Mazda6 vs Honda Accord vs Lexus ES: which one offers the best value for money?
With the rise in demand for SUV’s, many overlook the executive sedan segment which means that you can potentially find a lot of car for very little money. In this article, we explore three large sedans from the Far East to see which one offers the best value for money.
The Mazda6
In this article, we will be focussing on the third generation Mazda6 model known as the GJ1, which was first introduced to the local market in 2014 before being pulled from the local line-up a few years ago. This means that our comparison will need to be based on used offerings, of which there are many.
While the Mazda6 was offered with a 114 kW and 200 N.m 2.0-litre engine as well as a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, we will focus on the 2.5-litre petrol engine which delivers 138 kW and 250 N.m for this article. The reason for this is that both the Honda and Lexus feature petrol motors.
One of the highlights about the Mazda6 is its safety aspects. In 2013, vehicle safety testing specialists Euro NCAP awarded the Mazda6 a 5-star safety rating. The car is also only slightly smaller than a BMW 5 Series but still features a 438-litre luggage capacity. The Mazda6 is full of luxuries such as leather trim, quality fit and finish and a host of electronic gadgets which give it a modern appeal. The suspension spring and damper rates were also developed to offer a softer ride while the anti-roll bar was made slightly stiffer, producing a smooth ride quality and resulting in flat, neutral handling characteristics. This ensures that long-distance driving is dealt with effortlessly.
A quick search leads us to a 2015 Dynamic auto model with only 82 000km on the clock for a list price of R214 995.
Related: 6 reasons why you should buy a used Mazda6
The competition
When the Mazda6 was introduced it went head-to-head with the likes of the Honda Accord and Lexus ES. The Honda suffered the same fate as the Mazda and was pulled from the showroom floors however the Lexus remains. With the shift in demand moving towards SUV’s, these sedans suffered on the new car floor however they can be found at bargain prices on the used market.
Honda Accord
Like the Mazda, the Honda Accord was once a favourite in South Africa and the last model to be offered here was the 2016 version. The Honda Accord is also a relatively large sedan filled with quality items such as leather trim and a host of electronic gadgets.
Like the Mazda, the Honda Accord is offered with a variety of engines however we have decided to focus on the 2.4-litre petrol offering. This derivative develops 148 kW and 225 Nm of torque. This model also makes do with gearshift paddles behind the multi-function steering wheel, push-button start), and a subwoofer for the six-speaker audio system. There are also LED headlights, active cornering lights and 18-inch wheels.
A quick search found us a 2016 Honda Accord 2.4 Executive Auto with 92 000km on the clock for R223 950.
Related: Which Honda Civic Sedan holds its value better
Lexus ES250
Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota has for many years been offering a wide range of models to South African customers, and unlike the Mazda6 and Honda Accord still offer the ES range. We found a 2014 Lexus ES250 which carries a list price of R229 800.
This specific model features a 2.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 135 kW and 235 Nm of torque which sends power to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Because the Lexus is a front-wheel drive, the rear makes do with a flat floor. This also helps with better utilization of space, of which the Lexus has plenty, measurements would suggest that the rear legroom in on par with that of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the same year. The ride quality in the Lexus is also noteworthy as is the build quality. Like the Mazda and Honda, the Lexus features several bells and whistles such as electrically adjusted heated seats, dual-zone air conditioning, park distance control, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a sunroof, a reverse camera and an infotainment screen with satellite navigation to name but a few standard items.
Related: Lexus ES vs BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Which has the best infotainment system?
A closer look at the figures
|
|
Mazda6 2.5 |
Honda Accord 2.4 |
Lexus ES250 |
|
Engine Performance |
138 kW and 250 N.m |
148 kW and 225 Nm |
135 kW and 235 Nm |
|
Fuel consumption |
6,6 /100km |
8,6 /100km |
8,0 /100km |
|
Luggage capacity |
438-litre |
459-litres |
454-litres |
|
Model year |
2015 |
2016 |
2014 |
|
Kilometres |
82 000km |
92 000km |
105 500 km |
|
*Price per month |
R 3 743.37 |
R 3 899.29 |
R 4 001.15 |
Calculated using AutoTrader Finance calculator. Zero % deposit, current interest rate over 72 months
Verdict
After a quick study of the numbers stated above, one can see that all three options are very similar. The Lexus seems to carry a premium over the other two despite the fact that it is older and carries a higher kilometre reading than the others. The Mazda and Honda are almost evenly matched however the winner here based on which offers the best value for money must be the Mazda.
The Mazda6 which we found might be a year older than the Honda however it has done 10 000km less than the Accord. Its luggage area is only 21-litres smaller but it is lighter on fuel and has more torque than both the Honda and Lexus. It is also a fair bit cheaper than both its rivals in this comparison. Search these three options here.