In 2009, Hyundai managed to beat the previously unassailable Altis on the Singapore sales charts. This year in 2010, here and now, the ever-improving Korean automaker launches its assault on Toyota’s Category B champion, the Camry, in the swoopy form of the i45. The Sonata successor is similar to the Toyota in dimensions and wheelbase, but its radical design contrasts sharply with the Camry’s conservative suit. Does the bold newcomer have enough substance underneath to outshine the benchmark?
The champion is not merely cruising on autopilot in the marketplace and waiting for the competition to catch up. It was lightly facelifted in August last year and the dashboard has undergone detail improvements, which include an upgraded infotainment set. Borneo Motors’ current offer of five years’ free servicing and $2,000 of petrol vouchers for the new Camry helps keep the car on the radar of heartland executives driven to distraction by the i45.
Keeping the three-year-old Epica within range of its two rivals is a standard bodykit, bright new LED tail-lights (locally fitted), redesigned two-tone leather and a better stereo than before. The Chevy’s chief selling point, its transversely mounted straight-6 engine, remains unchanged but continues to stand out in the 2-litre crowd. Another advantage is the Epica’s keen pricing, which undercuts the Camry by over $30,000, which is a lot of McDonald’s Extra Value Meals.
So which saloon here delivers the greatest value for money? And which one has that little extra edge over the others in terms of desirability?
EPICA – Driver’s seat has most pronounced side support, but lacks the others’ electric adjustment and left footrest. Visibility better than the quality. Standard airbag count: two.
I45 – Cocooned and comfy cockpit has the most convenient cluster of controls on the door panel. Area around the gear lever is best for odds and ends. Standard airbag count: six.
CAMRY – Logical switchgear and easy one-touch operation of all four windows. Centre armrest is the largest, plushest and most spacious inside. Standard airbag count: four.
