The annual Singapore Motorshow returns with a host of new models - we highlight some here!

Photos by Azfar Hashim

It is that time of the year again, where Singapore’s automotive industry converge under the large Suntec City roof. New models being launched, car companies showing off their extensive range of cars and even stunt shows; largely a recycled formula from the last, but it seemed to work well among local consumers who are out hunting for the best deals. Without wanting to waste any of our precious readers’ time, we highlight some models that you could expect to get up close and personal with at the 2017 edition of the Singapore Motorshow.

Toyota CH-R The turbocharged 1.2-litre Toyota CH-R obviously has one task only: To take on the Vezel/HR-V, Qashqai and Vitara and overtake them all in terms of sales when it arrives in March this year. Unsurprisingly, the number of fans eager to sign on the dotted line for this car had already started queuing up. Head over to the Toyota stand to have a closer feel of Singapore’s next best-selling compact SUV.

Toyota Harrier Yes this is the Harrier that parallel-importers have been happily selling for more than a year. But no the official Toyota dealer, Borneo Motors, haven’t started taking orders yet. Burnpavement asked a representative of the dealer why on earth they’re displaying it at their stand if that’s the case, and here’s their reply: “We’ve put it here to gauge the public’s interest on an officially-imported Harrier.”

It could be another case of ‘a little too late’, but we’re very sure an officially imported Harrier would still have a healthy number of fans — we just hope they do not make it look ridiculous like this chrome-wrapped sample…

Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe The latest C-Class Coupe is perhaps one of the best-looking car money could buy, and the popularity of the C180 and C200 variants are proof. Well, if you want it to be sexy AND fast at the same time, why not check out this 362 bhp fire-breather in a suit at the Mercedes-Benz stand? It’s so special it has its own corner too!

Lexus RC Turbo Burnpavement had tested both the manic RC F and wonderful RC 350 variants previously; both times, we came away impressed despite some niggles with its interior. In keeping up with the current trend, Lexus has introduced a 2.0-litre turbocharged variant in hopes of stealing some fans away from its nearest German competitors (read: 4 Series, C-Class Coupe and new A5). We must say it looks brilliant in this shade of red too — you can’t miss this at the Lexus stand.

Infiniti Q60 Ahh… A new entrant in the fray. While the display car at the Infiniti stand is a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo variant, local buyers can expect a 2.0-litre turbocharged model to be added when it arrives officially at a later date. Well the good news is the local Infiniti dealer, Wearnes Automotive, has already sent both models for LTA homologation; which means it could be launched as early as March this year, or by June the latest. So it will either be this or the Lexus RC — to be honest however, we were swaying towards this car if we’re focusing solely on the topic of aesthetics.

Nissan GT R A car that needs no introduction for sure, but what a difference some subtle nip and tuck can do to keep you fresh and relevant. Still a hero car for most young JDM fans, don’t miss the opportunity to take as many photos as you can at the Nissan stand…

Mitsubishi Space Star Basically an Attrage without a boot, the 1.2-litre Space Star looks bubbly and pleasant enough to be your first car. It also offers a useful cabin and looks decently kitted up. However, its main selling point is still its fuel economy; try more than 20 km/L.

Peugeot 3008 Peugeot’s well received 3008 has been given an extensive makeover and we can’t help but go oooh la la upon seeing it in the flesh. A fine example of how a family car doesn’t need to look drab and uninspiring; something Peugeot has been good in as of late.

Renault Megane GT Renault Sport Renault took the chance to launch both hatchback and sedan variants with a turbocharged diesel engine at the Motorshow, but what actually caught our eye is this GT Renault Sport model; it’s powered by the same turbocharged petrol powerplant seen in the Clio RS. To quote a representative of the local dealer: “It’s fast and fun. Really. Fast and fun...”

No guesses as to who it is targeting.

Volkswagen Tiguan Making its local debut just two days ago, the all new Tiguan deserves a round of applause for looking even more attractive this time around despite losing its curves. Comes fully packed with standard accessories and should go down well with family men looking for a mid-sized SUV.

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Well, if you have $130k to spend on a set of wheels that shouts style with a capital S, then this car should be perfect. And because it’s powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged TSI engine, you can expect fuel economy, road tax and insurance to be on the pocket-saving end of the spectrum too — how’s that for ‘style-without-breaking-the-bank’? Oh, and lets not forget about a nine-speaker, 400-watt setup that is rounded off with a subwoofer.