Vios G AT, Honda City VX, Altis G MT and Elantra E MT

[JayPi.23]

I was in my 20s back when grunge bands ruled the airwaves and folks outside of UP just came to appreciate the music of Eraserheads. The music of Red Hot Chili Peppers still get my blood pumped up and it makes my daily ride with my little-engine-that-could less boring. Test drive the Fiesta Ecoboost and you will be surprised how much its small turbo engine can deliver. If you're the type who prefers a responsive car and a sporty drive, no other car priced below 1M can deliver a better package than this neat hatchback from Ford. If only the Fiesta ST is available here, I wonder how much more fun it can deliver with its more powerful 1.6L turbo engine (197hp).



For a 1M budget and a good choice for an all-around family car, it will be a toss-up between the base Mazda3, Altis 1.6V, or the Sylphy 1.8V. Mazda3 for its looks and new technology, Sylphy for its space and creature comforts, while the Altis 1.6V is an all-around performer but neither of them could provide a sport-oriented drive. The Focus 1.6L Trend is a decent choice and it has the goods but it does not offer much for its price (998k) and it is a bit overweight. I'd like to include the Honda Civic 1.8S as it offers a decent power-to-weight ratio (lightest car among the compacts) and acceptable FC but it looks bare inside compared to the initial 3 options. The Civic FB (2012-onwards) has lost its sporty character compared to the older Civic FD (2006-2011). The Lancer GT-A is now sold at less than 1M but it is an old platform (7 years old) but it's a good bargain as it was priced at 1.2M before. The Lancer GT-A has aged well and its looks still has that presence of a sporty compact.

Just go out to the different dealers and check out the models. Take the cars for a test drive and then choose. The right choice will be the one that makes you enjoy driving it everyday.

I'm not into hatchbacks. Apologies but I need a more matured looking car (not sure how to put it in words). So far the Altis is the most balanced for me in terms of looks. Can use it any occasion plus the confidence because of its brand name. I haven't tried the Mazda 3, is it really costly to maintain? Might also consider the Civic since I'll be going to several dealerships by next week. Thanks for the suggestions

[jut703]

I'm not into hatchbacks. Apologies but I need a more matured looking car (not sure how to put it in words). So far the Altis is the most balanced for me in terms of looks. Can use it any occasion plus the confidence because of its brand name. I haven't tried the Mazda 3, is it really costly to maintain? Might also consider the Civic since I'll be going to several dealerships by next week. Thanks for the suggestions

The Mazda 3 is the cheapest to maintain, since maintenance is FREE for the first 3 years.

I'd pass on the Civic. Their cheapest variant, the 1.8S, is 50k more expensive than the Altis G (even more once discounts are considered), with much less features. The Altis has a better ride, better looks, and better value for money. The Civic today is a far cry from the class-leading Civics of yore.

[JayPi.23]

Not considering the Accent CRDi? If gas mileage is a primary consideration, this is the one to have. It still wins in total fuel cost even if any of the abovementioned models actually manage to match it in terms of km/L. Which Fortuner variant do you have? If it's the 2.5, you may find your daily fuel costs higher if you opt for the 1.5/1.6 gasoline sedans.

Among the choices, I'd go for the Altis. Similar fuel consumption as most 1.5L subcompacts whole having more space and a more upscale look. Resale value is rock solid and you will never have problems with parts and maintenance.

Hi, I'd rather pick the Vios over the Accent. For me, looks better, more features and might be cheaper to maintain. It's a 2010 2.5 G AT. I'm looking for the best valued vehicle that I can afford. Thanks!

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Not considering the Accent CRDi? If gas mileage is a primary consideration, this is the one to have. It still wins in total fuel cost even if any of the abovementioned models actually manage to match it in terms of km/L. Which Fortuner variant do you have? If it's the 2.5, you may find your daily fuel costs higher if you opt for the 1.5/1.6 gasoline sedans.

Among the choices, I'd go for the Altis. Similar fuel consumption as most 1.5L subcompacts whole having more space and a more upscale look. Resale value is rock solid and you will never have problems with parts and maintenance.

Hi, I'd rather pick the Vios over the Accent. For me, looks better, more features and might be cheaper to maintain. It's a 2010 2.5 G AT. I'm looking for the best valued vehicle that I can afford. Thanks!

