Best Sedans
The sedan is here to stay
Our resident car expert, Cameron, presents a range of reviews on sedans - the staple of the Australian car industry!
See all our latest car reviewsBased on 4,631 reviews
Toyota Camry
4.2 (413) Summary
- Starting Price $26,490 to $43,990
- TransmissionAutomatic, Manual and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Hybrid
- See all
John Barret NSW
ASV70R / GSV70R Ascent Sport 2.5 L HybridSynthesis of Style, Performance, and InnovationUnder the hood, the Camry delivers a spirited performance, offering a dynamic driving experience with responsive handling and efficient fuel economy. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Camry's performance is reliable and enjoyable. Show details
Subaru Liberty
4.2 (101) Summary
- Starting Price $30,240 to $43,140
- TransmissionAutomatic, Manual and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
- See all
zeekaz NSW 24 posts
4GENThe most reliable car everI can't praise my Subaru highly enough. Had since new and has never let me down. Show details · 1
Honda Accord
4.3 (77) Summary
- Starting Price $31,690 to $58,990
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
- See all
Doug L. VIC 3 posts
9th Gen VTi-LBest Honda I have hadI have had 6 Honda's over the last 20 odd years. This has proven to be the best. It drives well, comfortable for long journeys and city/suburban driving. Averages 8.7 litres per 100 kls. Speedo reading is now a spot under 100… Read more · 1,000 kls, I have just replaced original tyres. I bought it new in 2016 and have had it regularily serviced, although during COVID it was difficult as the dealership I bought the car from was removed as a preferred Honda Dealership and Honda wouldn't honour my warranty when the front drivers seat developed a small tear in the leather. I finally had it repaired by a automotive upholsteror at a cot of $300. The vehicle still responds well when required and is still serviced with Honda parts. One major drawback is the GPS, which is out of date and expensive to update.
Lexus IS
4.4 (64) Summary
- Starting Price $49,500 to $83,500
- TransmissionAutomatic, Manual and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Hybrid
Austin R. WA 5 posts
XE20More
0
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Mechanical excellence combined with disgraceful interior and cosmetic parts failingI've had this car for over 5 years now, I purchased it from a stint of European cars, with the intention to have a sensible and reliable car whilst I save for some important things. At the tail end of owning this car, it has ... Read morebeen absolutely rock solid mechanically. I loved getting it back from each service with a generally minimal list of repair notes. Apart from expensive rear tires, (F Sport 2012, $500+ AUD a pop) it's been a breeze. It has one of the best sound systems that I've heard. In terms of costing me for essential things such as keeping it roadworthy, it's been a gem.
Driving wise, it's a relatively smooth ride. The brakes are good, the seats are comfy and most of the interior is a nice place to be. Performance wise though it's uninspiring. RWD is lovely however the engine, whilst very smooth, is thirsty as all heck and is by no means fast. The car can barely hold country speeds up a hill, without having to shift in to a lower gear and hit 3500+RPM. The transmission I will comment as excellent. Very smooth and relatively responsive however spoiled by a boring engine. This is the IS250.
Now onto the annoying things. It kills me that this list is so high for what was a relatively expensive Lexus. Some of these issues should not exist, especially on one of the final years of this generation of Lexus.
-4 out of 4 door lock actuators failed. This is a well documented issue that Lexus refuse to accept. The front actuators I bought 3rd party for roughly $100 each and installed them myself. The rear ones were going to be over $250 each so I did some research and found that it's just a tacky motor that almost always failed. I have since pulled apart the rear actuators, replace the motors and got them working again. I will highlight here that if I was to do this in the dealer, I know that the actuators went for at least $400 a pop and that's minus labor.
-The F Sport spoiler has abysmally thin paint. Whilst the rest of the car has stood up great to the WA sun, the spoiler was an eyesore and I ended up repainting myself.
-The sunroof has 2 separate rattles. I was quoted a simply hilarious $5,000 to repair this. Seriously, Lexus?
-The leather seats are a joke. Both front seats have major tears and require re-upholstering. A local leather shop is doing this and commented on how many F-Sport's he sees with this exact issue. This should not be happening in a car as prestigeous as Lexus. Note I maintain my seats religiously, the car came to me with the seats in decent condition too.
-Sticky Dash. Yep. On a 2012. This was supposed to be fixed. This is a recent issue that has crept up and Lexus are refusing to acknowledge that their "Fix" dash is also a pile of garbage. Feel free to give this one a google, it's widespread.
-Typical crap Toyota grade headlights. Be ready to have to de-cloud these every few months. They are garbage.
To sell my car for what it is truly worth in good condition, I've had to invest nearly $3000 on repairs that shouldn't be happening in the first place. I totally get that this is not a new car but some of these issues are just unacceptable.
I did reach out to Lexus of Australia with the above list, to which I was promised a "reasonable quote" to rectify the issues by Lexus of Perth. That was promised 2 months ago and now they are dodging my emails.
I'm now jumping back to team Europe for my next car. I'm aware that I will likely be going back to spending more money on maintenance and repairs however I'm OK with this.
Tesla Model 3
4.4 (49) Summary
- Starting Price $63,900 to $88,900
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypeElectric
- See all
anon a.
Rear Wheel DriveThe Tesla 3 and YI rented the tesla 3 and tesla Y when I was in Sydney and Brisbane for a couple of days.
And the model 3 out performed the tesla Y and handled much better.
However what I disliked about both Tesla's is the glass roofs are n... Read more
ot a good idea. As the heat from the sun penetrates the glass roofs and heats up the car and your head when your driving. The aircon temperate and flow was average. But the temperature and fan control is hard to figure out and operate for new uses. You need time to research and experiment with the touch screen. As it's difficult to understand and use the vehicles standard features. I found the GPS hard to follow on both models and had to use my mob phones GPS to navigate. The autopilot works better on straight rds and freeways. But you need to have your hands on the wheel to correct and control the vehicle. As the autopilot is limited and misreads situations and can put you at risk. But I did enjoy driving the tesla models they have instant power. And there combined breaking system when you lift your foot from the accelerator. Slows the car down where you don't even need to break. Once you learn the vehicles driving system.Volkswagen Passat
4.0 (90) Summary
- Starting Price $39,790 to $62,290
- TransmissionDual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD), All Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Diesel
First_time_mum 2904 9 posts
Verified Passat B9 MK8 206TSI R-LineMore
0
More
Do not trust VolkswagenMany issues but biggest concern is the blatant denial of warranty. Do not ever buy a Volkswagen. We had a warranty issue with the air conditioning vent (it came off when we went to move the vent). Car was 5 days old and we di... Read moredn’t for a second think there would be any issue as it was obviously installed correctly. However, when taken to the dealer the request for repair was denied because the head office didn’t believe it could have been a manufacturing fault. This was despite the dealer mechanic saying it was and us having brought the part with us that was undamaged just not attached anymore. We hope nothing more serious happens with the car because clearly the warranty isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. Buyer beware, Volkswagen cannot be trusted. We will never purchase from them (or any of their subsidiary companies) again.
