Best-kept secrets from familiar names

SINGAPORE — Top-selling cars from well-known brands keep the registers ringing for dealers here, but these cars are such a common sight on our roads that they can be a little too common for some.

The good news is, there are some interesting models from these familiar automakers that may have been overlooked.

They not only offer a good drive while offering good fuel economy, but are affordable enough that you do not have to break the bank. Here are three of our favourites.

NISSAN NOTE 1.2

The Nissan Qashqai may be one of the best-selling crossovers in Singapore — as evidenced by its ubiquitous presence on the roads here. However, the smaller Nissan Note represents an equally interesting, yet more affordable proposition.

With its price starting from S$87,800 with COE, this is effectively the cheapest new made-in-Japan car we can find on our roads.

Given its compact exterior, perhaps the biggest surprise that the Nissan Note offers is a spacious interior that belies its size.

Even when seated behind, a lanky passenger is still able to cross his legs from the back seat, while the luggage bay will easily hold a pair of full-sized suitcases.

Additionally, its three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine is not only unique in Nissan’s line-up; having one cylinder less means the car carries less weight and translates to lower fuel consumption — 4.6 litres per 100km or 21.7km per litre.

For S$4,000 more, you can buy the supercharged version that is not only more powerful and is better to drive, it is surprisingly even more fuel efficient — and potentially evens out the extra financial outlay — thanks to clever technology such as direct-injection and variable valve timing that optimises the performance or economy as needed.

KIA NIRO HYBRID

If you like the fuel savings and eco-friendliness a hybrid car offers, but want the style, practicality and elevated driving position of a crossover, then the Kia Niro hybrid may just be the thing for you.

At S$117,999 with COE, it is easily one of the most affordable hybrids on sale. From a style standpoint, the Kia Niro should appeal to those who do not fancy the looks of conventional hybrids such as the Toyota Prius or Hyundai Ioniq.

Fitted with a 32kW (43hp) motor powered by a 1.56kWh lithium-polymer battery, the Kia Niro hybrid is capable of travelling between 60-80km/h on electric energy before the 1.6-litre motor starts up to charge the battery and propel the car up to expressway speeds.

This means that the part where an engine consumes the most fuel — accelerating from a standstill to 60km/h — is handled by the battery. This leaves the engine to cruising and charging duties once it gets up to speed.

Besides the outstanding fuel economy — we are looking at 3.8-litres per 100km or 26.3km per litre — the other pleasant surprise that awaits its driver is how well equipped the Kia Niro is, considering its price point.

The electrically adjustable driver’s seat, wireless smartphone charging and connectivity, a TFT-LCD instrument panel, cruise control, multi-zone climate control air-conditioning and an active air flap in the front grille are just some of the numerous highlights in this feature-laden car.

Keener drivers will also be pleasantly surprised with the way this hybrid drives: The twin-clutch automatic gearbox is smooth yet responsive, and makes the Kia Niro feel like it is moving a bit faster than its 11.5-second, 0-100km/h acceleration timing may suggest.

BMW 116d

This hatchback is the Teutonic marque’s entry model. However, even though the 116d has a price tag of S$133,800; it feels every bit as much a BMW as its bigger and pricier cousins.

This is mainly down to it being built on a front engine, rear-wheel drive platform, which features a 50:50 front-rear weight distribution. In other words, this has the essential BMW qualities that have made the German brand’s cars some of the best in the business when it comes to handling.

Powering the 116d is a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. And yes, it is as responsive as it is smooth.

This drivetrain delivers punchy performance, with the same type of strong acceleration — from a standstill or low speeds — that diesel engines are renown for.

This does not come at the expense of fuel efficiency, either: It is capable of an amazing 3.6-litres per 100km or 27.8km per litre. You just need to compare that to its 1-Series petrol-driven sibling, the 116i, which is listed to consume fuel at a rate of 17.2km per litre.

If those specs do not impress you, then perhaps you would be able to appreciate the quality of the interior, which feels every bit as well-made as any other BMW.

That said, there is one drawback: As with many European hatchbacks, the driving dynamics and compact dimensions are often prioritised over interior space.

This means that even though there is sufficient boot space, those with larger families — or larger family members — may find the rear passenger legroom a little challenging.