Makers Cater To All Tastes
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday October 21, 1992
SMALL
CITROEN AX
AX GT 1.4L 3-door hatch - $20,286.
AX GT 1.4L 5-door hatch - $21,207.
The French-built AX is a lively small car with room for five, distinctive styling and a competitive price. Mechanically, it's remarkably conventional by Citroen standards. Creature comforts are ample, but there are plenty of flaws, including a primitive air-conditioning system and a pedal layout so bad that Alfa Romeo would be proud of it.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 8.5 city/5.4 hwy.
DAIHATSU MIRA
Mira J 0.66L 3-door hatch - $9,990.
Mira J 0.66L 5-door hatch - $10,790.
Designed to comply with a set of complex Japanese laws governing microcars, the Mira provides as much space and power as the rules will allow, and passes the Australian passenger car safety regulations. But its relevence here is questionable, particularly since there is a relatively small jump in price to the bigger, more powerful and all-round superior Daihatsu Charade.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 6 city/4.6 hwy.
DAIHATSU CHARADE
Charade TS 1L 3-door hatch - $11,875.
Charade CS 1.3L 5-door hatch - $13,800.
Charade CX 1.3L 5-door hatch - $15,535.
Charade SG 1.3L 4-door sedan - $16,004.
Perhaps a little long in the tooth, but blessed with many virtues, the Charade has a three-year warranty, an excellent reputation for thrift and reliability and excellent build quality. The pick is the distinctively styled hatch. Daihatsu sedan buyers are better served by the more modern Applause. Changes to Charade for 1993 include new upholstery, extra equipment and a wider choice of engines and transmissions.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 1L TS 6.2 city/4.6 hwy; 1.3L auto sedan 7.2 city/5.4 hwy.
DAIHATSU APPLAUSE
Applause Li 1.6L 4-door sedan - $16,900.
Applause Executive 1.6L 4-door sedan - $17,690.
Applause Xi 1.6L 4-door sedan - $19,390.
Applause Sports 1.6L 4-door sedan - $20,890.
With a sedan-style three-box shape but a hatch-style rear door, the Applause is one of the most underrated cars on the market, combining traditional Daihatsu virtues (reliability, economy, etc) with the company's most spacious body yet. It also offers plenty of luxury for the price, and excellent handling. The 1993 Applause has a new grille and a revised suspension system but the backbone of the design remains the 1.6-litre, multivalve engine which drives the front wheels.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 7.8 city/6.2 hwy.
FORD FESTIVA
Festiva 1.3L 5-door hatch - $13,252.
The Festiva plugs the gap below the Laser, which has been getting bigger with each model change. This front-drive five-door is based on the superseded Mazda 121 and built by Kia in Korea. For my money it's off the pace compared with the best of the rest in the mini-car class. Although it is well equipped and has no major vices, it feels dated and slightly harsh.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 6.4 city/5.2 hwy.
FORD LASER
Laser XL 1.6L 5-door hatch - $17,080.
Laser GL 1.6L 5-door hatch - $18,425.
Laser GLi 1.6L 5-door hatch - $19,655.
Laser S 1.8L 5-door hatch - $21,125.
Laser Ghia 1.8L 5-door hatch - $22,520.
Laser TX3 1.8L 3-door hatch - $24,965.
Laser TX3 Turbo 4WD 1.8L 3-door hatch - $29,565.
Laser GL 1.6L 4-door sedan - $18,540.
Laser Ghia 1.8L 4-door sedan - $23,830.
Laser GL 1.6L 5-door wagon (KE series) - $19,332.
Slightly revised and upgraded for 1993, the strong-selling Laser is available in enough variations to keep almost everyone happy. In many ways it's the safe bet in small cars. Resale is high, performance and economy are good and the reputation for reliability is well known. The Laser is assembled here, and is based on the Mazda 323, although the appearance differs substantially. Most Lasers are competent but unexciting but for the performance car set there's the phenomenally quick and capable TX3 Turbo.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 8 city/6 hwy.
FSM NIKI
Niki 650 0.65L 3-door - $6,990.
Competing with the Lada Cevaro for the title of worst car on the market, the Polish-built Niki has a cute exterior which masks a litany of woes. The main lure is the low price but it wouldn't really be a bargain at half the price. It's unsufferably noisy, miserably cramped, horribly primitive, dismal in its handling and, all in all, no match for a good used car.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 6 city/4.7 hwy (estimate based on European tests)
HOLDEN BARINA
Barina 1.3L 5-door hatch (level one) - $11,990.
Barina 1.3L 5-door hatch (level two) - $13,802.
Barina GS 1.3L 3-door hatch - $14,278.
The Barina is a variation on the Suzuki Swift, built in Japan and imported with Holden badges. It makes an excellent shopping-mobile or city runabout. Perhaps the best feature is the reliability. The recent addition of a "poverty pack" version and the inclusion of a two-year warranty should widen the appeal.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 6.8 city/5 hwy.
HOLDEN NOVA
Nova SL 1.4L 5-door hatch - $15,710.
Nova SLX 1.6L 5-door hatch - $18,300.
Nova GS 1.6L 5-door hatch - $19,903.
Nova SLX 1.6L 4-door sedan - $18,660.
Another example of badge-engineering, the Nova is nothing more than a Corolla by another name. As with the Toyota equivalent, a 1.8-litre version of the Nova goes on sale this month to give this dated design a bit more punch.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 7.8 city/6.2 hwy.
HONDA CIVIC
Civic Breeze 1.3L 3-door hatch - $16,990.
Civic GL 1.5L 3-door hatch - $21,700.
Civic Si 1.6L 3-door hatch - $24,640.
Civic GL 1.5L 4-door sedan - $23,400.
Civic Si 1.6L 4-door sedan - $26,300.
The current fifth-generation Civic range has sporty handling and all versions except the price-leader Breeze 1.3 offer plenty of get-up-and-go from their sophisticated multivalve engines. The styling is adventurous, the build quality exemplary. The killer is the price. Specifying air-conditioning (not standard, even on the Si) will cost you $2,500, and auto is another $1,400, reinforcing Civic's position as a small car at a big car price.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): Breeze 7 city/6.2 hwy; 1.6 Si hatch 7.6 city/6.4 hwy.
HONDA CONCERTO
Concerto 1.6L 5-door hatch - $25,320.
The oldest model in Honda's fast moving line-up, the Concerto is a five-door four/five-seater hatch. It is in effect an upmarket version of the superseded Civic with a different body and a more lavish interior. As with most Hondas, it is beautifully built, lively and expensive (add about $4,000 if you want auto and air).
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 7.6 city/6.6 hwy.
HYUNDAI EXCEL
Excel Sprint 1.5L 3-door hatch - $12,490.
Excel Sprint 5-Speed 1.5L 3-door hatch - $13,590.
Excel LS 1.5L 5-door hatch - $15,490.
Excel GLS 1.5L 5-door hatch - $17,750.
Excel LS 1.5L 4-door sedan - $15,490.
Excel GLS 1.5L 4-door sedan - $17,750.
For those looking for value for money and honest - though thoroughly unexciting - transport, the Excel has a lot to offer. Reliable, thrifty and cheap to buy (it is a Laser-sized car which competes on price with the smaller models from Daihatsu and others), the Excel is a dated but well-proven design with a choice of three body styles.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 7.4 city/5 hwy.
HYUNDAI LANTRA
Lantra GL 1.8L 4-door sedan - $18,750.
Lantra GLS 1.8L 4-door sedan - $20,750.
