Mazda Reviews

Growing old gracefully is rarely a trait of mass-production cars. The Mazda6 is the exception that proves the rule; the mid-sized pacesetter is still at the front of the pack four years after it was launched. To keep it relevant, the base model Australian versions recently earned leather seat trim and powered front seats to go with the best chassis in the class.Price trims of $300-$3370 were included in the spec upgrade last October and the base Classic is now known as the Touring. The 6 has something for everyone - it is sold as a sedan, hatch and wagon from $31,450, $32,450 and $34,750 respectively. Add $2000 for the automatic in the sedan and hatch (the auto is standard on the wagon).Lack of a colour screen is the only interior feature that truly dates the 6. The red centre strip display is as modern as my first calculator. The functionality's there, it just doesn't have the hi-res look its more recent rivals have embraced.The auto is a five-speed unit that is a cog down on some in the class. Matched to the 125kW/226Nm from the 2.5-litre four-cylinder it still delivers 8.7 litres/100km on regular petrol. And yes, you can get a 132kW/400Nm 2.2-litre diesel.This is the sportiest looking car in the pack, especially from the front. The curved roof gives it a coupe-like look and the bulging rear bumper adds a touch of aggression. Only the Honda Accord Euro and Kia Optima come close.The interior layout is still on the money and uses logical and easy-to-operate rotary dials for the dual-zone airconditioning, while the sound system is best operated using the steering wheel-mounted switches.Six airbags are standard on the Mazda6 and are backed by seat belt reminders for the front occupants. On the software front the ABS brakes are booked by electronic brake distribution, emergency brake assist and stability control.  ANCAP rates it a five-star car.This is the mid-sized car to own if you appreciate driving dynamics. The chassis sits flat in the turns, the steering is direct with plenty of feedback and the 2.5-litre petrol engine propels the car at a reasonably quick rate. Go for the manual if you're an enthusiast - the extra gear translates into quicker acceleration off the line and in mid-rev overtaking. On the practical front the boot is big - though not as cavernous as a Ford Mondeo - and the back seat passengers aren't chewing on their own legs.

The conversation was started by the Mazda CEO, president and chairman - Takashi Yamanouchi seemed a little disturbed that some of the Australian media were yet to sample the company's new compact SUV.We're in an early pre-production left-hand-drive vehicle for an all-too brief a drive, with European-tuned suspension on 225/55 19in wheels, not that the test track gives much clue as to the ride quality or handling prowess - the engineers point out that it's all still being sorted.What's of more interest is the Skyactiv diesel and automatic AWD, which is also destined for the next Mazda6 - foretold by the Takeri concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show. While the company is still coy on final specification for the car, the diesel is a 2.2-litre offering 129kW and 420Nm in the high-power version - don't expect the 110kW/380Nm standard-power model to head our way.The entry-level car is expected to be the 121kW/210Nm 2.0-litre Skyactiv petrol front-wheel drive, which is available in six-speed manual or automatic guise, to slot in at the bottom of the range - perhaps below $30,000 - with top-end models likely to be mid-$40,000.Among the equipment on offer will be the stop/start "i-stop" fuel-saving system (which is standard range-wide in Euro-spec cars), as well as the low-speed auto-braking system (to prevent collisions below 30km/h), a lane-departure warning system and auto-dipping high-beam.The same 2.5km track which we've sampled the Mazda2 EV on - with slightly banked turns at either end - has varying surfaces but is mostly smooth and hardly a comprehensive route over which an SUV can be stretched, but we're not saying no to a drive in a model that is the company's first complete Skyactiv model and is expected to do well for the car maker.It's the response away from standstill that surprises - the diesel is turbine smooth, quiet and refined. The 2.2-litre aluminium turbodiesel runs variable-exhaust valve, a dual-stage turbocharger and a low (for a diesel) 14:1 compression ratio which - when combined with exhaust gas recirculation negates the need for the CX-7's urea NOx-reduction treatment system.Mazda says improvements in emissions and fuel economy are around 20 per cent to around 5.3l/100km, depending on drivetrain and model. A redline of 5200rpm is reached quickly and without any obvious strain; the power delivery doesn't feel as though it falls away much either. Changes from the six-speed auto are almost imperceptible at full throttle and even from the outside it sounds like a quiet petrol engine, not an oil burner.A competitor - a local but with a French accent - has a worthy drivetrain but sounds rougher and hasn't got the outputs or the road manners to match the new Mazda, rolling more into corners and proving less involving for the driver through the steering.The CX-5 feels well planted and has the dynamics that's now expected from the Hiroshima-based brand - it is close in size the CX-7 in many respects and it's little wonder the 5 spells the end of the 7 in its current form. The CX-5 will co-exist with the CX-7 post its March arrival, but Mazda won't say for how long.The interior packaging is good - a 190cm driver and similarly-sized passenger can co-exist on the same side of the car, headroom is good and the 503-litre boot space is also useful.

