Getting a style of luxury motoring needn’t imply having to drive a giant, costly limousine. CarBuyer.com.sg seems at the perfect luxury small sedans you should purchase right here in Singapore.
Welcome again to a different instalment of CarBuyer.com.sg Best Of, a frequently up to date information collection the place we decide the perfect automobiles in every section to purchase right here in Singapore.
Next up, we’re taking a look at luxury small sedans, a comparatively new section that has solely emerged just lately, however one that’s set to develop in reputation in the approaching years.
The total section kicked off with the debut of the first-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA in 2014 — it was an instantaneous hit world wide, and likewise in sedan-loving Singapore. With it, luxury makers realised there was untapped demand for luxury four-doors with value tags and dimensions smaller than govt sedans just like the BMW 3 Series.
Small luxury sedans entice the youthful and extra prosperous set, as they function an entry level for premium model motoring, however with out having the related excessive prices of a full-size luxury sedan.
This section is basically monopolised by the Big 3 Germans: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and simply to show how necessary these automobiles are in our market, all three have variations with powertrains that assist them qualify for a Category A COE (engines with a capability of under 1.6-litres and producing not more than 130hp), serving to them develop into extra accessible to a bigger viewers.
However, with COE premiums reaching near-record highs in 2022, it has meant that the beginning value level of a luxury small sedan at the moment is now at the least $200,000, inclusive of COE.
Nevertheless, for singles or younger {couples} who don’t want such a giant automotive, a luxury small sedan may come throughout as a greater match for his or her existence and picture.
Other core options of luxury small sedans that enchantment to the youthful consumers are small turbocharged engines that provide the nice stability of efficiency and gas effectivity. Their compact dimensions additionally imply they’re simpler to drive round city as in comparison with their larger-sized model siblings. And being luxury automobiles, additionally they have a excessive diploma of connected-ness and know-how onboard.
(Models are listed in alphabetical order, not advantage)
Audi A3 Sedan
Our decide: Audi A3 Sedan 1.0 TFSI from $203,809 with COE (December 2022)
The newest technology Audi A3 Sedan was launched in 2021, initially with a 1.5-litre engine that produced 150hp. A yr later, it was joined by a 1.0-litre model that slotted the automotive into COE Category A, because of its 110hp output.
Unfortunately, it got here at a time when COE premiums had been skyrocketing to near-record highs, which meant that the A3 1.0 Sedan ended up retailing for over 200 grand, blunting its mass enchantment considerably. It continues to be cheaper than both of its two German rivals although, and for those who look past the value tag, and also you’ll discover a automotive that’s effectively able to residing as much as its luxury popularity.
While the A3 Sedan 1.0 could also be costlier to purchase in a excessive COE local weather, choosing the smaller engine may show to be the savvier alternative for those who take a look at the larger image. Certainly at the least, you stand to save lots of a good bundle down the road, each in phrases of decrease operating prices in addition to larger effectivity.
The 999cc engine incurs simply $390 in street tax yearly, and the claimed gas consumption determine of 4.3L/100km is eminently achievable with cautious driving. Even for those who’re simply a mean driver that’s not notably light-footed, a 6.0L/km common is definitely achievable in the A3 1.0.
As a driving proposition, the 1.0-litre engine might not be essentially the most highly effective round, however it provides greater than sufficient for many Singaporeans’ driving wants. The unit is easy and refined, and it’s paired with some fairly neat dealing with manners that makes the automotive fairly a pleasant steer in the corners.
More crucially nevertheless, regardless of the automotive’s entry-level standing, the A3 1.0 Sedan nonetheless looks like a luxury sedan inside. There’s nonetheless loads of premium options, like a fully-digital driver’s instrument show, in addition to a ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The total match and end are put along with the same old Audi Teutonic precision too, with no signal of value slicing wherever.
Viewed by itself, the A3 Sedan 1.0 makes for an especially compelling alternative, with its excellent effectivity, nice drivability and premium luxury inside. In a extra cheap COE atmosphere, the A3 1.0 Sedan must be a significant gross sales hit amongst Singaporeans, very like its predecessor was.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Our decide: BMW 216i Gran Coupe Sport from $211,888 with COE (December 2022)
BMW is considerably of a late entrant to this market, with its 2 Series Gran Coupe (we’ll name it 2 GC from right here onwards) solely debuting in early 2020. Nevertheless, BMW has burst out straight from the blocks and delivered a vastly spectacular product that’s well-matched towards its rivals.
The largest enchantment of the two GC is the actual fact that it’s the least costly four-door BMW you may presently purchase in Singapore, and as of 2022 the only real model you should purchase is the 216i Sport, which comes with a 1.5-litre engine that produces 109hp, and sure, places it into COE Cat A.
