Mazda Reviews

We are in a holding pattern ahead of the all-new, Italian-cloned roadster set for landing in 2014 and to settle our impatience and keep us amused, Mazda rolls in a reheated MX-5.It's not what we are waiting for but it's enough of a distraction to rekindle interest in a car that for 23 years has globally kept the spirit of roadsters alive. Yes, it's really good to drive. Few cars are as simple, as forgiving and as fun as the MX-5.The Toyota 86 and its sibling, the Subaru BRZ, are cut from the same cloth but - as yet - can't lose their top.Where the MX-5 falls down badly is value for money. But more than 16,000 Australian buyers have, since 1989, forgiven its price tag and bought what is arguably the cheapest classic car on the market.Not a lot, to be frank. But if you measure value in terms of emotion, fun, ownership comraderie and the simplicity of motoring, theMX-5 is a winner. It costs $47,280 in its most basic, six-speed manual guise with a metal folding roof (fabric roof models are discontinued) which is $460 cheaper than its equivalent launched in 2006.But the cash doesn't go far. Even Bluetooth is optional. Cruise control, four airbags, 17-inch alloys (but no spare), an electric folding composite-material roof, seven-speaker audio (but no Bluetooth) and leather seats are standard. Add $2605 for BBS alloy wheels and Recaro seats made of leather and alcantara.Same as, really. The grille is a bit deeper and there's a new bumper - which weighs 0.4kg less than the old one - and lip spoiler, and the trim colour in the cabin is different. It's still a cutey at a scratch over 4m long, is as ridiculously low as die-hard rivals from Lotus and Caterham, has a boot that can take a soft overnight bag and a roof that folds so neatly that it doesn't affect the minimal boot space. It's not made for big people and of course, it only holds two.This is a simple car that's based on the Lotus Elan principle - compact, cheap to build (but expensive to buy) and using as many off-the-shelf components as possible. There's a 118kW/188Nm 2-litre petrol engine in the front, six-speed gearbox behind and drive to the rear over multi-link suspension. Even the steering remains hydraulic and there's no annoying stop-start system. Sometimes the simpler things in life are best.This is a four-star crash-rated car with four airbags. It has all the relevant brake aids such as electronic stability and traction control. But it has no spare and to be honest, it's not a car that brims you with confidence when travelling alongside other - always bigger - traffic.Sometimes you have to forget about the price and the lack of some features that we take for granted. On the open road, the more undulating and tightly curved the better, the MX-5 revives that sense of being at one with a car. It's compact, condensed and almost cramped behind the steering wheel but it fits the body like a glove and responds immediately to the driver's deflections.The steering is sharp and the engine, looking a bit deflated in output, is actually a good balance for the handling. The engine is also broad in its torque delivery - good for the city - yet will rev cleanly to 7000rpm and above. The firm suspension and placement of the seats close to the rear axle invite the tremors of road undulations into your spine, but that comes with the territory.Roof up it's relatively quiet - though there is some wind whistle - and down, the cabin is quite comfortable when the windows are up and the standard wind deflector is in place.

