An SUV (sports utility vehicle) driven by outdoorsy suburbanites in Singapore will never encounter rocks, rivers or mountains. Instead, they’ll need to contend with kerbs, “ponding” and multi-storey carparks. This makes them more like urban explorers, as opposed to jungle adventurers.
Lexus is hoping to capture more of these outdoorsy buyers with the NX200t. In addition to its aggressive design, this vehicle also promises a sporty drive with its turbocharged motor (the first Lexus model so equipped) and a comfy ride with its well-appointed cabin.
Taking on the Lexus in this shootout is Volvo’s XC60. Although it’s the oldest model here and the only one without all-wheel-drive, this car has nevertheless benefited from updates to its cabin (snazzy new instrument meters) and powertrain (more ponies and a new gearbox with more ratios), which enable it to remain relevant in this segment.
The newest model in this division is the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which has replaced the Freelander 2. Like its two rivals, it is powered by a turbocharged 2-litre engine, but sets itself apart by offering an extra pair of seats in the rear.
Which of these SUVs will appeal most strongly to outdoorsy suburbanites in Singapore?
Thanks to its updates, the Volvo XC60 never betrays its age. It strengths lie in its host of safety features, solid feel and awesome seats. At press time, the XC60 is also $16k and $25k more affordable than the NX200t and the Discovery Sport respectively. This Swede SUV’s only bugbears are its unintuitive infotainment controls and high floor protrusion in the rear, which makes it awkward for the middle passenger in the backseat.
Just as compelling as the XC60 is the Land Rover Discovery Sport. It’s a seven-seater SUV with terrain-conquering abilities that few can match. But its relatively heavy body and mud-plugging four-wheel-drive put a damper on its paved-road dynamics, while its two extra seats are really only suitable for occupants shorter than 1.5m.
What the NX200t lacks in spaciousness, it more than makes up for with its athletic performance and cabin comforts. The Lexus does a very good job of exploring Singapore’s concrete jungle in style and comfort.
Lexus NX200t 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max power 234bhp at 4800-5600rpm
Max torque 350Nm at 1650-4000rpm
power to weight 133.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 7.1 seconds
Top speed 200km/h
Consumption 12.7km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 184g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Dueler H/L 33
Size 235/55 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 8
Traction aids ABS, VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4630mm
Width 2130mm
Height 1630mm
Wheelbase 2660mm
Kerb weight 1755kg
Turning circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $249,000 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
BEST IN SPORTINESS
+ Classiest cabin, most dynamic handling, striking exterior design
– Smallest backseat, least practical interior, fewest gearbox ratios
Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1999cc
Bore x stroke 87.5mm x 83.1mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max power 240bhp at 5800rpm
Max torque 340Nm at 1750rpm
Power to weight 130.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 9-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.2 seconds
Top speed 199km/h
Consumption 12km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 197g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Integral links, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli Scorpion Verde
Size 235/55 R19
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4599mm
Width 2173mm
Height 1724mm
Wheelbase 2741mm
Kerb weight 1841kg
Turning circle 11.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $267,000 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
BEST IN SUREFOOTEDNESS
+ Roomiest interior, best all-round visibility, best four-wheel-drive system
– Least energetic drivetrain, relative thirst for fuel, highest list price
Volvo XC60 T5 R-Design 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1969cc
Bore x stroke 82mm x 93.2mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Max power 245bhp at 5500rpm
Max torque 350Nm at 1500-4800rpm
Power to weight 133.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 7.2 seconds
Top speed 210km/h
Consumption 14.9km/L (combined)
CO2 Emission 157g/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 Continental ContiEcoContact 5
Size 235/60 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, DSTC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4644mm
Width 1891mm
Height 1713mm
Wheelbase 2774mm
Kerb weight 1833kg
Turning circle 11.7m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $235,000 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
BEST IN SECURITY
+ Most extensive safety features, lowest asking price, strongest motor
– Least user-friendly infotainment, slowest manual override, no all-wheel-drive