Mazda has often followed a different path to its rivals.

Bits of my heart are starting to give up and the cardio specialist, who likely charges by the minute so the numbers fit on an A4 page, says it's soon time for new bits.

We are moving on from not being fans of the new Mazda BT-50s styling - it's subjective anyway. Looked at clinically, the new gen'  Mazda XTR 4x4, 3.2-litre ute (tested) is an impressive package in most areas, particularly load capacity and off road ability. It also offers generous room for five inside and plenty of kit in the dual cab model we drove.The Boss Sports Pack fitted to the test vehicle has possibly the most aggressive looking alloy bull bar we have ever seen, side rails, a rear sports bar, twin driving lights, wild looking alloys and a hard tonneau cover.VALUEThe Boss pack adds $8509 to the $50,810 test vehicle price which touches the Luxury Car Tax trigger. It (the tax) needs reassessment because this isn't a luxury car.Mazda is targeting cashed up "lifestylers" with its new ute. The XTR is mid-spec and comes with plenty of goodies including dual zone climate control, Bluetooth phone, hill descent control, hill start assist, five mode trip computer, satnav, a locking rear diff and alloy wheels - a well equipped package by anyone's measure.DESIGNWedgey profile is different but the rounded styling is a big step away from the boxy functional look that has come to be expected from a ute. Steep screen is aerodynamic, interior is as roomy as a medium size SUV. The ladder chassis feels strong and extensive measures to cut noise and vibration boost interior comfort.In practical terms, the load box is big and can take up to 1097kg in dual cab guise. The leaf spring rear suspension coped easily but can be over firm unladen. Load tray height is an issue especially on sloping ground.TECHThe new five-cylinder turbodiesel has variable turbo nozzle control for efficiency gains but it's still a "lazy" engine generating 147kW/470Nm from 3.2-litres. Benz has a 2.1-litre four pot producing 150kW/500Nm.Switch on the fly 4WD is handy and it offers low range as well as high. The front double wishbone/coil spring suspension is a big improvement on torsion bars. BT-50 gets rack and pinion steering but drum rear brakes. Six-speed auto with sequential mode is a cracker - forget the manual. Interior treatment is stylish but looks hide hard plastics.SAFETYThe five star rating sets new standard for one tonne utes. BT-50 even has safety gains for pedestrians. Ladder chassis strength is not compromised by crumple zones. Gets other goodies like roll stability control and trailer sway mitigation.DRIVINGIt's a surprisingly smooth and quiet engine especially on the highway. There's plenty of punch once underway and the auto teams up nicely with the new five pot. Ride quality is firm with an empty tray, good when loaded. Handling is OK but the thing is so long it's issue turning or parking. The seats are acceptable but could do with more back support (even with lumbar on full). Overall impression is a move to an SUV feel rather than a workhorse.VERDICTIt's big bikkies for Thai-made truck especially when you consider Thailand is used because it's a "low cost" country. Ha,  and it ain't just Mazda. But the BT is a decent thing, undoubtedly reliable, well made and safe.MAZDA BT-50 XTR DUAL-CAB 4WDPrice: from $40,950Warranty: 3-years/100,000kmService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: N/AEngine: 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel, 147kW/470NmBody: 4-door utilityDimensions: 5365mm (L), 1850mm (W),1821mm (H), 3220mm (WB)Ground clearance: 205mmTowing: 3350kgWeight: 1795-2159kgTransmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto, four-wheel driveThirst: 8.9-9.2l/100km, CO2 N/A.

