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By EWAN KENNEDY
15 March 2010
Car makers get anxious about this time every year. They have a
stockpile of new cars sitting in various areas getting older by
the day. Older because they are showing build dates of the
previous year and, despite being brand new, are starting to look
decidedly old in the eyes of potential customers.
A favourite way of clearing the old stock is to offer special
editions, usually adding extra items for no extra charge, though
sometimes there may be a nominal addition to the cost.
Examples of these specials that have been announced recently
include the Mitsubishi Lancer ACTiV (note the marketing guys use
of that lower case ‘i’ which is all the rage at the moment).
This Lancer has been fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels; privacy
glass; a partial body kit consisting of side skirts and a rear
spoiler; and a chromed tip to the exhaust system. There is an
ACTiV badge to differentiate it from the standard range and
(possibly) add to its future value.
Inside, the Lancer ACTiV has the safety and convenience of
hands-free Bluetooth with controls on the steering wheel. Audio
controls are also installed on the wheel and the rim has been
leather wrapped.
The Lancer ACTiV is based on the popular Lancer ES and sells at
the same price of $21,990 with a manual gearbox and $24,490 in
automatic form. However, the price of the ACTiV is driveaway,
whereas the on-road costs have to be added to the ES – thus
making the ACTiV even more of a bargain.
Mitsubishi has also launched a limited edition
Outlander. Based on the LS variant, the new Outlander RX features
a redesigned front bumper and foglights, 18-inch seven-spoke alloy
wheels, and a new design of side skirts, as well as a different
rear diffuser. Finishing touches include silver painted exterior
door handles, a chrome exhaust tip and privacy glass.
On the inside, Outlander RX has leather and sports mesh seat trim,
silver painted floor console panels and chrome interior door
handles. It also has Bluetooth 2.0 functionality and a keyless
operation system.
Only 500 Outlander RX models are being imported. A new body colour
called Pearl White is unique to this model. Other colour choices
are Black Mica an Cool Silver.
Priced at $38,475 the Outlander RX features the striking facelift
introduced to the complete range late in 2009 in time for the 2010
season.
Subaru has introduced a special Impreza R model will leather trim.
This will be priced at only $500 over the cost of the standard
Impreza R. You will be able to drive out of the showroom with no
more to pay after laying down as little as $24,490.
Even better news is that the standard Impreza R has received a
price cut of $1000, so now sells for a recommended driveway price
that begins at $23,990 for the manual gearbox and $25,990 with an
automatic transmission.
A couple of buying tips before going for any new car at this time
of the year. Ask about the build date. It's almost certainly going
to be in the final months of last year, though you may just fluke
one of the early 2010 cars. And be aware that when it comes time
to trade in the car will be valued on its build date, not the date
of first registration.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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