SINGAPORE – Cars come in all shapes and sizes. They can be low-slung or they can be tall. They can also be big or small, or have two, five or eight seats. Some are bought for their function or performance, while others are appreciated for the way they make the driver – or passengers – feel.

 

While car companies report that demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is cooling abroad, consumers in Singapore cannot get enough of them. Industry insiders expect 2024 to end with around one-third of all new-car registrations being EVs, up from 18.1 per cent in 2023.

 

There are also more electric options than ever in 2024. In some segments, credible EV options are outnumbering cars with internal combustion engines.

 

On the topic of cars that run on liquid fuel, as opposed to electrons, Singapore is poised to ban the registration of new vehicles with pure internal combustion engines (ICE) from 2030. From then on, all registrations of new cars must be "cleaner energy" models – to use the official description from the Transport Ministry on its plans to make land transport greener.

 

Is this even possible?

 

The answer is an absolute yes when you consider the models on sale today. Just about every new car launched in 2024 was at least some form of mild hybrid. While mild hybrid cars are usually unable to go any distance without input from the ICE, the technology complies with the definition of "cleaner energy", so they are good enough for registration beyond 2030.

 

Pure ICE cars, or non-cleaner-energy models, made up just 18.6 per cent of total registrations in the first 11 months of 2024. While this may have something to do with manufacturers cutting back on pure ICE offerings, such vehicles, with their poorer emissions, are subjected to higher taxes in Singapore. This makes them less appealing to buyers.

 

Petrol-hybrids tend to fare better under the current vehicle taxation scheme, but EVs qualify for the most incentives – up to $40,000. The rebate is given at the point of purchase, so it has an immediate impact on the overall car price and this incentive is especially significant in the mass-market car segment.

 

In some instances, an EV can be cheaper to buy than a comparable ICE model, and this spurs consumer adoption.

 

Some industry insiders have said the incentives enable dealers to put in higher bids for certificates of entitlement (COEs) to register EVs. Having broken records repeatedly in 2023, COE premiums remained high in 2024. While some buyers are priced out of the market, dealers are introducing all kinds of complexities in their pricing to make a car seem more palatable to hesitant consumers.

 

This includes generous upfront discounts and rebates that are tied to taking bigger loans and non-guaranteed COE deals, such that the buyer can walk away if the seller fails to secure a COE to register a car in three months. Cars sold with non-guaranteed COE deals have lower price tags than those with guaranteed COE deals.

 

The uncertainty of securing a COE over a few months can be an issue when the buyer has an existing car that will be given up when the new one is registered. In the interim, the old car may be due to be scrapped or its resale value may have dropped significantly.

 

What happens, sometimes, industry insiders say, is that the buyer may be urged to pay a bit more over the agreed price after one or two failed bids, to improve the chances of getting the COE in subsequent bidding exercises to register the new car. Car-buying in Singapore seems anything but straightforward.

 

Still, as the rock band Queen put it in the final track of their 1991 album Innuendo, the show must go on.

 

Here are 30 models across six categories that are worth looking at.

 

• Prices listed are based on the latest available information and "EV" denotes electric option.

 

Hatchback

 

Consider the hatchback the bookends in one's motoring life – from an inexperienced driver to an older person whose reflexes may not be as sharp as they used to be. Even those who are between these two extreme points can appreciate the hatchback for its cabin flexibility, especially when it comes to the ease of loading bulkier items into the cargo area. Dropping a large piece of luggage into a car with an open hatch is easier than trying to slot it through the aperture of a saloon's boot.

 

 

1. Suzuki Swift – $141,888 with non-guaranteed COE before discounts

 

_{The Suzuki Swift is probably half a size smaller than the likes of the Honda Jazz.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

The Suzuki Swift is probably half a size smaller than the likes of the Honda Jazz. While it may be new – the latest generation was introduced only in August – the car clearly belongs to the old school when it comes to the driving experience, down to the mechanical handbrake lever. The car feels simple and tough, just the kind of car for inexperienced drivers to cut their teeth on.

 

 

2. Dongfeng Box (EV) – $188,888 with COE before rebates

 

_{The Dongfeng Box is a relatively spacious car if you do not have a baby pram or mountain bike to carry around.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

Think of the Dongfeng Box as the EV equivalent of something like the Honda Jazz. It is a relatively spacious car if you do not have a pram or mountain bike to carry around. This makes the car feel more light-footed and fun to use.

 

 

3. MG 4 EV Trophy LR (EV) – $237,888 with non-guaranteed COE before discounts and rebates

 

_{There are plenty of EVs with power outputs that slip just below 110kW, qualifying them for the Category A COE, but the MG 4’s driving experience sets the hatchback apart.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

There are plenty of EVs with power outputs that slip just below 110kW, qualifying them for the Category A COE, but the MG 4’s driving experience sets the hatchback apart. There is a sweet fluidity about the way it reacts to the driver’s instructions and tackles road surfaces. The handling dynamics should be reason enough for some to choose it over a sport utility vehicle (SUV) at comparable price points.

