Big or small, electrified or not, sport utility vehicles are favourites with Singaporean drivers and passengers. Here are three new ones that combine form with functionality.

SUVs, or sport utility vehicles, are bigger than sedans or saloon cars. The elevated driving position provides better road visibility, and the bigger cargo space is a boon for carrying a week’s groceries to bulky items. Overall, SUVs are great for families because of their practicality and suitability for city living.

KIA SORENTO HYBRID

Korean carmaker Kia has come a long way in its evolution. Its current line-up boasts some of the industry’s top technologies, and its cars provide lists of features that are as long as how far the brand has come in such short a time.

The new Kia Sorento Hybrid reflects Kia’s rise. In this fourth generation of one of Kia’s most popular cars, the Sorento has gone through a comprehensive facelift cementing its versatility for a seven-seater configuration.

One of the new Sorento Hybrid’s appeal is its published fuel consumption at 5.1 litres per 100km, thanks to Kia’s next-generation Smartstream II 1.6 Turbo Hybrid powertrain, which combines cutting-edge hybrid technology with advanced combustion processes. Teamed with a 1.49kWh hybrid battery, the combination delivers 158kW of power and 366Nm of torque to the front wheels with smooth transition through its six-speed automatic transmission.

Paddle shifters enhance the driving experience for regenerative braking and gear shifts. When used, the paddle shifters allow the driver to engage different levels of regenerative braking, which can slow the vehicle down while simultaneously recovering energy and storing it in the battery. This feature is especially useful for managing the Sorento Hybrid’s speed without using the traditional brake pedal, enhancing both driving efficiency and control. Additionally, the paddle shifters can be used for manually shifting gears, giving the driver more control over the vehicle’s power delivery in various driving conditions.

Multiple drive settings via the Drive Mode Select controller – Eco, Sport, and Smart – tailor the vehicle’s performance to suit different driving conditions and preferences, whether prioritising fuel efficiency, a more relaxed ride, dynamic performance, or an adaptive setting that adjusts automatically based on driving habits.

Safety features are comprehensive. Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Blind Spot View Monitor, Lane Follow Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Assist, all help drivers and passengers travel safely.

If there is one thing that Kia has improved over the years, other than engine technology, it is the way its cars look. The modern approach of its overarching design architecture is “Bold for Nature”, and part of Kia’s “Opposites United” concept.

Bold for Nature draws inspiration from the natural world to create vehicles that are both dynamic and harmonious, while Opposites United is a broader design philosophy that underpins Kia’s entire new line-up, embodying the concept of combining seemingly contradictory elements to create something truly unique, compelling and coherent. Guided by this principle, the Sorento Hybrid’s design achieves a balance between contrasting characteristics, such as strength and sophistication, ruggedness and luxury.

The new Sorento embodies every element of this approach. The sculpted bonnet, for example, is designed to convey a sense of power and capability, while the three-dimensional radiator grille, combined with vertical Star-Map Daytime Running Light (DRL) graphics, adds a high-tech and progressive touch.

The theme continues in the rear, featuring a wide and technical rear skid plate with black cladding. Newly designed alloy wheels provide a strong visual cue to the Sorento Hybrid’s robust disposition, while the LED high-mounted stop lamp adds a sleek, modern touch to the rear. The new Star-Map graphic that connects the two vertical lights in each tail lamp cluster is a subtle yet striking nod to Kia’s design objectives.

Versatility is the touchstone of the new Kia Sorento Hybrid. The car features an adaptable boot space that offers a capacity of 179 litres with all seats in place, expandable to 608 litres with the third-row seats folded down, and reaching a maximum of 1,996 litres when both the second and third-row seats are folded flat.

The Sorento Hybrid is equipped with a dual-screen integrated display that combines the 12.3-inch Supervision Cluster digital driver instruments with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Infotainment/Climate Switchable Controller allows drivers to toggle between managing the infotainment and climate systems with a single button press.The 1st Row Relaxation Comfort Seat, which provides a zero-gravity experience when the vehicle is in Park mode, will certainly be welcomed by drivers who spend a lot of time on the road.