Lexus GS
4.8 (19) Summary
- Starting Price $75,560 to $152,980
- TransmissionAutomatic and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Hybrid
Jalil QLD 12 posts
F SportMore
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More
Amazing luxury and sports carHave had my 2013 GS350 F Sport for around 2 years now. Beautiful car to drive, great performance with rear wheel drive V6 and F Sport suspension. No mechanical issues, just normal service and maintenance so far. Such a big sh... Read moreame they have discontinued this model, will keep mine for many years for sure. The only downside I would think of would be back seat not folding down making it less practical to fit longer items if needed.
Subaru WRX (2014-2024)
4.0 (37) Summary
- Starting Price $39,340 to $57,790
- TransmissionAutomatic, Manual and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
- See all
Cameron NSW 110 posts
WRX VB Sportswagon AWD tSMore comfort and space but not as 'raw' as a WRX SedanThe Levorg lives on! Now it’s called the WRX Sportswagon for the Australian market, despite keeping the Levorg name in Japan.
There aren’t too many sporty wagons left. Skoda makes one, but then you’ll need to fork out a lot... Read more
of moolah for the crowd favourite, the Volkswagen Golf R Wagon. But there’s a catch: this WRX is only available with an automatic. Not just any auto, but a CVT. Those cross-shopping with the sedan version of the WRX will be happy to see that the wagon misses out on that exterior plastic trim that you find on the new WRX sedan. This means the exterior should withstand UV damage a little better over time. I’m not sure if it was the adjustable suspension, but I found the wagon to produce less creaks than the WRX sedan. Sure, there are cheap plastics aplenty inside this wagon, but assembly feels tight and in line with what you’d expect from Subaru. That's all fine for the price point, but I would have liked to have seen less gloss black plastic in here. This top-of-the-range WRX wagon will set you back $57,990 before on-road costs. I think that’s a fair deal for how well rounded this wagon is. The warranty is 5 years/unlimited kilometres, and servicing will cost you $2366 for 5 years of coverage or 75,000km. Service intervals are every 12 months or every 15,000km, whichever comes first. Annoyingly, this car only comes with 12 months of roadside assistance. It’s almost as if the Sportswagon has a little more sound deadening than the sedan, as there was just that little more isolation from the road. Tyre noise sounded a little more distant but turbo and intake sounds were just as audible. The exhaust sound was disappointing to say the least. I just wish Subaru would embrace that iconic rumble, like Hyundai does with their N Performance cars. I could feel the extra weight in this wagon compared to the sedan when using the brake pedal. It’s quick to bite, but needs a little more convincing to hook up. I assume that’s tuned for comfort more than aggressive track day braking. At least this model comes with Subaru’s EyeSight camera system that provides you with autonomous emergency braking. This new 2.4L flat-four turbocharged petrol engine produces 202kW (270hp) and 350Nm. Power is sent to a permanent all-wheel drive system and a 0-100km/h sprint is done in a claimed mid 7 second range. It’s far from feeling rapid, but once up to speed, that turbocharged motor offers plenty of pace. You’ll appreciate the extra power compared to non performance-oriented wagons, especially when you feel like carving up parts of your favourite back road. This is the most controversial part of this review and the entire WRX range. Regardless of whether you opt for the sedan or wagon body style, the tS models will always come with a CVT transmission. It’s not the best suited transmission as it's a transmission designed for efficiency and smooth driving - two things you don’t want to hear when buying a sports car. Subaru has managed to engineer this CVT to mimic the characteristics of a 6-speed transmission, despite technically being just a single forward gear. The revs jump around like a regular transmission, and it’ll ‘drop a gear’ if you stab the throttle. You can even change gears via paddles on the wheel, which can feel properly engaging. But just like when you’re enjoying a box of cheap calamari, you’ll feel that rubber band characteristic of the CVT. It’ll take a moment to react to your input and sling through to the correct rev range it needs to be in. The kicker is, it’s slower than the manual! These tS models come with adaptive dampers, which make all the difference. In Comfort mode especially, this wagon will float over the road and quickly become a new favourite as a daily driver. It’s a shame this car resets its drive mode every time you shut it off. Dynamics sharpen up in Sport and Sport+ modes, making this a treat to drive. Steering stiffens up, and you genuinely have a family car that can proudly look and feel like a WRX. There’s a little more body roll in this car than the sedan, but for a family-oriented WRX, it can walk the walk. Steering is a little numb, and the ride feels just a little too soft for harsh corners, but you can’t beat that AWD grip on those rainy days. he claimed fuel consumption is 9.8L per 100km, but you’ll easily enter the 12-14L per 100km depending on your driving. And since this is a performance wagon, it demands 98RON, so it’s a little more expensive to fill up. As I mentioned in the WRX sedan review, I think this is the best WRX interior yet. That large screen offers plenty of usability and declutters the interior. But that user experience could do with some improvements to avoid hiding key functions under layers of menus and taps. It’s not the most technologically advanced interior, but it’s more than enough for most families. I especially loved the STI-specific seats, steering wheel and gauge cluster which reminds you you’re riding in something a little more special than the regular WRX sportswagon. Although it’s a little insulting too, being reminded that Subaru doesn’t have plans for a STI version of this generation of WRX… for now. Boot space is enormous and a major plus point for this wagon. You get 492L with all the seats up and 1403L with all the seats folded. It’s not class-leading, but it is extremely useful. You can even fold the second row in a 40:20:40 split, again increasing the usability of this car for long trips. The second row seats can feel just a little tight for taller adults, but for most there’s plenty of space, and plenty of amenities in the form of heated seats and rear USB ports. For the money, it’s the better option in the sports wagon market. It offers enough power, driver engagement and practicality to make it the ultimate daily driver for many, it does it all. Although, it feels like it's moving away from the performance aspect of the WRX name. And I’m not sure why you’d want to buy this over the incoming Outback with this same motor, aside from price and the fact that it's not a WRX. If there was a little more excitement to be offered in exhaust sound and even a little more power, or even a manual option, then it would make more sense to grab the WRX over an Outback. *Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.BMW M3
4.6 (17) Summary
- Starting Price $14,000 to $180,395
- TransmissionSemi-Automatic and Dual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
Seamus S VIC
CompetitionMore
0
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EconomicalWe buy the bm m3 f80 and we fine it very eesy to drive an economical. very good car. if you want good economical car this one is very good. Show details
Kia Optima
3.8 (33) Summary
- Starting Price $25,990 to $43,290
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
Lebohang M.
JF GTMore
0
More
Great carIt is comfortable and drives nicely, i love that it is easy to maintain Show details
Kia Stinger (2017-2024)
4.4 (18) Summary
- Starting Price $46,990 to $60,490
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
- See all
John 2 posts
GTGreat car problems with bi modal exhaustI bought the stinger in 2019 with an optioned bimodal exhaust. Overall it’s been a fantastic car .. except the bi modal exhaust was replaced under warranty 2 years ago and now it needs replacing again and the service has been... Read more really poor from Kia. Still waiting 6 months after the fault has been identified. I feel like Kia ‘s service has deteriorated in recent years.
