Your style extends to so much more than just your clothes. Your style is the embodiment of everything you value and hold dear to you.
That might show up in the glasses you wear, the bag you carry and of course the vehicle you drive.
While speeding through the city on the back of a super powered sports bike might be the dream you may need to temper that dream with some reality and some altogether more practical considerations.
But being practical doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your style, it simply means you need to find a solution to all to all those questions and in this blog we’re trying to do just that. Read our suggestions for your next car, whether new or used, and drive off in style knowing you’re ticking all the right boxes.
We take a look at the most stylish mid-size vehicles on the market and where you should be spending your money on four wheels.
FORD FUSION
Forget what you think about Fords. Try out the sporty version of this little number and you’ll not only have enough room for your weekend luggage but you’ll have a spirited ride. That V-6 powered engine is going to take you places, fast, and it’s just sleek enough to pull off the look. Consider the hybrid version to up your green credentials. At around the $23,000 mark it’s a good price for a great car.
HONDA ACCORD
Once the lumbering family sedan, this vehicle has had a total makeover and is looking sharper than it ever has before. So much so, that we’re confident it will turn plenty of heads before they realise the make and model of your latest ride.
And if you’re interested, it performs pretty well too and features extras such as adaptive cruise control and a new look infotainment system. For around the same price as the Ford, it’ll be a tough call but in terms of looks alone, we’d go for the Honda.
MAZDA 6
We really like this car and for our money it has something of the Jaguar about it in terms of styling and that can’t be bad.
There are lots of surprising lines and creases in the body work but that only adds to the unique look of the piece. Inside you’ll find everything you need and an interior that matches the outside in terms of styling. Again, this car comes in at around the same price as the Honda and Ford and is definitely worth your consideration for this great all-rounder.
HYUNDAI SONATA
This is a great car with soft curves and a large trunk. While introduced into the US around 30 years ago it’s still working on establishing itself as a serious contender. But it really is and with the Sonata, you’ll get a whole bunch of features for less than the Ford, Honda and Mazda.
The styling is great, the features are all there and it should be up there in your top five.
AUDI A6
It’s time to step up the pace a little and head up into the luxury range. Yes, we’re talking about a jump up in price but with the jump you’re buying into a whole new stratosphere of style and quality.
This car hasn’t changed much in terms of style for several years; it hasn’t really needed to. It’s appeal is so strong and it delivers so much, why mess with it? What the Audi does deliver is speed, by the bucketload. It may not be the most comfortable ride when you’re hurtling on the freeway but you’ll certainly get there fast and you’ll appreciate the responsive handling.
Back to the price though, we’re looking at doubling up on the Ford and friends at a cool $50,000.
BMW 5 SERIES
That German engineering just hits the right spot, every time. If there’s one thing you can say about BMW is that they know exactly what their customer is looking for and they don’t scrimp on the safety features, which is a reassuring point to consider.
There are plug-in hybrid versions of this particular model and so many extras to add on you might find yourself spending even more than the $53,000 price tag.
LEXUS GS
Coming in cheaper than the BMW and Audi, this is an outlier when it comes to the luxury range. First, let’s be honest and mention that the infotainment isn’t anywhere near as good as the aforementioned cars but it’s an old school, luxury cruiser with a lot of space, serious and classic styling and lots to offer. With a V8, no turbo engine it gives a positive smooth performance without going all out on speed.
It has a classic, mellow feel and at $48,000 is an interesting alternative to the bigger names.
CADILLAC CTS
You can hardly talk about American cars without mentioning the king of the sedans, the Cadillac. With a whole cinematic history behind it the Cadillac has firmly established itself in the hearts of Americans across the country. But how does this vehicle compare with its contemporaries?
Roomy is what you think when you step into a Cadillac and you know exactly what you’re getting. Like the Lexus there are some issues with the onboard controls and infotainment system but they just take a little getting used to and won’t take too long to figure out.
There are some great options on the engine power. Choose the basics if you’re happy cruising around your neighbourhood, or ramp up the power for when you need to travel far and fast. Starting at $48,000 it’s a valid and serious option and you’ll be buying into a piece of American history.
MERCEDES E-CLASS
You really can’t feature a review of a BMW without a Mercedes to keep the balance. The Mercedes just oozes luxury and you know you’re buying into the name when you buy a Mercedes.
It’s just so comfortable, you’ll just want to sit and enjoy the comfort, finding any excuse to go for a ride. This comfort and of course some great performance and engine options tops the $53,000 price tag to put it head to head with the BMW. In our opinion, Mercedes just has the edge but you should test both for an overall picture.
PORSCHE CAYENNE
Finally, we step up the price and the size to the SUV market. Startin with the Porsche, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d be getting the last word in power and performance. While it does offer those elements in abundance it does let you down slightly in the space department and for the price of almost $80,000 we’d place this vehicle in the perfect position for the bachelor about town. For the man with a family, we’d definitely recommend spending your money elsewhere.
MASERATI LEVANTE
You couldn’t get a more Italian ride with its Ferrari engine and exceptional styling, you know exactly what you’re getting. It’s a powerful and impressive ride and yet suffers the same problem as the Porsche with a lack of luggage space. We’d also expect a slightly more high-end interior for the money but you can’t have everything.
Buy the Maserati for the Italian heritage and expect to spend something in the region between $65-169,000.
LAND ROVER SPORT
For this price, our money is on the Land Rover Sport, simply the best in its class. Like the others it suffers from a lack of luggage space and is a little heavy on the fuel consumption but this is an understated SUV to be seen in. Show up in this baby and people know you appreciate classic design and reliability.
Naturally, like the others, it doesn’t come cheap and you can expect to pay somewhere between $67- 114,000.
When you’ve got money to burn on a new vehicle you should seriously consider some of the options we’ve presented to you. These vehicles ooze style, grace and performance and with a little shopping around you’ll find your perfect match.
If buying new is simply out of the question and if the thought of your vehicle’s value depreciating as soon as you drive off the forecourt sends you into a spin, then explore the second hand market.
While this can be a great and altogether cheaper option, you’ll need to take your Car Buying Checklist with you to make sure you’re getting the very best value for your money. You want to combine quality with reliability so consider taking an expert alongside you.
Your style is important to you and that tatty old car is no longer showing off your best side so start shopping around for a vehicle that ticks all the boxes in terms of looks and practicality. Pull up to your office in a sedan or SUV that tells everyone you know a thing or two about design and says everything about you it needs to, without saying a word.