Japanese cars fall below $100k mark

Following the plunge in COE premiums on Wednesday, prices of entry-level Japanese cars have fallen below the $100k mark.

The newly launched Mazda3 sedan, for instance, is priced at $99,888 now - down from $113,988 two weeks ago. Likewise, Tan Chong Motors has slashed prices on its Nissan Almera, which now costs $93,800.

However, prices of these Category A Japanese cars include COEs that are not guaranteed. Buyers usually have to fork out more to secure a COE, which works out to be $98,800 for the Almera.

Korean marque Kia is hot on the tails of the Japanese, with the 1.6-litre Forte priced at $99,999 now.

Not every Japanese automaker, though, is heading under the $100k mark. The Toyota Vios, the cheapest in the lineup, still costs $103,888. Honda has also kept the 1.5-litre City sedan at $110,900 - down by around $9,000 compared to prices two weeks ago.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Nicholas Wong, General Manager for Honda dealer Kah Motors, reasoned that buying a car below $100k does not guarantee the booking. In the case where the COE does not fall further or rebounds, customers may even be asked to top up.