In case you've been hibernating, there's a wave of fuel saving and emissions reduction technology coming through in new cars.

Like it or loathe it, the new Mazda BT-50 ute is here to do business offering tradie and "lifestyle" punters a choice of body styles, three equipment grades, two turbodiesel engines and two transmissions.The prices for the Thai-made truck range from $32,590 for the XT Freestyle cab-chassis 4x2 manual up to, gulp, $52,710 for the dual cab GT auto. Cheaper single cab-chassis arrives further down the track. Most current BT-50 sales were in base spec' single cab-chassis to tradies but Mazda wants a larger slice of the lifestyle pie this time putting greater focus on dual cab 4x4.A new one tonner is a rarity, they only go through generational change once in a blue moon. The new BT-50 marks a decided shift in styling direction away from a utilitarian and boxy workhorse look to a more rounded wedge shape. It's big (200mm longer than before) and bold and polarising especially around the rear with almond shaped tail lights that leave nobody in doubt it's a BT-50.Turbodiesel only in 2.2-litre four pot and 3.2-litre five pot, just like twin under the skin Ford Ranger.The 2.2 is good for 110kW/375Nm while the five is good for 147kW/470Nm. The smaller donk uses as little as 7.6-litres/100km in base manual spec' while the larger unit goes through 8.4. With an 80 litre tank, both engines will give an impressive driving range. This is the first five cylinder engine from Mazda and goes pretty well.Six speeds in both manual (rubbery) and auto yield benefits in performance and fuel efficiency for BT-50. But you can't get the 2.2 in auto, for some reason it's only on the 3.2.The auto is adaptive and offers sequential change mode while the manual has an upshift indicator to help economical driving. The 4x4 system offers three modes 2H, 4H and 4L selected by turning a knob on the console. The auto gets hill launch assist and hill descent control and a locking rear diff'.It's on a ladder chassis featuring double wishbones and coil springs up front, live axle and leaf springs at the rear. Turning circle radius is reduced by more front wheel steering angle. The body rides on liquid filled bushes to reduce noise and vibration.BT-50 offers passenger car levels of safety and was built to comply with a five star crash rating. The base single cab models get four air bags while the larger models get six. Stability control and other dynamic modulators are fitted. Trailer sway control, flashing tail lights under panic stops and roll stability control are featured on new BT-50.Hectares of cheap, hard, grey plastic greet passengers inside, a glamour inside it certainly isn't. But there's adequate kit and it's easy to use but no reach adjust on the steering. Seats for five in the dual cab model are relatively comfy and there's plenty of room and easy access. The audio is acceptable and though small, the info/satnav screen is handy. Multi-media connectivity is excellent offering Bluetooth phone and audio streaming as well as other plugs and wheel mounted control buttons.The cargo box is larger than before and all models are rated higher for towing and load capacity, all capable of taking a tonne or more. It's a dual skin cargo box but a tray liner is optional.

