Best Value Cars
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Mazda oiler pips classy Euros.
Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring diesel
ADJUSTING the category ceiling upwards by $10K this year served to capture premium SUVs that previously lived in the Premium/Crossover category, but the classy Euros struggled to match the value equation of this high-spec Japanese wagon.
At the Grand Touring level, the CX-5 is admirably well equipped with safety and convenience kit, and boasts all-wheel drive, a slick auto and the choice of petrol or diesel motivation.
The oiler costs an extra $3200 upfront, yet still wins the value stoush thanks to its 5.7L/100km economy (compared with 7.4 for the petrol) and rock-solid 68 percent resale.
Range Rover Evoque Pure
A TOP-spec Japanese SUV or an entry-level Brit? Our top two are very different wagons; the Evoque is a tad pricier, a bit more economical and cops a slightly bigger depreciation whack than the CX-5.
Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Sport Quattro
LITTLE upstarts like the Q3 make it difficult for medium-size premium SUVs to win this category (see the Q5 in notable classmates) because they’re cheaper, so less depreciation.
| Compact SUV under $70K | Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.2D | Range Rover Evoque eD4 Pure 3dr man 2.2D | Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro |
| Purchase Price | $46,590 | $51,495 | $52,300 |
| Combined cycle fuel (L/100km) | 5.7 | 4.9 | 6.7 |
| Fuel RON (min. rec.) | D | D | 95 |
| Three-year fuel cost | $3445 | $2961 | $4072 |
| Redbook resale (%) | 68.1 | 66.1 | 66.8 |
| Three-year depreciation | $14,862 | $17,457 | $17,364 |
| AAMI insurance premium | $1,162 | $1,167 | $1,183 |
| Service interval (months) | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Warranty (years) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
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