Honda Jazz News

SUVs and utes are hot, sedans are not — that's the message from the latest monthly vehicle sales figures.

Only a fraction of the 1.2 million cars on Australia roads with airbags that can spray shrapnel have been fixed, new figures show.

It’s the biggest recall in Honda Australia history and the consequences of not getting the airbags replaced can be deadly.The number of Honda cars recalled in Australia to replace potentially deadly airbags has climbed to a staggering 421,000 vehicles with the addition of 71,000 extra models today across the Jazz, Civic and Legend range.Honda is one of eight car brands recalling up to 53 million cars globally -- including more than 5 million Hondas -- to replace Takata airbags that can fire shrapnel when deployed in a crash.So far the faulty airbags have been linked to at least eight deaths overseas, but none have been reported in Australia.Honda has the highest number of affected vehicles in Australia (421,000), even more than market leader Toyota (258,000) which sells almost six times more cars. It represents more than four out of every five Hondas sold locally during the recall period.It brings the Takata airbag tally across all brands to more than 900,000 vehicles in Australia.Honda Australia Director, Stephen Collins, told News Corp Australia the company was fixing 5000 cars per week across its network of 107 dealers.“This is unprecedented for us and shows how seriously we are taking this issue,” said Mr Collins.Because so many airbags need replacing globally, some customers face a painstaking wait that could stretch into 2017 before having their cars fixed.But Honda says at least one third of the 421,000 cars have had their airbags replaced so far in Australia.The crisis has left drivers with the unenviable task of taking the risk and driving their cars or -- if they can afford it -- park their recalled car until new airbags become available.So far, authorities in the US and Australia have not ordered the recalled cars off the road.The odds of being killed are difficult to calculate. Not all of the airbags in the 53 million cars are defective.But internal testing by Takata in 2015 found 265 of 30,000 recalled airbags had ruptured -- or less than 1 per cent.That may sound like good odds, until you realise it still leaves 530,000 cars around the world -- and at least 6000 in Australia -- with airbags that can kill.The three Honda models added today include the Honda Civic (2006 to 2011), the Honda Legend (2007 to 2012) and the Honda Jazz (2012).Chrysler 300C sedan 2005 to 2007BMW 3 Series 1997 to 2006Honda Jazz 2004 to 2009Honda Accord 2001 to 2006Honda Accord Euro 2004 to 2007Honda CR-V 2002 to 2008Honda Civic 2004 to 2005Honda Civic 2006 to 2011 (added 25 February 2016)Honda Legend 2007 to 2012 (added 25 February 2016)Honda Jazz 2012 (added 25 February 2016)Honda MDX 2003 to 2006Lexus SC430 2001 to 2003Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK 2014Nissan N16 Pulsar 2000 to 2006Nissan D22 Navara 1997 to 2004Nissan Y61 Patrol 1997 to 2010Nissan T30 X-TRAIL 2001 to 2007Nissan A33 Maxima 1999 to 2003Subaru Impreza 2004 to 2007Toyota Echo 2003 to 2005Toyota RAV4 2003 to 2005Toyota Corolla 2003 to 2007Toyota Yaris 2005 to 2007Toyota Avensis 2003 to 2007

Sales figures show our car market is becoming more like the US.

The death of a toddler run over in the driveway of his Oakden home has prompted calls for technology such as reversing cameras to be standard features on new cars.

