I did not attend the Singapore Motorshow because I was hunting for a new car. In fact, this was my first time attending at all, whether as part of the media or as a regular consumer. DollarsAndSense has covered it in previous years, but this was my first time going.
Often seen as an event for car enthusiasts or people actively shopping for a new vehicle. But spending time walking the show floor makes me realise that even those who are not looking to purchase a car may wish to attend this event.
In concept, the Motorshow is not very different from a finance fair or an IT exhibition. You bring many brands into one place, reduce the effort required for consumers to compare, and let visitors freely explore without the pressure to buy.
Many cars were revealed at the Singapore Motorshow during the media preview
This year, the scale was hard to miss. Located at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from 8 to 11 January 2026, the exhibition spanned 21,000 square metres across four levels, with 37 automotive brands and over 200 vehicles on display. More than 80 percent were electric or hybrid models, which already tells you something about where the industry is heading.
What also becomes clear after a while is how fragmented choice has become. The “right” car now depends heavily on what type of car you want. If you are looking at electric vehicles, the field is no longer dominated by familiar European or Japanese names. There is a growing number of Chinese EV brands offering well-equipped, well-finished cars that deserve serious consideration. This is not necessarily about one being better than the other, but about recognising that brand loyalty alone is no longer a sufficient shortcut for good decision-making.
A first glimpse at the Zeekr 9X, a new, flagship luxury plug-in hybrid SUV
For Those Actively Looking To Buy A Car
If you are in the market for a car, value is the most obvious factor. Instead of visiting multiple showrooms across Ubi or Alexandra, you can see competing models side by side. You may go in with one model in mind, but walk out realising another option is cheaper, more spacious, or simply better fits your needs and lifestyle.
Just like shopping for insurance or investment products, comparison matters. Even if you do not sign anything on the spot, having a clearer sense of pricing, features and trade-offs puts you in a stronger position to decide which cars make the most sense for the budget that you have.
For Those Whose COE Clock Is Ticking
This group often gets overlooked. Suppose your COE expires in three years and you are considering either renewing it or buying a pre-owned car. The cars being sold today will be about three years old by then. Walking through the Motorshow gives you a preview of what your future choices might realistically look like.
It also helps answer a very practical question: do newer models feel compelling enough to justify changing cars, or does extending your existing COE, which by itself would cost you $100,000 or more (plus you lose your PARF rebate) make more financial sense? Seeing the cars in person provides some clarity on the decision.
You may not purchase the Volvo ES90 today if you have a car, but this could be an option in the pre-owned market when the time comes.
For Those Who Are Just Curious
This may actually be the group that benefits the most.
Many Singaporeans do not grow up around cars. With today’s prices, most of us only experience cars through YouTube reviews, advertisements, or the occasional mall atrium display. A Motorshow is one of the few opportunities to sit in different models, feel their interiors, and see how technology has evolved, especially with the growing presence of electric vehicles, including newer Chinese brands.
First look at the Jaecoo 8 (J8), a new, large, affordable luxury SUV
You are unlikely to make an impulsive purchase, especially with current COE levels. But you walk away better informed. And when the day comes that you do need to make a decision, you are not starting from zero.
Having a dream car costs you nothing…unless you buy it
Why This Matters Financially
Buying a car in Singapore is one of the largest financial decisions most households will make outside of housing. Events like the Singapore Motorshow reduce information gaps. They help people understand what they are paying for, what alternatives exist, and how quickly the landscape is changing. When a brand-new car can easily cost $150,000 to $200,000 all in, knowing your options ensures that you are paying that sum for something you genuinely want, rather than something you rushed into.
Even if you never intend to buy a car, the direction is clear. Electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate new launches. Incentives, infrastructure and resale values will increasingly revolve around these choices.
A closer look at how a hybrid car works
You may not be a petrolhead (yet). You may not even see yourself as a future car owner today, especially if you are a first-time buyer or a parent still years away from needing one. But if cars are likely to play any role in your life down the road, financially or otherwise, the Singapore Motorshow is worth more than just a passing glance.
Read Also: Explaining Why Cars In Singapore Are So Expensive