Mazda 2 Genki and Kia Rio SLi go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The first lesson for first-car buyers is to forget power and performance - go for safety, reliability and low running costs. Today's car choices are far wider and considerably less basic that Peter Brock's first car, a stripped-down 750cc Austin Seven. But the exercise of buying your car demands patience and - if possible - expert consideration.Compared with buying new, you will save money purchasing a used car. But be aware that a used car may require expensive repair costs, may be less fuel efficient and that its safety standards are likely to be lower than a new car. The basic safety gear you want are two airbags and ABS brakes.Every car is different because each has been treated differently during its life. Be cognisant that cheap new cars are bought on a budget and the penny-pinching owners may skimp on regular servicing and repairs. Steer away from hotted-up cars - you want reliable, easy-to-fix transport here, not a temperamental, ground-hugging runt that sounds like it's lost its exhaust pipe.There are a few quality used car models that have lasted the distance. These have retained a solid reputation for quality and reliability, have a strong spare parts back-up, simple service schedule and are renown for just being easy to live with.The only downside is they won't be the newest car on your block and they're unlikely to be the most rewarding ride of your life. But you have to start somewhere. Just like Peter Brock.CHOICESThese are some used cars, not in any particular order, that should be reliable first-time cars. But each car is different. Ensure your car is professionally checked before buying and that all the car's service papers are accurate, regular and preferably stamped by a competent service centre.NISSAN TIIDAThis model is the evolution of the Pulsar and, I admit, isn't the prettiest car on the road. Fellas, perhaps stay away from this one. But the model is enduring because of its simplicity and low running costs. It has a decent amount of metal around the passenger cell to minimise intrusion in case of a collision, a neat and functional interior with comfortable seats, big boot in the sedan model (and more than adequate in the hatchback version), and four doors so your friends won't have to squeeze past you on the way to access the rear seat.2006 TIIDA TI SEDANCost: $9200 with 79,000kmEngine: 93kW/174Nm 1.8-litre autoFuel economy: 7.8 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 4 airbags, brake assist Crash rating: 4-starMAZDA3Two of my daughters drive these and love them for their comfort and features. Later models are preferable because of the electronic stability control, but earlier versions had at least four airbags and ABS brakes plus a four-star crash rating. Because everyone loves these, they're going to cost a bit more than some rival cars. But Mazda's quality name should extend to the day you sell it allowing it to retain a high resale value.2006 MAZDA3 MAXXCost: $11,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 108kW/182Nm 2.0-litre autoFuel economy: 8.2 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 6 airbags, brake assistCrash rating: 4-star.MITSUBISHI LANCERThese have been made for decades yet nearly all carry a name for reliability. One model, bought with 247,000km on the clock, stayed trouble-free in my household for four years before finding yet another owner. That's not uncommon with Lancers. They're very simple cars but early models fall down badly in safety equipment, so look at 2003 and younger if possible. The 2007-plus models have a five-star crash rating. It doesn't really matter which model you buy but you may have better resale in the future with an automatic with four or five doors that will appeal to a wider audience.2006 LANCER LS SEDANCost: $10,000 with 70,000kmEngine: 115kW/220Nm 2.4-litre autoFuel economy: 8.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 2 airbagsCrash rating: 3-star.TOYOTA COROLLAThis is a stablemate of suburban living with the distinction of being a member of practically every Australian household since the 1970s. It's always been a simple and reliable car without any major hiccups, though the Toyota badge means there's a premium - justified or otherwise - on the price. Paying the extra on the Corolla name alone may not be worth it - look closely at each car before purchase. Toyota was one of the last major carmakers to introduce extra features - such as additional airbags and stability control - on base versions. Better models started from 2000 and the more upmarket versions (Levin and Ultima, for example) are preferred.2006 COROLLA CONQUEST SEDANCost: $10,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 93kW/161Nm 1.8-litre autoFuel economy: 7.4 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 2 airbagsCrash rating: 4-star.MITSUBISHI MAGNAThis is something a bit bigger and yet is generally priced about the same as the smaller cars. Mitsubishi made these in Australia and progressive years honed the product to excellent reliability while ho-hum styling and performance slashed resale. That makes this big family car good buying today. Magnas ended their run in 2005 and today these are the pick of the bunch, even though the powerplant was a 3.5-litre V6 with a four-speed auto. These cars were common in government and rental fleets but don't be put off - that means they've been regularly se rviced and repaired.2005 MAGNA ES SEDANCost: $5000 with 120,000kmEngine: 155kW/316Nm 3.5-litre V6 autoFuel economy: 11.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 4 airbags, traction controlCrash rating: 3-star.SUBARU LIBERTYAnother biggish car that offered high safety standards for its era. The later Libertys are also attractive, well equipped - in their day they weren't a cheap car - and roomy. The downside may be lacklustre performance, so-so fuel economy and some high-priced spare parts but we're primarily chasing a reliable and safe car choice here. The Libertys are all-wheel drive sedans and wagons which aids safety on wet roads rather than giving them any off-road ability (for that, look at the Subaru Outback).2006 LIBERTY 2.5i SEDANCost: $11,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 121kW/226Nm 2.5-litre autoFuel economy: 9.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 6 airbags, traction controlCrash rating: 5-star.

