Car of the Year 2021 is back!
It’s that time of the year again!
OneShift by Carousell brings you the best of the best with Car of the Year 2021.
Car of the Year 2021
In the world of automotives, electrification is the new buzzword! The transformation of the automotive industry towards electrification is well on its way, with car manufacturers taking an aggressive approach to switching from mechanical to electrical power. But are electric cars truly better than the rest?
Car of the Year 2021, brought to you by OneShift by Carousell, is back at it again to help consumers identify the best cars in each class.
And because not all cars are created equal, with each having their own unique offering, only one will come out as Car of the Year 2021!
Which one will it be? Stay tuned!
First, a look back at the winner of Car of the Year 2020
Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI Laurin & Klement
The Skoda Superb has a special place in our hearts. The Czech D-Segment sedan, in its upmarket Laurin & Klement trim, has an equip-ment list that you could easily mistake for a car that is more upmarket. The Superb does deliver excellently well on practicality, and has features that could easily rival many luxury brands... Luxury and space has never been this attainable!
Read reviewHow it is built
How does it tick
How justifiable is it
Total
Judging Criteria
We have put together an extensive list of cars which we have tested, digging in to how well they are built,
how they tick, and how practical or justifiable they really are. All this to aid you in your next buying decision.
How it is built
Simply how well is it screwed together, and how good it looks.
How does it tick
How well does it drive? Does it perform well for what its intended for?
How justifiable is it
How much thought has gone into its practicality or in its engineering?
Nominees
The best cars are the ones which have a soul... Here are the Oneshift Car of the Year nominees for 2021!
Small SUV
Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI
Skoda’s new small SUV has a unique name - Kamiq. Sourced from an ancient Inuit tongue, loosely meaning the perfect fit... the Czech manufacturer could not be too far from the truth here, especially in a built-up country like ours.
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Renault Captur Privilege 1.3T TCe
We live in a time where the SUV has become the ubiquitous go to vehicle for many. Imagine that just 20 years ago, the bare minimum was that you needed to find yourself a C-Segment SUV, if you wanted one; and there were just a handful of offerings.
Read review
Kia Stonic M-Hybrid SX 1.0 T
With electrification becoming the biggest buzzword, we are beginning to see more vehicles being offered with some form of electrification. While it will be a while before EVs will become a mainstream thing, there are many merits for electrifying an ICE vehicle. A small battery means less weight, and the gains can be especially felt in an urban environment.
Read review
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI R-Line
Well... we have been waiting in anticipation for this one from the peeps at Volkswagen! Their T-Cross compact SUV is finally here! Although this is Volkswagen’s smallest SUV on offer here, there is plenty that the T-Cross offers, in-terms of versatility and people-carrying space.
Read review
Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid Excite
SUV fever is real! The Czechs have SUVs, the Koreans have SUVs, the Japanese have SUVs... Everybody has SUVs! Sorry I'm just channeling a little Oprah Winfrey here.
Read reviewCompact SUV
SEAT Ateca 2WD Xcellence 8-Speed
Now this is funny... SEAT has done a tiny facelift to their Ateca, their mid-sized SUV, but it would take some wheel time to really know what it is.
Read review
Volkswagen Tiguan
The facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan makes a splash in Singapore with two available variants. The Elegance (S$179,900, inclusive of COE), and the range-topping R-Line (S$193,900, inclusive of COE)
Read review
Skoda Karoq Style 1.5 TSI
The Skoda Karoq is the Czech brand’s second SUV in their all-out vehicle offensive. Having the same design DNA as its larger award-winning bear-named Kodiaq sibling, the compact sized SUV might be that ideal one size fits many vehicle. As SUVs become more popular, there is no mainstream brand without something ‘soft roader’ to show off.
Read review
MG HS 1.5 Standard Turbo
Enthusiasts of the MG brand could be forgiven for losing hope when the Chinese took over. It was a storied British icon, one of the many that fell to foreign hands, unsure of its future and identity. The early cars that the ‘new’ MG produced made a self-conscious and lacklustre debut, but their latest products have certainly matured. In Singapore they offer a SUV-only range, the HS and the ZS, the former being the larger option.
Read review
Mazda CX-30 2.0 2WD Luxury
Recently, Mazda launched their bread-and-butter 3 compact models, both in Sedan and Hatch body styles. The step-up in build quality from the previous car, and attention to detail is impressive. Even more so, is how refined it is, especially given that they were intended to target the middle-class buyer.
Read review
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T S/R
Mitsubishi is going through some very important transformations, and they are important ones. The sign of the times means that many brands have sped up their evolution. Speaking about evolution, sadly with the demise of their rally-inspired Lancer Evolution compact sedan due to the brand pulling out of the World Rally Championship (WRC) a while ago (hopefully we will see some kind of development in this field soon with its new parent), there has also been some movement in model nomenclature.
