Singapore Motor Show 2024 Preview : New Car Smell

Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore – It couldn’t have been better timed, as the recent huge drop in COE premiums to S$85k for Cat B from the historic S$150k high has coincided with the 2024 Singapore Motorshow, which runs from 11 to 14 January 2024.

The thronging crowds at the car showrooms in the following days after last week’s COE results should augur well for this 16th edition of the Singapore Motorshow.

After all, it’s a great chance for shoppers to sniff out the hottest deals, as well as check-out the concepts, akan datangs and see-hows in one convenient place.

As with every year, not all the action takes place on Levels 3 and 4 of the Suntec Singapore (in case you’re wondering, the Russ Swift stunt show is on Level 4), as some brands have taken up positions outside the Motorshow… with some even entirely outside Suntec City!

For instance, BYD has set up shop at the Suntec City Convention Centre Atrium, while VW and Skoda have kick-started their own pop-ups at the VivoCity Central Court 1 and VivoCity Central Court 2 respectively.

PHOTOS Jay Tee

Audi (Level 4, Booth 203)

Q4 e-tron

Audi’s all-electric Q4 e-tron takes the form of a smart, stylish crossover that will gamely serve family-person duties, yet prove versatile enough for the busy business professional on the move.

The Audi virtual cockpit is standard, with performance rated at 286hp (210kW) and 545Nm, as well as a 400km WLTP range on a full-charge.

SQ8 Sportback e-tron

The SQ8 e-tron features three electric motors for triple the driving enjoyment, especially given the 503hp (370kW in S mode) and 973Nm on tap.

It exudes a powerful road presence with its S-line aesthetics in keeping with its prodigious performance, while electric torque vectoring delivers the dynamic goodness when the going gets curvy.

BMW (Level 4, Booth 115)

iX1 eDrive20

Basically an all-electric X1 and built on the same ULK2 platform, BMW’s compact electric crossover wears the familiar blue ‘i’ highlights and should prove to be a great companion in the city.

The body-form sees decent accommodation – yes, even for taller’uns – with the 147hp and 250Nm serving up decently brisk performance.

Hyundai (Level 4, Booth 208)

Ioniq 5 N

This is the EV that ummm, petrolheads the world over have been watching out for.

Hyundai’s first all-electric N model is the Ioniq 5 N hot-hatch, which has been engineered to embody the three N performance pillars of ‘Corner Rascal,’ ‘Racetrack Capability’ and ‘Everyday Sportscar’.

The Ioniq 5 N gets loads of sporty N trim, as well as rally-inspired underbody trickery for engaging dynamics, all of which work to really fire up our enthusiasm if / when we get to drive it.

The numbers? How does 614hp (with N Grin Boost engaged) and 0-100km/h in 3+ secs sound?

Kia (Level 4, Booth 106)

EV9

The EV6 is plenty cool, and the all-electric three-row EV9 SUV looks set to build on the popularity of Kia’s EV models with its blocky, polygonal form.

The brand’s ‘tiger face’ front has been reinterpreted in the EV9, with clusters of cube lamps nestled in the new grille beside the vertical headlights.

The seven-seat cabin is eminently versatile, with a swivel action to the second row seats that lets the occupants face and 'interact with' the third row.

Lexus (Level 4, Booth 110)

LBX

The smallest Lexus yet, the LBX is a chic, compact hybrid petrol-electric crossover that should appeal to young professionals and newcomers to the brand.

It features all the familiar advanced technologies synonymous with the Lexus brand, while luxury craftsmanship and Omotenashi hospitality keep the occupants comfortably cosseted.

The LBX’s design is an evolution of the Lexus Next Chapter philosophy, while a ‘deconstructed’ spindle grille is a fresh look for the brand.

Mercedes-Benz (Level 4, Booth 108)

Concept EQG

The cult Gelandewagen, or G-wagen for short, is arguably a great candidate for electrification, especially for the city slickers who drive it around town.

The familiar iconic silhouette is touched with EQ elements to differentiate it from the regular G, and this all-electric variant will feature four individually-controllable electric motors mounted close to the wheels for literal all-wheel performance

C 63 S E Performance

The hybrid-powered C63 S E Performance brings advanced motorsports-derived technology to the streets… except it is now a four-cylinder, a nugget that has caused much consternation to the legions of V8 devotees from the previous generations of the C 63.

However, the combination of high-powered battery and powerful four-cylinder engine results in a storming 680hp!

MG (Level 4, Booth 202)

Cyberster

The all-electric two-door Cyberster roadster could well be MG’s modern throwback to its sporting past.

It draws inspiration from the brand’s heritage, with signature design cues that include a long bonnet and curvaceous styling.

The Cyberster will feature scissor doors and a Kammback rear element.

MINI (Level 4, Booth 116)

Concept Aceman

Intended as a preview of MINI’s new generation design, the Concept Aceman is the brand’s vision of a new premium small crossover car segment that is all-electric, as well as chrome- and leather-free.

Despite the Concept Aceman’s compact proportions, you can count on this cool character as having creative storage solutions.

Nissan (Level 4, Booth 101)

Serena e-POWER

Nissan’s e-POWER technology lets you enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without the fuss of charging.

The Serena e-POWER joins the Note, Kicks and X-Trail as the fourth model in the e-POWER range in Singapore, and offers buyers comfortable mass people moving ability with family-friendly features and pretty decent technology.

ORA (Level 4, Booth 109)

Ora 07 / Grand Cat / Lightning Cat

The 07 is a cool cat that is big brother to the Good Cat (aka Funky Cat).

If you’re wondering, this all-electric fastback sedan that is built on GWM’s Lemon E platform is also known as the Lightning Cat (or Grand Cat).

The cabin is nicely appointed, with tasteful design features and even a floating centre console, while the exterior design has hints of the Panamera and *gasp* even the Bugatti Galibier!

Polestar (Level 4, Booth 206)

6 (Electric roadster concept)

The 6 is Polestar’s Electric Roadster Concept, with a production model of the hardtop convertible slated to arrive in 2026.

Originally revealed as the Polestar O₂, the electric performance roadster is inspired by the Precept and gives a glimpse of the brand’s vision for future sportscars.

It is built around an 800-volt electric architecture, with output of up to 884hp and 900Nm.

Suzuki (Level 4, Booth 111)

Jimny 5-door

Our perennial Suzuki fave, the retro-cool Jimny, goes XL. The 5dr form adds two doors and a new dimension of practicality to the boxy body-on-frame cult favourite, with rear seats that have been adapted for the 5dr’s slightly longer wheelbase.

Despite its relatively small size, the Jimny is huge in off-road ability, with its ALLGRIP Pro 4WD system helping you conquer all manner of inclement terrain.

Toyota (Level 4, Booth 112)

Prius

Toyota’s definitive hybrid, the Prius, returns in a sleek, modern hatchback design, which demonstrates that hybrids don’t need to look boring.

Developed under the ‘Hybrid Reborn’ concept, the new Prius adds an engaging drive and sporty aesthetics to its eco-friendly car credentials.