Despite consistent reminders from brands (and governments) that the next order of play is defined by electrification, the automotive landscape in Singapore navigated 2022 with an eclectic mix of cars, ranging from regular, traditional modes of propulsion, self-charging hybrids, and a fast growing menu of BEVs.

Our 2022 shortlist saw Mazda’s MX-30 and Subaru’s BRZ have their timelines put on the back burner - both are now primed for launch in Q1 this year. Microchip shortages will still have an impact on delivery schedules and trim levels specced for the local market.

Details for the latter can be discussed once we establish shortlists for Car Of The Year 2023. But for now, cars destined for 2023 launch in Singapore continue to stir emotions not only for keen drivers, but for those looking to acquire a car to serve any desired purpose. In alphabetical order, we present OneShift’s most anticipated cars of 2023!

Audi RS 6 Avant

Audi has confirmed 4 cars for the local market, including the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron. While a 973Nm pure-electric torque output can lead headlines by itself, we’re more intrigued by Audi’s persistence to prioritise cylinder count on the more traditional end of the performance spectrum. 2 turbos attached to 8 cylinders might sound archaic in 2023, but not many nowadays can deliver wild, frenetic performance in functional wagon (Avant) guise quite like the RS 6, due for launch in Q3 2023. Audi knows that its performance arm needs to innovate - these are duties for e-trons to fulfill. It’s even more conscious that trusted methods of thrills must be protected at all costs, before the taxman knocks on the door.

BMW 3 Series Touring

A facelift (LCI) G20 3 Series sedan will be released in Q1 2023 featuring most notably an updated curved infotainment system (OS8). But we’d recommend hanging around till Q2 to secure the G21 Touring. Granted, it’ll be an acquired taste in Singapore when pitched alongside its well-loved sedan sibling. But there’s something about low slung wagons sitting on proper squat that questions the existence of other vehicle configurations - crossovers and self-proclaimed SUVs inclusive. Even a “base-spec” 320i Touring makes plenty of sense for cross-border runs, although we’re keeping our fingers crossed for customers to indent a couple of M340d xDrive Tourings packing 700Nm of thrust. Rarely do reason and desire go hand in hand, but this 3er in Touring spec proves otherwise.

Honda Accord e:HEV

Before you question why an Accord can be deemed as something we look forward to, hear us out because we are quietly confident that it will spring a surprise on the performance front. Numbers are unknown at time of writing, but although it shares e:HEV badges with the HR-V currently on sale now, we’re basing expectations off the Civic e:HEV not available locally - it could gather an Altis Hybrid-beating 25km/l of efficiency, and yet unleash a century sprint in a sliver over 7 seconds. If big brother Accord continues to benefit from e:HEV trickery, it could usher the already-impressive Camry Hybrid back to the drawing board. An underdog to monitor in Q2 2023.

Kia Niro EV

The Niro Hybrid was our best hybrid car of 2022, and now we are curious to know if there are repercussions to added weight and lesser range in favour of going fully electric. Locally-specced Niro EVs will be equipped with a 64.8 kWh battery, with a motor tuned to muster 201bhp. 407km range on the WLTP is a sizable deficit from the BYD Atto 3’s claimed 480km, but we’d be silly to dismiss Kia’s ability to spring last-gasp surprises. After all, the maker of the ballistic EV6 knew how to ruffle the feathers of supercars. This should be a walk in the park, eh? We’ll find out in Q1 2023.

Land Rover Defender 130

All is good when you can travel off the beaten path in a decked-out Porsche at 170km/h, but there’s also cool written all over a tough cookie that seats 8, trudging along the wilderness with typical Land Rover ease. The Land Rover Defender 130 is 340mm longer than the 110, allowing it to secure a rear bench neatly above the rear overhang. There’s still more than 100 litres of luggage space even with the third row fitted upright. No V8 variants are scheduled for now, but revised force-fed V6 options should deliver more than sufficient grunt. Expect a number of 130s to roll out of showrooms (straight into mud baths) come Q1 2023.

