After starting the year with a CAT A COE price of $65,010 (Jan 2024, 1st bidding), COE prices have crept upwards and are now currently at $88,200 (Jun 2024, 1st bidding). This means that buying a car in Singapore is still very expensive and less than ideal for anyone who is looking for an affordable, brand-new car.
Gone are the days when $50,000 can still afford us a quality, brand-new sedan. In fact, based on our research of authorised dealers in Singapore, we can’t even find any new cars in Singapore at less than $140,000 today.
One problem when COE prices go up is that dealers who sell cheaper cars tend to see their margins eroded more quickly. What this means is that with COE prices so high, there is a tendency for buyers to look for more expensive cars, with the rationale being that since they are already paying so much for the COE, they may as well get a better and more expensive car. Over time, car dealers who are selling affordable cars may lose market share, and dealers may stop selling these cars altogether in favour of cars that give them a higher margin.
If you do not need a car urgently, it might be advisable to put off purchasing a car, at least until COE prices soften. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing a pre-owned car instead. Furthermore, before committing to purchasing a car, it’s also important to consider the long-term cost of owning a car in Singapore.
However, if you desperately need a car and would prefer a brand-new car, here are some of the cheapest cars in Singapore that you can purchase. Prices are accurate at the time of writing and taken from authorised dealers.
Here are some of the cheapest cars in Singapore today as of June 2024.
Cheapest Cars In Singapore
Nissan Note e-POWER Hybrid – $147,800
A hybrid vehicle, the Nissan Note offers an engine capacity of 1,198 cc and a fuel consumption of about 24.4km/l. Its boot capacity is 340l, and its features include 7 airbags, electric folding side mirrors, lane assist, and a departure warning.
Suzuki Jimny – $147,888
Unless you fancy a small off-road car, the Suzuki Jimny is certainly not for everyone. The Jimny is a small all-wheel drive vehicle with a 2+2 seating capacity and provides only 85l of boot space when all four seats are up with a fuel consumption of 14.4k/l.
Unless you are the adventure-seeking type who likes to drive to Malaysia regularly for off-road activities, this car may not be the most ideal for regular family use.
BYD Dolphin Electric – $146,888
For those who wish to switch to an EV, the BYD Dolphin is currently one of the most affordable options available in Singapore. Equipped with a 44.9kWh battery with a reported range of 340km, the car can go from 0-100km/h in 12.3 seconds.
It provides a boot capacity of 345l. Other features include 6 airbags, cruise control, navigation system and electric folding side mirrors.
Kia Stonic Mild Hybrid 1.0T EX (A) – Currently Unavailable, 2023 Price: $144,999
A small SUV, the Kia Stonic Mild Hybrid is a reasonable entry-level vehicle for car owners who want a slightly higher view of the road. It offers 352L of boot space and goes from 0 to 100km/h in 10.4 seconds. As a Hybrid car that runs on both petrol and electric, it gives drivers a good fuel consumption of 21.3 km/l.
At $144,999, the entry-level Kia Stonic Mild Hybrid 1.0T EX (A) model offers decent features that Singapore drivers will want, such as electric folding side mirrors, leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), 6 airbags, and a reverse camera.
SEAT Arona 1.0 EcoTSI DSG Style (A) – Currently Unavailable, 2023 Price: $144,888
A Spanish car manufacturer, SEAT, offers the SEAT Arona, which is considered a crossover. The 999cc engine brings the car from 0-100km/h in 10 seconds while offering good fuel consumption of 20km/l to drivers. Boot space is at 400L.
At $144,888, the entry-level SEAT Arona 1.0 EcoTSI DSG Style (A) provides good features, including Auto Headlights, Electric Folding Side Mirrors, multi-zone aircon, Bluetooth connectivity, a Navigation System, six airbags, and a reverse camera.
Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid 1.2 (A) – $140,888 (As Of April 2024)
This sporty-looking classic Japanese hatchback has always been a popular and fun car to drive around. To some (very) untrained eye, it may even be mistaken for the Mini Cooper Countryman under dark lighting.
At $140,888 (as of April 2024), the Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid 1.2 Standard (A) gives the driver a generous fuel consumption of 24.2 km/l as it’s a hybrid that runs on petrol and electricity. It goes from 0-100km/h in 12.2 seconds and has a boot capacity of 265L. The Suzuki Swift offers the usual features you would want in a modern car, such as auto headlights, electric folding side mirrors, keyless engine start, 6 airbags, reverse camera and Bluetooth connectivity.
Perodua Myvi 1.3 X (A) – 2023 Price: $129,999 (as of May 2024)
A Malaysian car manufacturer, Perodua currently offers three car models in Singapore: the Aruz (a 7-seater), the Bezza (a sedan), and the Myvi.
The Myvi is the smallest of the three cars. A small hatchback, it offers a basic, no-frills drive and 4 airbags, keyless engine start, and electrical retractable mirrors. Boot space is 277L, while fuel consumption is 21.1km/L.
Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) – $128,999 (as of May 2024)
The Bezza gives you 2 airbags, 508L of boot space, and a reported fuel consumption of 21km/l. It’s a proper-sized sedan that provides a good amount of space for passengers and would be useful for those road trips to Malaysia.
Read Also: Why Are Cars In Singapore So Expensive?
If you need a car but are not willing to spend a lot on one, consider getting a used one instead. Motorist is an automotive platform that allows you to buy used cars in Singapore. Alternatively, if you already have a car that serves you well, why not consider renewing your COE instead?
Whether it’s to buy a used car, renew your COE, or to rent a car, Motorist can help you search and make better car-related decisions in Singapore. You can download the Motorist app on the App Store or Google Play.
Cover image credit: Raymond Quek
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