``Simpson Crossing'' 50th Anniversary model that throws in $8500 of extra gear at no extra cost. The Patrol ST is usually $56,990.  My favourite is the Dualis ST automatic front-wheel drive which is $29,990. The 2.7 per cent finance on a $30,000 loan will save you $7936 in interest compared with a bank over a five-year term and monthly repayments are about $535.RENAULTCut-price loans are Renault inducement into its model range. The best is a 1.9 per cent comparison rate for the Megane hatch and Fluence sedan. Banks start opening their doors at about 12 per cent comparison rate for a secured car loan, so Renault's offer is very attractive - if you want a Renault. Other models, including the light commercial vehicles, are 3.9 per cent.  My favourite is the Megane diesel hatch automatic at $27,490. The cut-price finance means a $8569 interest repayment saving on a five-year, $30,000 loan compared with a bank.SKODAGet your Czech book out because cheap finance is the way to go. Skoda is offering 2.8 per cent finance on its Yeti and Superb models to make a big improvement in the health of your wallet.SSANGYONGThe 2011-build Korando range has been chopped by $3000. All the prices quoted for Ssangyong are drive-away, so there's an even bigger saving. An example is the Koranda compact SUV diesel manual which is sliced by $3000 to $24,990 drive away.SUBARUGood savings here as Subaru prepares to wheel in the new Forester in January. The best are the Adventure Pack deals which cost you $1000 more for up to $4000 of goodies. Just make sure you really need those goodies. Until July 1, Subaru has its base-model Forester X manual with alloy wheels, fog lights and on-road costs from $31,990, a saving of $3900. The Outback 2.5i manual, usually $37,490, is now $37,990 including on-road costs.Tribeca 3.6R Premium seven-seater is $54,990 with on-road costs thrown in, saving $4000.  I'd go for the Forester X Adventure Pack for $32,990 which includes fog lights, alloy wheels, carpet mats, cargo tray, an Engel car fridge and a $500 Columbia voucher. The equivalent Outback pack has different kit, including roof attachments and Thule luggage.SUZUKINot much here really, though the drive-away pricing will save a bit. Drive away prices include he baby-car Alto ($12,490 with free sat-nav and Bluetooth), Swift GL auto ($19,690) and Grand Vitara Urban 4WD with alloy wheels ($30,990).TOYOTAGo to the Toyota Bank and get a 2.9 per cent comparative interest rate on Corolla Ascent (new model late this year), Yaris YRS sedan (new model early 2013), Yaris YR hatch (no imminent replacement) and RAV4 CV (new model 2013). As an example, the Corolla Ascent costs $20,990. A $25,000 loan over five years at 2.9 per cent means a $448 monthly repayment and total interest bill of $1886. Compared to a 12 per cent bank loan, you'll save $6480 in interest.VOLKSWAGENAgain, it's the drive away pricing that may draw you to the showroom. The Jetta sedan, for example, is from $26,490 (same price as normal) but the drive-away inducement saves about $3500. This model has recently been upgraded so no new model around the corner. The Golf 77TSI is unchanged at $21,990 but the on-road costs will save about $3000. There's a new Golf mid to late 2013. All Amarok utes now come with a pre-July 2.8 per cent finance deal.VOLVOThe Swede is offering rebates on selected models and has expanded its safety equipment - particularly the low-speed, auto-brake system City Safety - over a wider model range. Pick the right insurer and City Safety cars attract an annual premium discount of up to 20 per cent. Cash back is on C30 ($2000), S60 ($3000), XC60 ($3000), XC90 ($4000) and XC70 ($5000).  My favourite is the $3000 of the price of the S60 sedan, bring the excellent T4 model down to $45,990. It has City Safety as standard, so there's the chance of cheap insurance premiums.Low-cost loansScenario 1: Borrow $30,000 at a bank's comparison rate (includes all fees and charges) of 12 per cent. Over five years you would pay $667.33 a month and your total interest bill (alone) for the term would be $10,040. Borrow the same amount over the same term but use Renault's 1.9 per cent comparison rate to buy a Megane hatch and your monthly repayment would be $524 and your total interest bill for the term would be $1471. The bottom line is a whopping $8569 saving.Scenario 2: Borrow $30,000 at a bank rate of 12 per cent. Over five years you would pay $667.33 a month and your total interest bill (alone) for the term would be $10,040. Borrow the same amount over the same term but use Toyota's 2.9 per cent rate to buy a Corolla and your monthly repayment would be $537 and your total interest bill for the term would be $2264. By going with Toyota's finance you will save $7776 in interest repayments.