For a compact country like Singapore, it is a surprise that hatchbacks, which are often more practical in an urban environment, are not as popular as one might expect them to be.
It probably alludes to the fact that cars are status symbols here, and that the bigger perceived size of your car, the more presence you have on the road. Hence sedans, with their extra sheet metal, are more appealing than 'chopped-off' hatchbacks.
But the tide appears to be changing, as a younger consumer mindset starts to embrace diversity and choice. And so, hatchbacks are starting to proliferate in the local market as buyers, especially young families, begin to see the appeal of a hatch's practicality.
Both Chevrolet and Kia actually have had prior experience in the family hatchback market, with the unloved Optra 5 and the equally unpopular Cerato hatchback. But that hasn't stopped both manufacturers from trying again, and the new Cruze 5 Sportback and Forte Hatchback promises to be even better than previous efforts.
Exterior
Some people see hatchbacks as merely sedans with a chopped off rear. While some cars do give that impression, both the Cruze 5 and the Forte manage to avoid that look by having a well-proportioned rear-end design.
It probably alludes to the fact that cars are status symbols here, and that the bigger perceived size of your car, the more presence you have on the road. Hence sedans, with their extra sheet metal, are more appealing than 'chopped-off' hatchbacks.
But the tide appears to be changing, as a younger consumer mindset starts to embrace diversity and choice. And so, hatchbacks are starting to proliferate in the local market as buyers, especially young families, begin to see the appeal of a hatch's practicality.
Both Chevrolet and Kia actually have had prior experience in the family hatchback market, with the unloved Optra 5 and the equally unpopular Cerato hatchback. But that hasn't stopped both manufacturers from trying again, and the new Cruze 5 Sportback and Forte Hatchback promises to be even better than previous efforts.
Exterior
Some people see hatchbacks as merely sedans with a chopped off rear. While some cars do give that impression, both the Cruze 5 and the Forte manage to avoid that look by having a well-proportioned rear-end design.
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The Forte features a nice, natural curve that departs from the sharp angular lines of the sedan, and overall cuts a very clean look that comes across as rather organic.
The Cruze 5 though, has a more sloping arch that seems a bit unnatural. There is more sheet metal, and with no third window, it accentuates the Cruze's size. The Cruze's solid, chunky look contrasts starkly against the Forte's soft curves, and there is a little hint of a tail where the rear windscreen ends, which makes the Chevy edge out the Kia when the tape measure is taken out.
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Interior
Being family cars, features are important, and the two Koreans here knock each other out blow for blow with their comprehensive equipment.
The Forte remains as well-stocked as before, featuring items such as a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering-mounted paddle shifters, an engine stop-start button, and self-dimming rear view mirror.
The Cruze hits back with a sunroof and Chevrolet's Navtrak touch screen infotainment system, which incorporates useful stuff such as a reverse camera as well as satellite-navigation. It makes the two cars tough to separate, features-wise.
Being family cars, features are important, and the two Koreans here knock each other out blow for blow with their comprehensive equipment.
The Forte remains as well-stocked as before, featuring items such as a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering-mounted paddle shifters, an engine stop-start button, and self-dimming rear view mirror.
The Cruze hits back with a sunroof and Chevrolet's Navtrak touch screen infotainment system, which incorporates useful stuff such as a reverse camera as well as satellite-navigation. It makes the two cars tough to separate, features-wise.
The general ambience of both cars though, differs significantly. The Forte features red stitching and lighting for the instruments, eliciting a sporty sensation. The Cruze, meanwhile, aims for a touch of classiness with its blue mood lighting and faux chrome centre console trim.
Despite being contracted versions of their respective sedan siblings, interior room remains unchanged for both the Cruze and Forte, with both able to accommodate five in reasonable comfort.
Boot space, however, is slightly down for both cars. But the reduction is only minor, as the Forte still boasts of a-more-than-decent 385 litre capacity, and the Cruze better that with an impressive 413 litres of cargo carrying ability.
Despite being contracted versions of their respective sedan siblings, interior room remains unchanged for both the Cruze and Forte, with both able to accommodate five in reasonable comfort.
Boot space, however, is slightly down for both cars. But the reduction is only minor, as the Forte still boasts of a-more-than-decent 385 litre capacity, and the Cruze better that with an impressive 413 litres of cargo carrying ability.
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The Drive
While both cars are of a similar nature, and aimed at the same type of market group, they go about their business of ferrying families rather differently.
The Cruze, with its feel of solidity, is the more comfort-biased of the two here. It is most at home cruising on the highway, with its nicely-controlled ride and smooth-pulling engine.
Unfortunately, the engine does struggle a bit in moving the car along, and expresses its difficulty in doing so through the din it makes. Allied with a gearbox that seems a bit sluggish and reluctant to upshift, and you'll get a car that can be rather frustrating when you need a bit of speed.
The Forte, meanwhile, feels a bit livelier on the go. Its six-speed gearbox is more responsive on the upshift, and the car, probably helped by its lighter weight, tends to be more energetic than the Cruze.
Unfortunately, the Forte also shares the Cruze's raucous engine noise, while the ride quality is also not as composed as its competitor, although it copes well in everyday conditions for the most part.
While both cars are of a similar nature, and aimed at the same type of market group, they go about their business of ferrying families rather differently.
The Cruze, with its feel of solidity, is the more comfort-biased of the two here. It is most at home cruising on the highway, with its nicely-controlled ride and smooth-pulling engine.
Unfortunately, the engine does struggle a bit in moving the car along, and expresses its difficulty in doing so through the din it makes. Allied with a gearbox that seems a bit sluggish and reluctant to upshift, and you'll get a car that can be rather frustrating when you need a bit of speed.
The Forte, meanwhile, feels a bit livelier on the go. Its six-speed gearbox is more responsive on the upshift, and the car, probably helped by its lighter weight, tends to be more energetic than the Cruze.
Unfortunately, the Forte also shares the Cruze's raucous engine noise, while the ride quality is also not as composed as its competitor, although it copes well in everyday conditions for the most part.
In the bends, neither car is likely to outshine a Ford Focus, but the Forte is the slightly more agile of the two, thanks in part to its light steering. The Cruze's own cornering ability, while competent, can only be best described as safe.
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a mainstream 1.6-litre five-door family hatchback, your choices in Singapore are currently restricted to these two here, and a couple of Continental offerings. Suffice to say, the options aren't exactly plentiful.
As with any car purchase, it ultimately boils down to what the consumer wants or needs, and it's the same in this comparison here. Both the Cruze 5 Sportback and the Forte Hatchback have their own outstanding qualities and drawbacks.
If you want a fuss-free family hatchback for effortless everyday driving, the Cruze 5 Sportback will be tough to beat. But for those who want a bit of extra verve and pep in their daily driver, then the Forte Hatchback would make for a more desirable choice.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a mainstream 1.6-litre five-door family hatchback, your choices in Singapore are currently restricted to these two here, and a couple of Continental offerings. Suffice to say, the options aren't exactly plentiful.
As with any car purchase, it ultimately boils down to what the consumer wants or needs, and it's the same in this comparison here. Both the Cruze 5 Sportback and the Forte Hatchback have their own outstanding qualities and drawbacks.
If you want a fuss-free family hatchback for effortless everyday driving, the Cruze 5 Sportback will be tough to beat. But for those who want a bit of extra verve and pep in their daily driver, then the Forte Hatchback would make for a more desirable choice.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
