Where to find the good EOFY deals
The new car business has taken a battering so far in 2020, especially over the past couple of months. However, the effect on Australian sales – about 30% lower in April than for the same time the previous year – is markedly less than in countries such as India and the UK, where retail lockdowns and business suspension saw almost total decimation of the market.
It was still pain that Aussie retailers didn’t need after more than a year of consecutive monthly declines, so there will be new car deals to be had as the end of the financial year approaches.
The biggest change this year is to the instant asset write-off threshold, which has jumped from $30,000 to $150,000. However, there’s a big caveat around that, with many experts believing that the luxury car tax threshold of $67,525, or $75,526 for vehicles that use less than 7 litres of fuel per 100km, is the most feasible application of the new legislation, which applies until June 30, 2020. TIM ROBSON, WHICHCAR.COM.AU
$59,990 Mini Electric hatch
Finally arriving here after two years on sale overseas, Mini’s take on the electric car is relatively low cost for a bit less range. It will take $59,990 to drive it away initially, which gets you a healthy 135kW of power and 233km of claimed battery range in a three-door hatch you’d struggle to pick was an EV. Pros: Looks like a normal car; negligible fuel bill.
Cons: Recharging network in Australia still in its infancy. mini.com.au
$52,650 Jeep Cherokee S-Limited
Jeep has essentially relaunched its midsized Cherokee SUV with less polarising looks and a streamlined line-up. New to the range is the S-Limited, with all-wheel-drive and a V6 engine, which is unusual for the category. It also sports a transferable five-year warranty.
Pros: Genuine offroad ability; good warranty.
Cons: Smaller dealer base; reliability question marks linger. jeep.com.au
$65,990 Skoda Kodiaq RS
Skoda buyers are reportedly pragmatic individuals – and if that’s true, they’ll love the quirky Kodiaq RS (pictured). It’s diesel powered but with a performance edge, and it can carry seven in comfort. Though the RS badge sits a little awkwardly for me and it’s not cheap, it’s still a good-looking, clever and economical people hauler.
Pros: Genuine handling chops; great fuel economy.
Cons: Not cheap. skoda.com.au