LONG POST: CarBuyer Singapore’s traditional new year round up of all the cars worthy of your attention in Singapore in 2020

Text: CarBuyer Team
Photos: Manufacturers

SINGAPORE –

CarBuyer’s collated its annual list of every new car launching here in Singapore this year. There are more than 70 models, all listed on this page, so click on the brand names below to jump straight to each maker.

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Alfa Romeo

What: Stelvio minor update 
Variants: 2.0-litre turbo, 2.9-litre V6 Quadrifoglio 
When: Q4 2020
How much: TBA

Updates for 2020 sees extra brains meet the Alfa Stelvio’s existing beauty, in the form of autonomous tech. The company says its first SUV will be capable of Level 2 autonomous driving (the car drive itself under specific conditions, with the driver’s supervision), with lane keep assist, active cruise control, and blind spot monitoring giving the Stelvio the ability to self-drive in traffic jams and on the highway.

Other changes to the Stelvio include a new 7.0-inch TFT screen in the instrument cluster to accommodate the autonomous driving info, and new touchscreen capabilities and a widget-based interface for the 8.8-inch infotainment screen. A new-for-Singapore 280hp 2.0-litre engine also joins the lineup next to the 200hp 2.0-litre and 510hp V6 Quadrifoglio.

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Alpina

What:  XD3 
Variants : 3.0-litre turbocharged
When : TBA
How Much: TBA

The X3 M40i was a surprising smash hit for BMW, so hopefully Alpina’s version can bring it the same fortunes. As the ‘D’ in its name implies, the second-gen XD3 uses a diesel engine, specifically a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six. After Alpina’s fettling, the engine puts out a maximum of 333hp and a monster 700Nm; less powerful but torquier than the M40i, and it’s enough to get the XD3 from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, just 0.1 seconds behind the BMW.

What: B3 Touring 
Variants : 3.0-litre turbocharged 
When: TBA
How Much: TBA

There won’t be an estate version of the new BMW M3, so one way to fix the fast, BMW-flavoured wagon shape in your heart is this car. That’s right, the G20-gen B3 uses the S58 twin-turbo straight-six from the X3M/X4M, and new M3/M4, rather than a ‘B’-code motor like Alpina has traditionally used. Its power output of 462hp is slightly less than what the M3 will have, but that still gives it a 300+km/h top speed. In keeping with Alpina’s ethos of all-round usability, xDrive all-wheel drive comes standard, along with the usual raft of handling, styling and interior mods.

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Aston Martin

What: DBX 
Variants: 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged 
When: Mid-2020
Pricing: from S$800,000 without COE, options

Gaydon is looking, at best, to double its sales figures with the new DBX, which is Aston Martin’s first SUV ever. The company has opened a new factory in Wales to build the car – CarBuyer visited it in December, read our feature story on how the DBX will save the company – and it’s an important stepping stone into the future for the independent British carmaker. The DBX boasts plenty of interior room – Aston Martin design head Marek Reichman says his team focused on making the car every-day useful, hoping to draw a new crowd of buyers into the Aston Martin experience. It’ll be powered by the same AMG-sourced V8 biturbo engine as the Vantage – for more details, check out our Singapore preview of the car. 

What: Vantage Roadster
Variants: 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged 
When: Late Q2 2020
Pricing: from S$750,000 without COE, options 
The new Vantage has impressed with its improved quality and sporty nature, now here’s the drop top version. No details about the car are available, but it’s expected to use the same AMG-sourced 503hp 4.0-litre V8. The Coupe’s performance figures (0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, 314km/h Vmax) will naturally take a hit due to the extra weight necessary in making a drop-top, and the price will naturally be a bit higher as well.

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Audi

What:  A1 Sportback S-Line
Variants: 1.0-litre turbocharged 
When : First quarter 2020
How Much: S$131,055 with COE

A model we’ve got exact pricing for because Audi Singapore unveiled it on ice this past December – as usual we covered that on CarBuyer.com.sg as well. The all-new version of Audi’s compact luxury hatchback has grown plenty, with many of the features of its bigger brothers such as a full-featured infotainment system and active cockpit display. It’s also much larger than before, so taking on four or even five adults isn’t cause for a rush to call shotgun. Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre inline three-cylinder engine as seen in the Volkswagen Polo. 

What: A4 (update)
Variants: 2.0-litre turbo, non-quattro
When : First half 2020 
How Much: TBA

The Audi A4 executive sedan has been facelifted for 2018-2019 – like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class it has received a major boost to its mechanicals while visually it looks very similar to before. The improvements cover fuel efficiency thanks to the new 48V mild hybrid system seen on all the bigger Audis such as the A6, A7 and A8. The beautiful thing is that it all works proper: Our own international test drive of it confirms as much, while Ju-Len went hyper-miling to Genting in the new A4 and came back winning more than just a bak kut teh eating award.

The interior sees the newest infotainment system from Audi, that is, the same pokey-touchey MMI Touch system as seen on the A6, and gives the car a real upmarket glass cockpit feeling. The new comfort adaptive suspension option also delivers superb refinement, and we can see that translating very well back in Singapore. For now only the 2.0-litre non-quattro is on the cars, but we can expect the 2.0 quattro, S4, Avant, and eventually RS 4 to be updated as well. 

What:  A7 Sportback 
Variants: 2.0-litre turbo quattro, 4.0-litre V8 biturbo RS 7 
When : January 2020 
How Much: TBA

The beautiful A7 Sportback gets a less expensive variant in the form of the 2.0-litre turbo model with 245hp, though quattro all-wheel drive gives it a quick 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds, and could cost less than S$300k with COE. On the other end of the scale, the RS 7 Sportback model will arrive at the tail-end of 2020, but it might be worth waiting for since it brings the firepower with a 600hp 4.0-litre V8 engine – incidentally it’s the first time an RS 7 has been sold here, since the previous model was left-hand drive only. 

What:  E-Tron 
Variants: TBA 
When : First quarter 2020 Now
How Much: AS$367,500 with COE

Audi’s luxury SUV EV hits the market and made its debut at the Singapore Motorshow 2020. It has an impressive spec sheet – twin motors with a combined 402hp (on boost mode) and 664Nm of torque, a quoted range of around 400km, though this could climb further with the improvements Audi has made to the battery that now weighs in at 95kWh, and is capable of 150kW DC fast charging that gives it an 80 percent top-up in less than an hour. CarBuyer has had quality time with the E-Tron and found it a blast to drive, as David did when he wasn’t getting it stuck in the sand, and Ben did when he drove it in New Zealand. 

What: E-Tron Sportback
Variants: TBA 
When : Second half 2020
How Much: TBA

Basically what you just read about the regular E-Tron except with a slinkier, coupe-like body. Despite the sharper styling Audi says the Sportback only cuts 20mm of headroom, so you can just tell your family members to slouch more in the backseat and write them off as fashion victims. Performance specs look to be identical to the regular E-Tron.