Large sedan cars may not be flavour of the year but don't be deceived - most fit your family perfectly and can make economical sense.Sales of the big-car segment are down almost 30 per cent as buyers gravitate to smaller cars and SUVs. But the trend may be based more on a presumption that large cars are simply too large for the city.The truth is that this trio of family cars are similar in length, space and towing ability. They have turbocharged four-cylinder engines, automatic transmissions and seating for five adults and generous luggage areas.Yet there's a technicality. One - the Falcon - is regarded as a large car and the other two are classed as medium-size cars. That's despite a difference in length of only 225mm - the length of an envelope - and a marginally wider body.Why is a Falcon in this comparison? Because with the 2-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine it makes a solid rival to the Mazda6 and the Hyundai i40.Diesel versions of the Mazda and the Hyundai are chosen here simply because they're better than their petrol counterparts in terms of performance and economy. The Falcon has a petrol engine - there's no diesel option - and though sales of the Falcon nameplate are on the slide, I think the EcoBoost model is a hidden gem.On the sales chart, the new Mazda6 has a 20 per cent stake in the medium-car class, well ahead of the Hyundai i40 with 6.5 per cent and second only to the Toyota Camry (27.6 per cent). Hyundai sales are expected to grow as it stops selling the i45, a sedan very similar in specifications to the i40. Ford's Falcon has 24.8 per cent of the large-car segment and though it is more popular than the Mazda6, its sales are falling and now about 27 per cent less than a year ago.Yet the EcoBoost Falcon has a lot of redeeming features. The engine is so good that few drivers would think it was a four cylinder. It has better economy than its six-cylinder sister - which incidentally is exactly the same price ($40,835 for the G6) - and cheaper to service ($835 for three years versus $885).The Hyundai i40 is the Euro-styled sedan with the choice of a so-so 2-litre petrol engine or, as tested here, with the far more enjoyable 1.7-litre turbo-diesel. It's roomy, very well equipped, comfortable and looks great.New boy on the block, the Mazda6, is a big car with clever engineering aimed at low fuel consumption and emissions. But it's a smart diesel-fuelled sedan that neatly combines family accommodation with a sporty driving character.The specifications here are mid-range that avoid the low-rent equipment list and appearance. You won't be embarrassed driving into the portico of the Hilton in any of these. But for buyers who want more, each has another, more expensive, model with additional indulgences.VALUEEach costs around $40,000 and while that may be a bit above what a family may want to spend, the price buys a lot of car and - in general - a lot of features. But I'm a bit disappointed with the Falcon G6.The feature list is good but pales against the other two. You have to spend a further $6000 to upspec to the G6E to get a reverse camera, leather seats, sat-nav and other bits - all of which are standard in the Mazda6 Touring and Hyundai i40 Elite. It is the area of value-for-money where the Aussie falls down, certainly not in the engineering department where the EcoBoost not only provides more verve, but feels more sure-footed.There is a similar feature list in the Mazda and Hyundai, including dual-zone climate-control airconditioning, trip computer, high-end audio (the Mazda boasts the most with an 11-speaker stereo) and leather upholstery. In this list, the Falcon G6 gets only the trip computer.Capped price servicing is available at Hyundai and Ford dealers and the Korean kicks it up a level by its five-year, unlimited distance warranty which the other two can't touch.However, over three years, the Ford is the cheapest to service. Mazda doesn't have capped servicing but is well behind the eight-ball as customers increasingly demand a transparent service deal.Subaru is the other company without the program - though it may soon start - while Volkswagen started its program a few days ago.WINNER: HyundaiDESIGNThe Ford is a well-balanced, logical design that in the FG MkII version is almost European in its lines. The deep grille helps stamp its authority on the road while the cabin is neat and friendly with a driving position that suits most shapes. Because it's taller than its rivals, it's also a far easier car to get in and out of and that especially suits older people.The Hyundai and Mazda are less conservative than the Falcon and clearly show they are products of the current era with long, low and sleek bodies. Hyundai's i40 is a cleaner design than the outgoing i45. Its dashboard is busier than the Falcon and there's some misplaced switches, but I appreciate the space offered by using a small electric park brake switch - rather than the bigger manual hand brake lever - and plentiful cupholders.The Mazda feels more like a sports car and some (larger) drivers thought the driver's zone felt a bit cramped. Part of that is illusion created by the near-all black dash. Regardless, it's the best dash here - not because it's simple, for it's not - but because it has all the right stuff in the right place.WINNER: MazdaACCOMMODATIONThe Falcon wins the boot wars with a 535-litre area (rear seat up) but has a space-saver spare wheel which helps gain extra room. By comparison, the Hyundai has a full-size spare and a 505-litre boot and the Mazda (with a space-saver) has a smaller 438-litre boot.The Mazda's smaller luggage area is despite the car having 105mm extra length and a 60mm longer wheelbase. It's a pity Mazda didn't continue with its flexible Mazda6 liftback model, though it argues space-watchers will opt for the wagon.The Falcon has the longest wheelbase - though is only 8mm more than the Mazda6 and 68mm up on the Hyundai - which helps make its the more accommodating for rear seat room and boot space. Blame my body if you must, but I felt more at home in the Falcon.The seats are softer, the driving position more “open” and roomy, and it's easier to adapt to the larger glasshouse, the extra visibility and the simpler