Honda City GM (2015-2024)
4.0 (23) Summary
- Starting Price $15,990 to $22,990
- TransmissionManual and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
2cams70 Melbourne 2 posts
GM VTi ManualMore
0
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Very underrated and fun to driveI've had Honda Citys with manual transmission as company lease cars ever since this model was introduced in 2015. Can't speak highly enough of them. Fantastic cheap car. Very responsive and nice sounding engine and as others ... Read morehave said with great fuel economy. Also has a sporty gearchange with good shift quality. Unlike many cars the claimed fuel economy is definitely achievable in the real world and it doesn't have a great effect how you drive - whether you drive gently or hard, city or highway the fuel economy always stays within a narrow band. Great fun to drive and much better than an SUV in that respect. All in all over 4 or 5 of them I have probably accumulated 450,000km. My latest one is currently at 165,000km. Great sized boot and interior space utilization. Very practical and have taken it on many camping trips.
The only downsides are that after around 80,000km the seat trim and carpets can deteriorate and on manual transmission models the "check vehicle" warning light for the hill assist / stability control can come on randomly. This is a common fault and all vehicles I've owned have had the warning lamp issue. Just ignore it. It seems to be unfixable and doesn't mean these systems have failed.
It's a great pity that Honda Australia are no longer selling this model
Jaguar XF
4.6 (15) Summary
- Starting Price $82,000 to $130,700
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Diesel
Michael G. SA 2 posts
Verified 20dMore
0
More
I am in love with my carThe car looks brilliant, glides over country roads, is quiet, very economical, understated, has excellent features and accessories, internal leather is first class, the entertainment system is excellent, and the colour - the colour sapphire blue is WOW. Show details
Hyundai Sonata
4.2 (17) Summary
- Starting Price $30,990 to $55,500
- TransmissionAutomatic and Dual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
- See all
Cameron NSW 110 posts
N LineExcellent value for money when shopping for performance, luxury features and comfortThe overall build quality of the Sonata is very impressive, but it’s not as impressive as cars that cost $10-$30K more than this.
On the outside, panel gaps are even, plastic trim is neatly applied and the overall look and... Read more feel of the exterior certainly meets the asking price of this sedan. On the inside, the leather seats, higher quality materials and fit and finish of trim pieces also meet the high quality exterior finish. There are some shortcomings that may detract from the sense of perception of this car being higher in quality. From fake stitching to visible sound deadening in the door gaps, there are a few ways you’re not paying more than $60,000 for this sedan. With a starting price of $55,651 drive away, it’s available in only range-topping N Line trim, so you won’t have to worry about choosing from a wide range of Sonatas. Sure, the build quality isn’t going to exceed the German alternatives. What you do get, however, is a fully-kitted out car, with a more than capable motor for less than some base model luxury sedans with not even half of these options. I was swept off my feet with the number of features included in this Sonata. Combined with just how impressive this car’s driving ability was, for the price, your every car-related need was addressed. Highlight features include: heated and ventilated front seats and steering wheel, dual zone heated rear seats, radar cruise control with active lane-centring, BOSE audio, 213kW of power and an automatic rear blind. Service intervals are 12 months/10,000km (whichever comes first), with service costs capped at $350 for the first five years or up to 50,000km. If it’s a quiet and comfortable cabin you’re after, the Sonata does not disappoint. Road noise, wind noise and engine noise are all kept at bay, with an obvious barrier between the outside world and the relaxing atmosphere of the interior. The BOSE audio system was a highlight in the feature list. It offered superior bass, highs and clarity when listening to a variety of media. I sincerely missed this system when I hopped into my next press car. As a performance-oriented car, we have performance-oriented brakes on board. There was never a doubt that these brakes would fade or waiver under pressure. When pushing the car through some twisty sections of road, all 1636kg was brought under control with ease. Here we have a 2.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder, producing 213kW @ 5800rpm and 422Nm @ 1650-4000rpm, all being sent exclusively to the front wheels via an 8 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. What’s immediately noticeable is the wave of torque generated by this motor. It’s sensational, and you never feel cheated by driving a four-cylinder motor. To put it into perspective, although this is an N Line and not a full-fat N product, you have almost identical power figures to the critically acclaimed i30N! 213kW is noticeable and plentiful for the daily commute, and also capable to sprint the Sonata to 100km/h in around 5.9 seconds with launch control. The main issues are derived from the typical front wheel drive tropes: limited traction and understeer. Launch control was fun to engage, however the car simply struggled for grip with all that power being put down through the front wheels. The dual-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission was a treat to use. Your initial encounter is via the drive-by-wire gear selector buttons, which look a little odd at first, but are fun and easy to use once you get used to them. My only complaint when shifting gears is that for those quick three point turns, the gears are certainly not as quick to shift as they would be using a shift lever. This makes it a little awkward when you find yourself needing to get out of the way quickly if you’re making a questionable u-turn. This is an N Line, with quad-exhaust pipes, the gearbox allows you to become far more engaged with the Sonata than you’d expect. That’s thanks to Hyundai’s ‘N Power Shift’ transmission setting engaged in Sport mode, which reserves additional power to be delivered between shifts to counteract the lurch you normally feel between shifts. It’s designed to power through shifts, which is far more exciting than the standard shifting experience. It is fair to say that a downside to a more sporty-orientated sedan is the increased road-feel, leading to a stiffer ride. For day-to-day driving, the Sonata was actually very comfortable. It offered comfort and relaxation across a variety of surfaces. Only across deeper potholes and very uneven surfaces, the larger wheels and stiffer suspension led to the Sonata to become a little more jittery. However, this is likely to be short-lived, unless you frequent these road conditions on your daily commute. Where you will appreciate the stiffer springs, is through corners. This is a large sedan, but it doesn’t wallow or dip in corners like some comfort orientated competitors might. One negative when it comes to a performance luxury sedan is the fuel economy. The claimed combined fuel consumption figure is 8.1L per 100km. I saw figures cross the 18.2L per 100km mark, which was expected. Similar to fuel efficiency, the other downside to buying a sedan over a wagon, hatchback or SUV is the limited boot space compared to those body styles. In the name of design, you get a maximum storage capacity of 510L. Remember that you only have a trunk-sized opening, which limits you making the most of the space for larger items. For added practicality you can fold the second row in a 60/40 split, however it’s still limited in the pass-through opening and vertical space. The fit and finish of the boot space is a little on the cheap side, as a simple glance inside the boot reveals exposed metal and some insulated wires. This is not a deal breaker by any means, but a visual cue as to how you’re saving more money over a European competitor. I adore the Sonata N Line for breathing life into the mid-size sedan segment, with respectful performance figures, and luxury levels of comfort, without having to feel cheated for the price you paid for it. Whether you’re a budding executive, appreciate saving a large chunk of change in exchange for a badge, or don’t want to join the SUV craze, the Hyundai Sonata N Line is for you. It’s distinct, unique, and absolutely turns heads, more so than any European badge could. If my line of work required me to frequent a suit and tie and an office, I’d be looking to make the most of my company car budget or personal budget with the Hyundai Sonata N Line. *Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
