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DRIVERMAZDA6The new Mazda6 continues thefamiliar KODU design features, withsleek, sculptured body lines. It’s anenjoyable car to drive, well plantedto the road, quiet, comfortableand roomy, but the lift-back hasbeen dropped and the sedan andwagon body style are the onlyconfigurations available. Mazda’sSKYACTIV fuel saving technologyis introduced for the first time on theMazda6 line and is available in 2.0L114kW/210Nm and 2.5L 138kW/250Nmpetrol motors, as well as the punchy2.2L 129kW/420Nm diesel engine.All models are coupled to six-speedautomatic transmissions. The entrylevel2.0L GLX wagon starts at$45,495. Pricing for the remainder ofthe range is $40,795 to $60,795.Good: Efficient engines and sleekbody styling.Not so good: No lift-back version.FORD KUGAVisually, the Kuga looks like agrown-up Focus, which is fitting as itshares the same platform. The bulkyfive-cylinder has been dropped infavour of two four-pot engines – anEcoBoost 134kW/240Nm 1.6L petroland a 120kW/340Nm 2.0L diesel. TheKuga is only available in AWD forour market and both engines arecoupled to quick-shifting six-speedauto transmissions. It’s competitivelypriced, starting with the EcoBoostmodels at $39,990 for the Ambiente,$43,990 for the Trend and $52,990 forthe Titanium. The diesel models havea price tag of $45,990 for the Trendand $54,990 for the Titanium.Good: Nicely priced, peppy enginesand good driver-assist features.Not so good: No 2WD models forNew Zealand.KIA CERATOKia’s small sedan has grown wider,longer and its lowered rooflineprovides it with a sleek new profile.On the road it’s comfortable andon the inside it’s spacious, withconservative styling. It offers adecent 421L of luggage space andparking sensors are standard frontand rear. The new Cerato hastwo gutsy petrol engine choices: a110kW/178Nm 1.8L and the directinjection 2.0L 129kW/209Nm motor.Both powerplants are mated to sixspeedautomatic transmissions andhave the addition of steering-wheelpaddle shifters for manual gearchanging. Three models are offered:the 1.8L LX for $29,990, 1.8L EX for$33,490 and the 2.0L SX for $38,490.Good: Nicely priced and goodspecification levels.Not so good: The engine choicesclosely rival each other.Mazda66.6L / 100KMKia Cerato7.1L / 100KMFord Kuga7.7L / 100KMwww.aadirections.co.nz 51