Renault Reviews

Away from the performance specials they produce from time to time, it's difficult to think of a French car in the past few years that ticked all the boxes.

Building on its increased sales success in Australia in the last couple of years Renault has announced that the Renault Fluence has been given a mid-life makeover

Renault's history in Australia has been one of seemingly endless comebacks, followed by the French company's slow fading away.

Renault CapturPrice: from $19,990 (estimate)Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 4 airbags, ABS, ESP, TCCrash rating: Not testedEngines: 0.9-litre turbo petrol, 66kW/135Nm; 1.2-litre turbo petrol, 88kW/190NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch auto; FWDThirst: 4.9L/100km, 113g/km CO2; 5.4/125Dimensions: 4.12m (L), 1.7m (W), 1.56m (H)Weight: from 1101kgSpare: space saver 

The latest player in the light-car class is going to turn heads and market share. Renault's fourth-generation Clio lands with a pair of sweet, fuel-efficient engines and a tight body wrapped in curvaceous panels. A five-year warranty and capped price servicing at $299 annually for three years puts the Clio on a par with the best of this breed.VALUEThe Clio's pricing is almost as sharp as its looks. The Volkswagen Polo and Mazda2 were two key benchmarks for Renault. Accordingly, the Clio kicks off at $16,790 for the Authentique model with 15-inch steel rims, a 900cc turbo engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The Expression range adds alloy wheels, an 18cm touchscreen with updated infotainment and bling for $1000, while the same model with the 1.2-litre four-cylinder and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission is $19,790. It costs $300 to add powered rear windows to the Expression models, but the price includes electric folding side mirrors, auto headlights and wipers and keyless entry.The range maxes out at $23,290 for the Dynamique, which adds climate control aircon, 16-inch alloys and upgraded interior trim. The VW line-up extends from $16,990-$21,490; the Mazdas are $15,790-$18,580.TECHNOLOGYIgnore the engine size -- the Renaults push out more grunt than cubic capacity suggests. The triple-cylinder 900cc engine is manual-only and good for 66kW/135Nm. Those are marginally bigger numbers than the 1.4-litre Polo and performance is lineball at a tick over 12 seconds to 100km/h.Where the Clio's wins is its official fuel consumption: 4.5 litres/100km against 6.1 litres for the VW. Step-up to the 1.2-litre four-cylinder Clio with 88kW/190Nm and the only option is automatic. The sprint time drops to 9.4 seconds and fuel use rises marginally to 5.2L/100km.DESIGNFrench flair is the Clio's strong suit. It relies on contrasting curves to create a taut, athletic look that works from all angles.  It's a five-door car with the lines of a three-door, courtesy of concealed rear door handles and tapering roofline.  The profile also defies convention with a protruding protective plastic strip that runs along the bottom of both doors.It is practical and adds to the car's aesthetic look, with a range of colour-coded highlights. The front end bears the company's new signature styling with a large silver Renault logo set in a gloss black background.  The interior plastics have a texture and feel that should be appreciated -- soft-touch where it counts and durable where needed.SAFETYEuroNCAP awarded the Clio the best supermini of 2012 accolade after the car earned top marks in three of the four categories -- adult and child protection and safety assist features. All models have dual front and side head and chest airbags, stability and traction control and hill-start assist. The ride height is 45mm lower than the outgoing Clio model and the car is 100kg lighter, both of which translate into improved roadholding.DRIVINGThe 900cc three-cylinder engine is essentially the four-cylinder with a piston shaved off it. So power is down around 25 per cent. That makes it a capable urban runabout but it can struggle at low revs on hilly country roads as the engine tries to get back on boost.Brisk use of the manual gearbox helps overcome it on all but the steepest inclines. It would still be an issue on take-off in Sydney's hilly streets with four adults on board -- assuming you can find two adults to fit in the back. Like most light cars, the rear-pew legroom restricts it to occasional use for grown-ups.The 1.2-litre engine is the best option, with the Expression model representing the best value. The dual-clutch auto occasionally hunts for a gear uphill, but it's not meant to be driven like a sports car -- that'll be the duty of the RS model.Noise suppression in both cars is first rate over any surface and the suspension sets a nice balance between compliance and composure. Steering heft is likewise on the money andVERDICTLight car buyers will struggle to find a reason not to consider the Clio. It has the looks, the liveliness and the layout to impress in this market.Renault ClioPrice: from $16,790-$23,290Capped servicing: 3 yearsService intervals: 12 months/15,000kmEngine: 0.9L turbo 3-cylinder, 66kW/135Nm; 1.2L turbo 4-cylinder, 88kW/190NmTransmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual clutch auto, FWDThirst: 4.5L/100km (0.9L engine), 5.2L/100km (1.2L engine)Dimensions: 4.06m (L), 1.73m (W), 1.45m (H)Weight: 1019kg-1104kgSpare: Temporary 