 

 

4. Mini Cooper Electric (EV) – From $199,888 with COE

 

_{The Mini Cooper Electric seems to have captured the spirit of the original Mini, especially with its intoxicating and fun driving dynamics.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG}

 

Seeming to go against what Mini has been doing as a brand, the new three-door Cooper is smaller than its predecessor. The EV seems to have captured the spirit of the original Mini, especially with its intoxicating and fun driving dynamics. It is also unique as the only three-door electric hatchback on sale today.

 

Family saloon

 

The familiar three-box saloon has become less familiar, with the popularity of the SUV. But there is much to enjoy about the saloon car. The lower roofline tends to make them more energy-efficient than block-like SUVs. The lower seating position means they can feel more comfortable to ride in than taller vehicles, where occupants can feel like they are being tipped over in the bends.

 

 

5. Tesla Model 3 (EV) – From $95,044 without COE

 

_{In 2024, Tesla updated the Model 3 and introduced a special Category A COE version of the popular electric saloon just for Singapore.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM}

 

In 2024, Tesla updated the Model 3 and introduced a special Category A COE version of the popular electric saloon just for Singapore. Together with the comprehensive facelift that saw improved build quality, better ride comfort and oodles more luxury features, the Model 3 has never been more attractive.

 

 

6. Honda Civic – From $186,999 with COE before discounts

 

_{The Honda Civic remains the sensible and slightly premium option in the segment.
PHOTO: HONDA}

 

The 11th generation of the Honda Civic has just been updated with a slightly different front-end design. The car remains the sensible and slightly premium option in the segment. Joining the 1.5-litre turbo is the hybrid 2-litre version, which claims to be more frugal (4.6 litres/100km compared with 6.4 litres/100km).

 

 

7. Hyundai Avante – From $225,499 with COE before discounts and rebates

 

_{The hybrid powertrain introduced in the 2024 update made the Hyundai Avante the only Category A COE hybrid saloon on sale today.
ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO}

 

The hybrid powertrain introduced in the 2024 update made the Hyundai Avante the only Category A COE hybrid saloon on sale today. Competent and fuel-efficient, the car also feels solidly built. The ride and handling characteristics are well-judged, inspiring confidence in the driver without making the other occupants car-sick as the ride is never harsh.

 

 

8. Toyota Camry 2.5 – $255,888 with COE before rebates

 

_{Until Honda gets serious with promoting its Accord, the Toyota Camry is pretty much the only Japanese mid-sized saloon in town
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG AND AZMI ATHNI}

 

Until Honda gets serious with promoting its Accord, the Toyota Camry is pretty much the only Japanese mid-sized saloon in town. The latest version, which was crowned The Straits Times Car of the Year 2024, is spacious, fuel-efficient, well-equipped and delivers a far more engaging driving experience than even some luxury brands.

 

 

9. BYD Seal (EV) – From $255,888 with COE before rebates

 

_{The BYD Seal looks and feels like a credible flagship saloon from China’s best known car brand.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM}

 

The BYD Seal looks and feels like a credible flagship saloon from China’s best known car brand. In 2024, BYD further sweetened the deal with the introduction of the Category A COE version. Apart from the lower power output, the Seal is as well-equipped as ever, boasting a level of ride refinement that will not feel out of place in luxury cars costing much more.

 

 

10. Hyundai Ioniq 6 (EV) – From $269,150 with COE before discounts and rebates

 

_{The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the second model to be assembled in Singapore after the Ioniq 5.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the second model to be assembled in Singapore after the Ioniq 5. While the underpinnings are similar, the Ioniq 6 feels more mature, with a high level of ride comfort. More than 12 months since it was first reviewed locally, the car’s unusual design still turns heads in traffic.

 

 

Sport utility vehicle or crossover

 

SUVs account for 52 per cent of all cars registered from January to November in 2024, making them the most popular type of cars sold. The genre encompasses a wide range of cars – from rugged-looking and sizeable options to small and posh crossovers that are slightly jacked-up hatchbacks.

 

 

11. Omoda E5 (EV) – From $210,888 with COE before rebates

 

_{Officially introduced in November, the Omoda E5 is one of the most affordable electric SUVs in Singapore.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

Officially introduced in November, the E5 is one of the most affordable electric SUVs in Singapore, with the introduction of a lower-powered (99kW) version that qualifies the EV for the Category A COE. This is in addition to the 150kW model that launched the Omoda brand in Singapore in April. The level of fit and finish is impressive, as is the equipment level. The 99kW E5 feels rather punchy and responsive too.