On the outside, panel gaps are even, plastic trim is neatly applied and the overall look and... Read more feel of the exterior certainly meets the asking price of this sedan. On the inside, the leather seats, higher quality materials and fit and finish of trim pieces also meet the high quality exterior finish. There are some shortcomings that may detract from the sense of perception of this car being higher in quality. From fake stitching to visible sound deadening in the door gaps, there are a few ways you’re not paying more than $60,000 for this sedan. With a starting price of $55,651 drive away, it’s available in only range-topping N Line trim, so you won’t have to worry about choosing from a wide range of Sonatas. Sure, the build quality isn’t going to exceed the German alternatives. What you do get, however, is a fully-kitted out car, with a more than capable motor for less than some base model luxury sedans with not even half of these options. I was swept off my feet with the number of features included in this Sonata. Combined with just how impressive this car’s driving ability was, for the price, your every car-related need was addressed. Highlight features include: heated and ventilated front seats and steering wheel, dual zone heated rear seats, radar cruise control with active lane-centring, BOSE audio, 213kW of power and an automatic rear blind. Service intervals are 12 months/10,000km (whichever comes first), with service costs capped at $350 for the first five years or up to 50,000km. If it’s a quiet and comfortable cabin you’re after, the Sonata does not disappoint. Road noise, wind noise and engine noise are all kept at bay, with an obvious barrier between the outside world and the relaxing atmosphere of the interior. The BOSE audio system was a highlight in the feature list. It offered superior bass, highs and clarity when listening to a variety of media. I sincerely missed this system when I hopped into my next press car. As a performance-oriented car, we have performance-oriented brakes on board. There was never a doubt that these brakes would fade or waiver under pressure. When pushing the car through some twisty sections of road, all 1636kg was brought under control with ease. Here we have a 2.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder, producing 213kW @ 5800rpm and 422Nm @ 1650-4000rpm, all being sent exclusively to the front wheels via an 8 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. What’s immediately noticeable is the wave of torque generated by this motor. It’s sensational, and you never feel cheated by driving a four-cylinder motor. To put it into perspective, although this is an N Line and not a full-fat N product, you have almost identical power figures to the critically acclaimed i30N! 213kW is noticeable and plentiful for the daily commute, and also capable to sprint the Sonata to 100km/h in around 5.9 seconds with launch control. The main issues are derived from the typical front wheel drive tropes: limited traction and understeer. Launch control was fun to engage, however the car simply struggled for grip with all that power being put down through the front wheels. The dual-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission was a treat to use. Your initial encounter is via the drive-by-wire gear selector buttons, which look a little odd at first, but are fun and easy to use once you get used to them. My only complaint when shifting gears is that for those quick three point turns, the gears are certainly not as quick to shift as they would be using a shift lever. This makes it a little awkward when you find yourself needing to get out of the way quickly if you’re making a questionable u-turn. This is an N Line, with quad-exhaust pipes, the gearbox allows you to become far more engaged with the Sonata than you’d expect. That’s thanks to Hyundai’s ‘N Power Shift’ transmission setting engaged in Sport mode, which reserves additional power to be delivered between shifts to counteract the lurch you normally feel between shifts. It’s designed to power through shifts, which is far more exciting than the standard shifting experience. It is fair to say that a downside to a more sporty-orientated sedan is the increased road-feel, leading to a stiffer ride. For day-to-day driving, the Sonata was actually very comfortable. It offered comfort and relaxation across a variety of surfaces. Only across deeper potholes and very uneven surfaces, the larger wheels and stiffer suspension led to the Sonata to become a little more jittery. However, this is likely to be short-lived, unless you frequent these road conditions on your daily commute. Where you will appreciate the stiffer springs, is through corners. This is a large sedan, but it doesn’t wallow or dip in corners like some comfort orientated competitors might. One negative when it comes to a performance luxury sedan is the fuel economy. The claimed combined fuel consumption figure is 8.1L per 100km. I saw figures cross the 18.2L per 100km mark, which was expected. Similar to fuel efficiency, the other downside to buying a sedan over a wagon, hatchback or SUV is the limited boot space compared to those body styles. In the name of design, you get a maximum storage capacity of 510L. Remember that you only have a trunk-sized opening, which limits you making the most of the space for larger items. For added practicality you can fold the second row in a 60/40 split, however it’s still limited in the pass-through opening and vertical space. The fit and finish of the boot space is a little on the cheap side, as a simple glance inside the boot reveals exposed metal and some insulated wires. This is not a deal breaker by any means, but a visual cue as to how you’re saving more money over a European competitor. I adore the Sonata N Line for breathing life into the mid-size sedan segment, with respectful performance figures, and luxury levels of comfort, without having to feel cheated for the price you paid for it. Whether you’re a budding executive, appreciate saving a large chunk of change in exchange for a badge, or don’t want to join the SUV craze, the Hyundai Sonata N Line is for you. It’s distinct, unique, and absolutely turns heads, more so than any European badge could. If my line of work required me to frequent a suit and tie and an office, I’d be looking to make the most of my company car budget or personal budget with the Hyundai Sonata N Line. *Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
Volkswagen Arteon 3H 206TSI R-Line 4MOTION (2017-2024)
4.5 (11) Summary
- Starting Price $67,490
- TransmissionDual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
Garry VIC 12 posts
VerifiedMore
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A great car with some unfortunate nigglesAlmost everything about the car is great, stunning looks great performance and comfort and it has almost every comfort and safety feature you could want. But it had an annoying noise coming from the drivers door. It sounded l... Read moreike the window was rubbing on the door seal, especially on concrete roads and roads with tram lines. The VW techs could not find what was causing it, the car also developed a clunk in the suspension which the service team could not find.
One other issue is the way the car jars when you go over those small sharp speed bumps like in Bunnings car parks, this may just be a penalty of 20" wheels.
It was my daily drive going to work etc. and a few road trips, serviced regularly.
Volvo S60
3.9 (16) Summary
- Starting Price $49,990 to $85,990
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Electric
mjb SA 2 posts
T5 InscriptionMore
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Our long time use of VolvoWe are long term Volvo owners and presently own Volvo S60. We are retired and use the car for local transport and also for holidays. These days we do not tow a caravan but have in the past with a previous S60 which travelled... Read more long distances both paved and gravel roads as it was a cross country model as is this car. Would have liked a better spare wheel for outback travel though. The car is serviced once a year
Lexus LS
4.9 (8) Summary
- Starting Price $171,600 to $195,500
- TransmissionAutomatic and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Hybrid
Harold P. 6 posts
XF30More
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Best of the Best!Flawless motor car. Face-lifted 2004 model purchased simply because we always wanted one for our collection and it’s a stunning silver and black colour combination (they did come in some much less desirable colour combination... Read mores and cream leather is harder to keep immaculate)
It has high mileage 256000 km with extensive detailed service history. Our mechanic fell in love with it and offered to buy it from us, we got charged very reasonably for preventative maintenance and mechanic reported it’s been very well looked after.