Half-time is typically a time for reflection.With six months of 2015 gone — and the official sales results arriving last week — it's time to look at what was hot and what was not in showrooms this year.At a glance, small cars are out and tiny SUVs are in. Diesels and hybrids are out, and turbocharged petrol cars are in. Luxury brands are in demand, local cars are not.Honda and Isuzu sales are surging, Ford and Holden have hit new lows.Sales of baby SUVs are up by 23 per cent in the first half of the year, thanks to the arrival of new offerings from Mazda and Honda. The surprise last month was that Honda's HR-V outsold Mazda's CX-3, despite a get-in price that is $5000 more than the baby Mazda. Buyers are no doubt attracted by the roominess of the Honda's cabin, which shares the clever design of its donor vehicle, the Jazz. Mitsubishi has also benefited from the increased showroom interest in this type of vehicle, with sales of its ASX surging by more than 45 per cent.They share their underpinnings with the new breed of SUVs, but they haven't been hurt by their arrival. Honda again leads the charge, with sales of its City sedan and Jazz hatch surging. Sales of the all-new Mazda2 are also strong and it remains best-selling car in the class. Other models that have captured the imagination of buyers are the evergreen Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris, as well as the Volkswagen Polo, which is up by more than 50 per cent thanks to sharp pricing.Low interest rates mean that a luxury badge is now within reach of more car buyers. As a result Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus are all enjoying double-digit growth. Understandably, most of the action is at the lower end of the market, with models high on the shopping list including BMW's Mini (up 59 per cent) and Audi's A3 (up 23 per cent). BMW's new 2 Series coupe and Lexus's NX small SUV have also launched with a bang, but the biggest success story is CarsGuide's 2014 Car of the Year, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which has doubled its sales in the first half of the year.Somebody is cashing in on Australia's property boom, with sales of sports cars costing more than $200,000 rising more than 20 per cent, albeit off a low base. Ferrari and Lamborghini dealerships are busy this year, with Ferrari logging 95 local sales compared with 52 in the same period last year and Lamborghini jumping from just seven sales to 60. The segment's most popular car, the Porsche 911, also enjoyed solid growth. At the other end of the spectrum, sales of affordable sports cars slumped as the initial shine predictably wore off the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ and Hyundai Veloster. That will change, though, when Mazda's all-new MX-5 arrives in the second half of the year.They're big news in Japan and Europe, but micro cars haven't captured the Australian car buying public's imagination. Despite the arrival of an all-new model in the Suzuki Celerio and a midlife update for the Nissan Micra, sales are down by almost a third.They're still the nation's car of choice, but the arrival of baby SUVs has put a dent in the popularity of the small-car brigade led by the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. This time last year, the Mazda3 was the top-selling vehicle in Australia, but sales this year are down by almost 10 per cent, cannibalised by the newer and funkier CX-3. Toyota, which has no mini-SUV in its range, fared better with the Corolla, which almost held its own in a market segment that shrank by 10,000 cars.When locally made cars began to slide in popularity, most pundits said it was because they were too big and thirsty, but the figures show otherwise. Large cars are down by 14 per cent this year, but medium and large SUVs have enjoyed solid growth. Toyota's Camry, which has a hybrid version, has fared better than the rest of the locals, but the Holden Cruze small car has experienced a bigger sales slide than Ford's Falcon and Territory. Overall, the prognosis remains bleak. Australians bought almost as many German-made cars as locally-made ones in the first six months.The Europeans are mad for it — and most 4WD utes use it too — but Australians, it seems, don't like getting their hands dirty. After an initial spike in interest in diesel passenger cars and SUVs among private buyers and fleets between 2005 and 2010, the interest continues to wane. Sales of diesel passenger cars grew sixfold from 2005 to 2010, while diesel SUV sales more than doubled. But in the first six months of this year — and on the back of a decline last year — sales of diesel cars fell by more than a quarter. Diesel SUV sales were stagnant despite big growth in overall SUV sales.Honda - up 33.4 per centIsuzu - up 30.3 per centSkoda - up 30.2 per centRenault - up 30.1 per centLexus - up 24.9 per centFord - down 17.6 per centVolvo - down 16.6 per centFiat - down 16.4 per centHolden - down 8.9 per centNissan - down 0.6 per centToyota - 101,714 - up 0.6 per centMazda - 56,591 - up 9 per centHolden - 51,737 - down 8.9 per centHyundai - 50,099 - up 1 per centMitsubishi - 35,866 - up 9.8 per centFord - 34,810 - down 17.6 per centNissan - 32,950 - down 0.6 per centVolkswagen - 32,020 - up 12.1 per centSubaru - 21,659 - up 8.1 per centHonda 20,602 - up 33.4 per centToyota Corolla - 21,750Mazda3 - 20,427Toyota HiLux - 18,781Hyundai i30 - 15,801Ford Ranger - 14,144Holden Commodore - 13,769Mitsubishi Triton - 13,709Mazda CX-5 - 12,489Volkswagen Golf - 11,829Toyota Camry - 10,426

