Deepavali dreamwheels

Seal that cracker of a deal on new wheels this festive season, as carmakers line up attractive discounts to bring in the buyers

Thinking of a new car? With Deepavali here, it is that time of the year when the best deals on wheels are to be got.

Carmakers have lined up interesting offers that are being talked of as the best they have come up with this year.

Benefits in the offing this festive season include cash discounts, free insurance and free maintenance, besides gifts such as complimentary music systems.

And though not every carmaker is offering dream deals, do not be disappointed. It is only the best-selling brands and luxury cars, such as Mercedes and BMW, which have kept away from the Deepavali discount phenomenon.

"Cars are being offered at the best prices this season," said M R Indresh, an automobile expert. "Quite a few carmakers have offered better deals, though luxury carmakers don't have any offers to look for."



Small car, big saving

After the recent slowdown, carmakers eager to recover lost ground are coming up with offers that help customers firm their decision and drive away with their dream cars in the Deepavali season.

Maruti Suzuki, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Tata Motors and Skoda have offered some good deals on most of their small cars. The cash savings you stand to make range from Rs 8,000 to Rs 50,000, depending on the make and model.

"These are the best deals of the year," said Vinay L, an executive with Mandovi Motors.

"Big benefits in the form of insurance, merchandise and cash discounts are being given this Deepavali."

Timing it right

Tata Motors is keeping its deals open till Saturday, Skoda till Sunday,u00a0 and Hyundai till Tuesday. The rest are offering deals till the end of the month.

"Such deals are offered every time on 'slow-moving' cars to clear stocks, but that's not the case this time," said Sanjay Kumar.N, a sales consultant. "Most carmakers have offered deals to encourage customers to go for new cars. The festival is also a reason. Pricing will be back to usual next month."

Some steer clear

Carmakers are not offering benefits on all models, keeping best-selling models out of the discounts bazaar.

Chevrolet Cruz, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Tata Indica and Skoda Octavia do not have festival offers.

Luxury cars from carmakers such as Mercedes and BMW are also not in on it.

"We aren't offering any 'Deepavali special' discounts or offers," said Suresh, member of the sales team, Navnit Motors. "But discounts, which are given periodically, are available on select BMW series."

Take your pick
>>Maruti Suzuki: Cash discounts ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 25,000, depending on model (Maruti 800, Alto, Wagon R, Ritz and A Star).
>>Chevrolet: Discounts in form of insurance and cash from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000 on various models (Spark, Aveo and Uva).
>>Skoda: Cash discounts up to Rs 50,000 on different models, including Fabia.
>>Hyundai: Free insurance cover on Santro and i10. Complimentary music system with i20.
>>Tata Motors: Benefits from Rs 25,000 to a maximum of Rs 50,000, on Marina.