Kia Cerato K3 vs Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6
10 Apr 2017|71,656 views
Kia Cerato
Most expressive styling
Decent power and handling capabilities
Well-equipped with amenities like a sunroof and ventilated front seats
Largest boot
Subaru Impreza
Sharper-looking than before
Most refined powertrain
Best handling in this test
Most modern and plush cabin
Least fuel efficient of the three
Toyota Corolla Altis
Not as attractive as the other two cars
Most eager powertrain but least fun to drive
Least inviting cabin
Most rear legroom
Buyers considering an affordable family sedan today are spoiled for choice. From hot favourites such as the Toyota Corolla Altis and value-for-money up-and-comers like the Kia Cerato K3, there's a sedan for just about everyone's tastes and budgets.
The latest contender to rejoin the fraternity is the new 2017 Subaru Impreza. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the new Impreza boasts enhanced driving dynamics, new styling and much higher levels of refinement.
This isn't a nip-and-tuck sort of 'new', the Impreza has undergone a complete reinvention and it's shaped up superbly
This month, we pit the Impreza against its abovementioned Asian rivals to find out just where it stands.
Considering design is subjective and not usually the first order of business for these sensible sedans, we're going to ignore that in this group test and focus on four other criteria that might keep the discerning buyer awake at night.
Driving
Despite the K3's naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine producing 127bhp and 157Nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful of the three, the quickest car in terms of acceleration in this test is the Altis.
The K3's paddle shifters provide an additional element of control for the driver, allowing for more driving fun
The K3 uses a conventional six-speed auto and you can work the gears manually using the paddle shifters. That, though, is not to say that the K3 is meant for enthusiastic driving. Its steering is too light for our liking and while it knows how to handle a corner, isn't as planted as the Impreza.
The latest contender to rejoin the fraternity is the new 2017 Subaru Impreza. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the new Impreza boasts enhanced driving dynamics, new styling and much higher levels of refinement.
This month, we pit the Impreza against its abovementioned Asian rivals to find out just where it stands.
Considering design is subjective and not usually the first order of business for these sensible sedans, we're going to ignore that in this group test and focus on four other criteria that might keep the discerning buyer awake at night.
Driving
Despite the K3's naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine producing 127bhp and 157Nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful of the three, the quickest car in terms of acceleration in this test is the Altis.
The K3 uses a conventional six-speed auto and you can work the gears manually using the paddle shifters. That, though, is not to say that the K3 is meant for enthusiastic driving. Its steering is too light for our liking and while it knows how to handle a corner, isn't as planted as the Impreza.
The Altis has the strongest sense of urgency in a straight line despite its uninspiring continuously-variable transmission and lower power and torque output of 121bhp and 154Nm. However, there is a complete absence of steering feedback and if you're the sort who craves the occasional spirited driving, you might find the Altis rather boring.
Like the Altis, the Impreza also runs a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine and continuously-variable transmission pairing. It's not as sprightly, but the powertrain in the latter is noticeably more refined.
The Impreza does have a straight-line disadvantage due to its lower power output (112bhp and 150Nm of torque) and all-wheel drive layout, but is the most capable one around tight and twisting corners.
The K3 (left) has the most power torque at 127bhp and 157Nm, followed by the Altis' (right) 121bhp and 154Nm and Impreza's (centre) 112bhp and 150Nm
Its weighted steering may be a problem for older drivers around carparks, but translates into concised, confidence-inspiring handling at highway speeds. Over uneven surfaces, it's also the most forgiving and comfortable one in this test.
Efficiency
The K3 and Altis both returned close to 13km/L during our test drive, which is quite impressive. Of course, that said, you may be able to achieve better, depending on your driving habits.
Like the Altis, the Impreza also runs a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine and continuously-variable transmission pairing. It's not as sprightly, but the powertrain in the latter is noticeably more refined.
The Impreza does have a straight-line disadvantage due to its lower power output (112bhp and 150Nm of torque) and all-wheel drive layout, but is the most capable one around tight and twisting corners.
