These three Category A SUVs offer a little bit of everything for the urban road warrior.

Though smaller, Category A SUVs still pack a punch for motorists looking for a compact five-seater with relatively roomy cargo space. Let’s look at some recent releases of petrol and electric compact SUVs that small-car lovers would be tempted.

VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS

You wouldn’t think this is just a one-litre, Category A car if you step on the gas when overtaking on the highway. The pick-up is quick and seamless, and the VW T-Cross will pull you away without any fuss. It’s got more oomph than you’ll ever need negotiating Singapore’s start-stop roads.

You have to thank the highly efficient turbocharged 1.0 TSI petrol engine, delivering 85 kW (114 bph) of power for this. Paired with a dual-clutch, seven-speed DSG transmission, its acceleration is impressive for its fuel economy of 6.3L/100km.

The T-Cross boasts enhanced design features of standard LED Matrix headlights and LED taillight clusters, with the upgraded interior of higher-quality materials providing a touch of luxe.

The updated front bumper and contemporary radiator grille, accented with a sleek side profile, subtly flared wings, and dynamically contoured wheel arches, provide a modern look. The 3D effect and animation of the rear LED lights is a unique feature.

The car is available in two lines–Style and R-Line. The more standard Style line comes with new 17-inch “Manila” alloy wheels, while the sportier R-Line offers a black roof lining, brushed stainless steel pedals, R-Line detailing, and 18-inch “Misano” alloy wheels.

Inside, the dash panel has undergone a complete redesign and now features soft-upholstered materials and significantly higher-quality surface materials. Both the driver and front passenger can independently regulate air-con temperature on each side with Volkswagen’s two-zone Climatronic system, while R-Line enthusiasts benefit from the inclusion of a Beats 300W audio system with a subwoofer, digital eight-channel amplifier, and six speakers.

The prominent 8.0-inch infotainment display, with high resolution and user-friendly functionality, is at the heart of the car’s interiors. Complete with App-Connect, the system grants you the freedom to enjoy music, manage messages, and stay informed with ease, all while keeping your focus on the road ahead. For added convenience, the T-Cross includes a standard wireless charging tray, ensuring distraction-free charging while on the move.

Moreover, the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, conveniently positioned on the dashboard, provides drivers with real-time updates on mileage, vehicle status, speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and various safety systems.

Potential buyers of the VW T-Cross will definitely be looking at its storage space. The T-Cross interior impresses with its proven operating concept and well-arranged space for up to five people. The sliding rear bench seat can be moved by 140 mm, varying the boot capacity between 385 and 455 litres while providing generous space for passengers. Folding down the rear bench seat creates a flat load area with a stowage volume of up to 1,281 litres. The continuous load area from the rear to the front is 2,398 mm long and can stow everything from flat-pack furniture to sporting equipment. The adjustable seats further enhance the flexibility of the interior. Golfers, however, will need to put down one of the rear seats to accommodate their bags.

Volkswagen has extended the safety system of the new T-Cross R-Line and now features Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, and Lane Assist as standard. The R-Line’s offerings are further enhanced with Adaptive Cruise Control, and Travel Assist with its suite of driving assistance features.

The VW T-Cross is available in Clear Blue Metallic, Grape Yellow and Kings Red Metallic.

PRICE

$167,900/$173,900 WITH COE (STYLE/R-LINE)

ENGINE

ONE-LITRE, THREE-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED PETROL

TRANSMISSION

SEVEN-SPEED DSG

POWER

85KW

TORQUE

200NM

0-100KM/H

10.3 SECONDS

DISTRIBUTOR

VOLKSWAGEN SINGAPORE

T 6474 8288

SKODA KAMIQ
Is it a small estate? An SUV? Or a hatchback? It doesn’t matter when you’re considering the Skoda Kamiq. It’s all of the above in one compact package. It has form and function in aesthetics and utility respectively.The wider grille and sharper headlights distinguish it from its previous rendition. And the new bumper offers a more solid and dynamic stance. The redesigned bumper in the rear has an integrated diffuser and restyled taillights that feature rear reflectors to create a characteristic C-shape. This is especially eye-catching when you throw in the new LED headlights and crystalline elements of the rear lights aired with the dynamic turn signal. They are not only nice to look at but also enhance visibility.
The driver-focused interior marries style with functionality. The eight-inch digital display and new infotainment display in the middle of the dashboard are the dominant features. The new Microsuede material on the dashboard exudes a luxurious tone, matched by the redesign of the seat upholstery.