Read review
Kia Seltos 1.4 T SX
The new Kia Seltos sits between the Stonic and Niro, though it does seem to look bigger than the latter, as it is among the tallest in its class. KIA’s new compact SUV is offered in three flavours here, the base vanilla EX model; the SX, which we feel is the one to go for; and the range-topping GT Line, where added dressy plastic bits adds to inspiration for more pace... inspiration, not potential.
Read review
Subaru Forester ES 2.0-S EyeSight AWD
The all-new Subaru Forester has been described by Subaru to be a "fully redesigned extraordinary SUV". This fifth-generation Forester is bigger, better, and comes with loads more tech features built-in compared to the previous model.
Read reviewFamily-Sized SUV
SEAT Tarraco 1.4 Xcellence
SEAT is on a roll in Singapore. Since their local dealership, Vertex Euro Motors had taken on the role of distributing their cars, the Spanish brand seems to have grown their range, fielding something for every (down-to-earth) market segment. From their Toledo, a sedan which offers enough frills without breaking the bank, to the Ateca SUV, which delivers impressive performance, while also providing good fuel economy.
Read review
Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TSI Style
Many of you know that Czech automobile brand Skoda has made a comeback... again... but what is different this time, is that the dealership cannot be more direct than being run by the principle itself. This really is added buyer brownie points when you are looking for some peace-of-mind.
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Mazda CX-8 2.5 6-Seater Luxury
SUVs have become a popular choice among car buyers these days. The sense of adventure... or at least a semblance of it, makes the SUV an appealing formula for many. You see, dreams and aspirations is something that is woven into the fabric of our being.
Read review
Kia Sorento SX Tech Pack 2.2 Diesel 2WD
SUVs have in the last few years, seen a surge in popularity. While MPV-rivaling variants were once somewhat a novelty, with semi-practical rear quarters, a new breed of people-carrying SUVs have emerged; where the element of outdoorsy fun meets family-practicality.
Read review
Hyundai Palisade 3.5 litre V6 Sunroof 8-SeaterD
People movers have often been the backbone transport for larger families, and most major car makers have at least one waiting for you in their showroom. In recent years, SUVs have increasingly become an attractive alternative to the ubiquitous MPV, and families are now willing to shell out precious extra dollars for a vehicle that shouts "adventure (but in the city)".
Read reviewCompact Hatchback
Mazda 3 M-Hybrid 1.5 Hatchback Astina
Mazda revives the Astina name. For those who are unfamiliar with this, the Japanese manufacturer once used the Astina badge on their 5-door 323 hatchback in the late 1980s. The first Astina featured pop-up headlamps, a lovely gimmick, and it sold very well. Sadly, pop-up headlamps are a thing of the past, since they do pose a danger to pedestrians. The Astina nameplate has however been revived, but this time, Mazda is using it to denote its new range-topping 3 model.
Read review
Volkswagen Golf LIFE PLUS 1.5 eTSI 110 kW
The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf entered the Singapore market later than expected, due to the current global situation. The Volkswagen Golf is the German brand’s halo car, and one which might make you rethink your intended purchase of a C-Segment Premium hatchback.
Read reviewSmall Hatchback
SEAT Ibiza FR 1.5 TSI
The buyer profile for B Segment cars is a rather varied one. On one hand, you have yourself those which are built to a price, like the Mitsubishi Attrage; where function takes precedence over form, to produce as much interior space from what little it is built on. On the other end, there are now heaps of rather entertaining choices you can choose from, and this entertaining to choose from bit is mostly thanks to one automotive group.
Read review
Volkswagen Polo Beats 1.0
Ever wonder why we rarely see the term supermini these days? This particular market segment has seen sale figures being eroded by another kind of supermini: The compact crossover. However, Volkswagen is ready to tackle the crossover segment with the new sixth generation Polo.
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Suzuki Swift Sport Mild Hybrid 1.4 Turbo Standard
Those who build an emotional bond with their rides, will know that there are cars that simply do the point A to B, then there are those that do a little more and are impressive in their own right. And then there are cars that simply were built to resonate with their owners... almost like the manufacturer had their ears on the ground.
Read review
Skoda Scala Style 1.5 TSI
Skoda is well known for producing cars which are value for money. From their two flagships, the Superb sedan and Kodiaq SUV, to the compact Octavia, there has always been a common theme; one that is practical and sensible.
Read reviewPremium Compact Sedan
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon A 200 Progressive
Mercedes-Benz has blurred lines yet again with their entry-level A-range. For a while, we thought their CLA was a sedan, marketed as a coupe. Then again we were right. But the second CLA launched (we absolutely love that one), hot on the tails of that, came the A Class with a tail.
Read review
Audi A3 Sedan Mild Hybrid 1.5 TFSI S-tronic
Many people don’t realise this, but the concept of the premium compact sedan was actually pioneered by the Audi A3. Since 1996, the A3 has been built as a hatchback, or in Audi-speak, a sportback. In 2013 however, following the launch of the 3rd generation A3, Audi released the A3 sedan. Almost instantly, people all around the world fell in love with it, especially in Singapore, where at one point, it became Audi Singapore’s best selling model. Today, most of the A3s you see on the road are sedans - a clear indication that the A3 sits in a pretty sweet spot of resembling a proper continental sedan that is big enough to be practical, yet affordable enough for the masses.
