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Mitsubishi Space Star
Price: N/A | Distributor: -
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Mitsubishi Space Star |
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| Opel Adam | 3.6% | | Renault Clio | 41.9% | | Seat Ibiza | 10.5% |  | |
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Its sedan sibling, the Mitsubishi Attrage, has won the Compact Sedan of the Year category two years in a row, in 2015 and 2016. As the hatchback variant of the Attrage, it's no surprise that the Mitsubishi Space Star has continued the company's winning streak by bagging top honours for this year's Compact Hatchback of The Year category.
The fuel-efficient 1.2-litre Space Star has proven to win hearts and minds. Easy to drive, functional, inexpensive to buy and frugal to run, the Space Star is a no-brainer in the compact hatchback segment with its outstanding fuel economy and low running costs.
And despite its compact dimensions, the Space Star's cabin is relatively spacious thanks to its 2,450mm wheelbase. This means that while being easy to manoeuvre around town, there is enough leg and headroom in the back for three Asian adults. |
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Plus, its 416-litre boot is capable of swallowing all the sorts of stuff a small family would need to have in tow. Compartments strewn about the cabin also provide convenient storage for water bottles, smartphones, and other bits and bobs.
On the road, its humble 1.2-litre engine, mated to a smooth CVT transmission, is a hardworking powertrain combination that produces just enough muscle for city travel. More importantly, during our test drive, the Space Star proved to be a fuel miser, averaging 14km/L.
Ticking all the right boxes for a practical compact hatchback, you and the family can be rest assured that the Space Star deserves its title as the best in class. It's a lovable little city car that's big on doing what it does well. |
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One glance at the Civic Hatchback and you'll be able to justify why the car should be a winner. Going up against the likes of the Nissan Pulsar and the Seat Leon, the Civic emerges as the top in this category not just for its good looks but also for its capable drivetrain.
Banging out 170bhp and 220Nm of twisting force from its 1.5-litre four-pot turbocharged engine, the Civic Hatchback will smash the century sprint in just 8.4 seconds. While such a figure may not tickle your balls, the car might just be able to impress with its ability to provide you with an entertaining attitude.
Around bends, as we've tested, the car is composed, rides well, and has good punch from the turbocharged engine. Steering is sharp and accurate, and the car has a nimbleness about it that's quite gratifying. These positive characteristics combine seamlessly to help the driver achieve his objective: Getting from one place to another without compromising on driving fun. |
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While some may argue that the Nissan Pulsar and the Seat Leon are more affordable alternatives to the Civic Hatchback, we reckon there isn't a price to pay for driving enjoyment. Yes, the aforementioned cars may be more affordable, but the Civic manages to trump them with better looks, bigger space, and a nicer available colour (exclusive Sonic Grey Pearl paintwork) that's specific only to this car.
Looking for a reliable and fun hatchback that looks good? You know where to find one… |
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Infiniti Q30
Price: N/A | Distributor: Wearnes Automotive
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The Q30 is a premium hatchback that's both the entry-level model and the smallest car ever made by Nissan's luxury arm, Infiniti.
Bearing much of Mercedes-Benz's DNA, the Q30 is the result of the strategic partnership that the Renault-Nissan Alliance sealed with Daimler.
Its most striking feature is perhaps its design, of which is seriously curvy, with a sheet metal that appears more like art than car. Sculpted flanks and accentuated wheel arches give it a muscled air, with a racy profile from a roofline that arcs downwards for a very unusual rear pillar.
In fact, it looks rather crossover-esque, despite the fact it's supposedly a traditional family hatch. |
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Inside, it's Mercedes-familiar with fine finishing and materials that feel good to the touch, such as the dinky gear lever with its drive mode selector button, electric seat controls and power window buttons on the door, and flat-bottomed steering with its multi-function controls.
The Q30 also offers a generous 430-litre boot that outsizes the rest in its class.
On the road, refinement, elegance and comfort are words we would choose to describe the Infiniti beauty thanks to its ability to soak up bumps and ruts with aplomb.
At the same time, while it may not offer the sportiest of drives, it allows a confident enough drive for everyday commute. |
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Seat Leon Cupra
Price: N/A | Distributor: -
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TOTAL POINTS
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Seat Leon Cupra |
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| BMW M140i | 5.9% | | Audi RS 3 Sportback | 16.2% | | Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG | 36.3% | | Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV | 4.6% | |
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Essentially a Volkswagen Golf GTI but quicker and more powerful, this is the Seat Leon Cupra, the German hot hatch's more brutal Spanish cousin.
Thanks to a healthy 290bhp and 350Nm of torque, the Leon Cupra propels off the line and up to 100km/h in a blistering 5.7 seconds.
It uses the Volkswagen Group's 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine but Seat's engineers have tweaked the boost pressure, altered the cylinder head and generally fiddled around under the bonnet to give all the extra power.
As expected, the car's six-speed DSG's lightning-quick shifting allows your focus to be placed elsewhere like on braking and throttle control, especially around corners.
