The Corolla Altis is a model car by grassroots standards. It has good interior space, a useful set of features and agreeable dynamics. It looks presentable, too, and is properly put together.
In addition, the blue-chip Toyota brand promises dependable mechanicals and reliable resale value. In other words, the Corolla is a safe choice, as always, but it might be too safe for some.
The Impreza saloon is probably too quirky for mass market motorists, who generally prefer something conventional, without fanfare or character. Despite its turbocharged motor sports link, or maybe because of it, this offbeat Subaru is an unsatisfactory drive, so much so that if you specify the striking WR Blue paintwork, it will be one of the most bittersweet ironies in the industry.
The Avante shows how far Hyundai has come with the budget saloon concept. “Cheap” has been upgraded to “inexpensive”, while low cost and high-class are no longer mutually exclusive, as proven by our O-level ace student here. The sleek exterior and interior designs make rivals like the Corolla and Impreza look either old school or simply uncool, while the performance and equipment (which includes a low-priced sunroof option not available in the other two cars) are commendable. A nice palette of body colour choices, including voguish violet and two shades of blue, completes the Avante’s A+ scorecard.
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1598cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 79mm x 81.5mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Power 109bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 145Nm at 4400rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 175km/h
0-100km/h 11.8 seconds
Consumption 13km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Turanza ER300
Size 195/65 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4540mm
Width 1760mm
Height 1465mm
Wheelbase 2600mm
Kerb Weight 1195kg
Power to Weight Ratio 91.2bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $55,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Comfort and practicality, ease of use for everyone, reputation for reliability
– Perfectly predictable redesign, ordinary driving dynamics, completely colourless character
Hyundai Avante 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1591cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.4mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Power (with motor) 121bhp at 6200rpm
Torque 153Nm at 4200rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 180km/h
0-100km/h 11.6 seconds
Consumption 15.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Optimo K415
Size 185/65 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4505mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1490mm
Wheelbase 2650mm
Kerb Weight 1320kg
Power to Weight Ratio 91.7bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.3m
BUYING IT
Price $46,399 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Great styling for exterior and interior, superb set of cabin and boot features, strong performance and refined ride
– Steering has odd feel and bare wheel, braking is a bit snatchy sometimes, less compelling than Kia Forte cousin
Subaru Impreza 1.5 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1498cc
Cylinder layout Flat-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 77.7mm x 79mm
Compression ratio 10.1:1
Power 107bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 142Nm at 3200rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 167km/h
0-100km/h 15.1 seconds
Consumption Not available
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone B250
Size 195/65 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4580mm
Width 1740mm
Height 1475mm
Wheelbase 2620mm
Kerb Weight 1325kg
Power to Weight Ratio 80.8bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $54,500 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Nimble handling in all conditions, contemporary cabin design, pretty responsive gearbox
– Weak acceleration, average ride quality, very poor boot space
Related story: 2016 Hyundai Elantra review
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