Chevrolet’s Cruze 5 Sportback really shines in terms of handling dynamics and on-board infotainment, but misses a few “Golf strokes” with its laid-back powertrain and lack of amenities. Without these drawbacks, the Cruze 5 could have gone home as the winner.
Kia’s Cerato Forte Hatchback delivers peppy performance and provides good ergonomics, and it wears the tiniest price tag. These attributes, however, have been outmatched this time around by the talents of its newer cousin from sister company Hyundai.
Although it doesn’t feel as fun to drive as the Kia and lacks the solid audio entertainment of the Chevy, the new i30 nevertheless manages to outplay its rivals with its creamy powertrain, premium features (some of which are novelties in this segment) and flexible storage options, giving it the right “swing” and ability to win this Korean Golf rematch.
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 130bhp at 6300rpm
Max Torque 157Nm at 4850rpm
Power to weight 107.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top Speed 192km/h
Consumption 14.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Nexen Roadian 581
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4300mm
Width 1780mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2650mm
Kerb Weight 1210kg
Turning Circle 10.2m
BUYING IT
Price $141,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Eye-catching design, attractive features, smooth drive, most airbags
– Costliest vehicle here, air-con lacks cooling power, small boot
Kia Cerato Forte Hatchback 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 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 KH17
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 $123,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Willing engine, faultless ergonomics, very competitive pricing
– Poorest mileage, few storage options, inconvenient split-fold
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 185km/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 Hankook Optimo K415
Size 205/60 R16
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 $134,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Supportive seats, superb infotainment, accurate steering
– Sedate performance, average quality, some ergonomics issues
