The Hyundai Elantra’s strong points include its sturdy construction, functional cockpit layout and smooth gearbox. At $95,999, it also costs about $10k less than the previous model, and is the most affordable saloon in this story.
The lower price, however, means the Elantra is less “Elite” than before, for it lacks some of its predecessor’s standard features, which include a blind spot monitor and ventilated front seats.
But if you can do without these goodies, the Elantra makes a very tempting proposition for the family man on a tighter budget.
Even more tempting than the Elantra is the Honda Civic. Families will like the roomy backseat and similarly roomy boot, while boyracers-turned-fathers will love the driver-oriented cockpit, responsive powertrain and agile handling, all of which is sure to make them fondly recall their bachelorhood.
The Civic has its shortcomings, though. Apart from having just two airbags (versus six in the Elantra and seven in the Impreza), it is also relatively expensive. The $118,999 Civic (at time of writing) is $23k and $18.1k dearer than the Elantra and Impreza respectively.
The numerous improvements made to the Impreza’s cabin, especially the enhanced connectivity, reduced NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and roomier backseat, are indeed very impressive.
The creamy boxer engine and quiet CVT also deserve plaudits. You wouldn’t expect a family saloon to be this refined, but it is.
However, we do feel that the all-wheel-drive system is unnecessary in our urban context.
The Subaru Impreza might not be as exciting to drive as the Honda Civic or as well-made as the Hyundai Elantra. But as an overall package, it is the fancier family saloon to beat.
Subaru Impreza 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Flat-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1600cc
Bore x stroke 78.8mm x 82mm
Compression Ratio 11:1
Max power 114bhp at 6200rpm
Max torque 150Nm at 3600rpm
Power to weight 81bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.4 seconds
Top speed 185km/h
Consumption 15.6km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 145g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Turanza T001
Size 205/50 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4625mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1455mm
Wheelbase 2670mm
Kerb weight 1407kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $100,800 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Most pliant ride, best roadholding, coolest infotainment
– Least exciting performance, least roomy backseat, probably the thirstiest
BEST IN REFINEMENT
Honda Civic 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1597cc
Bore x stroke 81mm x 77.5mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Max power 125bhp at 6500rpm
Max torque 152Nm at 4300rpm
Power to weight 100.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.6 seconds
Top speed 200km/h
Consumption 14.9km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 153g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2
Size 215/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction aids ABS, VSA
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4630mm
Width 1799mm
Height 1416mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb weight 1249kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $118,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Sweetest handling, most responsive powertrain, roomiest backseat
– The fewest airbags, highest price, least practical cockpit area
BEST IN PERFORMANCE
Hyundai Elantra Elite 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1591cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 84.5mm
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Max power 128bhp at 6300rpm
Max torque 155Nm at 4850rpm
Power to weight 102.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.6 seconds
Top speed 195km/h
Consumption 14.5km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 161g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Ventus Prime 2
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4570mm
Width 1800mm
Height 1450mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb weight 1250kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $95,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Most powerful engine, smoothest transmission, lowest price
– Fewer amenities than before, smallest boot, relatively basic infotainment
BEST IN BUILD QUALITY
Related story: Iron Man-themed Subaru Impreza
Related story: Why the ex-boyracer head of the household will like the new Honda Civic
Related story: Hyundai Elantra Elite review