That automotive retails for $211,888 inclusive of COE as of December 2022, which is a relatively princely sum for a Cat A automotive. But it’s nonetheless a BMW in spite of everything, and that alone ought to assist it entice a big quantity of gross sales from of us who need a comparatively straightforward entry level into Bavarian motoring.
Despite its standing as an entry-level mannequin, the two GC will not be a discount product. It provides an entertaining drive, top-notch Germany high quality, and a surprisingly spectacular checklist of options which can be often seen in far costlier fashions.
Among its celebration tips embody BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) system, which helps you to execute all types of issues just by speaking to the automotive. Simply say “Hey BMW, flip down the aircon/navigate residence/name my mom” and it’ll obey your command.
The 216i GC is powered by 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder that produces 109hp and 190Nm of torque, which doesn’t sound like rather a lot, however it’s moderately enough to get you round Singapore. It sparkles extra in the corners although, with a really succesful chassis and glorious dynamic stability that makes it a pleasure to pilot for eager drivers.
Being a small luxury sedan, the two GC will not be notably spacious inside, however that’s a trait shared with its rivals anyway. Four average-sized adults can match snugly, however any extra and it’ll be a squeeze. It does have a reasonably large boot although, with 430 litres of cargo capability on supply.
They all add as much as make the two GC a really enticing worth proposition for these on the lookout for a small luxury sedan in Singapore, and it goes to show that choosing a extra inexpensive BMW needn’t imply settling for a lesser product.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon
Our decide: Mercedes-Benz A 180 Saloon Progressive from $221,888 with COE (December 2022)
Mercedes-Benz is exclusive in that it has not one, however two four-door sedans in this section. But whereas the CLA is the fashionable “coupe” (as Mercedes-Benz insists on calling it), the A-Class Saloon is the extra down-to-earth four-door sedan that can entice the extra practical-minded purchaser.
The pricing technique displays that too, with the A-Class Saloon beginning at $221,888 with COE for the A 180 Progressive variant, whereas the equal CLA 180 Progressive goes for $225,888 inclusive of COE. This makes the Merc a good bit costlier than its two German rivals, however the model is hoping that the enchantment of the three-pointed star is sufficient to justify the premium.
Like the Audi and BMW, the A-Class Saloon is now obtainable with a Cat A-friendly engine, with the A 180 being pushed by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 130hp and 200Nm of torque. This permits it to only make the lower for Cat A, but additionally means it’s a good bit extra highly effective than its rivals. However, in phrases of the driving expertise, the Merc lacks that very same little bit of sparkle as its two major rivals, with a typically underwhelming journey and dealing with stability.
Inside, there’s room to accommodate 4 adults comfortably, and the A-Class’s inside is a trendy, tech-laden surprise, boasting futuristic twin 10.25-inch screens that stretches throughout the dashboard, and incorporates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Like the BMW, the Merc additionally options its personal voice activation know-how, dubbed Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), though between the 2, BMW’s system comes throughout as marginally extra intuitive to make use of.
The Merc does appear a bit extra fashionable nevertheless, albeit it being a matter of subjective style. The A-Class Saloon’s design feels higher resolved, with its modern strains and a rear finish that doesn’t seem like it was merely grafted on from the A-Class hatchback.
Ultimately although, the A-Class Saloon’s best enchantment is what’s sitting on the entrance grille: the three-pointed star badge. That alone on a 4 door sedan is sufficient to entice Singaporean consumers to it like bees to honey.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The one which began all of it, the CLA is a advantageous alternative for consumers on the lookout for an especially fashionable small luxury sedan. However, the second technology mannequin has seen its positioning moved upmarket following the introduction of the A-Class Saloon, and its pricing is now reflective of its new standing.
While the brand new CLA could also be costly, with costs ranging from $225,888 with COE (as of December 2022) for the CLA 180 Progressive mannequin, it stays a lovely proposition for individuals who place attractiveness over outright practicality.
But greater than that, the CLA can also be considerably extra well-sorted to drive over its A-Class Saloon sibling. Its refinement is paying homage to a bigger-sized Mercedes-Benz sedan, and the journey is surprisingly comfy, particularly in the Progressive variant with softer springs.
At the identical time, the CLA most likely handles the perfect out of the Mercedes-Benz small automotive group (A-Class Hatch, A-Class Saloon, B-Class, GLA-Class, GLB-Class), with nice poise and composure in its dealing with skills, and its driving manner strikes a pleasant stability between sportiness and luxury.
Powertrains are shared with its small automotive siblings, so the identical 1.3-litre 130hp turbo petrol in all of the equal “180” fashions additionally sees service right here.
If you don’t thoughts the marginally restrictive rear headroom for taller passengers, and the upper entry value level, the CLA might be the one to get for the trend-setting single or younger couple with a watch for premium model.
This article was first revealed in CarBuyer.
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