2006 Wheels Car of the Year: what will win in a very strong field?

[nota]

Maybe they'll open their eyes one day...

We're not blind to absurd Fiat pricing, which is enough of an eye opener in itself

In Oz the cheapest Punto (1.4 petrol) is 25% more expensive than Ford Fiesta 1.6 LX (and even 12% over 2.0 litre Focus current-prices!) while Punto 1.9 diesel costs the same money as a Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi 380 V6 or VW Golf diesel (and 27% more than VW Polo diesel)

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...-13232,00.html

[henk4]

We're not blind to absurd Fiat pricing, which is enough of an eye opener in itself

In Oz the cheapest Punto (1.4 petrol) is 25% more expensive than Ford Fiesta 1.6 LX (and even 12% over 2.0 litre Focus current-prices!) while Punto 1.9 diesel costs the same money as a Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi 380 V6 or VW Golf diesel (and 27% more than VW Polo diesel)

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...-13232,00.html

smells like import taxes....

[nota]

smells like import taxes....

Of all the cars in my previous price list, every one bar Camry & Mitsu are also fully imported

Btw the Alfa 159 JTS 2.2 litre has similar price to a Holden Calais 6.0 litre, or turbo-6 Subaru Liberty (aka Legacy)

[henk4]

Of all the cars in my previous price list, every one bar Camry & Mitsu are also fully imported

Btw the Alfa 159 JTS 2.2 litre has similar price to a Holden Calais 6.0 litre, or turbo-6 Subaru Liberty (aka Legacy)

very strange, the European prices of Fiat (derivatives) are considered to be very low....

a Grande Punto Multijet 130 BHP costs 22795 Euro, a Polo 1.9TDi 130 BHP 25195 and the cheapest Golf Tdi 140 BHP cost 28880...

[nota]

very strange, the European prices of Fiat (derivatives) are considered to be very low....

smells like inter-euro subsidies .. ()

a Grande Punto Multijet 130 BHP costs 22795 Euro, a Polo 1.9TDi 130 BHP 25195 and the cheapest Golf Tdi 140 BHP cost 28880...

Fiat Punto 1.9TD Emotion or Sport are AU$28k, VW Polo 1.9TD is $23k, VW Golf 1.9TD is $28k, Peugeot 307 1.6TD is $29.5k, Citroen C4 1.6TD and Holden/Opel Astra 1.9TD are $30k, Holden/Daiwoo Barina 1.4 petrol is $13.5k, Mitsu 380 3.8L V6 petrol is $28k (one AU$ = approx 60 euro cents)

[edit] here's a good online list of Oz car prices
http://www.discountnewcars.com.au

[Street_Dreamer]

s-class should do very well, it's a great car...have the privelage of being able to get driven in one regularly (old and new). Q7 is a car i love as well, especially the S-Line which is beautiful and a definite SUV success (we were going to get one, but didn't eventually )

[perryz]

I voted for Aurion, but I almost know for sure that Commodore will win. Wheels have dedicated half of the content(and Cover) to VE this year, i cant imagine it doesnt win. Wheels are so in love with VE, I mean they can even sleep with VE.

[Ferrer]

As Pieter has said Fiats are here cheaper than most of its rivals, which coupled to the Punto actually being a worthy porduct it makes for a very good buy. Didn't know that prices were like that in Australia.

The case of the 159 is a little bit different, the diesels making more sense economically comparing to the petrols and its rivals. Despite that I'd still prefer a 159 over all the contenders in the D-segment.

[Kitdy]

Went with the E92 BMW. That is more a proper BMW, and I think it will do well (but I don't know those Austrialian cars).

[Cyco]

Fiat are being imported by Ateko, the same company that is responsible for Ferrari and Maseratti - Maybe some of their pricing structure has rubbed off.......

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Aurion
Statesmen/Caprice
S-Class
VE
Passat.

The Aurion, as much as i hate to admit it, probably has this sewn up. It's innovative, functional, cost-effective and doesn't really have a large chink in it's armour.

If it at least doesn't make the second round there will be screams of bias and derision. if it wins likewise.

The VE is highly suited to Australia, but again the detail work might just let it down. the Statesmen/Caprice gets the second nod.

[motorsportnerd]

The Aurion, as much as i hate to admit it, probably has this sewn up. It's innovative, functional, cost-effective and doesn't really have a large chink in it's armour.

If it at least doesn't make the second round there will be screams of bias and derision. if it wins likewise.

Excatly. The Aurion is between a rock and a hard place since its up against the VE. As I said, I just hope the Wheels editors judge it on its merits and don't judge against it just because it might be a unpopular win.

[PerfAdv]

The Honda Legend.

[syko]

Going by pass years it will either be the cx-7 or the statesman/caprice.

[2ndclasscitizen]

The VE LWB cars have a very good chance, but I wouldn't rule out the Legend. It's a lot of car, and it's supposed to be a good drive. Jetta hasn't got a chnace, it's just too damn expensive. $33k for 2.0l sedan? Don't think so.