30 H I G H W A Y

REVIEW

Cars aren’t getting any cheaper in Singapore. But these four models featured

show that you can still get your money’s worth for under $100K.

C H E V R O L E T C R U Z E 1 . 6

WOR DS TA N J U K UA N G

comfortably, and the 450-litre trunk is ample enough for luggage or golf bags. Head, leg and shoulder room in the Cruze is purportedly best-in-class here.

The Cruze offers a wealth of features, including the integrated NAVTRAK multifunction touchscreen GPS navigation. Passive Entry lets drivers unlock the car with a touch, and Passive Start enables ignition just by pressing a button. This is also one of the safest cars of its category, as it is

PRICE

$92,999* (WITH COE)ENGINE

1,598CC, ECOTEC 4-CYLINDER IN-LINE DOHCTRANSMISSION (MM)

6-SPEED AUTOMATICPOWER

115BHP @ 6,200RPMTORQUE

157NM @ 4,000RPM0-100KM/H

12.5 SECONDSDISTRIBUTOR

ALPINE MOTORS PTE LTD T 6511 3033

*PRICE IS CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT.

Anyone looking for a four-door sedan really should not

ignore the Cruze 1.6. With an engine capacity of 1,598cc, this handsome sedan packs the feel and performance of a larger car compared to Japanese compacts on the road. The responsive double overhead cam (DOHC) engine offers good fuel economy through its six-speed automatic transmission. Chevrolet’s Stability Enhance System and Traction Control provide for a smooth and comfortable ride while maintaining road-holding prowess.

The profile is a head turner, with its refined front fascia featuring large fog lamps and a chrome headlight design. Inside, the cabin is large enough to seat five adults

WE LIKE…THE STURDY BODY FRAME ARCHITECTURE AND ROLLOVER SENSING THAT PREDICTS VEHICLE “TIP UP” ON A FLAT ROAD SURFACE.

the first passenger car to receive maximum scores in both frontal offset collision and side-impact crash against a moving deformable barrier test, earning it a five-star safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

VALUE

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The compact five-door hatchback from Honda is still one of the more popular “small” cars on Singapore roads. And though it’s been a while since a new generation has been introduced, the Jazz continues to impress, with its timeless design and comprehensive specifications. Space and flexibility of configuration are also good. The centre-mounted fuel tank and ULTRA seats can be modulated to accommodate five passengers, or to carry long items.

Drivers will be happy with the nippy 1.3-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, which churns out 100PS of horsepower and 119Nm of torque. The seven-gear G-Design Shift ensures a smooth transition through

each power band, and contributes to the car’s efficient fuel usage. For those who prefer a more powerful model, the Honda Jazz RS offers a 1.5-litre version with direct injection that produces 130PS of horsepower.

Driving a car like this helps the environment. Under LTA’s FELS system, the new Honda Jazz 1.3 achieves an excellent fuel economy of 5.1 litres/100km and a CO2 output of 121g/km, which qualifies for a

H O N D A J A Z Z WE LIKE…THE SEVEN-INCH ADVANCED TOUCHSCREEN THAT PROVIDES THREE MULTI-ANGLE VIEWS THROUGH THE CAR’S REAR CAMERA.

PRICE

$96,999* (WITH COE)ENGINE

1,318CC, WATER-COOLED, 4-STROKE, DOHC, I-VTEC

TRANSMISSION

EARTH DREAMS CVTPOWER

100PS @ 6,000RPMTORQUE

119NM @ 5,000RPM0-100KM/H

12.9 SECONDSDISTRIBUTOR

KAH MOTOR PTE LTD T 6840 6888

*PRICE IS CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT.

PROPOSITIONS

$5,000 CEVS rebate. Safety is never

a compromise with Honda. The Jazz is designed with an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body and a full range of safety solutions, including Anti-lock Brake System, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal.

For a small car, the Jazz features great in-vehicle specifications, such as a smartphone interface through its

touchscreen display. The RS version offers

a One-push Start System and Honda Smart Key System. In addition, the multi-function steering wheel is incorporated with a seven-speed paddle shift, cruise control, audio control, and a useful, hands-free telephone switch.