 

 

12. Lexus LBX – From $220,800 with COE

 

_{One of the 10 contenders for ST’s Car of the Year 2024, the Lexus LBX is an unusual crossover.
ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN}

 

One of the 10 contenders for ST’s Car of the Year 2024, the Lexus LBX is an unusual crossover. It is a size smaller than other compact SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Packed within the compact footprint is a posh cabin with high-end features such as a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and a really agile drive.

 

 

13. Xpeng G6 (EV) – From $221,999 with COE

 

_{The Xpeng G6 has the potential to be even smarter than it is, as the software powering the Chinese EV is able to make the car drive itself when the rules in Singapore allow it.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

The Xpeng G6 has the potential to be even smarter than it is, as the software powering the Chinese EV is able to make the car drive itself when the rules in Singapore allow it. But even in its current form, the G6 impresses with its build quality and spacious cabin.

 

 

14. Mini Countryman Electric (EV) – From $238,888 with COE

 

_{The Countryman is the big Mini when it comes to space and features.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG}

 

The Countryman is the big Mini when it comes to space and features. It is the closest the funky brand owned by BMW has come to being a luxury car. During its final assessment deliberation for ST’s Car of the Year 2024, the Countryman was also recognised for being good value for money when considered against other luxury SUVs in its segment.

 

 

15. Nissan Ariya (EV) – $266,300 with COE before discounts

 

_{Nissan’s second EV after the Leaf is a very likeable car.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG}

 

Nissan’s second EV after the Leaf is a very likeable car. Even a driver who has never used an EV will find the car easy to operate. The user interface, being more reliant on physical switches, means the Nissan may even be easier to get accustomed to than some of the newer ICE cars with their touchscreen-centric cabin designs.

 

 

16. Volkswagen Tiguan – From $269,400 with COE before discounts

 

 

_{The latest Volkswagen Tiguan is a little bit more luxurious than before, while retaining the usability that had made the previous generation so popular.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG}

 

The latest Volkswagen Tiguan is a little bit more luxurious than before, while retaining the usability that had made the previous generation so popular. It is also competitively priced with a generous list of standard equipment that would have been exclusive to top-end luxury models.

 

 

17. Hyundai Santa Fe – From $313,999 with COE before discounts and rebates

 

_{The Santa Fe may look rugged and cool on the outside, but this seven-seater SUV also has real substance that makes it easy for car buyers to warm up to.
PHOTO: SPH Media}

 

The Santa Fe may look rugged and cool on the outside, but this seven-seater SUV also has real substance that makes it easy for car buyers to warm up to. Its refined interior is filled with useful touches that make it a practical family car. The 1.6-litre hybrid powertrain is efficient and sufficiently powerful.

 

Multi-purpose vehicle

 

They may be called multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), but the primary reason for their existence is to ferry more passengers at the same time in greater comfort than the traditional family car. Vehicles that carry seven or more passengers are making a comeback – with new options being launched in 2024 – from models that are not much larger than the average small family car to the truly enormous.

 

 

18. Opel Combo-e Life (EV) – $175,500 with COE

 

_{The Opel Combo-e Life is the seven-seat, passenger-car version of a van.
PHOTO: OPEL}

 

The Opel Combo-e Life is the seven-seat, passenger-car version of a van. The commercial vehicle roots mean the car is built tough, with its attractive price tag being the other big part of its appeal. Being an EV, the Combo-e Life feels peppy and has none of the harshness of an ICE. The car has just been facelifted to feature a variation of the black mask face that newer Opel models have.

 

 

19. Toyota Sienta – $192,888 with COE before rebates

 

_{The Toyota Sienta is like a shoebox apartment, except that it can accommodate more people.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG}

 

The Toyota Sienta is like a shoebox apartment, except that it can accommodate more people. Eminently driveable and fuel-efficient, the car is a practical way to move seven people, as long as they are relatively petite. The low boot floor makes it easy to load the cargo area with bulky objects if the situation arises.

 

 

20. BYD M6 (EV) – $234,888 with COE before discounts and rebates

 

_{The BYD M6 is the modern-day Toyota Wish in electric form.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

The BYD M6 is the modern-day Toyota Wish in electric form. Its three-row seating arrangement accommodates seven adults in relative comfort, complete with separate air-conditioning for those in the back. The drive is competent, being not too different from a family saloon car. It is also competitively priced, after taking into account the generous discounts.

 

 

21. Nissan Serena e-Power – from $246,300 with COE before discounts

 

_{Being an “e-Power”, the Nissan Serena e-Power is not a hybrid in the traditional sense.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG}

 

You can have the Nissan Serena in configurations of seven or eight seats. Being an “e-Power”, the car is not a hybrid in the traditional sense. The engine is used only to charge the batteries to power the electric motor, so it never drives the wheels and never needs to be plugged into an EV charger. In any case, it is a spacious and useful car that gets you around with ease.

