1977 Citroen GS Reviews

If it's "cachet" you are after, something a little different -- a bit more stylish than the other medium prestige cars --then look no further than the new $51,990 Citroen DS5.DESIGNCitroen developed the new DS range as cars with panache, out of the ordinary. And in the DS5, they have surely succeeded because it's a strikingly handsome hatchback with bucket loads of street appeal. Those large sabre-shaped chrome flashes linking the headlights with the A pillars are just the start of it. Viewed from all angles, the DS5 is a glamour in the current Citroen idiom.FEATURESAnd it's just as startlingly different and appealing inside with no less than three glass sunroofs, an overhead console like an aircraft, beautifully styled seats and dash and a whole truckload of standard kit including head-up display, swivelling headlights, premium audio, comprehensive trip computer and dual zone climate control.Heck, there's even a massage function on the eight way electrically adjustable driver's seat. The passenger's seat is also electrically adjustable. Other standard kit includes a reverse camera, front and rear park sensors, button start leather, privacy glass, auto high beam, auto headlights and wipers, cruise with speed limiter and Bluetooth phone and audio.But there isn't much in the way of new-tech driver assistance such as blind spot warning, 360 degree camera, radar cruise with brake function, auto brake and all the other stuff coming in these days. Seats are provided for five but four is a better bet and the car can be set to carry a large load with folding rear seats.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONPower comes from a tried and true 2.0-litre turbo diesel four that sees duty elsewhere in the expansive Peugeot/ Citroen line-up. In this case it's good for 120kW/340Nm and 6.1-litres/100km economy. It passes EU5 emissions regulations and drives the front wheels through a conventional six-speed auto transmission with sequential (not paddle) shift.DRIVINGThat's plenty of kick for a car like this weighing in at 1615kg. It gets off the mark respectably and has prodigious roll-on like most diesels these days. Noise and vibration is negligible at any speed. Infact, you can't hear anything cruising on the highway.They've set-up the suspension in a sporty way and the big, 18-inch low profile tyres create a bit of a ruckus on rough roads but the upside is responsive handling and an engaging drive from what is essentially a medium prestige family car.The suspension is a strut front system with trailing arms at the rear. Steering is electric offering a reasonable amount of feel through the hugely flat bottomed steering wheel. We found actually operating the car in terms of switches and functions somewhat challenging. It took a while to sort out the Bluetooth. A rash of buttons and knobs all need to be mastered before you try and drive this car and they are all over the place around the driver's 'cockpit.'But once set, the rewards are there. It would make an excellent interstate cruiser, economical, quiet, a relaxing drive as long as you didn't venture too far off the hotmix.GENEROUSCitroen provides a generous warranty on this and all its models as well as fixed price servicing and other entitlements. The brand has been here for years now and has been making cars for a century so they have an idea of how to do it.VERDICTWe really like the DS5 - the look of it inside and out and the feel. It's economical, luxuriously equipped and can be an engaging drive. Definitely worth a look.Citroen DS5Price: from $51,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assist 100,000kmEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel, 120kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDThirst: 6.1L/100Km, CO2 158g/km

Here's a smooth newcomer with a spiky mission for Citroen. As the French maker uses a style-driven push in Australia with its DS line, its Cactus concept is unveiled this week to preview the thinking behind a revitalisation of its mainstream C-Line models.Citroen believes the design of the Cactus crossover is the look that will work for people who buy cars for transport, although it's not backing away from its aspiring-for-prestige position down under. It's not as outrageous as some recent sports car dream machines, but it's not just a boring box."The French are renowned for flair and cutting-edge design and that won't disappear. It's in the DNA," the head of Citroen Australia, John Startari, tells Carsguide. "The global strategy concentrates on product development and the C-Line range will be pitched as the more-affordable models."So Startari confirms that Citroen is working closely with Peugeot in Australia, dovetailing their lineups with the top end reserved for his DS models, as they work under the shared ownership of the Sime Darby group. "That's to stop cannibilisation in the PSA stable," he says.Looking closer at the Cactus, Startari sees potential for Australia even though the Frankfurt motor show car is revealed with left-hand drive. "Citroen has tended to go into production with the majority of its concepts, so . ," hints Startari."It's too early to determine if it will come to Australia. But we've a hot, dry country and there is a certain resonance." Among the design work on the Cactus is a 'driver's station' with controls in a fully-digital interface, sofa-style front seats, natural materials and what Citroen calls 'non-aggressive flowing surfaces' for the body.Technology work starts with lightweight body panels, 'airbumps' to protect the body, and a hybrid drivetrain - incorporating compressed air and hydraulics - that promises 2.5 litres/100km economy.This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover

