Anybody own or drove the rides above? care to share your experience?

Though I don't drive, I would say Mazda 3 is the best option. It's engine is smooth (not BMW kind of smoothness, but very good for Jap standard), engine is sporty and the design is quite nice also. 2nd on the list would be the Mitsubishi Lancer EX, one of the nicer looking cars around. However, the engine is very coarse, especially above 3000rpm which makes agressive driving quite a chore.

Toyota Altis is really what I consider an 'uncle car'. It's does not have the sporty looks and the there isn't anything much to talk about it. It looks too conservative and the rear bumper is hideous!

Final pick: Mazda 3 for it's sporty looks and engine. Rather good cabin design quality too.

dun pick a car becos of its looks and engine.. "nv judge a book by its cover"

apart from looks and engine.. there is still FC.. which is more impt now to consider despite the high fuel hike now..

1 up for altis FC
a car that can drink less and able to move is a good car.. =X

just my opinion.. no offence..

Originally posted by Ferrari_RoXz:

Though I don't drive, I would say Mazda 3 is the best option. It's engine is smooth (not BMW kind of smoothness, but very good for Jap standard), engine is sporty and the design is quite nice also. 2nd on the list would be the Mitsubishi Lancer EX, one of the nicer looking cars around. However, the engine is very coarse, especially above 3000rpm which makes agressive driving quite a chore.

Toyota Altis is really what I consider an 'uncle car'. It's does not have the sporty looks and the there isn't anything much to talk about it. It looks too conservative and the rear bumper is hideous!

Final pick: Mazda 3 for it's sporty looks and engine. Rather good cabin design quality too.

and i suggest u dun say anything at all...

what u said totally made no sense and i make no apologies about it....

if i were TS i would like huh gong simi lan jiao???

Originally posted by maxster300:

Anybody own or drove the rides above? care to share your experience?

lemme start off with the mazda 3...

the mazda 3 uses a volvo s40 chassis... so u would be paying a price for jap cars but getting continental quality with regards to the body...

so as with volvo cars u would expect the handling to be superior than most jap cars...

however the 1.6 engine lacks the punch when accelerating due to the heavy body and the FC is not as fugal as what u would get in a normal 1.6 litre engine...

tt being said.. its the oldest among the 3 so u could get it at a pretty good price...

the lancer EX..

if are getting it i would reccommend the 2 litre one with rear disc brakes... sporty looks.. cant comment much cos i have nv driven it b4... but common sense dictates that if the body were meant for a 2 litre one.. then a 1.5 litre one would be super under powered...

the 08' altis...

i am driving the old pre facelifted altis... and i will have u know that the new 08 altis still uses the same engine found in the old altis... abeit a de tuned version to comply with emmision standards...

so they played around with gear ratios to make up for the lack of power in the new altis...

engine is refined at low revs... also a very fuel efficient engine...however... the handling is not good... as with most toyota cars....

so is up to u really what u are looking in a car...

Originally posted by Ferrari_RoXz:

Though I don't drive, I would say Mazda 3 is the best option. It's engine is smooth (not BMW kind of smoothness, but very good for Jap standard), engine is sporty and the design is quite nice also. 2nd on the list would be the Mitsubishi Lancer EX, one of the nicer looking cars around. However, the engine is very coarse, especially above 3000rpm which makes agressive driving quite a chore.

Toyota Altis is really what I consider an 'uncle car'. It's does not have the sporty looks and the there isn't anything much to talk about it. It looks too conservative and the rear bumper is hideous!

Final pick: Mazda 3 for it's sporty looks and engine. Rather good cabin design quality too.

i agree with n0x, u know nuts about the above 3 cars and u made no sense on ur comments.

i also suggest that u dun say anything that exhibits ur shallow point of view

We own a Lancer EX,so allow me to comment on the car:

Yes,the Lancer EX is heavy.Probly due to the newer RISE body which Mit claims is safeter but as a result,a heavier body(abt 100-200kg) compared to sedans like Nissan Sunny(though its old) and older Lancer.

