Airtrek? Airwave? Matrix Revo?

[Ronnie]

Anyone driven any 2 these 3?

 

They seem to belong to the same 'hatchback' family.

 

Seeking some owner's opinion...

 

 

So far I've only gather :

MIT Airtrek:

2.0L engine, Turbo optional, steering very light, adequate side mirrors, spacious, stock braking seems insufficient, acceleration seems underpowered (don't have the 'kick' feeling as compared to some 1.6L cars I've driven). Cannot perform 'handbrake' launch with the auto.(or at least I tried).

 

H-Airwave:

1.5L engine, no turbo. no chance to test yet

 

Matrix Revo:

1.8L engine, no turbo. same as 1.6L matrix but with bigger engine. no chance to test the revo, but i dislike the 1.6L. acceleration is similiar to the 2L AirTrek - draggy. But at least the brakes are more responsive. Light steering but not as light as the airtrek.

 

Country of origin/manufacture and brands and price aside,

If I were to choose, what merits will I need to base it on? (brand zealots please go away.)

 

Your feedback appreciated.

Edited August 19, 2006 by Ronnie

[Hotnyh]

I've driven the Revo and it's pickup is still pretty leisurely. My friend's polished and ported 1.6 Matrix is definitely faster than the 1.8 (he outdragged an unbelieving Revo owner!). So don't bother with the Revo if you want good performance.

Your choices belong to very different classes. Airwave and Matrix are small cars compared to the Airtrek.

Best compromise in terms of size/price/FC is the Airwave IMO. But what about other types of hatchbacks? If you want decent performance in a hatch body the new Mazda 3Sp20 hatch would seem to be a good choice (compared to an Airtrek- are there still new Airtreks?? Thot all replaced by the 2.4 Outlander).

Edited August 19, 2006 by Hotnyh

[En0203]

judging from the size of the car he's selecting, don think mzd3 sp20 fit his choice because it's too cramp inside

 

i also think airtrek stands out most in his choice of cars

[Hotnyh]

Hmm. I test drove the Airtrek 2.0 3 yrs ago and it left me cold. It's so slow although very spacious. if really need such a big hatch go for Outlander or Forester (the old Forester XT 2L Turbo was a nice compromise). Airtrek Turbo is a different kettle of fish obviously... that would be shiok except when visiting your neighbourhood petrol station. (but that's true for any of the larger cars discussed here). Forgot: there is the Colt Plus (NA and Turbo as well) to consider also.

Edited August 19, 2006 by Hotnyh

[En0203]

i see. didn't test drive airtrek before that's why i don't know

 

tested the Mzd3 sp20 before, power is still so so and the space inside is surprisingly tight but overall satisfy with the car because space is not a concern since i drive w/o rear passenger most of the time

 

no offence but didn't really like the extended backside of colt plus

[Hotnyh]

Yeah Colt Plus looks odd... but now that I've stared long enough at my neighbour's I'm starting to like it!

Edited August 19, 2006 by Hotnyh

[En0203]

haha u are poisoned

 

but to each his own mar

[Ronnie]

Hi bro,

I've driven the Revo and it's pickup is still pretty leisurely. My friend's polished and ported 1.6 Matrix is definitely faster than the 1.8 (he outdragged an unbelieving Revo owner!). So don't bother with the Revo if you want good performance.

 

eeeps. I try to stay as stock as possible, because due to my work/home distance (currently i clock more than 80km a day), it is very inconvenient for me to have 'out of ordinary' downtime like fixing blown gaskets or retuning too lean mix..etc.

 

Your choices belong to very different classes. Airwave and Matrix are small cars compared to the Airtrek.

 

Best compromise in terms of size/price/FC is the Airwave IMO. But what about other types of hatchbacks? If you want decent performance in a hatch body the new Mazda 3Sp20 hatch would seem to be a good choice (compared to an Airtrek- are there still new Airtreks?? Thot all replaced by the 2.4 Outlander).

I think the mazda 3 Hatch is still under the mini hatchback category.... I would prefer a bigger space... to me, Matrix and Airwave is quite spacious... I didn't got much chance to look sit at the airtrek's rear passenger.. but I know it's got pretty a spacious boot and driver's seat is quite comfy.

 

I've actually tried picanto too... but it's too... cramp... if i have to be driving that daily... I have to endure with the 'pain'. which my current impression, cramped small cars or sport cars (WRX?) contributes unnecessary driver fatigue.

 

(I may sound biased towards airtrek, but is really due to me having more info of the airtrek right now. hee.)

[Furrynadz]

no more airtrek

replaced by outlander

 

all 3 choices dun impress

 

only airtrek turbo or new outlander maybe

[Ronnie]

I know what you mean by slow, it's Matrix 1.6L slow.

 

Forester is wayy too much for me... I consider it's "under-8km/L FC" class already.

 

 

Colt plus... I've considered it before, but when I saw the car itself when it was introed into sg market, I just can't picture myself in the car at all.

 

Bigger hatches have too high a CG, I don't wanna feel like I'm on 2 wheels whenever I take a corner at 50km/hr.

Edited August 19, 2006 by Ronnie

[Ronnie]

haha.. my choices are not meant to impress anyone (perhaps myself.)

 

so what other 'alternatives' of the same class would you suggest?

[Furrynadz]

terios

[Ronnie]

terios? erm. i don't want an SUV?

 

OT a bit: if i wanted terios sized sort of car, i would've gotten a harrier instead. Harrier looks nicer, and w/o the stupid tire sticking out at the back of the car like a sore thumb.

 

 

so, any other alternatives?

[Furrynadz]

yaris

[Ronnie]

why yaris?