Korean Discount King Counts The Cost

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday July 13, 2001

by David Berthon

Hyundai axed its "drive-away, no more to pay" policy amid foreign currency pressure, but subsequently sales across the affordable models in the range have stalled.

To attract buyers, Jubilee Hyundai at Haberfield has broken ranks with a drive-away deal for a limited time on the relatively new Elantra: $19,990 for the manual, 1.8-litre GL sedan and hatch - a $2,396 saving.

Automatic GL variants provide the same saving at $21,976, drive-away. The dearer

2.0-litre GLS sedan and hatch bring better drive-away savings - pay $21,990 for the manual, $23,976 for the automatic.

All models benefit from Hyundai's industry-leading five-year/130,000 kilometre warranty.

Jubilee Hyundai has also turned its attention to the Accent three-door hatch. Normally $14,990 with free air, the dealer has added central locking with an alarm, alloy wheels and a single-CD player.

Also, Hyundai Automotive Distributors is keen to shift its 2.5-litre V6 Sonata Classique and automatic Grandeur V6 by paying the GST component of the recommended retail price.

The saving on the Sonata is more than $2,200; the manual is available from $22,718. The saving on the auto-only Grandeur sedan - now $29,023 - is more than $2,900. The deal excludes the flagship Grandeur XG.

After rapid growth here in the early 1990s, in the first half of this year - and in a booming market - Hyundai sales have dropped by 20 per cent.

Drive a bargain

Holden VX Commodore SS sedan

$42,885 plus on roads

United Holden, Lakemba and Rockdale

5.7-litre V8, six-speed manual. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, dual airbags, air-conditioning, remote central locking, cruise control, power windows, CD player. Save $3,785 on rrp.

Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed 4WD wagon

$52,990 plus on roads

McGrath Mitsubishi, Liverpool

3.5-litre V6, five-speed auto. Dual airbags, air-conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, leather trim, alloy wheels, full power equipment and in-dash six-CD player. Includes side steps, tinted windows, tow bar, dust deflector and spare wheel cover. Save $4,880.

2000 Mitsubishi Magna Executive wagon

$24,990 plus on roads

Northshore Mitsubishi, Crows Nest

3.0-litre V6, four-speed auto. Air-conditioning, central locking, keyless entry with alarm, trip computer, power steering. Save $6,590.

© 2001 Sydney Morning Herald

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