Its weighted steering may be a problem for older drivers around carparks, but translates into concised, confidence-inspiring handling at highway speeds. Over uneven surfaces, it's also the most forgiving and comfortable one in this test.
Efficiency
The K3 and Altis both returned close to 13km/L during our test drive, which is quite impressive. Of course, that said, you may be able to achieve better, depending on your driving habits.
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And because you have to rev the Impreza fairly hard to get it up to speed, coupled with the fact that it's a four-wheel drive, consumption is relatively poor compared to the other two cars, averaging 9.2km/L.
A modern and upmarket cabin that features three information displays greet you as you step inside the Impreza
Cabin
Inside, it's Subaru territory. Compared to the dated Altis and tacky K3, the Impreza's cabin design and construction ranks high on quality.
The Impreza's sporty dashboard is styled like a fighter jet cockpit, with futuristic displays such as an intuitive 8.0-inch touchscreen, offering standard features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It's also got the most high-quality soft touch materials strewn about, giving it a premium feel comparable to more expensive European models.
Ventilated driver and front passenger seats in the K3 are a delight to have in Singaore's sweltering heat
Although the K3's cabin isn't as posh as the Impreza's, it's the only car here that's got driver and front passenger ventilated seats. As a whole, the cabin ambience is a notch above that of its Thai-Japanese Toyota rival. Like the Impreza, the K3 is also equipped with a sunroof.
Cabin
Inside, it's Subaru territory. Compared to the dated Altis and tacky K3, the Impreza's cabin design and construction ranks high on quality.
The Impreza's sporty dashboard is styled like a fighter jet cockpit, with futuristic displays such as an intuitive 8.0-inch touchscreen, offering standard features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It's also got the most high-quality soft touch materials strewn about, giving it a premium feel comparable to more expensive European models.
Although the K3's cabin isn't as posh as the Impreza's, it's the only car here that's got driver and front passenger ventilated seats. As a whole, the cabin ambience is a notch above that of its Thai-Japanese Toyota rival. Like the Impreza, the K3 is also equipped with a sunroof.
The Altis' cabin is largely made up of unpleasant hard plastics. However, it makes up for its lack of quality and flair with a ton of rear leg room, a quality that many sedan buyers look out for.
It's also got a large 470-litre boot, just slightly smaller than the K3's 482 litres, but bigger than the Impreza's 460 litres. Clearly, practicality is the Altis' selling point.
Passengers in the back of an Altis will be pleased with the amount of leg room it provides
Price
As of 4th April 2017, the Altis is the most affordable car in this test with an asking price of $103,988. The better equipped K3 is slightly more expensive at $104,999, but considering the extra amenities you get with the car, that's still great value for your money.
The Impreza is the highest priced, with a tag of $106,800. Due to its poor fuel economy and smaller boot, many would be quick to reject the idea of owning one. However, the build quality and refinement do make a fine case for the car. Its confidence-inspiring chuckability is an added bonus.
It's a close fight between the K3 (left) and Impreza (right); the K3 wins for financial sense but the Impreza stole our hearts
Ultimately, we'd narrow it down to the K3 and Impreza. The K3 makes the most financial sense in today's pricey car market, but given its feel-good factor, the Impreza is the car we'd really be proud and happy to be in, simply because it has made an impressive upmarket step in direct competition with cars like the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta.
It's also got a large 470-litre boot, just slightly smaller than the K3's 482 litres, but bigger than the Impreza's 460 litres. Clearly, practicality is the Altis' selling point.
Price
As of 4th April 2017, the Altis is the most affordable car in this test with an asking price of $103,988. The better equipped K3 is slightly more expensive at $104,999, but considering the extra amenities you get with the car, that's still great value for your money.
The Impreza is the highest priced, with a tag of $106,800. Due to its poor fuel economy and smaller boot, many would be quick to reject the idea of owning one. However, the build quality and refinement do make a fine case for the car. Its confidence-inspiring chuckability is an added bonus.