The Leon Cupra also has clever engineering bits integrated, which make piloting a high-powered front-wheel drive hatch a gratifying rather than a frightening experience. |
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It employs a front differential lock, progressive steering, Volkswagen's dynamic chassis control and, of course, various switchable drive modes, including an individualisation option.
These mean that the Leon Cupra is confident and capable when driven fast, but can also settle down and cruise quietly and comfortably on the highway when needed. You don't have to drive this thing flat out all the time but it responds jolly well if you do.
Inside, the Leon Cupra feels truly premium while the controls are logically laid out and easy to navigate. It also boasts the same generous 380-litre boot as its GTI cousin.
Most importantly, at time of writing, the Leon Cupra is more than $10,000 cheaper than the Golf GTI, which makes it an extremely attractive proposition and a definite winner in its class. |
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Honda Civic
Price: N/A | Distributor: Kah Motor
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CAR MODELS
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Honda Civic |
62.3% |
| Hyundai Elantra | 15.8% | | Seat Toledo | 2.3% | | Subaru Impreza 4D | 7.3% | | Toyota Corolla Altis | 12.3% | |
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Both the Civic Hatchback and the Civic Sedan that you see have won their respective categories for good reason: They are reliable, capable of holding their own, look good from all possible angles and are priced reasonably.
Of course naysayers will always be able to rebut by saying that the rest of the cars in this category are just as competitively priced as the Civic, but winning a category in our Sgcarmart Car of the Year is more than just that.
In terms of driveability, the Honda Civic rises to the top easily, thanks to both its available punchy engines (1.6-litre naturally aspirated and 1.5-litre turbocharged). As most will expect, this alone will help the Civic score high against its peers.
Then there are the cars' good looks and practical intentions. With its hunkered front end, coupe-like silhouette and sporty rear design, the Civic is every bit sporty and understated. Step inside and you'll find yourself enjoying copious amounts of space. In fact, the space you get is comparable to cars a size larger, like the Mazda6 or the Toyota Camry. |
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It's also styled expensively. The Civic's cabin design is modern and minimalistic, finished in high-quality materials, and there are lots of clever storage solutions around.
In that sense, the Civic that you see here doesn't just resolve to be the best car in its segment. Instead, by going above and beyond, targeting models a size and price bracket up, Honda has created a car that many will find hard to ignore and one that's evidently hard to lose in its class. |
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In the compact executive sedan segment, the Lexus IS Turbo has always been up against stiff competition from the German big boys. With the updated IS Turbo, the brand has managed to find its own unique flavour that allows the car to more than ably stand side-by-side against the rest of the competition.
In a category often lamented for bland styling, the IS Turbo certainly stands out with its bold, aggressive fascia, headlined by the F Sport grille. Twin trapezoidal exhaust tips also enhances its uniquely different flavour.
The interior of the cabin retains the high levels of comfort and attention to detail you'd expect from Lexus. The updated IS also sports a larger 10.3-inch infotainment system, controlled by the Remote Touch Interface System. |
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Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivering 241bhp and 350Nm of torque, the IS Turbo accelerates in a smooth and linear manner, a perfect complement to its remarkable road manners. Quiet, comfortable and cosseting, it drives with effortless charm. And yet, when you are feeling a little bit frisky, the car is more than up to the task - handling is sharp and precise, while a new Customise drive mode allows you to set up the car exactly as you want it.
It's hard to stand out in a segment so heavily dominated by the Germans, but by forging a path that's distinctly different yet uniquely its own, the Lexus IS Turbo does just that. Instead of trying to simply replicate what others are doing, the IS Turbo instead feels rather special, and that's why it comes out ahead in its category. |
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BMW 5 Series Sedan
Price: N/A | Distributor: Eurokars Auto
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BMW 5 Series Sedan |
33% |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon | 25.9% | | Volvo S90 | 14.6% | | Lexus GS 350 | 11.3% | | Audi A5 Sportback | 15.2% | |
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The BMW 5 Series has long been a mainstay in the executive sedan segment, ever since it was first launched back in 1972. The brand new G30 5 Series marks the car#39;s seventh generation and it continues to be the standard bearer in the segment.
Dubbed the 'Business Athlete', the new 5 Series certainly has the sporty, executive styling that will appeal to the businessman. Its sleek sheet metal and sharp detailing gives the car great visual presence.
The improved interior is modern, high-tech and premium. There are a lot of carry-over technologies from the new 7 Series, including Gesture Control, the Active Kidney Grille, as well as the cool Remote Parking function.
However, where the new 5 Series really impresses is in its dynamic behaviour, where it truly epitomises its 'athlete' moniker. |
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The engines, in both 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre variants, are engaging, creamy and powerful units, delivering effortless acceleration. The chassis is incredibly well-sorted, offering great balance through corners that belie the car's size.
And the steering proffers up great communicative feel, all culminating in a best-in-class driving experience.
