Large under $65K: Australia’s Best Value Cars 2017

Fancy a little luxe for not a lot of dosh? These big sedans have plenty to give.

1st: Hyundai genesis

Hyundai’s ‘base’ luxo-barge costs substantially more than the two cars it beat for the gold, yet its superior three-year resale figure illustrates again how important future value is in the total running cost of a car.

Granted, large cars as a whole are not great, but 52 percent, or almost $30K lost in three years, still beats 37 or 41 percent. Hyundai’s five-year warranty is an asset, as always, but the old-school 3.8-litre V6 is a liability, drinking 11.2L/100km on the official combined cycle (at least it’s happy on 91 RON).

The Genesis proved pricier to insure than its key rivals, at $1055 per year, but out-did the Holden with a 12-month service interval.

2nd: Holden Calais V

We still can’t get our head around the brand’s unusual nine-month service interval, but that’s it for nit-picking because there’s plenty else to love about the V6-powered flagship version of our home-grown Holden.

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3rd: Skoda Superb 206 TSI

Poor forecast resale figure reflects the fact that Skoda is yet to cement its reputation in Australia. Stuffing a Golf R 2.0-litre turbo, all-paw drivetrain in the roomy, value-packed Superb 206 TSI should help change that.

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