Drive-away pricing for Sirion GTvi

DAIHATSU has announced a drive-away price deal on the Sirion GTvi in a bid to boost sales of its hot hatch. The manual Sirion GTvi still costs $16,990 (add $1800 for the auto), but the price tag now includes on-road costs.

While GTvi sales have slowed climbed since its release last August, they haven't come close to the 200 units available each month. Just under 100 units last month in its best ever result.

However, Daihatsu hopes the marketing campaign that will accompany the drive-away offer will push its sales up around 150 units per month.

"We haven't done much promotion of GTvi, so this month is all promotion of GTvi," Daihatsu spokesman Wayne Gabriel said.

"The light car segment is down about 34 per cent at the moment, so it needs that sort of promotion and marketing." "The GTvi has been going against the trend in that segment, so we are looking to maintain its current sales, if not improve them." The drive-away deal will initially be used to clear stock of 2000 plated vehicles, but Daihatsu said it will also be offered on 2001 model year vehicles if demand is high enough.

The Japanese manufacturer needs to boost the GTvi's market presence as a horde of new contenders line up.

The Toyota Echo Sportivo joined the fray last month and Holden's two new entries, the Barina SRi and three-door Astra, are due in July.

Daihatsu's lineup will also be supplemented in July by the YRV mini-people-mover and limited edition Terios Aero.