The new BMW 5 Series is a thoroughly complete package with preciously few flaws. It delivers great enjoyment not just for the driver, but great comfort and luxury for the passengers as well. And right now, the new generation BMW 5 Series represents the pinnacle of success in the executive sedan segment. |
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It's hard to ignore a car like the Mazda6. Fresh styling and the addition of an array of new safety and convenience features have indeed helped keep the Mazda6 ahead of the pack. In this case, they have safeguarded the Family Sedan of the Year awarded for the car.
Competing against strong peers like the Subaru Legacy and the Volkswagen Passat, it's indeed a statement that Mazda is making with its 6er.
In order to ensure its freshness has been retained in order to keep up with the competition, Mazda worked its magic on the 6, albeit minimally. Besides a few minor tweaks to the design and placement of the side mirror indicator lights, the Mazda6 is exactly the same as its predecessor from the outside.
Where it really counts, however, is the Mazda6's driving dynamics. Its predecessor handled itself admirably but the one that you see here offers more. It tackles corners assuredly, with agility that rivals smaller, more nimble cars. |
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The subtle improvement in steering performance is the product of Mazda's G-Vectoring Control, which monitors three parameters - vehicle speed, throttle position and rate of steering wheel rotation - to maintain an increased vertical load on the front tyres, which helps the car corner more naturally and assuredly.
Having a hardworking 2.5-litre engine most certainly helps in winning as well. Pumping out 189bhp and 256Nm of torque, the Mazda6 is a smooth-revving criminal that will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 8.2 seconds. While it may not be a high-performance figure, it feels a lot quicker in real-world driving conditions.
Does it deserve to win, then? We say, hell yes. |
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Porsche Panamera
Price: N/A | Distributor: Porsche Singapore
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Porsche Panamera |
31.8% |
| BMW 7 Series | 27.8% | | Jaguar XJ | 28.5% | | Bentley Flying Spur | 11.9% | | |
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While we enjoyed the BMW 7 Series and the Bentley Flying Spur during our time with them, the Porsche Panamera was the one car that left us in awe.
This isn't about the badging. This is about top-notch driving abilities at its highest superiority. This is about being able to make what was already a good luxury sedan even better. Hell, you could even argue that this is all about going down to the carmaker's attention to detail in the car.
For starters, the Porsche Panamera is noticeably more futuristic when it comes to its technology. Drivers can now access the infotainment system via a bigger-than-life 12.3-inch touchscreen that has a programmable tile-based layout that you can configure to display the information most important to you.
Move downwards from there and you reach a touch-sensitive central control panel, where you control everything from the air-con to your damper settings. Even the louvres on the central air vents are controlled via touch-sensitive sliders, which highlights the extent Porsche has gone to reduce the number of buttons in the cabin. |
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Needless to say, the driveability supersedes the technology when it comes to Porsche. Driven sensibly, the Panamera is serene and immensely comfortable. The suspension soaks up bumps well, and the new eight-speed PDK gearbox is buttery smooth and absolutely seamless. In normal driving conditions, power is doled out in a measured and sensible way, and never feels overwhelming.
And when it's power you want, power you'll certainly get. Regardless of which variant you go for, it's evident that you have an incredibly wide power band that gives you great pliability when it comes to the car's performance. While the Bentley will wow you with its uber luxurious cabin, it lacks the dynamism compared to the Porsche. And although the 7er has always been class-leading for good reasons, it loses out a tad to the Panamera when it comes to looks and driveability. |
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Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG
Price: N/A | Distributor: Cycle & Carriage Industries
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Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG |
41% |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport | 8.4% | | BMW M3 Sedan | 30.1% | | Audi S4 Sedan | 9% | | Audi RS 3 Sedan | 11.4% | |
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When it comes to performance sedans, it's easy for carmakers to go overboard with the styling - aggressive bumpers, massive wheel arches, a huge rear diffuser. That the Mercedes-AMG C 43 doesn't do so speaks to the very nature of this car - it delivers performance matched with restraint.
Visually, the C 43 doesn't set itself too far apart from your typical C-Class Sedan. The curvy and sleek sheet metal is augmented with discreet performance enhancements, such as the air intakes and ducts.
However, within that understated exterior design lays a car capable of intense performance. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant pumps out 367 horses and 520Nm of torque, pulling the car from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Around corners, the C 43 is perfectly balanced and taut, helped massively by the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system offering you immense amounts of grip and traction. And of course, all that performance is matched by a lovely growly soundtrack. |
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However, it's also easy to forgo practicality for performance, something the C 43 balances out excellently. Driven sensibly, the car is forgiving and effortless, while the ride is firm but never too harsh. Couple that with a luxurious, sporty and comfortable interior, this is a car that looks out for the passengers as well.
As far as performance sedans go, it's easy to be immediately drawn to the noisiest and flashiest of them all. But our hearts are certainly with this one - a performance sedan capable of both intense performance but also sensible pleasantness. It's the C 43's all-rounded capabilities that rank it above the rest of its competition. |
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Going up against the Peugeot 3008 and the Renault Kadjar, it's easy to see why the Nissan Qashqai will come up tops in the Mid-Sized Sport Utility Vehicle category.