The Townsville dealership of China's Great Wall Motors is to have a new showroom. The Motoco Group, operated by Jason Collins and Alan Baxter, has confirmed its purchase of the former BP service station site at the corner of Bowen Rd and Balls Lane, Mundingburra, for $1 million.The firm will spend about another $500,000 converting the property into a showroom and car yard for the dealership, which it has operated for about four years. It will also sell Foton light trucks. Motoco dealer Jason Collins said the Great Wall team, which had traded almost opposite on Bowen Rd alongside its used car business, had earned its new location.“They should have their own stand-alone facility,” Mr Collins said. “We are consistently in the top 10 in Australia with Great Wall.” There are about 80 Great Wall dealerships around the country and the number is growing. It is one of the largest manufacturers in China, where the auto industry has exploded in recent years to become the world's largest vehicle maker.Work to fit out the new Townsville showroom has just began. “It will be gutted and turned into a showroom with a new glass facade and a modern awning,” Mr Collins said. He said they were confident about the prospects for business in Townsville despite a difficult market recently.“Townsville has been very good to this business,” Mr Collins said. “Talking to the Gold Coast dealers, they are still doing it tough and there's a general feeling that we have it far better in this area.” Peter Wheeler of Colliers International Townsville, who negotiated the sale of the 2233sq m property, said the purchase opposite Motoco's Audi Townsville Centre was a logical extension of their business.But with interest rates at their lowest levels for some 50 years, it was also a well-timed move. “Now really is the time to be buying. It's a good time to be getting into the market,” Mr Wheeler said. The Motoco Group which also operates in Cairns was formerly Honeycombes Cars. It has dealerships in Audi, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Great Wall, Peugeot, Winnebago and Millard. It is also involved in Rising Sun Marine and Townsville Suzuki Marine dealerships.tony.raggatt@news.com.au 

Keen to enhance its image as a marque that produces passionate cars, Citroen has added a cabriolet to its DS3 range – which is exactly what we need as spring gets closer by the day.VALUEPriced from $30,990 (plus on roads) for the D-Style 1.6-litre petrol three-door cabriolet and $2000 more for the 1.6-litre turbocharged version – both of which are automatic transmissions – the little droptop is more expensive than its only real competitor, the Fiat 500 cabriolet, which starts in the low twenties.However, the DS3 is larger, with more interior space and a good sized boot. John Startari, the new chief of Citroen in Australia sees the Mini convertible as another competitor. However, the British open-top car is closer to $40,000 and doesn’t offer the same versatility of roof operation as the French and Italian cabriolets. All of which means the Citroen is operating in a wide niche when it comes to pricing.DESIGNUnlike the Fiat and Mini, the Citroen doesn’t use retro styling as a major selling feature. Indeed, the company says its ‘anti-retro’ and wants it cars to be futuristic.The biggest styling feature of the Citroen DS3 is the kick-up in the bodywork at the B-pillar. Now the addition of a folding roof, combined with a big range of accessories let owners of the cabriolet challenge convention in their car’s appearance.A real advantage of a cabriolet – as opposed to a convertible – is the lack of windrush in the interior because the sides of the car remain as in the standard body. Should the weather turn nasty the roof can be closed while the DS3 Cabrio is travelling at any speed below 120 km/h.To enable buyers to let their imaginations soar, Citroen has established a special ‘D-Zone’ in showrooms where owners can ‘commission’ their new babies. This has a relaxed lounge-room like setting where a big range of options and accessories is displayed or viewable on screens.As personalised items are added on the computer the buyer is given an estimated delivery date for the car. Should they find the time is stretching too far into the future they can modify the choices to bring things under control. Even so, it’s unlikely delivery will stretch beyond four months.ENGINESTwo standard models are on offer; the DS3 Cabrio D-Style, which has a 1.6-litre 88 kW engine and four-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, audio with a full range of connections, interior mood lighting, and an aromatic air freshener as part of the climate-control system.The DS3 Cabrio D-Sport has a turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine, producing 115 kW of power and a wide-spread of