The Chevrolet Aveo’s biggest advantage in this article is its keen pricing, which undercuts the Vios by $7k and the 2 by $8k. This is a significant amount for drivers shopping in the bargain basement, where every dollar counts. Unfortunately, GM bean counters are on the case too, so the Aveo has been specified “downwards” to reach an equally low price point and the car’s build quality has been compromised along the way. To the Chevy’s credit, it makes the most of the cut-rate metal, it handles neatly and it even has a touch of personality.
The Vios is a true Toyota, happily doing everything, everywhere for the HDB heartlander without causing a heart attack when the bills arrive. In day-to-day driving and point-to-point performance, the Vios is quite difficult to fault, and mechanical reliability is a safe assumption for the owner as long as he services the car regularly. He will also discover that upgrading to the Corolla Altis in due course is perfectly logical.
The four-door derivative of the 2 supermini is not a downsized Mazda 3, that’s for sure. It is less stylish and less luxurious, and it’s not even made in Japan. But in the context of this story, the “rebooted” 2 is No. 1, thanks to its excellent on-board equipment, quality construction and enjoyable dynamics. Shortcomings are limited to the cloth upholstery (quickly gets dirty) and that rear end (unwieldy). If Mazda somehow knocked a few thousand bucks off its price tag, the 2 saloon might even challenge the Vios on Singapore’s best-seller charts.
Toyota Vios 1.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4
Capacity 1497cc
Bore x stroke 75mm x 84.7mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 109bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 141Nm at 4200rpm
Power to weight 103.3bhp/tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.8 seconds
Top Speed 175km/h
Consumption 14.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Potenza RE080
Size 185/60 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4300mm
Width 1700mm
Height 1460mm
Wheelbase 2550mm
Kerb Weight 1040kg
Turning Circle 9.8m
BUYING IT
Price $68,988 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Facelifted design is modern enough, honest-to-goodness motoring package, eager performance
– Noticeable noise from road and engine, some parts are a bit too basic, E spec as tested lacks certain amenities
Chevrolet Aveo Sedan 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4
Capacity 1399cc
Bore x stroke 77.9mm x 73.4mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Max Power 94bhp at 6200rpm
Max Torque 130Nm at 3400rpm
Power to weight 89.4bhp/tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.9 seconds
Top Speed 170km/h
Consumption 15.6km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type Kumho Powermax 769
Size 185/60 R14
SAFETY
Airbags 1
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4310mm
Width 1710mm
Height 1505mm
Wheelbase 2480mm
Kerb Weight 1052kg
Turning Circle 10.5m
BUYING IT
Price $61,799 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Attractive appearance that belies the low price, reasonably roomy cabin, stable handling
– Glaring cost-cutting in obvious places, rather unrefined ride and somewhat dated drivetrain
Mazda 2 Sedan 1.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4
Capacity 1498cc
Bore x stroke 78mm x 78.4mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 103bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 135Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 97.8bhp/tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.7 seconds
Top Speed 170km/h
Consumption 14.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport 230
Size 185/55 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4244mm
Width 1695mm
Height 1483mm
Wheelbase 2490mm
Kerb Weight 1053kg
Turning Circle 9.8m
BUYING IT
Price $69,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Highest quality of the bunch, impressive feature set for its price, decent driveability
– Awkward styling from some angles, back seat less roomy than the rest, biscuit-beige interior smudges easily
