SKODA OCTAVIA 1.0 $117,900 ON THE ROAD
SKODA OCTAVIA 1.0
$117,900 ON THE ROAD
This fastback can be seen as an alternative to the new Volkswagen Jetta, which is still unavailable as a right-hand-drive model. Pragmatic buyers will enjoy touches that include a brolly bin beneath the driver’s seat, wireless smartphone charging and a boot with a maximum capacity of 1580 litres (rear seats folded). With a turbocharged 1-litre engine delivering 114hp and 200Nm, the Octavia might be the most car for the money in its segment.
RIVAL: RENAULT MEGANE SEDAN
ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO
$395,800 ON THE ROAD
This Italian sports saloon is ready to take on entrenched German rivals such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The rear-wheel-drive Giulia QV is armed with a turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 that punches out 510hp and 600Nm, and rockets from rest to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds. The already racy cockpit can be further enhanced with the optional Sparco carbon-shell front seats, to make the drive feel even more fantastico.
RIVAL: BMW M3
COMING SOON TO SINGAPORE
INFINITI QX50
PRICE ON APPLICATION
This SUV is Infiniti's most advanced one to date, as it’s the world’s first production car with a variablecompression engine. The QX50’s turbocharged 2-litre 4-pot can vary its compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1, which supposedly enables it to deliver the power of a petrol engine, while offering the low-end torque and efficiency of a diesel motor. Powerplant aside, the QX50 also promises to pamper occupants with its well-appointed interior, which we expect will be brimming with amenities and safety features.
RIVAL: AUDI Q5
OPEL GRANDLAND X
$149,888 ON THE ROAD
The German carmaker’s latest crossover is mechanically similar to the 3008, its “cousin” from sister company Peugeot. That’s not a bad thing, though, since the Grandland X inherits the 3008’s roomy cabin, userfriendly infotainment system and turbocharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine. The Grandland X also has unique amenities, such as ventilated front seats and a powered tailgate, which are not found in the 1.2-litre 3008. This Teuton, however, lacks the concept car-like cockpit and more stylish exterior of its French cousin.
RIVAL: PEUGEOT 3008 1.2
