High-tech, fuel-saving, performance-oriented – these are the marks of today’s top four-door saloons. Here are three to put on your radar.
Komoco Motors has launched the face-lifted Avante, now in a Hybrid powertrain. Hyundai’s best-selling sedan has been refreshed with a sportier facade and more impressive stance. With the hybrid motor, the 1.6l-engine is combined with an electric motor to increase its power from 90 kW to 96 kW, and significantly increasing its torque from 154 Nm to 265 Nm.
At the time of writing, the Avante Hybrid is the only full hybrid sedan in Singapore, that qualifies for Category A COE.
The Avante’s bold lines opened the door to a new path for the popular Hyundai saloon. The new Avante Hybrid serves to fine-tune this journey with even bolder, carefully crafted lines. Highlights to Hyundai’s “Parametric Dynamics” approach include side turn signals that fold electronically, full LED headlamps that are stylishly slim, LED rear combination tail lights, and a quarter glass cover that looks like the scales of a fish. The intricately designed 16-inch wheels complete the modern aesthetic.
Inside, the Avante Hybrid gets a makeover that may be attractive to some, but puzzling to others. The side bar between the passenger seat and the centre console sets this car apart from others, for sure. Otherwise, the interiors are rather luxurious, with the seats showcasing fine stitching and patchwork.
Being a Hyundai, you can expect that the designers have functionality as a priority. Dual-zone air-conditioning, ergonomically located USB slots, ventilated seats, and power seat for the driver, with memory, are available. There is also a wireless smartphone charger nicely located on the centre console in front of the gear shift.
The 10.25-inch cluster display and eight-inch audio display is sharp and clear and gives users all they need in controlling infotainment features. Smartphone mirroring ability further means you can use your favourite apps through these displays when on the road.
The Avante Hybrid matches a 1.6l petrol engine with a hybrid system to provide 105PS maximum engine power and 15kgf-m at 4,000rpm, and fuel consumption of 4.7l/100km, aided by the regenerative braking system that allows kinetic energy to charge the battery. The multi-link rear suspension system provides comfort and stability through improved traction, shock dispersion, and minimised vibration.
Hyundai’s SmartSense safety and driving assistance systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) warns you if there is a risk of collision, and if the risk persists after the warning, automatically engages emergency braking. Blind Spot-Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) similarly warns you when there is risk of collision from the blind spot, and if the risk persists, carefully guides the vehicle away from the danger. Safe Exit Warning (SEW) warns occupants who open the doors when there is a vehicle approach. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Prevention Assist, and Lane Following Assist both help keep your vehicle centred in the lane at speeds of between 0-180km/h and complete a comprehensive package to keep drivers and passengers safe on the journey.
PRICE
From $168,999 WITH COE
ENGINE
1580CC DOHC INLINE FOUR-CYLINDER WITH HYBRID SYSTEM
TRANSMISSION
SIX-SPEED DCT
POWER
96KW; 32KW (ELECTRIC MOTOR)
TORQUE
265NM; 170NM (ELECTRIC MOTOR)
0-100KM/H
10.5 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
KOMOCO MOTORS
T 6475 8888
BMW 5 SERIES
The latest rendition of arguably BMW’s most popular sedan gets a new clear and reduced design language. The sporty elegance now has literally a more sizable stature, growing by 97mm in length, 32mm in width and 36mm in height. Modern interpretation of the headlights and grille characterise the new 5 series. From the side, the high shoulder line, powerfully designed surfaces and two precisely traced character lines shape the vehicle’s athletic body. Black side skirts, flush-mounted door openers and an embossed number 5 at the base of the C-pillar are further eye-catchers.
In the interiors, simplicity continues to rule the revamp. The car has significantly reduced the number of buttons and controls compared to the previous model. The fully digital display system consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display. The steering wheel has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels, and the selector lever on the centre console. The BMW Interaction Bar with crystalline surface structure extends across the entire width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels.
The all-new BMW 520i is powered by the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines and now features 48-volt mild hybrid technology and is combined with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The extensively advanced chassis technology, like the control systems, has been model-specifically adapted to the weight balance associated with the respective drive technology. It includes directly controlled wheel slip limitation, integrated braking system and sport steering with variable steering ratio as standard.