dashboard environment.WINNER: FordTECHNOLOGYFord's EcoBoost tag is applied to its turbo-petrol engines, in this case a 179kW/353Nm 2-litre unit that is also used in some Focus and Mondeo models as well as by Volvo. It's brilliant - so much so that a driver can barely pick it from the common 4-litre six-cylinder Falcon engine. It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential auto transmission and at this point the chassis is virtually identical to the other Falcons.The turbo-diesel Hyundai and bi-turbo diesel Mazda are front-wheel drive cars also with six-speed automatics. The Hyundai is the smallest engine at 1.7-litres though is a crisp and torquey unit pushing 100kW/320Nm.The Mazda6's engine is part of the company's SkyActiv technology and has two small turbochargers driving a 2.2-litre engine with 129kW/420Nm. The car has a new capacitor energy storage system to boost battery power to cater for the stop-start system. SkyActiv is also applied to the suspension and body and while it rides as competently as the others, its big impact is in vehicle weight.At 1503kg the Mazda6 diesel is 145kg lighter than the Ford and 123kg down on the Hyundai. This affects handling as much as fuel economy and, in the latter department, the Mazda6 averages a mere 5.4 litres/100km. In comparison, the Ford's figure is 8.1 L/100km and the Hyundai is 6.0 L/100km.WINNER: MazdaSAFETYBuyers, especially those seeking a car for the family, demand top-shelf safety. These three don't disappoint with each having a five-star crash rating and plenty of sheet metal to help ward off intruders.Electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and ABS brakes, a rear park sensor and a minimum of six airbags (the Hyundai has nine) are standard.The Hyundai and Mazda add reverse cameras and front park sensors, while the Hyundai gets daytime running lights.Only the Hyundai has a full-size spare wheel though Mazda has an “adult-sized” temporary spare that puts more tread on the road than some motorcycle-tyre sized examples.WINNER: HyundaiDRIVINGDon't think that a diesel always falls behind a petrol engine in terms of driver enjoyment. The Mazda is the best performer in terms of linear power delivery - it has two turbochargers and their urge is felt right down from idle with a strong kick in the mid-range, just about where you want to be when overtaking another car. It's the biggest-capacity engine here but the story is about its torque. At 420Nm, it's a real pumper that makes driving so effortless and - at speed at least - so quiet.The Hyundai's engine is also a very predictable unit but it doesn't have the capacity or technology of the Mazda and isn't as responsive. I'll add that driving the kids around the suburbs isn't a race and the Hyundai does the job more than sufficiently.For real engine smoothness and quietness, however, it's hard to beat the Falcon's EcoBoost unit. The silky way the petrol engine produces its power also benefits the gearbox's upchanges which are also less detectable than the Mazda or Hyundai. But that is more likely attributable to the torque-rich, low-speed character of the diesel engines.There's nothing wrong with the Hyundai's delivery, it's just not as quick as the others.  The fact that the Falcon is the only petrol-fuelled car here means it can't keep up with the miserly consumption of the Mazda and Hyundai diesels.Ride comfort goes to the Falcon, mainly thanks to its softer foam in the seats but also because of the more spacious driving position. The suspension is more compliant and less prone to low-speed bump harshness that was evident - marginally - in the Hyundai and Mazda.The Falcon's steering is more positive and has excellent road feel compared with the electric-assist steering of he others that tended, in some cases, towards vagueness. But the Falcon is hampered by weight.By comparison, the Mazda feels lithe and eager and the driving position is bait to go out and enjoy the car. Top marks to the Hyundai, but it doesn't evoke the Mazda's lust for having fun in a car.WINNER: MazdaVERDICTThe Falcon's engine is its shining light. The car makes sense but its feature list is poor and so its value for money suffers.The Hyundai's ownership costs and extended warranty will give confidence to long-term buyers, as will its solid engine and meagre fuel thirst.The Mazda and Hyundai are neck and neck but across the line, the Mazda gives more. It's a big car but it is both comfortable and very driver friendly while its technology is spot on for today's market.It does, however, need to have a capped-price service deal. More importantly, it was the one I really wanted to drive.Ford Falcon EcoBoost G6   Price: from $40,835Warranty: 3 years/100,000km, roadside assistResale: 40%Service interval: 12mths/15,000kmService cost: Capped price, $835 for 3yrsSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starsEngine: 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 179kW/353NmTransmission: 6-spd auto; rear driveThirst: 8.1L/100km; 95RON; 192g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.0m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.5m (H)Weight: 1648kgLuggage: 535-litresSpare: Space-saverHyundai i40 Elite  Price: from $39,590Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmResale: 44%Service interval: 12mths/15,000kmService cost: Capped price, $987 for 3yrsSafety: 9 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 1.7-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 100kW/320NmTransmission: 6-spd auto; front driveThirst: 6.0L/100km; 159g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.7m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.5m (H)Weight: 1626kgLuggage: 505-litresSpare: Full-size steelMazda6 TouringPrice: from $40,350Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 50%Service interval: 6mths/10,000kmService cost: NoSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 129kW/420NmTransmission: 6-spd auto; front driveThirst: 5.4L/100km; 143g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.9m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.5m (H)Weight: 1503kgLuggage: 438-litresSpare: Space-saver

Hyundai i40 Elite and Mazda 6 Touring go head-to-head in this comparative review.

