Just because something is cheaper than its competitors doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better buy, because true value for money depends on both dollars and sense. In this case, the most affordable car here is the Focus, which undercuts the Civic by $3k and the Jetta by a substantial $8k-plus. But the approximate $17k OMV (open market value) of the Ford is some $4k less than either rival, so it is cheaper in the showroom because it is cheaper on paper.
Assuming a COE of $57k, the Focus’ base cost should be in the region of $95,800 (see formula in next paragraph), which translates into a margin of roughly $27k. Compare this to the $104,900 base cost of the Civic and Jetta (both have a similar OMV of around $21k), which equals respective margins of $21k for the Honda and $26k for the Volkswagen based on their list prices at press time. Simply put, the new Civic’s price tag is the most reasonable in the context of this Group Test.
(To estimate a new car’s base cost, take its OMV and add 20 percent for the Customs duty, impose 7 percent for GST on the OMV+duty figure, then add another 100 percent of OMV for the ARF and finally factor in the prevailing COE price.)
The Honda, however, loses points with its decidedly retrograde redesign and unexpected econobox touches. The Focus, meanwhile, gains points with its excellent equipment (for both exterior and interior), best-in-class handling and pro-driver setup – these traits together offset the Focus’ relatively limited cabin space.
But the Volkswagen Jetta has even more going for it than the capable Ford. It is the fastest car here, yet also the most fuel-efficient. Its ride-and-handling equation is perfectly balanced. It is a sizeable, handsome saloon with generous interior dimensions for occupants and their gear. And the “VW” badge has a certain cachet, not only in the office carpark but also in the multi-storey back home. These advantages are enough to justify the slight premium charged for the Jetta and help it ace this competition.
Ford Focus 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1596cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 81.4mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Max Power 125bhp at 6300rpm
Max Torque 159Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 94.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11 seconds
Top Speed 198km/h
Consumption 15.4km/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 Bridgestone Turanza ER300
Size 215/50 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4534mm
Width 1823mm
Height 1484mm
Wheelbase 2648mm
Kerb Weight 1324kg
Turning Circle 11.8m
BUYING IT
Price $122,888 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Dynamic handling, impressive infotainment, supportive seating
– Comparatively cramped cabin, overly busy cockpit, average engine
Honda Civic 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 81mm x 77.5mm
Compression ratio 10.6:1
Max Power 125bhp at 6500rpm
Max Torque 151Nm at 4300rpm
Power to weight 102bhp per tonne
Gearbox 5-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.4 seconds
Top Speed 197km/h
Consumption 14.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Turanza ER30
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with VSA
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4525mm
Width 1755mm
Height 1435mm
Wheelbase 2670mm
Kerb Weight 1225kg
Turning Circle 11.6m
BUYING IT
Price $125,900 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Arctic-like air-conditioning, good ergonomics, great all-round visibility
– Sedate styling, unremarkable engine, only two airbags, poor radio
Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1390cc
Bore x stroke 76.5mm x 75.6mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 122bhp at 5000rpm
Max Torque 200Nm at 1500-4000rpm
Power to weight 91.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.8 seconds
Top Speed 202km/h
Consumption 16.6km/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 Hankook Ventus Prime
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4644mm
Width 1778mm
Height 1482mm
Wheelbase 2651mm
Kerb Weight 1330kg
Turning Circle 11.1m
BUYING IT
Price $131,300 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Highly efficient drivetrain, roomy interior, enormous boot, decent gadgets
– Idiosyncrasies of dry-clutch DSG, no-frills hi-fi, some issues with ergonomics
