If you are reading this, you are either of the two following groups:
1. Someone looking to buy a car (just graduated / just got a pay rise)
2. Someone looking to find out whats the fuss all about
Either way, you've come to the right place!
So how do you decide on which is best? Your dads telling you to go for a Japanese car, your girlfriends telling you to go Korean while your bank balance is telling you to go for Proton.
Let me help you break it down:
First, lets look at the vehicles and compare them in terms of Price, Safety, Power and Fuel Efficiency, Features and finally Looks. If it comes to a tie, we shall then look at other minor offerings stashed in along by the car makers.
Once, we have compared them, then you get to look at yourself and consider whether which car was meant for you. Sometimes, its just fated my friend...
Head to Head (Battle Royale)
Price
-as checked on 24 July 2012
Model
|
Toyota- Vios 1.5G Limited (AT)
|
Honda – City 1.5 Grade E
|
Kia – Forte 1.6 SX
|
Proton – Preve 1.6 CVT Premium
|
Price
|
RM89,613.50
|
RM88,103.00
|
86, 285.26
|
RM72, 990.00
|
With the four models being in the same engine range, the Proton Preve is definitely way cheaper than the competition. However do note that the CIty, Forte and Preve all come with 5 year Warranties which could further save you money. But we should judge based on value rather than price when you compare them. The formula would be Value = Specifications/ Price.
Safety
Lets face it my friend, you will be bringing along your loved ones in your car and so you have to look out for their safety while you drive like you are on the track. =P
Model
|
Toyota- Vios 1.5G Limited (AT)
|
Honda – City 1.5 Grade E
|
Kia – Forte 1.6 SX
|
Proton – Preve 1.6 CVT Premium
|
Anti Brake-locking System (ABS)
|
YES
|
YES
|
YES
|
YES
|
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
|
YES
|
YES
|
YES
|
YES
|
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
|
NO
|
NO
|
YES
|
YES
|
Brake Assist (BA)
|
NO
|
NO
|
YES
|
YES
|
Traction Control (TC)
|
NO
|
NO
|
YES
|
YES
|
Dual Front Airbags
|
YES
|
YES
|
YES
|
YES
|
Side Airbags
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
YES
|
Auto Headlamps
|
NO
|
NO
|
YES
|
YES
|
Auto Cruise
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
YES
|
Yet again the Preve tops the chart on safety features. The most important feature here that you should try to include in your car which you may be driving for the next 5 years at least is the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) or (ESC), BA and TC which will really give you the confidence to tackle any road. Do not settle for less. The Kia Forte and Preve have the required safety features with Preve being even better by having side airbags as well.
Power and Fuel Efficiency
Model
|
Toyota- Vios 1.5G Limited (AT)
|
Honda – City 1.5 Grade E
|
Kia – Forte 1.6 SX
|
Proton – Preve 1.6 CVT Premium
|
Engine Tech
|
VVTI
|
VTEC
|
CVVT
|
CAMPRO CFE
|
Transmission Tech
|
4 speed A/T
|
5 speed A/T
|
6 speed A/T (Paddle Shifter)
|
CVT (7 speed Protronic, Paddle Shifter)
|
You must be wondering what does all this terms matter. In short, in terms of engine tech, Proton Preve would have the most power in acceleration and top speed. Initial response from test drives and YouTube postings indicate that the Preve is truly a beast to be reckoned with on the Highways. It is hard to match the acceleration of the Preve and even several 2.0l cars have lost to the Preve on the road.
The fuel consumption however, I would say will vary greatly between drivers regardless of which car. All four cars would give you reasonable kilometres to the liter. So do not worry too much about petrol consumption as you are doing fine as long as your vehicle is below 2.0 ccs and its not an SUV or any larger vehicle. However, for my friends who happen to be very choosy, the honda and toyota are lighter in build than the other two models, have smalled engine ccs at 1.5l each, and as such may give you better fuel consumption. But remember, it would be only slightly better if at all. Meanwhile, the 6 speed A/T of the Forte does give it a very smooth drive, with a very quiet engine at 110km/h with the engine revving at only 2500 rev/min which results in good fuel efficiency as well.
Features
Machas advice, feature wise my list is like this:
1. Preve
2. Forte
3. Vios & City
For around the same price, the Preve and Forte give you almost everything you can wish for in a car. Your comfort and entertainment are all taken care off. The design had been very thoughtful with Auto Head Lamps, GPS units, Paddle Shifters, large boot space. In this case, Im going with either Preve or Forte.
In terms of build quality however, I personally prefer the Vios and City. Because everything just feels solid and of high quality.
Looks
There is no point in putting up the pictures to describe which car is the best looking. As beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The answer to this question is simple, touch your heart and you will know which car you can imagine yourself getting out of. My pick is with the Forte. However, my good friend loves the City's looks. So to each, his own.
Deciding
The fact is, you have seen the general facts regarding each car. It depends on you to decide which factors rank high or low in your list. My list is like this:
1. Safety
2. Power & Fuel Efficiency
3. Features
4. Price
5. Looks
So it really depends on you to weigh the factors and decide. Lastly, once you have decided, you definitely need to book a test drive to ensure that you truly feel great in the car you have chosen. So do go for a test drive and take the car through its paces, after the drive, you will know for sure.
Also do speak with the sales agent and find out what extras would you be entitled for if you buy the car. Sometimes they tend to offer freebies like GPS and etc if it doesnt already come with your car. (Note: Preve and Forte both come with built in GPS systems)
Making the purchase
Once you are certain regarding the car you want to buy, do ensure that you have enough finances to place the deposit. Usually it is 10% of the car's on the road price. Macha's advice is to ensure you have at least 15% of the cars price available when you are making the deposit. This is just a measure to make sure you always have extra cash for things like "Tinting", and other additional accessories that may come at a bargain from the car dealer. Go with your heart, you will know which car seems worth it to you. (Note: Do resist persuasion by salesmen to "book it now" and other sales tactics, to make sure you have made the best decision when you finally place your booking)
Reference:
Toyota (http://www.toyota.com.my)
Honda (http://www.honda.com.my)
Proton (http://www.protonpreve.com)
