admineconomy many are shopping around for cars on a budget.
This week I have decided to assist people shopping on a budget by looking at two groovy runarounds that are ideal for middle managers who are concerned with saving their company on transport expenses.
The two vehicles that I would be looking at are the Mitsubishi Galant and the Mazda 3.
Mazda has a tradition of building zippy and fun compact cars. It is known for its extraordinary handling and economy. Launched about seven years ago it has just recently been redesigned.
I remember back in 2004 and 2005 when all talk was about zoom zoom and everyone wanted to get their hands on a Mazda 3 because of its affordability and fuel economy.
Those who have had one will testify because the Mazda 3 still provides suitable levels of economy and practicality too.
Those on a tight budget who consider driving a favourite pastime should strongly consider the Mazda 3, whether new or used.
After all we have our very own Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries for after sale support.
While most economic cars offer very little in terms of interior aesthetics, the Mazda 3 interior shows impressive attention to detail with its simple control than those found in competitor models.
It is also blessed with good body control and a healthy amount of grip on twisty roads, and its steering is quick and reasonably communicative. In the real world, this translates into a greater sense of driver confidence.
Altogether, we think the Mazda 3 should be the first vehicle you test drive when shopping for an economy family sedan or hatchback. It hits all the right notes and its flaws are few and far between.
The Mazda 3 is one of my top choices in the economy family sedan segment. So, there we go, a car that will save you money and get you around safely at an under US$30 000 price tag.
The new Mitsubishi Galant VR on the other hand is one of the affordable midsize cars available at the moment on the Zimbabwean market.
Over the years, Mitsubishi has made an effort of making the Galant a better value with every newer model a notch higher than the last one, through the addition of more standard features to every trim.
Priced at just under US$27 000 its range is similar to that of the Mazda 3 but what you get is more than the price tag.
It is a respectable ride and handling abilities are great. From a woman’s perspective I can safely advise that this is a good girly car because it handles well even though it’s a V6.
You can also get the SS 2,0 for US$24 547. Although this model looks like the new Galant, you do not get the other extras that come with the VR.
For one, you do not get the trendy interior with the leather trimmings and wood finish and the cockpit controls are different.
The engine is not as powerful but it drives pretty smooth and it uses less fuel than the V6, which makes it an economical choice.
If you are one to choose style, great handling and thirsty babies, then the VR 2,5 is your vehicle.
With an interior that is comfortable, modern and more upscale than its price suggests, I would pick the VR.
The Galant is offered in these two trim levels. The basic SS model, which is manual and the more upscale VR trim is automatic.
Galant matches the midsize-class leaders for roominess and interior comfort, and holds its own in acceleration and handling.
These sedans have mechanical refinement, solidity, interior materials, and great assembly quality.
The Galant has a “sleeker-looking stance” than its previous model and good passenger and boot space making it a practical vehicle.
The Galant has been pinged in the past for a lack of features commonly found on competitor models, but this has been mostly corrected in the newer models which I had the pleasure of driving.
Newly added items like standard stability control and upgraded stereo make it more value for your dollar.
The Mitsubishi Galant’s Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, tilt-only steering wheel, cruise control, driver-seat height adjustment and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The 2010 Mitsubishi Galant comes standard with stability control, anti-lock brakes and airbags.
There you have it, value you for money runarounds for under US$30 000.
Please note that while I have decided on these two, I must hasten to point out that there are a lot of midsize family sedans out there that are also cheap and stylish but due to space constraints I cannot look at every single one of them.
Till next week, be safe.
- Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]
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