This month, we feature three go-anywhere cars that also have all the functionalities, and luxuries, of urban mobility.
One would wonder why we need a car that is capable of going off-road in Singapore. The truth is that if a vehicle has all the capability of tackling unpaved roads, river crossings, and steep hill climbs, then it is more than proficient – and even more so – of handling the travails of city commuting.
Besides, it just looks so cool driving them around.
Off-road-enabled cars typically have all-wheel drive, beefed up suspension, and enhanced safety and comfort. After all, that’s what it takes to enjoy the great outdoors and go where only the most intrepid drivers dare to venture. But no one wants to give up modern comforts in the process.
We did some groundwork and found three cars that can take you into the jungle and beyond, then back on the tarmac and home without you breaking a sweat.
SUBARU FORESTER E-BOXER HYBRID
Subaru’s reputation of marrying cross-country ability with urban sensibility is without precedent. And the latest Forester E-Boxer Hybrid may just be an icon in that category.
At its core are Subaru’s four pillars of core technologies – Subaru’s Global Platform, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Boxer engine, and EyeSight Driver Assistance Technology. Together, the form a foursome that can take the car anywhere in comfort and safety.
The brand’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive delivers power to each wheel to provide maximum stability and control, allowing drivers to safely travel across challenging terrain and road conditions.
The 2.0-litre direct-injection Boxer engine features horizontally-opposed pistons that offer a low centre of gravity, excellent balance and minimal vibration. The Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven-speed manual mode optimises power delivery, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. The E-Boxer Hybrid system is engineered to provide efficiency as it is capable of automatically and effortlessly switching between three driving modes: EV (pure electric), Engine (petrol engine only), and Motor Assist (electric motor and petrol engine combined) to match conditions.
The petrol engine also deactivates when idling to conserve fuel. When the brake pedal is released, the electric motor enables the vehicle to continue creeping forward at idling speed in EV mode. The e-Boxer Hybrid system offers a highly efficient combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km, in addition to a combined torque output of 194Nm.
EyeSight is Subaru’s state-of-the-art advanced driver assist technology, with stereo cameras that work like a second pair of eyes for the road ahead to assist the driver and help reduce accidents. The car also offers a wide variety of other safety and driver assistance technologies.
The Pre-Collision Braking function addresses a wide range of traffic scenarios, including complex intersections. The system’s stereo camera coverage extends both laterally and vertically to better detect obstacles and reduce potential collisions—not just in your lane but also in adjacent ones, such as vehicles turning across or pedestrians crossing junctions.
Autonomous Emergency Steering helps steer around vehicles or obstacles ahead to avoid a collision (when travelling at speeds up to 80km/h). Lane Centering Function works with Adaptive Cruise Control to keep the vehicle centred in its lane on both straight and gently curving roads. Lane Departure Prevention corrects steering to help keep the vehicle within its lane when traveling at 60km/h or more. And the Enhanced Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control assist in maintaining safe distances and managing speed effectively.
All in all, the fifth-generation Forester e-Boxer Hybrid is packed with over 100 safety features and upholds Subaru’s legacy of engineering excellence.
And it is practical at the same time.
Foldable rear seats create a flat cargo floor, perfect for transporting large items like furniture and bicycles, or taking Fido out for a day at the beach. LED main cabin lights offer brighter illumination with lower energy use, and rear upper cargo hooks add to the flexibility of hauling stuff, and complement the four lower cargo ones.
The Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid also comes with 18-inch wheels, and is available in Brilliant Bronze Metallic, Autumn Green Metallic, and Cascade Green Silica, Crystal Black Silica, Offshore Blue Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl and Crimson Red Pearl.
PRICE*
FROM $179,800 WITH COE (AS AT 24 JUNE 2025)
ENGINE
1995CC FOUR-CYLINDER, DIRECT FUEL INJECTION, 16-VALVE, DOHC BOXER ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
HYBRID LINEARTRONIC CVT (CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION) WITH SEVEN-SPEED MANUAL MODE
POWER
165HP @ 5600-6000RPM / MOTOR: 16.5HP
TORQUE
194NM @ 4000RPM / MOTOR: 66NM
0-100KM/H
11.8 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
MOTOR IMAGE ENTERPRISES PTE LTD
T 6703 8163
NISSAN X-TRAIL E-POWER
Nissan’s flagship SUV is no pushover when it comes to taking it into the trails. The latest version combines the brand’s e-Power feature with e-4ORCE, injecting an electric element without the need of plugging in.
The X-Trail adds twin electric motors to the e-4ORCE all-wheel control system, providing boosted torque, greater stability and agility. By managing the power delivery and braking to each wheel, the system coordinates the forces working on the car to help reduce cabin motion caused by stop-start driving, thus delivery a more comfortable drive. Combine this with Drive and Terrain mode selection and the car tackles most any condition you head into.
