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Have a tight budget, but still want to feel the rush from a turbocharged engine? Here are 8 affordable cars under $150k with turbos for your consideration.
Category: Car Buying Advice
As the high COE prices sustain, the prices of new cars aren't looking like they will start going down anytime soon. But that's not to say that there aren't more reasonably priced options out there for those on a tighter budget - a quintessential sedan such as the Toyota Corolla Altis will set you back $145,888, with a depreciation of just over $1,100 a month.
Being someone that doesn't have an enormous spending power but have an appetite for the low-end grunt that engines with turbochargers offer, I started to trawl our new car listings to see if there are cars in Singapore that will fit the bill. Granted, the complexities of turbocharged engines mean they are likely found on premium cars. But with some intense clicking and scrolling on our new car listings page, I've managed to collate a list of eight turbocharged cars that cost less than $150,000 (in the ballpark of the Altis) - and it even includes a few Cat B COE cars!
*Prices are accurate as of time of writing, photos are for illustration and might not reflect the actual trim level mentioned.
1. Fiat 500 Coupe 0.9 TwinAir Turbo
Horsepower: 84bhp
Torque: 145Nm
0-100km/h: 11 seconds
Fuel consumption: 26.3km/L
Why you should get one:
The original Fiat 500 was an affordable means of transport for post-war Italy in 1957. Today, the Fiat 500 is reprised with timeless and cute design, heavily inspired by the original, that no other cars can achieve.
While some might think that turbo cars will use more fuel, it really isn't always the case as it depends on how it's implemented. Take the Fiat 500 for example - it is a car that is designed with economy in mind. Equipped with a turbocharged 2-cylinder engine that clocks in just under a litre, you won't get that shoved-in-the-seat feel as expected of typical cars with a turbo. But you'll be rewarded with an excellent fuel economy of 26.3km/L!
2. Kia Stonic Mild Hybrid 1.0T EX
Horsepower: 118bhp
Torque: 200Nm
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds
Fuel consumption: 21.3km/L
Why you should get one:
At its low price point, the Kia Stonic has always been a steal - this cool compact crossover is not only equipped with a turbocharged engine, but a DCT transmission as well! The facelifted version also has a mild-hybrid thrown into the mix, resulting in a peppy drive and an admirable fuel economy of 21.3km/L.
Its drivetrain isn't all the Stonic offers - it gives off a premium feel inside and out with its modern design. This is a cheery car with plenty to offer, at a great price as well!
3. Opel Crossland 1.2 Turbo GS Line
Horsepower: 129bhp
Torque: 230Nm
0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 19.6km/L
Why you should get one:
With its fantastic-looking Vizor front design, the Opel Crossland looks much sharper and smarter than the Crossland X it replaces. The driver and passengers get to enjoy first-class comfort seats for a enjoyable ride.
The turbocharged engine in the Crossland manages the power limit of the Cat A COE while packing just 1.2-litres. What this means is that you'll get to enjoy a powerful drive without paying through the nose for road tax, and you'll have the turbo to thank for it.
4. Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech EAT8 Allure Premium
Horsepower: 129bhp
Torque: 230Nm
0-100km/h: 9.1 seconds
Fuel consumption: 19.6km/L
Why you should get one:
The Peugeot 2008 is yet another car that manages to put out a fair bit of power without excessive engine capacity - one of the best perks that a turbocharged engine offers. With a century sprint of just 9.1 seconds, it is a rather brisk compact SUV.
While its sporty looks might be on the quirkier side, I'll argue that you'll never mistake another car for yours no matter how dense and vast the carpark is when you own the Peugeot 2008.