FINAL VERDICTS, PAGE 4/5
HIROCHI EXATIMA
At the first glance, it seems almost unbelievable that such a nice, modern car as the Hirochi Exatima can be bought for only $13800 AMU. The way it drives is on par with much more expensive cars, the same could also be said about the riding comfort. The engine is a little jewel and we could almost end it here by saying that the Exatima is the true winner of this test.
Unfortunately, corners have been cut at some very important points. A recent survey among owners of new 1993 models says that the Hirochi Exatima is one of the models that have had the most repairs done under warranty - now, it is sometimes very small problems, but still. Also, reading the report from the NHTSA crash testing is a sad story.
With a higher emphasis put on safety and build quality, Hirochi could have had a winner in their Exatima - but chances are of course that it would have priced itself outside the budget then, too.
Oh, and…how about adding power steering, maybe?
PROS: Roomy interior, comfortable, nice driving dynamics
CONS: Shoddy build quality, low safety rating, steering a bit stiff at slow speeds
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ****
Performance: ***
Comfort: ****
Roominess and practicality: ***
Equipment: **
Engine and drivetrain: ****
Quality: **
Economy: ***
Safety: *
FINAL VERDICT: 26/45
MARA ZVEZDA
At the grocery store, the nearest equivalent to the Mara Zvezda is a potato. It might sound harsh, but we are actually saying it as a kind of positive thing. It is the everyday hero that is economical to buy, does its work absolutely flawless, but without any prestige and refinement.
For $13300 you get a robust and roomy station wagon, and to be honest, that is enough arguments to why this is a good purchase that gives a great value for your money.
But yes, more modern competitors offer more refinement and you will probably be laughed at if you arrive at the country club in a Mara Zvezda.
PROS: Low purchase price, robust, practical
CONS: High service costs, rough running engine, bland driving dynamics
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: **
Performance: **
Comfort: ***
Roominess and practicality: ****
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: **
Quality: ****
Economy: ****
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 26/45
DECARLIS D20
The Decarlis D20 is a prime example of a well thought out modern supermini that shines in many areas without being shockingly bad at anything either. A perfectly good allrounder that is pleasant and fun to drive and that probably will make its owner satisfied in the long run.
And we mean in the long run. The build quality of the D20 is simply outstanding for a car in this class.
If you can cope with the drawbacks that comes with the relatively small size, this is a purchase we can recommend.
PROS: Decent performance, excellent build quality, decent handling
CONS: Cramped for passengers, lacks low end torque
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ****
Performance: ***
Comfort: ***
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: ***
Quality: ****
Economy: ***
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 27/45
AKIRA SPARROW
No, this is not another Decarlis D20 but in blue, it is actually an Akira Sparrow. Joking aside, the similarities is actually a little more than just skin-deep. Like the Decarlis, the Akira is a competent allrounder that is not really lacking in any department. But while the Decarlis may be more of a car for the active driver, the Akira offers a more relaxed ride and gives you more standard equipment. Which one you like the best is up to you.
It should also be noted that the Akira Sparrow costs $200 less than the Decarlis.
PROS: Good ride comfort, pleasant engine, well equipped
CONS: Cramped for passengers, bland driving dynamics, somewhat noisy
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: ***
Comfort: ***
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: ****
Quality: ***
Economy: ****
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 27/45
LCE LQ1
When LCE developed the LQ1, focus was on total economy. And while there is no question about that they succeeded there, don’t believe for a moment that this is some kind of road legal golf cart. It’s actually a highly competent and fully modern supermini. Sure, some corners have been cut, but nowhere to the extent that they should make this some kind of subpar automobile, and we guess that most of the customer base will accept that the car not really has the performance of a Rauk Fenrir or has an air-conditioned leather-clad living room of an interior. The engine is fully modern and very advanced, but like all 3-cylinders it runs a bit rough.
What struck us is how similar the car feels to the IP, and we guess that they will be close competitors that will be cross-shopped by many of our readers. Which one you choose is up to you. The IP sells for a little bit less but the LCE has better total economy. The IP is a bit roomier but the LCE has the practicality of the rear doors.
One thing that should be noticed is the extensive use of aluminium in the body that means less rust problems than for many other cars.
PROS: Very good overall economy, decent rust protection, modern drivetrain
CONS: Sluggish performance, 3-cylinder engine a bit rough.
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: **
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: ***
Equipment: **
Engine and drivetrain: ****
Quality: ****
Economy: *****
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 27/45
GUJARAT MASTER
Can you imagine a world where you still could go to your Volvo dealer and order a new Amazon? Nah, neither can we. But the Gujarat Master that was released in the same year is still for sale, and it teaches us some important lessons.
We didn’t expect much from it but it really struck us with surprise. It really shows how a car that was engineered in the right way from the beginning and that have had its share of updates through the years still can be competitive after almost 40 years! And the old saying about how “they don’t build them like they used to?”, well that may hold some truth. According to owner surveys, as well as statistics from the annual traffic safety inspection, Gujarat Masters are VERY robust and reliable cars. If that’s not proof enough, go to India and see the abuse they will survive there.
But that’s not everything, updates done in recent years have given it good comfort, as well as a fully modern engine. It is not the most exciting car to drive, though, and they are known to be a bit hopeless in slippery conditions.
Also, one thing that may make some buyers think twice is the complete lack of modern safety equipment.
PROS: Robust, comfortable, economical
CONS: Bland driving dynamics, subpar passive safety
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: **
Performance: ***
Comfort: ****
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: ****
Quality: ****
Economy: ****
Safety: *
FINAL VERDICT: 27/45
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