BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 7th May 2003
ANOTHER overlooked car. The 2.4-litre engine provides smooth, economical and surprisingly torquey four-cylinder motoring. Equipment levels are not great but it has room for five plus luggage and is built Aussie tough. Just ensure the auto has been properly maintained.
TOYOTA CAMRY 4D SEDAN (1997-2000)
THE spacious Camry impresses with its well sorted steering and handling, good build quality and overall refinement. But its bland looks and uninspiring engine, which gets noisy at high revs, detract. Equipment levels on the CSi are not great either.
HOLDEN JR VECTRA 4D SEDAN (1997-1998)
THIS is the fully imported 2.0-litre sedan version. Spunky looks, funky interior, big boot, plenty of zip and good dynamics combine with impressive equipment levels - anti-lock brakes, traction control - to rival the Mondeo as best value car here.
SUBARU LIBERTY 4D WAGON (1994-1998)
THE second-generation Liberty continued the Liberty traits of offbeat but high quality family car motoring. Has a punchy four-cylinder engine, high equipment levels, good chassis dynamics and loads of character. And that's not counting the safety of four-wheel drive. No wonder owners stick with Subaru.