MERCEDES-BENZ 190E 4D SEDAN (1984-1994)
NOT very powerful, the 190E uses an 89kW 2.0 four-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels through four-speed auto or five-speed manual. But it still has that bank vault air of quality and safety, the upshot of Mercedes' long-gone over-engineering ethos. Air-con, power steering and power windows are standard.

VOLVO 740GL 4D SEDAN (1988-1990)
OLD-fashioned, but good performance from the turbo version of the proven 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine. Rear-wheel drive through a five-speed manual box. ABS, alloy wheels, central locking, leather trim, power steering/windows, radio/cassette, rear spoiler. These Swedish Holdens just keep on going.

SAAB 900 4D SEDAN (1991-1993)
SPIRITED sedan with impeccable road manners. Front-wheel drive with a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder engine, choice of three-speed auto or five-speed manual. ABS, air- conditioning, cruise control and power steering and electric windows are included. The last of the really quirky Saabs, sadly, before GM took over.

FORD EF FALCON XR6 4D SEDAN (1994-1995)
NOT in the same class for snob value but the Falcon offers impressive performance and handling. The 4.0-litre straight six OHC engine drives the rear wheels through a four-speed auto or five-speed manual. Pin-sharp handling was developed by Ford's Tickford division. Driver's airbag, ABS, limited slip differential, alloy wheels and central locking are standard