What:  Audi Q3 Sportback
Variants: 1.4-litre turbocharged 
When : Second half 2020
How Much: TBA

Basically the Audi Q3 SUV, except with a slinkier coupe-like body. Despite the sharper styling, Audi says the boot space is identical to the regular SUV, and it has all the practical features of its brother such as folding, movable rear seats. Watch this video presented by two very professional people to find out more about that. Also, another professional person has reviewed the Q3 here and walked away with a positive opinion. Performance specs and variants coming here should be identical to the Q3, ie at 1.4-litre turbocharged engine.

What:  Q7 (facelift) 
Variants: 2.0-litre turbo, 3.0-litre turbo
When : Late 2020
How Much: TBA

Audi’s three-row, seven-seat large SUV was launched in its second-gen in 2015 and now receives a major mid-life update. The design is now updated with the taller, wider and less diamond-shaped singleframe grille, while the lights resemble that of the E-Tron. Under the bonnet, we bid our last farewell to Audi’s supercharged V6 3.0-litre engine, replaced by the current VW Group 3.0 V6 paired with a mild hybrid system, as also found on the A6/A7/A8. No word on other variants at the moment, though there will surely be a 2.0-litre model, possibly also a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version like the pre-facelift model, although Audi Singapore has said the performance-biased SQ7 model won’t be coming here.

What:  RS 6 Avant 
Variants: 4.0-litre V8 biturbo 
When : Late 2020
How Much: TBA

While Audi is well known for its five-door models that it dubs Sportbacks, the best Audis have always consistently been two things: RS models, and station wagons (aka Avants), and this is the best of the best, the RS 6 Avant. With the A6 entering an all-new generation (read up on it at CarBuyer.com.sg naturally) so too has the A6 Avant, and subsequently, the monstrous RS 6 Avant. Like the RS 7 Sportback, the car has a near-600hp twin-turbo V8 engine and limitless appetite for speed, and while it doesn’t have the boast of being the most powerful car in its class (the M5 Competition and E63 S have more than 600hp) it’s never needed to do the top trumps game to confirm its top-class status and we expect the new model to be no different.

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Bentley

What: Flying Spur
Variants: 4.0 V8, 6.0 W12
When: Early 2020
How much: S$986,000 without options or COE

Bentley’s Flying Spur returns in its third iteration, and most importantly, retains the mighty twin-turbo’d W12 engine. Crewe’s 333km/h cruise missile continues to blend engaging dynamics with an intriguing study of digital and analogue contrasts, as well as the sort of plush passenger comfort that will please any plutocrat. The lux-limo’s powerful road presence is matched by its surprising agility, as its bag of tricks now includes an active rear-steer system.

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BMW

What: 2 Series Gran Coupe
Variants: 1.5-litre turbo 218i, 2.0-litre turbo M235i xDrive
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020
How much: From S$160,000 with COE (estimated)

The 2 Series GC made a preview at the Singapore Motorshow but only as a expect its actual launch to come in the middle of 2020 or so.

Even then it made our list of Most Important Cars at the Show. Why?

Two ways to think about the first-ever 2 Series Gran Coupe: it’s the smallest member of the stylish Gran Coupe family (joining the 4 and 8 Series), and it’s a rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

It’s built on 1 Series underpinnings and shares that car’s dashboard, but its lead planner and its project head have told us that it drives differently, thanks to numerous chassis tweaks. They also say it’s aimed at young families, so don’t expect that much cabin space in the back, though the boot looks decently sized.

218i and M235i versions are headed here, and local dealer Performance Motors is speccing them identically to the 118i and M135i, so you’ll know what to expect in terms of equipment.

We have more details in our news story of its first debut, and delve into some of its interesting secrets too.

What: M2 CS
Variants: 3.0-litre turbo 
When: Second quarter, 2020
How much: S$355,000 with COE (estimated)

The BMW M2 signs off in style, with a limited edition CS (for “club sport”) model that takes the 450hp engine from the M4 and runs with it. It’s been lightened with carbon fibre bits, has beefed up brakes and even comes with the option of a six-speed manual — slower than the twin clutch, but undoubtedly more fun.

Not to worry if you miss the boat on this one; BMW insiders have told us that the next-generation 2 Series Coupe will stay rear wheel-drive, because that’s what gives it is secret sauce.

What: 4 Series Coupe
When: Third quarter, 2020
Variants: 430i, M4 (maybe)
How much: From S$260,000 with COE (estimated)

Who nose what’s going on at BMW’s design department? The grille on BMW’s next 4 Series coupe car has been foreshadowed in the Concept 4 pictured here, and insiders have told us that the production car isn’t too different. 

Whatever you think of the styling, the cabin will be more familiar. The next 4 Series Coupe will get the dashboard from today’s 3 Series, along with its digital approach to presentation — the touchscreen infotainment system from BMW OS 7.0, and the cluttered virtual instruments. 

Expect a 258hp 430i model from the outset, likely with Luxury and M Sport variants. Some think BMW is eager to launch the 4 Series family at a go, which means you might see the next M4 appear (with 510hp in Competition spec), and possible the 4 Series convertible. 2021 looks more likely for the Singapore launch of those cars, however.

What: 5 Series (facelift)
When: Third quarter, 2020
Variants: Luxury and M Sport / 2.0-litre turbo 520i and 530i, PHEV 530e
How much: From S$230,000 with COE (estimated)

The mid-size luxury sedan from BMW is due for a mid-life update, and though no official details are out, it’s fair to guess that the 5 Series will carry on with its existing engine range, and gain a few cosmetic and feature upgrades.

If you ask us it’s unlikely the grille will get a serious upsizing like that of the 7 Series (that car’s giant grille was apparently a request from “Asian markets”, which BMW heeded because 40 percent of 7 Series sales are from China alone). Instead, the two kidney elements will likely merge in the middle, and the headlamps will probably be restyled to have sharper lines — the so-called “angel eye” headlamp rings might give way to the slash-like shapes seen on the Concept 4.

At the back, it’s a fair guess that we’ll see reshaped taillights with 3D contouring, like those on the current 3 Series.

An update to the infotainment to BMW OS 7.0 is due, so expect the new menu system on the central touchscreen and the Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command system to make it into the car. Also, the Live Cockpit Professional virtual instruments will debut, complete with backwards tachometer.

What: M5 (facelift)
Variants: 4.4-litre turbo V8 Standard and Competition
When: Fourth quarter, 2020
How much: From S$505,000 to $530,000 with COE (estimated)

As with the mainstream 5 Series range, the M5 gets its own cosmetic and equipment updates along the same lines. What’s more interesting is whether the engine gets a bit of massaging. It already puts out 625 horsepower in Competition guise, but as they say in Germany, “die Konkurrenz schlaft nicht”, meaning the competition isn’t sleeping. If the M5 does get a power bump, expect the other models that use its 4.4-litre twin-turbo engine (the X5 M, X6 M and M8 family) to also get in line for an upgrade to their oomph.

What: 6 Series Gran Turismo (facelift)
Variants: 2.0-litre turbo 630i
When: Fourth quarter 2020
How much: From $290,000 with COE

It might wear a “6 Series” badge, but this five-door fastback is a close relative of the 5 Series, so the upgrades will be similar: new grille, new lamps front and rear and redesigned bumpers.

