PORSCHE MACAN S
PORSCHE MACAN S
FROM $319,789 ON THE ROAD
The Macan S has swapped out its old twin-turbo engine for a new 3-litre, V6 turbocharged power unit, now pumping out 349hp and 480Nm of torque in its latest update. There has been no reduction in power despite losing one turbo, as the new engine actually puts out 14hp and 20Nm more compared to the old model. If fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the new Macan S dispatches the zero to 100km/h sprint in just 5.1 seconds, one-tenth of a second quicker than the previous model.
RIVAL: AUDI SQ5
DS 7 CROSSBACK
PRICE ON APPLICATION
As the automaker describes it, this SUV is “the embodiment of French luxury expertise and innovation”, which tells you everything about the level of clientele they are aiming for. Even French president Emmanuel Macron chose the DS 7 as the official car at his inauguration. Equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with 225hp and an 8-speed auto, this opulent Parisian moves from rest to 100km/h in just over 8 seconds.
RIVAL: VOLVO XC40
KIA STONIC
FROM $83,999 ON THE ROAD
It’s well-built, well-priced and well-specced – three things which will set a car up to be a runaway success, and Kia’s latest entry into the compact SUV segment seems to have all the ingredients to be one. Its 118hp 1-litre 3-cylinder engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which promises sporty performance to match its good looks. Speaking of looks, customise your car with a myriad of colour options, so you can differentiate yourself from every other person who will end up buying this crowd-pleaser.
RIVAL: HONDA JAZZ
HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
PRICE ON APPLICATION
As long as it’s as electrifying as John Travolta’s character in Grease, we won’t mind a car without a gas engine. Details are scant from Hyundai’s local dealer, but our eagle eyes did spot an example lurking in Komoco’s basement. It sports a water-cooled battery pack with a range of up to 480km (in UK-spec cars, at least), and its 135hp propels the SUV to 100km/h in just under eight seconds. It differs little from the standard Kona in style, with the key difference being the closed grille for aerodynamics, while the interior is typical functional Hyundai.
RIVAL: NISSAN LEAF
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