As the world transitions slowly to electric vehicles, the hybrid SUV is possibly the best compromise for now. Here are three latest ones to choose from.
LEXUS LBX
Lexus’ NX and RX have ruled the roost of high-end Japanese cars for some time. They are undoubtedly some of the most popular on the roads today. The premium marque continues to venture into new territory with the LBX, Lexus’ first-ever Category A model.
The key feature of the LBX (“Lexus Breakthrough X(Cross)-over”) is the new powertrain, a self-charging 1.5-litre hybrid electric system that suits city driving in Singapore. The GA-B compact class platform underwent a comprehensive upgrade, accompanied by refinements in electrification technology and core engineering characteristics.
The LBX is the second Lexus model to benefit from a new bipolar nickel metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery that offers a greater power density and output while supporting responsive, linear acceleration. The meticulously engineered cockpit reflects the Tazuna (“reins of a horse”) concept adopted. This manifests in a driving position and package that prioritises the connection between driver and car, with increased effort at achieving quietness through sound and vibration suppression at the source.
A new “Unified Spindle” façade provides a new aesthetic. The rear design accentuates a simple, planted stance with a low centre of gravity, creating a visually striking profile. The LBX provides a refined interior typically reserved for higher-class vehicles.
The 64 ambient illumination creates that atmosphere, enhanced with other features like the grille which has been unified in a single trapezoid shape, positioned below a narrow aperture that runs beneath the leading edge of the bonnet, linking the slim headlight units and emphasised by a one-piece chrome moulding. The design draws on the heritage of Lexus’ “Resolute Look” that was introduced with the LF-S concept car of 2003 and became a signature styling cue for Lexus production models from the early 2000s.
The LBX comes with comprehensive safety ad driver assistance features in the form of the latest generation of Lexus Safety System. This equips the car with multiple systems to detect accident risks, alert the driver and automatically provide steering, braking, and drive force control to avoid serious collision consequences. The LBX has a 12.3-inch full LCD display meter for enhanced visibility and control while the Pre-Collision System (PCS) provides an increased detection range with a new combination of front radar and camera sensor. Help when making manoeuvres is provided by the Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitor with Safe Exit Assist, together with a Reversing Camera and a Parking Support Brake.
The Blind Spot Monitor harnesses a quai-millimetre wave radar to detect vehicles and provide real-time alerts. When a driver indicates to change lanes, an area is illuminated in the outer mirror where an obstacle is present, directly in the driver’s eye-line. Using the Blind Spot Monitor radar, the Safe Exit Assist system checks for any traffic approaching from the rear. If there is a risk of the door opening into the path of a vehicle or cyclist, it will flash a warning light in the door mirror, sound an alert, and cancel the door unlatching.
The Parking Support Brake automatically applies drive force and braking control if there is a risk of contact with a static object, vehicles or pedestrians approaching from the rear, or when moving at low speed. The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) has been enhanced to recognise more objects, including adjacent street furniture such as utility poles, curb and guard rails. It can also detect when the driver is steering to avoid a person or parked vehicle in the LBX’s traffic lane.
Interior luxury goes beyond the carefully crafted seats in the LBX. The features and technology embedded in this ‘compact’ SUV reaches beyond the expected, offering the best in connectivity and multimedia systems. The 13 optimally positioned speakers of the Mark Levinson audio system provides the new Mark Levinson Quantum Logic Surround technology to deliver an accurate and full-bodied sound stage, smoothly balanced frequency characteristics and high clarity and definition.
“In 2024, Lexus embarks on an exciting journey by expanding our electrified line-up with the debut of the groundbreaking subcompact crossover, the All-New LBX,” says Ng Khee Siong, Managing Director of Inchcape Singapore. “As we step into a new segment, our commitment to providing our customers a luxury driving experience remains unwavering. The LBX reflects the core values that define Lexus, ensuring that our brand continues to epitomise luxury while delivering an industry-leading customer experience.”
PRICE
$233,800 WITH COE
ENGINE
1490CC IN-LINE THREE CYLINDER HYBRID
TRANSMISSION
E-CVT
POWER
129BHP @ 6000RPM
TORQUE
120NM @ 3600-4800RPM
0-100KM/H
9.6 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
LEXUS SINGAPORE
T 6631 1388
NISSAN X-TRAIL E-POWER
One of Nissan’s most popular SUVs got an upgrade, and the fourth generation X-Trail e-POWER promises better technologies, improved performance and a more premium interior.
The latest rendition comes with the X-Trail’s trademark V-motion grille, but is enhanced with the second-generation e-POWER electric powertrain system and e-4ORCE all-wheel-control system to add oomph to your everyday ride.
Nissan’s e-4ORCE system features twin electric motors to deliver high torque, stability and agility to the drive while coordinating the forces working in the vehicle for a smoother, more comfortable ride, even during stop-start traffic. Some of the highlights of e-4ORCE include Intuitive Driving where the car assesses the road surface and condition before controlling the driving force and braking of the front and rear twin electric motors to maximise tyre frictional force for smoother cornering. The system offers continual optimal traction to minimise wheel slip and to enable smooth starting and driving even on slippery roads.
