3 Forgotten Yet Lovely Cars We Can Buy At Under S$1,000 Depreciation Per Month

It wasn’t that long ago when Singapore saw a greater diversity of cars on local roads. Remember the Volkswagen Mk6 Golf cabriolet launched in 2011? Even a chopped-top Golf came in no less than 2 variants - a “regular” 1.4-litre twincharged engine made its debut, and a more potent GTI cabrio arrived a couple of years later. Even a diesel-powered Jaguar sedan almost sounds offensive in today’s world, but you can buy one back in 2016, guilt-free.

While option packs from brands now seemingly relegated to a couple at best, it comes as little surprise given the complexity derived from post-pandemic microchip shortages and a rush to streamline supply chains. And with COE premiums through the roof accompanied by tweaked rules from authorities, it has forced some brands to, for instance, detune power outputs in order to operate in friendlier tax-layered playgrounds.

Does a climate comparatively free of these “worries” translate to more car varieties back in the good old days? Very possibly so, especially from brands that doesn't shout mainstream from the off. These 3 cars might have been overshadowed by their own siblings or rivals in the same segment, but they now ooze unconventional charm like nothing else - all at a depreciation comfortably lower than a Honda Jazz.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.0T

If you’re concerned about the Porsche 718 Spyder RS’s self service folding roof mechanism, a company that’s now defunct can provide the solution. A one button operation in just over 20 seconds is all it takes for the Saab 9-3 Convertible to drop its top. The emphasis on this rag top is intentional, because we’d argue that most would have memories of the 9-3 sedan - a brute in a suit and one that arguably perfected the Q car recipe, especially in V6 Aero guise.

While the 9-3 convertible was no slouch thanks to turbo-fed boost, it was the sleek, Swedish take on design that sets it apart from German cabriolets more than a decade ago. The Audi A5 cabriolet was too popular to be basking in the spotlight, and the BMW E93 convertible’s additional weight over its coupe sibling meant enthusiasts steered clear. This Saab, however, was positioned as a relaxed cruiser with useful poke on demand, which worked well in its favour.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 Turbo

This hatchback might not have enjoyed Volkswagen Golf-levels of familiarity, but that’s precisely why this offbeat choice is cool on all fronts, while letting depreciation do its magic. Alfa’s Giulietta had big shoes to fill, given that the 147 predecessor achieved cult-like status no less. Even those looking for less run-of-the-mill hatches could have gone for the Fiat 500 or Citroen DS3.

But what those mentioned lacked (space), the Alfa possessed in spades. 5 doors and a large boot meant that it satisfied the Golf-loving crowd, and yet it was eccentric enough to persuade MINI lovers not to be swayed by the nanoscopic Coupe launched in the same period. And to know now that there’s proper representation of the brand here in Singapore might make the deal even sweeter. Convinced, yet?

MINI Cooper Coupe 1.6 (A)

Let us play devil’s advocate here - sure, the MINI Coupe looks like one designed to be driven under a carpark gantry barrier, but we cannot fault its dynamic ability. Show it a set of twisty tarmac and it could even perform better than its R56 MINI Cooper sibling when pushed beyond the edge of grip, due to its lower centre of gravity.

We had a similarly-priced Polo GTI in the shortlist initially, but reckon that some would still have fond, deep memories of the baby GTI, as compared to this MINI that had to step aside to witness hot hatch boom unfold. This left field choice remains so in the current company of towering electric crossovers, but those who saw its niche appeal back in 2011 can now have a second bite of the cherry.

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