Deals on wheels

A NUMBER of manufacturers are offering red-hot deals - particularly on entry level models - in a bid to prop up sales as the GST looms.

Daewoo's Lanos is available for a limited time with a rear spoiler, alloy wheels and an X-Series decal - extras worth $1300 - at no added cost.

The three-door Lanos costs $14,500, rising to $16,500 for the five-door and $16,750 for the sedan.

Some Hyundai dealers are offering an even sharper deal on the three-door Excel, throwing in a CD player, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, remote central locking and an alarm as no-cost extras for $13,990 driveaway.

The Excel is now well and truly in runout mode, with the bigger and more expensive Accent due to be launched within weeks.

Suzuki has launched a limited edition version of the Baleno - known as the Cavaliero - which comes with sports seats, CD player, air-conditioning, remote central locking and power windows and mirrors.

Its $17,990 driveaway price also includes 14-inch alloy wheels and an immobiliser with alarm.

Selected Holden dealers are offering the Vectra sedan with auto and air-conditioning for $24,790 driveaway - a saving of up to $8000.

The Vectra V6 hatchback can be had for $31,990 driveaway - a rebate of over $9000.

Mitsubishi's $28,740 V6-Si Magna comes with $5000 worth of free extras including 16-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres, six-stack CD player, air-conditioning, rear spoiler, anti-lock brakes, cruise control and a driver airbag.

Toyota is offering the Camry CSi with free air-conditioning and automatic transmission for $27,990 driveaway - a saving of about $4000.

Volkswagen is among the European manufacturers offering enticing pre-GST incentives to keep sales afloat.

Until the end of June, the Golf GL and GLE come with free Monza alloy wheels valued at $1000. The base model GL costs $28,990, rising to $34,990 for the GLE.

Audi, Alfa Romeo, MG, Land Rover and Saab are among the European marques that have followed Volvo's lead by offering post-GST pricing on selected models.