If this “tournament” had been a question of refinement and civility, the Hyundai i30 would have sped away the winner. Its smooth road manners and well-made cabin are major draws, but its limited interior space is a drawback. The new i30, coming to Singapore by June 2012, will put up an even stronger fight for sure.
The Cruze 5 Sportback, besides being priced $3k lower than the i30, also offers superior practicality and better standard equipment. What the Chevy needs to make its case once and for all are a more purposeful powertrain and upgraded cabin plastics.
The Cerato Forte Hatchback plays the best round of “Asian Golf”. Less roomy than the Cruze 5 and less creamy than the i30 it might be, but the Kia shines with its nice drive, premium attributes and keen pricing (listed at $6k less than the i30 at press time). In this story at least, the Forte has the right “swing” and real “Golfing” talent.
Chevrolet Cruze 5 Sportback 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 81.5mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Max Power 122bhp at 6200rpm
Max Torque 155Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 92.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.7 seconds
Top Speed 183km/h
Consumption 15.1km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Kumho Solus
Size 215/50 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4543mm
Width 1797mm
Height 1477mm
Wheelbase 2685mm
Kerb Weight 1315kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $99,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Fantastic practicality, modern infotainment, attractive styling
– Sedate acceleration, stiff rear seating, imperfect ergonomics
Hyundai i30 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1591cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.4mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 121bhp at 6200rpm
Max Torque 154Nm at 4200rpm
Power to weight 92.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.4 seconds
Top Speed 183km/h
Consumption 14.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Optimo
Size 185/65 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4245mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1480mm
Wheelbase 2650mm
Kerb Weight 1314kg
Turning Circle 10.34m
BUYING IT
Price $102,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Superb all-round visibility, good build quality, refined ride
– Four passengers a squeeze, dated gearbox, compact boot
Kia Cerato Forte Hatchback 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1591cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.44mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 124bhp at 6300rpm
Max Torque 156Nm at 4200rpm
Power to weight 99bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top Speed 190km/h
Consumption 14.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Kumho Solus
Size 215/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4340mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1460mm
Wheelbase 2650mm
Kerb Weight 1253kg
Turning Circle 10.3m
BUYING IT
Price $96,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Impressive driveability, comfortable cabin, youthful appeal
– Saloon variant still more sellable, split-fold a bit complicated