If you want to know the difference between a small SUV and a medium SUV, multiply the length of the vehicle by its width.

It's an oddity of marketing when the Commodore and Falcon suffer plummeting sales because the public no longer want "large" cars

Though it's been a huge success, there was a sticking point with the good looking Mazda CX-5 - the underperforming 2.0-litre petrol engine. It struggled under the CX-5's bonnet detracting from what is unquestionably a good vehicle.That has been addressed with the arrival of a new 2.5-litre petrol four cylinder complete with an array of efficiency-boosting Skyactiv technology. It's the same engine as in the new Mazda6 sedan and wagon and forms the basis of a cracking good powertrain in that car and in the CX-5.Prices for the CX-5 Maxx 2.5-litre start at $32,880 with the range-topping petrol Akera priced at $45,770.Bluetooth has now been upgraded across all models. The new mail function enables SMS, MMS and email to show up on the large 5.8 inch touchscreen monitor with messages read out by an automated voice via Bluetooth connected smartphones.The address book now also holds up to 1000 contacts enabling calls to be made instantly by voice command. The ability to replay, shuffle and switch folders via Bluetooth continues.Skyactiv has been adopted throughout CX-5 with new petrol and diesel engines, new manual and automatic transmissions, a new body and chassis all contributing to a high level of dynamics, fuel efficiency and safety.The compact SUV is now available with a choice of three engines, all with i-stop: the new Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol and the Skyactiv-D 2.2-litre diesel mated to all wheel drive, while, the (improved) Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre petrol is retained in the front wheel drive.These engines deliver impressive fuel economy and outputs are commensurate with or better than other brands. The 2.5-litre engine makes its debut in a new range-topping CX-5 Akera variant which includes blind spot monitoring (BSM), high beam control (HBC) and lane departure warning system (LDW) as standard features.The 2.5 litre petrol engine achieves 138kW/250Nm of torque making it one of the better performing cars in the competitive medium SUV category.Improved performance is also matched by fuel economy gains with 2.5-litre CX-5 models returning 7.4 litres/100km, a figure other medium SUVs struggle to get near.The front-wheel drive (FWD) models benefit from performance improvements with the updated 2.0-litre petrol engine now delivering increased acceleration.On the road, the new 2.5 offers sporty performance and a willingness to spin out to redline freely. It actually feels a lot like the Mazda6 2.5 wagon in terms of acceleration and sound and is close to that car in fuel efficiency terms.Diesel CX-5 had been the preferred option with its strident performance and excellent fuel economy but that's now not as clear cut as the 2.5 is an impressive thing to drive and it won't make your hands stink at the bowser. New exterior colours have also been added to the CX-5 palette.

