The Best Mainstream Sedans in Singapore [Updated]
CarBuyer Team
17:16 September 24,2021
Corolla, Cerato, Civic, 3 and more - there are hard choices in Singapore's most competitive car segment, but luckily you don't need a strong will, you just need to read CarBuyer.com.sg's Best Of Mainstream Sedans.
Why you should trust us:
CarBuyer.com.sg is the online version of CarBuyer Singapore, which is currently the only homegrown car magazine on newsstands here and has been in circulation since 1997, pointing out the good, bad, and ugly of Singapore's car market.
What makes these cars 'the best'? :
Cars here have been tested and voted on by CarBuyer's editorial team. We have a combined experience of more than 70 years in the industry and have tested thousands of cars. In short, you can rely on us to tell you what's worth your time and dollars - and what's not.
SINGAPORE
[Originally published May 1 2020]
[Updated June 15 2020 - Included the Skoda Octavia 1.4 as one of the Best Of cars]
[Update June 30 2020 - Subaru's response to our inclusion of the Impreza as 'Not Recommended']
[Updated September 24 2021 - updated Kia Cerato and Skoda Octavia, removed Subaru Impreza]
Welcome to a CarBuyer.com.sg Best Of, a guide series that will be updated regularly, and where we help you pick the best cars in each segment here in Singapore.
What are mainstream sedans? Also known as family sedans, or small-midsized sedans, stand next to any road in Singapore and chances are you’ll see one within a minute - cars like the Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda Civic.
In the age of the SUV this segment is still going strong, when in contrast sales of compact sedans (like the Toyota Vios) a size down, and big sedans (like the Honda Accord) a size up have diminished because the increasing overall cost of cars, this segment has continued to hit the sweet spot for price, features, and space.
That doesn't make choosing one easier. It's always been one of the most competitive segments in the Singapore car market, and it's even more so now with no less than eight models fighting for a piece of the pie.
But CarBuyer.com.sg makes it easy for you, since we have ranked the top contenders (alphabetically, not in order of merit) from the segment currently on sale in 2021, and another one to also consider.
Page 2: Kia Cerato
Page 3: Mazda 3
Page 4: Skoda Octavia
Page 5: Toyota Corolla Altis
Page 6: Also consider: Honda Civic
Page 1: Introduction
Page 3: Mazda 3
Page 4: Skoda Octavia
Page 5: Toyota Corolla Altis
Page 6: Also consider: Honda Civic
Kia Cerato
Our pick: Kia Cerato EX from S$100,999 with COE (September 2021)
Read our review of the 2021 Kia Cerato EX here
If you’re in the market for a mainstream sedan and haven’t considered a Korean car ‘because Korea’, then it’s truly your loss. The Kia Cerato has been a top contender for at least a decade now, with the second-gen car being Singapore’s best-selling automobile in 2008, and the third-gen improving on the formula.
The fourth-gen model, launched here in late 2018, only cements its podium status, with its classy style and impressive standard features. It has been recently been given a mid-life facelift, and the updated version has made the Cerato an even more compelling choice in this segment.
The update gives the Cerato sharper looks, as well as a new logo, but the general shape remains broadly similar. The interior design too is mostly unchanged, but the higher spec models now get a large 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that looks great and uplifts the cabin ambience considerably. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also now standard across the range.
Of the three trim levels available for the Cerato (L, EX and GT Line), the mid-spec EX is our recommendation, as it comes with most of the essentials included for a very reasonable price of S$100,999 including COE. For the money you get driver assistance systems such as forward collision assist and warning, rear traffic collision warning and lane keeping assist all available as standard.
The top-spec GT Line, which goes for seven grand more at S$107,999 with COE, gets all of the EX's goodies, and adds luxuries like electric ventilated seats, a sunroof, dual zone climate control, electric ventilated seats, a wireless smartphone charger and a spiffy body kit. They’re nice features to pamper yourself with, but for the majority of folk we reckon the EX is more than adequate. If you’re on a budget though, the L trim is available at S$91,999 with COE, but it forgoes many of the features that are available on the other two trim levels.
The Cerato is not quite a class leader when it comes to driving, with its 1.6-litre engine with 128hp and 155Nm of torque being a fairly antiquated item. But it does offer a pretty relaxed drive, with excellent comfort and refinement all round. The Cerato’s appeal though lies in its excellent all round value, and for its price tag, you’ll be hard pressed to find another car that offers as much as the Kia.
Continue to: Mazda 3 Sedan
Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Kia Cerato
Page 4: Skoda Octavia
Page 5: Toyota Corolla Altis
Page 6: Also consider: Honda Civic
Mazda 3 Sedan
Our pick: Mazda 3 1.5 Elegance from S$104,888 with COE (September 2021)
Read our review of the Mazda 3 Elegance sedan here, as well as the range-topping Astina sedan model here
The Mazda 3 sedan is one of the rare cars that doesn’t just have what should expect from a normal sedan, but even a luxury one as well. The current seventh-generation model debuted in mid-2019, and is about as sexy-looking as you can expect a regular sedan to be.
Mazda made great leaps forward in the interior with its minimalist, high-quality cabin design and materials, all of which feel like something from a luxury car. Another example of its out-of-segment value is the 8.8-inch infotainment system, which comes with full navigation and 3D graphics.
