EDITOR'S PICKS - Asian Cars Under $100k with No VES Penalties

With its added plastic wheel arch trim and a raised ride height, the 2017 Subaru XV almost seems like a restyled Impreza to suit its SUV image. Its head and tail lamps share a similar angular design, where the edges makes the Subaru rectangular in shape when viewed from the top. Lower quarters of the car features slightly hardwearing black plastic guards with unique rims and bumpers to suit the SUV theme. Roof rails sit on top of the Subaru that are great for longer items that will not fit into the cabin.

Between the styled headlamps, the honeycomb-like design of the new grille, the “C’ shaped daytime running lights, and the chromed strip across stylistically brings the XV slightly closer to the Forester.

On the dash, instrument binnacle dials are large and clear, and in-between lays a coloured digitised display. The middle of the dash features a user-friendly eight-inch infotainment touchscreen unit that allows mobile phone connectivity with some minor car settings. Connectivity by phone includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto and also with Bluetooth hands-free system.

Additionally, their innovative Eyesight technology adds another layer of safety for drivers, helping to ensure that accidents can be prevented by automatically braking before an trouble may occur, alerts drivers when they stray off their lanes, and also features very useful Adaptive Cruise Control.

There’s plenty legroom for both front and rear passengers, even if one chooses to stretch out during the ride. Door apertures are large, and even with the slightly sloping rear door opening, rear passengers have no need to bend down excessively to enter or exit. An inherent advantage of having a crossover or SUV is the ride height, where in the XV’s case, you enjoy a 220mm of ground clearance that makes it much easier, especially for the elderly, to enter or exit.

Its angular shaped opening of its boot provides greater convenience in terms of loading and unloading. With the seats up, 350 litres of space is available; drop the rear 40:60 seats, and your cargo space is extended to a decent 1,240 litres. Some other additional details include cargo ties to prevent equipment from moving about.

Subaru has also now fielded their 2.0 litre engine, which delivers a welcome improvement in perfromance over the 1.6 we tested, with an improved 153bhp and 196Nm.

When the XV is taken off-roads, the help of the all-wheel drive becomes evident. Should the terrain gets more challenging, the XV is equipped with X-Mode that takes command of the AWD, brakes and engine together with transmission response, and works in tandem with Hill Descent Control to ensure a safer and more reliable passage.

The cleverly positioned “A” pillar and its split front window provides great visibility within the cabin that helps with turns at a cross junction to spot road-crossing pedestrians.

All in all, the XV features a good build quality and handling and is a good ride for those looking for an SUV/crossover when driving in normal Singapore roads. Its affordability (below $100k) also makes for a good buy to try out an SUV plus it doesn’t incur any VES surcharge!

Some may feel that Asian cars may not necessarily give off that “wow”-factor that many of its continental counterparts do; but Asian cars are known for their affordable price and longevity. If you are really just looking for a car that works and have a tight budget, these cars are great choices that have managed to escape from the VES penalties, with some even offering you a rebate!

Prices are below $100,000 at time of publication.

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