PRICE

$258,999 WITH COE (26 OCT)

 

ENGINE

1598CC SMARTSTREAM II TURBO HYBRID

 

TRANSMISSION

SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC

 

POWER

212BHP

 

TORQUE

366NM

 

0-100KM/H

9.3 SECONDS

 

DISTRIBUTOR

CYCLE & CARRIAGE KIA PTE LTD

T 6866 1666

POLESTAR

Polestar may not be the brand on most people’s lips when considering buying an SUV, but they would be missing out if they don’t at least consider it. The Volvo-owned brand recently delivered the new Polestar 4 SUV coupe in Singapore as it continues to grow its line here.

Polestar 4 combines the aerodynamics of a coupé and the spaciousness of an SUV. The minimalist Scandinavian design of the Polestar 4 sees the continuation of key elements, first shown on the Polestar Precept concept car, coming to life. This includes eliminating the rear window which enables a new kind of immersive rear occupant experience, and the separation of the dual blade front lights with a unique Polestar light signature – complemented by the Polestar emblem with millimetre-precision lighting from below.

Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by the low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows, rear aero blades and airflow optimisation around the rear light bar.

The car is a D-segment SUV coupé with a large body and long, 2,999mm wheelbase built on the premium Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) developed by Geely Holding. With its overall length of 4,840mm, width of 2,139mm and height of 1,534mm, the generous interior proportions are especially evident in the rear, where occupants are cocooned in an intimate environment, with reclining seats.

Inside the handsome exteriors, adjustable ambient lighting inspired by the solar system adds an extra dimension. And with the elimination of the rear window, the glass roof stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads, creating a unique interior ambience. For practicality, a secondary media and climate control screen is mounted between the front seats to enable rear occupant control.

High-tech features abound in the Polestar 4. The rear-view mirror is replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera – enabling a far wider field of view than what can be experienced in most modern cars. The digital feed can be deactivated to allow drivers to instead see rear occupants if needed.

Both dual and single-motor variants are available – a 100 kWh battery is fitted to both versions – with the single-motor featuring rear-wheel drive. The dual electric motors are in the front and rear, while the single motor is at the rear.

Polestar 4 is the fastest production car the brand has developed to date. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be completed in just 3.8 seconds and the maximum power output is 400kW (544hp) in the Long Range Dual Motor version. The Long Range Single Motor version features a 200kW (272hp) motor at the rear, with a range up to 620km (WLTP).

Polestar 4 comes with Pilot and Plus Packs as standard in Singapore. An interior Nappa leather option elevates the overall experience with animal welfare-secured leather upholstery, complete with ventilation, massage and headrest speakers for the front seats. The optional Pro Pack includes 21-inch wheels and subtle design details such as seatbelts with a Swedish gold stripe and valve caps.

Polestar Engineered performance chassis tuning is available with the Performance Pack upgrade for the Long Range Dual Motor variant. 22-inch wheels, four-piston Brembo brakes and Swedish gold details on the brakes, seat belts and valve caps complete the package.

PRICE

$328,000 (SINGLE MOTOR); $378,000 (DUAL MOTOR), BOTH WITH COE (24 OCT)

 

ENGINE

PERMANENT MAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR ELECTRIC

 

TRANSMISSION

SINGLE SPEED

 

POWER

544HP (DUAL); 272HP (SINGLE)

 

TORQUE

686NM (DUAL); 343NM (SINGLE)

 

0-100KM/H

3.8 SECONDS (DUAL); 7.1 SECONDS (SINGLE)

 

DISTRIBUTOR

POLESTAR SINGAPORE

T 8266 1809

AUDI Q4 E-TRON

The new Audi Q4 e-tron reinforces the brand’s commitment to building versatile, all-rounder cars for functional, sustainable use, yet giving drivers the thrill of high performance and luxury.

