Heather is in the market for a new wagon to replace her Mazda6 diesel hatch. She's quite taken by the new 6 but is worried about road noise, one of the few complaints with her current car in her rural environment. Ford's Mondeo wagon is another possibility (she previously had a diesel hatch and loved it) but its tired presentation is an issue. Now VW's Golf wagon is on her list but she's not sure whether she can trust its reliability.

The budget is not provided

The shortlist

Heather is bang on target both with her shortlist and getting to the crux of what could potentially help her sort it all out.

In the case of the 6, its bugbear is indeed road noise. It is, though, quieter than her current one - and either a benchmark or close in other key respects - so we wouldn't be counting it out.

Same goes for the Ford. It might no longer be cutting-edge but it's still a formidable all-rounder and, significantly, quite easy on the senses.

The Golf? Well, to be fair to the current seventh-gen model, it's not responsible for recent negative headlines.

While it's too early to make a definitive call on its long-term reliability, VW is standing behind it with a comprehensive capped-price servicing regime.

Ford Mondeo wagon, from $33,340

The fact Heather is looking at the Golf probably means bulk space isn't vital but with this Ford she'll get it anyway.

She can also expect flexible and economical performance in the diesel (the petrol is just OK in these respects), as well as spotless driving credentials and a seven-year/105,000km capped-servicing program.

Wagons are noisier than the hatch but still retain a noticeably pampering air.

The Ford's age, though, is betrayed by a dour cabin atmosphere and lack of a reversing camera and sat nav. The base LX's dowdy presentation and sparse specification add to the old-school feel; glitzier, better equipped Zetec and Titanium look fresher but will soak up more cash.

Mazda6 wagon, from $34,760

This Mazda is newer than the Ford and feels it. All models get a reversing camera, sat nav - and some get safety technology like auto braking.

It also has more powerful and thriftier petrol/diesel engines, and gains a further edge with a fuel-saving auto stop/start feature.

It's a lovely thing to drive and, while it has a space deficit, it's not significant.

However, while Heather can also expect more comfort and quiet than her current car, the Mazda is no magic carpet and the GT and Atenza - on their 19-inch rubber - are noticeably nobbly and noisy.

The 6 also does without capped-price servicing, though that is set to be redressed later in the year.

Volkswagen Golf wagon, from $25,540

This VW might be small rather than mid-sized but its classy cabin is far from shamed for space and it cedes nothing here on the lugging front.

There aren't many black marks elsewhere. You get the access to the same drivetrains as the hatch (90 TSI, 103 TSI, 110 TDI, all of which are performance/economy benchmarks for their levels) and it feels just as agile, quiet and refined to drive (i.e. very). It's much cheaper than the other cars here.

But the 103 TSI and 110 TDI, on their 17-inch rubber, aren't as quiet or comfortable as cheaper versions. VW's six-year/90,000km capped-servicing program offers peace of mind, but uncertainty over just how well it'll hang together remains.

Drive recommends

The Golf is unbeatable in terms of what it offers for the money and looks pretty strong even when value is taken out of the equation.

But not being able to get a diesel with the quietest, most comfortable wheel and tyre combo in the range is a minus. While the seventh-gen model doesn't seem bedevilled by the reliability issues, it's fair to say the VW remains a question mark on this front.

If Heather has a laissez-faire attitude to such things (we don't, but some buyers do) and wants to keep the spend down we would say get the Golf. She won't be disappointed.

If she doesn't she should get the 6, which isn't whisper quiet but has a solid reputation for dependability and has the Mondeo comprehensively covered. Just avoid the bigger-wheeled models.