Although the Mazda 3 boasts better handling and more accurate steering than the other two contenders in this contest, it stumbles in other areas – the relatively dated drivetrain compromises fuel efficiency, while the comparatively smaller cabin means poorer overall practicality. The car’s price also commands a premium in Singapore.
The Cerato Forte might be the least expensive in this group, but its qualities go far beyond “inexpensive”. The Kia’s key strengths are its attractive styling, energetic powertrain and user-friendly cockpit, with the only “blot” on its scoresheet being the engine’s average refinement.
Running neck and neck with the Cerato Forte is the all-new Impreza. Although the driving experience it offers is sedate compared to both its rivals here, the Impreza nevertheless manages to impress with its surefooted manners, pliant ride and spacious interior.
So, there are two “correct” answers to our “value-for-money” multiple-choice question posed at the beginning of the story.
Kia Cerato Forte 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 11.5 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 KH17
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 $116,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Highest specs, neatest design, lowest sticker price to boot
– Least refined motor, back seat isn’t very passenger-friendly
Mazda 3 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 78mm x 83.6mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 105bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 144Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 85.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.3 seconds
Top Speed 177km/h
Consumption 12.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Toyo J48
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4580mm
Width 1755mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2640mm
Kerb Weight 1225kg
Turning Circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price $136,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Nicest handling and the most driver-focused cockpit of the trio
– Less roomy cabin and weaker powertrain than the others
Subaru Impreza 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Flat-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1600cc
Bore x stroke 78.8mm x 82mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 114bhp at 5600rpm
Max Torque 150Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 105.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.6 seconds
Top Speed 181km/h
Consumption 14.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear Excellence
Size 195/65 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4580mm
Width 1740mm
Height 1465mm
Wheelbase 2645mm
Kerb Weight 1350kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $123,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Roomiest cabin, biggest boot, creamiest ride, sweetest engine
– Some issues with ergonomics, not the most exciting car to drive or look at