Let's face it, if you're a front runner in Formula 1 you know a thing or two about cars. Renault knows a thing or two about F1... and after more than a century, road cars as well and the cross-pollination between the two has yielded arguably one of the best light cars available in the new Clio.It's actually bigger than the accepted light car size being more like a small car and will no doubt pinch a few sales from that segment too. The Clio sets a benchmark thanks to Renault's expertise in extracting the utmost from current technology and also using a smattering of clever stuff to finish off the job.ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONSFollowing the engineering trend towards smaller capacity high-tech turbo engines new Clio has either a 900cc three-pot turbo petrol or a 1.2-litre four-pot turbo petrol under the bonnet. Buy the three banger here and it's with a five-speed manual transmission only. Buy the four banger and it's a six-speed dual-clutch manumatic (auto) only.Clear cut but problematic, given the majority of cars in this segment are autos and usually the base or one up from base models. The 0.9 engine (called the TCe90) is good for 66kW/135Nm and 4.5-litres/100km while the 1.2  (TCe120) achieves 88kW/190Nm and 5.2-litres/100km.The larger engine has direct fuel injection while both have a small turbo charger integrated into the inlet manifold for maximum efficiency. Variable valve timing is used on both cams and the engine is actually modular -- the three is pretty much the same as the four with one lung lopped off.STYLENew Clio is slightly larger than its predecessor but lower in ride height and roofline. What's under the skin counts for plenty in a car but so does the outside and in this regard, the Clio is way out in front with arguably the best looking, sassy sheet metal going around on a five door hatch.It features the new 'big eye' Renault front with a large centrally located badge and gorgeous curves all over the place. The rear doors have hidden latches and the car's powerful haunches make it look crouched ready to pounce. Rear styling is just as imposing and distinctive as the front.PRICES AND FEATURESPricing starts at $16,790 for the Authentique TCe90 rising to $23,200 for the TCe120 Dynamique. The Clio has an impressive interior with a large central iPad-like panel housing most of the car's functions including the latest in digital connectivity while the actual instrument pod is highlighted by two eye catching dials with a large digital speedo in between.A number of fascia are used, including a soft feel dash pad with a square hatched texture, textured metallic surfaces on some models and splashes of colour. It really is something else in a sea of sameness from other offerings in the segment. Standard kit is generous and Clio gets a five star safety rating.ECONOMYFuel economy is boosted by auto stop/start on the three pot,  'eco' coaching and eco switch for the driver, active front air vents that close at speed and low rolling resistance tyres among numerous other fuel saving techniques featured. They cut 100kg from Clio's flanks this time around but boosted chassis strength and safety through better design and selective use of high strength steel. The wheels are lighter, the stabiliser bars are hollow, the chassis crossmember is lighter but stronger and they even cut weight from the engine with hollow camshafts.DRIVINGThis is where the new Clio really shines. It rates as one of the most engaging drives for the money and we haven't even got to the high performance RS version yet. That's here soon. Dynamics are sharp and responsive from the simple strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. But then that's to be expected from the company that produces the dynamite Renault Megane RS265.The Clios we drove are engaging to drive, stable, well planted and responsive. You can have a ball without going at ballistic speeds. The 1.2 has plenty of get go while the 0.9 is not bad as a city runabout except for the lack of an auto tranny.We'd go for the TCe120 every day - with the electric pack for an extra $300 that includes electric rear windows, electric boot release, remote unlock and auto wipers and lights. The Clio can be customised inside and out for not much money with a range of wheels, colour options, interior materials and other cool stuff.VERDICTWe would have one in a flash, the mid-range Expression TCe 120 would be our pick at $19790 -- a bargain. Looks great on the driveway, and is something different.

