Small cars are practical, affordable and offer great value. Discover the best on the market in 2015 from RACV's experts.
Motoring
Best Large Cars and Family Wagons in 2015
Australia’s best cars 2015: Large Cars under $70,000
Winner: Hydunai Genesis
While it may seem odd that this category contains a ‘limousine’ that’s mostly wanted by hire car companies and hotel chains, Hyundai Genesis comes with a bargain price-tag which sees it easily fit in. It outscored Commodore and the upgraded Lexus ES 300h in seven criteria, with considerably higher scores for running and repair costs, warranty and dealer access. On top of its outstanding five-year/unlimited-km warranty, Genesis also comes with lifetime capped-price servicing.
When tested, Genesis held the highest ANCAP safety score recorded: 36.88 out of 37. Seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking and pop-up bonnet are standard.
Genesis is also tops for seating comfort, with 12-way powered, heated seats for driver and front passenger. The bolstering and under-thigh support are good.
On the road, the judges commended the considerable ride comfort as well as class-leading smoothness/quietness and braking. While not the best handler, Genesis doesn’t disgrace considering it tips the scales at a touch under two tonnes.
Hyundai pitches Genesis against Euro luxury cars, so its equal class-topping score for build and finish is no surprise. But its fuel economy is very uncompetitive.
Kia Sorrento Sli 2WD
Australia’s best cars 2015: Family Wagon
Winner: Kia Sorrento Sli 2WD
The 2WD version of Kia’s all-new high-riding Sorento seven-seater manages to blend the things people love about an SUV with the functionality and versatility of a people mover. They get that commanding SUV-style view, while the straightforward controls and a versatile cabin make it user-friendly throughout.
Sorento delivers across almost all Value For Money criteria, including an outstanding seven-year/unlimited-km warranty and low servicing/repair costs with seven years’ capped-price servicing. And it’s one of the cheaper vehicles to insure.
The mid-spec SLi is well equipped in creature comforts and safety features.
Sorento drives well, with the V6 petrol engine producing plenty of performance when needed. The strength of this performance is a real plus, particularly when the vehicle is fully loaded, but it does mean higher-than-average fuel consumption.
The new model has more legroom. Comfort and space in the front and second-row seats, although not class-leading, are very good. In the third row there are a few compromises, and there is not a lot of luggage space when all seats are up. Yet folding down the third-row seats to create a useful cargo space could not be easier.