torque, sitting at 240 Nm from 1400 to 4000 revs, driving through a six-speed manual gearbox. There are 17-inch black-alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a carbon-look dashboard, an upgraded sound system, chrome-tipped twin exhausts.SAFETYA full suite of safety gear is installed in the Citroen DS3 range, including six airbags, resulting in a five-star rating in crash testing.DRIVINGHeadroom in the front is good, but that in the rear is marginal for adults. There’s reasonable legroom in the back, though it’s probably best left for children. Similarly, though it’s set up as five-seater, seat width is limited and three adults would find it pretty cramped.Our brightly coloured Citroen convoy certainly attracted the attention of bystanders and other motorists, showing the stylists have got the shape right. With the roof open all the way we experienced no wind buffeting worth worrying about – see the previous remarks about hairdos not being damaged. With the roof closed the DS3 cabriolet was almost as quiet as the hatchback variant.Handling is very good for a front-drive car and remained pretty neutral until high cornering forces were generated. Then it scrubbed off speed in understeer to bring it back on line. Electronic stability is there should someone make a big mistake in cornering far too fast. Steering feedback is good and the DS cab is happy to change direction in a nimble fashion.While the seats have a sporty look the distance between the bolsters is pretty wild so they don’t offer a lot of support for people of average width.Engine performance from the non-turbo engine in the D-Style is nothing to get excited about, but the four-speed automatic transmission does a good job of changing down when required for added urge. The turbo engine in the D-Sport is much better and sings along nicely, being responsive and happy to rev.VERDICTWell priced and highly specified, the new Citroen DS3 cabriolet adds another option for buyers looking for a fun machine that can be highly personalised. We can see this bright and airy model having a bright future downunder. Citroen DS3 CabrioPrice: from $30,990 (D-Style) $32,990 (D-Sport)Engine: 1.6-litre petrol or turbo petrol, 88kW/160Nm, 115kW/240NmTransmission: four-speed auto (D-Style), six-speed manual (D-Sport)Thirst: 6.7L/100km (D-Style), 5.9L/100km (D-Sport)

The sharpest knife is wielded by Proton, whose Preve sedan is now the cheapest small car in the country. Proton marketing general manager Billy Falconer says the cut -- which amounts to a 15 per cent shave off the original price -- is a reaction to the aggressive discounting of rivals.The flip is the annual/15,000km servicing cost is now capped for the first five years or 75,000km, rather than the free servicing as previously. "In order to compete with all these offers, we have reduced the price for the Preve range, with the manual starting at just $15,990 driveaway and the CVT auto Preve from $17,990 driveaway for a limited time only," Falconer says.The Preve is the first Proton to earn a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with a five-year warranty. The Malaysian brand is relying on the improved safety and features -- all Preve models have 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and controls for the sound system and phone mounted on the steering wheel -- to help boost sales.The company sold just 856 vehicles last year and is behind that number year-to-date with 353 sales to July. A new hatch and people-mover -- both built according to Proton's improved safety standards -- are imminent.Ford's Focus Ambiente is -- for now -- just $18,990 on the road, including free servicing for the first three annual/15,000km check-ups. Mazda's $19,990 deal on the Neo includes a four-year warranty and three years' roadside assistance. A Mitsubishi Lancer ES with a front and rear spoilers, side skirts and alloy wheels is available for $19,990 driveaway until the end the month.PRICE WARModel                                November 2012     NowCitroen C4                          $22,990                 $20,990Ford Focus                         $20,290                 $18,990*Holden Cruze                      $21,490                 $19,490Mazda3                              $20,330                 $19,990*Proton Preve                       $18,990*                $15,990*Mitsubishi Lancer                $19,990                 $19,990**denotes driveaway pricing

Promise, we won't use the word 'quirky' any more for Citroen. It is, after all, one of the biggest selling brands in Europe. Now they've come out with a drop top cabriolet version of the cute little DS3, Citroen's version of the Peugeot 208, and it's a throw-back to the "legendary'' Citroen 2CV in some ways.DESIGNThough touted as an anti-retro car, the roof of the DS3 cabriolet is straight out of the 2CV book except for the fact that it's power operated and three layers of vinyl instead of a greasy piece of canvas. Oh and there are some rather funky colours and designs including one with the DS monogram imprinted. Tres cool.The DS3 cabriolet roof peels back leaving the side roof structure around the doors and can be set in one of three positions, intermediate, horizontal and total with the roof tucked up onto the rear window like