Let’s face it: paying over $100,000 for a small car does seem like a ridiculous proposition. But sadly that’s the reality of the situation here in Singapore. Given the current COE outlook, the days when one could pick up a new car for less than 50 grand looks to be a historical anomaly now in the system.

Assuming the current situation to be the new ‘normal’, where COE premiums hover around the $50-70k mark, one could expect to get into a brand new small car now for slightly over $100,000. And manufacturers seem to be embracing this reality by launching a host of compact models in recent months, perhaps in the confidence that Singaporeans are ready to accept them once more as they get used to current premiums.

Here we take a look at a few small cars that are vying for your money, and a couple more set to join their ranks in the coming months.

NOW AVAILABLE

Renault Captur

The Captur is not your traditional hatchback in a sense, but rather a funky crossover-type vehicle that seem to be all the rage nowadays. Its slightly raised profile alludes to its lifestyle slant, and its wide range of body colours will definitely appeal to the youthful demographic that the car is targeted at. Practical features like movable rear seats and a dual-surface boot floor only add to the car’s charm.

Yours for: $127,999 with COE

READ MORE: Renault Captur review

Honda Jazz

The Jazz has been one of Honda’s best-sellers over the last decade, and Honda hopes that the new one will continue to succeed in spite of the current COE situation. The formula remains pretty much unchanged, with its unique tall design offering plenty of versatility and space inside. And it’s also a hoot to drive too, with the 1.5-litre version chucking out a handy 130bhp. You could even spec a manual version too if you please. Ichiban!

Yours for: $112,999 with COE (1.3-litre), $117,999 with COE (1.5-litre automatic)

READ MORE: Honda Jazz is here again

Mini One

For the budget hipster who wants a stylish trinket to be seen around town in, the new third-generation New Mini is available in entry-level One guise. Its 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol offers plenty of energy and verve while sipping fuel, and the car drives as well as any Mini should. If all you need is a no-frills city car that’s fun to drive, the Mini One is the one for you.

Yours for: $123,300 with COE

READ MORE: Mini One review

Suzuki Solio

It’s not quite a kei-car, but the Suzuki Solio does channel some of that kei-car essence, given that it is a direct descendent of the Suzuki Wagon R, a model that epitomised the kei-car culture in the 90s. The Solio’s tall-boy stance translates into an astonishing amount of room inside, with enough space to accommodate an NBA team of five, plus all of Ikea in the boot as well. It may not drive very fast after that (or even before loading up, with its miniscule 1.2-litre 89bhp engine), but you just have to admire its packaging ingenuity and all-round charm.

Yours for: $102,900 with COE

READ MORE: Suzuki’s prospects brighten on cheaper COEs

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen’s evergreen little hatchback has just received a mild facelift, although the changes are the ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ kind. The front end has been slightly redesigned, with new bumpers and more chrome, and a revised interior to keep it up to date with the rest of the Volkswagen range. It’s not just cosmetic changes too: the engine has also been updated to offer more power and better efficiency.

Yours for: $117,300 with COE

READ MORE: VW Polo review

Ford Fiesta

Singapore’s road tax structure still charges by engine size, so if you dislike paying more money to the Government (after handing over thousands of dollars for your expensive COE of course), then the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost is the car for you. Its 998cc engine incurs just $392 in road tax annually, and a small engine also means smaller fuel bills. But the Fiesta is in no way underpowered, because the turbocharged EcoBoost 3-cylinder powerplant with 99bhp is an absolute peach of an engine. Together with one of the finest small car chassis currently available, the Fiesta makes for one hell of a fun drive. Take that, LTA.

Yours for: $118,999 with COE (Titanium trim)

READ MORE: Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost review

COMING SOON

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai’s Accent was the standard bearer for Korean budget motoring in the days when Hyundai offered cheap and accessible cars for the masses. And the name is set to make its return soon, with an all-new Accent set to debut here in the coming months. Given the massive improvement in quality in Hyundai cars in recent years though, expect the new Accent to be a far cry from its predecessors, and edge towards its Continental rivals in almost all areas. Indeed, the Accent was one of the cars we wished would make it here under the revised Cat A system, and looks like we got our wish.

READ MORE: Cat A cars we’d like to see in Singapore

Mazda2

Mazda stands out as among the most avant-garde of all the Japanese mainstream car manufacturers, with its cars boasting groundbreaking technology, bold styling, and class-leading driving dynamics. Its new 6 and 3 have been warmly received, and we expect the upcoming 2 to be at least on par with its siblings when it comes to all-round quality. It certainly looks st
riking, and it is definitely one of the most highly-anticipated new cars for 2015.

READ MORE: New look at 2015 Mazda2