Market Watch: Check Out These Unique Variants Of Popular Cars In Singapore

Favouring cars in Singapore that belong to a different kettle of fish can be rather terrifying from a financial standpoint. Entry points are not low to begin with; COEs a major factor no doubt. But this doesn’t always apply to all makes - just take a look at some of the hottest 90s JDMs listed in Singapore whose depreciation rival those of supercars.

That’s perhaps why the charm these days could be found within cars we are familiar with, but beneath their skin sits party pieces to exude a certain aura. And it’s more apparent in Singapore where over the years, we are offered arguably lesser variants from dealerships. We’re not referring to limited edition variants, but instead models less seen on local streets.

2023 Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid 2.0 50 TFSI Quattro

Audi’s A6 range might be fondly remembered for its mile-munching, twin turbo V10-powered C6 RS6 Avant two decades ago. But daily driving one with an engine linked to a Gallardo might sound overkill. Those powered by diesels, efficient petrols and PHEVs (like this example) are the unsung heroes of the A6 lineup, which started out as a luxury sedan in the mid 90s.

A 2.0-litre engine and 17.9kWh battery pack powering a 143hp electric motor is good for 295hp and 450Nm. Sure, PHEVs require discipline of the highest order when it comes to charging, but get it right and enjoy the best of both worlds.

2007 Toyota Fielder 1.5X Auto

Sure, we’ve seen them deployed as taxis here. But to take ownership of one of the most practical Toyotas endows you with convenience on another level. The 10th-gen E140 Corolla Altis felt like the go-to for fuss free transport in the late noughties.

This Corolla Fielder snaps on a larger boot to make grocery trips even more trouble-free. Combination of a bulletproof 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and 4-speed automatic transmission is almost guaranteed to take you to far-flung places without a hitch.

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.4 TSI

What is your quirkiest memory of the VW Golf after 5 decades? It could be the Mk1 GTI Pirelli Edition, manic W12 650 concept based on the Mk5, or Mk6 e-motion EV concept. This 1.4-litre twincharged Mk6 cabriolet might even spring to mind. 9.5 seconds was all it took for the soft top to retract, at speeds of up to 30km/h.

Noticed the rear LED lights? That’s factory-spec for all Mk6 cabrios. We’ve seen the Mk8.5 GTI Edition 50 setting lap records; this lifestyle-leaning variant of yesteryear can serve as the ideal bookend.

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