Car prices in Singapore are among the highest in the world, but you don’t need to break the bank to own one. Giving you bang for your buck are these three models under $90,000
SUZUKI SWIFT MILD HYBRID
Launched in December last year, the all-new Suzuki Swift is more efficient than ever, given its mild hybrid engine that’s a first in Singapore for the brand.
The compact and lightweight system incorporates the Integrated Starter Generator, which helps to generate electricity, restart and assist the engine as a motor. Together with the 12V lithium-ion battery, the efficiency of the regenerative engine helps the Swift to a fuel consumption of 24km/litre.
The electrically enhanced engine of the Smart Hybrid Vehicle isn’t the only thing that ramps up the fuel efficiency of the Suzuki. The all-new HEARTECT platform, on which the Swift is built, delivers improved vehicle performance from its light and highly rigid construction. This not only saves you money at the pumps, but also improves the way the vehicle moves, turns and stops. The platform incorporates the underbody and components as a unified whole rather than the partial optimisation of separate components. The result is less noise and vibration, and increased driving comfort.
The redesign of the Swift’s suspension further enhances the car’s driveability. The car comes with MacPherson Strut Front Suspension and Torsion Beam Rear Suspension that work together to provide road-holding performance and responsiveness.
The new Swift comes with an updated bold design that reflects its sporty flair. The front grille has a new treatment that hints at its informal reputation as a competitor to the MINI, albeit one that’s easier on the wallet.
The three-dimensional diamond grille is highlighted by a horizontal silver line that makes a statement. The shoulders are stronger now, and the wrap-around windows give it a more integrated look.
The upgrades seen in the interior are not to be scoffed at as well. The cockpit boasts a multi-functional array of features, including a D-shaped steering wheel often seen in higher-end cars. The cylindrical gauges, which provide all the information you need, add a whimsical touch to the dash. And for those who are concerned with connectivity, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability will soothe all apprehension.
Contrary to its price, the Swift does not shy away from a wide list of safety and driver-assist features. The car is equipped with the Suzuki Safety Support Suite, which has nearly everything you need to keep safe on the roads. Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Hold Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Antilock Braking System, Dual Sensor Breake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Weaving Alert come standard so that you can focus more on enjoying the drive.
PRICE FROM $85,900 (WITH COE)
ENGINE 1,197CC DUALJET SMART HYBRID VEHICLE BY SUZUKI
TRANSMISSION CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT)
POWER 80HP @ 6,000RPM
TORQUE 107NM @ 2,800RPM
0–100KM/H 12.2 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR CHAMPION MOTORS (Tel: 6631 1118)
MITSUBISHI ATTRAGE
The new Mitsubishi Attrage gets a makeover — and it looks sportier than ever. The most obvious addition is Mitsubishi’s new Dynamic Shield Design concept, highlighted by red accents on the front grille. New, optimised front headlamps provide a wider look, and the new LED headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights take the car to a new level. At the rear, L-signature horizontal LED combination lamps give a distinctive visibility while the newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels are two-toned diamond-cut for an enhanced sporty look.
Under the hood, the 1.2-litre Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System ensures optimum intake valve timing for powerful responses and better fuel economy. Together with the lightweight body, the Attrage returns 20.4km/litre. The Intelligent and Innovative Electronic Control System IIICVT wide ratio transmission further enhances the ride with its efficiently selected gear rations and smooth acceleration and deceleration.
The Attrage provides many of the safety and driving features you’ll need on the road. Six airbags are standard, and Active Stability Control automatically adjusts engine output and applies braking force at the appropriate wheels to maintain control and prevent skidding. Other features include Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (distributes braking force to all four wheels for optimised performance), Hill-start Assist, Pre-tensioners, and Anti-Lock Braking System. And if all these aren’t enough to prevent you from an accident, Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body is designed to efficiently absorb energy and maintain high cabin integrity in a collision.
PRICE FROM $70,999 (WITH COE)
ENGINE 1,193CC DOHC MIVEC, 3-CYLINDER, 12-VALVE PETROL
TRANSMISSION INVECS-III CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT)
POWER 80PS @ 6,000RPM
TORQUE 106NM @ 4,000RPM
0–100KM/H 13.3 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR CYCLE & CARRIAGE (Tel: 6473 9722)
KIA CERATO
The Cerato may be the entry-level range of the Kia stable, but it is anything but plain. Departing from the perfunctory design of previous renditions, the current model bursts with elegance, both inside and out.
Visually, the athletic silhouette of the Kia Cerato continues the Korean brand’s march towards the big leagues. Like many of its brethren, the Cerato boasts lines that carve an athletic stance while exuding a sophistication that belies its price.
The front of the car makes a bold statement with its double grille and large side air intakes. The new lights are aggressively slanted to offer a sporty stare. From the side, the Cerato designers excelled in providing a shape that is not only aerodynamic, but also gives the car stature. The lines slope gently towards the back — giving rear passengers more than ample headroom — and culminates in a well-integrated boot and smart exhaust panel, which also functions as a lower spoiler. By the way, the boot space is an eye-opening 502 litres, arguably one of the largest in its class.
The appointment of the interior is an exercise in stylish simplicity. From the air con controls in the lower centre console through to the eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, the flow is ergonomic and sensible. Front tray USB slots mean you don’t need to be a contortionist to connect your mobile devices, and the wireless smartphone charging (available on GT Line only) keeps you from being stranded with a flat smartphone. The two large dials in front of the driver seat combines with a digital display in the middle to marry modern technology with a touch of nostalgia. And the multi-function steering wheel strikes at modernity with its flat-bottom design (GT Line).
The Cerato also offers features to make driving even more convenient for the urbanite. The Smart Trunk (only available on the EX and GT Line) allows you to set the boot so that it unlocks and opens when the car senses the smart key is in the detection area for at least three seconds. The Smart Key also lets you start the car with a simple push of a button.
Looking smart is just part of the Cerato package. The Kia comes with Electronic Stability Control that optimises braking performance and directional control by automatically delivering the appropriate braking to each wheel, depending on engine torque and driving situation. Anti-lock Braking System is standard, and Hill-start Assist Control prevents your car from rolling backwards for two seconds before you step on the accelerator.
All variants come with leather seats as standard, with the GT Line offering exclusive black leather with grey stitching to set it apart. Wheels come in three different sizes, and there are eight different colour schemes to select from. Whatever your combination, the Kia Cerato is a very smart, compact executive sedan that will turn heads in spite of its price.
PRICE $81,999 (with COE)
ENGINE 1,591CC GAMMA 1.6 MPI
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC
POWER 128PS @ 6,300RPM
TORQUE 155NM @ 4,850RPM
0–100KM/H 12 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR CYCLE & CARRIAGE KIA (Tel: 6866 1666 (ALEXANDRIA SHOWROOM))