Renault is determined to be a big player amongst a host of European marques currently being imported to Australia. The French maker used to be huge in this country, building cars here for many years, and would like to return to its days of being a mainstream player downunder.Using the time honoured method of increasing sales, Renault Australia has cut prices on its biggest selling model, the Megane. It has greatly expanded the number of models on offer and, best of all, has introduced a high-performance station wagon.RANGE AND PRICESThe Megane GT 220 Sport wagon is a slightly detuned version of one of our favourite high-performance cars - the Megane RS 265 coupe. While the 265 is a semi-track model for the very serious driver, the 220 is aimed at the person looking for a family transport with a healthy dose of driving excitement.By the way the numbers 265 and 220 refer to the peak output of the engines in horsepower. The French, who invented the metric system, don’t use it when measuring power outputs of engines, preferring to use the imperial units of horsepower. May we cynically suggest that’s because 265 and 220 are bigger number than 195 and 162 (the power in kilowatts for the powerplants)?Renault Megane wagon is sold in Dynamique level specification with 16-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, roof rails, and rear parking sensors. It can be ordered with a petrol or diesel engine, but only with an automatic transmission in Australia.The Megane CC (Coupe-Cabriolet) with its folding hard-top is now offered in three models, previously there was just a single, rather expensive, one. In a new entry level specification the Megane CC begins at just $36,990, making it bargain priced in its class.For those looking for more, there’s a Renault Sport designed GT-Line as a package on the Megane hatch, station wagon and Coupe-Cabriolet. This has a sportier front bumper design, a honeycomb grill and boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. Megane GT-Line is available in a signature Malta Blue colour, sometimes called French racing blue. Inside, the GT-Line Megane has sport seats and steering wheel.There’s also a standard wagon with good load carrying capacity. As well as back seats that fold flat, the front passenger seat can also fold flat. With the front seat down there’s a load length of 2550 mm.Renault Megane hatch comes in a new entry level specification, Expression. This has a recommended retail price of just $20,990 with a manual gearbox. Interestingly, the Megane Expression automatic has an rrp of $22,990 which is the same price as the outgoing manual model.DRIVE IMPRESSIONSWe spent a great couple of hours driving the GT 220 wagon in the hills behind Brisbane and were impressed by the engine responding with a minimum of lag, the endless torque provided once it was on song and the overall handling and ride package. As it’s less fierce than the Megane 265 coupe the wagon will make a competent daily driver.The GT-Line has harder suspension than the standard models. We found this to be rather firm, and created quite a bit of tyre noise on the rough and ready Aussie backroads we used on some sections of our drive program. So it might be best to try it for yourself before falling in love with the appearance changes.VERDICTA fully imported European machine for the price of an Asian car? That’s likely to spark a lot of buyer interest in the new and expanded Renault Megane range.

Renault has finally gotten a handle on what Australians want - and has launched a GT-Line variant of the Meganes to give to us. The hatch and newly introduced wagon join the line-up as part of a mid-life upgrade and prioritise driver involvement over vehicle acceleration.What they miss in a straight line they more than make up for when the roads start to twist and tighten. Toss in a decent ride over broken surfaces and it’s easy to see why Renault Australia expects the GT-Line to give the Megane a decent kick in sales.VALUEEntry to the GT-Line club starts at $26,490 for the 2.0-litre petrol hatch with a better-than-average continuously variable transmission. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel with a dual-clutch automatic is another $2500. Step up to the leather-clad interior of the GT-Line Premium Pack versions and the petrol model is $29,990; the diesel $32,490. Wagon versions of all models attract a $1500 premium over their hatch counterparts.GT-Line versions are easily identified by the honeycomb front grille flanked by boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and a revised chassis and suspension tune.  Beyond the “Cool Grey” heated leather seats, the Premium Pack adds a sunroof, reversing camera with overlaid guidelines and driver assistance software.TECHNOLOGYThe drivetrains carry over, making the Visio software the biggest innovation in the facelifted Meganes. The system uses windscreen-mounted cameras to scan the road ahead and will automatically switch the headlights from high to low beam if it detects approaching lights, the tail-lights of a car ahead or street lights indicating the vehicle is in an urban area. The system includes a lane-departure warning chime if it detects the Megane is starting to cross the white lines.DESIGNThe Renault exterior has aged well and still looks contemporary from any angle. It’s a different story inside where the layout has some obvious shortcomings against its competition - including a marked absence of cupholders. The single drinks stowage spot nestles at the front edge of the centre console, meaning tall bottles, or large cups of coffee, can block access to some of the sound system controls.The sound system itself has been overhauled and is operated with a logical joystick/button setup between the seats, rather than the in-car remote seen on earlier versions. The seats are wonderfully comfortable but the pedals are slightly offset to the right. It isn’t huge and drivers adjust within moments. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and height but Carsguide suspects the inclined instrument panel may be prone to reflections with the sunroof open. A road test will tell. Rear legroom is modest to the point not many adults will be prepared to spend much time down back. That’s common in the small-car segment so it’s more of a caution than a criticism.SAFETYRenault stacks up well on the safety front. ANCAP rates it a five-star and it earned a score of 35.83/37, with the local crash-testing authority noting of the offset test: “The passenger compartment held its shape well. There was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver”.  Six airbags are standard and the fundamentals - steering, chassis and brakes - are good enough to avoid most problems in the first place.DRIVINGThe driving experience has been as sharply honed as the price on the GT-Line Meganes.  The chassis and suspension are tauter than regular models without losing the ability to absorb smaller bumps. The steering has always been a Megane highlight and that continues, with a well-weighted heft and precise feedback on what the front wheels are doing. The focus is on handling rather than outright power, so it shares its engines with the rest of the range. The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre is the straight-line hero but a 0-100km/h time of 10.3 seconds shows it isn’t a hot hatch (the wagon takes another 0.3 of a second).The engine is matched to a continuously variable transmission that doesn’t exhibit the dreaded drone unless the pedal is to the floor. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel is the pick of the engines and has a better engine note than most oilburners when underway and there’s only a hint of diesel clatter when the engine is cold and idling. The dual-clutch auto can hesitate on take-off and occasionally slurs when chasing a higher or lower cog with the foot down. Less enthused driving is its preferred mode and in those conditions it is hard to fault. Natural rivals include the better-sorted cars in the small-car class such as the Ford Focus and Mazda3.VERDICTThe GT-Line Meganes are for drivers who value on-road dynamics without wanting to break the sound barrier. It’s a smart formula on our over-restricted roads and is at least a match for the local suspension tuning that has earned accolades for the South Korean carmakers.