Also expect an upgrade to BMW OS 7.0 for the cabin, along with the inclusion of virtual instruments and their wrong-way-round tachometer.

What: X5 M
When: Second quarter, 2020
Variants: 4.4-litre turbo V8 Competition
How much: S$560,000 with COE (estimated)

Did someone ask for a crazy fast sport utility vehicle? Hope so, because BMW is bringing two to Singapore in 2020. The X5 M is coming in Competition trim only, and wisely so, because people who want cars like this are strictly dedicated to excess.

With the X5, they’ll get it: 625hp, 750Nm of peak torque, and 3.9 seconds to get to 100km/h. There’s an option to raise the speed limiter from 250km/h to 290km/h, and why not? 

What: X6 M
When: Second quarter, 2020
Variants: 4.4-litre turbo V8 Competition
How much: S$580,000 with COE (estimated)

As above, the X6 gets the go-faster treatment and hits 100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Like the X5 M it’s coming here in Competition spec only, so it has black trim galore.

Whether you’d actually enter this in some sort of competition is doubtful, but the X5 M and X6 M look surprisingly track-fit: the engine and suspension mounts are stiffer, the bodies are reinforced, they have active body roll cancellation and the suspension geometry is different. The cooling is beefed up and so are the brakes, which are also adaptive and offer two levels of grabbiness.

Active dampers offer Sport Plus, Sport and Comfort settings. There’s obviously method to the madness here.

What: M8 Gran Coupe
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020
Variants: 4.4-litre turbo V8 Competition
How much: S$690,000 with COE (estimated)

Could this be the most desirable BMW out there today? Visitors to the 2020 Singapore Motorshow were able to decide in person, but here’s why we think so anyway: it’s got the slinky fastback shape of the 8 Series Gran Coupe and the storming V8 twin-turbo engine of the M5 Competition, so you’ll get 626hp, 750Nm, a four-wheel drive system with a rear-drive mode if you want to get drifty, and all that good stuff.

In case you were wondering, 100km/h takes just 3.2 seconds. About as much time as it’ll take for the limited run of First Edition models, with their Aurora Diamond Green paint and yellow headlamps, to sell out….

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BYD

What: Song Max EV               
Variants: TBA
When : Q2 2020
Pricing: TBA

The Song Max EV will be Singapore’s first fully electric MPV and from the pictures at least, looks like a sufficiently modern, if rather generic car. At 4.68m long and 1.81m wide, the Song Max is slightly larger than mid-sized MPVs like the Volkswagen Touran and Renault Grand Scenic, but much smaller than full-sized ones like the Toyota Previa and Volkswagen Sharan. It’s powered by a 163hp motor and has a claimed range of 450km.

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DS

What : DS 3 Crossback
Variants: So Chic 1.2-litre turbocharged 
When : Q4 2020
Pricing: From S$120,000 with COE 

The DS 3 is a compact luxury SUV set to rival the Audi Q2 and Mini Countryman, and where the large DS 7 had to be a bit restrained due to its pricier and statelier nature, the DS 3 goes all-out bonkers. It combines a bold nose with complex surfacing and intricate flourishes, and the interior is styled quite unlike anything else on sale, with its extensive diamond theme extending to even the dashboard controls. It’ll be clever too, with flush door handles that pop out, and a multitude of driver assistance features as standard. Just one petrol engine will be on offer, a 1.2-litre three-pot with 130hp and an eight-speed auto. Later this year, a fully-electric version goes on sale in Europe, though Singaporean availability for that is unconfirmed.

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Ferrari

What: F8 Spider
Variant: 3.9-litre V8 biturbo
When: 2020
How much: At least S$1-million without COE, options 

The Spider version of the F8 Tributo leaves out one of our favourite bits of the F8 Tributo coupe, the Lexan engine-exhibition cover. The mid-engined V8 convertible is 20kg lighter than the 488 Spider it replaces, and also 50hp more powerful. All in, it will demolish the 0-100km/h in under 3.0 seconds on its way to a 340km/h top speed. The retractable hardtop can be raised/dropped in just 24 seconds, as long as the car’s speed doesn’t exceed 45km/h.

What: 812 GTS
Variant: 6.5-litre V12 gasoline
When: 2020
How much: At least S$1.5-million without COE, options 

Ferrari’s first regular production V12 drop-top in over half a century is a stunning show-stopper, and not just in looks either, but in terms of orchestral manoeuvres. Roof-down, the occupants can properly appreciate the full majesty of the naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine at full-pelt, and with 800hp, a 340km/h top speed and 0-100km/h in under 3.0 seconds, there’s plenty of go with the show.

What: Roma
Variant: 3.9-litre V8 biturbo 
When: 2020
How much: At least S$870,000 without COE, options 

If you can believe it, the elegant and classically-styled Roma is a Ferrari for Casual Fridays. In the flesh, there is a lot more nuances in the Roma’s details that saves it from being mistaken as a Vantage clone, because nobody does Ferrari better than Ferrari. The Roma’s objective isn’t purely conquest sales, and Ferrari thinks it will also appeal to existing owners of its focused sportscars who want something less hardcore to cruise around in, yet embodies all the dynamic and luxurious qualities the brand is synonymous with. 

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Honda

What:  Honda City 
Variants : 1.5-litre gasoline 
When : TBA
How Much: TBA

Here’s a familiar name that’s been missed: The Honda City. Honda’s compact sedan and competitor to the Toyota Vios has been flying under the radar for the past couple of years, at least. The fourth-gen model was launched in 2014, and it last received a mild update in 2017. This is the fifth-generation version and presumably based on the same G-Con body/platform as the current Honda Jazz. Honda’s not gone nuts with the styling, in accordance with the compact sedan segment’s conservative tastes, but the car does a great job of aping its handsome bigger brother, the Civic.

The new City first broke cover at the Bangkok Motorshow in November 2019, and in Thailand (which is presumably where the cars will be built) there is an RS model that adds tastier bits such as LED headlamps (similar to the HR-V’s), larger wheels, and a body kit. 

The new City is longer than before (4,533mm from 4,440mm), but has a slightly shorter wheelbase (2,589mm versus 2,600mm before). It’s too early to talk about variants until the actual Singapore debut – though a Singapore Motorshow appearance is to be expected – but CarBuyer knows the model coming to Singapore will be powered by a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine – we assume this is the same 120hp unit as the outgoing fourth-gen model. A bit of a disappointment as both Thailand and Malaysia receive the new 1.0-litre turbo inline three-cylinder engine that has 122hp and 173Nm of torque, which is essentially the Civic 1.5 turbo’s engine sans one cylinder. 

What:  Honda Civic Type R facelift 
Variants : 2.0-litre turbocharged 
When : TBA
How Much: TBA

Honda’s fiercest Type R in history and the fastest front-wheel drive car around the Nurburgring will make you smile, if not you’re probably dead says Ju-Len in his review. Two-plus years on, the Type R is getting a refresh, and no official photos have been revealed as yet, but early reports/spy pics indicate updated aero/styling for the front and rear as well as possibly new carbon fibre body sections that indicate a higher performance version or trim level.

