Market Watch: Buy These Early Hybrid Cars Today

The not-so-recent announcement of revised rebates from 2026 onwards spells bad news for the end consumer; unless you’re only shopping for EVs that fall under favourable VES bands.

We can already start to identify COEs that “speak for themselves” across most categories before the revisions take effect. The rush to prevent more taxmen knocking on our door is underway; what can we expect in years to come?

We reckon that vehicle diversity will take a noticeable hit. Brands could offer even more spec-lite versions of popular models to make it more Cat A-competitive.

Gone are the days where we are geared towards “logical” model hierarchies like BMW’s 3, 5 and 7 Series or Toyota’s Vios, Altis and Camry trio. Larger petrol-powered executive sedans have been priced out of the equation. And as we’ve noticed over the years, crossovers and SUVs have been ”forced” to wear many hats - pressure’s on them to be functional and look sporty at a not-too-exorbitant price point. Cue electric SUVs with rebates to back them up!

Cars in the late noughties had arguably more room for expression. Self-charging hybrids were less talked about; early adopters had their fair share of horror stories. Hence, pure ICE was the way to go back then.

But time has been kind on this trio because with the shift now well headed towards full EVs’ way, their rare groove status seems to be secured.

2009 Lexus GS450h

Borneo Motors Singapore celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and it took the opportunity to highlight key milestones, including the launch of the RX 400h, Lexus’s first luxury hybrid, in 2005. It didn't take long for BMS to reveal another heavyweight in the luxury hybrid world. With a total output of 339 bhp, it has a smidge more power over pure ICE rivals, too.

The Lexus GS450h’s party piece might be its electric motor, but emphasis on smooth, effortless performance made it the variant to tick to enjoy the full Lexus effect. A 3.5-litre V6 sits beneath the hood and along with electric assistance, it nudges to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid (M)

Giving Honda free rein to brew something exciting in the 2000s was, in hindsight, a core memory for car enthusiasts. The EP3 Civic Type R, CL7R Accord Euro R and DC5 Integra Type R were just getting us started, before the FD2 and S2000 continued to serve up an unrelenting dosage of VTEC magic.

The CR-Z wasn’t quite built to compete in this field, but bits of its high-revving DNA are clearly present for a hybrid engineered to be economical. 20 km/l was assured in stock form, thanks to Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) assistance. A 6-speed manual and featherweight 1,160 kg frame should keep engagement levels high.

2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

The Cayenne will join the EV realm soon, which is why there’s no better time to recognise its buffet spread of ICE offerings. In 2nd-gen guise, rough-and-tough looks made way for a sleeker appearance. But it was the plethora of engine options that stood out over those 8 successful years. From V6 diesels to twin turbo V8s, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

It’s now the Cayenne S Hybrid (not to be mistaken with the PHEV e-hybrid) that seems to crawl its way into our affections. 380 hp and almost 600 Nm of grunt assembled from its 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and electric motor pairing will take you to far flung places. This unit benefits from a full hybrid system replacement with warranty.

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