a spoiler.This is the true interpretation of a "cabriolet" whereas most other cabriolets are infact convertible roadsters with no remaining roof structure when the top is wound back. It's a cheap and effective way to get some sun and wind in the car when you're driving. And the DS3 version looks pretty cute in a puppy dog sort of way. The roof opens/closes fully in 16 seconds at speeds up to 120kmh.Unlike other drop tops, the DS3 gains minimal weight (25kg) and therefore offers the same performance, fuel economy and feel as the tin-top hatchback. Citroen re-invented the boot lid for this car which features a pivoting, parallelogram style boot opening up to a letter box aperture to 'post' you luggage through.Tricky styling features include 3D tail lights that disappear into infinity. Inside is specified to a luxury level with seats for five at a pinch. The interior is technical and funky with easy to operate switches and a look like no other car including a flat bottom wheel and broad sweep of mock carbon fibre fascia. The three layer roof is hand-made at a factory in France to be benchmark for fit and finish.RANGE AND PRICETwo models are offered; the D-Style four-speed auto only and the D-Sport six-speed manual only with the former going for $30,990 and the latter $32,990.There's a big difference between the two in that the Style has a 1.6-litre, naturally aspirated, four cylinder engine with 88kW/160Nm capable of 6.7-litres/100km while the Sport has a 1.6-litre turbo petrol four-pot achieving 115kW/240Nm and 5.9-litres/100km.Both are a premium of $3200 on the DS3 hatch. Like Peugeot, Citroen Australia offers capped price servicing at $360 a pop for three years. Desirable options such as satnav and leather hike the price by $4000.DRIVINGForget all that French style once you get going... it wouldn't pull the skin off a custard and the four-speed auto is hopelessly inadequate when put under even modest pressure such as accelerating from low speeds up a steepish hill. Kickdown also means a big ratio jump which translates into higher than expected engine revs. It falls short on the sport side, but would perhaps be better being restricted to a town runabout role.The manual on the other hand is a decent thing with strong, flexible power and a comfy, controlled ride. It gets a bit of steering backlash at speed on bumpy corners but that's about the only criticism of the car's dynamics. Pity you can't get a six-speed auto turbo....VERDICTCute styling, stylish interior and generous features plus the price make the DS3 Cabriolet a tempting proposition. It's the second cheapest cabrio on the market to the awful Fiat 500 Cabriolet.Citroen DS3 CabrioPrice: from $30,990 (D-Style) $32,990 (D-Sport)Engine: 1.6-litre petrol or turbo petrol, 88kW/160Nm, 115kW/240NmTransmission: four-speed auto (D-Style), six-speed manual (D-Sport)Thirst: 6.7L/100km  (D-Style), 5.9L/100km (D-Sport) 

The new Citroen C4 Aircross is based on the Mitsubishi ASX and shares many of its mechanical components and underbody parts with that successful Japanese car.A solid restyle gives the Aircross a nice dose of French chic and it’s a real looker. All the external panels, with the exception of its doors and roof have been designed by Citroen.Citroen’s designers have penned a two-segment grille with the company’s ‘interlocking gears’ chevron in its centre. Daytime running lights sit vertically at the outer edges of the grille. To be quite honest we are getting somewhat tired of the currently fashionable, and often aggressive looking, large grilles and it’s good to see Citroen going in its own direction.Interior space is good at the front and acceptable for adults in the back seats. The front seats are well-shaped and generally comfortable, but don’t offer a lot of side support. Which probably makes sense as few are likely to drive hard and fast in a vehicle like the Aircross. Handling is safe enough but the steering is on the dead side in the straight ahead position and doesn’t provide as much feedback as we like.Boot volume ranges from 442 litres with the rear seatbacks upright (though this reduces to a safer 384 litres if all the cargo is kept below the parcel shelf) to 1193 litres with the seatbacks folded.At this stage the Citroen C4 Aircross only comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that drives thorough an efficient CVT automatic transmission. The engine produces a maximum of 110 kilowatts of power and a strong 199 Newton metres of torque.The CVT auto has six preset forward ratios to give the driver a degree of manual control. Engine performance is nothing to get excited about, but the auto does a good job of keeping it in the middle of the torque band and there weren’t many occasions when we felt the need to manually shift the gears.Mitsubishi has recently introduced a turbo-diesel engine on its ASX and Citroen is considering it for importation to Australia. In these early days on the Australian market there’s just one specification level for the new Citroen SUV, tagged as the C4 Aircross Exclusive. Standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio steaming, steering wheel mounted audio controls as well as voice activation.Citroen Aircross Exclusive is priced at $31,990 for the 2WD and $33,990 for the 4WD. Both are