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Ultimately, we'd narrow it down to the K3 and Impreza. The K3 makes the most financial sense in today's pricey car market, but given its feel-good factor, the Impreza is the car we'd really be proud and happy to be in, simply because it has made an impressive upmarket step in direct competition with cars like the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta.
Kia Cerato
Most expressive styling
Decent power and handling capabilities
Well-equipped with amenities like a sunroof and ventilated front seats
Largest boot
Subaru Impreza
Sharper-looking than before
Most refined powertrain
Best handling in this test
Most modern and plush cabin
Least fuel efficient of the three
Toyota Corolla Altis
Not as attractive as the other two cars
Most eager powertrain but least fun to drive
Least inviting cabin
Most rear legroom
Buyers considering an affordable family sedan today are spoiled for choice. From hot favourites such as the Toyota Corolla Altis and value-for-money up-and-comers like the Kia Cerato K3, there's a sedan for just about everyone's tastes and budgets.
The latest contender to rejoin the fraternity is the new 2017 Subaru Impreza. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the new Impreza boasts enhanced driving dynamics, new styling and much higher levels of refinement.
This month, we pit the Impreza against its abovementioned Asian rivals to find out just where it stands.
Considering design is subjective and not usually the first order of business for these sensible sedans, we're going to ignore that in this group test and focus on four other criteria that might keep the discerning buyer awake at night.
Driving
Despite the K3's naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine producing 127bhp and 157Nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful of the three, the quickest car in terms of acceleration in this test is the Altis.
The K3 uses a conventional six-speed auto and you can work the gears manually using the paddle shifters. That, though, is not to say that the K3 is meant for enthusiastic driving. Its steering is too light for our liking and while it knows how to handle a corner, isn't as planted as the Impreza.
The latest contender to rejoin the fraternity is the new 2017 Subaru Impreza. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the new Impreza boasts enhanced driving dynamics, new styling and much higher levels of refinement.
This month, we pit the Impreza against its abovementioned Asian rivals to find out just where it stands.
Considering design is subjective and not usually the first order of business for these sensible sedans, we're going to ignore that in this group test and focus on four other criteria that might keep the discerning buyer awake at night.
Driving
Despite the K3's naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine producing 127bhp and 157Nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful of the three, the quickest car in terms of acceleration in this test is the Altis.
The K3 uses a conventional six-speed auto and you can work the gears manually using the paddle shifters. That, though, is not to say that the K3 is meant for enthusiastic driving. Its steering is too light for our liking and while it knows how to handle a corner, isn't as planted as the Impreza.
The Altis has the strongest sense of urgency in a straight line despite its uninspiring continuously-variable transmission and lower power and torque output of 121bhp and 154Nm. However, there is a complete absence of steering feedback and if you're the sort who craves the occasional spirited driving, you might find the Altis rather boring.
Like the Altis, the Impreza also runs a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine and continuously-variable transmission pairing. It's not as sprightly, but the powertrain in the latter is noticeably more refined.
The Impreza does have a straight-line disadvantage due to its lower power output (112bhp and 150Nm of torque) and all-wheel drive layout, but is the most capable one around tight and twisting corners.
Its weighted steering may be a problem for older drivers around carparks, but translates into concised, confidence-inspiring handling at highway speeds. Over uneven surfaces, it's also the most forgiving and comfortable one in this test.
Efficiency
The K3 and Altis both returned close to 13km/L during our test drive, which is quite impressive. Of course, that said, you may be able to achieve better, depending on your driving habits.
Like the Altis, the Impreza also runs a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine and continuously-variable transmission pairing. It's not as sprightly, but the powertrain in the latter is noticeably more refined.
The Impreza does have a straight-line disadvantage due to its lower power output (112bhp and 150Nm of torque) and all-wheel drive layout, but is the most capable one around tight and twisting corners.
Its weighted steering may be a problem for older drivers around carparks, but translates into concised, confidence-inspiring handling at highway speeds. Over uneven surfaces, it's also the most forgiving and comfortable one in this test.