With its naturally aspirated 2.0-litre powerplant residing underneath its nicely sculpted bonnet, the Qashqai puts out 144bhp and 200Nm of torque from the word go in a linear fashion. Credit for such a direct and smooth delivery of output also has to go to the fact that the car is equipped with a creamy seven-speed Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission gearbox.
Also equipped with the Qashqai test car that we drove are the Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. These electronic nannies may not appeal to everyone but they sure are reassuring to have around.
Parking a crossover can be daunting for some, especially in narrow carparks. Nissan's solution is the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. This system employs four cameras situated around the car to display a virtual bird's-eye-view of its surroundings with selectable split-scene close-ups of the front, rear and curbside for worry-free parking. The monitor also emits a visual and audible alert when it detects moving objects around the Qashqai. |
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In the event the car in front of you jam brakes, Nissan's Intelligent Emergency Braking kicks in to avoid or mitigate a collision. In addition to that, worrying about pesky motorcyclists hiding in your blindspot all the time is now a thing of the past, thanks to Blindspot Warning.
At an affordable price of $144,300 (as of 8th December 2017), it's easy to see why the Nissan Qashqai is the winner here. Equipped with all the safety technologies, good looks and creamy drivetrain, what's not to like? |
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Volkswagen Tiguan
Price: N/A | Distributor: Volkswagen Group Singapore
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Volkswagen Tiguan |
38% |
| Honda CR-V 2017 | 11.3% | | Toyota Harrier | 37.9% | | Mazda CX-5 | 11.4% | | Seat Ateca | 1.5% | |
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The second generation version of Volkswagen's Tiguan brings with it a more rugged outlook, as well as a whole host of new technologies to enhance its competitiveness in this increasingly-crowded compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment.
The new Tiguan boasts chunkier styling as compared to its predecessor, giving it a more imposing stance on the road. Together with Volkswagen's R-Line body kit, the Tiguan evokes a truly sporty look that will certainly make enthusiasts' heads turn.
Sitting on Volkswagen's MQB modular platform, the Tiguan is also bigger all-round than before, with a longer wheelbase translating into much better room for occupants. The usual Volkswagen high quality also abounds, and the Tiguan's interior boasts a truly premium Teutonic feel like you'd expect from any Volkswagen.
Among the new features on the latest Tiguan include the Active Info Display, which incorporates vital information as well as sat-nav graphics onto the digital instrument cluster. There is also adaptive cruise control, Park Assist with head-in perpendicular parking, a 360-degree parking camera, a head-up display, as well as an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. |
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Powering the new Tiguan is a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine taken from the Golf GTI hot hatchback, and tuned to produce 220bhp and 350Nm of torque. This gives the Tiguan impressive performance that can rival more than a few sports cars on the roads, and 0-100km/h is dispatched in a scant 6.5 seconds, faster than even a Porsche Macan 2.0.
The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, together with the standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, combine to give the Tiguan a performance and drive that truly puts the 'sport' in 'sport utility vehicle'. If you're looking for a practical compact SUV that can still provide driving thrills, then there are few better choices than the new Volkswagen Tiguan. |
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Volvo XC90
Price: N/A | Distributor: Wearnes Automotive
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Volvo XC90 |
40.7% |
| Lexus RX 350 | 25% | | Land Rover Discovery | 23.3% | | Bentley Bentayga | 11% | | |
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Going up against strong contenders like the Audi Q7 and the Lexus RX, the Volvo XC90 bagged the Premium SUV of the Year award last year, which goes to show just how capable it really is. This year, as a testament to its strengths in its class, it rises up to the top once again, beating luxurious class leaders like the Bentley Bentayga and the Land Rover Discovery.
The style of the Volvo XC90 really makes it stand out. Its elegance and simplicity are key elements that convey a message to fans around the world that being beautiful doesn't have to come in small or medium sizes. This full-size SUV, as a matter of fact, is the perfect example that topples such a stereotypical mentality.
Also toppling others in its class is its ability to bring its occupants from place to place in absolute comfort. Volvo has paid special attention in dividing its cabin space within the three rows of seats. The third row is capable of holding two pint-sized Asian passengers and it has been moved slightly inwards to create a theatre-style seating arrangement, allowing its occupants to see past the second row. |
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More importantly, the XC90's supremely comfortable seats sport an extendable thigh cushion that provides good support for taller drivers. Shorter drivers do not have to worry, too, as the electronic front seats offer a huge range of adjustment.
On the move, the sizeable Volvo gets its groove from the 2.0-litre four-pot engine that produces 320bhp and 400Nm of twisting force. This allows the SUV weighing over two tonnes to complete the century sprint in just 6.5 seconds flat.
Comparing all of these points to the rest of its peers in its category this year, the Volvo XC90 clearly deserves to win again. |
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Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Price: N/A | Distributor: -
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Land Rover Range Rover Velar |
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| Audi Q5 | 17.1% | | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | 25.9% | | Porsche Macan | 15.8% | | Jaguar F-PACE | 11.7% | |
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The Velar is the latest addition to the burgeoning Range Rover lineup, and fills the gap right in between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The Velar brings with it a whole new level of sophistication not just to the range, but to the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) market as a whole as well.