The second-generation e-POWER system features upgraded power, smoothness, and quietness. Decked with the world’s first mass-produced variable compression ratio engine, the system’s gasoline engine serves as a generator to produce electricity. With the great compatibility of the VC-Turbo engine and the e-POWER system, the engine significantly improves output even at low revs providing a powerful driving experience with the ultimate quietness within the car, while maintaining high fuel efficiency. Reduced body weight and increased rigidity further contributes to the car’s cabin quietness by insulating against road and powertrain noise.
Fans of Nissan’s e-Pedal would be happy to hear that the system is available in the new X-Trail. When the driver releases the pedal, the system automatically slows down the car, making it more efficient and less demanding to drive.
Safety feature in the X-Trail e-POWER includes an intelligent forward collision warning system that detects any potential obstacles on the road and alerts the driver in advance to prevent an accident. Intelligent around-view monitor with moving object detection, lane departure warning, blindspot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert systems are also on hand. And to top it off, the Intelligent Driver Alertness system detects inconsistent driving behaviour and alerts the driver with audio and visual warnings.
Inside the new X-Trail, the upholstery is decked out in black premium leather with an option to upgrade to amber-coloured Nappa for a more luxurious look. Three large interior display screens supplement your drive: the 12.3-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, which features two display modes; the 12.3-inch NissanConnect navigation system in the centre display, which has a voice recognition function for greater convenience; and the 10.8-inch head-up display, which allows the driver to see vital information while driving. The Bose Premium Sound System is tuned exclusively for the X-Trail e-POWER with advanced Active Noise Cancellation technology.
PRICE
$231,800 WITH COE (SINGLE TONE), $233,800 (DOUBLE TONE)
ENGINE
1497CC IN-LINE THREE-CYLINDER DOHC, TURBOCHARGED WITH FRONT AND REAR ELECTRIC MOTORS
TRANSMISSION
SINGLE SPEED REDUCTION GEAR
POWER
204PS (FRONT); 136PS (REAR)
TORQUE
330NM (FRONT); 195NM (REAR)
0-100KM/H
7 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
TAN CHONG MOTORS SALES
T 6479 7711
HYUNDAI KONA HYBRID
The Hyundai Kona continues to evolve and build on its reputation for quality and value in the medium-size SUV space. The all-new KONA, launched late in 2023, was named Car of the Year at Auto Express New Car Awards, one of the UK’s leading motoring magazines, as well as Small SUV of the Year, and Small Company Car of the Year.
The KONA Hybrid is powered by a specially calibrated 1.6-L GDi direct injection engine paired with an electric motor that delivers impressive acceleration and high efficiency with a combined output of 130ps and up to 265 Nm of torque.
This second-generation KONA Hybrid introduces a new stability feature in the e-Motion Drive that uses the drive motor to effectively control braking, shifting, and torque during sharp cornering to deliver uninterrupted acceleration and cornering stability.
Driver assistance and safety systems are at the forefront of the new KONA’s offerings, and feature Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and High Beam Assist. Smart Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist continue to help drivers with convenience on the roads.
Improved design elements make the KONA one of the handsomest mid-size SUVs on the road. Front and rear LED Seamless Horizon Lamps arch across both ends, and the daytime running lights integrate seamlessly, this fusion creates a futuristic presence. The Elite trim available to customers in Singapore will include 18-inch alloy wheels replete with a parametric rim design that highlights the much-preferred sportiness while preserving the bold parametric design language on its sides. The futuristic front bumper is distinguished by a three-dimensional garnish and skid plate instead of a radiator grille. The innovative use of upper and lower exterior active air flaps allow the KONA Hybrid to improve its aerodynamic performance, producing a drag coefficient of 0.30.
As an urban SUV, the interior space in the KONA is designed for functionality. The vehicle provides the best-in-class space with 60mm longer wheelbase length, 77mm longer leg room and 11mm higher headroom in the second-row seats, compared to the previous generation. The second-row shoulder room is 1,402mm, also the largest in its class, providing the best habitability in ‘living space’ for passengers. KONA’s slimmed seats, which are only 85mm thick, also add more living space for the second-row passengers.
In addition, the column-type electric shift-by-wire gear selector set behind the steering wheel allows more space for an open, clean console structure that can be used for cupholders or storage for big bags. The fully foldable second-row seat and rear compartment provide up to 1,300L of cargo space to meet the highest level of customer needs with improved loading convenience.
The 12.3-inch integrated dual screen display supports ergonomically comfortable use, while the first-row’s relaxation comfort seat option is optimised for ‘weightless’ body pressure distribution to help alleviate fatigue after long-haul driving. The interior architecture of the KONA Hybrid accommodates a sporty layout with floating horizontal C-Pad to emphasise KONA’s slim and wide interior, providing a versatile space for driver and passengers.
The second-row Curve-less Bench Seat reinforces KONA’s 21st century urban design aesthetic. This living space offers a unique experience with maximum usability, comfort and convenience. Behind the second row is a maximised cargo space.
The KONA Hybrid comes in eight exterior colours: Abyss Black, Atlas White, Cyber Gray Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, Neoteric Yellow, Mirage Green, Meta Blue Pearl.
PRICE
FROM $178,999 WITH COE
ENGINE
1580CC DIRECT INJECTION PETROL HYBRID
TRANSMISSION
SIX-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH
POWER
129HP; 32KW (ELECTRIC MOTOR MAX)
TORQUE
265NM; 170NM (ELECTRIC MOTOR MAX)
0-100KM/H
11.4 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
KOMOCO MOTORS PTE LTD
T 6475 8888
