The current trend for cars is clear: SUV and EV. The utility and ease of ingress and egress of SUVs make them very popular for people from all walks of life, and especially those with young kids or elderly passengers.
The global push for electric vehicles is going strong - chargers are now readily available in most regions, EV range has grown substantially, and many drivers are discovering the benefits of the smooth and silent electric drivetrains. As a result, EV SUVs are quickly becoming the preferred choice of most drivers.
In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.
While many are gushing over the Cat A COE options, we are presenting you with some cars that could make more sense. With such a small difference between Cat A and B COE, why not opt for something with substantial power to make driving more enjoyable? As such, here are the EV SUVs that put out more than 200bhp and will still cost you less than $200,000. (All prices are accurate at time of publishing)
Charismatic pick: Jaecoo J6
Price: $193,888
Depreciation: $18,600/yr
Power: 275bhp
Many electric SUVs are decidedly curvy and round, all for the sake of improved efficiency by minimising air resistance. But SUVs are often associated with off-roading, and we all have a certain image of off-roaders - they should be raised, rugged and tough looking.
The Jaecoo J6 is an option that fits the bill perfectly. With its boxy and handsome design, the J6's design is right up there along with iconic off-roaders such as the G-Class and Land Rovers. With rear doors that open nearly 90 degrees, getting in and out of the J6 is a breeze for all passengers.
But most importantly, perhaps, is the fact that it puts out 275bhp to all four wheels, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds - and you can have it all for just below $200,000.
Pros:
- Handsome, rugged design
- Powerful drivetrain
- Plenty of drive modes to suit all occasions
Cons:
- Interior plastics a little creaky
- The most costly option in this list
Practical pick: Skyworth K Electric
Price: $176,888
Depreciation: $17,500/yr
Power: 201bhp
Most of us are likely acquainted with the Skyworth brand for its budget-friendly home appliances. But in recent times, it has entered Singapore as one of the latest electric car brands. Like its appliances, the Skyworth K manages to offer exceptional value - at $176,888 its price is comparable to some Cat A EVs out there!
Properly built, spacious, smooth and rather powerful, this car proves to be a great option if you want something powerful yet affordable.
Pros:
- Pleasant design
- Spacious interior with sizeable cargo space
- Smooth drive and ride quality
- Competitively priced
Cons:
- Relatively new car brand
Best-price pick: Omoda E5
Price: From $167,888
Depreciation: $16,788/yr
Power: 201bhp
Like Jaecoo, Omoda is yet another sub brand of Chery Automobile. Supported by the vast experience of the brand in the industry, the Omoda E5 is not just a stylish crossover. This crossover is also decked out with features - its infotainment system is powered by a powerful Snapdragon chipset, the front seats are ventilated, and you'll get a substantial suite of 15 advanced driving assistant systems!
If the Jaecoo J6's rugged design isn't your cup of tea, maybe you could consider the sleek and futuristic curves of the Omoda E5? At $167,888 the E5 is the lowest-priced car in the list, offering amazing value.
Pros:
- Sleek, stunning design
- Well-equipped with plenty of features
- Zippy and effortless drivetrain
- Extremely-well priced
Cons:
- Poor rear visibility
Used pick: BYD Atto 3 (201bhp)
Price: $115,300 - $160,000 (depending on how many years left)
Depreciation: $14,410/yr - $18,740/yr
Power: 201bhp
If you want something that's even more affordable, a good used option would be the BYD Atto 3. While the Cat A Atto 3 is stealing all the limelight as the best-selling car here in recent times, I'll argue the case for the Cat B variant.
You might say that the electric torque negates the need for more power, but anyone that has driven a Cat A EV would be familiar with the flat power curve that sullies the driving experience. So with a Cat B Atto 3, you'll get to enjoy all the car is loved for - its comfort, spacious cabin and feature-packed interior - as well as the powerful drive that the Cat A variant fails to offer. The best part of all is that you can get one from as low as $115,300!
Pros:
- Spacious cabin
- Outstanding ride comfort
- Well-specced
- Good acceleration
Cons:
- Not exactly fast
You can check out the listings of the Atto 3.
Enjoyed reading about our recommended cars? Here are the articles from our Editorial Picks series that you should check out:
Editorial Picks: Compact Executive Sedans below $320k
Editorial Picks: Affordable electric crossovers under $180k
Editorial Picks: Commercial vehicles under $100k
