The Hyundai i45 is definitely a feasible alternative to the ever-popular Toyota Camry. Its main draws are its roomy cabin and composed ride, which pamper the driver and passengers alike. Against its rivals here, however, the drive isn’t very inspiring and the comparative lack of on-board goodies (at least in base spec as tested) is a disadvantage. Fortunately, Hyundai agent Komoco Motors has indicated that a better-equipped i45 is in the pipeline.
Delivering on its promise of driving entertainment is the Suzuki Kizashi K-Sport, thanks largely to its potent motor. But in this company, the car’s interior space is inadequate and its price tag is daunting, the latter encumbered further by the higher fuel and road tax charges of the larger 2.4-litre engine.
The Kia Optima lacks the i45’s gentle comfort and the Kizashi’s capable handling, but it more than compensates with its eye-catching “European” design, delightful cockpit and premium aspirations. By doing most things right and very little wrong, the Optima is probably the most desirable of these “unusual suspects”.
Suzuki Kizashi K-Sport 2.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 2393cc
Bore x stroke 92mm x 90mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 178bhp at 6500rpm
Max Torque 230Nm at 400rpm
Power to weight 119.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.8 seconds
Top Speed 205km/h
Consumption 12km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Yokohama dB Decibel E70
Size 235/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4650mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1480mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb Weight 1485kg
Turning Circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price $174,900 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Accurate steering, meaty mid-range, fantastic stereo system
– Relative thirst for fuel, average space in cabin and boot
Kia Optima K5 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
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 116.4bhp 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, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Nexen Classe Premiere CP643A
Size 225/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4845mm
Width 1830mm
Height 1455mm
Wheelbase 2795mm
Kerb Weight 1417kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $159,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Driver-oriented cockpit, generous amenities, responsive gearbox
– Lacks rear headroom, air-con not very effective, dull engine note
Hyundai i45 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
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
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4820mm
Width 1835mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2795mm
Kerb Weight 1410kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $154,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Smooth ride, excellent all-round visibility, silky transmission
– Not much equipment, patchy audio, languid performance
