Where have all the small to medium sedans gone?

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kiwifidget

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#310618 6-Nov-2023 09:30

The mother is interested in getting a new car.

She would prefer a medium sedan (currently driving an old Nissan Maxima - but wants to downsize just a bit) with a petrol engine and the mod cons.

When I look at the roads, all you see are hatchbacks and SUVs, and the few sedans all seem to be large European cars.

Where did they go, where can they be found? Even the electric ones aren't sedans!

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#3156589 6-Nov-2023 09:43

Where have all the sedans gone? Long time passing,

When have all the sedans gone? longtime ago.

Where have all the sedans? Utes have killed them everyone.

When will we ever learn, When will we ever learn.

Where have all the sedans gone? Long time passing,

When have all the sedans gone? longtime ago.

Where have all the sedans? SUVs have crushed them everyone.

When will we ever learn, When will we ever learn.

jonathan18

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#3156590 6-Nov-2023 09:49

Just to clarify, one of the biggest selling EVs in the world - the Model 3 - is a sedan!

As for ICE sedans - what about Corolla? Mazda3? They are out there, just not nearly as many options.

While I don’t love the move to SUVs, I do get why people elect these, hatchbacks or (my favourite) wagons over sedans - they’re just so much more versatile.

networkn

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#3156595 6-Nov-2023 09:52

BMW 1 and 3 Series, Audi A4 series.

Cupra make some nice cars, but not sedans.

kiwifidget

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#3156596 6-Nov-2023 09:56

@mikeb4 very poignant and funny. 😂

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Groucho

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#3156597 6-Nov-2023 10:08

I haven't thought about it but you're right, there aren't many sedans about now. I've never owned a sedan as I personally find hatchbacks more practical. Perhaps that's it?

On the trajectory we're on in years to come I suspect medium sized anything will be hard to come by. Apparently "the market" requires double cab utes and large SUVs for school runs and runabouts so the keeping up with the Jones's continues...

As engines become more fuel efficient we seem to be cancelling out the fuel savings with much heavier vehicles that need bigger engines which burn more fuel. The carparks get tighter and the roads around schools become gridlocked with vehicles you can't see past.

Chills

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#3156600 6-Nov-2023 10:14

I mean, I’d probably suggest a Toyota CH-R.

1. They’re Toyotas (Can’t get more reliable)
2. They’re mini SUVs, so may fit the bill

They come in 1.2L Hybrid or 1.2L Turbos (for whatever reason) and have a plethora of features.

They also have a little get up and go if your mum needs to pass the boy racer in their straight piped Civic.

robjg63

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#3156601 6-Nov-2023 10:16

For the 'footprint' size of a vehicle (SUV vs Sedan):

an SUV is more spacious inside
better load carrying space - kiwis like to occasionally move stuff around
easier to get in and out of
better road visiblity
better headroom for taller drivers

(The above are all generalisations I will concede)

I personally cant see what disadvantages a moderate sized SUV gives over a sedan.

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Rikkitic

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#3156604 6-Nov-2023 10:20

I'm a sedan person. I don't care about the practicalities. I just like them.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

kiwifidget

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#3156605 6-Nov-2023 10:20

Oh yes, there is a Mazda3 sedan. Plain GSX is a bit light on the bells and whistles, the Limited is more the ticket but is in the brochure but not on the website. Curious.

Cant see a Corolla sedan anywhere though.

Audi A4 is too big. An A3 would be the right size if it came in a sedan but I dont think it does.

BMW1 is a hatch.

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Chills

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#3156607 6-Nov-2023 10:28

kiwifidget:
Oh yes, there is a Mazda3 sedan. Plain GSX is a bit light on the bells and whistles, the Limited is more the ticket but is in the brochure but not on the website. Curious.

Cant see a Corolla sedan anywhere though.

Audi A4 is too big. An A3 would be the right size if it came in a sedan but I dont think it does.

BMW1 is a hatch.

A Toyota Camry is basically a Corolla Sedan. Could have a look at one of those? And if shes looking for some speed, I believe they do 3.5L models 😄

eracode

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#3156609 6-Nov-2023 10:29

kiwifidget:

An A3 would be the right size if it came in a sedan but I dont think it does.

Audi A3 does come as a sedan and was sold in NZ until recently but no longer shows on Audi websites here. Is/was a lovely car but you don’t see many of them around - and I guess therein lies this story.

You could likely find a nice one secondhand.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

networkn

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#3156612 6-Nov-2023 10:31

eracode:

kiwifidget:

An A3 would be the right size if it came in a sedan but I dont think it does.

Audi A3 does come as a sedan and was sold in NZ until recently but no longer shows on Audi websites here. Is/was a lovely car.

Have a look at the RS3, I saw a recent one recently, it was very very nice.

jonathan18

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#3156618 6-Nov-2023 10:45

kiwifidget:
Cant see a Corolla sedan anywhere though.

Yeah, I also can’t see them on their website - that is a weird, but maybe they’re no longer sold?

The Camry is a large car, definitely a lot bigger than a Corolla; it’s closer to the size of the Maxima.

There’s also the Mazda6, which I think is still available in sedan form - size wise, in between the Camry and the Corolla.

Chills

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#3156623 6-Nov-2023 10:53

Could also have a look at the Lexus CT200H. Much like the RS3. It’s compact, hybrid and has a high reliability score.

jonathan18

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#3156625 6-Nov-2023 10:57

For you sedfans (ie sedan fans), why choose a sedan over another form? I’m genuinely interested!

Practicality-wise, it’s usually no competition. Are they quieter?

Even on looks I rarely find a sedan version better looking than the hatch or wagon (though I get that’s totally subjective!).

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