Individuals with households want a automotive that may reliably and affordably transfer a number of folks in consolation, however some aren’t eager on the pattern in the direction of SUVs and away from conventional passenger vehicles.
SUVs are by far the preferred new automobile kind in Australia proper now they usually’re dominated by midsizers just like the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson.
However what if you’re a type of individuals who doesn’t need an SUV and would as an alternative desire a extra standard sedan or wagon? Fortunately, some manufacturers nonetheless have you ever coated.
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As such vehicles (and households) could be costly, we’ve determined to assist information your shopping for course of by narrowing down the sedan and wagon choices nonetheless out there, with a finances of $60,000 in thoughts.
The explanation we’ve chosen the $60,000 worth cap is as a result of the common new automotive worth in 2023 was round this quantity.
Some vehicles have listed costs that exclude on-road prices, so among the dearer choices could find yourself sneaking over the restrict as soon as they’re parked in your driveway.
Listed here are the sedans and wagons the CarExpert crew would purchase for lower than $60,000.
Among the extra widespread choices are listed under:
Paul Maric: Toyota Camry
The brand new Toyota Camry is an absolute ripper. We drove the mid-spec Ascent Sport variant just lately and I used to be impressed with the gasoline financial system and the house contained in the cabin.
The tech is lastly trendy and it feels each half the succesful household automotive. Toyota is on the peak of its hybrid recreation in the mean time and the most recent iteration of its 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain is sensational.
Plus, in response to the federal government, it’s greener than a Tesla Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary in the case of lifecycle CO2 emissions – 98g/km vs 113g/km for the Mannequin 3 – so it’s greener too in the event you’re charging from the typical Australian grid provide.
All for shopping for a Toyota Camry? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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James Wong: Skoda Octavia RS Wagon
Wagons are now not the favored household alternative they as soon as have been, however I’ll be damned if I select an SUV over an equal sporty wagon.
The Skoda Octavia RS Wagon has skilled enduring reputation because of its close to good recipe – scorching hatch energy, sensible wagon physique and European options and know-how.
In its newest iteration, the sporty Octavia is much more tech-laden and sensible than ever, evolving into one thing of a premium household GT with an enormous boot. What’s to not love?
In the event you’re out there now I’d counsel you maintain off till the facelift lobs within the new yr, which whereas not as good-looking will deliver a quantity of enhancements and developments to the Octavia’s function and tech suite.
There’s additionally a stunning Royal Inexperienced exterior paint possibility within the UK market, which I might fortunately make a particular order for…
All for shopping for a Skoda Octavia? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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Jack Fast: Honda Civic e:HEV
I might like to say both a Volkswagen Golf Wagon or a Passat Alltrack, however sadly you possibly can’t order a model new considered one of these in Australia any extra. As a substitute there’s solely restricted seller inventory remaining.
With this in thoughts I discovered it actually onerous to decide on my subsequent choose. There are fewer and fewer choices out there on this section as extra folks gravitate in the direction of high-riding crossovers and SUVs.
In the event you’re after a automotive that has a cushty experience, easy driving dynamics and ultra-efficient gasoline consumption, the apparent alternative would be the new Toyota Camry, however there’s additionally the not-so-boring-looking Honda Civic Hybrid.
This hybrid liftback is simply supplied in Australia in a singular range-topping e:HEV LX trim and it’s full to the brim with tech and high quality touches. My favourites embody the lounge chair-like seats and punchy Bose sound system.
One catch past the $55k drive-away price ticket is the shortage of a spare wheel. It’s price noting, nonetheless, that that is fairly widespread in hybrid autos because the house the place the spare normally goes is commonly impinged upon by the high-voltage battery pack.
All for shopping for a Honda Civic? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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Jordan Mulach: Skoda Octavia RS Wagon
Effectively that was predictable wasn’t it?
After all the one that owns each an Octavia RS and Very good Sportline goes to select a Skoda.
There’s good purpose for it, although not as a lot as there was once. Whereas they nonetheless do in Europe, Skodas now not provide a transparent benefit over equal Volkswagen fashions by way of each worth and gear.
Whereas the most recent Octavia RS is sadly laden with the haptic management heavy inside from the Golf, it’s nonetheless acquired to be the all-rounder of alternative on this class.
There’s loads of energy and torque, an environment friendly seven-speed automated transmission, a cushty and spacious inside, and a chassis that’s not solely good out of the field however receptive to modifications.
Like James, I feel the selection of colors here’s a contact on the boring facet, although each my vehicles are silver so what would I do know?
All for shopping for a Skoda Octavia? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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Max Davies: Toyota Camry
This section isn’t as packed because it as soon as was, however I’m glad some mainstream producers are nonetheless promoting sedans.