Boasting sleek, eye-catching looks that are guaranteed to turn heads, the Velar is a premium SUV unlike any other. While it is unmistakably a Range Rover, thanks to its trademark grille design and imposing stance, it is the little details that help it stand out from the crowd.
Neat little tricks such as the door handles that sit flush with the body work, emerging only when in use, adds a touch of class to this latest entrant to the highly-competitive SUV segment. Similarly, the interior of the Velar is a highly-advanced work of art, boasting the latest in automotive technology that is guaranteed to wow and delight. |
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The Touch Pro Duo system, an industry first, incorporates a pair of touch-sensitive, 10-inch high-definition touchscreens on the centre console, displaying all the relevant information and controls you need at the touch of your fingertips. It also gives the Velar's cabin a futuristic touch, with its minimalistic design aimed at upping the premium game even further.
And far from being just a good-looker, the Velar can walk the walk, too, when it comes to performance. Powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that produces a hefty 380bhp and 450Nm of torque, the Velar is capable of completing the century sprint in just 5.7 seconds, which is certainly an impressive feat, that's for sure.
Blessed with style and substance, the Range Rover Velar has given the Range Rover brand a new stroke of unrivalled elegance. And in its highly-competitive segment, the Velar is truly a serious force to be reckoned with indeed. |
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 2017
Price: N/A | Distributor: Cycle & Carriage Industries
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 2017 |
35.5% |
| Lexus RC Turbo | 0 | | Audi A5 Coupe | 23.6% | | Infiniti Q60 | 9.9% | | BMW M240i Coupe | 7.7% | |
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Although it isn't exactly the newest coupe in town, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is king in our round up of the Premium Coupe category.
Based on the successful and well-received C-Class sedan, the Coupe shares only its wings and bonnet with the four-door sedan. Sharing the same 'face' as the rest of cars in the C-Class lineup, the new car is also 95mm longer, 40mm wider and 1mm lower. This in turn doesn't just give the C-Class Coupe more presence on the roads but creates also more shoulder, elbow and headroom.
As expected from the brand, the inside of the car has been dressed with a tactile blend of materials and finishes. Those familiar with the sedan variant will definitely feel at home here, not that it is a bad thing. Something worth pointing out are the sport seats that really provide good support when you're in the mood for some spirited driving.
And on the topic of driving, the coupe has been blessed with a different setting on its multi-link front suspension set-up, allowing the coupe to be sportier than the saloon. |
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When driven hard, the car copes well with the driver's inputs and surprisingly encourages you to push harder. That said, the car also has a quieter, softer side when required. Flip the standard DYNAMIC SELECT switch to 'Comfort' mode and it delivers a rewarding balance of soothing comfort without losing much in body control.
Despite having only 154bhp from its base turbocharged 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine, the C-Class Coupe is never out of breath. Using its well-mannered automatic gearbox's ratios well, the car merges into traffic with ease and fades comfortably into the background once cruising speed has been attained.
With its ability to deliver on so many fronts, the C-Class Coupe thoroughly deserves the win. |
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Porsche 911
Price: N/A | Distributor: Porsche Singapore
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Porsche 911 |
36.5% |
| Audi R8 V10 | 35.4% | | BMW M4 Coupe | 8.5% | | Porsche 718 Cayman | 7.8% | | Lexus LC 500 | 11.8% | |
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Causing much uproar amongst Porsche fans, the new 911 Carrera has been blessed with a turbocharger, which all its predecessors never had.
Paired to the turbocharger is a new a 3.0-litre flat-six that offers 414bhp and 500Nm of torque, 20bhp and 60Nm more torque than before. While most might lament the loss of the instant response and the high-end fizz of the old naturally aspirated engine, the new engine allows most users easier access of the 911's performance.
Mated to the slick PDK gearbox that easily masks instances when the turbos aren't spooling, the 911 is almost mind-bendingly fast. The 0-100km/h sprint is done in a claimed 3.9 seconds - the first 'regular' Carrera to break the sacred four-second mark.
As for the drive, the 911 is still as sharp as ever. Ride comfort has been improved with body movements well kept in check. Bumps on the roads are now better smoothed out too. |
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Elsewhere, the car's horizontal air intake louvres over its rear-mounted engine are now vertically recessed and painted black, while the air intakes at the front have active shutters. Besides the new head lights and tailights, a new rear spoiler as well as new cooling ducts down low on either side of the rear bumper round up some of the changes.
Inside, a much needed Porsche Communication System that features a new 7.0-inch touchscreen brings the interior up to date while the new 918 Spyder-inspired steering wheel gives the whole cabin a cleaner look.
Now easier to live with and better to drive, it's easy to see why the 911 has been awarded Performance Coupe of the Year. |
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The very first Mini Coopers, built in 1961, were race-bred machines, featuring race-tuned engines and close gear ratios designed to win rallies.