In terms of product, Hyundai has been the biggest improver on the market over the last few years. Nowhere is this better reflected than with the stylish, well-built and well-designed Lantra. What was a good effort is now a better one because Lantra has just received a bigger 1.8-litre engine giving a 14 per cent boost in power. The Lantra is slightly bigger than the Excel and a generation ahead in design.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9.5 city/6.4 hwy.
LADA CEVARO
Cevaro 1.5L 5-door hatch - $11,990.
Why waste words? The Lada doesn't make the grade in design, build quality, fit and finish, performance, economy or any other department. It's not a patch on the equivalent-sized name brands and any saving would evaporate on resale. You can't even make a political point by buying a Russian car anymore.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9.5 city/8 hwy.
MAZDA 121
121 1.3L 4-door sedan - $15,780.
If it had nothing but its looks to commend it, the curvaceous 121 would still sell well. But it's also as practical as any small car on the market, and better built than most. It boasts more interior room than many bigger cars; the comparitively long wheelbase and wide stance ensure confident handling and a comfortable ride even at high speed. The manual goes well; the auto is a bit sluggish.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 7.2 city/5.4 hwy.
MAZDA 323
323 1.6L 4-door sedan - $18,925.
323 1.8L 4-door sedan - $21,945.
323 Astina 1.8L 5-door hatch - $23,010
323 Astina SP DOHC 1.8L 5-door hatch - $26,980.
Since the launch of the Mazda 323 in 1990, Mazda has replaced every mainstream model in its range with an imaginative and acclaimed successor. Now the oldest Mazda (although not old by anyone else's standards), it is still up there with the class leaders. The 323 sedan is conventional in design and appearance but the Astina hatch is distinctively original, blending sporting looks and performance with hatch practicality. Both are well designed and beautifully made, though not cheap.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 8 city/6 hwy.
MITSUBISHI LANCER
Lancer GL 1.5L 2-door coupe - $14,854.
Lancer GLXi 1.8L 2-door coupe - $17,661.
Lancer GL 1.5L 5-door hatch - $16,616.
Lancer GLXi 1.6L 5-door hatch - $19,068.
Lancer GL 1.5L 4-door sedan - $16,254.
Lancer GLXi 1.8L 4-door sedan - $19,005.
Lancer SEi 1.8L 4-door sedan - $21,386.
Lancer ELi 1.8L 5-door wagon - $18,991.
Lancer GLi 1.8L 5-door wagon - $19,991.
This new range of imported Lancer models is available with no less than 18 variations to suit most budgets and tastes. There's four body styles, three engines and four equipment levels. The '93 versions offer a big lift in power, extra space, improved vehicle dynamics and better suspension. The styling is up to the minute. If the Lancer lacks something, it's a personality. Other attributes (reliability, build quality, thrift) are hard to fault.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): Injected sedan 7.2 city/5.2 hwy.
NISSAN PULSAR
Pulsar GLi 1.6L 5-door hatch - $17,129.
Pulsar Q 1.6L 5-door hatch - $19,232.
Pulsar Q 2L 5-door hatch - $20,924.
Pulsar Ti 2L 5-door hatch - $23,440.
Pulsar SSS 2L 5-door hatch - $23,985.
Pulsar GLi 1.6L 4-door sedan - $17,395.
Pulsar Ti 2L 4-door sedan - $23,392.
Following in the tracks of the Leyland P76, the Nissan Pulsar won Wheels magazine's Car Of The Year award shortly before meeting an inglorious end. Fortunately, the similarity ends there - the littlest Nissan is an excellent design which is strong on build quality, performance, economy and handling. Stocks of the current Aussie version (which stops production this month)should last until a fully imported facelifted version comes on sale early next year.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 1.6 hatch 7.6 city/5.4 hwy; 2.0 sedan 9 city/6.2 hwy.
PEUGEOT 205
205 Si 1.6L 3-door hatch - $22,205.
205 GTi 1.9L 3-door hatch - $32,400.
Peugeot is undergoing something of a revival thanks to the latest version of the 205, the Si 1.6. Priced to compete almost head-on with similarly specified Japanese competition, the classy looking 205 Si is slightly less user-friendly than the Eastern competition but offers (arguably) more style, individuality and better driving dynamics. The 1.9 is a joy to behold, but pretty pricey.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): Si 8.5 city/5.6 hwy.
RENAULT 19
19 1.7L 5-door hatch - $25,990.
19 1.7L 4-door sedan - $26,490.
Renault was once in the local big time, building cars here and selling them by the thousand. By the 1980s the brand had withered and died but now it's back - courtesy of Volvo Australia which has the importing rights. The 19 is a good safe start: a competent but unexciting small car with plenty of interior room and a high level of specification. Renault makes cars of all shapes and sizes (nearly 2 million units a year) and we can only hope some of the more interesting examples will come down under soon.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9 city/6.2 hwy.
SUZUKI SWIFT
Swift GA 1L 3-door hatch - $11,490.
Swift GTi 1.3L 3-door hatch - $17,990.
Swift GL 1.3L 4-door sedan - $14,290.
Swift GLX 1.6L 4-door sedan - $17,990.
The times have proved ideal for the makers of frugal, low-priced cars, particularly those with a strong reputation for reliability and good build quality. That's been a boon to Suzuki. The pick is the hatch, but all offer legendary reliability, winning economy and a three-year warranty.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 1-litre hatch 6 city/4.6 hwy; GTi hatch 7.4 city/5.4 hwy.
TOYOTA COROLLA
Corolla SE 1.4L 5-door hatch - $15,710.
Corolla SE 1.6L 5-door hatch - $16,920.
Corolla CSi 1.6L 5-door hatch - $18,300.
Corolla GTi 1.6L 5-door hatch - $21,000.
Corolla Seca CSi 1.6L 5-door liftback - $19,410.
Corolla Seca Ultima 1.6L 5-door liftback - $22,910.
Corolla Seca SX 1.6L 5-door liftback - $25,010.
Corolla SE 1.6L 4-door sedan - $17,120.
Corolla CSi 1.6L 4-door sedan - $18,660.
Corolla Ultima 1.6L 4-door sedan - $22,670.
Corolla XL 4WD 1.6L 5-door wagon - $21,118.
Corolla SR5 4WD 1.6L 5-door wagon - $22,400.
A conventionally engineered front-drive small car with a mind-boggling number of variants, the Corolla range is about to be complemented by a 1.8-litre engined version. The hatch and sedan models are made in Victoria and offer good design, strong resale and plenty of features in a competent (though rather long in the tooth) package. Although nominally a small car, the Corolla has plenty of room and the high-performance 1.6 versions have tremendous get-up-and-go. The 4WD wagon - designed for on-road driving - has never really taken off, yet it is remarkably practical and deserves consideration.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 1.6 hatch 7.8 city/6.2 hwy.
MEDIUM
FORD TELSTAR TX-5
Telstar TX-5 Ghia 2L 5-door hatch - $30,227.
Telstar TX-5 Ghia 2.5L 5-door hatch - $35,286.
Telstar TX-5 Ghia 4WS 2.5L 5-door hatch - $37,324.
A Mazda 626 by another name (with slightly different styling), the TX-5 has all the virtues of that excellent car plus the option of electronically controlled four-wheel steering (which is not available on the equivalent 626). Expect a Telstar sedan to soon replace the Pintara-based Ford Corsair.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 11.5 city/8.5 hwy.
FORD CORSAIR
Corsair GL 2L 4-door sedan - $16,094.
Corsair Ghia 2.4L 4-door sedan - $22,567.
Corsair GL Liftback 2L 5-door hatch - $17,245.
