After peaking at $106,000 (CAT A) and $150,000 CAT B in October 2023, COE prices though stabilised, still remain high at $102,501 and $116,988, respectively, as of the 2nd bidding in May 2024. This makes buying a car in Singapore still very expensive and less than ideal for anyone seeking an affordable, brand-new car.
Gone are the days when $50,000 is enough to buy 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 erode 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 CAT A cars in Singapore today as of May 2025.
Cheapest Cars In Singapore
Nissan Note e-POWER Hybrid – Price: $162,800
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 – Price: $159,888
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 14.7km/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 – Price: $158,388
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 427km and with an energy consumption rate of 15.2 kWh/100km. The car can go from 0-100km/h in 9.3 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) – Price: $156,999
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 around 15 km/l.
Starting from $156,999, 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.
Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid 1.2 (A) – Price: $149,888
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 $149,888 (as of May 2025), the Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid 1.2 Standard (A) gives the driver a generous fuel consumption of 20.4 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.
Dongfeng Box Essential 43.3kWh – Price:$148,888
Dongfeng may be a relatively unfamiliar to local motorists, but it’s well-established brand in China as one of country’s “big four” state-owned car manufactures. The Dongfeng Box debuted in 2024 as a stylish and affordable car targeting first-time EV buyers.
The Dongfeng Box comes with 2 airbags, a 326 boot space, and a driving range of up to 385km with an energy consumption rate of 10.5kWh/100km. It reaches a top speed of 140km/hr and accelerates from zero to 100km/hr in 12.5 seconds.
Aion ES Electric – Price: $147,988
With affordability as its main appeal, the Aion ES starts from $147,988. It’s also the only sedan among the four models offered by the Chinese brand.
Equipped with a 55.2kWh battery, the Aion ES charges from 10% to 70% in 15 minutes at a 3C charging rate. It offers a WLTP range of up to 364km and up to 520km for city driving. The Aion ES has a top speed of 150km/h and accelerates from zero to 100km/h within 12.1 seconds.
Though it lacks the premium interior finishing and some features available in other EV cars, it scores for practicality with a spacious 1,200l boot space. While it may not be a head-turner, it’s an option for those seeking a car to take them from Point A- to -B.
Opel Mokka-e Electric – Price: $143,500
If you’re looking for a continental car without breaking the bank, then Opel’s Mokka-e could be worth considering. Launched in 2022, this all-electric SUV features 8 airbags, a 350L boot space that expands to 1,105L with the rear seats folded, and a driving range of 363km with an energy consumption rate of 6.9km/kWh or 14.5kWh/100km.
The Mokka-e supports DC charging at up to 50kW and allowing for a full charge in an hour. While the Mokka-e may not be particularly fast with a top speed of 150km/hr, it has a decent acceleration speed from zero to 100km/hr in around 10.1 seconds. This could be suitable for city travelling or young families who may not require extensive rear legroom.
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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