The RM200,000 mark is where things start to get really interesting for us car guys. Here’s where we go from the mundane to the special. Give or take about RM10,000, this is the segment that caters to people who are looking for more than just resale value. These aren’t ‘dream cars’, but they’re certainly extraordinary in their own little way. So we thought we’d round a few of our favourites up. Remember, we’re limiting it to our favourite sedans around RM200,000.
In no particular order.
Ford Mondeo (2.0 EcoBoost) – OTR w/o insurance: RM200,388
Here’s a classic favourite of mine. The Ford Mondeo is immediately a stunner, especially from the front. It’s got that cool, ‘FBI cruiser’ look to it that’s authoritative and powerful. The Mondeo is a car that makes driving feel quite special. The engine sounds and performs great, and despite its length, the car feels like a really nimble machine.
It’s rare, exciting, and it just doesn’t draw a lot of attention from the public. It’s for the driver who wants something great but doesn’t need to flaunt it.
Mazda 6 (2.2 SKYACTIV-D) – OTR w/o insurance: RM202,830.30
When people say ‘Japanese sedan’, there’s almost always an assumption that something with good resale value and zero character will come up. That’s never the case with Mazda, and a prime example of what they can do right is seen with the Mazda 6 SKYACTIV-D.
It may be a diesel, but it’s the best tuned engine we’ve ever had the pleasure of testing. Power is immense (420Nm), but the delivery is linear and perfect in every way. It handles like a German sports sedan and looks like nothing else on the road (besides other Mazdas, of course).
Volkswagen Passat (2.0 TSI Highline) – OTR w/o insurance: RM200,030
When Volkswagen came in with the B8 Passat, the 2.0 TSI Highline was an immediate show stealer. This car has features you just won’t find anywhere else for this price. The instrument cluster is digital. The drivetrain is from a performance car. The build quality is exemplary.
If you ever feel like giving Volkswagen a chance, the Passat B8 2-litre is where you start.
BMW 3-Series (318i Luxury)- RRP w/o insurance: RM205,800
The F30 3-Series just about makes it on our list. Yes, most people will jump ahead and say this is a winner, but there are some factors to consider. First of all, it’s the slowest car here. With a top speed of just 210km/h and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of nearly 9 seconds, the BMW may be the most fun, but it will struggle to keep up with the rest of the pack.
It’s also got the smallest boot and very little in terms of kit with no semi-autonomous driver aids. It doesn’t even have a reverse camera. Still, it’s a 3-Series and it’s rear wheel drive. You’re not just paying for the badge here, you’re paying for an exceptional driving experience.