This gave the brand a deserved reputation for the car's go-kart feel. In 2005, MINI (now owned by BMW) decided to chop the roof off its popular hatch and some might argue that this move has turned the brand into a lifestyle icon, embracing a newfound aesthetic sensibility.
Since then, the car has grown by quite a bit. It now measures 3,821mm long (98mm longer), 1,727mm wide (44mm wider) and 1,415mm tall (1mm taller). This in turns allows a much welcome increase in interior and boot space (160 litres, which can be expanded to 215 litres).
It is worth pointing out the innovative Easy Load function that expands ingress into the boot, allows for the soft-top frame to be raised when the roof is closed.
The fully automatic soft-top raises and lowers in 18 seconds, and can be operated while driving at speeds up to 30km/h. With the roof down, wind buffeting is kept to a minimum and with the roof up, road noise might be a tad louder than the other more expensive rivals. |
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Elsewhere, the interior is stylishly appointed and exudes luxury. It's comfortable all around, with quality materials to the touch, and is very much a nice cabin to sit in.
The keen driver will find that the driving position is excellent, and you sit snugly in the leather sports seats.
The new 1.5-litre three-cylinder powerplant also proves to be a willing and punchy unit. Producing 136bhp and 220Nm of torque, the engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that is refined and smooth. Despite the Convertible tipping the scales at 1,305kg, the car is quick off the line and is easy to place on the road.
So with some very good driving manners, a nice-looking design and a polished interior, it is pretty clear the MINI Cooper Convertible is the our class favourite. |
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As the first Cabriolet to wear the C-Class badge from Mercedes-Benz (previous generations wore the 'CLK' badge), the new C-Class Cabriolet certainly has high standards to live up to.
Visually, it is a striking and handsome car, certainly as good-looking as its other C-Class family members. Inside, the Merc's cabin is a delight. With its combination of gloss and matte trim, plush leather seats and extensive interior equipment, the car oozes class.
The C-Class Cabriolet can be had with a range of engines. Starting from the base 156bhp C180 to the menacing 503bhp C 63 S AMG variant, there is an ideal engine choice for every different buyer.
The C-Class Cabriolet proves to be extremely comfortable and refined on the trot. With the roof up, sound isolation is as good as any other soft-top cabriolet out there, while with the roof down, it is more than easy to still hold a conversation without having to shout to each other, thanks to the effective Aircap wind deflector. The soft-top can also be operated while on the move at up to 50km/h, and takes 20 seconds to open or close. |
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On the move, the car rides well over bumps and ridges. Despite the extra heft gained from giving the body extra strengthening, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot engine in the C300 variant (producing 245bhp and 370Nm of torque) is more than enough to provide the car with ample oomph.
The C-Class Cabriolet understands and fully embraces its role - it's a stylish cruiser that's much more suited to comfortable cruising than it is for aggressive driving. Handsome-looking and easy-going, the C-Class Cabriolet is a pure display in style and showmanship and is the deserving winner in its class. |
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Porsche 718 Boxster
Price: $306,468 - $476,068 (w/o COE) | Distributor: Porsche Singapore
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CAR MODELS
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TOTAL POINTS
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Porsche 718 Boxster |
35.8% |
| Audi TT Roadster | 20.9% | | Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class | 16.3% | | Mazda MX-5 RF | 18.6% | | Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 8.3% | |
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For the fact that the people voted this to win goes to show that the carmaker's capabilities does not just stop at making good cars. It seems to us that Porsche has the ability to grow its fan base and supporters alike without having to do much.
And it's pretty much the same for the Porsche 718 Boxster. While we can recognise the need to downsize the Boxster to a 2.0-litre (previously 2.7-litre) and the Boxster S to 2.5-litre (it was a bigger 3.4-litre), the 718 moniker, while it's new to the Boxster, isn't new to Porsche because the same nameplate was used for a sports car that was built some time between the late 50s and early 60s.
Of course, more comprehensively than just an engine change, the 718 isn't just another one of those changeovers that's hard to differentiate from its predecessor. From afar, the low-slung lean mean machine is noticeably tauter, wider and more masculine, with decent lines at the right places and rounder edges to give it an overall well-proportioned look. |
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More than just looks, the 718 Boxster is a loveable car to pilot. Granted, it isn't as fast as, say, a 911 Turbo or a 911 Turbo S, but being brutally fast has never been equivalent to playfully fun in Sgcarmart's driving dictionary. Instead, it's more about the way the car carries itself and its abilities to bring forward its endearing pros and forgivable cons on the road and on the track.
Of course, many may argue that the Audi TT Roadster and the Mazda MX-5 RF are just as nice to pilot, which we do not disagree, but where the Porsche 718 Boxster stands out is the test of time. Regardless of how much it has changed, whether name or engine, it has ample soul within itself and you feel it the moment you crank up the engine.
