Also known as the Camry segment due to the dominance of Toyota’s mid-sized sedan, medium cars are fast becoming the new large car globally. It was once a category associated with dull and unexciting options, but since the early noughties the class hasn’t looked back with buyers now spoilt for choice. Here are CarAdvice’s top five picks for the segment:
Solid technology and convenience inclusions at this pricepoint; Surprisingly enjoyable and cheap-to-run powertrain; Wonderful ride quality
Not many power outlets; Transmission tunnel on a front-wheel-drive car?; Climate control would be a nice addition
Golf R-like performance from a humble family wagon; Superb ride characteristics; Spacious and beautifully-appointed interior
Still no DAB radio in high-end VW product; Or wireless phone charging; Some might want more aural theatre
Plush, luxe and comfy – even as a base model; Surprisingly sharp value; Generously proportioned interior
Too thirsty around town for such modest engine outputs; Ageing infotainment platform looks tired and lacks processor performance; Rear seat access stymied by swooping design
Exterior styling is sharp and attractive; Cabin execution is excellent; Engine and gearbox are sporty and punchy
Can torque steer out of sharp corners; Has the on-sale delay taken some of the steam out of the market?; Pricing puts it at the more expensive end of the segment
Excellent (expanded) suite of driver-aid tech; Improved connectivity; Smart-looking cabin; Strong engine with effective CVT; Build quality
Bouncy country ride; Gluggy steering; Thirsty six-cylinder; Expensive servicing
BMW's performance engine is exceptional; Interior is plush and luxurious; Positioning in its line-up and in its segment is spot-on
Handling could be improved; Plenty of options could easily make it even pricier; Legacy three-year warranty
Quiet cabin at highway speeds; Mild hybrid technology offers a new tech dimension for the C-Class; Infotainment upgrade overdue and welcome; Economical in and around the city
Over 10 per cent weight increase due to 48V mild hybrid components; Three-year warranty only; COMAND infotainment system not as good as its competitors
Brilliant and effortless tourer; Comfortable, easy to live with, and enjoyable enough behind the wheel; Assistance technology well integrated
Assistance technology really should be standard though - especially on a $70k car; Not as fuel efficient as you'd expect of a Euro-diesel; Good but not great around town
Excellent ride comfort; Fantastic steering and agile handling; Punchy and refined engine; Improved infotainment system
Average rear-seat leg room; Small boot for the class; Wireless charging and blind spot should be standard; Limited line-up and V6 gone
Styling execution is stunning in the metal; Drive experience of this model is enjoyable and engaging; Value equation is stronger than ever now
Second-row space is tight; Some elements of the cabin layout don't match the best in segment; Three-year warranty needs to be longer
