Tested SUBARU Impreza, CHEVROLET Optra & NISSAN Latio today.

 Ah! 3 vehicle test drives in a day.

 

 First stop was Motor Image at Ubi, the local distributor for SUBARU. Saw the new 2006 SUBARU Impreza 1.6 TS. (see picture below) Was served by Benjamin Chong. He was very helpful in explaining the intricacies of the vehicle. After test driving it, here are my opinions:

 

1. This car is AWD (All Wheel Drive).

2 .The car handles well. Although the suspension was tuned stiffer than other cars, the ride was smooth. Going over bumps was pleasant and I could barely feel it. In fact, there was once when Benjamin asked me to go over a road hump at 40 – 50 km/h! I tried it at 45 km/h! Result: the suspension passed with flying colours. The bump was felt, but is was handled well by the suspension. The was barely a bounce after the initial one. (no ‘damping’ bounces after that)

3. It is a fast car. Acceleration is good. Perky. I can feel that the car has the reserves to go faster that what I was asking it to do. Better than NISSAN Latio.

4. The controls has the continental feel. (eg: signal indicator stalk is on the left, gear change type is the grooved type rather than the straight type)

5. The passenger space/room is rather limited. Not that it is cramped, but rather not roomy enough.

6. The noise inside the passenger cabin is quiet. Only a very slight engine noise can be heard.

7. The price of SGD 64 500 is a little stiff.

 

 Next was a stop at Starsauto, Ubi branch, to look at the CHEVROLET Optra. Nothing much to say about this competent car. The ride is also good. But there is a feel that it is heavy during acceleration (diplomatic talk for being a little sluggish – the most sluggish among the cars that I’ve tested today). The room is good. The car is able to seat 5 adults comfortably. Price: SGD 54 000 for the Premium version.

 

 As the rain began to pour down, I went into the NISSAN showroom to take a look at the Latio again. However, this time, I tested the Latio Sports version. Here are my comments:

1. I tested the car’s acceleration capability from 0 km/h. The CVT engine impressed me. The was not jerk at all. Acceleration is ‘competent’. It can move the car forward while picking up speed  but was not as good as the Subaru’s performance. But it is BETTER than Optra’s acceleration.

2. The seat ergonomics are better than all the cars that I have tested as of today. Feel is nice and I like the material. (Leather / Alcantara Combination Upholstery)

3. Latio is a very modern car. Keyless entry, electrical boot release button (vs. mechanical release), air-con with ionizer, auto headlights, etc. Such a car that relies so heavily on electronics might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

4. Noise insulation in the Lation is Excellent! One needs to look at the tachometer to verify whether the engine is running or not!

5. UPDATE: The price has gone down to SGD 59 500. (for the Premium version)