It may have an advantage when it comes to driver entertainment on twisty bits of tarmac, but the Cruze needs a more conducive drivetrain in order to fully exploit the chassis’ capabilities. Chevrolet could perhaps employ one of General Motors’ small-displacement turbocharged engines (such as the hearty 140bhp 1.4-litre used in the Opel Astra) to make the Cruze’s outright performance match its handsome looks.
By offering the roomiest, classiest cabin and a smooth drive, the “fluidic” Elantra comes very close to winning this contest. The flashy new Elantra makes its competitors look tired, but the car’s asking price is too steep. Had it been at least $6,000 cheaper while still offering the same specifications and equipment, it would have won this shoot-out hands-down.
So, emerging victorious once again from yet another tough fight is the Kia Cerato Forte. Beneath its modern design is a capable runabout that delivers a dynamic drive without compromising on economy. Combine that with its keen pricing (in the current COE climate), and you have a slick package that should be at the top of the list for family men with a $100k budget seeking the most complete 1.6-litre saloon.
Chevrolet Cruze 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 93.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.5 seconds
Top Speed 185km/h
Consumption 13.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Falken Ziex ZE912
Size 215/50 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4597mm
Width 1788mm
Height 1477mm
Wheelbase 2685mm
Kerb Weight 1310kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $93,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Great infotainment system, excellent handling, eye-catching design all round
– Drivetrain lacks sparkle, rear bench not very relaxing, some ergonomics issues
Kia Cerato Forte 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1591cc
Bore x stroke 77.0mm x 85.44mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 124bhp at 6300rpm
Max Torque 156Nm at 4200rpm
Power to weight 100.9bhp 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 KH17
Size 215/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4530mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1460mm
Wheelbase 2650mm
Kerb Weight 1229kg
Turning Circle 10.3m
BUYING IT
Price $88,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Athletic engine, well-balanced ride and handling, engaging dynamics
– No reverse parking camera, no headrests and door bins in the rear