Efficiency
The K3 and Altis both returned close to 13km/L during our test drive, which is quite impressive. Of course, that said, you may be able to achieve better, depending on your driving habits.
And because you have to rev the Impreza fairly hard to get it up to speed, coupled with the fact that it's a four-wheel drive, consumption is relatively poor compared to the other two cars, averaging 9.2km/L.
Cabin
Inside, it's Subaru territory. Compared to the dated Altis and tacky K3, the Impreza's cabin design and construction ranks high on quality.
The Impreza's sporty dashboard is styled like a fighter jet cockpit, with futuristic displays such as an intuitive 8.0-inch touchscreen, offering standard features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It's also got the most high-quality soft touch materials strewn about, giving it a premium feel comparable to more expensive European models.
Although the K3's cabin isn't as posh as the Impreza's, it's the only car here that's got driver and front passenger ventilated seats. As a whole, the cabin ambience is a notch above that of its Thai-Japanese Toyota rival. Like the Impreza, the K3 is also equipped with a sunroof.
Cabin
Inside, it's Subaru territory. Compared to the dated Altis and tacky K3, the Impreza's cabin design and construction ranks high on quality.
The Impreza's sporty dashboard is styled like a fighter jet cockpit, with futuristic displays such as an intuitive 8.0-inch touchscreen, offering standard features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It's also got the most high-quality soft touch materials strewn about, giving it a premium feel comparable to more expensive European models.
Although the K3's cabin isn't as posh as the Impreza's, it's the only car here that's got driver and front passenger ventilated seats. As a whole, the cabin ambience is a notch above that of its Thai-Japanese Toyota rival. Like the Impreza, the K3 is also equipped with a sunroof.
The Altis' cabin is largely made up of unpleasant hard plastics. However, it makes up for its lack of quality and flair with a ton of rear leg room, a quality that many sedan buyers look out for.
It's also got a large 470-litre boot, just slightly smaller than the K3's 482 litres, but bigger than the Impreza's 460 litres. Clearly, practicality is the Altis' selling point.
Price
As of 4th April 2017, the Altis is the most affordable car in this test with an asking price of $103,988. The better equipped K3 is slightly more expensive at $104,999, but considering the extra amenities you get with the car, that's still great value for your money.
The Impreza is the highest priced, with a tag of $106,800. Due to its poor fuel economy and smaller boot, many would be quick to reject the idea of owning one. However, the build quality and refinement do make a fine case for the car. Its confidence-inspiring chuckability is an added bonus.
Ultimately, we'd narrow it down to the K3 and Impreza. The K3 makes the most financial sense in today's pricey car market, but given its feel-good factor, the Impreza is the car we'd really be proud and happy to be in, simply because it has made an impressive upmarket step in direct competition with cars like the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta.
It's also got a large 470-litre boot, just slightly smaller than the K3's 482 litres, but bigger than the Impreza's 460 litres. Clearly, practicality is the Altis' selling point.
Price
As of 4th April 2017, the Altis is the most affordable car in this test with an asking price of $103,988. The better equipped K3 is slightly more expensive at $104,999, but considering the extra amenities you get with the car, that's still great value for your money.
The Impreza is the highest priced, with a tag of $106,800. Due to its poor fuel economy and smaller boot, many would be quick to reject the idea of owning one. However, the build quality and refinement do make a fine case for the car. Its confidence-inspiring chuckability is an added bonus.
Ultimately, we'd narrow it down to the K3 and Impreza. The K3 makes the most financial sense in today's pricey car market, but given its feel-good factor, the Impreza is the car we'd really be proud and happy to be in, simply because it has made an impressive upmarket step in direct competition with cars like the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 Elegance [MY16] (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 AltisSubaru Impreza 4D 1.6 (A)
CAT A|Petrol|15.6km/L
Horsepower
84kW (113 bhp)
Torque
150 Nm
Acceleration
12.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Subaru Impreza 4DKia Cerato K3 1.6 SX Sports (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.7km/L
Horsepower
95kW (128 bhp)
Torque
157 Nm
Acceleration
12.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Kia Cerato K3
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