BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 25th Jun 2003
WELL finished and a good performer, the Mazda has five normal seats and two occasional seats for children. The engine is the well proven 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, 12-valve unit, driving the front wheels through a four-speed automatic box. Driver airbag, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, central locking, power windows/steering/mirrors and a four-speaker radio/cassette player are standard.
FORD MONDEO 4D WAGON (1996-1998)
FRONT-wheel drive with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder DOHC engine driving through a four-speed auto or five-speed manual. The Mondeo has not lived up to expectations as Ford's world car but is reasonably priced and reliable. Driver's airbag, air- conditioning, tilt steering, central locking and power mirrors/steering are standard.
HOLDEN COMMODORE 4D WAGON (1995-1996)
A 3.8-litre V6 drives the rear wheels through a four-speed auto. Dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, central locking, power mirrors and steering, six-speaker radio/cassette unit and considerably more space than these rivals.
SUBARU LIBERTY 4D WAGON (1989-1998)
PROVEN in rallying, the 4WD Subaru is a great package. A 2.2- litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve boxer engine drives the front wheels through a four-speed auto or five-speed manual. Air- conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, central locking, power steering/mirrors/windows and radio/cassette are standard.