BEST 4-CYLINDER HYBRID
TOYOTA PRIUS
The 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid liftback looks dramatically different from its predecessor, but continues to be green and clean.
On our score sheets, the latest Prius has the best Economy/Efficiency score – even better than that of the Honda Legend, the other Japanese hybrid in our COTY finals. However, Toyota’s famous eco-car earned precious few points under Performance and Handling.
Andre shared his opinion: “The fourth-generation Prius is no firebrand for sure, but that has never been its raison d’etre. It has always championed fuel efficiency through hybrid technology. In the beginning, that seemed to be all the Prius could do, but over the four generations, it slowly became more enjoyable to drive and pleasant to look at.”
BEST 6-CYLINDER HYBRID
HONDA LEGEND
The Japanese automaker’s flagship saloon is a high-tech 3.5-litre V6 hybrid notchback with all-wheel-drive and every amenity in Honda’s inventory.
On our score sheets, the Legend achieved top marks in ride quality to tie with the Volvo S90 and finished just behind the petrol-sipping Toyota Prius in fuel efficiency, which is remarkable, considering the Legend’s performance and equipment.
But with a price of around $350,000 in Singapore, the Honda limo isn’t very cost-effective, and its 10th place in our Value For Money standings reflects this disadvantage.
COTY juror, Toh Yong Chuan, commented: “The Legend is a seriously quick Honda, losing only to the NSX in the century sprint, yet it also offers Lexus-like comfort and Odyssey-rivalling legroom. It is huge and heavy, 5m long and nearly 2 tonnes, yet it drives with the eagerness and agility of a Honda Civic.”
BEST 8-CYLINDER SPORTS SALOON
LEXUS GS F
This is the fastest GS variant, powered by a naturally aspirated 470bhp/530Nm 5-litre V8. It does the century sprint in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 270km/h.
On our score sheets, the Lexus ties with the Volvo in first position for Build Quality and lies third behind the Audi RS3 and BMW M2 for Performance. In the overall tally, the Lexus is also in third spot.
Torque’s Jeremy is a fan. “The GS F is a modern and luxurious Japanese muscle car that raises both my pulse rate and the hair on the back of my neck.”