Read reviewPremium Compact Four-Door Coupe
BMW 2 Series 218i Gran Coupe M Sport
For an entire model run, Mercedes-Benz had the whole whitespace to themselves with the CLA Coupe and its Shooting Brake Sibling. Despite a few shortcomings, it was a cleverly planned product, and Daimler knew that there was demand for a premium compact sedan, which fit below its Compact Executive C Class. Styled like a coupe, and aptly termed as one, it was a massive hit among buyers here. BMW now has one of their own, in the form of the 218i Gran Coupe.
Read review
Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe 200 Progressive
Bruce Lee once said “Emotional content... not anger”. In that scene, he was speaking to some young chap, egging on to give him a(n emotional) kick, and I could not help but think that this is what the new CLA is.
Read reviewPremium Compact Hatchback
Mercedes-Benz A-Class A200 Progressive
The A Class has largely been about dreams and aspirations. While most buyers would be willing to fork out some serious dough to be proud owners of a car with the three-pointed star, the original and second generation A Class left much to be desired (that being quite the understatement). The third generation car was a large improvement, especially in the styling department… Yet it did come across lacking in ergonomics and the ride quality was a little unrefined.
Read review
BMW 1 Series 116i Luxury
The BMW 116i is BMW’s latest entry level premium luxury hatchback, and takes over from the 118i as BMW’s most affordable car. While not necessarily a prestigious title to hold, it is nonetheless a very important mantle to take on. You see, as BMW’s most accessible car, it will no doubt serve as the gateway to the BMW experience for many first time BMW customers. Whether these customers are young and affluent first time car owners, or upgraders who are moving up from a bread and butter Japanese or Korean cars, the 116i will be their litmus test of whether or not the BMW ownership experience is something they want to be a part of, or if they are better off with another brand. In a place like Singapore where car choices are abundant, brand loyalty is low, and competition is fierce, the BMW 116i will have its work cut out as BMW’s new junior brand ambassador.
Read review
MINI Cooper S Clubman
Nothing is quirkier within the MINI range than the Clubman. The first generation model, which was then the most practical car in MINI’s lineup, already carried over the original British Leyland model’s swing-open rear barn doors.
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Audi A3 1.5 TFSI S Tronic
Although not technically Audi’s entry level car in Singapore, the A3 serves as a sort of gateway into the world of Audi, accounting for an important segment of consumers who are either upgrading from Japanese or Korean make, or affluent new drivers who have a taste for something a little more premium. The new A3 receives a top to toe overhaul, complete with a redesigned exterior, completely new interior, and perhaps most noteworthy of all, is the A3’s return to a 4 cylinder power plant, complete with mild hybridisation. It is little surprise then that the car has been keenly anticipated, and will go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz A Class and BMW 1 Series - A hotly contested segment here in Singapore. So, how different is the new A3 compared to its predecessor? Will it be a homogenous upgrade of the old car, or are we dealing with something completely new and different?
Read reviewEconomy Sedan
Toyota Vios 1.5 G Grade
When the first Vios reached our shores in 2002, it was a clear signal that Toyota was serious in moving their best-selling Corolla model up-market. While the Corolla did become bigger, better and chock-filled with creature spoils and delivered well on passenger refinement, the Vios held its own.
Read review
Honda City 1.5 RS Sedan i-VTEC LX
The Honda City has long been quite the sought after entry-level family sedan. A dependable workhorse for many, and while it might be less fashionable than its Jazz sibling, it has its merits of being a versatile sedan you can simply depend on.
Read reviewCompact Sedan
Mazda 3 M-Hybrid 1.5 Sedan Astina
The ubiquitous Japanese compact sedan was once the best selling vehicle here, and for good reason. SUVs were comparatively expensive, and engine and vehicle build technology then, would have meant that those cars were heavy, they guzzled and were rolly rolly around the turns. Buying a sedan on the other hand, meant that you were like everyone else… safe, practical, economical… the list goes on. But while sedans are less popular these days, since buyers are spoilt for choice, there are many brands which are still keen on fielding them in their vehicle lineup.
Read review
Skoda Octavia Style 1.5 TSI e-TEC
When Skoda made a comeback to Singapore just a few short years ago, one car left the biggest mark with buyers initially. The Skoda Octavia quickly became a popular choice among buyers who were looking for a practical and spacious compact sedan for the family.
Read review
Honda Civic 1.5 VTEC Turbo
Pulling into the Honda showroom to collect my test car, I scour the car park to catch my first glimpse of the brand new Civic. There aren’t many cars on the compound, and I spot what I think is an Accord parked right outside the showroom entrance. It isn’t until I draw closer that I realise my mistake - the car that I thought was the Accord is actually the Civic.
