Specials rush to market

AN avalanche of limited editions is arriving to tempt new car buyers. Here's a wrap of the latest value offerings from car manufacturers.

Ford

FORD has launched three special edition Falcon utes - the Tradesman, SE and the Marlin.

The Tradesman is aimed at the commercial vehicle buyer. Based on the one-tonne XL Chassis Cab ute, it is fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, a factory-fitted aluminium tray, a colour-keyed grille and "Tradesman" decals.

With a retail price of $23,420, Ford says the Tradesman package represents more than $2100 worth of added value to the customer.

The SE is based on a style-side XL and features 15-inch alloy wheels, a colour-keyed grille, polished alloy sports bar, tonneau cover, SE badging and a chrome exhaust tip. Priced at $24,290, Ford says the SE's extras are worth more than $1600.

The Marlin package includes air-conditioning, a six-disc in-dash sound system, polished alloy sportsbar, tonneau cover and chrome exhaust tip.

Recommended retail price is $27,635, with Ford claiming more than $3000 worth of extras.

All prices quoted are for utes fitted with five-speed manual transmission.

Holden

HOLDEN has reintroduced the Astra Equipe sedan and hatch, with a claimed $2500 worth of added value.

Based on the Astra City 1.8-litre, five-door sedan and hatch, the Equipe models feature air-conditioning, unique seven-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, a single CD player and special Equipe badging.

Only 2000 special edition Astra Equipe models are being released with pricing set at $21,720 for the manual and $23,570 for the automatic.

Holden has also announced the Vectra International Series, which is a Vectra CD hatch with added specification.

Features include 10-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels, an integrated electric sunroof and specific badging. It is available in Midnight Black and Star Silver metallic paint finishes. Midnight Black is exclusive to this model Vectra.

The passenger compartment is finished in Ebony Black leather trim and the instrument console has silver highlights. Heated seats are an option.

The Vectra International is available at the recommended retail prices of $36,490 for the manual version and $38,190 for the automatic.

Holden will preview the VX Series II Commodore Lumina sedan and wagon at the Sydney motor show.

Features include 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows, body-colour detailing, sedan rear spoiler, wagon roof rack and unique interior fabric. Pricing is yet to be announced.

Honda

THE limited edition Honda Civic Indy hatch has alloy wheels, full bodykit foglights, chrome exhaust finisher and Indy decal. Honda values the package at more than $3000.

It will be available in Taffeta White, Milano Red and Nighthawk Black Pearl, and with the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

Prices begin at $27,950 for the manual.

The Honda Civic Indy is on sale until November 15 or while stocks last. Honda is also continuing its driveaway deal on CR-V and CR-V Sport as part of an end-of-model runout.

The deal includes free registration, third party insurance, stamp duty and dealer delivery charges.

Pricing starts at $31,990 for the CR-V manual.