Turns out to be our favourite, now used a daily drive is very reliable comfortable returning less than 10 litres/ 100 that I consider very reasonable considering the performance and weight. Also electric car quiet.
Well ahead of its time with more features than most modern cars. We are fitting highline Apple CarPlay that keeps everything original and if it needs anything in the future it will have it. Needless to say like our SC430 everything works like the day it rolled off the production line floor. Very surprised that the hype I read during research and due diligence turned out to be accurate. The engine was quoted by one expert to be designed to aviation standards, a friend has a even higher mileage example that is silky smooth and flawless.
Predicted to be a future collectable by many and a joy to own and drive. Some previous LS 430 owners have made comments when spotting ours, not one has had a bad word to say about the best of the best.
Jaguar XE
4.5 (8) Summary
- Starting Price $73,900 to $79,100
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
- See all
Cameron NSW 110 posts
R-Dynamic BlackOften overlooked against the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class and Audi A4It’s a matter of fact that the Jaguar XE has been lagging in its sales behind the usual German suspects in this small and medium sedan segment.
Mercedes, BMW and Audi are the familiar brands to head to when buying a smart-l... Read more
ooking sedan with a splash of luxury. The C-Class, 3 Series and A4 have all been smart options for a reliable and upmarket option for the best blend of business and casual use. Jaguar launched the smaller XE sedan in 2015, and has been tweaking this sedan to find the ideal model to take on these usual suspects. I believe the latest iteration of the XE has finally been perfected. From its price, build quality, ride and post-purchase care, it’s now peaking my interest the most in this segment. To be honest, the build quality of the current generation C-Class felt lacking for a brand that’s renowned for its high standards. Meaning, the high bar set by the new XE felt like an obvious step above what most brands are offering in this segment. Whether it was the embossed Jaguar logos on the headrests, the ‘Made in Coventry’ labels on the seats, the high-quality screens or tight shut lines between panels, I was utterly impressed. To my legitimate surprise, pricing for this exact model starts from $64,704 before on-road costs. This one had a ‘Technology Pack’, consisting of a wireless charger, smart rear view mirror (a camera feed replacing your rear view vision mirror), a heads-up display and a 10” touch pro duo screen. On top of that, it had a sliding panoramic glass roof, privacy glass, and strangely a 40:20:40 folding rear seat option. With all this, you’re out the door at $69,874 before on-road costs. For under $80,000, you’re getting an AWD sedan with a relatively punchy four-cylinder, producing 221kW and 400Nm and capable of hitting 100km/h in 5.9 seconds. Not to mention that this is one of the better looking sedans you can buy too. It’s certainly more visually appealing than the non-sporty trims of the German alternatives. Jaguar and Land Rover finally realised that they need to reassure new and existing customers that they are committed to long-term ownership of their vehicles. It’s no secret that the British marque isn’t known for long-lasting reliability. However, just last year, the warranty period had finally been upped to 5 years/unlimited kilometres and 5 years of Roadside Assist. Add on that you can prepay for 5 services up to 102,000kms for a fairly reasonable $1950, and there isn’t a solid reason as to why the Jaguar, now, would be a worse long-term purchase than its competitors. It’s actually a better offering than BMW’s measly 3-year warranty. Spending extended periods of time in the XE was certainly a relaxing experience. Although, if you’re chasing a little bit of Jaguar engine sound, you won’t really find it here. The Meridian speaker system is a very welcome upgrade in the XE, adding plenty of power and clarity to your sound. It makes music and phone calls as clear as they should be. Dynamic driving in the XE was certainly supported by a capable set of brakes. Measuring in at 355mm and 325mm for the front and rear brakes respectively, there wasn’t a moment where the XE felt heavy under braking. Weighing in at just under 1700kg, this is not a lightweight sedan, but it’s far from being overweight. 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds isn’t blisteringly quick, but it’s more than capable for daily driving and a bit of back road fun. This 2.0L turbocharged petrol four cylinder, producing 221kW at 5,500rpm and 400Nm at 1,500-4,500rpm, is very reminiscent of a high powered hot-hatch power plant. There’s a wider torque band here, but this still means you start dropping down the torque range while chasing peak power as that rev needle climbs higher. However, thanks to a longitudinal, set-back placement and an AWD system, this Jag feels brisk getting up to speed. The 8-speed automatic transmission in the Jag is just as good as you’d find it across Jaguar/Land Rovers latest range of cars. I found that lagging shifts and holding gears weren’t a problem for this sedan. Instead, it offered the best change between luxury and dynamic driving. For day-to-day driving, the buttery smooth shifts offered by this 8-speed allow you to relax and focus on other things like that meeting you’re probably driving to in the XE. When you need to engage those gorgeous true-aluminium shifter paddles on the steering wheel, you are met with re-assuring shifts that help liven up this daily-driver. Low-down weight distribution, all-wheel drive and weighing in at a reasonable 1690kg - it’s a formula for success when it comes to Jaguar XE’s handling. Under dynamic settings, the car does a fantastic job at feeling cohesive through corners. The longer wheelbase compared to a fast hatch gives you a preferable driving characteristic under pressure. Additionally, the longitudinal engine placement helps with a proper weight distribution on the nose. Even in the wet, the XE inspired confidence via the AWD system. Despite all four wheels being powered, I never hit an obvious moment of understeer. The obvious advantage of having a four cylinder petrol motor is the reduced fuel consumption figures. With a claimed 6.8L/100km figure and a real world 11L/100km figure as tested by yours truly, it’s not going to be terribly expensive to fuel up. A two-step dashboard design gives you more of a sense of sitting lower in the car. This can be a trap some sedans can fall into by feeling like you’re sitting a little too high off the ground. Count them - there are 7 screens in this car. No, this isn’t ‘Pimp My Ride’, instead Jaguar has incorporated a lot of screens in this sedan. There are the classic infotainment and driver’s display screens. However you can also count the full-colour head’s up display, and 3 screens for the climate controls (2 on the dials and one in the centre). Finally, you top it off with the rear vision mirror, which also has an option to run a camera feed via the mirror. It was surprisingly practical! Folding the rear seats down proved to be a little less intuitive than what I would have preferred, but once folded you had more than enough space for many daily activities. No, it’s not a replacement for the work ute, or the 7-seat family hauler. But, it was showing itself to be practical and enough space for daily activities, like large trips to the shops and carrying around any additional passengers. Although, taller items won’t fit back here, and it’s far from being a replacement for a taller SUV if that’s what you need. Most owners seem to be happy with their XE ownership experience too. Leading me to believe you should take the jump if you're leasing this car under warranty to pick it over a German rival to try one for yourself. It’ll turn heads in the right way, it’ll make you feel special when you drive it, and it’s a near-perfect example of what you should expect in a non-performance orientated upmarket sedan. *Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.Lexus ES (2013-2024)
5.0 (6) Summary
- Starting Price $64,569 to $83,819
- TransmissionAutomatic and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Hybrid
Sylvia SA
ESMore
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Just perfection!We bought the hybrid car when it had just under 100K and had driven almost 3 years – 55K kilometres – before we were rear-ended by a 90kms/hr motorcyclist who "didn't see us". It's a miracle he survived; unfortunately, our ca... Read morer didn't; it was a write-off.