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Hyundai Avante 1.6 Elite
While its styling was done by none other than ItalDesign’s legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, there was little that could hide how crudely it was built. Hyundai back then, leaned heavily on Mitsubishi’s powertrains, with the Pony managing to get around with a 1.2-litre straight-four, which was shared with the Mitsubishi Colt.
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Kia Cerato GT Line 1.6
If you look at bread and butter sedan offerings today, you will find that the European offers have all been but whittled down to just one offering, which is the Category B COE Skoda Octavia. Although customer preferences have changed over time, there is still a significant demand for the humble sedan. Most offerings are from Japanese brands, with models like the industry benchmarking Toyota Corolla and luxuriously appointed Mazda 3 near the middle of their life cycle, while the Honda Civic has just made a splash here.
Read review
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 Elegance (With TSS)
Ah yes! It’s back! The Toyota Corolla is the car that almost single-handedly put the Japanese automotive giant on the map, before cooler offerings, like their Celica, and Cressida; followed by the Camry became household names of their own.
Read reviewFull Sized Sedan
Honda Accord 1.5 Sedan VTEC Turbo
Ten generations of the Honda Accord is proof that it has definitely gotten the right formula. Together with the Civic, it was where Honda built its reputation for reliable and well-engineered cars. Always being a tad more driver focused than its rivals, Honda has nonetheless slowly shifted the positioning of the Accord towards luxury to give it more mainstream appeal.
Read review
Mazda 6 2.5 Sedan Super Luxury
The 6 has been with us for a bit. But Mazda did a facelift to their flagship sedan, and it is a facelift worth writing about. The 6 is to Mazda what the Camry is to Toyota, full-sized, seen as an executive car to some here. But while we do find the familiar Kodo (Soul of Motion) form commonplace on our road, the best way to describe the 2017 Mazda 6 is not one of a facelift, but an improvement to something already so well designed.
Read review
Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI Laurin & Klement 140 kW
The Skoda band has long been associated with sensible cars, with very practical features. The award-winning Superb, their flagship sedan has just gone through a middle-of-life freshening up, and we must say that what the Czechs bring to the table is nothing short of impressive.
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Peugeot 508 1.6 EAT8 Fastback
It took a long time for Peugeot’s radically designed D Segment sedan to arrive at our shores. For the past few years, the French automotive brand in Singapore, primarily focused on two main offerings, the 3008 and 5008 SUVs which have done quite well here, and have just been (re)facelifted.
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Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid
Growing up, many of us will have at least one memory of a Toyota Camry at some point. For me, the Camry was the de-facto rental car during my family’s numerous driving holidays to Australia and New Zealand, leaving me with many fond memories from my many hours spent in the backseat of various Camrys over the years.
Read reviewExecutive Compact Sedan
Volvo S60 T4 R-Design
Volvo’s mid-tier sedan is back. It is bigger, and definitely looks way better. The Swedish company’s new sedan is also the very first Volvo to be built on American soil, which underscores how important the vast American market is to them.
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Audi A4 Sedan 2.0 TFSI S Tronic Advanced (140KW)
The Audi A4 is the brand's most successful sedan. Luxurious, well-packaged and economical to run, and now made even better with a few tweaks. The A4’s mid-life revamp at first glance seems like a mild facelift. But in actual fact, Audi has redesigned just about every panel, apart from the roof. The side profile now features quattro lines, while its shoulderline has also lowered and is more like a suggestion, rather than a sculpted impression.
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BMW 3 Series 318i Sedan Sport
BMW launched the 3 Series just a year ago, with just one model in two trim levels. The 330i might have been on the pricier side, but it did showcase all the good that BMW is today. A great driver’s car that is loaded with technological goodies; a good number of I bet, if you are a current model 3 Series owner, you’d probably not be using a good half of them.
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Jaguar XE 2.0 SE R-Dynamic
As far as compact-sized Executive sedans go, the Germans have mostly been locked in a 3-way battle. Mercedes-Benz with its C-Class, BMW with the 3 Series and Audi with the A4. Across the pond, British manufacturer, Jaguar has more-not-than-often, supplied some healthy competition. The first time they had gotten their feet wet in this segment, was with the successful X-Type. Jaguar had seemed to have taken their inspiration from Mercedes-Benz, where both the flagship and entry sedan would resemble each other, while the middle-child (the E-Type), would be very different. The X-Type was based on their then-parent company’s bread-and-butter Ford Mondeo, and was offered with either AWD or FWD.
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Lexus IS 300h Executive
When it comes to finding yourself a compact executive-sized sedan, the Germans have traditionally cornered most of the market with their three offerings; Mercedes-Benz with their C Class, BMW with their 3 Series and Audi with the A4.
Read reviewExecutive Sedan
Audi A6 Sedan 3.0 TFSI Qu S Tronic
The new fifth-generation Audi A6 (if you do count the preceding 100 model, then this is the 8th generation car) delivers impressive drive characteristics and passenger comfort.
