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deals of the week

Each spring, recent graduates enter the world of full-time employment and, with those jobs, come the commutes. While student loan payments may tighten their budgets, there are affordable new-vehicle options.

An increasing number of auto makers offer special new-graduate rebates that can often be combined with regular incentives, potentially resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. The selection of compact sedans and SUVs is also as robust as ever, with all-wheel drive and technology such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available in even entry-level vehicles.

We’ve featured some of our favourite offers this week on vehicles perfect for recent graduates. If you don’t find an offer that suits you, be sure to check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest incentives and discounts on any new car, truck or SUV.

2018 Mazda CX-3 GS All Wheel Drive Automatic

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Mazda CX-3.Mazda

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes standard with a seven-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, integrated Stitcher and Aha internet radio functionality, push-button ignition, a rear-view camera, smart city brake support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. The GS trim also features rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats and automatic halogen headlights.

  • MSRP: $24,695
  • Manufacturer cash incentive: $2,250 (as compared with $1,000 in April)
  • Mazda new-grad rebate: $500 (applied after tax)
  • Estimated dealer discount: $500
  • Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,035
  • Cash purchase price before tax: $23,538
  • Finance for 72 months at zero-per-cent interest (as compared with 0.99 per cent in April) for $397 a month including tax, which includes a $500 manufacturer incentive, a $500 after-tax new grad rebate and assumes zero down payment
  • Lease for 48 months at 0.5-per-cent interest for $383 a month including tax, which includes a $1,000 manufacturer incentive, a $500 after-tax new-grad rebate and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance with zero down payment

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2018 Mitsubishi RVR SE AWC

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Mitsubishi RVR.Mitsubishi

The 2018 Mitsubishi RVR SE outputs 148 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque through a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission. All trims also feature All Wheel Control – Mitsubishi’s proprietary all-wheel drive technology. Interior highlights on the SE trim include a seven-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, heated front seats and available remote engine ignition. Standard exterior features on this trim include automatic halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights and LED taillights.

  • MSRP: $26,998
  • Manufacturer cash incentive: $2,000 (applied after tax)
  • Mitsubishi new-grad rebate: $500 (applied after tax)
  • Estimated dealer discount: $500
  • Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,840
  • Cash purchase price before tax: $26,125
  • Finance for 60 months at zero-per-cent interest for $525 a month including tax, which includes a $500 after-tax new-grad rebate and assumes zero down payment
  • Lease for 48 months at zero-per-cent interest for $376 a month including tax, which includes a $1,000 manufacturer incentive, a $500 after-tax new-grad rebate and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance with zero down payment
  • For a limited time, customers can choose between an additional $900 cash rebate, $900 accessory credit or eight weeks of no payments during Mitsubishi’s Triple Diamond Event

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2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT Sedan Automatic

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Chevrolet Cruze.Chevrolet

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine that produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The LT trim features a seven-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, an available nine-speaker Bose premium sound system, available remote ignition, a rear-view camera, solar-absorbing glass and automatic projector headlights.

  • MSRP: $21,695
  • Manufacturer cash incentive: $1,000
  • GM Bonus Tag rebate: $1,500 (applied after tax)
  • GM new-grad rebate: $500 (applied after tax)
  • Estimated dealer discount: $500
  • Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,057
  • Cash purchase price before tax: $20,482
  • Finance for 60 months at zero-per-cent interest (as compared with 0.49 per cent in April) for $390 a month including tax, which includes a $750 manufacturer incentive (as compared with $250 in April), a $1,500 after-tax GM Bonus Tag rebate, a $500 after-tax new-grad rebate and assumes zero down payment
  • Lease for 48 months at zero-per-cent interest for $299 a month including tax, which includes a $1,750 manufacturer incentive, a $1,500 after-tax GM Bonus Tag rebate, a $500 after-tax new-grad rebate and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance with zero down payment

Get Local Price on Globe Drive

2018 Subaru Impreza Convenience 5-Door CVT

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Subaru Impreza.Subaru

The 2018 Subaru Impreza comes standard with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder boxer engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque on Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive powertrain. The Convenience trim is equipped with a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Aha internet radio integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rear-view camera, a multifunction steering wheel, LED taillights and available fog lights.

  • MSRP: $22,195
  • Manufacturer cash incentive: $1,000
  • GM new-grad rebate: $750 (applied after tax)
  • Estimated dealer discount: $500
  • Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,014
  • Cash purchase price before tax: $22,045
  • Finance for 60 months at 0.99-per-cent interest for $435 a month including tax, which includes a $500 manufacturer incentive (as compared with no incentive in May), a $500 after-tax new-grad rebate and assumes zero down payment
  • Lease for 48 months at 0.99-per-cent interest for $304 a month including tax, which includes a $500 manufacturer incentive (as compared with no incentive in May), a $500 after-tax new-grad rebate and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance with zero down payment

Get Local Price on Globe Drive

Andrew Tai is CEO of Unhaggle. Follow on Twitter @ahytai

Manufacturer incentives and pricing calculations are based on Ontario customers and subject to availability of inventory. Dealer discounts shown are estimates for illustrative purposes only, may vary by region and are given at the discretion of individual dealers. Please note that while every effort is made to ensure the information above is accurate at the time of publication, pricing, incentives and discounts are subject to change or discontinuation at any time. Vehicle images may not represent the exact model featured in the pricing provided. Consult your local dealership for details.

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