But enough about our misfortune, let's focus on the car.
We both have a "heavy foot", but the average fuel use never exceeded 6.3 litres/100 km. In terms of reliability, the car was perfect and apart from regular service, which was always done with Lexus, there were no hiccups; nothing.
The sound system is amazing; everything is amazing about this car. It's also super comfortable. What's great about this particular model is that it has extendable sun visors, unlike the newer models, which will be sorely missed by us when we upgrade.
Alfa Romeo Giulia (2016-2024)
4.3 (8) Summary
- Starting Price $60,900 to $145,900
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
Mitch K.
QuadrifoglioMore
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A cut of beauty in a age of aggressive edgesIt’s not perfect, but it’s beautiful, it makes you feel special, even going down to the shops at 40 Kph an hour it’s a joy to drive, the steering weight is perfect and the v6 is to die for.
I love BMW’s and have M3’s of old... Read more
that replicated this feeling I’ve described, but I can’t say anything like that about the new M cars I’ve driven, the M2 is close, but the QV is just a gem and a rare breed we will never see again, little niggles of early builds aside (17-19) this is one of the best cars in modern history. - a car fanatic & gear head.Tesla Model S (2013-2024)
4.0 (9) Summary
- Starting Price $123,500 to $142,300
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypeElectric
Asfar A.
PerformanceMore
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This is perfect .can't live without itVery comfortable and luxurious car Very nice shape & i am in love with this
BMW 7 Series
4.8 (4) Summary
- Starting Price $195,900 to $374,900
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol, Diesel and Hybrid
Rodger C. VIC 6 posts
Fair Incentive Verified 740i Standard WheellbaseMore
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This is an excellent carCommuting, sports and family transport. With their Air Suspension which is very smooth driven. Radar control break and speed is another good features. I always turn on just prevent not concentration especially during traffic. Show details
BMW 4 Series
3.5 (6) Summary
- Starting Price $70,900 to $118,929
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Diesel
Disguntaled 3 posts
M440i xDriveMore
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Loving looking car. Poor on coarse chip roadsIf you live in a rural area with allot of typical coarse chip roads do not choose an alloy wheel with run flat tyres. The noise level is on par with a Toyota Corolla (not a joke). Apart from the noise, the car drives really w... Read moreell, very comfortable and handles excellent. The engine is of course a masterpiece. For me though, when you’re spending $130,000 plus the noise level is unacceptable with run flat tyres. I should stress that on smooth pavement it is very quiet.
Build quality was one of the best, I put four stars for cleaning and maintenance because despite the individual paintwork, I found bugs etc very easily stuck to the paint.
BMW M2 (2015-2024)
5.0 (3) Summary
- Starting Price $99,900 to $104,900
- TransmissionDual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
JimmyJ NSW 23 posts
M2More
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A superb performance carAfter what seemed like an eternity of trying to decide what car to buy next, I settled on a used 2017 M2. I daily drive my car so that had an impact on what I chose.
I had considered an E92 M3 (a bit old, a little fragile and... Read more too hard on fuel), an early F80 M3 or M4 with higher kms (talked out of it by someone in the know) or my favourite, a VF2 Redline Commodore (too hard on fuel, not special enough aside from the motor). I bought a DCT as the manuals are harder to find and have a price premium. I am really happy with the DCT choice, it’s still fun to drive, quick as you like and it’s even a little better on fuel, I assume this is simply down to it running an extra gear meaning it can cruise at lower revs. In short, it’s fantastic and I haven’t looked back. I’ve had just over 50 cars (I’m not young, ha!) and this is by far the best. I’ve read most reviews and watched a number of videos before I committed to one and I can honestly say it lives up to the positive comments I have read. The theatrics on start-up are still a joy. It sounds great when you give it a bit and it’s also quiet enough when you just tootle along. It’s hilariously fast when you really give it the boot, more than I probably need, but I still love having the power there. Mine has Harmon Kardon sound (excellent), electric and heated seats with electric lumbar (essential I think) and a sunroof. Oh and Apple Carplay (yay). I like the digital speed display when you set cruise and all of the controls are easy to use. The tank is not big at 52 litres and the fact you have to set the temperature controls for the passenger and driver individually is quite odd. It has no spare wheel, which is annoying. A can of sealant and a compressor doesn’t give me too much confidence. I’m likely to start carrying a space-saver wheel. The suspension is quite firm and you feel every imperfection in the road when you accelerate hard. When driven moderately it’s no harsher than my BMW X3 F25 which has 19” M wheels and run flat tyres. I think the M2 is a great looking car and it’s a real treat to drive. I love it! It’s my pick of a truly usable performance car at any price.
I had considered an E92 M3 (a bit old, a little fragile and... Read more too hard on fuel), an early F80 M3 or M4 with higher kms (talked out of it by someone in the know) or my favourite, a VF2 Redline Commodore (too hard on fuel, not special enough aside from the motor). I bought a DCT as the manuals are harder to find and have a price premium. I am really happy with the DCT choice, it’s still fun to drive, quick as you like and it’s even a little better on fuel, I assume this is simply down to it running an extra gear meaning it can cruise at lower revs. In short, it’s fantastic and I haven’t looked back. I’ve had just over 50 cars (I’m not young, ha!) and this is by far the best. I’ve read most reviews and watched a number of videos before I committed to one and I can honestly say it lives up to the positive comments I have read. The theatrics on start-up are still a joy. It sounds great when you give it a bit and it’s also quiet enough when you just tootle along. It’s hilariously fast when you really give it the boot, more than I probably need, but I still love having the power there. Mine has Harmon Kardon sound (excellent), electric and heated seats with electric lumbar (essential I think) and a sunroof. Oh and Apple Carplay (yay). I like the digital speed display when you set cruise and all of the controls are easy to use. The tank is not big at 52 litres and the fact you have to set the temperature controls for the passenger and driver individually is quite odd. It has no spare wheel, which is annoying. A can of sealant and a compressor doesn’t give me too much confidence. I’m likely to start carrying a space-saver wheel. The suspension is quite firm and you feel every imperfection in the road when you accelerate hard. When driven moderately it’s no harsher than my BMW X3 F25 which has 19” M wheels and run flat tyres. I think the M2 is a great looking car and it’s a real treat to drive. I love it! It’s my pick of a truly usable performance car at any price.
