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Japanese coupes are bringing sexy back

SINGAPORE — Like the rest of the world, Singapore has gone ga-ga over sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossovers, with sales numbers jumping from 15,329 in 2015 to 27,912 in 2016, according to Land Transport Authority (LTA) registration figures.

SINGAPORE — Like the rest of the world, Singapore has gone ga-ga over sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossovers, with sales numbers jumping from 15,329 in 2015 to 27,912 in 2016, according to Land Transport Authority (LTA) registration figures.

However, ask anyone with even a drop of petrol in their veins about their dream machine, and it is very likely the car in question will not be an SUV, but something low, lithe and sexy — and have only two doors.

Yes, we are talking about coupes. And no, there is nothing quite like the lines of a proper coupe to get the blood pumping.

And here is the good thing about it: These days, coupes do not have to cost an arm and a leg, as these Japanese offerings prove.

MAZDA MX-5 RF

The Mazda MX-5 convertible is a symbol of freedom in automobile form. At least, that is the sort of thing the car marketers want you to believe. But in this case, it happens to be true.

That is because Mazda remains one of the last truly independent automakers to find continued success in this era of super-conglomerates. The MX-5 is a superb example of Mazda doing things its way and succeeding: 28 years and four-generations later, the car is still the best-selling roadster in history.

The MX-5 first found success as the modern reinterpretation of compact British roadsters; and the newest model to hit our streets — the MX-5 RF (“RF” stands for “retractable fastback”) — is the folding hard-top addition to the fourth-generation soft-top line.

While Mazda previously offered a hard-top on the third-generation car, it did not look as good as its current sibling.

The new MX-5 RF looks, by most standards, drop-dead gorgeous. You can almost see the airflow — even when the car is parked.

To save weight, only the middle section of the roof stows away in open-top mode, while the rear remains in place. It is connected to two sweeping buttresses that flow into the haunches of the coupe.

It looks markedly different, perhaps more menacing, than the more casual laid-back appearance of the soft-top. However, the increased weight of the hard-top roof — it is 65kg heavier — means the RF is actually a mite less nimble, compared to its soft-top sibling, when it gets up and running.

However, as a compact sports car, it is still a featherweight, weighing in at just 1,138kg. Mazda’s modern skin is recognisable in high-quality plastics and trim, but all else is refreshingly familiar: In the cabin, everything is less than an arm’s reach away; and all the driving controls — wheel, pedals, handbrake — are perfectly positioned and leather-covered. Mazda obviously spent extra time and money on these.

Driving the MX-5 RF is the closest you can get to deep driver involvement, apart from karting or racing. The steering and handling is almost universally brilliant, but compared to the soft-top, the RF rides a little harsher, although ironically, it is still superior to many crossovers in this respect, and there is a little less traction at extremes.

We drove the automatic version, with a six-speed automatic gearbox, but purists will enjoy the manual version. Not only is it lighter and quicker, it also has a limited slip differential, which should heighten the car’s already considerable cornering prowess.

The brilliance of the new RF model is that it offers the sort of affordable, driving experience that is increasingly rare in this day and age. Other cars with similar levels of immersion typically cost at least twice as much.

But there are drawbacks: You had better like your sole passenger, since you can rub elbows with them; and it is hard to really fit anything larger than a big gym bag in there. Also, the noise levels on long drives means you might want to wear earplugs — or take the slower, more twisty route.

The RF model sacrifices a modicum of performance for higher visual drama, so the choice here really depends on the kind of curves you prefer: Those on the car, or the ones on the road.

Mazda MX-5 RF

Engine: 1,998cc, in-line four, 158hp, 200Nm

Performance: 214km/h, 0-100km/h: 8.6s, 6.7L/100km, 156g/km CO2

Price: S$178,300 with COE

On Sale: Now

LEXUS RC 200t

The Lexus RC 200t is the lower-cost replacement of the RC 350, and its arrival means that anyone eyeing Lexus’ slinky coupe can now have one for S$82,000 less than before.

Mind you, this does forgo a number of frills. Instead of the smooth 3.5-litre V6 engine of the RC 350, the RC 200t hass a 2.0 litre turbo with a noticeably more gruff voice.

Considering that Lexus calls it a luxury car, the RC 200t is surprisingly basic. It comes without satellite navigation, and the powered front seats have no memory settings.

But it is still a Lexus. The cabin feels solid, and closing the door feels like sealing yourself in a vault, albeit one that comes with supportive seats and a lovely sound system.

For such a low-slung car with a low roofline, the RC 200t manages to not feel claustrophobic inside. True, rear-seat occupants had best be on the smaller side; but up front, you have room to stretch out, and you can easily see out of it. It is still a soothing car to drive when you float along in traffic, so the RC 200t ultimately feels like, well, a Japanese Mercedes.

Why not buy a Mercedes instead? In one word: Exclusivity. Lexus RC coupes are a rare sight on our roads. In contrast, Mercedes-Benz sold several hundred two-door cars here last year.

So if you are going to spend on a coupe, it might as well be something that stands out and turns heads.

Lexus RC 200t

Engine: 1,998cc, in-line four, turbocharged, 241bhp, 350Nm

Performance: 230km/h, 0-100km/h: 7.5s, 7.3L/100km, 168g/km CO2

Price: S$247,000 with COE

INFINITI Q60

Infiniti is the underdog when it comes to luxury car brands. Although it was established as the luxury arm of Nissan in the US in 1989, the same year Lexus was set up, its push to go global has only really gained momentum in the past decade or so.

Still, 2016 was a record year for the brand, with Infiniti moving more than 230,000 units globally. And the latest to join the Infiniti gang is the Q60.

What is interesting, though not exactly surprising, is that Infiniti’s Q60 actually has a German heart: The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine under the shapely bonnet is identical to the one found in the Mercedes-Benz C 200 coupe.

This is because of a technology-sharing agreement between the brands’ respective parent companies, Renault-Nissan and Daimler. The Q60’s smaller cousin, the Q30 hatchback, for example, actually runs on a Mercedes-Benz platform and engine technology.

The Q60’s engine is punchy, efficient when it needs to be, and slightly more powerful than other German 2.0-litre offerings at this level, which is good, since the Q60 needs a little more oomph to shift its bulk.

Nissan’s extant FM platform once again pulls duty here, but the Q60 pays the price when it comes to the smoothness of the ride: Although it still makes the mark — for a coupe — it is leagues away from the pillowy assurance of something like the Lexus RC. Throw the Q60 hard into a set of bends and it will stick with the best of them, but it takes some courage to handle, since the unsettled ride tends to detract from driver confidence.

But there is still plenty to like, such as its appealing, well-proportioned form; interesting design details; and deep, glossy paintwork.

The cabin is also relatively quiet and features a full list of luxury amenities — sunroof, drive modes, infotainment — and its design will find much appreciation in those who like an Eastern take on luxury.

Infiniti Q60

Engine: 1,991cc, in-line four, turbocharged, 208hp, 350Nm

Performance: 235km/h, 0-100km/h: 7.3s, 7.5L/100km, 171g/km CO2

Price: S$193,800 with COE

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