If you’re into ambient lighting, you’ll be happy to hear that the Kamiq offers decorative trim in two colours to add the finishing touch to the cabin. SmartLink allows connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual-zone air conditioning with rear air vents keeps everyone comfortably cool, and the pair of 45W fast-charging USB-C ports means you’ll never be stranded without juice in your devices.The hatchback-style boot door allows for easy access to the 400-litre boot space. And Skoda has cleverly provided a neat compartment in the driver’s doors where you can slot in that unsightly umbrella, ready for use when called upon. Thoughtful double pockets behind the front seats allow you to store a laptop, and phone in separate compartments.

The one-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine may be just enough to get you from point A to point B without too much strain, but you know you’ll reach your destination without any worry. The radar in the front grille helps Front Assist to hit the brakes automatically to avoid collisions. Predictive pedestrian protection also warns the driver with audio/visual signals, as well as a gentle jolt on the brakes. Side Assist rounds out the driver assistance list by offering LED signals on the inside of the wing mirror housings when it detects vehicles approaching from behind or in the blind spot.

The highly functional, and irresistibly attractive Kamiq comes in metallic finishes in Moon White, Race Blue, Phoenix Orange, Graphite Grey and Magic Black. Team it with the 18-inch Ursa silver alloy wheels with black Aero covers and you’ll have heads turning wherever you go.

PRICE

$170,400 WITH COE

ENGINE

999CC IN-LINE THREE-CYLINDER TURBOCHARGED PETROL

 

TRANSMISSION

SEVEN-SPEED DSG

 

POWER

115PS @ 5500RPM

 

TORQUE

200NM @ 2000-3500RPM

 

0-100KM/H

10.2 SECONDS

 

DISTRIBUTOR

SKODA CENTRE SINGAPORE

T 6305 8668

HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC SUV

I’ve sneaked this in because these days, we cannot think about buying a car – regardless of size – without considering an EV alternative.

Hyundai has come a long way in design and its current line of cars not only meets but sets the standards in visual impact. While the futuristic lines of the Ioniq 5 may take some getting used to, the Hyundai KONA ELECTRIC is more likely to get drivers to fall in love at first sight.
The KONA’s futuristic disposition, with its aerodynamic profile and dynamic connecting lines, is intriguingly arresting. The clean rounded nose is a lovely departure and also lowers drag in performance. Combined with the front seamless full-LED headlamps, spoiler integrated HMSI, rear seamless horizon lamp, LED brake lamps, and LED turn signal lamps, you get visibility and aesthetics rolled into one. The 18-inch alloy wheels with parametric trim will get anyone’s attention to boot.

The KONA ELECTRIC boasts a top driving range of over 450km (48.6kWh battery), and its battery can be charged up to 80 per cent (from 10 per cent) in just 43 minutes. The four-pixel lights next to the charging port are a nice gesture, helping you gauge the time left for a full charge. One other feature worth noting is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature that allows you to plug electrical devices and appliances into the power outlet from inside or outside of the car. General (230V/120V) supply is available, or you can use 3.6kVA for 230V power devices and 1.9kVA for 120V power devices.

While the KONA also comes in a Hybrid version mated with a 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine, the ELECTRIC has some exclusive features. There is an integrated memory system for the driver side, paddle shifts with regenerative brake control, and for added functionality, the floor in the rear passenger space is flat. Front and rear pixelated seamless horizon lamps, and flush pixel bumper details set the electrified version apart.The interior of the KONA matches its futuristic exterior. The 12.3-inch panoramic dual-screen display gives you all the info you need on your journey, and the heads-up display allows you to keep your eyes on the road when checking your speed. The 64-colour ambient lamps change colour as you switch between the three drive modes (Eco, Snow and Sport).

Wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smart power tailgate with adjustable height setting, wireless charging pad, and ventilated front seats, make for added comfort and convenience when on the road.

Hyundai SmartSense provides the KONA ELECTRIC with drive assistance and safety features. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Sport Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist run the gamut of available technologies provided by Hyundai to get you to where you need to go in one piece.

PRICE

$176,888 WITH COE (48.6KWH)
$200,888 WITH COE (64.8KWH)

 

ENGINE

46.8KWH PERMANENT MAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR (PMSM)

 

POWER

135HP

 

TORQUE

255NM

 

0-100KM/H

9.9 SECONDS

 

DISTRIBUTOR

KOMOCO MOTORS PTE LTD

T 6475 8888

Value Wheels

Singapore’s car prices keep going up, and finding a car below $100K is a near impossibility these days. But good value Category A cars – like the three featured – can still be found. The good thing is that drivers won’t have to compromise on quality, drivability and features if they decide on a smaller car that meets their needs.