What:  Honda CR-V facelift 
Variants : 1.5-litre turbocharged  
When : TBA
How Much: TBA

The flexible mid-sized, seven-seat SUV from Honda gets its mid-life update. This is most easily identified by the new chrome strip that adorns the lower front end of the car, and on the interior there’s a new centre console that allows for more storage and includes new USB ports for less FOMO. Otherwise, the car keeps the same 1.5-litre turbo engine as before and looks like a solid addition to the family. 

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Hyundai

What: Hyundai Ioniq facelift
Variants: Hybrid 1.5, Electric 
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020
Pricing: From S$107,999 with COE (Hybrid) and S$156,999 with COE (Electric)

The facelifted Hyundai Ioniq technically hit the roads last November (you may have seen some plying the roads in Comfort and Citycab liveries), but the 2020 Singapore Motorshow is where it’ll get its official public debut. 

The updates are fairly major and easy to spot. Both the Hybrid and Electric  (below, in blue) models get new wheels, front grilles, and LED lights at all four corners. Inside, the centre console is completely redesigned, with more upmarket-looking aircon controls, and more importantly, a larger touchscreen and much sleeker infotainment software.

Under the skin, significant improvements have been made to the hardware of both models. The Hybrid’s total output has been lowered to 130hp, which nets it a Cat A COE classification, as well as the price savings that entails (it’s now the cheapest hybrid you can buy in Singapore).

The Electric meanwhile, has had its battery pack, motor, and on-board charger upgraded, so not only has range improved by about 30 percent, to 311km, it’s also about 10hp more powerful, and charges up faster to boot. 

What: Hyundai Venue
Variants: 1.6-litre gasoline 
When: Singapore Motorshow
Pricing: Likely less than S$100k with COE 

Hyundai’s new small SUV is curiously named for sure, but its place in the world is easy to understand. It’s the smallest SUV Hyundai makes, aimed at young buyers looking for personality and practicality in a compact and affordable package. It debuted at the 2020 Singapore Motorshow.

Active safety tech is strong for an entry-level car, and it can link up with not just phones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also with voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. And since the Kona is now electric-only in Singapore, there’s easily space for the petrol-powered Venue in the lineup.



A 123hp 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder mated to Hyundai’s first continuously variable transmission is offered here. Local distributor Komoco Motors is offering two versions of the Venue, with the regular 1.6 model retailing for $85,999 inclusive of COE, and the higher-spec 1.6 S model costing an extra 5 grand more, at $90,999 with COE.

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Jaguar

What: Jaguar XE facelift 
Variants: R-Dynamic SE, 2.0-litre turbocharged 250hp 
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020
Pricing: TBA

Since its 2015 inception, the Jaguar XE has always been a car we’ve wanted to love without restraint, but couldn’t. It was an absolute peach in the handling department, sure, but its low-rent interior was not at all befitting of a luxury car. 

The refreshed version of the baby Jag saloon redresses this however, with much-improved materials, and the slick Touch Pro Duo triple screen setup (infotainment, climate controls, driver’s instruments) from the I-Pace. It even gets the digital rear view mirror that debuted in the new Range Rover Evoque.

Abroad, the XE had a confusingly extensive engine range, and that’s now been simplified. Most of it didn’t affect us, but the 200hp variant on sale here has been discontinued, and a 250hp version of the same 2.0-litre Ingenium engine will take its place.

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Jeep

What: Gladiator 
Variants: 3.6-litre V6 gasoline
When: Q3 2020Pricing: TBA

If there were a contest for the most oddball car due in 2020, the Jeep Gladiator would be a favourite for the crown. Why? Three words: convertible pickup truck. Though it’s basically a Wrangler with a pickup-style bed, it’s very much a lifestyle vehicle and has been flying off showroom floors in America. Here though, it’ll be classified as a goods vehicle, and it’s currently only offered with a 285hp petrol 3.6-litre V6 (a diesel V6 will appear this year in America, but it’s unknown if Singapore will get it). Not the most financially-prudent choice for a business workhorse then, but if you need your company vehicle to turn heads, the Gladiator will do it like no other. 

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Kia

What: Seltos 
Variants: 1.6 EX and SX
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020
How much: From S$105,000 with COE

As mentioned in our SUVs of the Motorshow story, the Seltos was previewed at the Motorshow, with the model still undergoing local homologation and sales set to begin around March. As such, full specifications are still being firmed up, but pricing is expected to be around the $115,000 mark, inclusive of COE. For full details, hit up the story in the abovementioned link.

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Land Rover / Range Rover

What: Land Rover Defender
Variants: three-door 90 and five-door 110 /2.0-litre turbo P300, 3.0-litre turbo P400
Estimated Launch Date: Second half of 2020
Pricing: TBA

The new Defender has big shoes to fill, and it’s very different from before – visitors to the Motorshow got a big eyeful of the much evolved SUV.

It’s no longer body-on-frame, instead being derived from the aluminium platform that underpins the Discovery and Range Rover Sport. It’ll be available in two sizes, a three-door 90 model and five-door 110, five trim levels and four different accessory/styling packs. 

On the outside there are plenty of styling touches that are nods to the old car, while inside it’s chunky yet thoroughly modern. Twin digital screens hint at the Defender’s techiness, which includes over-the-air software updates, and a camera view that allows you to “see through” to what’s in front of and under the car, just to name a couple. 

Two gasoline engines are on the cards, a 2.0-litre turbo with 300hp and 3.0 inline six-cylinder with 400hp (P300 and P400) the latter with the same 48V mild hybrid tech the new Range Rover Sport has. 

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Lexus

What: LC 500 Convertible
Variants: 5.0-litre V8 
When: H2 2020
How much: TBA

Fresh off its unveiling at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the drop-top version of Lexus’ LC 500 flagship coupe is set to arrive here in the second half of next year. The convertible features the same 5.0-litre V8 as the coupe that puts out 470hp and 540Nm of torque, which can now be enjoyed in all its open-air glory. The soft-top opens up in 15 seconds, and the LC 500 Convertible comes with the Lexus Climate Concierge system, which automatically adjust the air conditioning, seat heaters, neck heaters, and steering wheel heater to a suitable temperature whether the roof is up or down.

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Maserati

What: Levante
Variants: 3.8-litre V8 GTS and Trofeo
When: H1 2020
How much: From S$350,000 with COE  

2020 should see Maserati’s Levante crossover blow into Singapore in storming GTS and gale-force Trofeo guises. Like the wind the Levante is named after, the 530hp GTS and 580hp Trofeo can transform from benign to beastly in an instant. Both variants are animated by a Ferrari-sourced 3.8-litre V8 that delivers 730Nm in both models, and will see-off the 100km/h sprint from standstill in 4.3-seconds and 4.1-seconds for the GTS and Trofeo respectively.

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Maxus

What: G10 Executive 9-seater
Variants: 9-seater, 2.0-litre turbocharged
When: Q1 2020
How much: TBC

The largest new car you can buy in Singapore is about to get more capacious. The Maxus G10 is a van-based multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that has so far been sold with seven seats and 2,500-litres of cargo space, but that will soon be joined by a nine-seater variant which is laid out in 2-2-2-3 configuration. Despite it being almost a bus in terms of seating capacity, a source from Cycle & Carriage, Maxus’ agent, says that the G10 nine-seater can be driven with a Class 3 licence, and can be registered as a normal S-plate private car.

