Renault, Holden offer ultra-low interest deals

Renault has opened the door to zero-per cent finance for new-car buyers in Australia. The importer pipped Holden's 0.5 per cent interest incentive announced hours earlier.

Such low-interest deals have been a staple of new-car selling in North America since the Global Financial Crisis, but such a tactic has been rare in the local market.

Under the banner of the '0% Renault Big Bang Offer', the importer is targeting prospective buyers of Mégane Hatch, Fluence Sedan, Latitude Premium Sedan and Koleos SUV for purchases between August 10 and September 30. Fixed-priced servicing ($199) is thrown in for three years.

“In addition, Renault cars require servicing only once every 12 months, unlike many rivals which demand twice-yearly visits to their dealer,” Renault MD Justin Hocevar was quoted saying in a press release. “This further reduces the annual running costs for Renault customers.

“Also unlike rivals, Renault offers a full five-year/unlimited km factory warranty on the passenger car range, making the Renault ownership proposition unbeatable.”

Averaged out over four years, rather than the first three, the zero-per cent offer equates to 1.9 per cent and the 2.9 per cent rate rises to an average of 3.9 per cent over four years or 6.9 per cent over five years.

The only vehicles in the Renault range excluded from either offer are the RS 265 and Clio RS models (other than Angel & Demon).

Holden has formed an alliance with Esanda, St George and Capital Finance Australia to introduce a 0.5 per cent deal for buyers of the company's products. As with the Renault deals, Holden's low-interest finances runs the course of three years, with no deposit down.

“Holden is known for its great deals but for anyone in the market for a new car this is one definitely not to be missed,” said John Elsworth, Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

“This year we have already introduced capped priced servicing and now, through our finance providers, a great 0.5 per cent comparison rate that makes it even easier to get behind the wheel of a brand new Holden."

Holden will only offer the finance incentives during a one-week sale promotion, running from Thursday, August 9 to Wednesday, August 15.

Vehicles not subject to the low-finance offer are: Cruze CD, Cruze Equipe and Colorado 4x2 models.

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