BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 7th May 2003
A Toyota Camry clone, the Apollo flopped. Bland but reliable, it is powered by a torquey 2.2-litre engine available with a four-speed auto or five-speed manual driving the front wheels. Alarm, central locking, power steering and power mirrors and standard. Dynamics, space and refinement qualities are high.
HYUNDAI SONATA 4D SEDAN (1993-1998)
HYUNDAI'S second-generation front-drive mid-sized sedan features a 2.0-litre engine driving the front wheels through a four-speed auto or five-speed manual transmission. Quality not up to Japanese standards. Driver's airbag, central locking, power steering, windows and mirrors and radio/cassette standard.
SUBARU LIBERTY 4D SEDAN (1994-1998)
THE second-generation Liberty was rebodied but still featured the flat-four 2.2-litre engine and front-or-four-wheel drive with choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Quality finish, good dynamics and sparkling road performance make it stand out. Power steering and power mirrors are standard.
MITSUBISHI TS MAGNA 4D SEDAN (1994-1996)
Large and comfy, the TS persisted with the venerable Astron 2.6-litre four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. A competent car, locally made and well-finished, it was popular with fleets. Five adults ride in comfort. Power steering is standard.