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Mazda

What:  CX-30  
Variants : 2.0-litre 
When : First quarter 2020
How Much: From S$115,000 with COE

Mazda announced its small SUV rival to the very popular Nissan Qashqai and Honda HR-V in March 2019,  and it made its debut at the 2020 Singapore Motorshow.

We have the full details in our story here, which lists the CX-30 as one of the most important cars at the show in January. If you were there, you could have nabbed the CX-30 for a promotional price of less than S$117k with COE.



What’s also alluring is that it’s been tested as one of the safest SUVs ever in the Euro NCAP crash tests, and the model coming to Singapore will have pretty much all the active safety systems a modern Mazda can muster. Intrigued? Read our review of the CX-30 in Europe on CarBuyer.com.sg!

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Mercedes-Benz

What:  Mercedes-AMG A 35 & CLA 35  
Variants: 2.0-litre turbocharged 
When : First half 2020
How Much: From S$230,000 with COE

Our first local taste of the mid-range AMG models derived from the small Mercedes lineup comes this year in the form of the hotted-up A-Class hatch and CLA four-door coupe, the A 35 and CLA 35 models. Read our test drive the A 35 AMG hatch here.

Like the GLB 35 that’s just joined the ‘35er’ family,  the two cars are powered by a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo inline four-cylinder with 400Nm of torque.


The CLA 35 AMG (above) actually popped up first in Singapore with a debut at the 2020 Motorshow – it costs S$231,888 with COE.  With all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, that gives a 0-100km/h time of just under five seconds. Both cars get the expected AMG-aggro treatment, but an especially nice touch are the new steering-wheel mounted mode dials that have their own discrete displays.

What:  CLA Shooting Brake 
Variants : 1.33-litre turbo CLA 200, 2.0-litre turbo CLA 250 (indent only)
When : Now
How Much: From S$188,000 with COE
We’ve the full run down on the new CLA wagon, aka Shooting Brake, in our very detailed launch news story, and it was the first new car to debut here in 2020, naturally it also appeared at the Motorshow.

Variants : AMG Line, Progessive / 1.33-litre turbo GLA 200, 2.0-litre turbo and GLA 35 AMG 
When : First half 2020
How Much: TBA

This is the new second-generation GLA, and it aims to improve on the shortcomings of the first GLA by being a proper SUV. Two variants have been announced, the 1.33-litre turbocharged GLA 200, the 2.0-litre GLA 35, with 163hp and 306hp respectively.

Expect the same MBUX dual 10.25-inch screen on the interior that features a touch screen, voice control, and touchpad interface as well. It’s too early to talk pricing, but the old GLA did well thanks to its Category A eligibility – the new GLA 200 isn’t since it has more than 130hp, and it has a very strong sibling rival in the form of the larger, more flexible seven-seater, the GLB (see below). 

What:  GLB  
Variants: AMG Line, Progressive / 1.33-litre turbo GLB 200, 2.0-litre turbo GLB 35 AMG
When : Second half 2020
How Much: From S$180,000 with COE

We’re betting on this being the big Mercedes hit for 2020: Combine G-wagen derived styling, an SUV bodystyle, the Mercedes badge, and the ability to fit seven adults and you have an obvious winner on your hands. There’s full details on our CarBuyer.com.sg launch story, plus our test drives of the GLB 200 and AMG GLB 35,  the 200 will be the main seller, with a 163hp 1.33-litre turbo engine as seen in the A 200 and more. We expect it to cost less than S$200k with COE – although it’s almost the same size as a GLC, it’s the biggest of the small Mercedes range and having tested it, it can actually fit seven adults with a modicum of comfort. 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4P_0972WLs[/embedyt]

What:  E-Class facelift  
Variants : 2.0-litre turbo E 200 and E 300, 3.0-litre V6 AMG E 43, 4.0-litreV8 AMG E 63 S
When : Second half 2020
How Much: From S$250,000 with COE 

We don’t know what the facelifted E-Class will look like yet, but if it doesn’t resemble the facelifted C-Class then we will be very surprised indeed. We’re guessing similar technical updates as well – the new 2.0-litre engine with improved efficiency, the 48V mild hybrid system, and the MBUX touch-touchpad-voice-scrollpad infotainment system for the interior. As usual, the entire E-Class range will be refreshed, expect the same E 200 and E 300 normal models, E 43 and E 63 S AMG models, and an update for the elegant E-Class Coupe to follow shortly.

What:  Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 
Variants: 3.0-litre turbo GLE 400 and GLE 43 AMG
When: Second half 2020
How Much: from S$300,000 with COE 

With the brand-new, fourth-gen GLE SUV debuting in Singapore in 2019, there was little doubt the coupe-version would follow in its footsteps. With no shortage of rivals – the new BMW X6 just debuted here in December 2019, and the Q8 earlier in the year – it has to put up a strong showing to survive. It will have the same engines that the new GLE does, namely a 3.0-litre inline six GLE 450 model, same engine in a higher-performance 53 AMG model, there’s also a V8-powered GLE 580 model, but Singapore is likely to omit that and sell the GLE 63 S AMG, which has 612hp thanks to a 4.0-litre biturbo engine. 

What:  Mercedes-Benz EQC
Variants: TBA
When : 2020
How Much: From S$400,000 with COE 

You’ve never seen this name on a Mercedes before, and that’s because the EQC is its first production BEV (battery electric vehicle). Based on the GLC SUV (as the name suggests), the GLC will be the rival to Audi’s E-Tron, Tesla’s Model X, and Jaguar I-Pace as the luxury EV SUV market hots up. It has many similarities to its European rivals, dual motors with around 400hp, 80kWh lithium battery which allows for nearly 500km of range. We tested the EQC on the road in Norway and found its S-Class-esque refinement and smooth, electric thrust to be very impressive. No word on the trim and model variants here, though there’s only one power variant – the EQC 400 – thus far, and it could possibly arrive in late 2020 or early 2021.  

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQhgz5hC-y0[/embedyt]

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MG

What:  MG 5 EV 
Variants : TBA
When : Second half 2020
How Much: TBA

“Whoa, MG? I haven’t seen that name in years!” But as reported in CarBuyer in 2019, MG returns in 2020 with Eurokars as its dealer in Singapore. CarBuyer has the inside line on its Singapore revival – find out how Eurokars won the bid, out of eight companies here vying to represent MG. 

The brand kicks off with two EVs – one is an SUV (the EZS, below) and the other is this rather interesting proposition. It’s a station wagon version of the MG 5 hatchback. Only recently announced, there are scant details on this model, but at the very least it should offer Korean-level affordability in something that (finally) isn’t another SUV.

