By Tony Ng

Good news. Volkswagen is holding yet another clearance sale for the fourth-generation Polo, which seems to be a very effective method if you haven't seen the increasing number of VWs on the roads already. To make way for the new Polo, which is coming in next month or so, prices now go as low as $41,800 if you buy it with an OPC plate, and $58,800 without. Instead of a DSG, you get a six-speed auto but for that price, the tranny shouldn't really matter. Limited stocks available.

Local distributor Cycle & Carriage's Kia publicity campaign has also culminated in the unveiling of the Kia Koup at their Alexandra Road showroom this weekend. Warning: FHM girls present may distract you. Basic numbers: Engine: 1,591cc, 16v inline-4 | Transmission: Four-speed auto | Power: 124bph @ 6,300rpm | Torque: 1562Nm @ 4,200rpm | From: $57,999

Cycle & Carriage Mitsubishi is also offering its demo cars for sale. If you don't mind cars that come with mileage, discounts of up to $15,000 should please.

With so many car owners in Singapore, it is a wonder that our car showrooms have yet to follow the path of Japanese car showrooms. Where they are lifestyle centres in some way (some have dance floors and cafes), most of our car showrooms function only at the most basic level - displaying cars for sale.

Nevertheless, Chevrolet is having some fun this weekend with their official opening of their Chevrolet Centre at 1 Ubi Road 4, Oct 17-18, 9am-5pm. If you're in the area, besides activities for kids and indulging in food and drinks, do check out the new Cruze as well. The 1.6 MT and the 1.8 AT should surprise those who know the Chevys of old. There's also the Cruze SS Sports edition available for preview at the Centre. From $52,388.

Now for those already in the Leng Kee belt, check out Alfa Romeo's new showroom at 11 Leng Kee Road.  And if you book an Alfa by Oct 31, you'll receive a free Garmin GPS with Bluetooth.

Now is the time to consider a Hyundai Avante if you're still holding out for a Korean car. Local Hyundai dealer Komoco has an Avante sunroof special offer with guaranteed COE at $52,999. Limited to 33 units. 

Back to the Japanese section, popular MPV Honda Stream returns in a Trend or RSZ guise with a package that should lighten your COE concerns. It comes with a discounted COE premium of 50 per cent, extended warranty, three free servicing sessions and free upgrade to guaranteed COE.

And if you're free, do take our motoring poll on "What type of cars do you prefer?" Japanese, continental, Korean, Chinese or anything that floats your boat?

The poll can be found below our new motoring section, Photo gallery, on the right-hand side of our motoring homepage. If you have a comment, do join our forums and participate in the discussion here: Japanese girls.

Happy Deepavali to our readers and have a good weekend!

tonyng@sph.com.sg