Acquiring a brand new saloon in light of current market conditions is difficult, but not impossible. The three subcompact saloons we’ve gathered here are proof of this – each one is within reach of buyers who are shopping with a $100,000 budget.
Keen to appeal to these buyers is the Hyundai Accent, successor to the Verna.Instead of looking like a basic Korean saloon, the Accent has a Euro-centric design that resembles its larger Elantra sibling. The Accent also has a healthy engine output and pretty lively performance.
The newest player in this “cheap and cheerful” segment is the Mitsubishi Attrage. It offers a reasonably well-equipped cabin and an efficient 1.2-litre drivetrain, which aims to lower running costs.
The most established contender of the trio is the Nissan Almera. As the least subcompact of the three cars, the Almera promises plenty of space and comfort – welcome attributes in this segment.
Which of these subcompact saloons will score an A star from the cost-conscious buyer? Continue reading to find out the results.
With its decent equipment and intuitive controls, the Attrage appeals to the driver motoring on a shoestring. The car’s only drawback is its relaxed performance, but it earns points for being frugal (which makes it cheap to run) and green (which qualifies for a $10k CEVS rebate that makes it cheaper to buy). For added peace of mind, the engine is also covered by a 10-year/200,000km warranty (the car has to be serviced at Cycle & Carriage), which is unique in this segment.
The Nissan Almera isn’t as fuel-efficient as its two rivals in this article, but its spaciousness and refinement are very convincing. Less compelling, however, is its comparatively higher cost. At press time, it commands a premium of $6k and $8k over the Accent and Attrage respectively. This impacts its value for money. But if the buyer is able/happy to stretch his budget a bit, he’ll acquire one of the roomiest saloons at this price point.
Proving itself to be really cheap and good is the Hyundai Accent. It may not be as spacious as the Almera or as well-equipped as the Attrage, but the Accent has a better than “budget” cabin, while its peppy powerplant and seamless transmission deliver a surprisingly nice drive.
Group Test: Toyota Vios versus Nissan Almera versus Honda City
Hyundai Accent 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1368cc
Bore x stroke 72mm x 74mm
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Max power 100bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 133Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 96.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.8 seconds
Top speed 185km/h
Consumption 16.1km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 146g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Kumho Solus KH17
Size 175/70 R14
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4370mm
Width 1700mm
Height 1457mm
Wheelbase 2570mm
Kerb weight 1040kg
Turning circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $97,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Good build quality, peppiest performance, most affordable price
– Fewest amenities, smallest backseat, no steering wheel controls
Nissan Almera 1.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1498cc
Bore x stroke 78mm x 78.4mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max power 99bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 134Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 95.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 13.3 seconds
Top speed 175km/h
Consumption 14.9km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 159g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type Bridgestone B250
Size 185/65 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction aids ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4455mm
Width 1695mm
Height 1515mm
Wheelbase 2590mm
Kerb weight 1040kg
Turning circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $104,000 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Smoothest ride, roomiest backseat, coldest air-conditioning
– Least cheap pricing, relative thirst for fuel, least secure backseat
Mitsubishi Attrage 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-3, 12-valves
Capacity 1193cc
Bore x stroke 75mm x 90mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Max power 78bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 100Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 86.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 14 seconds
Top speed 170km/h
Consumption 20.8km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 113g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Potenza S001
Size 185/55 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction aids ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4245mm
Width 1670mm
Height 1515mm
Wheelbase 2550mm
Kerb weight 900kg
Turning circle 9.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $95,999 (after $10k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Sheer user-friendliness, tightest turning circle, highest efficiency
– Lackadaisical performance, plasticky interior, tiniest boot light