Lexus RX

While we’re certain that the all-electric Lexus RZ will gather substantial attention come Q2 2023, our attention will be placed on the RX first when it launches in Q1 2023. Borneo Motors Singapore will likely offer 3 variants for the RX - a 2.5-litre hybrid, a 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid and a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid. Lexus might be behind the electrification curve, but we’re eager to find out how much more it can improve on their hybrid-led refinement, given Toyota’s strong offering of self-charging hybrids like the Sienta, RAV4 and incoming new Prius. If Lexus can layer the RX’s proven drivetrains with a lap of luxury, it will continue to give full-sized German SUVs a run for their money.

Lotus Emira

Lotus’ era-ending masterpiece is the brand’s last model to run on gasoline. The Emira replaces the Elise, Exige and Evora - a claim that sounds like it wears too many hats. But every detail has been anchored down to a tee - it’s good for the track and public roads, with front and rear clearances designed to accommodate unfriendly, narrow cobbled streets. Second row seats are swapped out for more luggage room, qualifying it as a proper 2-seater grand tourer even by non-Lotus standards. All Emiras are RWD, steered by a hydraulic (you heard right!) power steering. “Very limited” limits will be registered in Singapore. Keep your eyes peeled for some to roam local streets in Q1 2023.

Maserati GranTurismo

You’d be left bitter if you associate GranTurismos only with big engines, because rumbly V8s have been relegated to history books. There’s still reason to celebrate for petrol-loving Maserati fans - a 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 in two states of tune will be offered alongside a fully-electric version. Petrol-driven Modena and Trofeo specs push 490bhp and 550bhp respectively, so even if there is no distinctive V8 warble, six cylinders should supply a pretty raspy tune. Enjoy their big boy presence when customers receive them in Q3 2023.

Mercedes-Benz AMG SL

2022 welcomed a slew of plus-sized Mercedes-EQ offerings and the trend continues with the EQE and EQS SUV arriving in Q3 2023. And we did a double take when Mercedes-Benz announced that the AMG SL will be arriving in Q1 2023. We’re not complaining - to have spanking new V8 options in 2023 is like finding a time capsule in a treasure trove. It doesn’t really matter to us if we’re getting the 469bhp or 577bhp V8 variant, because numbers will never be in its favour in a company of electrified torque monsters. We’ll let Mercedes-AMG’s C 63 S E Performance handle the big numbers, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a good old V8 SL - top down no less.

Polestar 3

By now you’ll realise that there are less EVs than anticipated in our shortlist. That’s because most brands are tapping on the crossover / SUV trend and building what people want to buy. While that’s fully understandable from a business standpoint, it gradually makes these cars less desirable. Not for the Polestar 3 we reckon, because it looks almost Apple-ish in its design language - subtle, yet effortlessly striking. It might be another SUV BEV with Porsche Cayenne dimensions, but given its looks and judging from the popularity of the Polestar 2, it could disrupt the crossover and SUV segments in some markets. We’re keen to unravel its place in the hierarchy come Q4 2023.

Porsche 911 Dakar

It defies logic to file another hotly-anticipated 911 when the 992-Gen 911 GT3 RS is due to arrive in Q2 2023, but few would argue the niche appeal of a proper overlanding Porsche based on a 911. Think of the 911 Dakar as a GT-spec 911 for rough-and-tough duties - lightweight rear spoiler made of CFRP and the CFRP front luggage compartment lid with striking air outlets are taken from the 911 GT3, over and above rear-axle steering and engine mounts also extracted from the GT3. It sits 50 millimetres higher than a standard 911 Carrera with sports suspension. A 3.0-litre biturbo six-cylinder with 480 PS and a maximum torque of 570 Nm helps it sprint to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Car spotters, prepare your cameras and boots for some jungle bashing action in Q3 2023.

Toyota Prius

A Prius that looks sporty? Never in our wildest dreams would we have guessed, but that’s exactly what Toyota revealed at the tail end of 2022. It is expected to be a JDM-only model just like the Toyota Sienta Hybrid, and will feature either a Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) variant. Singapore will likely receive the self-charging hybrid spec, and they could even only be made available for fleet owners and taxi operators. Are we inferring that we’re eagerly awaiting to secure a brand new PHV or taxi in our next booking? How times have changed. We have nothing but respect for Toyota’s recent products, from GR-spec machines to the Prius tuned for mass market consumption. Download all possible ride hailing apps when it arrives in Q2 2023.

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