MAZDA 626 5D HATCHBACK (1992-1997)
IMPRESSIVE quality and comfort, the 121kW 2.5 V6 626 uses either a four-speed auto or five-speed manual gearbox. Standard equipment includes a driver’s airbag, anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning and cruise control. Its 85kW 2.0 sibling is also a good thing. Also available in Ford Telstar flavours.

PEUGEOT 405 4D SEDAN (1993-1996)
FRENCH flair and performance with braking and handling to match, the facelifted D70 405 from mid-'93 was a much better buy than earlier editions. A torquey 89kW 2.0 engine hustles the front-wheel drive Peugeot about nicely. All include climate control air-conditioning and keyless entry. Can feel flimsy though.

NISSAN BLUEBIRD 4D SEDAN (1993-1997)
A LUSTY 2.4-litre, twin cam engine gives the luxurious Bluebird Ti good performance. Front-wheel drive with four-speed auto or five-speed manual. It includes climate control, alloy wheels, cruise control and a limited slip differential. But this Bluebird never really caught on regardless.

TOYOTA CAMRY VIENTA 4D SEDAN (1993-1997)
THE wide-bodied front-wheel drive Camry-in-drag V6 Vienta is a very refined machine that also happens to be a surprisingly adept driver's car. Made locally, it includes a driver’s airbag, anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning and cruise control. But it all hides under its super-dull styling bushell.