And for that,its advisable to go for the 2.0/GT as the engine is better matched to the weight and still have good/moderate performance.Its a CVT though so make sure you know how to control it well if not u be having the rubber band effect most of the time.

To note also is that the 1.5L variant is using the older 4G generation 1.5L engine(also found in the Colt) and INVECS-II with no Tiptronic.The 2.0L and GT comes with the newer 4B11 engine(which powers the Evolution X) equipped with INVECS-III and paddle shifters.Technically,the GT also comes with rear anti-roll bar which is not found on the rest of the variants.

2.0 Sports and GT variant comes with HID Low/High beam while the 1.5L make do with a halogen high/low beams.HID high beam is very useful in case a taxi/car cut into your lane

Lastly,the GT comes with all round 16" disc brakes(compared to 15" front and rear drums on the 2.0/1.5L) matched to 18" lightweight rims and have Rockford Fosgate speakers with a boot-mounted large subwoofer

If you do not need the R.F speakers and better brakes,can opt for the 2.0 Sports which have the newer engine,paddle shifters and HID but cost 7k less

The only downside is the rather loud exhaust(more of a sporty rumble) around 2k-3k rpm .But with the Civic 2.0,Altis 1.8 and Mazda 6 priced higher,getting used to it should be worthwhile for the $avings.The Mazda 3 IMO is better to wait for the newer model becase the current one's quite dated already.

well, just one of my humble opinion, u will have to consider hw frequent u goin to drive, izzit from point A to point B everyday n tt's it or wat. if that's e case, i think u can look for cars have lower CC n FC.

I drive the Mz3 1.6SP. I like the build quality, stability and design. FC wise, I'm getting 9-10.5km/l, depending on my driving pattern.

Pickup wise, it is not too bad considering it is over 1.2tonnes.

But my final conclusion is, go for the one that you like most. Go with your heart!

Yea...to each his own...so I guess go with your heart's desires...but for me, it will have to be the Mazda...though not as safe as Volvos, it is one of the safest Japanese cars around and among the three...styling is good, interior quality is also good...

lucky me 3 of my relatives have these cars, so i got test drive

yeah, the mazda

like smoother sia

Originally posted by HeXy:

I drive the Mz3 1.6SP. I like the build quality, stability and design. FC wise, I'm getting 9-10.5km/l, depending on my driving pattern.

Pickup wise, it is not too bad considering it is over 1.2tonnes.

But my final conclusion is, go for the one that you like most. Go with your heart!

wow bro 9-10.5!!! ur right foot heavy ah!

yes i have to agree the build quality, stability & design is good. but bear in mind it's a 4-year-old model already.

08 altis & lancer EX are nice. you should consider these two also! if you buy lancer EX, please buy it in white.

Originally posted by sinicker:

wow bro 9-10.5!!! ur right foot heavy ah!

yes i have to agree the build quality, stability & design is good. but bear in mind it's a 4-year-old model already.

08 altis & lancer EX are nice. you should consider these two also! if you buy lancer EX, please buy it in white.

Huh i thought that is the average FC for mz3? haha, what are you getting?

No man, my right foot is not heavy, seldom rev it above 3k.

Dunno lah, maybe the way i calculate the FC is not very accurate. haha..

Originally posted by HeXy:

Huh i thought that is the average FC for mz3? haha, what are you getting?

No man, my right foot is not heavy, seldom rev it above 3k.

Dunno lah, maybe the way i calculate the FC is not very accurate. haha..

i get around 11.5-12.3km/l. maybe the way i calculate also wrong. especially when i dono the pump attendant pump until auto-stop or he go on and put in more.

but the best i got was 12.5. haha. it involved driving frm tamp to jln bahar & back aircon off, windows up tho. was nursing a flu.

u surf mazdaclub?

Originally posted by sinicker:

i get around 11.5-12.3km/l. maybe the way i calculate also wrong. especially when i dono the pump attendant pump until auto-stop or he go on and put in more.

but the best i got was 12.5. haha. it involved driving frm tamp to jln bahar & back aircon off, windows up tho. was nursing a flu.

u surf mazdaclub?

