Christmas is a time for joy. Or so they say.
And since we're in the business of constantly relishing the experience of driving, how about some automotive joy? No SUVs here, fun cars only.
Which got us thinking: What constitutes a joyous motoring experience? What if we didn't (always) have to worry too much about sense and practicality? It's Christmas, so some wishful thinking is definitely on the cards.
To that end, this is how three members of the Editorial Team find their joy differently.
Joy is simple: Suzuki Swift
As we grow older, we often want more. Excess has gradually become what we all strive towards - we want more money, we want more food, we want more luxury goods; we are always seeking more, be it in terms of quality or quantity. And somehow, we all have gotten used to the notion that more is always better.
But that isn't really the case. This holiday season, I'm choosing to take a step back and appreciate the simpler things in life - starting with this cute, green Suzuki Swift over here.
Powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild hybrid engine, it only puts out 82bhp. It doesn't have fancy doors, nor a big spoiler at the rear, but it still brings plenty of joy with its easy to drive and carefree character.
Narrow spaces, tight carparks, parallel lots, or wherever you want me to drive to, the Swift will take you there without putting any undue stress on the driver. Want to bring some friends out for a drive, or buy some gifts for your family? The Swift does it all as a compact five-seater with cargo space to boot. The best part of it all: It sips on fuel, achieving 15km/L or better without effort.
Don't get me wrong, the Swift is simple, cheerful, and priced really well in today's market at just below $140,000, but it isn't devoid of creature comforts either.
The seats are plush and comfortable with great ergonomics; there's Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity for your navigation and music needs; and even more impressively, the car is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist!
With it all, driving the Swift is a simple and easy affair. Remember - you don't need much to be happy! You don't need to be the first off the line, and you don't have to drive the most expensive car, because oftentimes, joy is simple and straightforward.
Simplicity is joy; we don't have to over-complicate our lives. - Zhi Xuan
Joy is cool and casual: MG Cyberster
Simple joys are not to be understated, and good things certainly do come in smaller and less complicated packages.
But don't fault yourself if you're keen on living a bit more vibrantly. The courage to pursue something different - and to stand out while at it - offers a different sort of joy: One that excites rather than soothes; that thrives on a more electrifying sort of energy in place of quiet introspection; and that's matched perfectly by MG's latest entrant.
Arriving just in time to deck our automotive halls with something fresh, the Cyberster - MG's first electric roadster (though certainly not its first roadster ever) - is a far cry from its more family-oriented machines of recent years. It's also perfect for the sort of motorhead that prides himself (or herself) in being cool, but in a casual manner.
This isn't a car that feels entirely inaccessible or intimidating. Even if you swapped a white button-down for a white tee, the Cyberster would welcome you with arms wide open (or doors swung up wide) - and you'd still be able to look good behind the wheel.
As part of its casual charisma, the Cyberster also doesn't want to scare its driver. Instead, it's bent instead on answering the question of what makes him or her feel good from behind the wheel.
A huge part of it is down to its ability to turn heads, especially in this New English White coat (matched to a burgundy-coloured fabric roof). Roof up, and it exudes softness and elegance with its curves and flowing lines; roof down, and the car gains a more athletic energy, especially as those twin roll hoops peek out of the cabin. Other party tricks help it stand out further: A futuristic rear-end (replete with outward pointing arrows) and - how could we forget? - electronically operated scissors doors.
The rest comes from how it performs on the move. The Cyberster's balanced driving character - less racy than its styling - actually does wonders for day-to-day living.
While its softer-than-expected suspension damping means it's actually a comfortable daily driver, its steering is quick, and it's still got plenty of power to give thanks to the magic of electrification. Even this rear-wheel drive variant can sprint to 100km/h from rest in five seconds flat - with a low, amusing cyborg-like growl to boot while at it.
Then there are the car's other less immediately visible eccentricities: A mixture of suede, leather, and even a terrazzo-like finish (on the centre console) in the cabin, and the atypical three-screen instrument cluster. (That foldout mirror-like shape feels super fresh against the single panels of other modern cars.) Amidst them, the focus remains on the driver, with the central display retaining the most vital driving information.
Best of all, Santa doesn't have to splash too much money for this in this COE economy; the Cyberster is asking for roughly the same amount as a compact premium sedan. The joy that comes with something so effortlessly one-of-a-kind, however? That’s priceless. - Mattheus
Joy is going wild: Porsche 911 GT3
Joy isn't just something to have, it's also something to chase. So if Santa were truly in the giving spirit, this Christmas season, I'm dreaming big, and going wild.
And when it comes to wild performance cars, it's hard to look past the 911 GT3.
Performance is expectedly riotous. 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine screaming to its 9,000rpm redline. Razor sharp handling from the communicative steering wheel. More power than you will ever need for Singapore roads.
Highly singular and focused, this GT3 is an ultimate contemporary expression of classic Porsche performance. 503bhp is sent strictly to the rear wheels, and two of the five buttons on the centre console are dedicated to turning off ESC and TC. This car wants you to go wild.
It's also wildly impractical. Ride comfort? My sports bike has more ride comfort. Rear seats? What's that. Wireless charging? Bring a portable charger. Sound insulation? Nope. Rear visibility? Not with that huge wing at the back. The car doesn't even have keyless entry/exit. At least there's wireless CarPlay.
But that's okay. The lack of creature comforts is entirely the point - helping to reduce weight to deliver a pure and unadulterated driving experience.
That's part of being ambitiously hardcore: You don't dream big and settle for compromised happiness.
This car is as uncompromising as it gets (especially as a 'standard' 911 is considered something of a practical, everyday sports car), and that's why it holds a special place in enthusiasts hearts. It shall not always reveal itself every day, but that's why is possesses an exponential ability to deliver dramatically joyous experiences.
Second gear through any tunnel, the screaming flat-six is a spectacular extravaganza all in itself, enough to ignite a little festive spirit in even the most ice-cold holiday cynics (i.e. me). I hate Christmas songs, but the GT3's jingle is one I'd gladly listen to.
So my million-dollar ($935,911 to be exact) Christmas wish? This Porsche 911 GT3, all red and wild. - Desmond
Merry Christmas to all our readers - and may all of your days be bright and merry this season!
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