Hyundai I20 2015 News

Hyundai's new i20-based rally challenger benefits from 2017 WRC rule changes.

Want proof the Australian new-car market is getting tough? Several models have disappeared from showrooms because they can't handle the competition.

One of Australia’s cheapest and most popular city runabouts has been withdrawn from the local market, and you can blame the struggling Aussie dollar for it.

June is by far the biggest month for new-car sales as dealers push hard to close their books for the financial year.The devaluing Aussie dollar means the deals for all brands are not as sharp as in previous years — but if you know where to look you can still drive a bargain.Some models are in run-out, so there is an extra push on those, while other brands have taken the knife to the RRP because they're chasing volume for their overseas parent companies.Here are the 15 best deals for the end of the financial year plus a few tips on those either to avoid or to haggle harder on.Suzuki CelerioThe cheapest car from a mainstream brand isn't discounted — because it launched with such a sharp price: $13,990 drive-away with automatic transmission effectively makes this a $10,000 car plus on-road costs. Astonishingly cheap and giving plenty of reason to cheer. With a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, it'll run on loose change.VW Polo 66TSIRecent deals on the Toyota Yaris ($17,990 drive-away with auto) and Hyundai i20 ($14,990 drive-away with auto) have evaporated this month (still might be worth a try). The Holden Barina and Ford Fiesta deals are not that sharp either. Enter the Polo 66TSI at $18,490 drive-away with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Its turbo 1.2-litre four-cylinder is powerful (for its size) and super-efficient. Stock is thin on the ground so be sure to shop around.Kia CeratoDeals on the VW Golf ($25,490 drive-away with auto), Toyota Corolla sedan ($23,990 drive-away with auto) and Mazda3 (you're invited to talk a deal) are not as generous as in previous months, while Nissan is offering $2800 of "extra value" but no driveaway deals on Pulsar SSS. No-one can compete with the South Koreans this month. The Cerato sedan or hatch with automatic is still an incredible $19,990 drive-away (with seven-year factory-backed warranty). At $4300 off, we called it deal of the decade — until...Hyundai i30Holy smoke. This wasn't a misprint: $19,990 drive-away — with automatic transmission — for the recently updated i30 hatch, with the new nose and standard reversing camera. That's more than $5000 off full price, eclipsing Kia's deal.VW JettaFancy some European flair? Don't mind driving a sedan? The VW Jetta is $24,490 drive-away with auto. That's $1000 cheaper than the Golf with which it shares its engine and underpinnings. And it has a bigger boot.Kia KoupTreat yourself to something a bit sporty — the Koup has European styling and a 1.6-litre turbo engine and can be had for $23,990 drive-away, about $6000 off full price.Holden TraxIt may not be the prettiest on sale, but it's one of the roomiest and best equipped for the money. Now $23,990 drive-away for the LS with free auto, and $24,990 drive-away for the Active with free auto. Both are about $6000 off the full RRP.Ford Kuga MkIIAn unsung hero of the compact SUV segment, it's good buying at $29,790 drive-away (about $3000 off). Don't be put off by the 1.5-litre four-cylinder in such a big car. It's turbocharged, so it has plenty of oomph, and the smaller capacity makes it more fuel efficient. Only blot: no rear camera.Mitsubishi ASXRecently updated, the ASX gets a sharp price: $25,000 drive-away for a manual or $27,500 drive-away for an auto. That price is for cash or via Mitsubishi's own finance deal — which has a catch. You must have a 20 per cent deposit.Mazda CX-9The CX-9 is nearing the end of its model life. Its petrol V6 isn't the most fuel-efficient but this is the biggest seven-seater for the money. The 2WD base model is a bargain at $39,990 drive-away (about $6000 off full price).Holden Colorado7 LTWant to get off the beaten track and don't mind a bouncy ride around town? The Colorado7, normally $47,490 plus on-roads (about $50,000 drive-away), is available until June 30 from $43,990 drive-away, about $6000 off — with five-year warranty and three years' free servicing.Mitsubishi ChallengerThe Challenger is fairly crude, even by heavy-duty 4WD standards, and ageing. Its replacement is due within months — which is why the price is a super-sharp $37,990 drive-away, about $10,000 off full price.Holden ColoradoThere are a couple of good deals, starting with $36,990 drive-away for the base model LS (auto adds $1000). The range-topping LTZ with all the bling is $42,990 drive-away for the manual (aim for $44,990 drive-away for the auto). This is a mega discount of more than $10,000. Holden includes a five-year warranty and three years' free servicing.Toyota HiLux SR5With a completely new HiLux due in October, discounts are steady on the run-out model. The SR5 crew-cab manual is back to its previous low of $47,990 drive-away, auto is $49,990 drive-away.VW AmarokJoining in the tradie discount war, VW continues its free eight-speed auto deal on all Amaroks. The base model crew-cab Core is sharp buying at $38,990 drive-away while the Trendline adds bigger alloys and some bling for $43,990 drive-away. Both are about $6000 off full price.