Mitsubishi Lancer VRX Sportback v VW Golf 118TSI Comfortline v Mazda3 SP20 Skyactiv v Ford Focus Titanium hatch v Holden Cruze SRi-V.CAPITALISM is all about choice and no vehicle type offers more choice for buyers than small cars. Australian motorists are blessed with 31 small car models, the largest category on the showroom floor. Little wonder, since the small car appeals to so many buyers on so many levels: It's a great first car, an urban run-around, the modern young family car, a sensible second car and a downsizing option for empty nesters and retirees.In fact, the recently upgraded Mazda3 is actually challenging long-time market leader Commodore for the outright honours in the showroom battle for sales. The classy field of challengers comes from Australia and around the world, including Japan, the US, France, Italy, Germany, South Korea, China, Malaysia, UK, Thailand and the Czech Republic.TEST DRIVERSWe chose five of the seven top-selling small cars for our comparison test and asked a young family and a couple of empty nesters to join us for a suburban drive to find out what they offer.Chris and Trinity Bond, and their children Coen, 6, and Oscar 2.5 live in suburbia where they conduct an insulation business. They are used to bigger cars but acknowledge the economic advantages of a small car and were surprised at the roominess of these vehicles.Bill Griffin, 50, and John Kremastos, 62, are semi-retired builders whose children are now independent. They also see the advantages of a small city run-around and were equally surprised at how many features small cars have these days.From left: Trinity and Chris Bond, John Kremastos and Bill Griffin.VALUEOur field includes high-spec automatics that vary in price by just $2600 from $29,990 for the Holden Cruze SRi-V to $32,590 for the Ford Focus Titanium.Despite being slightly cheaper, the Cruze sedan certainly doesn't suffer from a lack of features with fog lights, rear parking sensors, colour satnav, USB/iPod/MP3 plug and play, 30GB music hard drive, DVD, leather seats, heated front seats, lit vanity mirrors, aux 12V front and back. However, our test car didn't have Bluetooth (it is now standard on the latest models) or rain-sensing wipers which all of the others have.Ford Focus is the only one here with an automatic self-parking system. It also features electric driver's seat, rear parking sensors, Sony sound, dual-zone aircon, partial leather trim, Bluetooth with audio streaming and fog lights.The oldest model in the field is the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX Sportback ($32,490) which is shortly due for a mid-life model  update. Even so, it doesn't suffer from a comparative lack of features with USB connectivity, pollen filter, Bluetooth with audio streaming, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, alloy pedals, gear paddle shifters and a rocking Rockford-Fosgate sound system. However, it has a tilt-only adjustable steering wheel while the others also adjust for reach.The newest model is the Mazda3 which is actually the cheapest at $27,990, but ours came with a $3000 optional Luxury Pack featuring Bi-Xenon headlamps, sliding centre armrest console, leather seats, Bose 242-watt amplifier and 10 speakers including subwoofer cleverly tucked inside the space-saver spare wheel in the boot. In standard trim it's still got a lot of kit including fog lights, dual-zone climate aircon with pollen filter and Bluetooth with audio streaming.The Golf is the only model with front and rear fog lights and daytime running lights. It also has dual-zone aircon with a dust and pollen filter, Bluetooth with audio streaming, USB and a chillable glovebox. However, it has no parking sensors, but you can get an optional rear camera and rear sensors. Other options include a parallel parking assistance system, iPod connection and sat nav.The Golf and Mazda have standard keys, while the Lancer has keyless start and the Cruze and Focus have proximity keys that also automatically unlock the car door.All models now come with cruise control, steering wheel controls and auto headlights. In the value stakes, the Focus wins with its high level of spec and the party trick of automatic parallel parking.TECHNOLOGYAll models are petrol-powered, with the Cruze and Golf having turbo engines. Despite these turbocharged models, it's