The Chevrolet Epica has suitably epic styling, an excellent engine and a pillow-soft ride; all for a reasonable amount of money. However, it is cheap in more ways than one, especially on the inside, and the on-board facilities are strangely spartan. If you just want the most affordable 6-cylinder in town, then the Chevy would be the default choice. If you desire an all-rounder, then the Epica would be out of its element.
The businessman going to the integrated resorts to try his luck should drive there in the Camry, because it is a safe bet. The car is also hugely comfortable, well balanced in its ride and handling, properly put together and mechanically dependable. Even though it has far more equipment than excitement, the mid-size Toyota will continue to be the preferred package for ordinary people who need fuss-free motoring in Singapore.
The winner of this comparison test is the Hyundai i45. It ticks most of the correct boxes, with the most critical being value for money, costly COEs notwithstanding. The dramatic saloon is not perfect, of course – the ride is occasionally crashy, the handling is horrible and the cabin materials vary drastically between chic and cheap. As a whole, however, the i45 is a mighty fine effort that sets the pace for the next better player.
Chevrolet Epica 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-6
Capacity 1993cc
Bore x stroke 75mm x 75.2mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 143bhp at 6400rpm
Max Torque 195Nm at 4600rpm
Power to weight 95.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top Speed 195km/h
Consumption 11.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Optimo K415
Size 205/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4805mm
Width 1810mm
Height 1450mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb Weight 1500kg
Turning Circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price $90,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Interesting engine, plenty of metal for the money, pliant ride
– Less roomy than it looks, average amenities, below-average quality
Hyundai i45 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 165bhp at 6200rpm
Max Torque 198Nm at 4600rpm
Power to weight 117bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.9 seconds
Top Speed 202km/h
Consumption 13.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Optimo K415
Size 215/55 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4820mm
Width 1835mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2795mm
Kerb Weight 1410kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $96,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Striking design throughout, practical interior, modern drivetrain
– So-so ride and handling, more hard plastics than soft, nasty key
Toyota Camry 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Max Power 147bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 190Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 100bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11 seconds
Top Speed 190km/h
Consumption 10.4km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Vivacy
Size 215/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 4
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4825mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2775mm
Kerb Weight 1470kg
Turning Circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price $122,988 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Cruising comfort, user convenience, renowned reliability
– Relatively expensive, dull driving experience, “uncle” image
