This week at the New York auto show we had a look at the future of some 50-odd models and that got us to wondering what deals might be on the current versions.
Take the Mazda3. In the fall, Mazda will introduce an updated version of its bread-and-butter model. The 2012 Mazda3 will get a facelift and be offered with the new SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission - the first time they will be employed in a production vehicle.
Not only with the new power train option improve performance, the SKYACTIV technologies are intended to improve fuel efficiency by 30 per cent by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels).
The future of the 3 suggests there might be a deal of note on the current version. There is.
Or how about the Ford Taurus? Ford Motor threw a Manhattan dinner to preview its revamped Taurus sedan and its high-performance Taurus SHO offshoot. Mind you, the 2012 Taurus won't arrive until next spring. Still, Ford officials touted the new styling, the new interior and the upcoming optional four-cylinder Ecoboost engine.
Yes, there's a deal on the current Taurus, of course.
The Chevrolet Malibu. Again, in New York the Chevy types talked about the improved fuel economy of 2012 Malibu. The Malibu is coming billed as the most aerodynamic car in the Chevy lineup after the Volt, the most aero-friendly car ever at Chevrolet.
Deals, deals, deals on the 2011 version.
Finally, we had to make mention of the Volkwagen Beetle, given that upcoming new New Beetle proved to be one of the stars of New York. Unfortunately, there is no 2011 Beetle, in anticipation of the 2012. But we did find some interesting sales sweeteners on the VW Jetta - which we'll say is pinch-hitting for the Beetle.
As usual, Deals of the Week obtained pricing information from www.carcostcanada.com. Here are the numbers.
2011 Mazda3 Sport GS
MSRP: $20,965
Freight, dealer prep, air conditioning tax: $1,595
Dealer discount (estimated): $500
Factory discount: $1,500 (Mazda Retail Cash factory-to-dealer rebate)
Taxable subtotal: $20,560
Total price with 13% HST: $23,232.80
Factory discount: $250 (Loyalty Bonus factory-to-customer)
Final price: $22,983
2011 Chevrolet Malibu LT
MSRP: $26,345
Freight, dealer prep: $1,550
Dealer discount: $1,600
Taxable subtotal: $26,295
Factory discount: $1,500 (Stackable Cash factory-to-dealer rebate)
Factory discount: $1,000 (Accessory Customization Bonus factory-to-dealer)
Total price: $23,795
Total price with 13% HST: $26,888.35
Factory discount: $1,000 (Loyalty Bonus)
Factory discount: $500 (Canadian Forces Bonus)
Factory discount: $1,000 (Friends and Family Bonjus)
Final price: $24,388
2011 Ford Taurus Limited AWD
MSRP: $40,999
Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax: $1,500
Dealer discount (estimated): $1,700 (includes dealer holdback)
Factory discount: $3,500 (Delivery Allowance factory-to- dealer rebate)
Taxable subtotal: $37,549
Total price with 13% HST: $42,430.37
Factory discount: $1,000 (Custom Car Event)
Factory discount: $1,000 (Costco Discount)
Final price: $40,430
2011 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L Sportline
MSRP: $23,300
Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax and Green Levy: $1,465
Dealer discount (estimated): $1,650
Factory discount: $1,000 (Dealer Cash factory-to-dealer)
Taxable subtotal: $22,115
Total price with 13% HST: $24,990
Pricing information source: www.carcostcanada.com. Calculations based on Ontario customers. Please note that while the information above is accurate at the time of publication, incentives are given at the discretion of individual dealers, and may be changed or discontinued at any time. Dealer discounts are negotiated with the customer on a case-by-case basis.