IT wasn't too long ago that the cheapest class of new car was something of a driveaway then chuckaway choice.Hyundai's Excel was a game-changing device that appealed not so much for its compact, urban-friendly size, but because here was a functional new car for $13,990 with five years' warranty coverage. If it was a rudimentary device, it was also less than half the price of a new Commodore or Falcon -- the default choices in those days. Great numbers of these were used, abused (many a bonnet was never so much as opened, let alone routine maintenance performed) and, yes, chucked away for whatever trade-in or private buy could be eked. Much has changed.While still driven by price -- a new Suzuki Alto has an $11,790 starting price -- the city car segment is no more driven by that than any. These are proper cars, stuffed with the technical, safety and feature comfort equipment of anything bigger and more expensive -- think the full outfit of airbags, the latest engines and Bluetooth streaming.At least the most recent are, which is why those you see on this page are no more than five years old. Competition is feverish for the 130,000-odd annual sales in this segment.As the weekday traffic conditions of Melbourne and Sydney have increasingly come to resemble those of Rome or London, it's started to dawn on us that small of size (less than 4m long) and frugal of thirst (under 6L/100km) is just what's required for a commute that's typically less than 15km.They're also sound family second cars, useful for a dash down the shops, and ideal for the leaner driver in your clan. Being small and not over imbued with power, a city car is a great starting point for the L-Plater to acquire the basics.HOT TIPSManuals almost always work better with small engines.Cheap cars aren't always maintained so buy from a dealer.Ensure your selection has the latest safety upgrades -- they used to be optional on city cars.2011 Honda Jazz GLI GEEngine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 6.6L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe spacious and practical Jazz is a favourite for its use of interior space. The 2011 safety upgrades bring it up to class standard.2007 Toyota YarisEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 5.8L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThere's been a new generation Yaris since but it retains much of this car's hardware. Indeed, some argue the interior fit and finish is superior on the older car. If this automatic sedan is about to see 100,000km, we know owners who are happily north of 150,000 with nothing to complain of.2008 Mazda 2 GenkiEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 6.8L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe first of Mazda's jellybean 2s still sells on looks alone five years after it replaced the staid, boxy first generation model. The 100K on the clock is generally no big deal. Against the high klicks is the kit of the top spec Genki, which came with the full complement of safety kit airbags which were originally optional on the lesser variances.

Ignore the middle child at your peril when it comes to buying the family car.
 The large-car segment is in the doldrums and everyone has skipped to SUVs or small cars, but one area overlooked to the detriment of many car buyers
is the medium segment.
The word is getting out. Last year, medium-car sales grew 15 per cent to just over 87,000 24,000 more than in the large-car segment.
 The numbers went close to overtaking the larger-vehicle segment last year, falling short by just over 2000 units.
The middle-sized segment has shown steady growth in the past decade, finishing 2002 with just under 39,000 vehicles. Camry ruled the roost then too, with the Mazda6 and Subaru Liberty the best of the rest.
 But size matters don't let anyone tell you otherwise and the reps in the medium segment now are well sized for family transport.
Camry has been the dominant force in the medium segment, with plenty of fleet interest in the petrol and hybrid versions, but the most recent incarnations are a long way from the bland brigade that went before.
 The hybrid version carried a more reasonable price tag than the Prius trailblazer and it's more than big enough for family duties.
Toyota's Camry Hybrid is 110mm longer, 98mm wider, 107mm longer in wheelbase and 109mm taller than the original VB Commodore, although the VB weighed in at 1220kg 400kg lighter than the petrol-electric Camry Hybrid, but batteries, airbags and other equipment quickly add to the number on the weighbridge.
As Toyota was slowly bringing its Camry out of a narcoleptic haze, Honda and Mazda were well on the way to applying defibrillators.
The 6 and Accord Euro both offered willing powerplants, decent chassis balance, acceptable ride quality and an enthusiastic edge to the car's demeanour when required.
 Mazda kicked off the 21st century with a change to the 6 and has not looked back since.In August 2002 it arrived in Australia, bringing a pulse back to the segment.
The Accord Euro lobbed on Australian showrooms the following year, leaner and more nimble than the larger V6 Accord, giving open-minded buyers some real food for thought.
(Search for hundreds more choices)2011 Mazda6 Luxury Sports hatch
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Thirst: 8.8L/100km
 CARSGUIDE SAYS 
"The car that marked the beginning of the Zoom Zoom Mazda renaissance shed the cardigan image with a great handling chassis and looks that didn't start a snoozefest. With the new model now on sale sans hatchback, this is the only way to get a 6 with the liftback boot. Features include dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control, rain sensing wipers, parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, satnav and leather trim."  2007 Honda Accord Euro Luxury
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Thirst: 9.4L/100km
CARSGUIDE SAYS
"Another Japanese mid-sizer with road manners to amuse the driver. With sharp looks, a reasonable list of safety features and bells and whistles, the Accord Euro found favour and awards in the medium segment. The Euro cosseted a family with its dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual front, side and curtain airbags and leather trim."2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission: CVT
Thirst: 6L/100km
 CARSGUIDE SAYS
 "Better value than the Prius trailblazer, the Camry has space for a family, the fuel economy of a shopping trolley hatchback and driving manners that are surprisingly good. At its best in the city and suburbs, when braking can charge the battery, the green Camry is a surprisingly pleasant machine."

