Holden, Toyota head run-out list

HOLDEN and Toyota are in run-out mode as they prepare for major changes to their big selling Commodore and Camry models later this year.

Holden launched the Commodore Equipe this week while Toyota already has the Camry Advantage on sale.

The Commodore VXII is replaced by the significantly updated VY in September while the new generation 380N Camry is due around the same time.

The Equipe adds a claimed $5500 worth of features over the base model auto V6 Executive, for an additional $1570 for either sedan or wagon, adjusting their pricing to $32,750 and $34,640 respectively.

Feature additions include nine-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels, silver-surround grille inserts, body colour mirrors and side mouldings, chrome exhaust extension, a roof rack on the wagon, "Equipe" badging and a choice of six paint finishes.

Inside, there is air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows all round, unique seat and door trim fabrics and a boosted audio system.

There's also a $1000 safety pack which has a passenger airbag and side impact airbags, and a Holden By Design kit which adds further styling items and FE2 suspension for an additional $3855.

Holden will build 4000 Equipes and 200 HBD Commodores.

Toyota, by contrast, is not putting a set limit on the number of Advantages it will build, which makes a lie of the Limited Edition tag. It is claiming more than $4300 worth of added features for the Advantage over the four-cylinder and V6 Camry CSi it is based on, with no addition to the price.

Added features include air-conditioning, cruise control, power rear windows, boosted six-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio/cassette and single CD player, separate rear head restraints, higher-grade seat fabric from the Camry Touring Series model and a rear-seat centre armrest with integrated cupholders.

Exterior appointments include 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured radiator grille surround (with grey centre section) and an "Advantage" decal.

In other model news: Ford and Mitsubishi have increased the price of the AUIII Falcon and TJ Magna respectively in March. These models are also in run-out, the Magna due for a facelift in July, while the immensely important "Barra" Falcon appears in September. Pricing for the base model Falcon Forte climbs $480 and the Magna Executive by $500.

Currently, Ford is restricting its limited edition run-out activity to the ST edition XR6 announced at the Melbourne motor show, the SR sedan and wagon and a group of Falcon utes.

 Mazda has announced the 323 Protégé and Astina hatch are now priced from $19,990, a price reduction of up to $1335. The $19,990 offer is part of an aggressive run-out of the present model. A revised 323 range will be launched in June.

The run-out offer, which applies to present 2002 compliance-plated stock, includes 1.8-litre models, which are priced from $25,990 driveaway.

The 2.0-litre SP20 Astina continues at $29,180 and will be joined in the line-up by a Protégé-based 2.0-litre Sports Edition model later this month. Only 250 Sports Editions will be sold.

 Holden has released a limited edition Vectra Equipe. It has a claimed $5500 worth of extra comfort, convenience and styling features over the Vectra GL sedan, including cruise control, air-conditioning, power windows and alloy wheels, with the price rising $2000 to $26,990 for the five-speed manual and $28,690 for the four-speed auto.