What:  MG ZS EV
Variants : TBA
When : Q1 2020
How Much: TBA

As also mentioned in our Green Cars story from the 2020 Singapore Motorshow: 

The ZS looks pretty normal as SUVs go – MG’s current design language can be described as slightly sporty and not super exciting, but it’s far from the derivative mess of Chinese cars of old. Like the HS the build quality is very good – proper leather, no rough plastics, obvious creaks, or smell of a chemical factory on the inside.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument panel highlight the high-tech nature of the car, and its electric drivetrain looks impressive on paper: 141hp electric motor driving the front wheels, 353Nm of torque, a 44.5kWh battery pack located in the floor of the car. 0-100km/h is 8.6 seconds with a modest, but logical, 140km/h top speed.

Claimed range is 335km (NEDC), while charging can be done via 50kW DC Fast Charge – that takes 40 minutes – or regular AC charging – which takes 6.5 hours, according to MG.

What might jolt interest in the MG ZS is the price: It goes for S$131,888 with COE, which is high for a mainstream car, but on the lower rungs of BEV-dom – the Ioniq Electric also does around 300km but costs more than S$150k with COE. Renault’s Zoe at S$127k with COE is still the least expensive car here, but it’s a compact hatch, and has a quoted range of approximately 200km.

What:  MG HS  
Variants : 1.5-litre turbo
When : Q1 2020
How Much: S$126k with COE

The MG HS made the bonus round of our Most Important Cars of The Singapore Motorshow 2020 when we realised it offers a big SUV package for a not-so-big price.

As mentioned in that story, the car is the same size as a Mazda CX-5 and larger than the Nissan Qashqai and Honda HR-V, but has an enticing S$126k with COE price tag.

We haven’t tested it yet our initial impressions of the car were good, with lots of features and tech aboard: Standard on the car is a panoramic sunroof, auto tailgate/lights/mirrors/wipers, a 7.0-inch instrument display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. 

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Mini

What: Clubman facelift 
Variants: 1.5-litre turbo Cooper, 2.0-litre turbo Cooper S and John Cooper Works
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020 (except JCW)
How much: From S$146,000 with COE 

It’s facelift time for the maxi Mini, the Clubman. That means new lamps front and rear, and a new grille — the horizontal bar in the middle of the main air intake is gone, so the grille looks way bigger than before.

Also, you can have six horizontal slats in chrome, which looks fairly posh. Or you can go playful instead. There’s an optional sport suspension system with stiffer springs that lower the car by 10mm, and a piano black option for all the exterior trim.

The Mini hatch got its facelift first and gained a 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto in the process, and it’s now the Cooper Clubman’s turn to get the 136hp drivetrain. 100km/h takes 9.2 seconds in that one, two seconds slower than in the Cooper S.

If you want real pace, there’s the John Cooper Works Clubman that will arrive later in the year.  It gets the four-cylinder turbo from the BMW M135i, which gives it 306hp, along with the All4 all-wheel drive system as standard. 100km/h takes just 4.9 seconds, believe it or not.

What: Countryman facelift
Variants: 2.0-litre turbo John Cooper Works 
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020
How much: S$210,000 with COE 

This is one is definitely worth waiting for if you (a) have a sense of humour and (b) need a proper family car in Mini clothes. The Countryman John Cooper Works gets the new 306hp, 450Nm engine that powers the Clubman JCW, which means it gets a whopping 75hp and 100Nm more than before.

It’ll zip to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds (1.5 seconds faster than before), which means that BMW now builds a Mini sport utility vehicle that is slightly quicker than the howling E46 M3 of 20 years ago. What’s this world coming to?

What: John Cooper Works GP
Variants: 2.0-litre turbo
When: Third quarter, 2020
How much: S$245,000 with COE 

Trackday fiends, pay attention: this is the fastest Mini ever, a claim that’s based on the fact that it can lap the Nürburgring in under eight minutes. BMW hasn’t published a certified, observed time, but the new John Cooper Works GP can apparently do it.

The 306hp engine propels it to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds (it’d be faster with all-wheel drive, except the hardware for that wouldn’t fit), and it apparently corners like a fiend, thanks to widened tracks, light weight (it ditches the rear seats) and some work in the wind tunnel — that big wing on the roof isn’t there for show.

Only 25 units have been allocated to our region, and we’re told Singapore’s share of that pie is sold out. Told you it was fast.

What: Mini Electric
Variants: Cooper SE 184hp 
When: Third quarter, 2020
How much: S$160,000 with COE (estimate) 

Take a Mini hatch, remove the engine and petrol tank, put in batteries and a motor, and you have the all-electric Cooper SE. The brand’s first production electric vehicle is headed here, with a relatively small capacity battery (32.6 kWh) that gives it up to 230km of range or so.

Mini says the 211 litre boot isn’t compromised, because the batteries are where the fuel tank would be, meaning under the rear seats.

The 184 horsepower motor promises lots of zippy acceleration, with 100km/h coming up in 7.3 seconds, but the instant torque of electric drive and Mini’s trademark go-kart handling could make for a jolly combination. We’ve tested it already – read our review here!

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Mitsubishi

What: Mitsubishi Attrage & Space Star facelift
Variants: 1.2-litre 
When: H1 2020
How Much: from S$70,000 with COE

Mitsubishi’s popular Attrage compact sedan, and its less popular Space Star hatchback brother, will be facelifted in 2020. The modest duo are updated with the ‘Dynamic Shield’ design language as seen on the Outlander and Eclipse Cross, giving them a much bolder appearance.


Mitsubishi Space Star

Inside, you’ll find different upholstery options, a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and upgraded front armrests. No mention has been made of mechanical changes, so expect to see the economical 79hp 1.2-litre inline three-cylinder engine with CVT to soldier on.

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Nissan

What: Note E-Power 
Variants: 1.2-litre hybrid
When: Q1 2020
Pricing: TBA 

After debuting the E-Power hybrid technology with the Serena E-Power in 2019, the next car to receive the E-Power treatment is the Note compact hatch. Overseas, it was actually the first E-Power model made, and has a 110hp electric motor that feeds off a 1.5kWh battery pack, which is in turn charged by a 1.2-litre inline three-cylinder engine (from the original gasoline-powered Note). That should deliver a zippy drive, especially with 250Nm of torque, but the value of the E-Power system is that it really does deliver impressive efficiency, and we expect the Note to deliver stunning fuel-sipping behaviour – it’s quoted 2.9L/100km, officially.


What’s also interesting is the Note E-Power Nismo (above), which has various Nismo parts, sportier suspension and a 134hp motor with 300Nm of torque. Naturally it’s unclear if Nissan Singapore will be selling that version, but it’s certainly something that would interest drivers who want something extra.

What: Qashqai E-Power 
Variants: 1.2-litre hybrid
When: TBA 
Pricing: TBA

The Qashqai E-Power hasn’t been officially confirmed, but it’s logical given that the Qashqai is far and away the brand’s best-selling model globally. Given the success of the E-Power Note and Serena in Japan, as well as increasing sales in the region, this makes even more sense. Also, we saw the Nissan IMQ concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, which is supposed to be the prelude to the new Qashqai – and also a hybrid.

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Peugeot

What: Peugeot 2008
Variants: 1.2-litre turbo 
When: Q2 2020
Pricing: TBA

This is the second-gen 2008, which is Peugeot’s small SUV. At 4.3m long, its size puts it directly in the firing line of some of Singapore’s most popular SUVs like the Honda HR-V. Hopefully it’ll have the substance to win over hearts and minds. It’s built upon a brand new platform shared with the DS 3 Crossback, but both inside and out resembles a shrunken Peugeot 3008, a car we liked but found hard to recommend.