the naturally aspirated Lancer and Focus that win the power stakes on paper, sharing 125kW thanks to their bigger displacement engines.The Golf has 118kW, hence its model name 118, and the Cruze has the lowest power at 103kW. But power figures don't really mean much in real-world situations and the turbo models are certainly the liveliest of the crop, albeit with a little turbo lag off idle.The idea of turbocharging in small cars is not just about power, anyway. It's also about economy with these models having lower capacity engines that sip fuel in a miserly fashion. In the Golf that's 6.2 litres per 100km and 6.9L/100km in the Cruze.The just-released Mazda3 comes with the new fuel-efficient Skyactiv engine and transmission that equal the economy of the Golf. It is also the only model with stop-start technology that switches off the engine while stationary and starts again when you take your foot off the brake.The Lancer is the loser here with 8.9L/100km and no hint of any changes that promise improvements in the November model update.If music, connectivity and Bluetooth are important techno features, most models have a choice of systems. The easiest to use is Bluetooth with audio streaming. However, the Cruze offered the most entertainment options with DVD and a hard drive that the others don't have.Transmissions are six-speed autos with the Golf adding a seventh ratio and the Lancer using a continuously variable transmission.On the low-tech side of things, wheels on our test cars are a mix of 16-inch alloys (Mazda and VW), 17-inch (Cruze) and 18-inch (Lancer and Focus). All feature space-saver spare wheels restricted to 80km/h.DESIGNNew usually means better, but the Lancer's modern design has stood the test of time against the more modern models.Meanwhile, our testers thought the Golf looked "bland" and "plain" in this field.Winner here is the masculine-looking Focus with its menacing grille grimace with Bond declaring "I'm a Holden man but I like the look of the Focus", while his wife prefers the female curves and cute smiley "face" of the Mazda3.The Australian-made Cruze is the only sedan in the crew and comes with a lot of "Holdenised" bits of chrome and detailing. Griffin praises it for looking like a small-scale Commodore. It also has the neatest rear end with a discreet tailpipe.Inside, the Golf loses out again for appearing austere by comparison with the three newcomers, while the Focus is the other extreme, attracting comments that it looked too fussy and like "being trapped inside a 1980s ghetto blaster".The Mazda3 cabin draws some praise, but the wrap-around cockpit styling is criticised as "claustrophobic" and the forward display with colour satnav shines in the windscreen at night and is a distraction.Mitsubishi will have to address the expanse of hard plastic on the dashboard when it updates the Lancer, although the styling is simple, modern and functional.The Cruze is the winner inside with a combination of modern styling enhanced by tasteful touches of chrome, but traditional controls that are easy to understand and use.All have 60/40 rear split seats and fair legroom for small cars.In the back, all cargo areas are well carpeted with flat floors. The Focus boot seems the smallest, while the Cruze cargo area is very deep and despite not being a hatchback, it fits a ladder with ease.SAFETYEvery car in our comparison test - like many of the vehicles in this category - comes with a full five-star ANCAP safety rating making them a truly family car.They have six airbags while the Golf and Lancer add a knee airbag for the driver.They also feature stability control which works best in the Golf and was found to be a little over-reactive in the Lancer during a brief, but heavy downpour.DRIVINGSmall cars are built for the city streets and occasional highway run, so that's how we tested these vehicles.The benchmark in driving dynamics has long been the Golf which is a former Carsguide's Car of the Year.It has road-handling poise, a fast-acting transmission, a lively engine, sharp brakes ("severe" says Kremastos) and a natural steering feel.Our testers unanimously criticise the turbo lag from idle. Kremastos and Chris Bond claim it would "drive them nuts", however Griffin says you can drive around the problem.Once under way, the Golf is a spirited and rewarding drive.The Focus