Fuel prices are going up in Singapore but that hole in your wallet doesn’t have to get bigger – get the best bang for your buck with these five hybrid cars

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SINGAPORE

As the price of crude oil rises to its highest point since 2014, fuel prices are on a surge as well with 92-octane petrol going up to S$2.72 a litre, 95-octane at S$2.78 a litre, and 98-octane at S$3.27 a litre as of February 14. 

IIt might seem more sensible than ever to flip the electric switch and get an EV. But while the infrastructure for charging EVs are being (rapidly) developed here, consumers who want an efficient and fuel-saving car today can also opt for a hybrid. And here are five hybrid cars that’ll get you the best bang for your buck.

Nissan Kicks E-Power 

The Nissan Kicks E-Power is a small SUV that packs a punchy 80hp and 103Nm. With three driving modes – Eco, S, and Normal – you’ll zoom from 0-100km/h in 9.7 seconds. Using a similar drivetrain as the Serena E-Power, the Kicks’ engine is responsible for charging the battery pack that in turn powers the electric motor, which drives the car. Still confused? We explain in-depth here. The official fuel efficiency rating from Nissan is 4.6L/100km but on our test drive we managed a solid 5L/100km. The Kicks E-Power Premium Plus is priced at S$123,888 with COE.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

The seven-seat SUV was launched here on 4 February and is priced at S$205,999 with COE. With a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor, the Sorento Hybrid has 230hp and 350Nm of torque, while fuel efficiency is placed at 5.4L/100km. Doesn’t sound good for a hybrid? Keep in mind this is a big SUV with seven seats, and you can’t expect anything better than 7.0L/100km for a normal petrol car of this type.

Despite falling into the VES B neutral banding, the Sorento Hybrid’s 1.6-litre engine makes up for it with lesser road tax (S$1,116) in comparison to its diesel counterpart’s 2.2-litre engine (S$2,052). Check out our full news story on the Kia Sorento Hybrid.

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Toyota Yaris Cross

Just like the Nissan Kicks E-Power, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a small SUV powered by a three cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. With 91hp and 120Nm of torque, you’ll go from 0-100km/h in 11.4 seconds.

Toyota rates its official fuel economy to be 3.8L/100km, and its CO2 emissions rating is 86kg/km qualifying it for the VES A2 band which means a S$15,000 rebate. That means you’ll wring out 950km from its 36-litre fuel tank – probably good enough to visit the petrol station a lot less.

Priced at a decent S$122,888 with COE that’s savings on savings. With plenty of added safety features, the Yaris Cross makes for a compelling choice of hybrid. We also did a full review for you here.

BMW X3 xDrive30e PHEV

While the X3 xDrive30e is not BMW’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), it is born from one of their biggest selling models, the X3. Not only is it a very frugal vehicle, it’s also quite enjoyable to drive. We said in our review, “It has a well-sorted ride and planted handling, and the overall sensation is one of solidity.”

Thanks to the electric motor and engine working together, you enjoy 292hp which makes for a 0-100km/h of only 6.1 seconds. On our test drive of the X3 xDrive30e we managed 40km on electric power alone meaning you could very well go without petrol for weeks – if you plug in your X3 daily. Charging for the battery is 3.5 hours via a wallbox charger. The X3 xDrive30e is priced at S$251,888 with COE.  

Lexus IS 300h

The Lexus IS 300h is a hybrid that’s been in the game since 2013. Powered by a 2.5-litre engine the IS 300h has 178hp and 221Nm of torque that’ll take you from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. On its electric motor you’ll have 140hp and 300Nm of torque. On our test drive we covered 200km giving us an impressive 6.3L/100km. The IS 300h gives you the exclusivity you’d expect from a Lexus and its hybrid system only adds to that. The IS 300h is priced at S$226,800 with COE, and falls into the VES A2 band qualifying it for a S$15,000 rebate. 

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