Corsair Ghia Liftback 2.4L 5-door hatch - $23,717.
Going, going ... nearly gone. The "saleproof" Corsair is based on the locally made Nissan Pintara and stocks are just about exhausted. Ford will replace it with a fully imported Mazda-based Telstar sedan and try to put the whole miserable episode behind it. For further comments, see the Pintara entry.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9 city/6.6 hwy.
HOLDEN APOLLO
Apollo SL 2L 4-door sedan - $20,269.
Apollo SLX 2L 4-door sedan - $22,427.
Apollo GS 2L 4-door sedan - $22,101.
Apollo SLE 2L 4-door sedan - $26,390.
Apollo SL 2L 5-door wagon - $21,670.
Apollo SLX 2L 5-door wagon - $23,930.
Apollo GS 2L 5-door wagon - $23,647.
Here we go again ... this one's a Toyota, unlike the Holdens which are Suzukis, Isuzus or Opels. For comments on this model see the Toyota Camry entry; the differences are only cosmetic.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9 city/7 hwy.
MAZDA 626
626 2L 4-door sedan - $28,995.
626 V6 2.5L 4-door sedan - $32,835.
626 2L 5-door hatch - $30,300.
626 V6 2.5L 5-door hatch - $36,670.
626 2.2L 5-door wagon - $25,510.
626 2.2L 7-seater 5-door wagon - $28,980.
Mazda's entry in the medium-sized car class was fully revamped late in 1991 and now offers (for the first time) a six-cylinder version. There are two up-to-the-minute "aero" body styles in the new range: sedan and hatch. The wagon is based on the old model but is still distinctive, well-equipped, roomy and has plenty of go. It is available with a third row of seats suitable for two children.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 2.0 hatch 9.5 city/6.6 hwy; V6 10.5 city/8 hwy
MITSUBISHI GALANT
Galant SE 2L 4-door sedan - $25,633.
Galant SE 2L 5-door hatch - $27,247.
The Galant is a thoroughly conventional but comfortable and practical front-wheel drive design with lots of practical features. To most eyes, the hatch version is one of the best-looking and most distinctive cars in the class. High performance versions are also available (see Sports section).
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 8.5 city/6.4 hwy.
NISSAN PINTARA
Pintara GLi 2L 4-door sedan - $18,652.
Pintara Executive 2L 4-door sedan - $20,845.
Pintara T 2.4L 4-door sedan - $21,127.
Pintara Ti 2.4L 4-door sedan - $26,723.
Pintara TRX 2.4L 4-door sedan - $23,736.
Pintara Superhatch GLi 2L 5-door hatch - $19,136.
Pintara Superhatch Executive 2L 5-door hatch - $21,329.
Pintara Superhatch T 2.4L 5-door hatch - $21,610.
Pintara Superhatch Ti 2.4L 5-door hatch - $27,641.
The Pintara - which ceases local production this month - was never a bad car, just an uninteresting and poorly marketed one. It was supposed to sell in excess of 30,000 units a year in Australia and be exported to Japan and even further afield. But only a handful went OS and in spite of banzai discounting locally, only about a third of the target was achieved. The four-door sedan is a thoroughly conventional front-drive mid-sized car; the Superhatch is similar mechanically but has an extended glasshouse clumbsily grafted onto its tail.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9 city/6.6 hwy.
SUBARU L-SERIES
L-Series DL 4WD 1.8L dual-range 5-door wagon - $19,190.
L-Series GL 4WD 1.8L dual-range 5-door wagon - $20,190.
Until the bigger and more luxurious Liberty model started outstripping all expectations, this off-road/on-road dual purpose vehicle was the backbone of Subaru in Australia. It feels pretty dated these days, but with its"on-demand" four-wheel-drive system the L-Series "Soobie" still offers superb versatility along with commendable economy, well documented ruggedness and fairly good on-road performance.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10 city/7.2 hwy.
SUBARU LIBERTY
Liberty LX 2.2L 4-door sedan - $24,990.
Liberty GX 2.2L 4-door sedan - $27,490.
Liberty GX 4WD 2.2L 4-door sedan - $29,490.
Liberty LX 2.2L 5-door wagon - $25,790.
Liberty GX 2.2L 5-door wagon - $28,390.
Liberty GX 4WD 2.2L 5-door wagon - $31,390.
The Liberty transformed Subaru's local image from a maker of quirky dual purpose vehicles to a manufacturer of sophisticated mainstream models with leading quality. Awards have been heaped on the Liberty, buyers have queued up. The most desirable versions are those with four-wheel-drive (an on-road system for more grip and safety), and anti-lock brakes can now also be specified. Turbo and luxury derivatives are also available (see Luxury and Sports sections).
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 11 city/8 hwy.
TOYOTA CAMRY
Camry SE 2L 4-door sedan - $20,750.
Camry CSi 2L 4-door sedan - $22,090.
Camry Executive 2L 4-door sedan - $22,320.
Camry Ultima 2L 4-door sedan - $27,730.
Camry SE 2L 5-door wagon - $22,150.
Camry CSi 2L 5-door wagon - $23,740.
Camry Executive 2L 5-door wagon - $23,930.
Camry CSX 2L 5-door wagon - $27,390.
A car as old as the Camry should have long since faded from the sales charts, but it has continued to take the fight to its much newer four-cylinder rivals. It's mainly due to good marketing, and buyer familiarity. The Camry does nothing brilliantly but almost everything well. Reliability and resale are strong points. An all-new wide-bodied model is only a few months away and a Holden Apollo version of this will also be sold.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9 city/7 hwy.
FAMILY
FORD FALCON/FAIRMONT
Falcon GLi 4L 4-door sedan - $24,631.
Falcon GLi 5L 4-door sedan - $27,853.
Falcon S 4L 4-door sedan - $28,189.
Falcon S-XR6 4L 4-door sedan - $31,401.
Falcon S-XR8 5L 4-door sedan - $31,973.
Fairmont 4L 4-door sedan - $32,256.
Fairmont 5L 4-door sedan - $34,814.
Falcon GLi 4L 5-door wagon - $26,235.
Falcon GLi 5L 5-door wagon - $29,462.
Falcon S 4L 5-door wagon - $29,700.
Falcon S 5L 5-door wagon - $32,824.
Fairmont 4L 5-door wagon - $34,545.
Fairmont 5L 5-door wagon - $37,103.
After a few years of being overshadowed by Commodore, the Falcon has hit back hard. A continuous campaign of upgradings has made the latest Falcons faster than their predecessors as well as being safer, better built, better equipped, more sophisticated in their engineering and protected by twice the warranty (two years). In value-for-money terms, they eat almost anything, although it should be noted that all these models have just received a $495 price hike to cover the clever new Smartlock security system. The newest model here is the excruciatingly named S-XR6, which offers almost unheard of performance for a six, plus anti-lock brakes.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): six-cylinder 12 city/7.6 hwy; V8 14 city/9 hwy
HOLDEN COMMODORE
Commodore Executive 3.8L 4-door sedan - $23,888.
Commodore Executive 5L 4-door sedan - $26,435.
Commodore S 3.8L 4-door sedan - $26,874.
Commodore SS 5L 4-door sedan - $32,088.
Commodore Berlina 3.8L 4-door sedan - $29,715.
Commodore Berlina 5L 4-door sedan - $32,262.
Commodore Berlina LX 3.8L 4-door sedan - $32,273.
Commodore Berlina LX 5L 4-door sedan - $34,820.
Commodore Executive 3.8L 5-door wagon - $25,381.
Commodore Executive 5L 5-door wagon - $27,928.
Commodore S 3.8L 5-door wagon - $28,367.
Commodore Berlina 3.8L 5-door wagon - $31,993.
Commodore Berlina 5L 5-door wagon - $34,540.
Commodore Berlina LX 3.8L 5-door wagon - $34,551.
Commodore Berlina LX 5L 5-door wagon - $37,098.
Holden is fighting a full-on sales war with Falcon and for once the whiteshoe cliche really does apply: the buyer is the winner. Today's Commodores are not only much better than those of the late 1980s, but when you do your sums and take into account the extra equipment, they are also cheaper. As with Falcon, there is a version to suit almost anyone, with even the base models boasting more performance than most people will ever need or use. Holdens now have a two-year warranty. Independent suspension and anti-lock brakes are available on most Commodore models. Build quality is not that far behind the imports.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): Six-cylinder 11.5 city/7.6 hwy; V8 14.5 city/9 hwy.
HYUNDAI SONATA
Sonata GLE V6 3L 4-door sedan - $27,369.
Sonata GLS V6 3L 4-door sedan - $33,970.
The Korean-built Sonata is an attractive, strong performing and well-specified four-door sedan but on the road it really just doesn't have the goods when compared with the local and Japanese competition. An all-new model is due next year and if it's as impressive as the smaller and newer Hyundai Lantra, the competition better watch out.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 11.5 city/7.8 hwy.
MITSUBISHI MAGNA/VERADA
Magna GLX 2.6L 4-door sedan - $20,808.
Magna Executive 2.6L 4-door sedan - $21,905.
Magna SE 2.6L 4-door sedan - $25,656.
Magna GLX 2.6L 5-door wagon - $22,373.
Magna Executive 2.6L 5-door wagon - $23,611.
Magna SE 2.6L 5-door wagon - $27,801.
Verada V6 Ei 3L 4-door sedan - $34,626.
In terms of quality, quietness, handling and travelling comfort, the locally built Magna is directly competitive with many of the better imported cars. And it competes fairly closely with Commodore and Falcon on room and features, although it lacks comparable performance, even in its six-cylinder Verada form. For our money, the pick of the Magna bunch is the locally designed and developed wagon which combines leading practicality with sedan-like road manners and refinement.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): Magna 10 city/7 hwy; Verada 11 city/7.4 hwy.
MITSUBISHI NIMBUS
Nimbus 2.4L 5-door wagon - $26,793.
The Nimbus is a passenger vehicle which cleverly bridges the gap between a conventional wagon and a minibus. It can transport one person and lots of luggage or seven people and a little luggage. Unlike many people movers, it passes the passenger vehicle safety regulations. In recent weeks Nimbus has had a 17 per cent power boost, courtesy of a revised engine.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10.5 city/6.6 hwy.
NISSAN SERENA
Serena ST 2L 7-seater passenger wagon - $29,950.
Serena Ti 2L 7-seater passenger wagon - $34,950.
Nissan Australia has finally replaced the Prairie people mover, which it withdrew from the market in the 1980s. The Serena is an all-new design along the same theme. It gives Nissan a strong challenger to Mitsubishi's Nimbus and offers buyers an ingenious alternative to the conventional station wagon. Serena provides seating for seven with a wide range of people/luggage configurations.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10 city/7 hwy (estimate).
TOYOTA LEXCEN
Lexcen CSi 3.8L 4-door sedan - $24,536.
Lexcen VXi 3.8L 4-door sedan - $29,750.
Lexcen CSi 3.8L 5-door wagon - $26,089.
Lexcen VXi 3.8L 5-door wagon - $32,087.
But for the badges, the Lexcen is a Commodore. Named after yachting hero Ben, it is built by GMHA on the normal Holden assembly line, with no more than cosmetic and interior specification changes.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12.5 city/8 hwy.
TOYOTA TARAGO
Tarago GLi 2.4L passenger van - $31,924.
Tarago Getaway 2.4L passenger van - $32,190.
Tarago GLX 2.4L passenger van - $37,119.
Tarago GLS 4WD 2.4L passenger van - $56,521.
Built as a people mover from the ground up, the Tarago is head and shoulders above the bread van-based competition. It is the only "one-box"design to pass all local passenger car safety regulations and, in spite of its height and carrying capacity, it rivals some conventional wagons in terms of comfort and handling. Two-wheel drive and viscous-coupled four-wheel drive versions are offered, and anti-lock brakes are fitted to dearer versions.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 11.5 city/8.5 hwy.
VOLVO 240
240 2.3L 4-door sedan - $33,728.
240 GLE 2.3L 4-door sedan - $38,455.
240 2.3L 5-door wagon - $35,662.
240 GLE 2.3L 5-door wagon - $40,581.
These Swedish museum pieces have a basic design which goes back to the 1960s. European reports suggest that the 240's term in office is almost ended, nonetheless there is still relatively strong demand. Although very dated in some areas, the 240s shine in others. Volvo practicality and safety features are there in force, but in handling, performance and riding comfort, the 240 is competent at best.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10 city/6.6 hwy.
SPORTS, COUPES
BMW M5
M5 3.5L 4-door sedan - $157,500.
This ultra high-performance version of BMW's 5-series sedan has an engine modified by BMW's motor sport division to produce a whopping 232kW. The suspension has been reworked, the brakes upgraded and the interior enhanced with special sports seats and new instrumentation. It's a brilliantly impressive package, but strictly for the money-no-object set.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 19 city/9 hwy.
BMW 850i
850i 5L 2-door coupe - $208,000.
As with the new S-Class Mercedes, the relevance of this ultra-expensive executive express is in the new technology it brings to the marketplace, some of which will eventually filter down to popularly priced cars. Innovations range from a complex multilink rear axle to automatic stability control, electronic damper control and a multitude of high technology driver information systems.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 17.5 city/9.5 hwy.
FERRARI 348ts/MONDIAL
Mondial t Cabriolet 3.4-L 2-door convertible - $231,170.
348tb 3.4L 2-door coupe - $224,315.
348ts 3.4L 2-door targa coupe - $234,175.
All Italian, pure sports car and dear enough to make rich men flinch, these Ferrari models have heaps of get-up-and-go (courtesy of eight-cylinder engines pumping out over 200kW) combined with race car handling. Like all such cars, their suitability for Australian road conditions is debatable. Ferraris are strictly for aficionados, and well-off ones at that.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 17.7 city/9.5 hwy (estimate).
FORD CAPRI
Capri Barchetta 1.6L 2-door convertible - $22,560.
Capri XR2 1.6L 2-door convertible - $24,378.
Capri Turbo XR2 1.6L manual 2-door convertible - $27,438.
Capri Turbo Clubsprint 1.6L manual 2-door convertible - $31,550.
Armed with an extended warranty (two years), improved quality levels and -in feature-adjusted terms - a much cheaper price than ever before, the Capri soft-top looks set to regain some momentum over summer. The newest model(Barchetta) is a low-cost version with a limited choice of colours and options.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 8.5 city/6 hwy.
FORD FALCON GT
Falcon GT 5L 4-door sedan - $62,250.
The wildly styled new Falcon GT is among the quickest and best handling Falcons ever built and easily the dearest. Just 250 individually numbered cars will be built. Power comes from a modified five-litre fuel-injected V8 developing 200kW.
Fuel consumption: n/a.
HOLDEN CALIBRA
Calibra 2L 2-door coupe - $38,233.
The spectacularly styled 224km/h Calibra, built by General Motors' Opel division in Germany, is claimed to be the world's most windcheating production car. It shows up some limitations in the chassis department but has much to commend it in other areas.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): manual 8.5 city/5.6 hwy; auto 10 city/6.2 hwy.
HOLDEN SPECIAL VEHICLES (HSV)
Commodore Club Sport 5L 4-door sedan - $39,310.
Commodore Sport Wagon 3.8L 5-door wagon - $39,866.
Commodore Sport Wagon 5L 5-door wagon - $45,096.
Commodore GTS 5L 4-door sedan - $53,750.
Commodore Senator 5L 4-door sedan - $45,747.
Commodore Senator 5000i 5L 4-door sedan - $57,798.
Statesman 5000i 5L 4-door sedan - $63,840.
The hotshot Holdens are produced on the normal production line then modified by Holden Special Vehicles, a Victorian-based organisation part-owned by Scottish racer/businessman Tom Walkinshaw. The flagship performance model, the Senator 5000i, is not quite in the class of the BMW M5 but the gulf in quality and performance is not nearly as large as the $100,000 price gap would suggest.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 16.5 city/11.5 hwy (estimate).
HONDA INTEGRA
Integra 1.8L 3-door coupe - $32,490.
The Integra three-door is a typical small Honda, offering good handling, lively performance, impressive fuel economy and excellent build quality. But it comes at a premium price which does not include such niceties as air-conditioning.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 8.5 city/7.4 hwy.
HONDA CRX
CRX 1.6L 3-door coupe - $34,990.
The latest CRX is the most powerful 1.6-litre non-turbo road car ever seen in this country, courtesy of a brilliant VTEC variable-valve-timing system on its double-overhead camshaft engine. This diminutive two-seater has many other innovative features including a "two way" roof, which enables the car to be quickly turned into a semi-convertible.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 8 city/7 hwy.
HONDA PRELUDE
Prelude S 2.2L 2-door coupe - $33,330.
Prelude Si 2.3L 2-door coupe - $38,700.
Prelude SRS 2.3L 2-door coupe - $43,300.
One of the very few things about the 1992/93 Prelude which has remained unchanged is the name. There's now a wider range than ever before; all but the base model have four-wheel steering and all versions offer a low noise level, good performance, excellent road manners and plenty of comfort.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10.5 city/8 hwy.
HONDA LEGEND COUPE
Legend 3.2L 2-door coupe - $84,900.
The coupe version of the Legend sedan is similar mechanically but has a unique body, a couple of extra technical features (including a pretensioner seat-belt system) and a slightly higher price tag.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10.5 city/8 hwy (estimate).
HONDA NSX
NSX 3L 2-door coupe - $167,000.
The NSX - dubbed Japan's Ferrari - combines supercar performance with the comfort, flexibility and ease of driving normally associated with a family car. It's a tremendous technology showcase, but after you've impressed the neighbours, what the hell do you do with it? There's certainly no public road in Australia where you can use even a fraction of its top-end capabilities.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12.5 city/10 hwy.
HYUNDAI S COUPE
S Coupe LS 1.5L 2-door coupe - $18,750.
S Coupe GLS 1.5L 2-door coupe - $20,750.
S Coupe Turbo 1.5L 2-door coupe - $22,822.
The S Coupe is a good value offering for those who want sporty styling but none of the limitations normally associated with a sports car, such as increased fuel consumption, limited carrying capacity, heavy controls and the like. The 1993 models - to be launched at the Sydney Motor Show - receive a substantial facelift and a new more powerful engine; with 83kW the new turbo is no supercar but gets along quite well. Fuel consumption (L/100km): 7.5 city/5.5 hwy (estimate).
JAGUAR XJS
XJS Sport 4L 2-door coupe - $148,000.
XJS 5.3L 2-door coupe - $165,500.
XJSC 5.3L 2-door convertible - $196,200.
A legacy of the mid-1970s (at which point it replaced the legendary E-Type), the XJS has never built up the same following. The big and heavy two-door has been heavily upgraded in recent years but still looks and drives like a machine from a distant era.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 16 city/10.5 hwy.
LAMBORGHINI DIABLO
Diablo 5.7L 2-door coupe - $670,000.
As expensive as it is impractical, and as fast as it is irrelevant, the Diablo is probably the silliest way you can get rid of the price a small block of home units. The V12 Italian supercar - which takes just 4.1 seconds to go from rest to 100 - is rock hard in its suspension settings, cramped, uncomfortable and wildly impractical. But, boy, will it turn heads |
Fuel consumption: n/a.
LOTUS ELAN
Elan Turbo SE 1.6L 2-door convertible - $89,972.
No longer made, but still on sale, the short-lived Elan is a fabulously innovative (though expensive) open top with a well-equipped "electric everything" interior, turbocharged engine and all mod cons.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10.8 city/6.7 hwy (estimate).
LOTUS ESPRIT
Esprit Turbo SE 2.2L 2-door coupe - $199,936.
Another one of the knee-high, mid-engined, big buck supercars which have almost no practical application in Australia, the Esprit is as quick and luxurious as it should be at the price. But its appeal is pure pose; driving an Esprit in 100km/h-restricted Australia is a bit like using a speedboat in a backyard swimming pool.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 15.7 city/9.5 hwy.
MASERATI BITURBO
Biturbo 222SR 2.8L 2-door coupe - $138,000.
Biturbo Spyder 2.8L 2-door convertible - $138,000.
Biturbo 228 2.8L 2-door coupe - $156,000.
Biturbo 430 2.8L 4-door sedan - $138,000.
Shamal V8 3.2L 2-door coupe - $220,000.
These fast and luxurious and Italian sports machines are strictly for well-heeled aficionados. The wild appearance of the newest model, the Shamal V8, makes even Ford's new Falcon GT look understated.
Fuel consumption: n/a.
MAZDA MX-5
MX-5 1.6L 2-door convertible - $32,315
MX-5 1.6L 2-door convertible with detachable hardtop - $34,315.
After nearly four years on the local market, the topless Mazda still offers more fun-per-dollar than anything else. Its pert styling, brilliant handling, delightful engine note and well-laid out interior - are unrivalled in the price class, if at all. Add to this, the MX-5 has the thirst and reliability of a hatchback.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 8.5 city/6 hwy.
MAZDA MX-6
MX-6 4WS 2.5L 2-door coupe - $42,330.
The spectacularly styled MX-6 coupe shares many of its underpinnings with the more mundane 626 models but has a unique body shell and computer-controlled four-wheel steering.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 11.5 city/8.5 hwy.
MAZDA RX-7
RX-7 Turbo rotary-engined 2-door coupe - $73,000.
A lighter and sportier car than its predecessor, the latest rotary powered RX-7 is also considerably faster and more agile. It has rock-hard suspension and a prodigious thirst, but in sheer punch-per-dollar terms it is definately the best-priced supercar around. The only question is, what do with a such a machine in Australia (other than lose it to a car-thief)?
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 13 city/7.6 hwy.
MERCEDES-BENZ 300CE-24 COUPE
300CE-24 3L 2-door coupe - $161,600.
The 300CE is part on the mid-sized Benz range but has a two-door body style in the same family mould.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 13 city/9.5 hwy.
MERCEDES-BENZ 560SEC COUPE
560SEC 5.6L 2-door coupe - $245,600.
The 560 is the biggest Mercedes-Benz coupe, built on the full-size"S-Class" platform. There's only one or two new 560SECs languishing in dealerships, but basically this model has had the bullet pending the release of the all-new model (probably in 500SEL and 600SEL versions) in the next few months.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 18 city/13 hwy.
MERCEDES-BENZ 500SL
500SL 5L 2-door convertible - $256,700.
The 500SL is the world's most advanced convertible and probably the most ostentatious boulevarde cruiser in existence. Technical highlights include a concealed rollbar which erects automatically in the event of a collision, computer-controlled suspension (which adapts to the road surface and driving conditions) and a 245kW V8 engine.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 16 city/11.5 hwy.
MITSUBISHI GALANT GSR/VR-4
Galant GSR 2L 5-door hatch - $32,467.
VR-4 2L 4-door sedan - $37,682.
The GSR shares its sheetmetal with the Galant SE hatch (see Medium Cars section) but has various add-ons to give it a more sporty, purposeful look and computer-controlled active suspension. The VR-4 is a sports version of the basic sedan with a swag of high-tech mechanical features including four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. Mitsubishi's RX-7 competitor, the 3000GT coupe, will go on sale shortly.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): GSR 10 city/6.4 hwy; VR-4 11.8 city/8 hwy.
MORGAN 4/4 & PLUS 8
4/4 2L 2-door convertible - $76,500.
Plus 4 2L 2-door convertible (two-seater) - $95,500.
Plus 4 2L 2-door convertible (four-seater) - $93,500.
Plus 8 3.5L 2-door convertible - $130,000.
For those odd-bods who want to pay 21st century prices for 1930s technology, Morgan offers not one but four different models. The Plus 8 flagship has a timber frame and other antique features but, as a concession to the postwar era, it is powered by a 3.5-litre Rover V8.
Fuel consumption: n/a.
NISSAN NX
NX 2L 2-door targa coupe - $25,370.
NX-R 2L 2-door targa coupe - $29,430.
Californian-designed, Japannese-built, this coupe is priced between Toyota's Paseo and Celica models. The styling is not its strong suit (to these eyes at least) but the performance and handling are exceedingly good and the removable roof panels broaden the appeal.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10 city/7.4 hwy.
NISSAN GT-R
GT-R 2.6L 4WD 2-door coupe - $110,000.
Two Bathurst wins haven't made Nissan's four-wheel-drive, four-wheel-steer supercar exactly leap out of the showrooms. It has taken over a year and a lot of marketing money to get rid of about 75 of the 100 units imported. The GT-R offers Porsche-style performance, the trouble seems to be that it doesn't have a Porsche badge to go with it.
Fuel consumption: n/a.
NISSAN 300ZX
300ZX 3L 2-door targa coupe - $70,450.
With its "ZX" cars of the 1980s, Nissan managed to combine the practicality of a sports car with the agility of a limousine. The latest version does everything better than previous ZX models but, when all is said and done, it's still a two-seater "personal coupe" which is as big and heavy as an eight-seater station wagon.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12 city/7.6 hwy.
PORSCHE 911 CARRERA
911 Carrera 2 3.6L 2-door coupe - $175,120.
911 Carrera 2 Targa 3.6L 2-door coupe - $182,758.
911 Carrera RS 3.6L 2-door coupe - $191,367.
911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet 3.6L 2-door convertible - $196,240.
911 Carrera 2 "Turbo Look" 3.6L 2-door coupe - $236,551.
911 Carrera 4 3.6L 2-door coupe - $194,539.
911 Carrera 4 Targa 3.6L 2-door coupe - $202,232.
911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 3.6L 2-door convertible - $215,812.
911 Turbo 3.3L 2-door coupe - $278,888.
The new "third generation" 911 was launched in Australia in late 1989 but carries on the layout, styling and quirkiness of its rear-engineed aircooled forebears. Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions are on offer, with performance ranging from quick to dazzling and a price range which spans"expensive" to "ridiculous".
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 17 city/9 hwy.
PORSCHE 968
968 3L 2-door coupe - $135,253.
968 Cabriolet 3L 2-door convertible - $150,050.
Porsche's price-leader model, the four-cylinder 968 (released here in March 1992), replaces the long-running 944. Although styled similarly to its predecessor, Porsche claims that 80 per cent of the components are new. Performance and handling are suitably stunning, as are insurance premiums and running costs.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 15 city/10 hwy (estimate).
PORSCHE 928
928GTS 5L 2-door coupe - $229,729.
Similar in shape to the 968 but bigger, heavier and dearer, the 928 is the famed German maker's flagship. A 5.4-litre quad-cam V8 produces 257kW and gives a top speed in excess of 280km/h - just the thing for a country in which the only State in which you exceed 110 has roads which are totally unsuitable for a Porsche 928.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 17 city/11 hwy (estimate based on European tests).
SUBARU LIBERTY RS TURBO/SVX
Liberty RS Turbo 4WD 2L 4-door sedan - $38,450.
Liberty RS Turbo 4WD 2L 4-door wagon - $39,950.
SVX 4WD 3L 2-door coupe - $72,950
The RS Turbo is based on the standard Liberty but has a 2-litre turbocharged engine and neck-snapping performance. The big, heavy and luxurious SVX coupe has a normally aspirated 3.3-litre engine and spectacular Italian styling. Both models have full-time four-wheel-drive.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): RS sedan 11.5 city/8 hwy; SVX 12.5 city/9 hwy.
TOYOTA PASEO
Paseo 1.5-L 2-door coupe - $23,929.
This fully imported two-door is designed to slot in below the Celica. Mechanically fairly basic but well equipped, Paseo sells mainly on its looks and on the Toyota nameplate, which to most people means reliability, strong resale and good dealer back-up.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 7.4 city/5.4 hwy.
TOYOTA MR2
MR2 2L 2-door targa coupe - $44,290.
The closest thing to a Ferrari this side of $150,000, this midengined two-seater is a purpose-built sports car with exceptional road manners and dazzling performance for a two-litre engine. It's thoroughly impractical for anyone with luggage, children or more than one friend, but it does remind you just how much fun driving can be.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9.5 city/6.8 hwy.
TOYOTA CELICA
Celica SX 2.2L 2-door coupe - $29,775
Celica SX 2.2L 3-door Liftback - $33,141.
Celica GT-Four Rallye Turbo 4WD 2L 3-door Liftback - price on application.
Toyota's front-drive Celica coupe continues to grab the lion's share of its market sector, with its blend of performance, value-for-money, handling, image and high build quality. The GT-Four - with four-wheel-drive, manual gearbox and turbocharged engine - is now available on special dealer order only.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 9 city/6 hwy.
TOYOTA SUPRA
Supra Turbo 3L 3-door liftback coupe - $65,666.
Supra Turbo Targa 3L 3-door liftback coupe - $73,969.
Like the Nissan 300ZX, the Supra is an overweight "personal coupe" designed mainly for overweight American buyers. Sales here have virtually ground to a halt; next year promises a more lean rendition of the theme in the shape of an all-new model.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12.5 city/9.5 hwy.
LUXURY
ALFA ROMEO 33
33 Boxer 16 Valve QV 1.7L 5-door hatchback - $29,500.
33S P4 Boxer 16 Valve 4WD 1.7L 5-door hatchback - $36,725.
Restyled to look more like the bigger, newer (and considerably better) 164 model, the tired old 33 struggles along with a basic mechanical design dating back to the very early 1970s. The 33 is available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive, both with that strange Alfa blend of the irresistible and the unacceptable.
Fuel consumption (L/100 km): 10 city/6 hwy.
ALFA ROMEO 164
164 Scala LE 3L 4-door sedan - $59,900.
164 3L 4-door sedan - $66,690.
164 Quadrifoglio 3L 4-door sedan - $72,900.
The 164 is arguably the best Alfa ever. This big front-drive luxury car may not have the unquantifiable appeal of some of the legendary models, but it does almost everything better and is a lot better built. The high performance Quadrifoglio model is the pick of the bunch.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12.5 city/8 hwy.
AUDI 80
80 2L 4-door sedan - $42,990.
80 2.3L 4-door sedan - $45,690.
80 V6 2.8L 4-door sedan - $71,990.
The new 80 series (armed with a warranty as long as any in the business)replaces the previous 80 and 90 models. It brings substantial body changes and offers a choice of four-, five- and six-cylinder engines. The virtues of the old model are carried across, along with more practicality (a bigger boot for example), the option of more punch with the V6 version and the acclaimed Procon Ten safety system. The 2.3, particularly, represents great buying in a German luxury car.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): Four-cylinder 9.5 city/6 hwy.
AUDI 100
100 2.8L 4-door sedan - $85,490.
100 Quattro 2.8L 4-door sedan - $92,990.
The new 100 is the biggest and most luxurious six-cylinder car that Audi has produced, designed to compete head-on with the BMW 5-series and Mercedes 300. Sales have been slow, but that's a symptom of the market rather than the product. The Quattro is the one to have; its full-time on-road 4WD system -combined with anti-lock brakes - makes for an exceptionally safe package.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 4WD 10.5 city/6.8 hwy; Quattro 13 city/8.5 hwy.
AUDI QUATTRO V8
V8 3.6L 4-door sedan - special order only (POA).
This is the topline Audi, with a 32-valve quad camshaft engine plus full-time four-wheel-drive and a sumptuous hide and walnut interior. Since the release of the cheaper but still roomy and luxurious 100 model, however, Audi has made the V8 a "special order only" model in Australia.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 15 city/9 hwy.
BENTLEY
Eight 6.8L 4-door sedan - $309,700.
Mulsanne S 6.8L 4-door sedan - $344,100.
Turbo R 6.8L 4-door sedan - $418,800.
Turbo RL 6.8L 4-door sedan - $473,700.
Yes, even in the upper reaches of the luxury car market badgeengineering takes place. The Bentley is a Roller by another name (and price tag) with a few extra sporting touches and a turbocharged derivative. For those not scared of a price tag that says "POA", the local importers can bring you in a two-door coupe called Continental. Expect your wallet to be about $600,000 lighter.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 20 city/13 hwy.
BMW 3-SERIES
318i 1.8L 4-door sedan - $42,450.
318is 1.8L 2-door coupe - $51,750.
320i 2L 4-door sedan - $55,250.
325i 2.5L 4-door sedan - $72,950.
325i 2.5L 2-door coupe - $76,650.
325i 2.5L 2-door convertible - $79,900.
Released in 1991, these little "Bimmers" are arguably the world's best small cars, offering good performance, brilliant handling, excellent build quality and plenty of prestige. The price, however, is pretty high, particularly when you start looking at the options list. The newest additions are the two-door versions; the 325i Convertible is based on the old series but is still impressive. All BMWs now have anti-lock brakes as standard and all cars 2.5 litres and above have an airbag.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 318i 9.3 city/6.2 hwy; 325i 11.7 city/7 hwy.
BMW 5-SERIES
520i 2L 4-door sedan - $69,350.
525i 2.5L 4-door sedan - $83,350.
535i 3.4L 4-door sedan - $108,000.
525i Touring 2.5-L 5-door wagon - $87,400.
First seen here in 1988, the four-door, five-seater "5" sedan is a fine sporting saloon, combining motoring excitement with leading practicality. There's now a very cleverly designed wagon included in the range and an ultra-high-performance M5 version, which is covered in the Coupes and Sports section. All "5s" have anti-lock brakes and the 525 and 535 have a driver's side airbag.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12.1 city/7.2 hwy.
BMW 7-SERIES
730iL 3L 4-door sedan - $130,000.
740iL 4L 4-door sedan - $167,500.
750iL 5L 4-door sedan - $222,000.
Equipped with a swag of new features (including all-new three- and four-litre V8 engines) and with safety airbags on all versions, the 1993 versions of the 7-series BMWs are taking the fight back to Mercedes, which had stolen a technological march with its new S-Class. Only the long wheelbase (L)versions are available; each version makes for a beautiful touring machine. From a buyer's point, however, it's hard to justify the near-$100,000 difference between the 730 and (identically bodied) 750iL.
Fuel consumption: n/a.
CITROEN BX
BX TZI 1.9L 5-door sedan - $33,990.
BX TZI 16-valve 1.9L 5-door sedan - $40,990.
With many innovative features and unusual design aspects beneath its distinctive angular lines, the BX is better priced than ever. If it has a fault (other than the fact that it is getting a bit long in the tooth), it is that resale values are traditionally low and there are relatively few dealerships around to service it.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10.5 city/7 hwy.
CITROEN XM
XM 3L 5-door hatch - $81,750.
XM "Leather" 3L 5-door hatch - $86,500.
First sold in Australia in February 1991, the chisel-shaped XM luxury hatchback is Citroen's flagship, armed with all manner of luxury and high-tech features. It hasn't exactly set the local market alight, but the XM still provides an interesting and distinctive alternative to the usual choices for those shopping in this price class.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 16.9 city/8.5 hwy.
EUNOS
Eunos 30X 1.8L 2-door coupe - $33,250.
Eunos 500 2L 4-door sedan - $42,400.
As we go to press Mazda Australia is preparing to sell a completely new range of upmarket cars through a different dealer network. The first two cars, built by Mazda in Japan but badged Eunos, are the 30X coupe (sold overseas as the Mazda MX-3) and the 500 sedan, which is based on the Mazda 626. Both are powered by small V6 engines. In a sense Mazda is "doing a Lexus" but starting at the bottom with (relatively) affordable models. When all variants are here, the Eunos range will span the $30,000 to $120,000 price classes.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 30X 10 city/7.4 hwy; 500 11 city/7.8 hwy.
FORD FAIRMONT GHIA
Fairmont Ghia 4L 4-door sedan - $40,002.
Fairmont Ghia 5L 4-door sedan - $42,560.
Fairmont Ghia 4L 5-door wagon - $42,074.
Fairmont Ghia 4L 5-door wagon - $44,632.
A Falcon with everything, with a slightly sporting flavour. The Fairmont is excellent value for money, now coming with a two-year warranty, ABS and the Smartlock security system as standard.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12.5 city/7.8 hwy.
FORD FAIRLANE/LTD
Fairlane 4L 4-door sedan - $39,506.
Fairlane Ghia 4L 4-door sedan - $41,407.
Fairlane Ghia 5L 4-door sedan - $43,927.
LTD 4L 4-door sedan - $56,191.
LTD 5L 4-door sedan - $58,798.
Ford's upmarket models are built on the extended platform of the Falcon wagon with all the mechanicals coming from the basic Falcon. Most Fairlane/LTD body panels are different from Falcon, however, and the interior is more plush and the standard of creature comforts higher.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): Six-cylinder 13 city/8 hwy; V8 14.5 city/9 hwy
HOLDEN CALAIS
Calais 3.8L 4-door sedan - $37,542.
Calais 5L 4-door sedan - $39,322.
Calais International 5L 4-door sedan - $43,285
Calais is an upmarket Commodore with various additional luxury inclusions and mechanical improvements such as independent rear suspension as standard. In value-for-money terms it is a knock-out, particularly the International version which boasts (in addition to the normal Calais inclusions) anti-lock brakes, leather trim, V8 engine, foglights, Pirelli tyres and a bodykit.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): V6 13 city/8 hwy; V8 15 city/9.5 hwy.
HOLDEN STATESMAN/CAPRICE
Statesman Series II 3.8L 4-door sedan - $38,670.
Statesman Series II 5L 4-door sedan - $42,160.
Caprice Series II 5L 4-door sedan - $59,390.
As with the Fairlane/LTD, Holden's Statesman and Caprice are near-identical twins built on the extended wagon platform. Unlike the Fairlane/LTD, however, Holden's models share almost all their sheetmetal and other external equipment with lesser models. Equipment levels are high, performance is extremely good and a two-year warranty is now offered.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 16 city/9.5 hwy.
HONDA ACCORD
Accord Rivista 2.2L 4-door sedan - $30,440.
Accord EXi 2.2L 4-door sedan - $33,990.
Accord 4WS 2.2L 4-door sedan - $41,200.
Accord EXi 2.2L 5-door wagon - $36,990.
Now with an entry-level Rivista model, a four-wheel-steer sedan and a made-in-the-USA wagon, the Accord range offers more variants than it has for many years. The current Accord is a "fourth generation" model and was launched in late 1989. Longer, wider and more powerful, it has more interior room and features counter-rotating engine balancing shafts. If it has a flaw, it is its blandness.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 10.5 city/8 hwy.
HONDA LEGEND
Legend 3.2L 4-door sedan - $82,600.
Honda's second-generation Legend - launched in 1991 - is almost as long as a Holden Statesman and boasts plenty of safety features (including an airbag)plus a more powerful V6 engine and every comfort known to Honda. It's a beautifully refined vehicle with impressive performance.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 14 city/9.4 hwy (estimate).
JAGUAR XJ6/SOVEREIGN/DAIMLER
XJ6 3.2L 4-door sedan - $109,800.
XJ6 4L 4-door sedan - $120,300.
XJ6 Sport 4L 4-door sedan - $132,800.
Sovereign 4L 4-door sedan - $134,600.
Sovereign Sport 4L 4-door sedan - $147,100.
Daimler 4L 4-door sedan - $149,000.
With a three-year warranty, improved quality and upgraded mechanicals, the latest Jaguar sedans make a reasonable fist of overcoming the limitations of their old-world design. The Sovereign has a higher level of luxury equipment than the base model and the Sport has firmer suspension. The flagship Daimler is distinguished by a different grille and has a more sumptuous interior.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 13.5 city/9 hwy.
LEXUS ES300
Lexus ES300 3L 4-door sedan - $59,600.
The mid-size Lexus ES300 front-drive sedan costs about half the price of its big brother, the ES400, but still offers plenty in the way of quality, equipment and customer privileges. Although based on the next generation Camry floorpan, it has completely different sheet metal and interior furnishings.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12 city/7.8 hwy.
LEXUS LS400
Lexus LS400 4L 4-door sedan - $124,000 estimate.
The acclaimed Lexus LS400 is about to receive a passenger-side airbag, pre-tensioned front seat belts, a revised sound system (upgrading what was already the best on the market) and other improvements - plus a bigger price tag. Unchanged will be the smooth and silent four-litre, 32-valve V8, and the ambience of the classy leather and polished wood interior.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 12.5 city/9 hwy.
MAZDA 929
929 V6i 3L 4-door sedan - $57,135.
929 LE V6i 3L 4-door sedan - $67,775.
As with the baby Mazda 121, the styling of the 929 is both controversial and impossible to ignore. The drawbacks of the 929's curvaceous exterior is that it restricts the rear-seat headroom and boot space. Other than that, there's not much to criticise; the 929 is a state-of-the-art luxury car with good performance and handling and plenty else to commend it.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 13 city/9.5 hwy.
MERCEDES-BENZ 180/190
180E 1.8L 4-door sedan - $44,724.
190E 2L 4-door sedan - $72,900.
So bare that it no longer includes a radio, yet extraordinarily cheap (for a Mercedes), the 180E is the local company's desperate attempt to beat the Federal Government's harsh and changeable imposts on luxury cars. Stocks are limited and demand has proven exceptionally high. The downside is that this is a stark and underpowered car which would be very hard to shift if it wore any other badge. Even the two-litre is a bit sluggish and none too cheap but, like all Benzes, the 180/190 models have leading safety engineering, a superb chassis and exceptional practicality.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 1.8-litre 11 city/7.6 hwy.
MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SERIES
230E 2.3L 4-door sedan - $101,700.
300E 2.6L 4-door sedan - $110,400.
300D 3L diesel 4-door sedan - $108,100.
300E 3L 4-door sedan - $126,300.
300E-24V 3L 4-door sedan - $137,100.
300TE 3L 5-door wagon - $134,000.
The 300 Series is Mercedes' intermediate model, now offered with a higher performance version in the form of the 167kW 300E-24V. There's also a wagon(arguably the best on the market) and a diesel version which finds its main appeal among primary producers. In terms of design, quality of fit and finish, primary and secondary safety, quietness and comfort, the 300 series Mercedes is a head and shoulders above most other cars.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 13 city/10 hwy.
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
300SE 3.2L 4-door sedan - $173,500.
400SE 4.2L 4-door sedan - $208,000.
400SEL 4.2L 4-door sedan - $217,400.
500SEL 5L 4-door sedan - $245,600.
600SEL 6L 4-door sedan - $318,700.
The latest S-Class has a bulk and price verging on the obscene. But we will all benefit from its existence because Mercedes uses its flagship models to pioneer expensive engineering and safety features which will eventually find their way into popularly priced cars (anti-lock brakes and airbags were two previous S-Class firsts). The 600SEL - priced to compete with executive jets rather than other cars - has a 300kW V12 and enough advanced electronic and mechanical features to fill a thick book.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 300SE 14.5 city/10.5 hwy.
MITSUBISHI MAGNA ELITE/VERADA V6 Xi
Magna Elite 2.6L 4-door sedan - $34,363
Verada V6 Xi 3L 4-door sedan - $39,820.
Mitsubishi's locally built sedan with the works. There's the option of four- and six-cylinder versions, the latter having electronically-controlled supsension and optional anti-lock brakes.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): Magna 11.5 city/7.6 hwy; Verada 11 city/7.4 hwy.
NISSAN MAXIMA
Maxima 3L 4-door sedan - $34,900.
Maxima M 3L 4-door sedan - $36,102.
Maxima Ti 3L 4-door sedan - $40,576.
Like all Nissans, the made-in-Japan Maxima comes with a three-year warranty. Maxima is Nissan's challenger to the Cressida, with an attractive body, excellent build quality, high equipment levels (including, alas, some gimmicky features as well as the worthwhile) and good performance. The downside is the handling, which is pretty sloppy at touring speeds.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 11 city/7.2 hwy.
PEUGEOT 405
405 SRI 1.9L 4-door sedan - $34,300.
405 S 1.9L 4-door sedan - $39,900.
405 Mi16 1.9L 4-door sedan - $42,390.
405 Mi16 "option pack" 1.9L 4-door sedan - $45,690.
Peugeot built a reputation for ruggedness through successes in the Australian outback trials of the 1950s and 1960s. All these years later, the 405 is still an exceptional car for unsealed roads and long distance travelling, although a bit more power still wouldn't go astray, particularly for overtaking. For some strange reason the excellent wagon version of the 405 was phased out some time ago.
Fuel consumption (L/100km): 11.5 city/9 hwy.
PEUGEOT 505
505 Family Wagon 2.2L 5-door wagon - $43,480.
© 1992 Sydney Morning Herald