Read review
Lexus ES 300H Luxury
Crisp lines and a silhouette which bears an uncanny resemblance to the LS flagship car. The new ES definitely looks striking from most angles. The ES is the successful oddball which Lexus engineers and marketers have time and again gotten the formula right. With the virtues of space, impeccable build quality and value, which form the cornerstones of its success.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon E200 Exclusive
The Mercedes-Benz E Class has grown considerably over the years, adding with it along the way, modern features, and at-times industry-first innovations. The E-Class has long been a must-have for the seriously successful towkay who has arrived; attracting them with its bonnet bling, road presence and when time to move on, very good residuals.
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BMW 5 Series 530i Sedan M Sport
So here it is! The updated BMW mid-tier luxury sedan, the 5 Series. BMW claims that it's greener, and therefore better... and well... we actually love it. Over the last decade-and-a-little more, BMW has been including terms like ‘Sustainability’ in its corporate language, and have preferred to use the wider-encompassing term, ‘Joy’ even more than the ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ we have come to know as its brand mantra. All of this is for a good reason, since there is growing pressure from various governments for reduced emissions, and reduced everything else (fun included).
Read reviewLuxury Sedan
Audi A8L 3.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic
“Like Wow”... that was my first impression as my eyes settled onto its glossy black dash. The new A8 is a very pretty car inside and out, styled with purposeful accentuated lines, giving the impression of lightness and strength.
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BMW 7 Series 740Li Pure Excellence
Wonderful... in a nutshell, that's how I would describe this LCI version of BMW's ultra-luxe 740Li. LCI stands for Life Cycle Impulse, and it's basically BMW's fancy way of saying 'facelift'.
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Mercedes-Benz S Class S 450 L 4MATIC
The question of - “Have you really arrived?’ - often has been answered with the car you literally arrive in. In many cases, at the pinnacle of brand offerings this (without considering ultra-luxury ones) would be the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Read reviewMPV
Renault Grand Scenic 1.5T dCI Bose Edition
Diesel engines are becoming a rare offering these days, especially ever since the introduction of the Vehicle Emissions Scheme (VES) which has resulted the departure of some very well thought-through cars.
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SEAT Alhambra Style 1.4 TSI
Full-sized 7-seater MPVs are the go-to choice if you are planning to haul your extended family around, including kids who are no-longer pint-sized. Smaller MPVs are able to do the same job, though most adult passengers would jostle for the middle row; and luggage space would usually be barely enough for some grocery shopping.
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Nissan Serena e-Power Highway Star
The hybrid take-up in Singapore has certainly increased several folds in the last few years. It is a pity then that most of the selection has, so far, been from the parallel importers, who have been quicker to bring them to market. If you wanted to go by the authorised dealer route, and were looking for a 7-seater full-sized hybrid MPV, you didn’t have much of a choice for anything below $150,000.
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Kia Carnival 2.2 SX Tech Pack 7-Seater
After 8 years of absence from the Singapore market, the all new Kia Carnival makes a much anticipated return to the fold, in the form of what Kia has coined a Grand Utility Vehicle - and grand it is. Succinctly put, it is essentially a full sized MPV masquerading in an SUV’s clothing, giving it an appeal that is closer to a Range Rover as opposed to looking like other MPV stalwarts like the Toyota Vellfire and Alphard.
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Honda Odyssey 2.4 MPV i-VTEC 8 Seater
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Japanese manufacturers were on top of their people-carrying vehicle game. Mitsubishi had the Grandis… a wagon of space, Toyota had their Previa… where most meanings seem to point to something to do with pregnancy… oh no, and Honda had their Odyssey… yeah, I like my road trips. The Koerean brands too had strong offerings from the likes of the Hyundai Trajet and sister company KIA the Carnival, though quality back then was a question mark of brittle plastics… and the question I often raised was one of which interior panel fell or broke off first.
Read reviewPerformance Compact
Cupra LEON Sportstourer 2.0 TSI
With a comprehensive model lineup here in Singapore, CUPRA, SEAT’s performance sub-brand is truly making waves. They first began with a logical approach of fielding an SUV, the CUPRA Ateca, which we drove in both pre-facelift and current guises and loved both of them just the same. With the expansion of their range of cars, CUPRA now has something for just about anyone who needs wants a compact-sized performance car.
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MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door
So there was this guy who actually went on to say that it is “Fashionable” for young adults in Singapore not to own a car… How could he say such a thing? Perhaps he’s quite the person lacking in taste. And to say something in such bad taste simply grinds our gears.
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Renault Megane R.S 1.8T TCe
It’s not that often you will find a car which can upstage an industry icon. But isn’t it natural to have the industry’s best set in your sights? That is what happened when Renault set about in building the new Megane R.S.
