HEAD, TECH AND HEART

THE QUESTION

My wife and I are in the market for a new car. We have a Honda Accord Euro, 2013 model with low kilometres. It is a lovely car but it lacks the tech of newer vehicles. We are looking at three alternatives: the just released Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry Hybrid SL or the Mazda 6 Atenza. We are looking to update in about July. Of these alternatives, which would you favour and why? Eric Young

ANSWER

You’re a rarity in the new-car market these days: someone who wants a mid-sized sedan. Sales have tanked and that works in your favour, as car makers are trying harder to tempt buyers. With a lower centre of gravity than SUVs, sedans are also nicer to drive.

CHOICES THE MAZDA6 ATENZA, $54,000 DRIVE-AWAY

At $54,000, the Mazda is a relatively expensive option, although there are some deals going around at the moment. In Atenza trim it has a sunroof, real woodgrain, ambient lighting and LED high-beams that allow you to leave them on without dazzling oncoming traffic. The classy Bose audio and high-quality cabin help to justify its price tag but the lack of wireless phone charging is a rare oversight. The 170kW turbo engine is a treat, with loads of torque and tuning for regular unleaded. Servicing needs to be done every 10,000km, though, at an average cost of about $355 for the first five check-ups.

HONDA ACCORD VTI-LX, $52,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Sales forecasts suggest there will be more Ferraris retailed in Australia than Accords, so there’s a good chance your neighbours won’t have one. It also drives nicely. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is meaty where it’s needed, even if it’s down on power (140kW). The cabin is elegant and roomy and includes wireless charging, head-up display and a sunroof. The Accord now comes with a punchier hybrid option (158kW), available for a $2700 premium. You’ll have to drive it for roughly three years to get that money back, although if most of your driving is in urban areas, the fuel savings should be realised sooner. It’s not all rosy; the audio setup isn’t terrific and you’ll need to service the Accord every 10,000km (at $312 per service).

TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID SL, $45,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Conservatism has largely defined the Camry for decades but the latest model is a big departure with terrific road manners in a sizeable package. Throw in a sunroof, head-up display, ventilated front seats and wireless phone charging and the $45K price tag looks very appealing. Toyota claims the hybrid set-up uses just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100km, almost half that of some rivals, although it takes premium unleaded. The 2.5-litre engine and electric motors make for surprisingly good performance. Servicing is the cheapest of the bunch, at $195 each for the first four, at intervals of 12 months/15,000km.

WILDCARD HOLDEN CALAIS, $45,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Holden may have announced the Commodore will be discontinued but it still will be in dealerships until late 2020. It’s unloved and largely overlooked by family car shoppers, so you’d be wise to look around as there are some very sharp deals available, especially if you’re happy with a demonstrator. The 191kW 2.0-litre turbo is a punchy engine (although it takes premium) and local suspension tuning ensures it drives nicely. There are leather seats and wireless charging but it misses out on radar cruise and a sunroof, each included in the more expensive Calais-V. Another concern is sub-par resale values — a sharp deal can mitigate that.

VERDICT

In today’s market it’s the Camry that makes the most sense. What it loses with the heart (which isn’t much) it makes up for with the head, reinforced by low running costs. That said, the Mazda is more engaging, the Accord more upmarket and the Commodore excellent value.