Buying guide after September Round 1 COE bidding

With higher COE prices in both Categories A and B, one would expect price increases across the board for all cars, but there are some dealers out there that are offering some price cuts for their models this week. Our guide here depict the models that have the biggest price slash after the price adjustments made by dealers this week:

The CLC is not really a brand new model within the Mercedes-Benz line-up. It was actually the C-Class Sports Coupe in its previous incarnation. The looks have been updated to make it look like contemporary Mercs but inside, the CLC really feels aged thanks to the interior lifted straight from the Sports Coupe with only minimal changes. The CLC's replacement is set to make its world debut within the coming 12 months. The new car will basically be a coupe version of the current C-Class. This week though, Mercedes is offering a $24,000 price reduction for the V5 CLC 250 model. At just under $170k, it is a good buy for those who want a small premium model but you'd have to bear with that ancient interior of it.

The range topping XF not only looks good but it has the power and handling to match as well. Power comes courtesy of Jaguar's 5-litre supercharged V8 making more than 500 horses. Handling is superb thanks to a well balanced rear wheel drive chassis. At $400k, the Jaguar is significantly cheaper than the likes of the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and the Audi RS 6, making it a good buy for those looking for an uber-saloon.

The Picanto makes good sense as a budget car but the high COE prices these days is stacked against the Picanto's viability. Things look brighter for the Picanto this week thanks to a $7,000 price cut by Cycle & Carriage Kia. Its five-door hatchback body style means that it has good and practical space inside. The Picanto's 1.1-litre motor is a peppy performer despite its meagre power output. The recently facelifted model feature sporty design elements on the outside as unique ‘flower' design alloy wheels.

The new car features Schreyer styling on the outside while the interior is well-equipped and spacious enough for three rows of seats. Like the updated Hyundai Santa Fe, the motor is a 2.4-litre four pot making 174bhp. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed auto gearbox.

Borneo Motors is offering a significant $6500 price reduction for the recently introduced Camry Hybrid this week even though Cat B COE prices have risen after the bidding exercise on Wednesday. The Camry Hybrid offers fuel consumption figures of a much smaller car while delivering big car performance and comfort. the 2.4-litre petrol engine coupled with the electric motor can propel the Hybrid Camry up to speed significantly quicker than any of petrol powered only rivals.

Other than the abovementioned models, car buyers will also save on Toyota, Jaguar and Kia models.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai