Forte K3 1.6 (A) vs Corolla Altis 1.6 (A) vs Jetta 1.4 (A)
14 Feb 2014|153,021 views
The subjects in our previous comparisons came in all shape and sizes, ranging from cutesy little style coupes to spruced-up pocket rockets. Even family SUVs came into play, to see which is more capable of tugging five people in comfort across our urban jungle.
No doubt there are fans of each group test, we cannot forget the stronghold mid-sized sedans have on the market, much less the return of one of motoring's all time greats - the Toyota Corolla Altis.
The new Altis comes with LED headlamps - a first in its segment
The competition could not have been more intense. Its rivals - the Jetta and the Forte K3 - are some of the most common nameplates on our shores, selling like hot cakes at the peak of their time.
Exterior
It is easy to tell that the latest Corolla Altis has been thoroughly reworked from the sheet metal alone. Now in its 11th incarnation, the Altis has shed its boring, nondescript image for one that is more contemporary and sophisticated.
The Jetta, on the contrary, stays close to its family genes and is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen. Since its inception as a 'Golf sedan', the Jetta has grown up a fair bit and no longer shares the front fascia with its hatchback stablemate.
No doubt there are fans of each group test, we cannot forget the stronghold mid-sized sedans have on the market, much less the return of one of motoring's all time greats - the Toyota Corolla Altis.
The competition could not have been more intense. Its rivals - the Jetta and the Forte K3 - are some of the most common nameplates on our shores, selling like hot cakes at the peak of their time.
Exterior
It is easy to tell that the latest Corolla Altis has been thoroughly reworked from the sheet metal alone. Now in its 11th incarnation, the Altis has shed its boring, nondescript image for one that is more contemporary and sophisticated.
The Jetta, on the contrary, stays close to its family genes and is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen. Since its inception as a 'Golf sedan', the Jetta has grown up a fair bit and no longer shares the front fascia with its hatchback stablemate.
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Having made its debut more than two year ago, it is the most dated in this comparison. While we wouldn't go as far as saying the 'older' looks is gold, it portrays a more mature image - one that hasn't lost its charm, of course.
Aesthetics have been the Koreans' stronghold, and the K3 does not shy in the beauty contest. There is clever use of lighting technologies, such as projector-style headlamps and daytime running LEDs, to portray an upclass look.
More notably, the K3's European styling looks established and fresh even in the company of the newer Altis.
 |
Interior
The Altis' cabin spots similarities with some of Toyota's more stylish recent offerings, such as the Auris and the Yaris. The quality of material used has also been upped a notch from its predecessor. But compared to the U.K.-built Auris, there are lesser attention to details.
Still, the Altis retains the fuss-free operation that Toyotas have been known for with its clear and concise instruments that are easy to work with.
The K3 has three functions - navigation, reverse camera and video recording - integrated into the rear-view mirror, but affect visibility and take time to get used to
The latest gen gets a substantial boost in cabin space too. Rear legroom has been increased, with a flat floor design that does without the transmission tunnel to further enhance the 'sense of space' at the rear. What it lacks, however, are rear air-con vents which are present in both the K3 and the Jetta.
The K3, on the other hand, sports very similar level of comfort and dimensions at the rear quarters. It is clear that the Korean is brim-filled with features, such as ventilated driver seat with electric adjustment and memory function.
The Altis' cabin spots similarities with some of Toyota's more stylish recent offerings, such as the Auris and the Yaris. The quality of material used has also been upped a notch from its predecessor. But compared to the U.K.-built Auris, there are lesser attention to details.
Still, the Altis retains the fuss-free operation that Toyotas have been known for with its clear and concise instruments that are easy to work with.
The latest gen gets a substantial boost in cabin space too. Rear legroom has been increased, with a flat floor design that does without the transmission tunnel to further enhance the 'sense of space' at the rear. What it lacks, however, are rear air-con vents which are present in both the K3 and the Jetta.
The K3, on the other hand, sports very similar level of comfort and dimensions at the rear quarters. It is clear that the Korean is brim-filled with features, such as ventilated driver seat with electric adjustment and memory function.
The K3 also has a trendier interior, with a ripple-like dashboard design and centre console tilted slightly towards the driver for easier operation. It also has a sporty multi-function three-spoke steering and aluminium foot pedals to complete the sporty appeal.
The Jetta, on the other hand, delights with its 'bomb-proof' design and build quality. Its continental genes is evident once you step into the cabin. And while it may not look the most striking of the lot, the faultless ergonomics and choice of material stand a notch above the rest.
In base trim, however, the Jetta falls behind the Altis and K3 in terms of equipment level. It is the only car here without a reverse camera, keyless entry and engine start/stop.
Jetta's boot is the most functionally shaped and the largest at 510 litres, while the Altis offers 470 litres and K3 manages 421 litres
The Jetta, on the other hand, delights with its 'bomb-proof' design and build quality. Its continental genes is evident once you step into the cabin. And while it may not look the most striking of the lot, the faultless ergonomics and choice of material stand a notch above the rest.
In base trim, however, the Jetta falls behind the Altis and K3 in terms of equipment level. It is the only car here without a reverse camera, keyless entry and engine start/stop.
 |
The Drive
While the Jetta is the most dated of the lot, it still has an edge when it comes to handling and drivetrain. The German's mantra of making efficient, small capacity turbocharged engines is once again demonstrated on the Jetta.
Its 1.4-litre may be the smallest of the lot, but it is capable of 122bhp - almost on par with the K3's 128bhp and more than the Altis' 121bhp.
Jetta's 1.4-litre unit (right) is the only one to feature force induction, while the K3's (left) and Altis's (centre) 1.6-litre units rely on normal atmospheric pressure
But what's more notable is the 200Nm of pulling power from low engine revs, giving the Jetta the fastest acceleration of the lot - 0-100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
Its weighted steering may feel a tad rubbery around carparks, but translates into concised, confident-inspiring handling at highway speeds.
The K3's 1.6-litre is naturally aspirated, and churns out a respectable 128bhp and 157Nm of torque. Century sprint is dealt with in a less inspiring 11.6 seconds.
The K3 also has a lively handling character, and can be further enhanced by the variable steering weight system that allows three levels of steering weight. While it doesn't increase the level of feedback, the added flexibility is a welcoming feature for the driver. Most of the time, however, we find ourselves driving in either 'Sport' or 'Normal' mode, as 'Comfort' feels light and overly assisted.
While the Jetta is the most dated of the lot, it still has an edge when it comes to handling and drivetrain. The German's mantra of making efficient, small capacity turbocharged engines is once again demonstrated on the Jetta.
Its 1.4-litre may be the smallest of the lot, but it is capable of 122bhp - almost on par with the K3's 128bhp and more than the Altis' 121bhp.
But what's more notable is the 200Nm of pulling power from low engine revs, giving the Jetta the fastest acceleration of the lot - 0-100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
Its weighted steering may feel a tad rubbery around carparks, but translates into concised, confident-inspiring handling at highway speeds.
The K3's 1.6-litre is naturally aspirated, and churns out a respectable 128bhp and 157Nm of torque. Century sprint is dealt with in a less inspiring 11.6 seconds.
The K3 also has a lively handling character, and can be further enhanced by the variable steering weight system that allows three levels of steering weight. While it doesn't increase the level of feedback, the added flexibility is a welcoming feature for the driver. Most of the time, however, we find ourselves driving in either 'Sport' or 'Normal' mode, as 'Comfort' feels light and overly assisted.
Likewise, the Altis's 1.6-litre does without any form of force induction. The 121 ponies and 154Nm of torque may be the least of the trio, but the Altis manages to shave half a second off the Korean's century sprint timing, clocking 11.1 seconds.
On the move, the Altis does feel more eager than the K3 too. That, though, is not to say that the Altis is meant for enthusiastic driving. Revving past the 5,000rpm mark will spark strained and uncouth noises from the 1.6-litre unit.
But driven in a more civilised manner, the Altis instantly shines with its genuine refinement. The cabin is noticeably quieter than before, and we reckon if you are going to be a passenger, the Altis is one of your best bets.
The Altis, too, is the most fuel economical at 14km/L. But the other two aren't far behind, returning close to 13km/L during our time with them.
Jetta's seven-speed DSG offers seamless cog swops, and is the most engaging of the trio
Conclusion
While it is clear that the Altis doesn't have the Jetta's level of driving involvement and falls behind the K3's level of equipment, its charm lies in its honest, 'get-up-and-go' kind of motoring experience - the same traits that made it so popular.
The refined character of the Altis also makes the cabin one of the best places to be in, delivering a soothing experience for the family. And that could very well be the winning hand in the game.
On the move, the Altis does feel more eager than the K3 too. That, though, is not to say that the Altis is meant for enthusiastic driving. Revving past the 5,000rpm mark will spark strained and uncouth noises from the 1.6-litre unit.
But driven in a more civilised manner, the Altis instantly shines with its genuine refinement. The cabin is noticeably quieter than before, and we reckon if you are going to be a passenger, the Altis is one of your best bets.
The Altis, too, is the most fuel economical at 14km/L. But the other two aren't far behind, returning close to 13km/L during our time with them.
Conclusion
While it is clear that the Altis doesn't have the Jetta's level of driving involvement and falls behind the K3's level of equipment, its charm lies in its honest, 'get-up-and-go' kind of motoring experience - the same traits that made it so popular.
The refined character of the Altis also makes the cabin one of the best places to be in, delivering a soothing experience for the family. And that could very well be the winning hand in the game.
The subjects in our previous comparisons came in all shape and sizes, ranging from cutesy little style coupes to spruced-up pocket rockets. Even family SUVs came into play, to see which is more capable of tugging five people in comfort across our urban jungle.
No doubt there are fans of each group test, we cannot forget the stronghold mid-sized sedans have on the market, much less the return of one of motoring's all time greats - the Toyota Corolla Altis.
The competition could not have been more intense. Its rivals - the Jetta and the Forte K3 - are some of the most common nameplates on our shores, selling like hot cakes at the peak of their time.
Exterior
It is easy to tell that the latest Corolla Altis has been thoroughly reworked from the sheet metal alone. Now in its 11th incarnation, the Altis has shed its boring, nondescript image for one that is more contemporary and sophisticated.
The Jetta, on the contrary, stays close to its family genes and is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen. Since its inception as a 'Golf sedan', the Jetta has grown up a fair bit and no longer shares the front fascia with its hatchback stablemate.
No doubt there are fans of each group test, we cannot forget the stronghold mid-sized sedans have on the market, much less the return of one of motoring's all time greats - the Toyota Corolla Altis.
The competition could not have been more intense. Its rivals - the Jetta and the Forte K3 - are some of the most common nameplates on our shores, selling like hot cakes at the peak of their time.
Exterior
It is easy to tell that the latest Corolla Altis has been thoroughly reworked from the sheet metal alone. Now in its 11th incarnation, the Altis has shed its boring, nondescript image for one that is more contemporary and sophisticated.
The Jetta, on the contrary, stays close to its family genes and is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen. Since its inception as a 'Golf sedan', the Jetta has grown up a fair bit and no longer shares the front fascia with its hatchback stablemate.
Having made its debut more than two year ago, it is the most dated in this comparison. While we wouldn't go as far as saying the 'older' looks is gold, it portrays a more mature image - one that hasn't lost its charm, of course.
Aesthetics have been the Koreans' stronghold, and the K3 does not shy in the beauty contest. There is clever use of lighting technologies, such as projector-style headlamps and daytime running LEDs, to portray an upclass look.
More notably, the K3's European styling looks established and fresh even in the company of the newer Altis.
Aesthetics have been the Koreans' stronghold, and the K3 does not shy in the beauty contest. There is clever use of lighting technologies, such as projector-style headlamps and daytime running LEDs, to portray an upclass look.
More notably, the K3's European styling looks established and fresh even in the company of the newer Altis.
Interior
The Altis' cabin spots similarities with some of Toyota's more stylish recent offerings, such as the Auris and the Yaris. The quality of material used has also been upped a notch from its predecessor. But compared to the U.K.-built Auris, there are lesser attention to details.
Still, the Altis retains the fuss-free operation that Toyotas have been known for with its clear and concise instruments that are easy to work with.
The latest gen gets a substantial boost in cabin space too. Rear legroom has been increased, with a flat floor design that does without the transmission tunnel to further enhance the 'sense of space' at the rear. What it lacks, however, are rear air-con vents which are present in both the K3 and the Jetta.
The K3, on the other hand, sports very similar level of comfort and dimensions at the rear quarters. It is clear that the Korean is brim-filled with features, such as ventilated driver seat with electric adjustment and memory function.
The Altis' cabin spots similarities with some of Toyota's more stylish recent offerings, such as the Auris and the Yaris. The quality of material used has also been upped a notch from its predecessor. But compared to the U.K.-built Auris, there are lesser attention to details.
Still, the Altis retains the fuss-free operation that Toyotas have been known for with its clear and concise instruments that are easy to work with.
The latest gen gets a substantial boost in cabin space too. Rear legroom has been increased, with a flat floor design that does without the transmission tunnel to further enhance the 'sense of space' at the rear. What it lacks, however, are rear air-con vents which are present in both the K3 and the Jetta.
The K3, on the other hand, sports very similar level of comfort and dimensions at the rear quarters. It is clear that the Korean is brim-filled with features, such as ventilated driver seat with electric adjustment and memory function.
