Ford Mondeo LX vs Holden Malibu CD

The Mondeo is six years old but its sensible size and design sustain buyer interest. The entry LX diesel is less than $2000 cheaper than a Falcon six or EcoBoost four and is cheaper to own. Equipment is at the budget level. Three years of servicing cost $1950. Resale is a reasonable 42 per cent.

New kid on the block is Korean-built and well-priced against Mondeo, Camry and Hyundai. Smart infotainment set-up appeals to younger owners and busy drivers. Servicing is $1340 over three years and Holden adds 12 months of roadside assist. Resale is 40 per cent.

Belgian-built, it is relatively simple. The 2.0 turbo diesel(120kW/340Nm) claims 5.9 L/100km through a six-speed dual-clutch auto. In-car electronics are voice-activated, there are Bluetooth and iPod/USB links but it's no match for the newer Malibu's techno-savvy infotainment.

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel (117kW/350Nm) from Germany claims 6.4L/100km. Holden did substantial local chassis and suspension work. The steering is hydraulic assist. The diesel gets bigger disc brakes. MyLink infotainment includes touchscreen, apps and data and audio streaming.

Super-flexible liftback design endows huge and flexible boot space (816-1919L). Dash design is dated with an array of small buttons and brightwork overkill. It's 80mm shorter than the Mondeo. Steel wheels show up its entry-level status and don't compete with the Malibu's alloys.

Spacious but let down only by conservative, bulky profile. Dash is more user friendly than Mondeo's but is quite dated. But features are good, including electric park brake and excellent storage. Boot space of 545L defies the car's length and plumpness. Spare is optional.

Mondeo gets a five-star rating and has all the necessary electronic brake aids. It adds front and rear park sensors but no reverse camera. The spare is a space-saver.

Malibu scores a five-star crash rating and has all the electronic brake aids, six airbags, Isofix child-seat mounts, reverse camera, rear park sensors, heated mirrors, auto headlights but no spare wheel.

Though smaller, it has a wider turning circle and feels heavier and more solid than the Malibu. Remarkably, it's 150kg lighter than the Holden and yet not as nimble. Prone to understeer and can't be hurried. Ride comfort is more suited to smooth roads.

Clatter at idle leaves no doubt it's a diesel. Performance is willing and the gearbox well suited. The body feels less rigid than the Mondeo but handling is positive despite some steering vagueness. More comfort in suspension and seats than Mondeo.