Local news: buying guide this week

Despite the increase in prices though, some distributors have reduced prices on some of their cars, probably due to promotions or currency fluctuations. Here are the five models that ‘suffer’ from the biggest price drop after the last COE bidding round:

Audi S5 Sportback (A) - $259,950 (-$40,700)
The sporty and fantastic looking S5 Sportback sees its price tag reduced by a whopping almost $41k, which is a lot of money to say the least. The S5 sportback offers more stylish looks and almost as much practicality as the S4 saloon while utilizing the latter’s brilliant 3-litre TFSI supercharged V6 lump making a healthy 333bhp.


Mazda6 2.0/2.5- $111,988 to $125,988 (-$10,500 to $13,500)
The Mazda6 range was recently updated to bring its looks to be more in line with the rest of the Mazda line-up. It is still a dynamic looking car, it has a pretty, swoppy front end and bulging wheel arches that are inspired by the RX-8’s. The rear is dominated by the distinctive looking light clusters. There are two engine options on offer locally – a 2-litre from the previous model as well as a 2.5. At more than $10k more affordable now, the Mazda6 models are even more convincing as alternatives to the likes of the Camry.


Proton Saga 1.3- $61,999 to $64,999 (-$7,000)
The iconic Saga nameplate is finally revived in the current saloon model. The Saga doesn’t stand out from the crowd in the exterior styling department. Tape up the badges and you can mistake it for any Korean or Chinese model. The Saga’s 1.3-litre motor makes a competitive 95bhp, giving the compact saloon reasonable go. A no frills saloon the Saga definitely is. Despite the slight rise in Cat A COE prices, Proton has reduced the price of the Saga by $7k this week.

Proton Persona 1.6 - $66,999 to $69,999 (-$7,000)
The Persona looks more like a booted version of the Gen.2 even though Proton says this is the replacement for its Perdana flagship. The Persona has a tough time here thanks to strong competition from the Koreans and Chinese. The interior is similar to the Gen.2 but quality has improved significantly. The Persona also has a big boot to swallow all the cargo you need to haul. Just like the Gen.2 and Satria Neo, this Proton is powered by the 110bhp 1.6-litre engine. Just like the Saga, Persona prices are lower by $7k this week.

Audi TT Roadster2.0 TFSI - $219,300 (-$6,900)
An updated version of the TT is due in the coming months. The newer car will be distinguished by minor exterior tweaks as well as the newer 211bhp TFSI motor. It’s no surprise then, TT prices, including the TT Roadster here have been lowered to make way for the updated car. Despite being replaced soon, the pre-facelift TT models still make good buys thanks to their agile dynamics and strong performance. Not forgetting that they look stylish too.

Other than the abovementioned models, car buyers will also save on most models in the BMW range.


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