Sharing a platform means sharing engines too; like the DS 3 we’ll be getting a 1.2-litre petrol, most likely the 130hp version with the eight-speed auto, although over in Europe it’s actually been the all-electric e-2008 that’s been generating the headlines.

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Porsche

What: Cayenne Coupe
Variants: 3.0-litre turbo V6 Cayenne, 2.9-litre turbo V6 Cayenne S, 4.0-litre turbo V8 Turbo and Turbo S
When: Now
Pricing: From S$360,188 without COE, options

Essentially a Cayenne in sexier clothes, Porsche unveiled the Cayenne Coupe at the Singapore Motorshow 2020. It promises that the Cayenne Coupe is a true-blue Porsche, melding the performance DNA of the brand in a stylish, practical crossover coupe body – we’ve tested it and found that to be largely true.

The lineup matches the Cayenne SUV’s to a tee: There’s the 340hhp standard Cayenne Coupe with the VW Group 3.0-litre V6, then the Cayenne S Coupe with 440hp from its 2.9-litre biturbo V6. After that comes the Turbo with a 4.0-litre V8 with 550hp. There’s also the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe PHEV (plug-in hybrid EV) coming at a later date – it has 670hp combined.

What: Macan Turbo
Variants: 2.9-litre turbo V6
When: Q1 2020 
How much: $389,888 without COE, options

More Macan for you? The most powerful version of Porsche’s compact crossover is set to grace our shores in the first quarter of the year. Packing in 440hp from its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, the Macan Turbo piles in more performance than you could ever want out of Porsche’s hugely-popular SUV. With the Sport Chrono package equipped, the Macan Turbo blitzes from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds, and can go on to hit a top speed of 270km/h. It also has fancy brakes to bring you to a stop, with the Macan Turbo being available with the new Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB), which features a tungsten carbide coating on the discs, and is said to offer a faster response, less wear and produce up to 90 per cent less brake dust compared with conventional cast iron brakes.

What: Panamera 10 Years Edition
Variants: 3.0-litre turbocharged 
When: Q2 2020 
How much: TBA

Porsche celebrates a decade of the Panamera with the special Panamera 10 Years Edition. The limited-run model will be in Singapore in Q2, and features unique “Panamera10” badging liberally sprinkled throughout the car. Other highlights include the White Gold Metallic Panamera Sport Design 21-inch wheels, and the 10 Years Edition treatment will be available as both a standard Panamera as well as a Sports Turismo version, both with the standard 3.0-litre 330hp powertrain. 

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What: Taycan
Variants: 4S, Turbo, Turbo S 
When: August 2020 
How much: At least S$450,000 without COE

Porsche’s landmark electric sports car is set to arrive here in August 2020, following its global launch back in September. The car has already been previewed in Singapore, but the Taycan will only grace our roads in the second half of next year. We’ve tested it on the road in Germany – see what our verdict is here!

Pricing and variants have not been confirmed, but there have been three versions announced so far: the Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S.

The 4S model starts with 482hp (capable of 562hp on overboost), while the Turbo has 616hp (boosted 670hp) and Turbo S the same but capable of 760hp on boost and up to 1,050Nm of torque, which translates to a neck-snapping 0-100km/h time of 2.6-seconds. 

Battery pack (and hence range estimates) options aren’t clear at this point, although in the USA there’s a choice of 75kWh and 95kWh lithium ion battery packs.  

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Rolls-Royce

What: Cullinan
Variant: Black Badge /6.7-litre turbo V12
When: Now
How much: At least S$1-million without COE and options 

The Cullinan Black Badge debuted here in January – we have the full report here.
‘Black Badge’ cars help inject a youthful street-style to Rolls-Royce’s ‘sportier’ offerings like the Wraith, Ghost and Dawn. The regular Cullinan is certainly the perfect subject for such subversion. The all-black exterior treatment is tastefully contrasted by the yellow coachline, as well as matching Forge Yellow leather and highlights in the cabin. For what’s possibly a first for Rolls-Royce are red brake callipers, while engine performance sees a bump to 600hp and 900Nm, which should wow bystanders with the help of the newly tuned exhaust system.

What: Ghost
Variants: TBA
When: Mid-2020
How much: S$1.2 million without options or COE (estimate)

Rolls-Royce tells us a new Ghost is coming, but can’t say when. The current Ghost Series II showed up at the Geneva motor show in March 2014, so perhaps we’ll see its follow-up there in 2020? If so, a mid-year sneak preview for target customers here might well be on the cards.

Either way, the all-new Ghost is likely to get bigger and more expensive, especially since it will move to the all-aluminium architecture on which the new Phantom and Cullinan are built. The current Ghost, now discontinued, sits on BMW 7 Series underpinnings.

Little is known about the next Ghost, but some expect four-wheel drive to be added. It will almost certainly have the all-wheel steering, air suspension and active anti-roll bars of the Phantom, and a V12 engine — whether that’s the 6.6-litre unit from the BMW M760Li or the 6.75-litre one from the Phantom is still up in the air.

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Seat

What: Cupra Ateca
Variants: 2.0-litre turbo
When: Q2 2020
How much: TBA

First thing’s first, this isn’t a Seat. It may look like a meaner version of Seat’s compact crossover, the Ateca (well, in actual fact it is), but it’s not a Seat. For marketing reasons we don’t quite understand, Cupra – Seat’s motorsports division and the moniker applied to all hot Seats till now – has now been spun off into its own brand. So what we have here is the “Cupra Ateca”, not “Seat Ateca Cupra”.

Anyway, it’s a curious little thing, in that it’s pretty much the only non-luxury sports SUV available right now. Otherwise, the car itself follows a straightforward go-faster recipe: same 2.0-litre engine as the Golf R, 300hp, four-wheel drive, 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, 247km/h top speed. That’s all wrapped up with aggressive bumpers, 19-inch wheels, quad tailpipes, bucket seats, and the new copper-coloured Cupra logos.

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Skoda

What: Scala
Variants: 1.0-litre turbo 115hp
When: TBA
How much: Around S$95k with COE, possibly less

The Scala was previewed at the Singapore Motorshow and is going to be a major launch for Skoda in 2020.

The Scala is a compact hatchback that sits alongside its Volkswagen Group stablemate, the Polo, however it’s significantly larger – the wheelbase is 4,362mm long, compared to the Polo’s 4,258mm, so it’ll be relatively spacious, and the boot is a massive 467-litres in size, bigger than a VW Golf’s.

As pricing goes, an equivalent Skoda will always be a little less costly, hence it’s likely the Scala will be priced lower than the least expensive Polo, which rings in at S$96k with COE, bringing it into competition with anything from a Honda Jazz to a Hyundai i30.


Internationally, the Scala is offered with a 1.0-litre turbocharged inline three-cylinder with 95hp and 115hp, the latter is the one most likely to be sold in Singapore. There’s a 1.5-litre 148hp inline four variant, but given it’s not Cat A COE friendly, we probably won’t see it here.

