A friend showed me the paperwork for her new car last month. Even though I knew what I was in for, nothing really prepares you to see 6 figures and a comma. All that for a Perodua!
That's Singapore for you. The cheapest car in SG still costs more than a house deposit in most countries. They don't have to be a mystery, though. And if you’re really set on avoiding options like renting or leasing, you should at least understand how much even the cheapest cars in Singapore can set you back.
The cheapest new petrol cars you can buy in Singapore right now
If you've decided that petrol is the way to go, the options have narrowed. Several of Singapore’s cheapest cars, such as the Perodua Bezza, Perodua Myvi, and Mitsubishi Attrage, have been discontinued in Singapore. With COE premiums at record highs and budget nameplates pulling out of Singapore, the sub-$200,000 petrol segment has shrunk considerably.
Suzuki Swift 1.2L Dual Jet
The cheapest new petrol car you can buy in Singapore right now. The latest Swift runs a 1,197cc engine with 80hp, and is yours for, at the time of writing, $173,888 with COE. It's small, light, and nimble enough to make city driving feel effortless. The mild hybrid system recovers energy during braking, though it's still classified as a petrol car for COE purposes.
Honda Vezel 1.5 G Petrol
The Honda Vezel isn't sold through Honda's authorised dealer (Kah Motor) in Singapore, but you can get one through parallel importers. Cars & Stars lists the Vezel 1.5 G Petrol Honda Sensing at $195,888 OTR with COE. It's a compact SUV with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine, and the 688-litre boot is generous for its class.
The cheapest new electric cars in Singapore right now
The cheapest electric car in Singapore is no longer a niche choice. Prices have come down significantly over the past 2 years, and 2026 is the last year to enjoy the Electric Vehicle (EV) Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) rebates of up to $20,000 before the government phases them out in January 2027, so if you really want to drive a new electric car, now’s the time!
BYD Atto 2
BYD's compact SUV starts from $171,888 with non-guaranteed COE and $179,888 with guaranteed COE. The driveaway price includes the $30,000 EV rebate, which is available for registrations until 31 December 2026. The Atto 2 packs a 51.13kWh battery with 345km of range, and it's backed by BYD's growing service network in Singapore.
Omoda E5
The E5 is a compact SUV from Chinese manufacturer Chery's premium brand, packing a 61kWh battery with 430km of WLTP range. The car comes with a 10 year battery warranty, and is yours from $174,999 with non-guaranteed COE and $179,999 with guaranteed COE.
GAC Aion UT
Unless you’ve been practising the Heimlich manoeuvre lately, you probably haven’t heard about GAC. But $180,988 for an urban crossover with a 100kW electric motor and a range of up to 410km, there are far worse options on the market.
BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin hatchback starts from $182,888 with non-guaranteed COE, going up to $190,888 with guaranteed COE, according to BYD by 1826. It offers 427km of WLTP range from a 44.9kWh battery, and its compact size makes it well suited to urban driving. Like the Atto 2, the driveaway price includes the $30,000 EV rebate available until end 2026.
The cheapest new hybrid cars in Singapore right now
Toyota Vios Hybrid
For $202,888, Toyota's entry-level sedan pairs a 1,490cc engine with Toyota's self-charging hybrid system and falls under COE Category A. The Vios has always been a workhorse sedan, and the new hybrid variant allows it a degree of flexibility that makes it a perfect match for the driver who wants to get more eco-friendly, but can’t quite part with 5-minute refuels just yet.
Nissan Note e-Power
Nissan Singapore lists the Note e-Power from $196,800. It's a series hybrid where a petrol engine generates electricity to power an electric motor that drives the wheels. You never plug it in, but you drive on electric power 100% of the time. The result is a driving experience that feels like an EV, with the convenience of filling up at a petrol station.
Honda Jazz CROSSTAR e:HEV
Ya like Jazz? The Honda Jazz is now sold exclusively as a hybrid in Singapore from $196,899. Honda's Magic Seat system lets you fold, flip, and reconfigure the rear seats in ways that make the car feel much bigger than it looks from outside, all in an e:HEV system that pairs a 1,498cc engine with dual electric motors.
Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid
Toyota's compact SUV hybrid starts from $214,888 OTR with COE, and gives you a 1,490cc engine paired with Toyota's self-charging hybrid system. The Yaris Cross is pricier than the other hybrids on this list, but Toyota's strong resale value makes it a popular choice for buyers who plan to keep the car for the full COE cycle.
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