Read reviewHigh Performance Luxury Car
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2.9
The last time Alfa Romeo fielded a North-south mounted engine with rear-drive in their everyday cars, was when they produced the 75; and it has been a while since the Italian manufacturer had gotten things right, by moving the driving wheels to the rear once again.
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Audi RS4 Avant 2.9 TFSI Qu Tiptronic
The Audi A4 range has recently gone through an extensive makeover. And while the A4 Sedan, and even their Avant has been visually softened up, their fire-breathing RS4 on the other hand hasn’t really been tweaked much externally.
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BMW M3
Since the E30 M3 from the late 1980s, the BMW M3 has always been the flagbearer for sportiness in its segment, while its competitors either leaned towards comfort or attempted a blend of both. Built upon a class-leading 3-Series platform already famed for dynamics, the M3 has always been ‘the’ M car.
Read reviewPremium Compact SUV
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2.0 First Edition
Range Rover takes signature design cues from the previous Evoque, carries them over into the second generation car, and 8-year old inspired lines have never looked fresher!
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Lexus UX 200 Luxury
Lexus may have entered late into the premium compact crossover game, but what they have delivered is simply striking. Perhaps the least off-road-ish looking of their SUV range, their baby crossover looks nothing like what they have produced before. Their new car is after all designed to cater to a much younger customer demographic. In-fact, even when building their new LS, Lexus had stuck to this logic (that car even has a SPORT+ mode, with surprisingly accurate point and shoot accuracy).
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Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive
The previous Mercedes-Benz GLA was quite a hit when it was first introduced here in the middle of the last decade. Compact in size, and definitely more attainable than larger “Mercs”, the GLA caught on at a time when SUVs were becoming cool.
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Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design
If it were a song, Volvo’s compact-sized SUV may have given all the right feels. That is if that song was for someone who had taste for something a little left field. That said, the Swedish brand’s compact oozes charisma, leaves an impression that you are driving around in something a little larger, and is actually quite the practical car.
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MINI Cooper S Countryman
Coming from a country where our jungles are largely urban, it can be quite clear why many of us would want to choose an SUV. One of the reasons really, is because the process of buying a car is quite an emotional process, and many of us have at least a bit of a sense of adventure. Not only has the SUV become quite a fashion statement. Gone are the days where function would mostly take precedence over form; and today, we are truly spoiled for choice, since the market is flooded with SUVs of different shapes and sizes.
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Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI S Tronic S Line
Well, step aside (slightly) junior… It took a while before it reached us, but the second generation Audi Q3 is larger than the car it replaces, and takes chonky styling to the next level. As an entry premium SUV, the Audi Q3 has to check plenty of boxes. From delivering quality and frills, while balancing on that very narrow pricing tightrope.
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BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport
A little while ago, we took the refreshed BMW X1 for a spin in Munich. While we got ourselves the torquey xDrive25d, which will not see the light of day here (oh booey), we liked how BMW had worked their current design language into their mid-life revamp, in BMW language, ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ (LCI).
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Jaguar E-Pace 1.5 Mild Hybrid
Jaguar is not quite known for building SUVs, but such is the trend of the car market that the brand now builds more SUVs than saloons or sports cars. The E-Pace is the smallest SUV Jaguar offers, and also the most affordable entry to the brand’s line-up.
Read reviewPremium Compact Crossover
BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport X
Volvo has it’s XC40, which features a well-thought out dash, featuring premium materials. Jaguar, its E-Pace, with design cues taken from the stunning F-Type, and even to some extent, the Lexus NX sits in this same room... Mighty crowded I may say...
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Audi Q3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S Tronic
With the surge in SUV demand in recent years, automobile manufacturers have been looking at ways to game the market differently. Since they have “put the coupe into the sedan”, bringing about in Audi’s case, the stunning A7 - a fancier-pancier A6 with a lower roofline, cooler lights and that stance… ah yes I could continue to gush… But how could they not “put the coupe into the SUV”?
Read reviewCompact Executive SUV
DS Automobiles 7 Crossback Puretech 225
After fielding a number of Citroen-badged cars with DS badging, and later on dropping of all Citroen references; DS now truly has a car of its own. The new marque has been a standalone brand for a while now, there was always that question if they were truly serious in building on the DS name… And they have.
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Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
The GLC is one of the most important cars for Mercedes-Benz, in-fact it is one of their best-selling current models. As luxury SUV sales have risen over the last two decades, amidst a market which has become equally more discerning; competition has also gotten stiffer.
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BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport
Oneshift had the privilege of putting the new X3 through its paces in Australia last year. Our choice would have been the diesel xDrive 30d model, with an inline six, delivering an astronomical 620Nm, and a 5.8 second 0-100km/h; delivering plenty of shove whenever your right foot calls for it.
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Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI qu S tronic (Sport)
Audi returns with the new Q5, and carries on with all the good bits the previous car left off, and improving on the little things which brings you a more refined ride. The previous Q5 was Audi’s best-selling car, winning with its well-proportioned exterior, and ease of driving, due to its compact proportions.