Cheap tradie utes bolted out showroom doors last month as small businesses appeared to be quick to take up the Federal Government's tax incentive on $20,000 company vehicles.Sales of the most basic versions of the Toyota HiLux ute increased by 12.4 per cent while the Mitsubishi Triton -- both of which scrape below the $20,000 threshold -- surged by a staggering 42.7 per cent, as both brands cleared old stock and took advantage of new tax rules.However, the actual number of bargain basement utes delivered was relatively small (996 Toyotas and 421 Mitsubishis), and they appear to be the only two winners in a dark month for the rest of the car industry.New-car sales hit the brakes for the first time in four months in May, figures due to be released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries at midday Wednesday are expected to show.The number of new cars reported as sold was down by 1.3 per cent compared with the same month the previous year, to 93,327 deliveries, making it the weakest May result in four years.The tally has surprised the industry as it had been forecasting another record after a strong start to the year. Sales year-to-date, however, are still up, by 2.5 per cent.Half of the Top 10 brands were down, including market leader Toyota, Holden, Ford, Hyundai and Nissan -- and German car maker Volkswagen closed to within just 460 sales of former top-seller Ford.The Toyota HiLux ute was the top-selling vehicle across all types -- for the 14th individual month since 2008 and the first time in almost two years -- however its sales were down by 4 per cent (once all versions of the HiLux are tallied) compared with the same month last year.Sales of utes in general were down by 0.9 per cent, as the majority of models fall outside the Federal Government's $20,000 threshold on company purchases.The car industry warns it is too early to determine if the Federal Government's stimulus package -- which is due to run until the end of the 2016/17 financial year -- is a success or a failure."None of us were ready for it, it was really only the last two weeks of the month, and there were really only a handful of cars across the entire market that were eligible," one Toyota dealer told News Corp Australia."This deal will be around for a while so I think you will find several brands try to put something together that meets the $20,000 criteria," said the industry veteran.Following changes announced in last month's Federal Budget, small businesses and sole traders will be able to claim a deduction on company assets valued up to $20,000 in this financial year, rather than have the refunds spread out over eight years, as is usually the case with motor vehicles.The changes mean sole traders will be eligible for a refund of up to $8500 on a $20,000 work vehicle, 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 on $20,000 purchases.Private buyers, however, will not benefit from the new scheme.Meanwhile, the industry is bracing for a boom in June, customarily the biggest month of the year for new-car sales.Toyota - 15,928 - down 7.6 per centMazda - 8717 - up 12.5 per centHyundai - 8269 - down 1.6 per centHolden - 7956 - down 11.7 per centMitsubishi - 6149 - up 6.4 per centFord - 5994 - down 13.8 per centVolkswagen - 5534 - up 12.5 per centNissan - 4467 - down 28.9 per centSubaru - 3776 - up 14.4 per centHonda - 3086 - up 21.5 per centToyota HiLux - 3173 - down 4 per centMazda3 - 2876 - down 12.6 per centToyota Corolla - 2688 - down 30.6 per centMitsubishi Triton - 2679 - up 18.8 per centFord Ranger - 2411 - up 4 per centHolden Commodore - 2217 - down 16.3 per centVolkswagen Golf - 2093 - down 9.0 per centMazda CX-5 - 1981 - up 15.5 per centHyundai i20 - 1920 - up 36.6 per centHyundai i30 - 1666 - down 34.7 per cent Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Sales in May 2015 and the percentage change compared with the same month last year.

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.

Japanese brands are bringing down prices before the end of March - and the Koreans are in step with them.

Europe’s Hyundai i20 is in sight and aims to top the class.

New version of Australia’s top-selling light hatch spotted wearing no disguise.