Nissan’s e-POWER technology further makes the X-Trail well-suited for handling rocky roads. This unique electrified technology is composed of a fuel-efficient petrol engine and lithium-ion battery working together. Both engine and battery provide power to an electric motor, driving the wheels at all times for a responsive and quiet experience. Drivers can monitor this transfer of energy via the 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument display with Energy Flow Monitor.
Nissan’s attention to details, and the needs of drivers looking for a do-it-all vehicle, cannot be dismissed. Three large display screens offer everything you need to know and more. The 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument display combines with the 12.3-inch NissanConnect Infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.8-inch head up display. You can just sit back on the premium Nappa leather seats and enjoy the access within easy reach.
The seven-seater car offers versatile seating and luggage-storing configurations with rear doors that open to 85 degrees. There are 16 configurations with adaptable luggage boards and 60:40 sliding 2nd row to personalise your load space even further and ensure easy access to the 3rd row. Space offered with the third row up is 485 litres. This expands to 1298 litres with all rear seats down. USB ports at the front and second row, rear-window shades, and a panoramic sunroof are features worth considering, and usually only found in high-end SUVs.
PRICE
FROM $241,800 WITH COE (AS AT 24 JUNE 2025)
ENGINE
1497CC THREE-CYLINDER IN-LINE DOHC TURBOCHARGED PETROL ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
SINGLE SPEED REDUCTION GEAR WITH ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
POWER
FRONT MOTOR: 201HP / REAR MOTOR: 134HP
TORQUE
FRONT MOTOR: 330NM / REAR MOTOR: 195NM
0-100KM/H
7.0 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
TAN CHONG MOTOR SALES PTE LTD
T 6490 9666
SKODA KODIAQ RS
Just looking at the Kodiaq, you feel like the car can go anywhere. The muscular front with the dual grille, and sharp LED headlights forge an imposing stare, daring drivers to take it where they usually don’t venture. This is further enhanced by the numerous black exterior accents, an aerodynamic front bumper, rear diffuser, twin exhaust pipes, and hunky 20-inch wheels highlighted by red-painted brake calipers.
Rest assured, that this versatile seven-seater has all the bells and whistles to take you there and back in one piece, and in comfort. The 2.0-litre TSI engine is matched with all-wheel drive, and is SKODA’s “most-performance based Kodiaq” yet.
At the crux of the car’s off-road proposition is the advanced 4×4 all-wheel drive that is delivered by an electro-hydraulically controlled inter-axle multi-plate clutch, supported by various sensors that continuously evaluate the driving situation.
The control unit calculates and applies the optimal power distribution, allowing up to 100 per cent of torque to be redirected to the rear axle, and up to 85 per cent to a single wheel (in conjunction with Electronic Differential Lock).
The Kodiaq RS is also equipped with progressive power steering and the advanced DCC+ adaptive chassis to aid in precise handling. As you can expect, several drive modes are offered, including Sport, Eco, Comfort, Normal, Individual, and Snow.
Regardless of the terrain, safety is key in this SKODA. Radar sensors and cameras help Front Assist monitor traffic ahead and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the severity of a collision or potentially avoid it altogether, preventing accidents and protecting both passengers and pedestrians. Lane Assist uses a camera mounted on the windshield to detect lane markings and gently steers the car back in case of unintentional lane departures. And Side Assist uses radar sensors at the rear to monitor blind spots. The system also includes Exit Warning, detecting approaching objects when opening the door and alerting occupants with visual and audible warnings to prevent accidents. The 360-degree Top Area View, and Intelligent Park Assist help to make parking in tight spaces a less daunting exercise.
Add on Wireless SmartLink for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and RS Suite featuring ventilated front sports seats with integrated head rests and black perforated leather, and you have a performance SUV that can haul everyone to the beach, forest, trail, mountains, or wherever you and your family want to go, quickly and comfortably.
PRICE
$269.900 WITH COE (AS AT 24 JUNE 2025)
ENGINE
1984CC FOUR-CYLINDER IN-LINE TURBOCHARGED PETROL
TRANSMISSION
SEVEN-SPEED DSG
POWER
261HP @ 5000-65000RPM
TORQUE
400NM @ 1650-4350RPM
0-100KM/H
6.4 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR
SKODA CENTRE SINGAPORE
T 6305 8668
HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES
As it stands, SUVs are arguably the most popular genre of cars in Singapore. Their practicality, functionality, driveability, and style addresses all the touchstones that people look for in a car. Throw in all-wheel drive, and the ability to take off where the road ends, and you have a comprehensive package that is hard to ignore.
