Now more affordable

Now more affordable

COE prices might have drastically risen across the board after January's second bidding exercise closed on Wednesday but you can still find some models to be more affordable this week.

OneShift Editorial Team

22 Jan 2010

With the significant rise in the COE prices though, you won't expect any big or any discounts at all for more affordable cars that Average Joes buy. So it'll be the premium models from high-end brands that see some price drops instead this week. This is possible for these premium models as the margins on them are much higher than say a Honda or a Toyota.

Here are the top five price ‘losers' of the fortnight:

Volvo's recently facelifted coupe-convertible is now priced more realistically after coming in at $218,000 previously, the same as the more prestigious BMW 325i Convertible. At under $200k, the Volvo undercuts the soft top Audi A5 Cabriolet by roughly $10k and putting it right smack into the territory of the Lexus ISC. The updated Volvo offers refreshed looks as well as new equipment levels to sweeten the deal.

Volvo C70 T5 $194,999 (-$23,001)

The C 63 is a personal favourite of mine. When it comes to thunderous junior executives, I feel that the baby AMG is the one that can seriously tickle my senses. Key to the C 63's package is its 6.2-litre V8 heart and all round dynamic package. The noise the V8 makes is just pure symphony but despite the $15,000 price cut, I still can't afford one though. If I'd have that winning lottery ticket then a silver estate version will do me fine.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG $343,888 (-$15,000)

The big aristocratic coupe is now five figure more affordable but not that it makes any difference to typical CL buyers. The big S-Class based coupe is powered by Merc's venerable V8 to give it some reasonable go. This is one big coupe that oozes class and elegance from bumper to bumper.

Mercedes-Benz CL500 $468,888 (-$11,000)

Alfa Romeo seems to be cutting down their prices this week after the COE rise. Even the base Mito is noticeably more affordable now. Heading the biggest price cut is the 159 3.2 V6. Like every other Alfa, this exec saloon is evocatively styled and goes well enough to a soulful 3.2 V6 motor. Simply one of the best looking four-doors around.

Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS $148,800 (-$10,000)

In addition, to the abovementioned saloon, you'll also enjoy a $10 price reduction on the 159 3.2 Sportwagon. The wagon is more about style than utility but it still has a well-sized boot nonetheless.
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Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 3.2 JTS $155,800 (-$10,000)

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai