There are plenty of new automobiles that a buyer with a $160k budget could consider. But for this Group Test, we’ve gathered three of the most common car types in Singapore – a sports utility vehicle (SUV), a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and a saloon.
Sure to appeal to SUV fans is the Kia Sorento, which promises plenty of space and performance. The turbo-diesel variant tested here is also the most powerful one within Kia’s local lineup, and therefore it should entice keener drivers as well.
One of the niftiest MPVs available today is the Honda Odyssey. Its low floor and powered sliding doors make ingress/egress easier for occupants, while its cabin layout is very versatile.
When it comes to mid-size saloons at this price, the all-new Volkswagen Passat is a compelling contender. The latest model is roomier than the old one, and has more amenities as standard, too.
Read on as we consider the merits of each vehicle and the significant differences between the SUV, the MPV and the saloon.
If you don’t need seven seats, then the impressive Volkswagen Passat is worth your consideration. Apart from its greater roominess compared to its predecessor, this car also has punchier performance and a ride quality you’d only expect to enjoy in luxury models costing 20 percent more.
The Honda Odyssey is designed for ferrying seven adults in comfort, but if you fold the rearmost seats, it happily doubles as a spacious station wagon catering to motorists who need a vehicle for moving bulky items.
The Kia Sorento offers a different kind of flexibility for $160,000. Its all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance enable it to tackle just about anything our concrete jungle can throw at it, including flash floods. Its well-designed seven-seater cabin is a good bonus.
Kia Sorento 2.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16 valves, turbo-diesel
Capacity 2199cc
Bore x stroke 85.4mm x 96mm
Compression ratio 16:1
Max power 200bhp at 3800rpm
Max torque 441Nm at 1750-2750rpm
Power to weight 108.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.6 seconds
Top speed 203km/h
Consumption 14.9km/L
CO2 emission 177g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Ventus Prime
Size 235/55 R19
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, VSM
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4780mm
Width 1890mm
Height 1685mm
Wheelbase 2780mm
Kerb weight 1850kg
Turning circle 11.1m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $161,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Most muscular powertrain, flat rear floor, go-anywhere ability
– Tall loading height, “basic” infotainment, unwieldy size in town
BEST IN PERFORMANCE
Honda Odyssey 2.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16 valves
Capacity 2356cc
Bore x stroke 87mm x 99.1mm
Compression ratio 10.1:1
Max power 174bhp at 6200rpm
Max torque 225Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 93.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top speed 196km/h
Consumption 12.7km/L
CO2 emission 187g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport 270
Size 215/55 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, VSA
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4830mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1695mm
Wheelbase 2900mm
Kerb weight 1855kg
Turning circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $159,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Cushiest seats, most flexible cabin, most responsive engine
– Static-prone hi-fi, rearmost seats have short backrests, large tailgate isn’t powered
BEST IN VERSATILITY
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16 valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1798cc
Bore x stroke 82.5mm x 84.1mm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Max power 180bhp at 5100-6200rpm
Max torque 250Nm at 1250-5000rpm
Power to weight 121.6bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 7.9 seconds
Top speed 232km/h
Consumption 16.9km/L
CO2 emission 135g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy HP
Size 215/55 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4767mm
Width 1832mm
Height 1456mm
Wheelbase 2791mm
Kerb weight 1480kg
Turning circle 11.7m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $151,800 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Classiest cabin, smoothest ride, fastest transmission
– Rear floor protrusion, slow infotainment initialisation, overly light steering
BEST IN LUXURY
