ARCHIVE: 2006

News & Offers

April 2008

The Mazda2 Neo is Mazda’s entry-level car, the lowest model the Japanese company offers. Despite its lowly status, the Neo is a sporty and stylish compact hatch. Mazda stepped away from the tall and boxy look for the Neo - opting instead for a sleeker, lower to the ground look.

Starting at $16,500, the Neo offers a 1.5 litre 4 cylinder with 76 kW of power. While not the best in the light-car category for fuel economy, the Neo’s average of 6.8 L/100 km is still very efficient. Where it does stand out from other light cars is handling; the Neo is both agile and smooth to drive.

The other area where the Neo shines is safety. While light cars typically are lacking in comprehensive safety options, the Neo has an optional package that provides side and curtain airbags as well as traction control. Add these options to the already well-equipped Neo and you have a car that is at the top of its class in safety.

How much could you save with this fuel efficient and sleek new Mazda2? Call us on 1300 762 788 to find how Prosperion can save you money with our novated leases.

December 2007

Last month we featured the VW Golf GT Sport TSI, a car whose performance was only matched by its fuel efficiency. This month we feature something completely different.

Over sized. Aggressive. Gas guzzling. Hate them or love them, Hummers are now available in Australia. GM (Holden’s US parent company) has recently introduced the Hummer H3 to the Australian market with an advertising campaign as forceful as the 4WD itself. The marketing seems to be working, as waiting lists for the Hummer continue to grow. So what is the appeal of the Hummer H3 anyway?

People seem to flock to the Hummer for two reasons: to turn heads, and to go off-road. Hummer H3 is more than capable off-road, having no trouble on the roughest terrain. Where the H3 does struggle is with its low towing capacity; the Hummer can only tow up to 2040kg, 70 percent less than the tow capacity of the Toyota Landcruiser.

The H3 is available in three models: base ($51,990), Adventure ($57,990), and Luxury ($59,990). All three models share a 3.7-litre, five-cylinder engine. The in-line engine produces 180kW at 5600rpm and 328Nm of torque at 4600rpm.

The Hummer’s fuel efficiency is another reason why it’s world famous – but not in a good way. Environmentalists everywhere cringe when they see a Hummer roll down the street, and for good reason. Recent road tests had the H3 consuming more than 15L/100km! With its high CO2 emissions, the H3 scores just two stars out of five on the Green Vehicle Guide.

If you’re looking for good fuel consumption, check out the VW Golf GT Sport TSI. But if you want to turn heads with a strong visual impact, you can’t beat the new Hummer H3. Just imagine the statement your company could make with a fleet of shiny new Hummers. Call us on 1300 762 788 to find out just how cheaply your fleet could be managed for you using our operating lease program.

November 2007

As the price of oil edges closer to US$100 a barrel, fuel consumption is on everyone’s mind. With Volkswagen’s new Golf GT Sport TSI, drivers no longer have to sacrifice performance in the pursuit of efficiency.

With its 1.4-litre engine, you might not expect much pep from the new Golf GT Sport. But get behind the wheel and you quickly realize VW has done something very special. With both a turbocharger and supercharger, the GT holds the world’s first twin-charged direct injection petrol engine. This four-cylinder packs a punch, delivering 125kW of power at 6000 rpm, the likes of which is normally only found in engines over 2.2 litres. Even more impressive is the torque output of 240Nm at just 1750 rpm which would put many regular 2.5-litre engines to shame and the 1.4-litre Golf GT Sport makes it available at much lower revs too. No wonder the engine won 2006 and 2007 International Engine of the Year winner for the 1.0- 1.4-lite class.

But performance is only half of the story of the Golf GT Sport TSI. The engine’s efficiency is just as impressive. Fuel consumption is just 5.7 litres per 100km on the highway and 9.5L per 100km in the city, an average of 7.7 litres per 100 km. And you’ll feel good about driving the Golf GT knowing the emissions are just 184g per km.

How much would the new Golf GT Sport TSI cost you if you salary package it on a novated lease? Call 1300 762 788 now to find out.

October 2007

Toyota has been busy with new vehicle releases, following on from the launch of their completely new Toyota Kluger they have now put the same 3.5 litre V6 with over 200kW of power into the RAV4. Whilst the Kluger is available in both two wheel drive (2WD) and all wheel drive (AWD) and the four cylinder RAV4 comes standard with a manual gearbox and an automatic is optional, the V6 RAV4 will only be available in automatic and driving all four wheels.

How will Toyota manage the overlap between the RAV4 V6 and the Kluger V6? Well the Kluger is targeted at larger families with its optional seven seat capacity, larger overall size and more luxurious specification including a five speed automatic gearbox versus the four speed in the RAV4 V6. Conversely, the RAV4 V6 is aimed at couples with an active lifestyle who require the space and versatility of an SUV as well as for younger families who want to maintain a youthful image.

Only one question remains, with the bigger engine should we really be calling the V6 RAV4 the RAV6?!?! :-D

Call us now on 1300 762 788 to find out what sort of new car discount we can negotiate for you on a V6 RAV4 and the benefits you can receive from salary packaging one on a novated lease...

September 2007

The new Mazda2 takes a significant leap forward for Mazda in terms of style and vehicle design. Most cars, especially in the small segment usually take a derivate approach to new model design, either evolving the style of the old model or "borrowing" inspiration from another manufacturer!

