BARGAINS OF THE WEEK: Motoring

CAR OF THE WEEK

WHAT'S THE definition of an executive car? Presumably, an executive drives it, and middle management aspire to own it. But few take the Mazda Xedos 9 seriously. That is a shame: it is refined, well built and comfortable, but a cramped rear seat, light steering and uncharismatic badge hit resale values. Mazda Cars (0500 800880) seems to be admitting this by offering 1998 R-registered models through its dealers' approved used schemes for pounds 16,995. They cost more than pounds 28,600 new.