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BMW X5 xDrive40i X Line
The original X5 may not have been a looker. But it, along with just a handful of SUVs (a term, which had then just become the buzzword in the motoring industry) became so sought after almost overnight. The new vehicle genre also meant that you need not choose an estate car if you had to haul stuff frequently.
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Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Qu Tip
The Audi Q8 is the German brand’s latest addition to their Q car model lineup. Audi’s new flagship SUV joins the Q7 in the same market segment. While the Q7 competes with the likes of the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90, the Q8 could loosely be seen as a crossover (after all, the ‘crossover’ word is loosely used), or a (very tall) coupe; and takes on cars like the coupe version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and within the VW Group family, the Porsche Cayenne (yes yes there is a coupe version out there, but the body shape of the Q8 matches the SUV version)… talk about family rivalry.
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Volkswagen Touareg R-Line
One thing that Volkswagen has been busy doing in recent years, is finding that sweet spot in the art of disruption. Well you see, BMW has the X5 and Mercedes-Benz the GLE. Group family brands Porsche and Audi have the Cayenne and first ever Q8 respectively. So what business does VW have in moseying into this middle-of-the-pack upper crust Deutsch party? Well, my experience tells me that the all-new Touareg may be the like guy at the party who’s just happy to be there… but because he isn’t worried about how others see him.
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Land Rover Defender 3.0 P400 First Edition MHEV
We can make no mistake that the Defender and its forefathers put the Land Rover brand onto the map. In-fact many Land Rover staffers can even stake claim that the very first car that people have seen in the undeveloped world would have been a Land Rover.
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Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 P400 HST
The brand which essentially created the SUV, Land Rover has often touted the “Best Four by Four by Far” line, and there is a good reason why. Their vehicles could take on tougher terrain than their counterparts, thanks to stiff platforms and some superb wheel articulation.
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Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic
The Mercedes-Benz GLE offers plush accommodation for five and now, another +2, adding with it a little more appeal as an Executive SUV. Therefore, the new GLE now challenges the competition head-on, which is the recently updated Lexus RX 350L, the Audi Q7, which is due for a makeover, and the very new BMW X5; all of which are able to carry seven. Launched last year, it did take us quite a while before we got our hands on Merc’s mid-tier luxury SUV, and it is one of our first cars we obtained, post-Covid Circuit Breaker.
Read reviewExecutive 4-Door Coupe
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 350
I have always seen the four-doored coupe as a sacrilegious necessity, and one our current generation could do with. Perhaps the four-doored coupe will kill off some sedans in the near future, by taking over their nameplate instead of manufacturers fielding two cars which quite almost sit within the same box.
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Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI Qu Tip
As the late Raymond Lai (who drove the first generation A7) once mentioned, that the Rover SD1 was an iconic design for its time. Back then, the British manufacturer decided to go against the grain (of fielding a ubiquitous sedan) by introducing an executive “lift-back”, which delivered the versatility of an estate car, and looked sleeker than a sedan; with the only problem being British Leyland, and the car… well it’s doors fell off.
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BMW 8 Series 840i Gran Coupe Chrome Line
When BMW first showed up with their 8 Series about three decades ago, it was unfortunately a beautifully designed car, introduced at the wrong time. The oil-rich region of the world was rocked by a war, and most potential buyers would have been jittery about buying into something new and unfamiliar; not least to say about a car which had a V12 up-front, which would naturally consume plenty of fuel.
Read reviewCompact EV
Nissan Leaf Electric
Electric Vehicles (EV) have recently become the buzzword among manufacturers. Nissan on the other hand had been at it for a while; and in-fact we are already test driving the second generation Leaf.
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Kia Niro EV
Car manufacturers from different regions of the world sometimes reflect the cultures of where they originate from. Japanese cars are rock solid reliable, but they can also be slow and cautious when it comes to innovation. German cars tend to be good for high-speed driving, thanks to the derestricted Autobahn, but until only very recently were favoured for their diesel engines. Well, what exactly defines a Korean car?
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Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range Sunroof 64.0kWh
Korean brand Hyundai, has been on a roll of late, bringing the world relatable everyday EVs to the masses. The Kona range, which was initially launched in Singapore back in 2018 with two model variants, a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine with more bite from its AWD; and a frugal 1.0 three-banger with a younger generation-repulsing stick shift. Of late, the Hyundai Kona has now become one of two main electrified “poster cars” of the brand. We recently drove the Kona Hybrid, and now what we have here is their EV.
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MG ZS EV (Fully Electric)
The ZS EV is the second of two models that MG is currently offering in Singapore, the other being the HS. The two are priced surprisingly close to each other so you may find yourself cross shopping between them. If you wanted to go the traditional route of a petrol-powered car, the HS definitely makes more sense, being a larger and more luxurious model for just $2000 more or so. However, if going electric is your thing, the ZS EV is the way to go. Both cars occupy distinct niches so they do not really compete.
