Bento box

A CAR is a luxury in Singapore. Not because the public transport system is world class but with the downpayment for a new car rivalling that of an HDB flat, it is no wonder that when drivers splash out cash for a new car, expectations are high. Even if the car in question is the least expensive Japanese car - albeit made in Thailand - on the market at the moment.

The Mitsubishi Attrage is a compact four-door sedan that seeks to provide basic point A-to-B motoring but with some much welcomed frills thrown in. Just like a bento box, it does make a working lunch feel a tad special versus a styrofoam packed meal from the hawker centre. Similarly, the Attrage masks its utilitarian roots well with niceties such as automatic climate control, plus keyless entry and engine start.

Make no mistake, this is still an entry-level sedan, and sound and noise insulation while acceptable, it's noticeably less isolated than a Mitsubishi Lancer. And it is probably a notch noisier than its rivals such as the Toyota Vios or Honda City too. For a driver getting behind the wheel for the first time, the whole driving experience is akin to a 1990s Daihatsu hatchback. Yes, there's more wind and road noise than your average car. And the ride is a bit choppier due to the relatively compact 2,550mm wheelbase. But despite having only 78 hp from the 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, the Attrage is a lot less slow - and more fun - than expected.