[jut703]

Lancer GT-A has been phased out. Would've gotten it over the Altis but no dealership has any stock at the time. Even if they had stock, it wouldn't be under 1M anymore.

TS looks like he prefers a comfy ride over a perky engine. He doesn't like the Sylphy, which leaves just the Altis as his best bet for a comfy all-rounder. Since he doesn't need space, Mz3 could be nice too, but much more expensive than the Altis G MT after discounts.

[Kestana]

Lancer GT-A has been phased out. Would've gotten it over the Altis but no dealership has any stock at the time. Even if they had stock, it wouldn't be under 1M anymore.

TS looks like he prefers a comfy ride over a perky engine. He doesn't like the Sylphy, which leaves just the Altis as his best bet for a comfy all-rounder. Since he doesn't need space, Mz3 could be nice too, but much more expensive than the Altis G MT after discounts.

The Mazda 3 does come with 3 years of free maintenance (Yojin 3). Should save him quite a bit of money over time. However, what he should be worried is the waiting time. Doesn't the Mazda 3 still have a long line?

[jut703]

The Mz3 costs 965k, while Yojin3 is equivalent to a 36k discount (6k per PMS twice a year for 3 years). So effectively it's like buying the car for 929k.

On the other hand, an Altis G MT costs 893k, and discounts are usually around 35k, putting it at 858k. Still a 71k difference, which is significant for me.

Of course, if we compare AT to AT, the difference is smaller - 949k for the Altis G CVT less 35k discount = 914k, or just a 15k difference with the Mz3 1.5V.

If I were getting an AT, I'd get the Mz3 over the Altis. But since I prefer manuals (getting a manual offers significant savings and better performance), I was left with no choice but to get the Altis G MT since Mazda doesn't offer the 3 with a stick shift.

Another thing against the Mz3 1.5 is that it just looks awful with the 16" rims and without the ducktail, unlike the Altis which looks pretty decent with its stock 16 inchers even without a ducktail. When I was considering the Mz3, I factored in the cost and difficulty of sourcing OEM 18" rims as well as an OEM ducktail, which really made it a pricier option.

[istan]

Kia BGC has the new Forte on display (red). Check it out na lng. 2.0L engine ata.

[Geo_S]

The Mz3 costs 965k, while Yojin3 is equivalent to a 36k discount (6k per PMS twice a year for 3 years). So effectively it's like buying the car for 929k.

On the other hand, an Altis G MT costs 893k, and discounts are usually around 35k, putting it at 858k. Still a 71k difference, which is significant for me.

Of course, if we compare AT to AT, the difference is smaller - 949k for the Altis G CVT less 35k discount = 914k, or just a 15k difference with the Mz3 1.5V.

If I were getting an AT, I'd get the Mz3 over the Altis. But since I prefer manuals (getting a manual offers significant savings and better performance), I was left with no choice but to get the Altis G MT since Mazda doesn't offer the 3 with a stick shift.

Another thing against the Mz3 1.5 is that it just looks awful with the 16" rims and without the ducktail, unlike the Altis which looks pretty decent with its stock 16 inchers even without a ducktail. When I was considering the Mz3, I factored in the cost and difficulty of sourcing OEM 18" rims as well as an OEM ducktail, which really made it a pricier option.

I agree with bro Jut with the last paragraph. When I got my Mz3 few months back, the first two mods i had were the 2.0 OE 18" rims and the ductail. The 1.5 sedan looks bare in stock form. It made a lot of difference when the minor upgrades were done.

I also have the same strong considerations between the Altis 1.6G AT, 1.5VX Jazz and the Mz3 1.5V. Price difference at the time was just 10k from Altis to Mz3. Dropped the Jazz because wife doesnt want to have a subcompact car again. The clincher for me though was the Yojin3. Also, units were available at that time so I was able to reserve but had to wait for a couple of weeks as i needed to accomplish paperwork first and wait for bank's approval.

My suggestion is you consider and test drive the Mz3. So far I am happy with my choice. I do not feel it underpowered probably because I have a subcompact car before. I couldnt gripe on the interior and exterior looks of the Mz3 (aside from the 16s and ductail which is minor). Quality of the interior is also one of the best for compacts. FC is very good on long drives. You can easily average 6-7L/100km or 16km/l with an average speed of 90-100kph it could even get better if you go 80kph.

Nevertheless, it should really be a toss up between the Altis and Mz3. Goodluck sir!