Mazda 2

Features: The latest Mazda 2 is a small but sleek car. It has an improved SkyActiv technology, which means lower emissions and increased fuel efficiency (if you care about that sort of thing--which you should!). But our favorite bit is the cutting-edge MZD Connect, an infotainment system that allows you to load your social media and other online content. It even reads your texts and emails out loud for you.

Specs: Four-cylinder 16-valve SKYACTIV engine, six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift, fuel consumption: 5.1/100km

Price: $122,800 from Mazda Showroom, 23 Leng Kee Rd., 6603-6118.

Nissan Note 1.2L CVT (I)

Features: It's small on the outside, but the Nissan Note has a surprisingly large amount of cabin space and legroom. This mini-MPV has a sleek exterior with these subtly etched speed lines along the side. It also has a neat Idling Stop System that shuts off the engine when you stop, and restarts it when you take your foot off the brake.

Specs: Three-cylinder 12-valve engine, Xtronic CVT transmission, fuel consumption: 5.4/100km

Price: $102,800 from Tan Chong Motor Sales, 911 Bukit Timah Rd., 6466-7711.

Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI (DSG)

Features: This new coupe features the powerful and new-to-Singapore 1.4 TSI engine. Sound like jibberish? Well, the engine consists of both a supercharger and a turbocharger which basically means better boost and low fuel consumption. More importantly, the interior has got sexy sport seats and a leather sport steering wheel. The cute rear VW logo now also serves as a handle for opening the boot lid.

Specs: Four-cylinder engine with turbocharger, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, fuel consumption: 6.3/100km

Price: $139,300 from Volkswagen Centre Singapore, 247 Alexandra Rd., 6474-8288.

Subaru BRZ

Features: Subaru isn't just for American soccer moms. We are swooning over this sports coupe (it doesn't take much), Subaru’s first ever rear-wheel-drive car. It's got better acceleration and stopping, is easier to control and has better weight balance as the car's load is spread across all four tires. Great for those road trips to KL.

Specs: Four-cylinder 16-valve engine, 6AT rear-wheel-drive transmission, fuel consumption: 7.1/100km

Price: $152,600 from Subaru Hub, 19 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, 6703-8333.