The 718 Boxster may have lost a couple of cylinders and downsized its engine but with 'the oohs and the aahs' that it's capable of giving the driver, it sure knows how to punch above its weight. |
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Honda HR-V
Price: N/A | Distributor: Kah Motor
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CAR MODELS
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TOTAL POINTS
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Honda HR-V |
33.9% |
| Subaru XV | 16.3% | | Peugeot 2008 | 2.1% | | Jeep Renegade | 32.5% | | Mazda CX-3 | 12.1% | | Opel Mokka X | 3.2% |
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The Honda HR-V's user-friendliness in urban driving brings a different kind of pleasure, one that is smooth and capable in normal driving duties. And that is precisely the reason why it came out tops in this category - against strong contenders like the Mazda CX-3 and the Subaru XV.
Where it fails, however, is the way it looks. Or perhaps this could be due to the fact that there are just too many on our roads. Foreigners visiting our country may even go to the extend of commenting on how the Honda HR-V is actually our national vehicle.
But therein lies a logical argument. There is a simple reason why there are this many HR-Vs, or Vezels if you may, on the road. It's only because it's a good, reliable and affordable crossover.
Based on the same underpinnings as the extremely popular Jazz hatchback, the Honda HR-V has the ability to squeeze through tight urban confines, while giving the impression of roominess on the inside. Having to sit a total of five Asian adults inside is a cinch, given its space. And needless to say, it appeals to the younger set of buyers with a reasonable price tag, too. |
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That's not just it. Being a Honda, the HR-V doesn't disappoint when it comes to driving it. Producing 130bhp at 6,600rpm and 155Nm of torque from 4,600rpm, the winner here actually does provide an energetic and responsive drive. On paper, the car has a 0-100km/h timing of 11.8 seconds, and a top speed of 181km/h. It may not make you squeal around corners, but taking the HR-V around spirited bends won't put you to sleep either.
There is no doubt that the HR-V does a good job in scooting people and cargo around. And there is also no doubting that it has done well to deserve this award. |
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What a tough fight this was! The BMW X1 has done well with its dynamism and good looks and the MINI Cooper Countryman has excelled with its quirkiness, go-kart driving characteristics and its intelligent use of space. But it's the Audi Q2 that has combined all these characteristics (minus the go-kart driving characteristics) to make it an all-rounder premium crossover… and then some.
You see, whether you decide to choose the 1.4-litre or the smaller but no less capable 1.0-litre variant, the Audi Q2 will not fail to put a smile on your face. For starters, it looks every bit like an Audi, even if it's a bit of an oddball. There's just no way of mistaking this car for something else and that's always a good thing.
Secondly, the premium crossover winner here, like all Audis of late, ranks high on refinement and quality. There's interior ambient lighting, which offers a choice of 10 different colours. It may not have much practical purpose, but it sure looks cool and adds a cheerful ambience to the interior. |
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Thirdly, it boasts very decent fuel economy. We managed to record 13.4km/L on the 1.4-litre. One can only imagine how much better it was with the 1.0-litre variant.
Fourthly, it's the way the Audi Q2 moves and handles that really impresses. Both cars are mated to a smooth-shifting seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, which allows the car to move with the sort of linearity and verve like no other crossovers in its segment. You do feel the bulk of power coming in after 3,000rpm like most turbocharged cars these days, but it's never neck-breaking and uncomfortable.
Lastly, it's the intelligent use of space. Despite being smaller than the BMW X1 and the MINI Cooper Countryman, space in the Audi Q2 feels adequate even for taller Singaporean adults, which is always a plus point. Yes, headroom could be a slight problem for adults over 1.9m in height but let's be honest - how many of us have friends that are that tall? |
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Seat Leon Sport Tourer
Price: N/A | Distributor: Vertex Euro Motors Pte Ltd
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CAR MODELS
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TOTAL POINTS
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Seat Leon Sport Tourer |
32.3% |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Shooting Brake | 31.5% | | Volvo V90 | 23.5% | | Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate | 12.7% | | |
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If you're in the market for a value-for-money estate, the Seat Leon Sport Tourer makes a great choice.
It's a stretched-out, handsomely styled version of the Leon hatchback that's now been updated with LED head lights with daytime running lights and LED tail lamps.
Inside, the Leon Sport Tourer offers a comfortable amount of head and legroom for all on board, as well as a sizeable 587-litre boot. The seats can be folded flat from the load area, without clambering in through the tailgate or twisting through the rear doors.
At the same time, its modern and clean interior design nicely matches that of its exterior, and the updated infotainment system is much nicer to look at and is easy to use.
Under its bonnet lies a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, which is thoroughly capable of punching above its weight. Producing 114bhp and 200Nm of torque, it is a perky unit that pulls with verve, especially when you hit the torque band between 2,000rpm to 3,500rpm. |
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It's no fast car, but even on long drives across the island for a whole day, the engine never feels exhausted, even at highway speeds.
The Leon Sport Tourer also sports a nicely firm suspension setup that helps it cope well around corners but is never uncomfortable.
More importantly, during our stint with the car, it returned a decent 14.3km/L, which in the long run helps keep fuel costs low.
