Happy Medium: 2013 Medium Car Comparison
We pit five mid-sizers head-to-head to see who rules the middle of the roadThe Medium car category is buzzing right now. The segment boasts more than 20 competitors, though some are more worthy than others.
In this comparison, we aim to pit five favourites of the segment head-to-head to discover which is worth a test drive. We’ll investigate how our handful of rivals rate where quality, amenity, refinement and safety are concerned. And discover why more and more family buyers are choosing a Medium car.
Whether you’re looking for a car to get you from A to B, or a feature-packed model sporting everything from A to Z, there’s a strong chance one of our challengers will fit the bill.
The motoring.com.au team aims to make its mega-tests as fair as possible, and to this end, the testing criteria used on our multi-car comparisons focus on several specific areas.
The criteria are:
On the road (Nadine Armstrong)
A Medium car is many things to many people, but if it’s skittish and unpredictable at speed there’s little point buying it. In this section we’ll test the cars’ refinement, safety, dynamics and performance.
Value for money (Adam Davis)
A vehicle must prove that it’s worth the asking price, or at least offer something its rivals do not. In this section we’ll ascertain whether we feel the vehicle’s packaging is commensurate with its price tag.
Fit, finish and finesse (Matt Brogan)
Here parts, panels and paraphernalia are put under the microscope. We look for flaws in design that could lead to issues down the track, and check how well the car is screwed together.
Execution of intended purpose (Tim Britten)
Passenger accommodation and comfort, driver ergonomics, cargo capacity and flexibility, and overall amenity are all important qualities. But which Medium car delivers the best overall mix of these vital virtues?
Suitable integration of technology (Ken Gratton)
It’s really annoying when technology doesn’t work the way we want it to. In this section we evaluate how successfully infotainment and driver assistance technologies are applied and integrated.
motoring.com.au's Medium car comparison
Medium Car Comparison 2013: Safety First
As safety isn’t subjective, motoring.com.au utilises the ratings of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) in offering you an insight into which vehicles performed best. All but one of the vehicles tested (Honda Accord) are ranked as five-star cars under the program. Mazda’s 6 is yet to be tested.
In total, the Mondeo was awarded 35.13 from a possible 37 points for a five-star rating.
Standard safety equipment for the Mondeo includes front, side and curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, seatbelt pretensioners and reminders for driver and front passenger.
All five seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts and anti-whiplash head restraints.
In total, the Malibu was awarded 35.47 from a possible 37 points for a five-star rating.
Standard safety equipment for the Malibu includes front, side and curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, seatbelt pretensioners and reminders for driver and front passenger.
All five seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts and anti-whiplash head restraints.
In total, the Accord was awarded 29.21 from a possible 37 points for a four-star rating.
Standard safety equipment for the Accord includes front, side and curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist, electronic brake-force, hill start assist, seatbelt pretensioners and seatbelt reminders for driver and front passengers.
All five seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts and anti-whiplash head restraints.
Standard safety equipment for the Mazda6 includes front, side and curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, hill start assist, seatbelt pretensioners and seatbelt reminders for driver and front passenger.
All five seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts and anti-whiplash head restraints.
In total, the Camry was awarded 36.27 from a possible 37 points for a five-star rating.
Standard safety equipment for the Camry includes front, side and curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, seatbelt pretensioners and reminders for driver, front and rear passengers.
All five seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts and anti-whiplash head restraints.
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