One of the perks of this job is getting to drive cars before anyone else. One of those is the blistering Renault Clio RS 200 EDC, the hot version of Renault's small hatch that's due here early next year.VALUEIt's tempting to call the Clio a little firebrand. But it's a larger, more refined car than before and almost the size of a Golf. Australia is one of the largest markets for Renault Sport products. We love our sports models and with this in mind the local outfit has opted for the harder edged Cup edition.There's no word yet on how much the car will cost, apart from a pledge that it will be less than the current RS 200 that retails for $36,490.TECHNOLOGYThe engine has been downsized. Power in the new RS comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged four that develops 147kW of power and 240Nm of torque. A version of the same engine will power the new Nissan Pulsar SSS and it is hooked up to a six-speed twin clutch transmission that Renault calls EDC (Efficient Double Clutch). There is no manual.The dash from 0-100km/h takes a rapid 6.7 seconds and the car has a top speed of 230km/h. The RS's most direct competitor is the Peugeot 208 GTi that delivers the same amount of power but considerably more torque at 275Nm. That's on paper.Don't dismiss the RS because it's a cracker, with some lovely snack, crackle and pop from the exhaust and a transmission that blips the throttle on the downchange. Who needs a Ferrari? But in this segment it's all about the figures. In this context you might also like to look at the Polo GTI, Citroen DS3 and Opel Corsa OPC all of them cheaper.DESIGNThe new RS combines benchmark dynamics with carefully optimised fuel consumption. You can say what you like about Renault, but one thing it sure knows how to do is build performance vehicles. The Megane RS 265 is a case in point, one of the finest handling fronties we've ever driven.The design has been refined through racing, so you get a chassis that is a match for the increased performance of the drivetrain. Hell, this thing could take a lot more power without blinking and we look forward to special editions.SAFETYIt gets 5 stars from Euro NCAP, even though it comes with only four airbags, how does that work?DRIVINGYou can't help but love this car. The purists will deplore the lack of a manual, but the EDC transmission is a thing of wonder. We had a short crack behind the wheel over some winding roads outside Paris earlier this year.It was the first time anyone from Australia had driven the harder-edged Cup version on the road. There's two things you need to know. The change paddles are a lift from the Nissan GT-R and fixed to the steering column, so there's no chasing them around the wheel.The second thing is the Renault Sport button that delivers various drive modes including a full track mode with everything off. Having driven the RS on the road we're looking forward to having a second crack on the track.VERDICTA worthy successor to the previous RS. It's larger, sleeker and easier to drive and is sure to hit the sweet spot with discerning drivers.

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.