Considering that prices for the Leon Sport Tourer begin at $103,900 at time of writing, it proves to be a value-for-money proposition for car buyers who want something stylish with a bit more boot space. |
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Kia Niro
Price: N/A | Distributor: -
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Where the Kia Niro stands out in against the Hyundai Ioniq in this year's Car of the Year competition is its honesty to be a hybrid crossover. It does this job well by returning a fuel consumption of 19.4km/L during our time with it. And we drove it with a relatively heavy and hard right foot. In short, for the company's first go at making a hybrid, we must say that the Niro is pretty commendable.
Of course, it has its flaws, but it doesn't lie about them. That's the beauty about the Niro. More relevantly, it sports a wealth of standard equipment, like the heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, the latter being the highly important feature in a hot climatic country like Singapore.
On the move, the Niro doesn't disappoint. The driving position is nice and high, offering good visibility. This, while many will argue to be insignificant, is an important characteristic that will make shorter drivers more confident on the roads, especially when manoeuvring around narrow alleys or tight spaces. |
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On the wide open roads, this Kia here is a cinch to pilot. The 1.6-litre 'Kappa' GDI engine (producing 104bhp and 147Nm of torque) combines with a 1.56kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and a 32kW electric motor to produce a total output of 139bhp and 265Nm of torque.
While these figures are easily comparable to the Ioniq, the icing on the cake is the fact that the Niro is more affordable than the Hyundai. In a way, the Niro manages to tick all the necessary boxes when it comes to satisfying customers' needs. You get the practicality and space of a crossover, combined with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid. Once you throw in the extremely keen price of the Niro, there is no doubting its appeal. |
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BMW 5 Series Sedan
Price: N/A | Distributor: Eurokars Auto
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The brand new seventh generation G30 BMW 5 Series impresses us on multiple fronts.
Visually, it's a striking, sleek and athletic looking executive sedan. Attractive sheet metal, clean line and sharp details give the 5 Series great visual presence.
The driver-focused interior is easy and intuitive to use, with functions right at your fingertips. Additionally, the much improved Gesture Control function means that you can operate some infotainment functions simply with a wave of your left hand.
The interior impresses in terms of functionality, comfort and luxury, either. Passengers have ample space and high levels of comfort. Noise insulation is top notch, meaning that while on the go the cabin is a serene and quiet place to be in.
However, where the 5 Series truly sets itself apart is in the driving experience and dynamic behaviour. Driven sensibly, it is comfortable, effortless and extremely refined. Both the 2.0 and 3.0-litre engines provide up ample amounts of power, delivered with great linearity and buttery smoothness. The ride is firm but pliant, and the Adaptive mode does an excellent job of tailoring the car's settings to suit your driving behaviour and needs. |
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Despite its size, the 5 Series also delivers great balance and poise through corners. The tight chassis offers great balance, while the meaty and communicative steering offers up great amounts of feel, allowing you to corner with confidence and verve.
With its good looks, high-quality interior, high-tech equipment, excellent road manners and sharp handling, the 5 Series is a remarkably complete car that has precious few flaws.
But what makes it our Car of the Year? It is the 5 Series' ability to deliver a complete experience regardless of what you are looking for. Regardless of whether you're looking a handsome car, a comfortable car, a premium badge, or a sporty sedan, the 5 Series can do it all. It's a car that is fit for all occasions, and for all people. That's why in our opinion, it's the very best of the best in cars this past year. |
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Honda Civic
Price: N/A | Distributor: Kah Motor
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The latest iteration of one of the most popular cars in the world, the Honda Civic, did not disappoint eager petrol heads and die-hard fans when it re-entered the ever advancing sedan segment. In its 10th generation, the Honda Civic is once again one of Singapore's most well-loved sedans.
Available either with a more traditional, naturally aspirated 1.6-litre iVTEC engine or a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC, both cars are blessed with great road handling characteristics that the Civic namesake is renowned for - sharp, precise and composed around twisting tarmac, while being supportive and steady over inner city road bumps.
Both also come with Honda's Earth Dreams Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which was created to improve fuel economy by eliminating the need for gear changes. And whether you're a fan of the CVT or not, it's hard to ignore the new Civic's sportier and more advanced sheet metal design, which uses the 'Wide and Low' body styling concept to enhance the sense of 'sport' |
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Its drive and performance aside, there are also enough creature comforts to keep the whole family happy. These include dual-zone automatic climate control with rear ventilation outlets, USB/HDMI ports to hook your smartphone up to, a 7.0-inch infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay.
However, all of this pizzazz doesn't come without Honda's renowned dose of practicality. The cabin of the new Civic is more spacious, has segment-leading visibility and an increase in trunk space over the model it precedes. The designers at Honda even went through the trouble of devising a 60:40 split and folding rear seat, which gives users more convenience and functional space.
It's not a wonder, then, that the new Honda Civic has risen from the ashes to become the most popular, sought after, and applauded at four-door sedan available to buy, and more importantly, our top viewed model of the year. |
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