launched recently to rave reviews that hinted it might knock off the Golf for dynamics.However, our testers are not as impressed. They criticise the rough and indecisive transmission while Mrs Bond doesn't like the zigzag patterned gate of the selector.Her husband says handling is good, but "power is average and it's not super responsive," comments reflected by the others."Size is good for me," Bond says. "It's quite comfortable, but I wouldn't like to be sitting behind me."Griffin says that by comparison the Mazda3 is "more refined, quieter and smoother than the Focus"."The gearbox and motor feel better matched with no over-revving like you are flogging it." He also likes the ergonomics.Bond thinks there are "too many confusing buttons on the steering wheel" and says the car is "not as responsive as I'd like." His wife agrees and says the brakes are also "unresponsive".Kremastos says that except for the slight turbo lag, he is more than a little surprised at how nippy the car is around town, even though it has a 1.4-litre engine which is 400cc less than his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.The Cruze also attracts praise as "sprightly", although the bonnet rises and falls on acceleration and braking.It's steering also cops criticism as light and vague, while several drivers commented on the rough gear changes.Mrs Bond says the seats are quite comfortable and her husband likes the cabin."Looks can be deceiving. I'm a big fella and it was quite comfortable," he says. Griffin doesn't like the lack of a left-foot rest.The Lancer attracted neither good nor bad comments on its driving dynamics. It seems a handy utilitarian machine that delivers the goods in a no-fuss, unspectacular manner. The only criticism came from Griffin who said it got "a bit unsteady in the wet".Bond is unimpressed with the rally styling of the pedals and flappy paddle shifters on the steering wheel which he says is "a novelty I don't think I'd use".VERDICTIt's horses for courses here and we found a mix of preferences from our testers. If it's a driver's car you want, the Golf wins, but it loses points for tired design, lack of features and an austere interior.Lancer is praised as a no-nonsense car, but again feeling the signs of age in its features and interior design. The new model may be make amends.Focus draws extreme comments. It is praised for its exterior design, but criticised for its interior, while the driving dynamics fall slightly behind the Mazda and Golf.Griffin sums up the Mazda as the "best all-rounder". It performs all functions well without being a standout in any particular area.But the winner by three votes to one in our test team is the handsome Aussie-built Cruze.Mitsubishi Lancer VRX SportbackPrice: $32,490Options: pearlescent paint $450Engine: 2.4L, 4-cylinder, 125kW/226NmTransmission: CVTEconomy: 8.9L/100kmCO2: 213g/km, 6/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 7 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 10 years/160,000km (powertrain), 5 years/100,000km (car and roadside assist)Service: 15,000km/12 mthsVW Golf Comfortline 118TSIPrice: $31,990Options: metallic paint $500Engine: 1.4L, 4-cylinder twin turbo, 118kW/240NmTransmission: 7 speed DSGEconomy: 6.2L/100kmCO2: 144g/km, 7.5/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 7 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/unlimited km, VW Assist.Service: 15,000km/12 mthsMazda3 SP20 SkyactivPrice: $27,990Options fitted: Luxury Pack (Bi-Xenon headlamps, sliding centre armrest console, leather seat trim, premium Bose 242 watt amplifier and 10 speakers including subwoofer - $3000)Engine: 2L, 4-cylinder, 113kW/194NmTransmission: 6-speed autoEconomy: 6.1/6.2L/100kmCO2: 145g/kmSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/unlimited kmService: 10,000km/6 mthsFord Focus Titanium hatchPrice: $32,590Engine: 2L, 4-cylinder, 125kW/202NmTransmission: 6-speed Powershift DSG,Economy: 6.6L/100kmCO2: 154g/km, 7.5/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/100,000kmService: 15,000km/12 mthsHolden Cruze SRi-VPrice: $29,990Options: prestige paint $500Engine: 1.4L, 4-cylinder, turbo, 103kW/200NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, Active SelectEconomy: 6.9L/100kmCO2: 164g/km, 7/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/100,000kmService: 15,000km/12 mths