The interior will feature touchscreen infotainment, which could be 8.0-inches or 10.2-inches, along with other possible goodies like wireless device charging and an active instrument cluster. 

Wonder what it’s like? Ju-Len has test driven the Scala – find out what he has to say.

What: Kamiq
Variants: 1.0-litre turbocharged 115hp 
When: TBA
How much: TBA

The Kamiq is the third SUV in Skoda’s growing line-up, following in the footsteps of its larger siblings the Kodiaq and Karoq. Pitched in the hyper-competitive compact SUV sector, the Kamiq will do battle against strong-selling Japanese favourites like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR. Engine choices mirror the Scala on which the Kamiq is based, which means a possible 1.0-litre TSI with 115hp, and the usual Simply Clever Skoda neat tricks like the hidden umbrella in the door. More details in our news story here.

What: Octavia
Variants: TBA 
When: TBA
How much: TBA

Hot on the heels of the all-new eighth generation Golf comes its Czech counterpart, the new Octavia, as reported in our debut news story.

Skoda’s bread-and-butter offering has undergone a complete revamp, and introduces new premium features to bring it more upmarket. Bold new styling reflects a car that has grown in size, resulting in improved space for passengers inside. A variety of drivetrain options are available, including a new plug-in hybrid version that produces a handy 204hp. Estimated arrival date should be towards the later end of 2020, or even early 2021. Since the Jetta’s permanent demise, the Octavia will fill the gap for those who want a VW Group sedan without splurging on an Audi A3.

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Subaru

What: Forester E-Boxer
Variants: 2.0-litre hybrid 
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020
How much: TBA

The Forester e-Boxer will be the first hybrid Subaru on sale in Singapore, and it’s all about efficiency. It packs a 14hp electric motor together with the drivetrain, along with a small battery below the boot. Total system output is 156hp and 188Nm of torque, slightly less compared to the regular Forester with which it shares its 2.0-litre boxer engine.

Because the motor and battery pack are so small, the hybrid system assists primarily with away-from-traffic-lights acceleration, as well as overtaking at city speeds – Subaru’s own testing has shown that the e-Boxer picks up noticeably quicker than a regular Forester between 40-60km/h.

What: Impreza facelift 
Variants: Sedan, hatchback, 2.0-litre gasoline 
When: TBA
How much: TBA

Mid-life facelift time for the Subaru Impreza, and it’s a minor one. There’s now a smoother look to the front end thanks to a smaller grille and full-width lower air intakes, and some new wheel designs.


Impreza sedan

Mechanically the car is unchanged with the same 156hp 2.0-litre boxer engine, but the Impreza does load up on new features: a driving mode controller, rear seat belt reminder, wing mirrors that tilt down when reversing, and a forward-facing parking cam to help ensure you don’t kerb your front bumper.

What: XV minor update 
Variants: 2.0-litre gasoline 
When: TBA
How much: TBA

The Subaru XV SUV is related to the Impreza, but seeing as it’s only a couple of years old, it’s too young for a full facelift. Updates for 2020 are limited to the same dark-tinted tail lamps as the Impreza hatch, the rear seat belt reminder, and a new grey paint colour.

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Toyota

What: Corolla Altis
Variants: 1.6-litre gasoline , 1.8-litre hybrid
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020
How much: from S$93k with COE

Everyone’s favourite evergreen family sedan enters its 12th generation, and the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis made its long-awaited Singapore debut at the 2020 Singapore Motorshow.

CarBuyer has already tested both major models – the 1.6-litre Elegance, and the 1.8-litre hybrid and we have a video review below for your viewing pleasure.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAmk0zYh53I[/embedyt]

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Volkswagen

What: Golf hatchback
Variants: 1.0-litre turbo, 1.5-litre turbo, GTE PHEV
When:  Late 2020 
How much: TBA

For Volkswagen, the most important new model for 2020 has to be the eighth-generation Golf, which we detailed in its launch report in 2019 (see CarBuyer.com.sg) although VW Singapore says the Golf might not make it in time for 2020 – early 2021 is a possibility even. 
 
Still, it’s one of CarBuyer’s favourites and worth knowing about good and early. There are a variety of engine options available: A 1.0-litre with 90hp and 110hp, and the 1.5-litre with 130hp and 150hp.

What’s really interesting is that the 110hp, 130hp and 150hp models have a new 48V mild hybrid system which allows for longer, smoother start-stop, as well as a small power assist, and improve fuel efficiency by 10 percent. 

That should allow the cars to do better at emissions tests too, and be eligible for a VES rebate, hopefully. We’re betting on the 110hp and 130hp, since they’re both also eligible for a Category A COE and that means more cost savings.  Read more about the full model line-up and possibilities in our detailed news story here. 

What: T-Cross
Variants: 1.0-litre turbocharged 115hp 
When: Singapore Motorshow 2020 
How Much: S$120,000 with COE, possibly less

No this isn’t the Volkswagen T-Roc, which is a small SUV a size down from the Tiguan. It’s the T-Cross, which is even smaller – it’s a compact SUV, at 4.1-metres long and around the same size as a Kia Stonic, but slightly larger than a VW Polo. 

Given that positioning, the car will be significantly cheaper than VW’s current smallest SUV, the Tiguan, which has itself grown much larger in its second-iteration, that made it a candidate for our Most Important Cars Of the 2020 Motorshow.

Visually the T-Cross looks every bit the modern SUV, simply wrought small. The VW grille joining the high-mount headlights, the prominent fog lamps, the rear has a section that ‘joins’ the taillamps too.



Naturally, it’s based on the MQB platform and as you’ve seen, will likely have a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo engine with 115hp for Cat A eligibility. 

It’s claimed to have excellent visibility, not just with the greenhouse design, but also a seating position that’s a whole 100mm higher than a Polo’s. 

VW claims room enough for five people on board, and the boot space at 385-litres is already larger than a VW Golf’s, it’s also expandable to 455-litres thanks to a sliding bench seat. 

As usual it’s too early to talk about specific equipment features, but the T-Cross does boast a variety of tasty options – these include the Active Info Display screen, an 8.0-inch and upwards touchscreen infotainment system, 300w Beats sound system with discrete subwoofer, keyless, advanced safety systems and more. 

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Volvo

What: S60
Variants: 2.0-litre twincharged T8 R-Design
When: Q1 2020
How much: TBA

What: XC60 
Variants: 2.0-litre twincharged T8 R-Design 
When: Q1 2020
How much: TBA

Volvo’s on a bit of a roll at the moment, with a range of good-looking and well-priced cars on its hands. Most recently, we’ve driven the S60/V60 compact exec twins, and came away impressed. 2020 will see a new variant added to the lineup for both the S60 saloon and XC60 SUV, the T8 R-Design plug-in hybrid. It’s the most powerful drivetrain Volvo makes, pairing the T6’s twin-charged (i.e. both turbo and supercharged) 2.0-litre engine that drives the front wheels with an electric motor that drives the rears. Electric-only driving is possible, with around 35km of range available, depending on conditions. Ju-Len has tested the XC60 T8 on local roads – see what he has to say about it here.