Yea man i surf mazdaclub.. jalan bahar? are u a NTU student too? lol..

Originally posted by HeXy:

Yea man i surf mazdaclub.. jalan bahar? are u a NTU student too? lol..

i served my NS in CDA. this august i study in NTU. so that means 6 years of jalan bahar for me!! crazy.


btw, i just recorded my FC as i pump petrol just now.

410.2km/37.22L = 12.52km/l approximately.

Before bought my new car today, I had actually tested Mazda3, Altis 08 and Lancer EX 1.5A.

So my order goes to.... Lancer EX 1.5A

Why? See below...

1. Super value for money. For just $58,988, I got a very attractive newly designed and larger car that come along with goodies like 16" sport rim, leather seats, factory fitted tinted glass, reverse sensor with distance-to measuring, 3M floor matt, rain visor and others. No disc brake? Doesn't matter as the drum brake was more than enough for a 1.5L car.

2. Very good looking interior design and the red lighted meters with trip computer was sexy too. Instrument deck, control buttons, especially the doors panel looking better than those on Civic, at least make me feeling cheap.

3. Good looking, comfort and very supportive seats for the front and rear too.

4. Good designed engine that built by ex-Mercedes Benz power plant in Germany that provide better power curve at most rpm.

5. Good steering wheel and corner control when drive hard.

6. Low noise when cruising. I don't rev unnecessary and if I does, I'm more focus on the traffic instead of the sporty engine noise. Boh pian mah, road condition and safety more important then focusing on the car noise.

7. Good FC, according sources.

8. Not bad 6 speakers stereo sound system for in-car-entertainment. I'm a Hi-Fi sound tuning expert, so I've know what  is a good sound, when I heard it. All just don't ask too much for low price ice system but expect it to sound good is enough.

Think that will be more joy for me to discover when I got my key in 2 weeks time. 

Originally posted by NewForce:

Before bought my new car today, I had actually tested Mazda3, Altis 08 and Lancer EX 1.5A.

So my order goes to.... Lancer EX 1.5A

Why? See below...

1. Super value for money. For just $58,988, I got a very attractive newly designed and larger car that come along with goodies like 16" sport rim, leather seats, factory fitted tinted glass, reverse sensor with distance-to measuring, 3M floor matt, rain visor and others. No disc brake? Doesn't matter as the drum brake was more than enough for a 1.5L car.

2. Very good looking interior design and the red lighted meters with trip computer was sexy too. Instrument deck, control buttons, especially the doors panel looking better than those on Civic, at least make me feeling cheap.

3. Good looking, comfort and very supportive seats for the front and rear too.

4. Good designed engine that built by ex-Mercedes Benz power plant in Germany that provide better power curve at most rpm.

5. Good steering wheel and corner control when drive hard.

6. Low noise when cruising. I don't rev unnecessary and if I does, I'm more focus on the traffic instead of the sporty engine noise. Boh pian mah, road condition and safety more important then focusing on the car noise.

7. Good FC, according sources.

8. Not bad 6 speakers stereo sound system for in-car-entertainment. I'm a Hi-Fi sound tuning expert, so I've know what  is a good sound, when I heard it. All just don't ask too much for low price ice system but expect it to sound good is enough.

 

Think that will be more joy for me to discover when I got my key in 2 weeks time. 

Are you okay with the power-to-weght ratio?Due to the same body used on the 2.0 but with a smaller engine a common remarks from 1.5 owners is that the power is not that much.

It should be okay for me. Was told 0~100km in 11sec (10.8 to be exact). The 2.0 is just for driver for hunger for speed.

Beside buying a 2.0 is not that adviseable considering the petrol getting higher and higher. A 2.0L car will only suck-up more petrol and your money.

And also second hand value also lower as demand for 2.0 car very low. Our people here always prefer a 1.6 and below car.

Btw, if you just look at new '08 Altis 1.6A still with the same old 4speed AT engine

but still lots of people buying into. The story same goes to Mazda3 1.6A, Honda 1.6A, Subaru Impleza 1.5A, Nissan Latio 1.5A.

