Four new cars for $170K
SINGAPORE - Got a budget of around $170,000 to spend on a new car? Here are four to consider for that sum, plus/minus. And no, alas, we didn’t mean you could get all four for the price…
Instead, you get to choose between a traditionally large and plush Japanese exec car, a large SUV (or Sports Utility Vehicle) from Korea with seven seats, and a powerful European saloon.
There’s even a premium compact MPV (or Multi Purpose Vehicle) to consider.
All four were launched in Singapore this year, making them pretty much the latest the car industry has to offer.
FORD MONDEO 2.0 GTDI
Ford may be an unpopular brand here, but the Mondeo is a stylish and well-equipped exec saloon.
For $174,999 with COE, it offers 240 horsepower, a large, solid body, and plenty of safety gear like collision warning and a system that helps drivers stay in lane.
Read our test-drive report here.
KIA SORENTO
The Koreans are hitting new levels of sophistication with their cars, and the new Sorento is a prime example. It’s refined and well-built, and it performed well in European crash tests.
The engine is covered by a 10-year warranty.
The car’s base price is $159,999 with COE, but we tested a better-equipped version for $169,999. The extra money buys 19-inch alloy wheels (an upgrade from 18” ones), a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats and a park-assist system that lets the Kia steer itself into parking spots.
Read our Kia Sorento review here
MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS
One of the many cars launched at this year’s Singapore Motor Show, the B-Class has been the recipient of a facelift.
The external changes are hard to spot, but Mercedes has taken the time to upgrade the cabin with posher materials.
It’s a spacious car inside that Mercedes aims at young families, with a price tag that starts at $159,888 with COE for the B 180 Style model.
We’ve tested the range-topping B 200 Urban, which costs $185,888.
TOYOTA CAMRY
A heavy cosmetic facelift has given the ubiquitous Camry more visually aggressive looks, but at heart it’s still something of a softie: it’s big inside, very comfy and specialises in delivering hushed, cosseted transport.
The facelift has also brought a new engine to the $161,888 (with COE) 2.0-litre model, along with a six-speed transmission that helps to cut its appetite for fuel.
We tested the more upmarket 2.5-litre version, which is unchanged under the bonnet. For $4,000 more though, it offers slightly more power and performance than the 2.0, and comes with a few more gadgets inside.
Read our local review of the Camry 2.5 here.
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