driveway prices. Citroen’s prices are only marginally above those of the Mitsubishi ASX on which it is based and this gives potential buyers a chance to shop around. Believe it or not, there’s another French entrant in the mix - the Peugeot 4008 shares the same underpinnings.Our test vehicle was the Citroen C4 Aircross with front-wheel-drive, likely to be the bigger seller as almost all buyers in this class want a people mover rather than a vehicle to be used on unsealed roads.However, may we suggest that the all-wheel-drive model opens up new horizons for families who like to explore the great Aussie bush? We did a fair bit of driving on dirt roads during the launch of the Aircross and found it competent and comfortable. There’s a 4WD Lock setting for more demanding terrain, but we can’t see many people tackling anything more than mild off the bitumen running.Fuel consumption on sealed roads was typically in the seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres range in highway driving, increasing to a reasonably good nine to eleven litres around town.Safety equipment levels on this new French SUV are good with seven airbags, ABS brakes with emergency brakeforce distribution and brake assist, ESP, hill-start assist, reversing camera with rear mirror display, rear park assist and auto hazard light activation under rapid deceleration.

The Citroen C4 Aircross is the French brand’s first small SUV, and has leapfrogged any first-effort gremlins by using Mitsubishi’s popular ASX crossover for its basis. It’s by no means a copyright-cheating facsimile though, as the C4 Aircross shares all mechanicals, and much of its construction with the ASX, as part of an agreement with Mitsubishi.Therefore, the C4 Aircross shares little more than badging and half its name with the Citroen C4 hatch range. The C4 Aircross is not alone in following this formula to create a semi-instant small SUV, with fellow PSA brand Peugeot’s 4008 sharing an equal relationship with the ASX.This sort of model propagation is nothing new in the automotive world, and on closer inspection, the C4 Aircross is a particularly successful cross-breed.Traditionally, Citroen owners have often paid a premium for their Gallic exclusivity, but the C4 Aircross bucks this trend with a starting price of just $31,990.For this modest outlay, the single-trim level, auto-only C4 Aircross in two-wheel-drive guise (AWD $2000 more) comes with most mod cons, including cruise and climate control, reversing camera auto-dimming rear view mirror with the reversing display built into it, and USB, auxiliary, bluetooth connectivity, and 18 inch wheels.The closest spec two-wheel-drive ASX Aspire is just $750 less ($31,240) with smaller 17-inch wheels, but adds a 7-inch multimedia screen with satnav, and partial leather trim with front seat heaters (optional in the Aircross). Similarly, the $31,490 4008 Active with the same drivetrain matches the Aircross’s spec list aside from its smaller 16-inch alloys.Both the ASX and 4008 are available with a manual transmission and a diesel engine, so if you’re seeking either of those elements, you know where to find them. The segment sales champion Hyundai ix35 nudges all of the ASX-based trio though for value, with the $32,590 2.0 litre petrol auto Elite coming with standard 18s, satnav, partial leather, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic glass roof.Unlike many badge-engineered models of the past, the C4 Aircross integrates contemporary Citroen details seamlessly with the ASX’s Mitsubishi flavour. All exterior panels aside from the doors and roof are changed from the ASX, so few people will pick its Japanese roots. On the inside, the C4 is less distinct, and relies on darker plastics and piano black and silver highlights to separate it from the Mitsubishi. The 4008 Active uses exactly the same treatment as the Citroen, save for Peugeot badgework. Therefore, the C4 Aircross offers the same useful five-seat accommodation as the ASX, with reclining 60/40 split backrests in the rear, and 384L of seats-up cargo storage in the rear.The C4 Aircross 4x2’s sole engine and transmission combination is the 110kW/197Nm 2.0 litre petrol four and CVT auto found in the ASX and 4008, and unsurprisingly matches both for combined fuel consumption at 7.9L/100km.Safety wise, the C4 Aircross gets seven airbags, rear parking sensors and camera, stability and traction control and hill-start assist, but is yet to be awarded an ANCAP rating.While the 2.0 litre four is no powerhouse, it does a good job of hauling the 1395kg Aircross, plus four adults and luggage around. The CVT auto keeps the engine revving at its torque sweet spot, which results in typical CVT grumble when pressed, but it’s perfectly acceptable when cruising. The ride feels a touch oversprung -- contrasting with Citroen’s magic carpet heritage-- and there is some kickback through the steering over broken surfaces. The overall drive experience is more hatch-nimble than SUV, with little bodyroll and a willingness to dart around obstacles. The extra ground clearance the C4 Aircross offers over a conventional hatch is handy for negotiating big speedhumps and steep driveway entries, and the body is surrounded by unpainted plastic to help with minor parking “encounters”.