Parking View, Panorama View front and 3D View functions help enhance the BMW 5 Series Parking Plus Assist. In addition, the Remote 3D View function allows drivers to view a three-dimensional live image of the vehicle and its surroundings transmitted to their smartphone (available for Apple iPhone from operating system iOS 16.2). With the optional Parking Assistant Professional, automated parking and manoeuvring of up to 200 metres can be controlled in the vehicle or by smartphone outside the vehicle.
Driving experience has also seen a lift with the enhanced BMW Curved Display and control system with “QuickSelect”. It is based on the BMW Operating System 8.5 and features a redesigned home screen with vertically arranged function icons on the driver’s side.
It is consistently designed to be operated by means of a touch display and natural language. In addition, the all-new BMW 5 Series Sedan also features steering wheel buttons and the BMW iDrive Controller on the centre console. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the BMW Head-Up Display and Augmented View on the Control Display or instrument cluster. The standard BMW Natural Interaction is also available for controlling functions using gestures.
Other innovations include the Welcome Scenario with light show and personal welcome, which optionally also includes the dynamic light carpet. The BMW Digital Key Plus is now available for suitable smartphones with the iOS or Android operating systems as well as for the Apple Watch, helping to propel BMW into the future of automobiles.
PRICE
$351,888 WITH COE (520I MODEL)
ENGINE
1998CC IN-LINE FOUR-CYLINDER PETROL WITH TWINPOWER TURBO AND MILD HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
TRANSMISSION
EIGHT-SPEED STEPTRONIC SPORT
POWER
190HP @ 4400-6500RPM
TORQUE
310NM @ 1500-4000RPM
0-100KM/H
8.1 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
BMW EUROKARS AUTO
T 6269 8833
PERFORMANCE MOTORS LIMITED
T 1800 225 5269
VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON
The name Arteon is derived from the Latin “atem” which means art. Volkswagen has made a case for the choice by designing a saloon that is part performance, part art form.
The Arteon’s distinctive features include the front end with a new continuous light strip that connects the front headlights (R-Line), striking chrome bars, and new air intakes at the bottom. The radiator grille and the long, wide bonnet are combined as a formal unit and make it stand out as the face in the crowd – also at night, thanks to a unique LED light signature at the front and dynamic turn signals at the rear. The roof and window contours are swept down in parallel from the B-pillars and therefore become part of the coupé-shaped rear.
Functionality is a touchstone for the Arteon and VW’s modular transverse matrix (MTM) platform offers occupants optimum space with legroom in the rear at 1016mm – a benchmark value for this class. Behind the rear seat bench is a luggage compartment capacity of up to 563l when loaded up to the rear seat backrest and luggage compartment cover. Loading the vehicle up to the front seat backrests increases the loading capacity to 1,557l.
The new Arteon is available with 190 PS 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol direct injection engine (TSI) and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG). DCC adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection can be adjusted using the touchscreen in the cockpit. DCC continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking into account steering, braking and acceleration manoeuvres.
In the interior, operation has been made easier through touch sliders for the automatic air conditioner and a new multifunction steering wheel with touch controls.
There is now wireless integration of apps via App- Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Google) via the 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system in the Arteon R-Line. Wired integration of apps is available in the Arteon Elegance via the eight-inch Composition system.
Background lighting that can be adjusted in up to 30 colours is also available to give the new interior an attractive finishing touch. Here, the trims in the dash panel and doors are illuminated – in this way, light becomes the new chrome.
Driver’s assistance is comprehensive and includes Driver Alert, Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Side Assist warning for lane-changing and blind spots, Multi-Collision Brake, Proactive Occupant Protection System, Rear Traffic Alert, and Park Assist (R-Line) with sensor controlled steering aid to assist parallel and bay parking.
The VW Arteon is available in two equipment lines – Elegance and R-Line.
PRICE
$229,900 (ELEGANCE), $241,900 (R-LINE) WITH COE
ENGINE
1984CC TSI FOUR-CYLINDER WITH DIRECT PETROL INJECTION AND TURBOCHARGER
TRANSMISSION
SEVEN-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DSG)
POWER
190PS @ 4200-6000RPM
TORQUE
320PS @ 1500-4100RPM
0-100KM/H
7.9 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
VOLKSWAGEN SINGAPORE
T 6474 6288
