Deal hunter: Kia Rio with auto for under $20,000 drive-away

There’s a low-cost light hatch that’s been garnering a lot of attention lately, offering buyers a new car on the road for well under $20,000.

Not to be outdone, however, a competing Korean brand – one offering the same length of warranty too – has got in on the act. Buyers can currently take delivery of a Kia Rio S with automatic transmission for $19,990 on the road. That’s a $400 reduction from the manufacturer’s retail list price of $20,390, and the buyer gets to save the stamp duty, registration and compulsory third-party insurance as well. And while you are paying more for the Rio, you do get two extra cogs in the autobox and rear disc brakes, plus the locally-tuned suspension. On the other hand, the MG3 also rides on 16-inch alloy wheels...

For buyers needing something a little larger, to suit a growing family, the Nissan Qashqai ST with automatic is currently selling with free on-roads. Buyers can pay no more than the $30,290 manufacturer’s retail list price and drive straight out of the showroom. Nissan Australia is also offering low-interest finance at 2.9 per cent over a 48-month term.

Those in the market for a light commercial vehicle that will take the crew or the family off-road will be drawn to the current offer available for the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain 4x4 dual cab with automatic transmission. Dealers are selling this variant of the D-MAX for $58,990, including the on-road costs. That’s $3910 off the manufacturer’s retail list price, to say nothing of the registration, compulsory third-party insurance and stamp duty saved.

Picture for indicative purposes only