The K3 also has a trendier interior, with a ripple-like dashboard design and centre console tilted slightly towards the driver for easier operation. It also has a sporty multi-function three-spoke steering and aluminium foot pedals to complete the sporty appeal.
The Jetta, on the other hand, delights with its 'bomb-proof' design and build quality. Its continental genes is evident once you step into the cabin. And while it may not look the most striking of the lot, the faultless ergonomics and choice of material stand a notch above the rest.
In base trim, however, the Jetta falls behind the Altis and K3 in terms of equipment level. It is the only car here without a reverse camera, keyless entry and engine start/stop.
The Jetta, on the other hand, delights with its 'bomb-proof' design and build quality. Its continental genes is evident once you step into the cabin. And while it may not look the most striking of the lot, the faultless ergonomics and choice of material stand a notch above the rest.
In base trim, however, the Jetta falls behind the Altis and K3 in terms of equipment level. It is the only car here without a reverse camera, keyless entry and engine start/stop.
The Drive
While the Jetta is the most dated of the lot, it still has an edge when it comes to handling and drivetrain. The German's mantra of making efficient, small capacity turbocharged engines is once again demonstrated on the Jetta.
Its 1.4-litre may be the smallest of the lot, but it is capable of 122bhp - almost on par with the K3's 128bhp and more than the Altis' 121bhp.
But what's more notable is the 200Nm of pulling power from low engine revs, giving the Jetta the fastest acceleration of the lot - 0-100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
Its weighted steering may feel a tad rubbery around carparks, but translates into concised, confident-inspiring handling at highway speeds.
The K3's 1.6-litre is naturally aspirated, and churns out a respectable 128bhp and 157Nm of torque. Century sprint is dealt with in a less inspiring 11.6 seconds.
The K3 also has a lively handling character, and can be further enhanced by the variable steering weight system that allows three levels of steering weight. While it doesn't increase the level of feedback, the added flexibility is a welcoming feature for the driver. Most of the time, however, we find ourselves driving in either 'Sport' or 'Normal' mode, as 'Comfort' feels light and overly assisted.
Likewise, the Altis's 1.6-litre does without any form of force induction. The 121 ponies and 154Nm of torque may be the least of the trio, but the Altis manages to shave half a second off the Korean's century sprint timing, clocking 11.1 seconds.
On the move, the Altis does feel more eager than the K3 too. That, though, is not to say that the Altis is meant for enthusiastic driving. Revving past the 5,000rpm mark will spark strained and uncouth noises from the 1.6-litre unit.
But driven in a more civilised manner, the Altis instantly shines with its genuine refinement. The cabin is noticeably quieter than before, and we reckon if you are going to be a passenger, the Altis is one of your best bets.
The Altis, too, is the most fuel economical at 14km/L. But the other two aren't far behind, returning close to 13km/L during our time with them.
Conclusion
While it is clear that the Altis doesn't have the Jetta's level of driving involvement and falls behind the K3's level of equipment, its charm lies in its honest, 'get-up-and-go' kind of motoring experience - the same traits that made it so popular.
The refined character of the Altis also makes the cabin one of the best places to be in, delivering a soothing experience for the family. And that could very well be the winning hand in the game.
On the move, the Altis does feel more eager than the K3 too. That, though, is not to say that the Altis is meant for enthusiastic driving. Revving past the 5,000rpm mark will spark strained and uncouth noises from the 1.6-litre unit.
But driven in a more civilised manner, the Altis instantly shines with its genuine refinement. The cabin is noticeably quieter than before, and we reckon if you are going to be a passenger, the Altis is one of your best bets.
The Altis, too, is the most fuel economical at 14km/L. But the other two aren't far behind, returning close to 13km/L during our time with them.
Conclusion
While it is clear that the Altis doesn't have the Jetta's level of driving involvement and falls behind the K3's level of equipment, its charm lies in its honest, 'get-up-and-go' kind of motoring experience - the same traits that made it so popular.
The refined character of the Altis also makes the cabin one of the best places to be in, delivering a soothing experience for the family. And that could very well be the winning hand in the game.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI DSG (A)
CAT A|Petrol|16.6km/L
Horsepower
91kW (122 bhp)
Torque
200 Nm
Acceleration
9.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen JettaKia Forte K3 1.6 SX (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.7km/L
Horsepower
95kW (127 bhp)
Torque
157 Nm
Acceleration
11.6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Kia Forte K3Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 Elegance (A)
CAT A|Petrol|15.4km/L
Horsepower
90kW (121 bhp)
Torque
154 Nm
Acceleration
11.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Toyota Corolla Altis
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