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MAZDA 6
If you want to have some fun while driving and whispering “zoom zoom” to yourself, look no further than the Mazda 6.
This fun and versatile Mazda offering is a zippy, easy-to-drive offering that features decent gas mileage, a roomy interior and an updated and sporty look.
But let’s consider first things first – How does it look? While most of us consider the business end of things like gas mileage, safety and reliability, all of us first consider how a car looks. If it’s ugly to our tastes, we pass it by.
Fortunately, the Mazda 6 is a cute and sporty offering. If you want to really add a sporty look, opt for the spoiler, which gives the impression that the car goes fast. If you’re a bit more sedate, nix the spoiler in favor of a look that’s a bit more business like and clean.
Either way, the look is good. Next, let’s consider safety. Fortunately for those speed-loving Mazda drivers, the 6 rates tops in safety areas, and grips the road well.
What else does the Mazda 6 offer? How about a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic? True speed demons will appreciate the 6-speed manual (which also provides better gas mileage), but the 5-speed automatic is also a breeze to drive.
The 2.3 litre, 4-cylinder engine is designed for solid handling and superior performance. Because Mazda is all about the “zoom zoom” and the drive, Mazda engineers provided this car with a double wishbone front suspension that provides solid handling.
But the inside is not forgotten. Here, you’ll find comfortable seating to go with the solid ride. Controls can be a bit hard to find and maneuver while driving, but most drivers find they can ignore that in favor of the fun drive the Mazda 6 provides. This car is often ranked just below the Honda Accord in most surveys, but Mazda 6 drivers say they’d rank it just at the same level, and with a slightly lower price tag.
TOYOTA HILUX
Perhaps the best thing about Toyota trucks is their ability provides all the necessary truck elements while still feeling like a car.
That’s not to say the Toyota Hilux truck is anything less than capable. It truly stands apart in the truck world as a good-looking and more than functional entry in the truck category. But there’s something else – it’s attractive and comfortable too.
Long the domain of the farmer and tradesman, the Toyota Hilux has evolved into a truck that just as easily takes the businessman to work as well.
The new incarnation offers an array of engine sizes, from a 2.7 litre 4 cylinder to a solid 4.0 litre V6. All are smooth and quiet. Take it off road, or down the freeway and your ride will be smooth and largely bump-free. There is a wide array of choices when outfitting your Hilux, an optional 5-speed automatic among them.
Inside, this beast offers a sense of quiet refinement, or as much refinement as one can expect in a truck. Most riders say it’s just as comfortable as any Toyota, but with the extra oomph that comes from riding higher and taller than you do in other Toyotas.
This Toyota offers fancy door trims, as many cup and bottle holders as you might need for that long work day, and an agreeable and easy-to-read dash.
Perhaps best of all, this interior offers many of the upgrades we have come to expect in our sedans, but here the truck offers them in abundance. From a MP3-ready stereo system to leather-trimmed interior, the element of “car” is there, though in the body of this most capable truck. The 15-inch alloy wheels add a sporty touch.
MAZDA 3
The Mazda 3 gets mixed reviews among its owners, guest drivers and passengers. Though it’s small and sporty, it has its share of challenges.
First, the good. The Mazda 3 is a zippy, fun car to drive. It handles turns with ease, and it’s a quiet, mostly comfortable ride. There is plenty of storage, though legroom in the back is cramped, especially if the backseat passenger is tall.
The 3 comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. For drivers who do more city than highway or country dirving, the automatic transmission might be a needed upgrade, though it adds about $2,000 to the cost of the car.
Mazda engineered this car with an eye toward safety, fitting it with 6 standard airbags; it was the first automaker to put 6 airbags in a car of this size and at this price point.
The 3 doesn’t skimp, however. In 2008, Mazda changed the 3’s 15-inch steel wheels to alloy and made power doors and windows standard.
But on the negative side, there are a few things to consider. At about $22,000 base, the car is priced the same as many other small but sporty vehicles that might handle better under certain conditions and often offer more luxury features.
In addition, drivers often complain that the 2.0-litre engine doesn’t have as much perk as it should, though speed demons can upgrade to the 2.3-litre Mazda 3 SP23, which, at a base price of $29,000, also offers a bit more refinement and luxury inside.
The car can ride rough on bumpy terrain and the tires are expensive to replace. Worst of all, the Mazda 3 doesn’t have the resale strength of its category competitors like the Hyundai Elantra.
Though it has a small share of disadvantages, the Mazda 3 is a top seller in Australia. Those sales are likely fueled by the fact that it’s fuel efficient, sporty looking and surprisingly nimble for a car in its class.
TOYOTA PRADO
The Toyota Prado is an off-road landcruiser delight, but it’s equally at home in the city or suburbs, where most owners will generally keep it.
The Prado, a four-wheel drive muscular car that seeks to take on the highway or the unbeaten path, isn’t all about flash and power, however. This is a car that provides a comfortable ride, and room for whatever you want to carry.
If you’re bringing along the family, you’ll want to know that this car comfortably seats 8 and features three-point seatbelts and headrests for all occupants. Standard features include an in-dash CD player, power windows and locks, and 17” steel wheels. In standard models, the features can be basic, but include multiple airbags, 6 cup holders, mud flaps, and an engine immobilizer.
Upgrade to an “option pack” and get ABS brakes, cruise control and leather bound steering wheel.
Now, while the ride is comfortable and smooth, most buyers are looking for the vehicle’s off-road ability. Although many Australian drivers will never take their Prado off road, it performs well when given the chance. Whether in the dirt or on the beach, this car can handle it all.
The vehicle’s 3.0-litre diesel engine is surprisingly fuel efficient and runs smoothly and as quietly as can be expected.
Most drivers stick with the standard Prado model, as this car is more about fire and muscle than comfort and luxury. But the standard model nonetheless offers enough features to keep even the luxury-seeker happy. Some of these features include a power accessory socket, the Toyota Safe-T-Cell, 3 rows of seats and – for solid sound while on those off-road drives – a 6 speaker CD system.
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