I might love to have the ability to suggest one thing from {the catalogue} of my beloved Subaru, however I don’t suppose anybody can be stunned to listen to the model’s sole mannequin eligible for this record – the WRX – isn’t the one to go for.
Perhaps if the WRX STI nonetheless existed it might be a unique story – in actual fact, even a handbook model of the WRX Sportswagon would do. One can dream.
Alas, rationality prevails, so I’m going to have to remain in Japan however slide throughout to Toyota and the brand new Camry. It’s the ‘secure’ possibility and you could possibly argue it’s a bit boring, however this newest technology actually is an incredible automotive.
Now that we’ve had time to take it in, it actually does look like Toyota has taken an already strong components and improved on the issues that matter.
It seems nice, it’s comfy on the street, it’s full of trendy tech and it’s extremely environment friendly because of that up to date hybrid powertrain.
The highest-spec SL is little doubt the Camry variant best-geared in the direction of non-public consumers, given it seems classier and has a extra premium aura than the opposite two variants.
At just below $54,000 earlier than on-roads it’s definitely not low-cost, however at that time it’s in higher-spec WRX territory anyway – even when it lacks the ability and a handbook gearbox.
All for shopping for a Toyota Camry? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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Marton Pettendy: Mazda 6
It’s no secret that inexpensive household vehicles are a dying breed – in the event you exclude SUVs, which have turn into the de facto replacements for once-popular mainstream fashions just like the long-lamented Camry wagon that’s now successfully morphed into the RAV4 and Kluger.
That’s a disgrace since passenger sedans and wagon are typically cheaper to purchase and run than their SUV equivalents, in addition to extra enjoyable to drive, higher to take a look at and, a minimum of in five-door kind, simply as sensible.
And whereas the most recent Skoda Octavia wagon and new Toyota Camry sedan additionally nominated listed below are nice decisions, my choose is the Mazda 6, which can now be getting lengthy within the tooth (the present, third technology dates again to 2012), however nonetheless gives among the finest experience/dealing with packages on the street and packs loads of superior security methods, plus intuitive multimedia tech and top-notch construct and materials high quality.
Obtainable in each sedan and wagon types, the Mazda 6 line-up is priced between simply $36,290 and $56,685, gives strong retained worth, seems nice and – now that plans for a rear/all-wheel-drive straight-six powered successor have been shelved – would be the final purely petrol-powered mid-sized Mazda passenger automotive earlier than it’s finally changed by the battery-electric and plug-in hybrid EZ-6.
All for shopping for a Mazda 6? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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Josh Nevett: Skoda Octavia RS Wagon
Joyful to go together with the group on this one.
The Octavia RS is the last word all-rounder and the fruits of a recipe honed over almost 20 years.
It’s spacious and comfy, boasts wonderful tech and packs sufficient efficiency to supply thrills on a twisty again street.
You’ll need to go on any choices to maintain the sticker worth underneath $60k, however even in base kind Skoda’s fanatic hero is a shrewd purchase and way more attention-grabbing than any equally priced SUV.
All for shopping for a Skoda Octavia? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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William Stopford: Hyundai i30 Sedan
I could like bigger vehicles – I personal a Hyundai Genesis, which is frankly a bit decadent for a one-person family – however I additionally respect small vehicles.
I grew up at the back of a Holden Astra and a (groan) Daewoo Nubira, and our household managed simply positive in these small sedans.
Not that the Hyundai i30 Sedan is absolutely all that small.
SUVs are sometimes blamed for the close to extinction of mid-sized passenger vehicles in markets like Australia, however avoid wasting nails for small vehicles too. ‘Small’ vehicles just like the i30 and Cerato have grown ever bigger and extra comfy, making mid-sized vehicles appear nearly superfluous.
Severely, sit in an i30 Sedan and a Sonata back-to-back and inform me the latter feels a complete section up in dimension.
The i30 Sedan’s swoopy roofline does eat into headroom a bit, although its again seat is extra comfy than that of a Toyota Corolla.
Hyundai’s moaning 2.0-litre is now a lot, rather more palatable because of a repeatedly variable transmission and, general, the i30 Sedan is kind of a superb steer for the section.
It’s irksome that – a minimum of for now – it’s a must to go for the so-so 1.6T/seven-speed dual-clutch combo to get the very best stage of specification. In the event you can forgo some goodies like a sunroof and ventilated entrance seats, although, you will get the mid-spec Elite with both the fairly first rate 2.0-litre or the even higher and impressively thrifty 1.6-litre hybrid.
Stepping as much as a Toyota Camry Hybrid, Skoda Octavia or Hyundai’s personal Sonata is tempting, however if you need most metallic for minimal cash, the i30 Sedan is a totally interesting possibility.
All for shopping for a Hyundai i30? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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