Anyway, The Subaru is the only D segment with AWD. AWD should be standard for cars with a power output more than 220hp. In fact, even BMW does not offer xDrive as an option on the 5 series (528i, 535i) or 3 series (328i or 335i). With a rear wheel drive and that much power, the tail will wag! AWDF can give a better and safer ride.

As for your ratings, I agree Mazda and Subaru are the underdogs in the Jap market. Mazda with the Takeri concept, that lead to the 6 has changed the game all together in the D segment market. With people earning more, more and more younger people (30-40 years old) are buying D segment or premium C segment cars like the C class and the 3 series. Clear example is the large number of BMW/Mercs regardless recond or new, being used by young professionals. Many of them end up paying for a premium brand because of the weaknesses in the D segment in our country, especially in terms of ride and handling. Take note this is based on NEW cars, not reconds or used.

1) Mazda 6- Not very famous in our market
2) The Peugeot- Its French. People expect it to break down often. Although it doesn’t.
3) The Accord- Dated. and Lack of equipment. No MFD in the instrument cluster?!
4) The Kia- Kia, well lets just say that the reputation for the brand, combined with the substandard Naza support is not promising.
5) The Passat- Bland. Especially the back. Not to mention the DSG issues.
6) The Sonata- Same as Kia. Plus, the dash is too fluidic.
7) The Teana- Lets be honest, CNT and V6, not a nice combo. Add that with bulbous and boat like looks, its not gonna sell well.
8) The Mondeo- Same as Kia and Hyundai
9) The Camry- Only for those crazy over RV(Read: Sam Loo). If it was the 07 one I can understand, cause for its time it whacked the Accord away.

Hopefully with some good promo by Bermaz and the reassurance by Bermaz/SDAC/SDAH/Naza people will be willing to buy for a D segment than a luxury C segment.

As for your ratings, I agree on most of them. Here are mine;

1) Mazda 6- 18.4/20
2) The Peugeot- 18.5/20. Credit to them for bringing in the Estate and the Diesel. Plus equipment level is good.
3) The Accord- 14/20 based on what I heard about CKD Hondas, they should consider to build the Accord in Thailand instead.
4) The Kia- 15.5/20 Good design. though there are some cost cutting measures, like the rain sensor near the rear view mirror does not have a proper housing.
5) The Passat- 13/20 VW people don’t really care whether you want to buy or not. Snoobish SAs put me off. And DSG? Shouldn’t they have found a solution yet?
6) The Sonata- 14/20 Steering wheel is horrid. Plus they should have an option for beige leather, less claustrophobic.
7) The Teana- 12.5/20 Reedems itself due to the VQ engine. Only the VQ. Oh and the comfy seats.
8) The Mondeo- 15/20 Power of a 328i, size of F10? I’ll have one.
9) The Camry- -10/20. UMW must be fined for putting people’s lives at risk. No ESC. No curtain protection? We are not in the stoneage era!

Fords handle well. Known fact. Koreans try and succeed mostly, but they forget something and that puts me off. Today I took the Veloster and the Rio for a test. Veloster is nice. but underpowered. Very. Rio is good, engine is decent and for a 1.4 I was impressed!. But the steering is as numb as a … No words to describe. Overly assisted, and does not pull back fast enough when you pull out of a junction.
I know they are both not D segments, but, being the latest models, I just had to try them.

Cheers!

Like or Dislike: 10  1

But having wowed by the look and the blazing hot red color I wasn’t exactly exhilarating by the 10-min short drive (hence, need to drive it again to know better).

Most of the comments posted in this blog have been positive about its handling and ride. Maybe my Expectation has been set a tad too high prior to sitting onto the driver’s seat this morning.

Strictly on “feel”, some other recent test-drives are as good if not better. The handling of the B-segment Ford Fiesta (cost < RM100k) was fun and so was the hybrid Honda CRZ. Admittedly the CRZ is a 2-seater sports car and the Fiesta is a hatchback.

The Suzuki Kizashi sprung a surprise too by being a sure-footed D-segment newcomer.

Agree that VW Passat doesn't drive so well (plus narrow backseat and can't fold wing mirrors electronically) but the smaller VW Jetta's handling and ride are top notch.

I'm just trying to see things objectively. Could somebody provide more independent enlightenment?

Like or Dislike: 1  4

I personally don’t care so much on the design. Yeah it matters, but there are more important factors than looks.

What I want in my 130-200k executive car:

1. Efficient drivetrain
2. Quality cabin
3. Fun factor
4. Safety equipment / gadgets
5. Reliability
6. Useability

Like or Dislike: 0  0

Hmm, K5 starting to look plain to my eyes after some period of oooh and aaahs, I thought it is ageing as fast as Sonata. Or my eyesight is catching up with my age.

Like or Dislike: 7  2