It was only a decade or so ago that motorists who equated car length to masculinity freaked out at the trend to downsizing.The table has turned. Now it's not your masculinity under question for owning a large car, but your sanity. Simply, small cars work.They are quick, comfortable, well equipped, economical on fuel and ownership costs, plus fit into small parking bays or tuck neatly into peak-hour traffic queues.They are also relatively inexpensive and there's about 30 different car models and 280 distinct versions to choose from. More importantly, budget motoring means there are thousands of near-new used small cars on the market.Pick your next pre-owned car carefully and it's likely you'd find one that retains a portion of the new-car warranty. While some car buyers may look at features and paint colour before safety ratings and reliability, even if you've few aspirations to venture outside the city perimeter, it's important to keep safety, reliability, comfort and durability as part of the purchase criteria.Consider also factory-fit Bluetooth and audio streaming. Hands-free telephone calls and portable and interactive music are pivotal to young car owners and increasingly to the people who end up buying your car.PS: Ensure the car has been serviced to the manufacturer's requirements (it's stamped in the service book that should be in the glovebox -- if it's not there, neither should you be. Bent or buckled number plates indicate a prang.Tyre tread worn on the edge or in the centre indicates the car needs a wheel alignment (or may have been in an accident). Always get the car checked out.(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSDon't be put off by high kilometres if it's a country car. Later models will have full safety and current tech upgrades. Check that service record.2010 Mazda3 MaxxEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed autoThirst: 8.2L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSWell-equipped version of Australia's most popular car appears to have covered a big distance given its age. That may be due to use as a country car, thus the lower price compared to a similar model with lower mileage. Mazda's 3 is a very good all-rounder with excellent safety standards and generally a nice ride, though cabin noise is intrusive. Twice yearly servicing needed and no capped service program means it may be a bit more expensive to maintain than, say, a Corolla. 2010 Toyota Corolla AscentEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSSecond series of the Z-code Corolla that started in 2000 just improves year after year. It's solid, dependable (no camshaft belt to break), inexpensive to own and fuel, roomy and holds its value. Capped service can save money but Corolla still has a twice-yearly maintenance schedule. In a five- and six-speed auto world, the Corolla's four-speed auto is ordinary. But it's strong and reliable. This car is in line with average driving distances. 2010 Hyundai i30 SLXEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed autoThirst: 7.6L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSThis former Carsguide's Car of the Year is a smart buy, even two years down the track. It retains some three years of its five-year warranty. The i30 is simple, secure and fuss-free. It's relatively economical but not as sprightly as the Mazda3 that has a similar engine. Mileage is a bit high and the car may be due for a new camshaft belt. But it looks good with 16-inch alloy wheels, has a high five-star safety rating and a comfortable cabin. 