Are you still trying to figure out how the Budget tax changes affect your small business — and what it might amount to in savings on a new car? You're not alone.It's 10 days since Joe Hockey allowed immediate tax deductions for small businesses or sole traders for assets costing up to $20,000. The car industry is still grappling with the fine print and trying to establish which vehicles are eligible.Is the maximum amount on an eligible vehicle $20,000 plus on-road costs, $20,000 drive-away, or more?What happens if you pay the difference on the amount on a vehicle that costs more than $20,000?With some help from those in the know we've managed to zero-in on the best and worst case scenarios, and sort fact from fiction.Assets acquired and installed ready for use between 7.30pm 12 May 2015 and 30 June 2017For starters, the government will not write you a cheque for $20,000 if you buy a new car, as some believe.The changes also do not apply to private buyers, who typically account for more than half of all new-car sales.Further, the criteria for small businesses and sole traders are tougher than many may realise — and the deal doesn't last forever.The $20,000 threshold for goods that can be used as an immediate tax deduction (rather than spread over eight financial years, in the case of motor vehicles) applies to "assets acquired and installed ready for use between 7.30pm 12 May 2015 and 30 June 2017".Eligible businesses must turn over more than $20,000 and less than $2 million annually, the real estate assets of the business must be worth more than $500,000, other assets must worth be more than $100,000, and the business must have made a profit in three of the past five years. The aim is to prevent rorting.The amount each small business or sole trader may be entitled to as a tax refund will vary — even on identical vehicles — because the purchase price of the asset is counted against taxable income.In a best-case scenario, sole traders in the top tax bracket of 47 cents in the dollar could be eligible for a refund of up to $8500 on a $20,000 vehicle used exclusively for work. Small businesses taxed at 30 per cent could pocket up to $5400 — providing quarterly tax instalments or pay-as-you-go taxes are up to date."If people are rushing to buy a new car they need to consider the non-commercial loss provisions which apply to their business," says chartered tax adviser Amar Deep.In simpler terms, he says: "If your business is making a loss, you can't use that loss to offset your employment income and get a refund from the Tax Office."Meanwhile, dealers are scrambling to find out which vehicles fall under the $20,000 threshold, and how far customers can stretch the limit.The ATO says the asset must cost not a dollar more than $20,000.However, that amount is excluding GST, meaning the most basic $20,900 drive-away trayback utes are eligible.Further, given there is no GST on registration or stamp duty, an eligible vehicle in theory could be priced between $21,500 and $22,000 drive-away, which will bring in some small vans from Citroen, Renault and Volkswagen.You wouldn't be able to buy, for example, a $60,000 SUV and submit three $20,000 tax invoicesAccessories fall into a grey area. For example, experts we've spoken to say you could in theory add a larger ute tray or other accessories — taking the vehicle beyond the $20,000 threshold — providing they were on a separate tax invoice.If the dealer was prepared to split the invoice, already a common practice with some fleet leasing arrangements (where the individual and the employer pick up different parts of the tab), then you could arguably drive away in a $30,000 ute or van loaded to the hilt.But you wouldn't be able to buy, for example, a $60,000 SUV and submit three $20,000 tax invoices to offset against your taxable income. Work vehicles dearer than $20,000 will be deductible over eight years, as per usual.The $20,000 threshold applies to any goods, so it doesn't even have to be a new car. For example, it can be a used vehicle, or a small hatchback for a pizza delivery business or security company.But the amount you may get as a tax deduction depends on how much the vehicle is used for work and what your (or your company's) taxable income amounts to.Understandably, the industry has welcomed the Budget initiative, not least because it has jump-started showroom traffic before June, historically the biggest month for new-car sales."We applaud the government's small business initiative," says Patrick Tessier, chief executive officer of the Australia Automotive Dealer Association, representing 4000 franchises."We believe small business needs a stimulus and we think this will have an immediate benefit."Our dealers are already reporting a spike in interest in showroom traffic and phone calls. There is a lot of inquiry about what these changes mean and what savings might be available."The dealer group also predicts car companies will react quickly and introduce models in June to capitalise on the new arrangements."Some brands will be able to do more than others," Tessier says. "I think we will see more cars limbo closer to that $20,000 mark in June."Popular work vehicles and the deduction to which sole traders and small businesses may be entitled.Toyota HiLux ute: $20,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500Mitsubishi Triton ute: $20,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500VW Caddy van: $22,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500  Renault Kangoo van: $19,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500Kia Cerato hatch or sedan: $19,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500Toyota Yaris automatic: $17,990 drive-away, $5397 to $8455Nissan Micra automatic: $17,602 drive-away, $5280 to $8272Honda Jazz manual: $16,990 drive-away, $5097 to $7985Suzuki Celerio automatic: $13,990 drive-away, $4197 to $6575Hyundai i20 manual: $12,990 drive-away, $3897 to $6105Figures are a guide only and apply to vehicles solely used for work. Consult a tax professional for an accurate estimate on any new vehicle you may consider purchasing.

