Medium Cars More Than $60,000

The Age

Friday June 20, 2008

Andrew Heasley

MERCEDES-BENZ C220 CDI CLASSIC

How much? From $61,300.

Warranty: Three years/unlimited km.

Engine: 2.1-litre four, turbo-diesel.

Transmission: Five-speed auto, RWD.

Fuel economy: 6.7L/100 km, diesel.

Emissions: 177 g/km.

Safety: Eight airbags; ABS/BAS; traction/ stability control; crash anticipation system; anti-whiplash headrests.

Crash rating: 5/5

What's it got? Dual climate control, alloys, leather, parking sensors, six-CD, powered front seats, foglights.

For: Brilliant ride; good dynamics; powerful, frugal drivetrain; improved interior quality.

Against: Tight rear seat; poor storage space.

Our score: 4/5

LEXUS IS250 SPORTS

How much? From $67,900.

Warranty: Four years/100,000 km.

Engine: 2.5-litre, V6.

Transmission: 6-speed man/6-speed auto, RWD

Fuel economy: 9.8 L/100 km man; 9.1 L/100 km auto.

Emissions: 231 g/km manual; 214 g/km auto.

Safety: Six airbags; ABS/EBD/BA; traction and stability control.

Crash rating: 5/5

What's it got? Dual climate control, , alloys, powered front seats, six-CD, sunroof, active cornering headlights.

For: Value; good equipment; athletic dynamics; big boot.

Against: Tight back seat; auto geared too tall; space-saver spare; firm ride; restricted rear vision.

Our score: 4/5

BMW 323i TOURING

How much? From $68,900.

Warranty: Three years/unlimited km.

Engine: 2.5-litre, six-cylinder.

Transmission: Six-speed auto, RWD.

Fuel economy: 8.9L/100 km auto, PULP.

Emissions: 222 g/km.

Safety: Six airbags; ABS; traction and stability control.

Crash rating: 5/5

What's it got? Climate control, alloys, cruise control, CD, leather, parking sensors, trip computer, DataDot security, roof rails, foglights, powered front seats.

For: Great looking; more practical than predecessor.

Against: Badge brings a price premium; disappointing ride on run-flat tyres; detuned engine no fireball.

Our score: 4/5

AUDI A4 3.2 FSI QUATTRO

How much? From $88,500.

Warranty: Three years/unlimited km.

Engine: 3.2-litre, V6.

Transmission: Six-speed auto, AWD.

Fuel economy: 9.3L/100 km, PULP.

Emissions: 220 g/km.

Safety: Eight airbags; ABS/EBD/BA; traction and stability control.

Crash rating: Not rated.

What's it got? Tri-zone climate control, alloys, trip computer, leather, parking sensors, foglights, keyless entry, fully powered front seats, six-CD.

For: New design promises improved dynamic qualities.

Against: Can it match Benz and BMW RWD rivals?

Our score: Yet to be rated.

BMW 320d EXECUTIVE

How much? From $61,500.

Warranty: Three years/unlimited km.

Engine: 2.0-litre four, turbo-diesel.

Transmission: Six-speed auto, RWD.

Fuel economy: 6.0L/100 km auto, diesel.

Emissions: 160 g/km.

Safety: Six airbags; ABS; traction and stability control.

Crash rating: 5/5

What's it got? Climate control, alloys, cruise control, CD, leather, parking sensors, trip computer, DataDot security, front foglights, part-powered front seats.

For: Diesel's peppier and more economical than the petrol; rear-wheel drive dynamics; ride on run-flats improving.

Against: Not that well equipped with expensive options.

Our score: 4/5

JAGUAR X-TYPE 3.0 V6 LE

How much? From $69,990.

Warranty: Three years/100,000 km.

Engine: 3.0-litre, V6.

Transmission: Five-speed auto, AWD.

Fuel economy: 10.5L/100 km, ULP.

Emissions: 249 g/km

Safety: Six airbags; ABS with EBD and BAS; traction and stability control.

Crash rating: 4/5

What's it got? Climate control, alloys, parking sensors, six-CD, powered front seats, foglights, leather, alarm.

For: Nice inside; plenty of kit; quite pleasant to drive.

Against: All-wheel drive not really traditional Jag; an orphan sliding into retirement.

Our score: 3/5

© 2008 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home