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The sixth-generation Elantra offers one of the best specifications for cars in its class. The bold, aerodynamic design brings Hyundai to the next level of sophistication, and the ride quality, reduced noise and fuel economy are typical of more expensive models.

PRICE

$99,699* (WITH COE)ENGINE

1,591CC, 4-CYLINDER 16-VALVE IN-LINE DOHC DUAL CVVTTRANSMISSION

6-SPEED AUTOMATICPOWER

126BHPTORQUE

155NM0-100KM/H

11.6 SECONDSDISTRIBUTOR

KOMOCO MOTORS PTE LTD T 6475 8888

*PRICE IS CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT.

WE LIKE…THE CLASS-ABOVE FEATURES, INCLUDING BLIND-SPOT DETECTION, HANDS-FREE SMART TRUNK, AND AUTO CRUISE CONTROL.

Form and function come together in the Elantra. The unique hexagonal grille — known as the “shark’s mouth” — is not only distinctive, but helps to direct air flow around the wheels to minimise turbulence, hence increasing fuel efficiency. Modern light signatures that include the day-running LED lights are a first for the Elantra.

Inside, this model sports a more

“executive” look compared to its predecessor, boasting improved roominess and premium soft-

touch materials for a comfortable

environment. An integrated memory

system for the driver’s

seat is a category-first, and the ergonomic front seats have high-tension lightweight seat frames for improved performance on collisions.

The 1.6-litre normally aspirated engine packs a decent 126bhp, and the 155Nm of torque

H Y U N D A I E L A N T R A 1 . 6 G L S

should get you around town easily. But it is the ride that will get your attention. The chassis is now reinforced with 53% advanced high steel strength, more than double the previous model. The increased torsional stability and greater bending strength contribute to an improved ride, handling, quietness, durability and performance.

The GLS comes with Hyundai’s Gamma MPI engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

PRICE

$97,888* (WITH COE)ENGINE

999CC, 3-CYLINDER IN-LINE 12-VALVE TURBOCHARGED

TRANSMISSION

5-SPEED EASYTRONICPOWER

104BHP @ 4,500-6,000RPMTORQUE

170NM @ 1,800-4,300RPM 0-100KM/H

12.7 SECONDSDISTRIBUTOR

AUTO GERMANY PTE LTD T 6922 3288

*PRICE IS CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT.

The 2016 Opel Astra was named European Car of the Year, which speaks volumes of what you can expect from this five-door hatchback. The turbocharged 1.0-litre car (there is also a 1.4-litre version) also comes in a sports tourer variant in Singapore.

Some of the improvements helped tip the scale for the award-winning model. These include improved efficiency and enhanced safety features, with a premium suite of assistance technologies.

The new Astra has a completely new engine in the 1.0 Easytronic with an output of 104bhp

safety features available. Forward Collision Alert warns the driver of potential dangers ahead, and features a reflective LED in the windshield. The Opel Eye System also adds Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning. All this and more have helped the new Astra win international safety awards, including the maximum of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.

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and maximum torque of 170Nm. Thanks to direct injection and turbo technologies, the engine is twice as powerful as its predecessor.

One key element of the 11th-generation Astra is the vehicle architecture. The weight of the body shell has been reduced by more than 20%. Overall, the car is up to 200kg lighter than before (depending on the model and trim level).

Though the hatchback is smaller than its predecessor, the legroom and headroom has increased through better design. Additional design elements, like the dynamic divided C-pillar and the way the grille flows seamlessly into the lamps, help to make the

new Astra look lower, longer and wider.

But perhaps the deal-clincher for the model is the wide range of

WE LIKE…THE OPEL EYE, WHICH

PROVIDES TRAFFIC-SIGN RECOGNITION,

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING AND FORWARD

COLLISION ALERT.

O P E L A S T R A 1 . 0 L E A S Y T R O N I C