A larger brood presents transport conundrums for the drivers of the house. The SUV craze can be at least partly blamed on those looking to transport more than a couple of rugrats - if your offspring numbers three or more and they have mates or grandparents who like hitching a ride, the options are largely limited to buses or bruiser SUVs.Mazda's CX range has slotted into the Australian psyche in growing numbers - particularly the likeable CX-5 turbodiesel - and the Japanese carmaker has updated its full-size CX-9.VALUEIf you don't yearn for the extra grip of all-wheel drive then the front-driver is a $4500 better proposition, not to mention a little lighter and a touch easier on the fuel. The Luxury model gets seating for seven, a touchscreen infotainment unit with a Bose sound system and TomTom satnav, USB and Bluetooth connection, tri-zone climate control with rear vents, leather trim, power-adjustable heated front seats, a leather-wrapped gearshifter and steering wheel (that's reach'n'rake adjustable) and a trip computer.There are also automatic headlights, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power windows, power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, cruisem control, 20inch alloy wheels and a reversing camera.TECHNOLOGYMuch of the drivetrain is carryover from the old car but that's not all bad - there's 204kW of power, making it the most powerful Mazda on the books, grunt it needs to shift a two-tonne kerb weight. Torque sits at 367Nm at a high-ish 4250rpm, but Mazda says at least 90 per cent of that makes its presence felt between 2800rpm and 5800rpm.The engine has an aluminium block and head, with cast-in iron cylinder liners and variable valve timing, delivering the outputs to the front wheels via an Aisin six-speed auto and laying claim to an ADR fuel use figure of 11 litres per 100km. The beefy Mazda claims a two-tonne braked towing capacity - just shy of the Territory's 2300kg but on par with most of its opposition below.DESIGNA handsome machine on the road, the new family nose design and revamped tail seem to fit this large wagon better than some of its siblings. It's still a little non-descript on the flanks, compared with some of the company's all-new product, but if you don't want something truck-like or the stereotypical peoplemover box on wheels, this big kid-carter could suit.Inside it's black and red with a few trim bits to break up the monotony. A high centre tunnel console and wraparound front area doesn't convey and image of acreage, but it's comfortable and has some good storage nooks.Piling in the people isn't terribly difficult, although the lower-than-average roofline might catch the odd bonce. An adjustable middle row makes the proper third row useful for more than just tweens - it's a genuine seven seater although adults wouldn't want to dwell there on a major road trip. But a day trip isn't out of the realms and while 267 litres doesn't sound like much space, it's better than average for the segment.SAFETYThe top-spec AWD model gets a stack of cutting-edge active safety systems, but the Luxury model makes do with dual front, front-side and curtain airbags for all three rows as standard equipment and lap-sash seatbelts for all occupants.There's also a reversing camera (but no standard sensors), anti-lock brakes (with electronic brakeforce distribution), stability (with an anti- rollover function) and traction control and emergency braking assistance.DRIVINGAs conveyances go the Mazda breed has been responsible for some genuine driver's machines - this is not really one of them, but as family trucksters go it's one of the more capable. It's bigger than you first think, with the Mazda family look not unpleasant on the eye for most. The cabin has enough space for most family duties, with the high centre console keeping the driver and front passenger snugly separated.Vision is decent looking forward although the pillars are a little broad and need to be looked around, not something exclusive to the model or the breed, but you need to take it into account at junctions. Underway, the CX-9 is propelled smoothly and quietly but the petrol V6 - there's more than enough grunt for most duties but when delivered through the front wheels alone it can elicit a bit of steering wheel movement, even at speed.It's not enough to warrant concern but it does show the big peoplemover has ample grunt when required - but be prepared for fuel economy in the high teens if you're spending most of the time in the suburbs in this two-tonne wagon. If you spend anytime on dirt roads then AWD would be mandatory, as the V6 will overpower the front wheels and spark the electronic nursemaids into action.The TomTom satnav screen is clear and informative in terms of the map screen but it's a little convoluted to use, however the quantity and quality of sound from the 10-speaker Bose gear helps offset any frustrations there - once the school run is done you can all the mirrors pulsing in unison. You become a little conscious of the girth when stopping or cornering, but it's by no means an unwieldy machine given its origins. It sits handsomely on 20in wheels and 50-profile tyres, a feature which sharpens the ride up a touch but not enough to warrant complaint from the brood. Cargo room of 267 litres when all seven seats are occupied is above average for the segment, but what's not as common is a third row that can have adults in them, particularly given the adjustment available for the middle bench.Complaints are few - a nod to the US is a foot-operated parking brake, which is not ideal at the best of times and even worse when in need of adjustment. Can we have an electric one in the console please?VERDICTIf you're not interested in trucky SUVs but don't want to to look like you've taken over school bus driving duties, it's something like the CX-9 that will need to call your driveway home. There are less stylish ways to cart a houseful of kids, but from a dynamics viewpoint I wouldn't need much convincing to opt for the AWD, and a whizz-bang Skyactiv diesel option would take care of the painful thirst.Mazda CX-9 LuxuryPrice: from $52,980Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale:  56 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety rating: not testedSpare: space-saverEngine: 3.8-litre V6, 204kW/367NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; FWDBody: 5.1m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.7m (h)Weight: 1966kgThirst: 11L/100km, on test 17.9; tank 76 litres; 257g/km CO2