IT IS too simplistic to say large cars no longer work in Australia. It’s not about the car, it’s more about perception.

Take the Mazda6, Toyota Camry and Ford Mondeo. These are physically large cars, only a few centimetres shorter than large cars such as the Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon, yet are termed mid-sized cars.

In terms of sales, the sub-$60,000 mid-size segment, which includes the Mazda6, Toyota Camry and Ford Mondeo, has fallen by fell 4.4 per cent in year-to-date sales. The large-car sector, with the Commodore and Falcon, has dropped 14.5 per cent in the same period.

Despite the relatively small sales slide, the smell of defeat and imminent departure of the Commodore and Falcon has spurred on some medium-car manufacturers.

Ford recently launched a new Mondeo while Mazda earlier this year upgraded its 6 sedan and wagon.

It’s a bonus for buyers who want the increasingly rare mix of a spacious cabin, long and stylish body shape and an economical powertrain.



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