The car is offered in two versions – advanced and edition 1, with both producing a maximum output of 210kW and torque of 545Nm. The advanced version has standard features while the edition 1 has state-of-the-art features such as MMI Navigation Pro and Matrix LED headlights with the world’s first four switchable signatures.

Striking proportions are evident from the short front overhangs, large wheels, and powerfully toned muscles. Lines are precise, and the surface treatment is clear and pared back. The brand’s progressive design is typically Audi, as functional as it is aerodynamic: The Q4 e-tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0.29.

Matrix LED headlights adorn the front. The digital light signatures are a world first: The driver can switch between four signatures in the MMI touch operating system. At the rear, a light strip links the taillight units to each other. A choice of eight colours is available for the paint finish, including the new metallic shade aurora violet.

At 4.59m in length, the car goes beyond existing class boundaries. The available space – with no centre tunnel – in the interior is comparable with the full-size SUV class. Passengers in the rear also benefit from the advantage of the technological platform, which is designed as electric- only.

When it comes to storage compartments, the Q4 e-tron product line scores high grades with a total storage space of around 25 litres, and the bottle holders integrated into the upper section of the doors are a further highlight. Even one-litre bottles can be stored in them safely and in ergonomically ideal reach.

The luggage compartment also offers more space than is generally found in the compact class. Depending on the positioning of the rear seat backs, the volume of the luggage compartment is 520 to 1,490 litres.

Another strength for everyday use is the high range – the Q4 e-tron travels up to 466 kilometres (WLTP) on a single battery charge. Thanks to a maximum charging capacity of 135kW, the Q4 e-tron can be quickly recharged.

The interior space is divided into separate areas and integrates two displays, which are design elements at the same time. The decorative trim panel on the front passenger side is available on request in an innovative technical fabric containing a proportion of recycled materials. A separate horizontal operating panel houses the shifter for selecting the gears.

The totally new steering wheel has seamless touch surfaces, which the driver uses to control the digital instrument cluster. Infotainment and navigation are operated primarily using the central MMI touch display, which will also be available in the largest configuration level of 11.6 inches.

Standard in the edition 1 and upon request in the advanced, the Audi Q4 e-tron can be equipped with another innovation on board – the augmented reality head-up display. It superimposes the information provided by some of the assist systems and the navigation symbols on the real-life external world conveniently for the driver to see. This information is displayed dynamically in a large field of view, where it appears in a virtual, floating image at a distance of roughly ten meters or more from the driver – creating a fascinating effect.

The Audi Q4 e-tron should meet all expectations whether you’re an urban commuter or need to drive long distances. The battery for the Q4 e-tron has a net energy content of 77kWh (net) / 82kWh (gross). The Q4 e-tron has an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, with an output of 210kW and an electronically limited top speed of 180km/h. Another important factor in energy-saving driving is intelligent recuperation, which also incorporates navigation and topographical data.  Audi’s new electric SUV can be charged with different outputs using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) depending on the battery. The battery can get up to 11kW with AC charging and up to 135kW when using HPC charging (high-power charging) with direct current.

Audi produces the Q4 e-tron with a neutral carbon footprint. The plant in Zwickau uses eco-electricity, while the battery cell suppliers are also required to use only green electricity in their production processes. Emissions that cannot be avoided at the moment are offset by climate protection projects certified by the TÜV. They meet the strict requirements of the Gold Standard Foundation.

PRICE

FROM $269,999 WITH COE (29 OCT)

 

ENGINE

ELECTRIC ENGINE WITH 82KWH SINGLE MOTOR

 

TRANSMISSION

TWO-STAGE PLANETARY GEARBOX WITH SINGLE GEAR

 

POWER

210KW

 

TORQUE

545NM

 

0-100KM/H

6.7 SECONDS

 

DISTRIBUTOR

AUDI CENTRE SINGAPORE

T 6836 2223