Need a new ride or thinking of buying a car in Singapore for the first time? Whether you’re keen on a sturdy sedan or a roomy SUV for ferrying the family around, these new cars that launched at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show in January are not only cool, there’s something for everyone. There are petrol, hybrid and electric options too!
DS 7 CROSSBACK
Designed and crafted in Paris, this modern SUV is the first model of the second-generation DS range. The car is fitted with features such as Active LED Vision, Connected Pilot, and Active Scan Suspension that analyses the road and automatically adjusts suspension to handle different surfaces. The car has a 1.6-litre petrol engine with eight-speed automatic gearbox and is luxuriously decked out in leather upholstery, with mod-cons such as a 12-inch HD touchscreen and electrically reclining rear seats.
What caught our eye: The front seats come with five different modes of massage function.
SUBARU FORESTER E-BOXER
This hybrid version of Subaru’s Forester model offers a range of features to maximise safety and comfort. The petrol-electric hybrid SUV has a dual engine: a lithium-ion battery pack that conserves fuel at lower speeds and a petrol engine that activates at higher speeds; this means you get a combined fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km. The car has a host of safety features such as EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that includes automatic pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control and land sway warnings.
What caught our eye: If you’re driving on uneven terrain, activate the Special X-MODE system for extra help with manoeuvring.
PORSCHE MACAN
Back with enhanced design, comfort and driving dynamics, the luxury SUV includes new features such as a dashboard with a 10.9-inch touchscreen equipped with Porsche Communication Management, along with redesigned and re-positioned air vents. It also comes with LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights and LED brake lights. The car is fitted with an efficient two-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
What caught our eye: The Macan gives you the option of having a GT sports steering wheel installed.
NISSAN LEAF
Offering a smarter and safer driving experience, the new second generation Leaf builds on the brand’s move towards sustainable and greener vehicles. The car’s augmented lithium-ion battery pack remains the same size, but now offers greater capacity and durability, allowing travelling distances of more than 300km with a single charge. The model also has an increased torque of 320Nm and a large interior cargo space for its class.
What caught our eye: Techie features include the e-Pedal, an intelligent driving system that allows you to manage up to 90 percent of your driving with just one pedal.
TOYOTA CAMRY
Returning with a sportier look and enhanced performance level, this eighth-generation sedan’s front seats have wide shoulder areas and seatbacks found in sports cars, while the rear seats now offer wider armrests and headrests for greater comfort. There’s a newly developed gasoline-powered engine for greater fuel efficiency, power and performance, plus a new suspension system to provide enhanced stability and a smoother ride.
What caught our eye: The electric power-steering system allows for light steering at low speeds but then adjusts itself at higher speeds.
LEXUS UX
The new compact SUV Lexus comes in two versions: the UX 200, with a Direct-Shift continuously variable transmission, and the UX 250h, with a fourth-generation hybrid drive system. Adding to the safety features, the luxury car’s stable structure and low centre of gravity offer greater agility and comfort. Get it in three colours: Blazing Carnelian, Terrane Khaki and Celestial Blue.
What caught our eye: The blade lights in the rear incorporate fins that prevent airflow from wrapping around the rear, keeping the car stable in crosswinds.
BMW X5
This all-new fourth generation model offers greater comfort and elegance, and is fitted with electrically adjustable sports seats; you can also opt for multifunction seats with massage function and seat ventilation for the driver and front passenger. Other new features are a four-zone air-conditioning system, while on the safety side there’s cruise control with braking function, collision warning and pedestrian warning with city braking function, which now also alerts you when a cyclist is detected.
What caught our eye: The optional panoramic glass roof is 30 percent larger than on the older model.
RANGE ROVER SPORT
This new model is Jaguar Land Rover’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It offers an all-electric range of up to 51km without the petrol engine running. As a driver, you can choose from two modes: parallel hybrid mode, which combines petrol and electric drive, or Electric Vehicle mode that runs solely on the electric motor using the energy stored in the battery for zero emissions.
There’s the option of using an Activity Key, too, which means you can lock and unlock the vehicle without a key fob.
What caught our eye: The new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system features two 10-inch touchscreens.
For more helpful tips, head to our Living in Singapore section:
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Guide to the East Coast
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This article first appeared in the April 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