The visual impact of the new Mazda2 makes it clear that Mazda started with a clean sheet of paper and also took note of what their market research told them customers wanted. Despite a trend of ever increasing external dimensions and weight, by taking this clean sheet approach Mazda has been able to make the new Mazda2 shorter and as much as 60kg lighter than the previous model. Fuel efficiency, safety and the onroad driving experience are important points in this segment and will surely help the Mazda2 achieve the sales success it deserves.

Call us now on 1300 762 788 to find out how much you could save by salary packaging a new Mazda2 on a novated lease.

August 2007

Toyota has launched their all new Kluger with a Territory-beating list of standard features, some of which aren't even available as options on the Ford! Whilst it is impressive to see seven airbags, stability control, alloy wheels and reversing camera all as standard across the new Kluger range, the best in class fuel efficiency and logic defying 201kW power output of the naturally aspirated 3.5 litre V6 are simply remarkable!

The biggest weapon in Kluger's assault on the market share currently held by Territory is its new two wheel drive (2WD) option. This offers private buyers a cheaper option if they don't think they'll need AWD but still want the versatility of an SUV. But most importantly, it means that Kluger can break into the biggest single area for Territory, fleets (especially government fleets) with AWD and 4WD restrictions. Previously the 2WD Territory was the only real SUV option for these buyers, but now they can get access to all that Kluger has to offer.

Of added interest to fleet buyers is the fact that Kluger has had much better resale values than Territory as well, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.

Call us now on 1300 762 788 to find out how little a new Kluger could cost you per month and the benefits to your business of outsourcing your fleet management and using operating leases.

July 2007

After many years building a well-renowned brand for offroading and tough SUV's, 2007 will now see Jeep finally release two light urban compact SUV's, arguably the highest growth segment of the last decade and a half. Jeep Compass arrived in March 2007 and will soon be joined by its close relation, Jeep Patriot ...

Neither of these two vehicles will be able to complete Jeep's famed Rubicon Trail test of offroad ability, but they are happy to admit that this was never their aim. Both Patriot and Compass are immediately identifiable as Jeep's, with their trademark slotted upright grill (Hummer copied them!) and round headlights to boot. The Patriot borrows heavily from the longstanding styling cues and proportions of the well known Jeep Cherokee whilst the Compass gives a funkier, edgier and modern style more of its own making.

Jeep's two headed attack on the compact SUV segment represents their acknowledgement that image and versatility are not enough on their own anymore, the market has a renewed demand for fuel efficiency, not only to save money (take a look at the Prius' purchase price) but also to placate our stronger than ever before environmental conscience. Engines available in both Patriot and Compass include the 2.4 litre petrol and a 2.0 litre turbo diesel from VW, an absolute rarity in this segment. When coupled with their new lighter urban oriented AWD on demand system, these engines yield an average fuel economy of as little as 8.7 and 6.5 litres per 100km respectively.

How cheaply can a Jeep Patriot or Compass be if you salary package it on a novated lease? Call us on 1300 762 788 to find out.

June 2007

New Corolla is hotter than ever! Well that's certainly true and this time round Toyota is planning for the Corolla sedan to steal a big chunk of business from the larger sedan market and they're likely to succeed too, with a generous interior and a mere $20,990 entry price!

To differentiate the sedan from the hatch, Toyota first made the headlights and tail lights completely unique, giving quite distinct visual impacts from the outside of both vehicles. The significant differences continue inside to include a funky raised centre console in the hatch versus the more traditional style in the sedan. Quite simply the hatch is designed for young buyers whilst the sedan is aimed at those looking for a fuel efficient and well built sedan that is roomy enough for everyday duties without being cumbersome to drive and park around town. Perhaps the most surprising spec of all on the new Corolla sedan is that it's boot is 90% as large as the billion dollar Commodore VE!

Toyota Australia fought hard to keep the Corolla name on this vehicle (called Auris in other markets) and with good reason, Corolla is synonymous in Australia with quality, reliability and rock solid resale values. This is all good news for the consumer, but even better news for fleet buyers. Good reliability means your fleet is on the road where they should be, working for your business and strong resale means a much lower cost of ownership. Your staff will be happy to drive them too with an efficient and powerful engine as well as plenty of room. Believe it or not, the new Corolla sedan is bigger than previous model Camry's!

How much could you save by replacing your current fleet of sedans with fuel efficient and roomy all new Corolla's? Call us on 1300 762 788 to find out just how cheaply your fleet could be managed for you using our operating lease program.

May 2007

The Australian Government's Federal Budget for the next financial year saw the announcement of further tax benefits to individuals through raised income tax thresholds. What does this mean for salary packaging novated leases? Well in short, it means that you're better off than ever before with more money in your pocket!!

So on 1 July 2007, the 30% threshold will increase from $25,001 to $30,001 and then on 1 July 2008 the 40% threshold will increase from $75,001 to $80,001 and the 45% threshold will increase from $150,001 to $180,001. In short, this means that as of 1 July 2007, most people who are salary packaging a car will get more in their takehome pay than before the changes and from 1 July 2008 there will be further benefits for higher income earners as well.

So are novated leases still worthwhile? There's only one way for you to really make that decision and that's to compare the figures! Stop guessing and know for sure either way, so to get an obligation free estimate of how much you could save by salary packaging a car on our novated lease program, give us a call on 1300 762 788.