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

SUVs look tough and deliver a command driving position - unless everyone else is also sitting up high-and-mighty in a hulking off-roader - but they really don't have the people or carrying capacity you might expect.Even seven-seater SUVs are usually cramped in the back row and you should try fitting a family's luggage needs in the rear when all the seats are occupied.People movers aren't trendy, and they aren't attractive, but there are times when a big box on wheels really is the best solution.Volkswagen got the people movement going with the Kombi, then Chrysler switched the action to the USA before Toyota revolutionised things with the Tarago - named after a NSW country town outside Canberra.These days there are people movers to suit most families and budgets, and these are the obvious contenders:Chrysler Grand VoyagerA fading star that suffers from an ageing design and poor cabin quality, as well as pricetag that means it's a premium contender in a class where there is much better value.Price: from $57,500Seats: 7Engine: 2.8 litre turbodiesel 120kW/360NmTransmission: 6-sp auto FWDThirst: 8.4L/100km; 111g/km CO2Citroen C4 Picasso One of Europe's best people movers drives well and has some great design touches, including a front windscreen that rolls up to the roof. Hurt in Australia by the questions over anything with a Citroen badge.Price: from $39,490Seats: 7Engine: 2.0 litre turbodiesel 100kW/270NmTransmission: 6-sp auto FWDThirst: 5.3L/100km; 137g/km CO2Honda OdysseyIt's getting old but it still does the job, and the price is nice. The Odyssey is not as big as some, and the performance suffers when you load it up, but it is still a smart choice.Price: from $37,100Seats: 7Engine: 2.4L petrol, 132kW/218NmTransmission: 5-speed automatic, FWDThirst: 8.9L/100km, 212g/km CO2Kia Grand Carnival The top choice with the Carsguide crew, thanks to everything from a big body to an available turbodiesel engine and electric sliding doors on the top model. Value is great and there is a big spread of models.Price: from $38,990Seats: 8Engine: 2.2L turbodiesel 143kW/429Nm or 3.5L V6 petrol 202kW/336NmTransmission: 6-spd auto FWDThirst: 8.1L/100km (diesel),  10.9L/100km (petrol)Mercedes-Benz Viano It's the Rolls-Royce of minivans, in Australia at least, lifting the working class Vito van to new highs of comfort and class. Too boxy for some people, but the badge provides plenty of compensation.Price: from $78,990Seats: 6-8Engine: 3.0L turbodiesel 165kW/440NmTransmission: 5-spd auto RWDThirst: 8.6L/100km; 226g/km CO2Toyota Tarago The people mover that time - and Toyota - forgot. Once the best of the breed, particularly in the days of the `giant egg' model, but now just a boring box that's too expensive and doesn't come with a diesel engine.Price: from $48,990Seats: 7-8Engine: 2.4L 4-cyl petrol, 125kW/224Nm or 3.5L V6 petrol 202kW/340NmTransmission: CVT auto, FWDThirst: 8.9L/100km, 207g/km CO2 or 10.3L/100km; 243g/km CO2