Medium under $45K
1st Mazda 6 Sport
The Mazda 6 Sport completed a near clean-sweep of the scoring ring criteria, starting with the least amount lost to depreciation in the first three years among podium players, and backing that with a lowest annual fuel cost and a sensible 12-month/mo10,000km service interval. In fact, the only area where theth entry-level midsize Mazda did not beat both placegetters is in warranty, with its three years of cover trumped by the Kia’s seven-sevenyear guarantee. To live with, the base mazda ticks boxes with its standard satnav and reversing camera, slick six-speed auto, gutsy four and tidy dynamics. If you long for leather, LED bling and Bose audio, the Touring spec above boasts similar value credentials, and brings the option of a thrifty turbo-diesel that could pay off if you do lots of kays or keep cars for the long haul, as will the brand’s lifetime capped-price servicing scheme.
2nd Kia Optima Si
The Optima Si defines whitegoods on wheels and sticking to pragmatics sees it stay a convincing course for value. The brand’s seven-year warranty earns it points, and a 12-month service interval and lowcost insurance seal it second place.
3rd Toyota Camry Altise ise
You may not need a value analysis to suggest a base Camry is a lowcost proposition, but crunching the numbers shows why – it’s largely via a low purchase price, decent three-year resale and fuel economy, and reasonably priced insurance.