If this contest were just down to driving pleasure alone, then the Ford Focus would’ve outdone the other two contenders with very little effort. The Focus’ suspension and steering are so well balanced that the handling actually puts sportier vehicles in the shade. However, its high price tag ($9k and $23k dearer than the Elantra and Forte K3 respectively, at press time) and lack of interior space (for a family saloon) cannot be ignored.
When it comes to space and comfort, it’s the Hyundai Elantra that really delivers. The driving experience on the other hand, doesn’t quite feature the zing offered by its competitors. Had Hyundai added more spice to its contender, the outcome of this Group Test might have been very different.
Outshining its rivals in this story is the Kia Forte K3. Although it cannot match the Focus in dynamics or the Elantra in outright cushiness, the Forte K3 makes up for this with its superb cabin, attractive standard amenities and willing powertrain. It’s the red-hot runabout that really drives as well as it looks.
Hyundai Elantra 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 130bhp at 6300rpm
Max Torque 157Nm at 4850rpm
Power to weight 110bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.6 seconds
Top Speed 195km/h
Consumption 14.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 157g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Yokohama Earth-1
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4530mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1445mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb Weight 1181kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $129,999 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Smoothest powertrain, greatest headroom, comfiest seats
– Lazy gearbox, plasticky interior, over-assisted steering
Ford Focus 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1596cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 81.4mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Max Power 125bhp at 6300rpm
Max Torque 159Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 94.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed dual-clutch with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11 seconds
Top Speed 198km/h
Consumption 15.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 151g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Turanza ER300
Size 215/50 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4534mm
Width 1823mm
Height 1484mm
Wheelbase 2648mm
Kerb Weight 1324kg
Turning Circle 11.8m
BUYING IT
Price INCL. COE $139,888 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Best fuel economy, punchiest hi-fi, sharpest steering
– Smallest boot, least spacious cabin, highest price
Kia Forte K3 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 130bhp at 6300rpm
Max Torque 157Nm at 4850rpm
Power to weight 109.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.6 seconds
Top Speed 195km/h
Consumption 14.7km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 160g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Nexen CP643a
Size 215/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with VSM
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4560mm
Width 1780mm
Height 1445mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb Weight 1192kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $115,999 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Nicest cabin, coolest infotainment, lowest sticker price
– Least refined engine, lowest rear headroom, stiffest ride
Related story: Group Test: Toyota Corolla Altis vs Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sylphy
Related story: Group Test: Ford Focus 1.6 vs Renault Fluence 1.5
Related story: Kia Cerato Forte K3 review