Car dealers across Australia are reporting a surge in interest in vehicles below $20,000 as "Tony's Tradies" and small businesses try to get in before the June 30 end of financial year.June is already historically the biggest month of the year for new-car sales -- and the single biggest month for deliveries of commercial utes and vans as businesses update their models before tax time -- but this year is expected to break all records.Sole traders will be eligible for a refund of up to $8500 on a $20,000 work vehicleFollowing changes announced in this week's Federal Budget, small businesses and sole traders will be able to claim a deduction on "tools of trade" valued up to $20,000 in this financial year, rather than have the refunds spread out over eight years.The changes mean sole traders will be eligible for a refund of up to $8500 on a $20,000 work vehicle (after accounting for GST) while small businesses could pocket up to $5400 -- providing quarterly tax instalments or pay-as-you-go taxes are up to date.Sole traders in the maximum tax bracket of 47 cents in the dollar stand to make the most gains, while companies with a turnover not exceeding $2 million may be eligible for an instant tax refund of 30 cents in the dollar.Many brands are well placed to move new metalPrivate buyers, however, will not benefit from the new scheme. And tax experts have warned private buyers to not be tempted to establish a business name, because the company must demonstrate to the tax office that it is viable and has an expectation to earn income.New vehicles purchased for more than $20,000 do not apply to the new scheme and will continue to be deductible over eight years.Many brands are well placed to move new metal. The Toyota HiLux, Australia's top-selling ute, and the Mitsubishi Triton ute, are available from $20,990 drive-away in their most basic form, with a drop-side aluminum tray, a popular choice with tradies.Once the 10 per cent GST is removed from the drive-away price, they fall under the $20,000 threshold and buyers will be able to claim a deduction of between $5400 and $8500 on those models, depending on their circumstances.In effect, it brings the price of a basic ute to between $12,490 and $15,590 drive-away once the tax refund has been taken into account, which is the equivalent price of some of Australia's cheapest cars.Take advantage of the offer with cars such as the Hyundai i20, Suzuki Celerio, Nissan Micra, and the Kia CeratoSimilar savings apply to the Volkswagen Caddy and Renault Kangoo vans.Small businesses needing a city runabout to deliver parts or other goods are also expected to take advantage of the offer with cars such as the Hyundai i20, Suzuki Celerio, Nissan Micra, and the Kia Cerato, with savings range from $3897 to $8500, based on figures calculated by News Corp Australia.Indeed, the $12,990 drive-away cost of a Hyundai i20 manual -- Australia's cheapest car from a mainstream brand -- can be almost halved to just $6885 for eligible sole traders, once the tax refund is taken into account."We applaud the government's small business initiative," said Patrick Tessier, the chief executive officer of the Australia Automotive Dealer Association, representing 4000 franchises."We believe small business needs a stimulus and we think this will have an immediate benefit.""Our dealers are already reporting a spike in interest in showroom traffic and phone calls; there is a lot of inquiry about what these changes mean and what savings might be available."Mr Tessier said the tax rebates will vary depending on the individual circumstances of each small business or sole trader.We will see