MG
MG3 and MG6
The 1.3-litre MG3 supermini and 1.8-litre MG6 saloon/fastback are the two newcomers that will reintroduce the MG brand to Singapore. Co-produced in Thailand by China’s biggest automaker, SAIC Motor, these modern MGs are neatly styled and adequately equipped.
MINI
Cooper S John Cooper Works
Right on cue, MINI has given its third-generation Cooper S the John Cooper Works (JCW) treatment. Compared to the previous 1.6-litre JCW pocket rocket, the latest 2-litre model has 10 per cent higher horsepower (231bhp) and 23 per cent more torque (320Nm), yet it’s also less thirsty. With a century sprint timing of 6.1 seconds (automatic six-speeder), the new Cooper S JCW is the quickest car in today’s MINI range. It looks quick, too, thanks to exterior and interior modifications.
NISSAN
Qashqai 1.2
Nissan’s practical crossover treks into COE Category A with a 1.2-litre variant, whose turbocharged 115bhp four-cylinder motor is mated with an Xtronic CVT.
OPEL
Meriva
With its rear-hinged Flexdoors, versatile Flexspace seating, thoughtful Flexrail console storage and convenient Flex-Fix integrated bike carrier, the new Meriva is possibly one of the most flexible transporters for the typical Singaporean family.
PEUGEOT
308
The French are pretty talented “Golf” players, and Peugeot’s new number is ready to play the “Golf” game here. The 308 has both style and substance, plus enhancements that include a snazzier infotainment unit and a tidier, more logical dashboard layout. At the same time, the hatchback has shed over 100kg, which helps the overall performance and fuel efficiency.
SUBARU
Outback
This is a no-nonsense, all-wheel-drive station wagon that combines the venture-everywhere ruggedness of an SUV with the everyday driveability of a conventional car (such as Subaru’s new Legacy, which also arrives this year).
SUZUKI
Vitara
The “revived” Vitara is more compact than Suzuki’s S-Cross, but has similar off-roading pretensions centred on good ground clearance and on-demand Allgrip four-wheel drive. The Vitara’s new lifestyle slant includes the provision of accessories and different colour schemes for urbanites to personalise their “soft-roader”.
Ciaz
Singapore’s affordable-saloon segment will be busier with the arrival of this thrifty Suzuki called Ciaz. The 1.4-litre car challenges the Toyota Vios, Honda City and Nissan Almera. Keyless entry/ignition, rear air-con vents and personal reading lamps are some of the features that make the Ciaz a cheap and good proposition for the motorist on a relatively tight budget.
TOYOTA
Camry
Heartlanders’ favourite large Japanese saloon has been heavily updated for the new year, making it a lesser Lexus ES in all but name. The 2-litre Camry gets a six-speed automatic gearbox at last (to replace a dated four-speeder), a stronger yet more economical engine and a classier cabin with a redesigned dashboard. The conservative exterior has been tweaked to look slightly more assertive. The Camry dynasty shall continue.
Prius C
Toyota’s sellable little hybrid hatchback has received a facelift, but no mechanical changes have been made. The interior is a bit nicer now, thanks to “premium materials” and “noise-vibration-harshness improvements” (to quote the press release).
VOLKSWAGEN
Beetle Cabriolet
The alfresco edition of the Beetle essentially does everything the Golf Cabriolet can do, but with more attitude and greater artistry. Chic frills include a choice of colours (black or beige) for the multi-layered fabric roof, a standard-fit rear spoiler and retro, chrome-plated alloy wheels.
Passat
Fully decked out with a raft of upscale gadgets, the latest-generation VW Passat is a mid-size saloon/estate with upsized ambitions. It also offers ample interior space, an ultra-modern instrument cluster and top-notch build quality.
Golf Sportsvan
This five-seater MPV is for drivers whose transportation needs have outgrown their Golf, but they cannot wait for the Touran replacement. The “Sportsvan” tag might suggest sportiness, but this Golf spin-off is more about functionality, which is why its cabin is capacious and full of clever storage ideas.
VOLVO
XC90
The original XC90 was introduced way back in 2002, but the long wait might be worth it. Because the second-generation XC90 boasts the most advanced safety features in its class and a roomy, lovely cabin with a tablet-like centre console and a crystal-glass gearlever. The new XC90’s primary drivetrain for our market will be a turbocharged 2-litre 4-cylinder with 320bhp, 400Nm, an eight-speed automatic and grippy all-wheel-drive.