Audi A8
3.5 (4) Summary
- Starting Price $158,600 to $221,000
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol and Diesel
Joel 20 posts
D4More
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Superb car with incredible tech and just a pleasure to be inI went from a manual v8 Audi S4 into this and it has been the most beautiful and reliable Audi to own and drive. I have only had a few little niggles over the journey. I have two car seats in the back and the electric blind... Read mores on the side and rear are a god send for any passenger but especially a sleeping baby. In sport mode with manual shifting and dynamic steering, suspension and differential set, it is a beast and has all the exhilaration of the S4. The depreciation is a killer but that makes these cars such an incredible buy now.
Infiniti Q50
5.0 (2) Summary
- Starting Price $54,900 to $74,900
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
Ross Alexander QLD 5 posts
2.0LMore
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Purchased unseen and no test driveThis car was bought from Brighton Motor Group and is a replacement for my 12 year old Honda Accord Luxury.
Unfortunately Infiniti Cars Australia has decided to withdraw their passenger car range from the Australian market? I ... Read morecannot understand why, as the importer has stated, this is happening. The car is well made has a magnificent 2.0 Turbo engine and is extremely satisfying to drive. Whilst it is competing with Mercedes C250, BMW 330 and Lexus IS300 it more than adequately holds its own. All in all a satisfying purchase. The dealer Brighton Infiniti were great. All negotiation completed online and payment made the same way.
Unfortunately Infiniti Cars Australia has decided to withdraw their passenger car range from the Australian market? I ... Read morecannot understand why, as the importer has stated, this is happening. The car is well made has a magnificent 2.0 Turbo engine and is extremely satisfying to drive. Whilst it is competing with Mercedes C250, BMW 330 and Lexus IS300 it more than adequately holds its own. All in all a satisfying purchase. The dealer Brighton Infiniti were great. All negotiation completed online and payment made the same way.
Genesis G70 (2019-2024)
4.0 (2) Summary
- Starting Price $69,491 to $83,957
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
- See all
Cameron NSW 110 posts
Petrol 3.3T RWDGreat performance sedan with poor rear seat roomThere’s a twin-turbocharged V6 under the bonnet, it’s rear wheel drive only, and it has a bi-modal exhaust. This seems very performance car-like to me, unlike the bigger G80 or GV80.
Its main competitor is the BMW 340i XDri... Read more
ve, which is priced at only a few thousand dollars more. You could also look to buy a Kia Stinger for less money than this which is utilising the same motor but with a longer wheelbase. What wowed me was the quality of the matte white paint, the accuracy of the stitching in the seats and the feel of most major touch points in this cabin. I was blown away by the accuracy in construction for the G80 and GV80, however, the G70 seems to have sacrificed some of that accuracy which helped impress me with the Genesis brand. There are large panel gaps at the boot opening, visible sound-deadening foam in the door jams, and a few noticeable rattles when driving. Creaks and rattles were plentiful, emanating from the roof itself. These are noises that really would detract from the pleasure of spending a smidge under $100,000. Priced from $94,460 drive away, our test model was priced out to $96,560, as it was dressed in the optional matte white paint. The G70 at it’s top-end price doesn’t skimp on any features - it’s all here. A 3-D drivers display, heads up display, sports exhaust system, Brembo brakes, 360 degree parking camera, heated/cooled seats and a sunroof are all standout features at this price. In all honesty, I would find it hard to choose the G70 over the BMW. Personally, the styling, versatility of the all-wheel drive system, characteristics of the inline six motor and the larger second row space take the win for me. I think the standard G70 Sport at $83,960 is a far better option and a better bang for buck than the more expensive Luxury trim. This is because it gets all the performance hardware for $20,000 less than the BMW. Genesis offers a 5 year warranty and service package which includes 5 years of complimentary services and door-to-door pick up/drop off service and complimentary service loan car. That pick up/drop off service is only available if you live within 70km of a Genesis Design Studio. The Lexicon by Harman sound system is a crisp and powerful sound stage for all types of media you put through it. Although not as impressive as the sound stage found in the BMW, it’s certainly quite close. A little more clarity in the top end and a little less bass distortion would carry it over the line to win in that comparison. The louder exhaust, rev-happy V6 and tire noise was acceptable when warranted. What wasn’t warranted was the intrusion of whining from the limited-slip differential. Although there are some low points for the price, the G70 has plenty of highlights to overshadow these flaws. One of these highlights are the Brembo brakes. These large rotors do a fantastic job of complementing the power delivered by the thumping twin-turbo motor up front A surprise for sure, was how engaging this gearbox was. It’s an 8-speed automatic, and it’s easy to throw into ‘D’ and get on with your day. Shifts are smooth through the rev range, and downshifts are delightfully crisp, without an accompanying lurch. Although the Genesis G70’s wheels might look large, they’re only 19-inch in diameter. That’s not excessive by any means, and an ideal size for daily driving. The G70’s suspension is responsive to what’s happening on the road. These sporty models offer a firm and purposeful ride, but are far from back-breaking. When you want to dial it up to 11, the G70 feels a whole lot lighter on its feet than the BMW. It’s chassis is a stand-out when it comes to performance driving. The shorter wheel-base allows the G70 to feel more cohesive through corners, providing high accuracy when it comes to being predictable under high speed manoeuvres. Steering feel is a little numb. However, the feel you get through the chassis of the car while under heavy braking/acceleration is 80% of what you need. It’s not the perfect steering experience, but it’s most of the way there. At the end of the week of thoroughly enjoying myself being at the wheel of this performance sedan, I only saw figures averaging as high as 13L per 100km. Quoted combined consumption is 10.2L per 100km. I hopped into the G70 Sport hoping for a miniaturised version of the G80’s interior. What I was greeted with was a design that felt a little more like an upmarket Kia Stinger. That’s not a bad thing, but it felt a little far from Genesis’s iconic interior designs in the G80 and GV80. There’s limited boot space, as the hard boot parcel shelf and shorter wheelbase only allows for 330L of capacity. You can fold the second row in a 60/40 split for additional room, but it’s limited in its height access. Second row space is limited, too. Legroom, feetroom and kneeroom will be tight, even for someone like myself at 5-foot 11. Additionally, the rear right passenger gets an unpleasant surprise of a complete oversight of the middle seat’s seat belt buckle. It’s placed squarely in the left lower back of the rear-right passenger. This is a little unacceptable in any car, let alone a near $100,000 car like this one. The BMW 3 Series has a stranglehold on the medium sized sedan market, and continues to still. BMW resisted to raise prices north of $100,000 for the 340i XDrive, making it a potent contender against the G70. Still, the looks of the G70 might catch your eye, and practicality may not be of utmost importance if you only travel alone or with only two more people at a time. If this is the case, certainly head to your nearest Genesis design-studio to check out a G70 Sport. *Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan (2019-2024)
2.0 (5) Summary
- Starting Price $50,070 to $77,080
- TransmissionDual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
Sana VIC 8 posts
A200More
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Your life is in danger if you buy this carI bought mine brand new in mid 2020 and is a late 2019 model. To list wrongs with it, 1, It hates small pot holes! It jumps and feels like the car totally wrecks at the smallest pothole! Not only that but it also feel like... Read more you about to have a heart attack when this happens! 2, The tyres have no grip on a rainy day especially on a small paddle of water on the side of the road. It is very scary especially when this happens in the dark when you least expect it! 3,The safety features are always beeping for no apparent reason that I've learnt to ignore them now and I am worried that I will one day not respond when I really needed to for a good reason.
