That the Lancer GLX… oops, I mean MR… can stand up to scrutiny in this group test demonstrates the essential rightness of the original vehicle. It still looks presentable, both externally and inside the cabin, and it still drives decently, although the Evolution connection is tenuous. The game has moved on, however, with the current 1.5-litre Lancer EX for example showing how cramped and backward its long-running predecessor really is. But that car costs $10,000 more, so maybe there’s a business case for the “new old” Lancer. Just don’t factor in the Kia Cerato Forte.
The Toyota Vios is an automotive hero in the HDB heartlands. Economical to buy and to run, reasonably good looking, and ridiculously easy to drive, Toyota’s entry-level runabout is the do-everything dream car for Everyman. Its racy overtones might be a problem for those expecting Altis levels of relaxation on the road, but boyracers getting their first ride seem to appreciate this “exciting” aspect of the Vios. For us, this car is obviously built down to a bargain basement price, with the on-board amenities of the G (for Generous?) version merely masking this sad fact.
Motorists with more sense than dollars will be happy to know that the 2010 Suzuki SX4 saloon is this story’s cheap and good champion. It best fulfils the job requirements laid out in the article’s title, Extra Value Zeal. The SX4 packs enough “extras” to make either of its rivals look spartan and it also offers plenty of “value”, courtesy of the ample equipment, the super spacious interior and the solid construction. As for “zeal”, the SX4 has the fittest engine of the trio and the heartiest acceleration on paper (although the Vios feels a little faster on asphalt).
The SX4 wins this contest, but the Lancer MR and Vios are worthy runners-up.
Suzuki SX4 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1586cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 78mm x 83mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Power (with motor) 110bhp at 5600rpm
Torque 150Nm at 3800rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 170km/h
0-100km/h 10.8 seconds
Consumption 12.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Yokohama Advan A10
Size 205/50 R17
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4510mm
Width 1730mm
Height 1545mm
Wheelbase 2500mm
Kerb Weight 1180kg
Power to Weight Ratio 93.2bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $60,900 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Good cabin space, great boot space, excellent standard equipment, admirable quality for its price
– Styling still awkward despite body kit, big wheels compromise ride comfort, driving behaviour functional, not fun
Mitsubishi Lancer MR 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1584cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, SOHC
Bore x stroke 76mm x 87.3mm
Compression ratio 10.1:1
Power 106bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 142Nm at 2750rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 170km/h
0-100km/h 12.8 seconds
Consumption Not available
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Drums
TYRES
Type Yokohama dB Decibel
Size 195/60 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4535mm
Width 1695mm
Height 1445mm
Wheelbase 2600mm
Kerb Weight 1140kg
Power to Weight Ratio 93bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10m
BUYING IT
Price $58,988 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/120,000km
+ Handsome for a 10-year-old, supple ride and decent handling, gorgeous instrument meters
– Coarse engine and cheap gearshift, room and ergonomics date the car, “Lancer MR” is a misnomer
Toyota Vios 1.5 G (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1497cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 75mm x 84.7mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Power 109bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 141Nm at 4200rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 175km/h
0-100km/h 11.8 seconds
Consumption 14.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Drums
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Potenza RE080
Size 185/60 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4300mm
Width 1700mm
Height 1460mm
Wheelbase 2550mm
Kerb Weight 1055kg
Power to Weight Ratio 103.3bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 9.8m
BUYING IT
Price $63,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Modern appearance and apparatus, easy driveability and manoeuvrability, enthusiastic pick-up and handling
– Noise from tarmac and engine, cheap plastics, brittle in places, soft brake pedal action