In Singapore who'll need a 2.0? And the answer, Very Few!

If you compare new '08 Altis and Lancer EX power, then there should be no more doubts about Lancer 1.5A EX.

For new Altis '08 with old 1.6A 4AT

Power 107 bhp Torque 145 Nm

Kerb weight 1,255kg

Dimensions (L x W x H) (4540 x 1760 x 1465)mm Wheelbase 2,600mm

For Lancer EX with new 1.5A 4AT

Power 109 bhp Torque 143 Nm

Kerb weight 1,260kg

Dimensions (L x W x H) (4570 x 1760 x 1490)mm Wheelbase 2,635mm

Last but not least, if I were going to buy a 2.0L car then I would rather go for the bigger and good looking new Mazda6 2.0 V (A) which just about 2~3K $ more instead of Lancer 2.0 GT (A).

Dimensions (L x W x H) (4755 x 1795 x 1440)mm Wheelbase 2,725mm

still talking about Mit?

see here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080715/ap_on_bi_ge/japan_mitsubishi_trial_6

Mitsubishi motors suck always, Big Time. Thk.

Jes.. you sound like only knowing one bad news and is about Mitsubishi.

Did you read all others car manufacturers defects and some caused death?

Also, did you read about bad defects from Top German Porsche, Merc, BMW, Audi... to Japan Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru... to American Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler... and lastly Hyundai and Kia?

Wake-up and get real will ya?

Originally posted by mh2:

still talking about Mit?

see here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080715/ap_on_bi_ge/japan_mitsubishi_trial_6

 

Mitsubishi motors suck always, Big Time. Thk.

you dun come and show 1 isolated incident.. and then shoot down the company totally...

and especially not when someone has juz bought a car from tt particular company...

dun be an insensitive f***

Originally posted by NewForce:

Jes.. you sound like only knowing one bad news and is about Mitsubishi.

Did you read all others car manufacturers defects and some caused death?

Also, did you read about bad defects from Top German Porsche, Merc, BMW, Audi... to Japan Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru... to American Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler... and lastly Hyundai and Kia?

Wake-up and get real will ya?

ya, dun worry. your car is good enough for u, congrat. Enjoy it.

but dun you think the old lancer is a better buy? jus my 2 cent.

Originally posted by NewForce:

Before bought my new car today, I had actually tested Mazda3, Altis 08 and Lancer EX 1.5A.

So my order goes to.... Lancer EX 1.5A

Why? See below...

1. Super value for money. For just $58,988, I got a very attractive newly designed and larger car that come along with goodies like 16" sport rim, leather seats, factory fitted tinted glass, reverse sensor with distance-to measuring, 3M floor matt, rain visor and others. No disc brake? Doesn't matter as the drum brake was more than enough for a 1.5L car.

2. Very good looking interior design and the red lighted meters with trip computer was sexy too. Instrument deck, control buttons, especially the doors panel looking better than those on Civic, at least make me feeling cheap.

3. Good looking, comfort and very supportive seats for the front and rear too.

4. Good designed engine that built by ex-Mercedes Benz power plant in Germany that provide better power curve at most rpm.

5. Good steering wheel and corner control when drive hard.

6. Low noise when cruising. I don't rev unnecessary and if I does, I'm more focus on the traffic instead of the sporty engine noise. Boh pian mah, road condition and safety more important then focusing on the car noise.

7. Good FC, according sources.

8. Not bad 6 speakers stereo sound system for in-car-entertainment. I'm a Hi-Fi sound tuning expert, so I've know what  is a good sound, when I heard it. All just don't ask too much for low price ice system but expect it to sound good is enough.

 

Think that will be more joy for me to discover when I got my key in 2 weeks time. 

the EX hor, dunno why when i drive it, the speed and stuffs are smoother than the old altis, despite the 1.6 and 1.5 difference

i only drive before these three, but i'm a noob at cars, haha

pardon my noobness

mh2 and his hatred for Mitsubishi again. I'm seriously wondering what has Mitsubishi done to mh2 that warrants such hatred from mh2.