LARGE: $35,000 to $45,000

1ST - Toyota Aurion Prodigy auto
The Aurion stacks up on fundamentals, scoring the most decisive category win so far — almost nine percent ahead of the Honda Accord V6. The Aurion’s excellent drivetrain is backed by sharp pricing, reasonable insurance, excellent fuel costs, leading 20,000km service intervals and a tick in every safety box — including side-impact airbag protection and ESP. Of the three finalists that didn’t place (Maxima Ti, 380 LX, and Falcon XT Mk II), resales were woeful and none could better the Aurion on fuel. Only the Falcon and Berlina could out-point it on insurance, but not a single car in the category could match Aurion’s service intervals.


2ND - Honda Accord V6 (auto)
Exterior may be bland to match the dynamics, but RRP and resale are winners for the Accord – and its owners. It’s thirsty, but has good performance and refinement as well as ticking most safety boxes. Warranty average; service interval worst in category.



3RD - Holden Berlina V6 (auto)
Best drive on the podium, but Berlina is thwarted by Holden’s aggressive fleet discount policy, which subjects resale value to lethal injection over the three-year term. Grunty engine brings a thirst, but another safety top-scorer; affordable insurance, too.