It’s the sort of interior which sets the driver up for a pleasing experience, and the Mazda 3 delivers here with enjoyable dynamics and agility without being tiresome or flighty. The 1.5-litre drivetrain with mild hybrid tech is very frugal at a quoted 5.5L/100km.
Watch our video walkthrough of the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback at its spiritual homeground of Mine Circuit in Japan
There are three trim variants sold in Singapore, all with the same 1.5-litre engine: Classic, Elegance, and Astina. Elegance is the one we recommend, since it hits the sweet spot in terms of pricing and features.
It includes most of the premium features the more expensive Astina model has, and looks identical with the same 18-inch wheels. It also packs a huge amount of safety features, again something many luxury cars lack, which includes radar cruise control, lane keeping assists, driver monitoring, and more.
The drawbacks are that the rear passenger space isn’t as generous as its rivals and the ride is on the firm, sporty side, so if you enjoy your cars comfy be aware. That aside, the Mazda 3 is clearly one of the best mainstream sedans in Singapore right now, if only because it manages to include premium features at a still mainstream price.
Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Kia Cerato
Page 3: Mazda 3
Page 5: Toyota Corolla Altis
Page 6: Also consider: Honda Civic
Skoda Octavia
Our pick: Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI e-TEC Style from S$136,900 with COE (September 2021)
Read our review of the Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI e-TEC Style here
The Skoda Octavia is the sole European representative remaining in the mainstream sedan market in Singapore, and the latest version represents a major step up above its class rivals.
The new Octavia packs in a 1.5-litre mild hybrid turbocharged powerplant that also sees service in the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, but the Skoda offers that in a large sedan (it’s actually a liftback) body style that should find more favour among traditional family buyers here. There’s also a handsome Combi wagon model if you want something with a lot more boot space.
The engine in the Octavia produces 150hp and 250Nm of torque, which means it ends up netting a Category B COE, resulting in its higher asking price over its main competitors. It does offer a rather energetic drive though, while the Octavia also excels in refinement and comfort. The mild hybrid setup also goes a long way towards helping you save fuel, with the Octavia’s quoted 5.3L/100km fuel consumption pretty achievable if you’re gentle with your right foot.
The entry-level Ambition variant is retailing at S$124,900 with COE, but if you can stretch to it, we recommend going for the higher-spec Style, which goes for S$136,900 with COE. The Ambition model gets standard equipment such as an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a wireless smartphone charger, an all-digital instrument panel, and a driver alert system. The Style trim though upgrades the touchscreen to 10.0-inches, and throws in safety systems such as lane keeping assist and side assist with rear traffic alert.
While the Octavia does demand a slighter higher asking price compared to its Asian rivals, you do end up getting a much more premium product, and if you don’t mind paying more for a nicer driving experience, the Octavia is very much the way to go.
Continue to: Toyota Corolla Altis
Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Kia Cerato
Page 3: Mazda 3
Page 4: Skoda Octavia
Page 6: Also consider: Honda Civic
Toyota Corolla Altis
Our pick: Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 Elegance from S$117,888 with COE (September 2021)
Read our review of the Toyota Corolla Altis Elegance and Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla Altis is the sort of car that sells itself year after year, but in the past decade the model found itself a mid-range choice rather than a front-running one due to an outdated platform and merely-ok safety features.
That all changed with the new 12th-gen model launched in late 2019. Running on Toyota’s new-gen platform (TNGA), it’s been rocketed back to front-runner status since it now looks thoroughly modern, delivers a much improved drive and refinement level, and packs a lot of equipment as well.
There are three models on sale here - the Standard and Elegance models, both with a 1.6-litre non-turbocharged engine. The Standard is S$7k cheaper, but the difference to the Elegance is noticeable, especially since the latter packs Toyota’s active safety systems, which we highly recommend.
The most expensive model is the hybrid, which now costs S$147,888 with COE, but has all the trimmings, and the very frugal 4.4L/100km full hybrid powertrain.
Check out our full video review of the current Toyota Corolla Altis Elegance and Hybrid, below
Unlike the Mazda 3, the Corolla has no major drawbacks to consider - room for rear passengers is generous, it’s comfortable and easy to drive, but also has improved dynamics over previous models which were exciting to drive as watching paint dry.
While we can’t comment on the long term ownership experience, the value-add here is from the Toyota brand with its vaunted reputation for good customer service and reliability. There's a reason the Corolla is the best-selling car in the world, and the current model makes that quite clear.
Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Kia Cerato
Page 3: Mazda 3
Page 4: Skoda Octavia
Page 5: Toyota Corolla Altis
Also Consider
We mentioned that there are no less than eight cars competing in this segment currently, here's one more to strongly consider adding to your shortlist
Honda Civic
The 10th-generation Honda Civic model had a mild facelift in 2019 and was one of the best-driving cars in the segment, with the most legroom for rear passengers. It also gains extra points for driver-centrism, since there’s the powerful 1.5-litre turbo model with 184hp, in addition to the regular 1.6-litre non-turbo model. The 1.5 has additional active safety features, such as Honda's off-side camera to help you change lane safely, but it is expensive.
The 11th-generation Civic has now been launched in Singapore though, so stay tuned to our review coming soon to see how Honda's family sedan contender fares against the competition.
About the Author
CarBuyer Team
CarBuyer Singapore brings the most relevant, accurate and useful car news to Singaporeans in both print and online formats.
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