Read reviewLuxury EV SUV
Jaguar Electric I-Pace First Edition (400 PS)
Back in February, we took a drive up to KL to see how the I-Pace fared on a single charge. The car made it to our destination, although our doubt was heavily governed by how much range we had left.
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Audi E-Tron 55 Quattro
With the tightening of emissions laws especially in developed nations, manufacturers are taking their progress on electrification very seriously. Just last year, Jaguar brought us their all-electric I-Pace “sort-of” SUV, and more recently, we also got a taste of Porsche’s high-performance Taycan “sort-of” sedan. Within the same family of the latter, Audi too has fielded their idea of how a luxury EV should be like, and as with many manufacturers, SUVs are currently in-vogue, so why not present us one with an inoffensively-styled SUV body?
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BMW iX3
BMW had a really early head start in the electric age with the BMW i3 and i8, which till today I consider absolutely ahead of their time. There was a lull as the models soldiered on for a rather long time without significant updates till much later, but now BMW is again ramping up its efforts in a big way, and the iX3 is a result of this. It’s the first fully electrically powered BMW X model and until the iX and i4 follows, the only EV in the range for sale locally.
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Mercedes-Benz EQC Electric 400 4MATIC Electric Art
The EQC is Mercedes’ first all-electric vehicle under the Mercedes-EQ sub-brand. It’s not quite all-new though, as it is based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes-Benz GLC. So if you look close enough, there are tell-tale signs that this isn’t quite a full-blown EV experience. Pop the hood and you would see an engine cover (without an engine underneath, of course) that offers nothing in the way of a frunk. The car feels fairly large on the outside too but inside, there is less space than one expects.
Read reviewCompact Luxury Convertible
BMW 4 Series Convertible 430i M Sport Pro
The wind in your hair, or the freshness of the crisp early morning air, or how about a healthy dose of sunshine? These are the little things which you can savour even more when on the move. Cabriolets are a rare breed here in sunny-side-up Singapore, but if you are one of the few who love to let a little light in, and who are not afraid to flaunt it, there are a few luxury choices that could suit you. We have the Audi A5 Cabriolet, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet, and we also have this. The BMW 430i Convertible.
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Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI S Tronic Advanced
The idea of owning a cabriolet in sunny Singapore may be one that seems somewhat impractical. Global warming has also in effect raised average annual temperatures, and I remember in my younger days that Singapore seemed a cooler country; that... and I was also a few good tens of centimeters further from the sun than the average 80s adult.
Read reviewPowertrain of the Year
Skoda Octavia COMBI Style 1.5 TSI e-TEC
With the new 4th generation Octavia, Skoda has referenced all the good things that made the previous generation car great, and in our opinion, they have given us an even better car.
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Skoda Octavia Style 1.5 TSI e-TEC
When Skoda made a comeback to Singapore just a few short years ago, one car left the biggest mark with buyers initially. The Skoda Octavia quickly became a popular choice among buyers who were looking for a practical and spacious compact sedan for the family.
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Audi A3 1.5 TFSI S Tronic
Although not technically Audi’s entry level car in Singapore, the A3 serves as a sort of gateway into the world of Audi, accounting for an important segment of consumers who are either upgrading from Japanese or Korean make, or affluent new drivers who have a taste for something a little more premium. The new A3 receives a top to toe overhaul, complete with a redesigned exterior, completely new interior, and perhaps most noteworthy of all, is the A3’s return to a 4 cylinder power plant, complete with mild hybridisation. It is little surprise then that the car has been keenly anticipated, and will go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz A Class and BMW 1 Series - A hotly contested segment here in Singapore. So, how different is the new A3 compared to its predecessor? Will it be a homogenous upgrade of the old car, or are we dealing with something completely new and different?
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Volkswagen Golf LIFE PLUS 1.5 eTSI 110 kW
The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf entered the Singapore market later than expected, due to the current global situation. The Volkswagen Golf is the German brand’s halo car, and one which might make you rethink your intended purchase of a C-Segment Premium hatchback.
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Audi A3 Sedan Mild Hybrid 1.5 TFSI S-tronic
Many people don’t realise this, but the concept of the premium compact sedan was actually pioneered by the Audi A3. Since 1996, the A3 has been built as a hatchback, or in Audi-speak, a sportback. In 2013 however, following the launch of the 3rd generation A3, Audi released the A3 sedan. Almost instantly, people all around the world fell in love with it, especially in Singapore, where at one point, it became Audi Singapore’s best selling model.
Read review2021 Dark Horse
Toyota GR Yaris 1.6
Toyota has been known to build cars which are known to be ho-hum, and predictable. The Corolla and Camry have long been associated with ‘uncle’ drivers, way more than ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ types. But there are moments where they are capable of slipping special into their vehicle lineup. Just a while ago, the Supra was re-introduced, but due to cost reasons, this is not a full Toyota effort, since it shares a huge chunk of its guts with the BMW Z4, and is probably only more Japanese than a Toyota Lexcen.
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