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Best Mid-Size Car Over $28,000


Mazda6 Classic

Mazda6 Classic
2.3-litre, 4-cylinder,
4-speed automatic
4-door sedan
$33,785



Value for Money
Importance
Pricing 4 Critical
Depreciation Cost 5 Medium
Running & Repair Costs 4 Medium
Fuel Consumption 3 Medium
Warranty 3 Medium
Standard Features 3 Critical



Design & Function

 
Safety 4 Critical
Security 4 High
Comfort 5 High
Space 4 Medium
Practicality 5 Medium
Ergonomics 5 High
Build & Finish Quality 5 High
Innovation 2 Medium



On the Road

 
Performance 4 High
Ride 4 Medium
Handling 4 High
Braking 4 High
Smoothness/Quietness 4 High



Overall Average


4.05



Key to Ratings

 
Well Above Average 5 .
Above Average 4 .
Average 3 .
Below Average 2 .
Well Below Average 1 .

Importance Weighting

 
Critical 1.00 .
High 0.80 .
Medium 0.60 .
Low 0.40 .



View Scores for all Mid-Size Cars > $28,000
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A flood of capable, comfortable and classy Japanese-sourced cars has washed away memories of the dreary medium-size products of the 1990s. At the crest of this wave, still, is the Mazda6, a tangible sign of the breed's style and driver orientation.

The swell of the 6's appeal starts with a class-equalling value for money package. Highlights include pricing, low depreciation costs and above-average running and repair calculations. Outpointed on innovation, Mazda hits back with a crushingly competent display of design and functionality. While others have more zip or handling prowess, Mazda6's dynamics are above average in every facet. Honda's enlightened Euro sedan, class leader for performance and a driveršs delight, needed just an extra mark or two to claim the title. Despite a feast of features, its value, courtesy of higher pricing, resale costs and parts, trails the Mazda. Blame Honda Australia, too, for not demanding better security. A space-saver spare tyre, sedan-only shape and inflexible rear seat also hinder practicality.

The new Subaru Liberty lags on value and never makes up ground. Its ergonomics and practicality, while good, are not the best. It is the equal of the Honda on-road but no better, and its superiority in ride and smoothness has been matched.

Tying with the Liberty was the locally built Toyota Camry, a car whose value and on-road traits remain underestimated. Improvements to safety, security and features would enhance its challenge no end.

Top 5

Mazda6 Classic, Honda Accord Euro, Subaru Liberty 2.5i, Toyota Camry Altise, Holden Vectra CD Hatch

Previous Results
2007 - Ford Mondeo TDCi
2006 - Volkswagen Jetta TDI
2005 - Honda Accord Euro
2004 - Subaru Liberty 2.5i
2003 - Mazda6 Classic
2002 - Mazda6 Classic
2001 - Subaru Liberty RX
2000 - Subaru Liberty RX

 
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