more cars limbo closer to that $20,000 mark in JuneThe AADA also predicts the car companies will react quickly and introduce models in June to take advantage of the new arrangements."The car industry will respond to this, but some brands will be able to do more than others," said Mr Tessier. "I think we will see more cars limbo closer to that $20,000 mark in June."Brands such as Holden, Ford, Mazda and Isuzu that don't currently have a special drive-away offer on a ute close to the new $20,000 threshold are understood to be scrambling to introduce changes to take advantage of the new tax agreements.“If people are rushing to buying a new car they need to consider the non-commercial loss provisions which apply to their business,” said Amar Deep, a chartered tax adviser.“If you’re business is making a loss, you can’t use that loss to offset your employment income and get a refund from the tax office.”Eligible businesses must turnover more than $20,000 per year and less than $2 million, the real estate assets of the business must be worth more than $500,000, other assets must be more than $100,000, and the business must have made a profit in three of the last five years.Drive your dollar further: popular work vehicles and the tax refund sole traders and small businesses may be entitled to following changes in the recent Federal Budget.Toyota HiLux ute: $20,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500Mitsubishi Triton ute: $20,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500VW Caddy van: $22,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500  Renault Kangoo van: $19,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500Kia Cerato hatch or sedan: $19,990 drive-away, $5400 to $8500Toyota Yaris automatic: $17,990 drive-awayNissan Micra automatic: $17,602 drive-away, $5280 to $8272Honda Jazz manual: $16,990 drive-away, $5097 to $7985Suzuki Celerio automatic: $13,990 drive-away, $4197 to $6575Hyundai i20 manual: $12,990 drive-away, $3897 to $6105Tax refund figures are a guide only. Consult a tax professional for an accurate estimate on any new vehicle you may consider purchasing.

One in four SUVs still lack rear view cameras – even though the technology is now standard on a $14,990 hatchback.

Researching hot deals on the cars in this week's light hatch comparison we were gobsmacked to discover two reputable brands having a lend of us on the prices of automatic hatchbacks.This month on the respective websites, Honda has a $16,990 drive-away deal for the Jazz and Toyota promotes $15,990 drive-away for its Yaris.But tick the box for one with an automatic - as more than 75 per cent of us do in this category - and the price jumps by more than the usual premium. The self-shifting Jazz normally adds $2000, the Yaris $1600, according to the manufacturer price lists.There is nothing illegal about this but that it doesn't make it rightBut during this month's 'special', automatic transmission adds $2650 and $2800 respectively. Ouch. There is nothing illegal about this but that it doesn't make it right. In coming weeks we will canvass the response of consumer groups and the corporate watchdog to this new practice.Is it fair to lure consumers to showrooms with a bargain manual when in fact the most popular choice is one with automatic?Is it reasonable for consumers to expect the price premium for an automatic not to increase when it is on special?On the flip side, other brands are doing mega deals and not charging a dollar more for automatic.Suzuki and Hyundai both have 'free auto' deals, with savings of between $2500 and $5000. At least those deals are more transparent than others.