When it comes to purchasing a car in Singapore, the first thing that pops into most minds are the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices, which are currently at the lower levels in recent years.
Low COE prices have driven down the prices of new cars, which makes them more attractive than ever. Other than price, it is important to choose a car that serves the needs of your family. Naturally, a good family car is one which delivers a good driving experience, whilst still providing comfort and safety for the whole family. Last but not least, it has to have space for everything you inadvertently have to shop for.
Have a look at some exciting options for those young at heart with plenty of drive!
Small (Five Seats)
Honda Jazz 1.3L
Max Power: 99hp @ 6,000rpm
Max Torque: 119Nm @ 5,000rpm
0-100km/h: 13sec
Top Speed: 180km/h
VES Band: A2 (-$10,000)
Distributor: Kah Motor
While the supermini segment is full of offerings, only a handful of cars are able to deliver a package that satisfies a majority of people. It is the car that delivers an engaging driving experience yet remains comfortable enough for a fuss-free commute through town.
The third generation Jazz is powered by a 1.3-litre engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth acceleration. It packs driver safety safety systems like stability control, hill start assist and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).
With ample limb space, the space in the Jazz is arguably the best in its class, coupled with Honda’s ingenious chassis design which allows for the “Ultra” rear seats. These seats can be lowered to create a flat floor or raised to create space to suit different forms of cargo. The Jazz delivers seating for five adults and a big boot.
Opel Crossland X 1.2A Turbo
Max Power: 110hp @ 5,500rpm
Max Torque: 205Nm @ 1,500rpm
0-100km/h: 11.8sec
Top Speed: 187km/h
VES Band: B ($0)
Distributor: Auto Germany
While superminis have a strong demand, the “crossover” market segment has been gaining popularity in the past decade. Crossovers, or “compact utility vehicles” (CUV), generally are said to combine the practicality of a hatchback, with “tough” off road styling and design. Crossovers generally ride higher than regular hatchbacks, offer better visibility yet maintain the ease of use and low running costs.
One of the newer crossovers on the block is the Opel Crossland X, powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre engine. It has brisk performance, yet offers frugal fuel consumption and low road tax. It also packs driving safety systems like traction control, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
Practicality-wise, the Crossland X features a maximum load space of up to 1,255 litres and plenty of handy storage pockets throughout the cabin. The cabin is spacious for five adults and it comes with ISOFIX, a secure way of securing child seats, as standard. The Apple CarPlay compatible IntelliLink touchscreen audio system comes as standard, as is the six-airbag system to protect all occupants in the event of an accident.
Medium (Seven Seats)
Toyota Sienta Standard
Max Power: 105hp @ 6,000rpm
Max Torque: 140Nm @ 4,200rpm
0-100km/h: 12.8sec
Top Speed: 165kmh
VES Band: B ($0)
Distributor: Borneo Motors
If you need more than five seats, the natural choice for many people is a multi purpose vehicle (MPV). Of all the manufacturers, Toyota is been the most prolific brand here, with MPVs from small to big.
The Sienta is Toyota’s smallest MPV with a sporty design inspired by a trekking shoe. A 1.5-litre engine delivers power through a CVT. It is also a safe option with stability and traction control, hill start assist and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).
With a sliding rear door which is extra wide to make boarding easier, the Sienta also boasts a flat and low floor. With the tumble mechanism in the second row of seats, and a dive-in mechanism in the third row of seats, the interior can be reconfigured into a number of different seating arrangements, starting with the fully-flat option.
Volkswagen Touran Comfortline 1.4 TSI
Max Power: 150hp @ 5,000-6,000rpm
Max Torque: 250Nm @ 1,500-3,500rpm
0-100km/h: 8.9sec
Top Speed: 209kmh
VES Band: B ($0)
Distributor: Volkswagen Group Singapore
The Touran is mechanically similar to ten other cars in the VW family, thanks to its shared modular design construction. If you’ve wanted a sporty Golf with seating for seven, this is (almost) it. Not many MPVs feature a driving profile selector, which allows the Touran to cater for different driving styles.
The 1.4-litre TSI engine is combined with a seven-speed DSG gearbox to deliver a punch with low fuel consumption. Safety safety systems like stability control, hill start assist and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) are found here, along with advanced safety features such as City Emergency Braking. ISOFIX points are included on all of the five rear seats.
The Touran has individual centre row seats that can be adjusted fore and aft and the backrest angles can be individually set. The third row seats will seat two adults comfortably with an “Easy Entry” for easier access. Plus, all the rear seats can be folded down to form a flat load area.
Juggernauts (Eight Seats)
Honda Odyssey 2.4 EX
Max Power: 175hp @ 6,200rpm
Max Torque: 225Nm @ 4,000rpm
0-100km/h: 11.2sec
Top Speed: 197kmh
VES Band: C1 (+$10,000)
Distributor: Kah Motor
Despite deviating from the previous generation’s low-slung design, the latest Odyssey features an ultra-low floor platform to make stepping in or loading up much easier.
Like the Jazz, the Odyssey uses a naturally aspirated but larger 2.4-litre engine to drive wheels via a CVT gearbox. You get stability control, hill start assist and brake assist with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), plus additional side curtain airbags that run through the entire length of the cabin to provide additional protection for all occupants.
The second row seats are 60/40 split, while the third row has a 40/20/40 split. Even with all the seats up, the boot still offers more space that some small hatchbacks. The third row seats can fold flat into the floor, allowing for more space for cargo or for the second row passengers to enjoy some additional leg room.
Nissan Elgrand 2.5L 8-STR
Max Power: 170hp @ 5,600rpm
Max Torque: 245Nm @ 3,900rpm
0-100km/h: 12.6sec
Top Speed: 180kmh
VES Band: C2 (+$20,000)
Distributor: Tan Chong Motor Sales
The Elgrand boasts good handling and comfort, with its rear multi-link suspension. This car is bang up-to-date with advanced Drive-Assist displays, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility out of the box.
A naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine is paired with CVT, electronic brake force distribution, anti-Lock braking system with brake assist and vehicle dynamic control. For kid safety, Nissan uses both the ISOFIX and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system to secure child restraints.
Featuring a 60/40 split second and third row, the boot space can be adjusted by sliding the third row seats fore and aft, with an additional deep storage compartment under the boot floor. The Elgrand is fitted with manual roll up sunshades in all rear seat rows for privacy or reducing the sun’s glare.
I’m Feelin’ Lucky
Opel Grandland X 1.2A Turbo
Max Power: 130hp @ 5,500rpm
Max Torque: 205Nm @ 1,750rpm
0-100km/h: 10.9sec
Top Speed: 188km/h
VES Band: B ($0)
Distributor: Auto Germany
The sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a popular family car, thanks to their comprehensive safety features. Opel’s SUV has lots of space, with turbocharged performance and luxury. From daily school runs to long road trips, the Grandland X allows you to bring everything you and your family needs. Equipped with the Opel Eye road monitor, it protects the whole family with a slew of active driving aids such as lane keeping assistant, collision alert with automatic emergency braking.
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