Although it offers the sharpest handling and arguably the best styling of the group, a cruise in the Cruze is marred by average engine performance. Had it been equipped with a punchier motor to take advantage of its well-sorted chassis, this Chevy might have emerged as the one to beat.
The Corolla Altis may be the least daunting to drive, but Singapore’s preferred bread-and-butter saloon will need more than a great reputation to continue leading this segment. If future models can combine bold new looks with an updated drivetrain, rivals will really have a tough time fighting the Altis.
Offering the most pliant experience in this group test is the Fluence, which redefines comfort and refinement in the family car segment. It would have been smooth sailing all the way for this Renault newcomer had it not been for certain problems with ergonomics, which cannot be ignored.
Emerging as top dog, then, is the 2011 Cerato Forte. Its excellent gearbox and willing engine make for an involving drive, while the well-equipped cabin delivers what buyers expect these days. Factor in its competitive price, and you have a modern family saloon that offers unbeatable value for money in today’s COE climate.
Kia Cerato Forte SX 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1591cc
Bore x stroke 77mm 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 10.3 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
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 $73,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Responsive engine, impressive audio system, latest transmission
– No third three-point seat belt in the rear, lacks reversing camera
Renault Fluence 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 80.5mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 112bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 156Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 83.6bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.0 seconds
Top Speed 185km/h
Consumption 13.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Optimo
Size 205/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4620mm
Width 1809mm
Height 1479mm
Wheelbase 2702mm
Kerb Weight 1339kg
Turning Circle 11.1m
BUYING IT
Price $88,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Well-tuned steering, big boot, supple ride, welcome gadgets
– Transmission drone when whipped, some ergonomic issues
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 / Drums
TYRES
Type Kumho Solus
Size 205/60 R16
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 $79,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Cool styling, brilliant touch-screen, outstanding handling
– Rowdy engine, miniscule wing mirrors, lacks rear air-con
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 81.5mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 122bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 154Nm at 5200rpm
Power to weight 102.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.7 seconds
Top Speed 180km/h
Consumption 14.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Turanza
Size 195/65 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4540mm
Width 1760mm
Height 1465mm
Wheelbase 2600mm
Kerb Weight 1195kg
Turning Circle 10.3m
BUYING IT
Price $79,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Very easy to drive, superb fuel economy, flat rear floorboard
– Cheap head unit, dated 4-speed automatic, evolving too slowly
