BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 20th Jun 2003
TOYOTA's mainstay in the front-wheel drive medium-size family market. An unremarkable but serviceable car, many of which were used as fleet cars. A fuel-injected, four-cylinder, twin cam engine drives through a four-speed automatic transmission. A lower cost carburettor-equipped engine was available from 1989 to 1991.
MAZDA 626 4D SEDAN (1988-1994)
FULLY imported with good finish and equipment level with central locking, power steering and power windows standard. A gutsy 12-valve, 2184cc engine gives good performance. Four-speed auto or five-speed manual were optional. Independent suspension and disc brakes all round. Check the exhaust system for corrosion.
MITSUBISHI MAGNA 4D SEDAN (1989-1991)
THE largest engine in its class at 2.6 litres but performance is not outstanding. Roomy, due to its slightly wider body. Supple suspension with good ride over uneven surfaces. There were service problems with some automatic transmissions.
SUBARU LIBERTY 4D SEDAN (1989-1998)
THE Liberty was Subaru's first serious entry into the medium-size passenger market. Powered by a flat-four, all-alloy 'boxer' engine of 2.2 litres, it has good performance, an interesting throbbing exhaust note and excellent suspension and handling. Air-conditioning, power steering and radio/cassette are standard.