 

 

22. Maxus Mifa 7 (EV) – $287,999 with COE

 

_{It is hard to imagine a family needing anything larger than the Maxus Mifa 7, but the Chinese EV brand has an even larger MPV on offer.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG}

 

It is hard to imagine a family needing anything larger than the Maxus Mifa 7, but the Chinese EV brand has an even larger MPV on offer. Passengers on any of the six seats will be able to stretch out while the driver has a commanding view of the road ahead.

 

 

23. Denza D9 (EV) – $345,888 with COE before discounts and rebates

 

_{The Denza D9 is a convincingly premium MPV – from the materials used in the interior to the high refinement level on the move.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG}

 

The Denza D9 is a convincingly premium MPV – from the materials used in the interior to the high refinement level on the move. The two-wheel-drive version is especially good value for money when compared with the other models in this segment.

 

 

24. Toyota Alphard – $387,888 with COE before rebates

 

_{The Toyota Alphard popularised the notion of a luxury MPV.
PHOTO: TOYOTA}

 

The Toyota Alphard popularised the notion of a luxury MPV. In its latest guise, the car manages to be plusher than before and yet feel more nimble to drive. Even with the arrival of credible Chinese rivals, the Toyota still has an edge as an overall package.

 

Sports car

 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The sports car is the type of car that rewards Jack for his hard work, or at least makes him look and feel more interesting. Not all sports cars are made equal, though. Some are more practical, while others are downright hardcore driving machines.

 

 

25. Subaru BRZ – From $227,600 with COE, and Toyota GR86 – From $152,888 without COE

 

_{Both the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR86 (pictured) are virtually identical.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG}

 

Both the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR86 are virtually identical. They are both built in the Gunma prefecture of Japan. The driving experience they deliver is clearly of the variety that car enthusiasts like to talk about. The car makes nearly no attempt at digitalisation or electrification. It is even possible to have cars with manual transmission. Driving purists should grab one before 2030, when it will not be possible to register one.

 

 

26. Mercedes-Benz CLE200 – From $353,888 with COE

 

_{In the standard 2-litre form, the Mercedes-Benz CLE200 is a great daily car with its classy styling and refined powertrain.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

In the standard 2-litre form, the Mercedes-Benz CLE200 is a great daily car with its classy styling and refined powertrain. The spacious interior also means it can be used for long road trips. Those with a serious need for speed can opt for the 3-litre AMG CLE53, which has the performance to scare off junior-league supercars while being an easy drive.

 

 

27. MG Cyberster (EV) – From $359,888 with COE before discounts

 

_{'The MG Cyberster is the only two-seater convertible EV on sale today.
PHOTO: MG}

 

The MG Cyberster is the only two-seater convertible EV on sale today. It has an arresting design, complete with dramatic supercar-style doors. The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version has 250kW and boasts a range of just over 500km, which is more than enough to get to Genting Highlands, Malaysia.

 

 

28. Maserati GranTurismo Modena – $688,000 without COE

 

_{The modern Maserati brand is built on its two-door grand tourers, with the GranTurismo Modena continuing this theme.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR}

 

The modern Maserati brand is built on its two-door grand tourers, with the GranTurismo Modena continuing this theme. It is a large coupe with grand proportions, and has that intangible quality that makes it seem just that bit more special than other, usually more expensive, alternatives.

 

Limousine

 

Limousines tend to cost more to engineer because of all the work put in to ensure they can pamper occupants while being a better drive than lesser cars. The current crop includes limousines that are almost fun to drive, an attribute that comes in handy when the boss has to take over the wheel because the chauffeur is not coming to work.

 

 

29. Porsche Panamera – From $498,468 without COE

 

_{In its latest iteration, the Porsche Panamera comes close to being the perfect limousine for the car enthusiast.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM}

 

In its latest iteration, the Porsche Panamera comes close to being the perfect limousine for the car enthusiast. Like so many Porsches, the challenge is to pick the right version, starting from the base 2.9-litre version ($498,468 without COE) to the Turbo S E-hybrid ($1.23 million without COE).

 

 

30. BMW i7 (EV) – From $619,888 with COE

 

_{The i7 is the EV version of the latest 7-series flagship and it is the closest that BMW has come to making a Rolls-Royce.
ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN}

 

The i7 is the EV version of the latest 7-series flagship and it is the closest that BMW has come to making a Rolls-Royce, when it comes to refinement level. It also has plenty of equipment to keep occupants entertained while taking full advantage of the EV powertrain in terms of driving performance.

 

Source: The Straits Times