Even with the burgeoning EV segment and ever-dominant SUV landscape, a practical and relatively affordable petrol-powered sedan still has plenty of appeal - especially to drivers looking for a sensible and practical family car. Yes, it's not particularly exciting, but these are the 'traditional' choices when it comes to bread-and-butter cars.
Understandably, with Cat A now in the six figures, none of these cars are what you'd call "cheap". But if you are in the market for one, this segment is more-or-less the entry point into car ownership.
In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.
Whether its maximum boot space, top-notch fuel efficiency, or a premium cabin that you are prioritising, here are the choices you should consider. (All prices correct at time of publishing.)
Unbreakable pick: Toyota Corolla Altis
Price: $175,888
Depreciation: $16,600/yr
Power: 129bhp
It's not the most efficient, it's not particularly engaging to drive, and it's also not technically the most spacious or practical, but the Toyota Corolla Altis will almost certainly be the one that comes first in most peoples' mind.
And that's for a simple reason - its reputation for reliability. It's a dependable workhorse that chugs away almost unremarkably, and even if something does need fixing, the ample availability of parts means that servicing and maintenance will likely be the most affordable of all the cars on this list.
Pros:
- Bullet-proof reliability
- Good resale value
Cons:
- Not particularly exciting
- Slowest-accelerating of the lot
Practical pick: Skoda Octavia
Price: $188,900
Depreciation: $17,500/yr
Power: 115bhp
If absolutely practicality is what you need, then the Skoda Octavia is what you should get. Is it technically a sedan? Well, technically it's a fastback, but for all intents and purposes delivers on all the requirements of a family sedan.
Importantly, that fastback offers convenient access to the huge 600-litre boot, while other practical features like hooks in the boot for securing bags, as well as many cubbyholes for storage, means the Octavia delivers outsized utility. The cabin is also quite modern and pleasing. Downsides? Maintenance costs will probably be higher relative to its Asian counterparts.
Pros:
- Huge boot
- Good levels of equipment
- Newest car of the bunch (facelifted in 2025)
Cons:
- Maintenance might be costlier compared to the others
Efficient Pick: Hyundai Avante Hybrid
Price: $187,999
Depreciation: $17,800/yr
Power: 129bhp
The Hyundai Avante is unique in this segment for being the only one with a full hybrid powertrain, so expectedly it delivers the best fuel economy figure: 21.3km/L on paper.
The design language may be a bit too sharp and pointy for some people's taste, but step inside and you're greeted by a sensibly-designed and well-equipped cabin (you do need to plump up for the 'Elite' trim to get ventilated seats.) It isn't half bad to drive, too.
Pros:
- Efficient hybrid powertrain
- Good levels of equipment
Cons:
- Design language may be polarising
Sporty pick: Honda Civic Turbo
Price: $190,999
Depreciation: $17,600/yr
Power: 127bhp
At 1,284kg, it's the lightest of the lot. It also has multi-link rear suspension, a nicely-weighted steering rack, and the brand's reputation more making cars that drive well.
We don't love the CVT, or the fact that it has halogen head lights (it is a relatively older model, launched in 2021), but Honda Civics over the years and generations have generally stood up well to the test of time.
Pros:
- Most engaging to drive
Cons:
- Halogen head lights
Used pick: Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid
Price: ~$117k - $160k
Depreciation: ~$16.k - 17.5k/yr
Looking in the used market, many of the same names will pop up: Avantes, Civics, Altises, Mazda 3s. And realistically, the most dependable choice is probably still an Altis.
However, if you don't mentally limit yourself to COE category and engine capacity, it is worth considering the Corolla Altis Hybrid - basically an Altis with the Prius' powertrain (to be clear, the previous-generation Prius' powertrain). The car is technically still available brand new, but as it was launched in 2020 there are some on the used market now. As such, these pre-owned ones are mostly just 1 to 3 years old, but you get the dependability and reliability of a Toyota, and of course the Prius' (or well Toyota’s) famously efficient hybrid system.
There's even one unit on the market that's 13 months old and has only 88km on the clock.
Pros:
- Very fuel efficient
- Very reliable
Cons:
- Technically on the pricier side
You can see available listings of this model here, and also read our review of the car here.
And don't forget to check out these other Editorial Picks:
Editorial Picks: Premium hatchbacks below $260,000