2014-2016 Ford Falcon XR8
5.0 (1) Summary
Tony SA 3 posts
More
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One of the Best I've ownedThis car comes with a host of of serious performance features at a bargain price. Boasting a Supercharged 5.0L V8 pushing out nearly 400kws of power, it comes with the upgraded R-Spec suspension package, staggered 245 front 2... Read more75 rear tyres and Brembo Brakes all round.
The interior is adequate with leather seats and the option of operating most features by either hand control, voice commands or using the steering wheel controls. I'm 6'3" and and have a good view of the road with room to spare. Long distance commuting is good with great fuel economy provided you don't get to excited with the right foot when passing cars.
You would be very hard to find a better bang for buck in this price range. This car is so good I got one for my wife as well and she loves it.
Genesis G80 (2017-2024)
5.0 (1) Summary
- Starting Price $93,490 to $108,990
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel TypePetrol
Cameron NSW 110 posts
Petrol 3.5T AWDMore
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Supreme comfort and surprising performanceRather than making incremental improvements to slowly improve the G80 to its full potential, Genesis has leapfrogged and offered the strongest underdog to the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S Class.
The attention to... Read more
detail is impeccable, and it's the sole reason why Genesis has established ‘Design Studios’ in Australia’s largest CBDs. Genesis wants customers to be converted by interacting with their product, as the brand doesn’t have a strong enough recall with buyers just yet. The G80 oozes luxury, and has the strongest chance yet of convincing buyers to own a neck-turning sedan like this. Although, for those who have owned an S-Class or another German sedan, the G80 is a little light on incorporating bleeding edge technology or an excessive use of materials like brushed aluminium. This is the second most expensive G80 you can buy, with a 3.5L twin-turbo petrol V6 motor and fitted with the optional $10,000 ‘Luxury’ trim, bringing the total price to $122,703 drive away. In this trim, we have luxury appointments such as soft close doors, rear reclining seats and rear seat entertainment screens. Additionally, rear passengers receive their own controls for the front passenger seat, and to use on the entertainment screens. There’s a rear automatic blind, sunroof, passenger blinds, machine learning radar cruise control, automatic adjusting suspension and AWD. The driving experience alone goes above and beyond what I’d expect for over $120,000, more so in line with something that costs double this. For a similar spec alternative, BMW, Mercedes or even Lexus would love for you to spend over $250,000 just to see screens in the rear seats. It’s not just the interior, the exterior design is an example of design mastery. I was blown away by the dimensions, presence and execution of this design. Whereas the previous G80 felt slightly stunted, even on its long wheelbase, this generation G80 has used its length to its advantage to provide a Bentley-esque refinement to the eye. Instead of just offering the standard 5 year/Unlimited kilometre warranty, new buyers with Genesis are provided capped price servicing, and a door-to-door pick up service. Genesis will send someone to pick up your car from your home or work, swap it out for a loaner vehicle, and then drop your car back to you. If that’s not service, I don’t know what is. Active noise cancellation, thicker sound deadening and a twin-turbo petrol motor - there's a lot to love about the sound experience in the G80. Starting off with the upgraded Lexicon sound system (a subsidiary of Harman/Kardon), it’s been engineered to provide the most quiet possible ride. Thanks to the G80 being a sedan, it avoids the boot creating more road sound, there’s less ambient sound here than it is in the GV80 SUV. When not solely being used for noise cancellation, the depth and clarity provided via these speakers are adequate for $120,000. The active sound profile (aka fake engine sound) can be adjusted for this twin-turbo V6. If you prefer less engine noise, you can dial it down, and vice versa. The G80’s enormous brakes are able to pull up two tonnes of metal with precision and accuracy. It’s easy to waft around in the G80 while in Comfort mode and avoid disturbing the cabin when you need to bring this sedan to a stop The 3.5L twin-turbo petrol V6 produces 279kW @ 5800rpm and 530Nm @ 1300-4500rpm. Power is excellent, but what really matters is that torque figure. It provides effortless movement when squeezing the throttle, and is easily transferred to the ground via the AWD system. Don’t let that massive proportion and luxury orientation fool you, the G80 is quicker than most cars from 0-100km/h, covering that speed in less than 5.1 seconds. The 8-speed automatic transmission is faultless. Shifting through gears is as seamless and smooth as the rest of the inputs this car provides. Sport will sharpen up the shifts and have them hold for longer to squeeze more power from this larger twin turbo motor. But, shifting via the paddle mounted shifters is an average experience - it really isn’t the goal of this car to shift for yourself. If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to float over the road without having to purchase a Rolls Royce, the G80 is the best opportunity without having to imagine. Even if it's wearing 21-inch alloy wheels, the suspension tuning in the G80 is one of the most impressive parts of the development of this car. The G80 easily trumps the daily commute. Sadly, the fun comes to an end when you have to pay for a full tank at the petrol station. The combined fuel consumption figure of this large petrol motor is quoted as 10.7L/100km. Realistically, especially in the city, expect figures to cross 20L/100km. You can’t expect a car this large and producing this much power to also return a low fuel consumption score. The integration of the centre 14-inch touchscreen infotainment could have been a little more nuanced, considering it sits up and high on the expansive dashboard. That’s really it when it comes to any real meaningful upgrades I could suggest for this interior. The biggest tech feature is the 3D drivers instrument display. It utilises a technology that allows you to view a 3-D display - yes, like at the movies - without the need for 3-D glasses. It’s awesome, even if it's a little gimmicky. The front seats do feel suited more-so to a driver, while the rear seats receive a little extra luxury treatment. There’s more legroom, individual rear screens and a seat divider filled with controls for those riding in the back. The Eucalyptus wood trim and Napa leather is plentiful and great to look at and touch, adding to the luxurious atmosphere of this cabin. There’s only 424L available in the decently sized trunk, and that’s mainly due to the hard shelf that provides sound isolation between the cabin and the trunk space. You can access additional space through the middle seat pass-through for longer items, like that nice set of skis for your next snow trip. I say if you want an Mercedes S class experience on a Mercedes E Class budget, the Genesis G80 is there to fulfil that need. *Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.