Ever since the introduction of ride-hailing platforms like Grab and Gojek, many Singaporeans are becoming private-hire drivers to earn an income. Being able to work at your own schedule and own a car is an appealing prospect — but private-hire driving is not without its challenges.
With rental fees, platform commissions and petrol costs, many new and experienced private-hire drivers find themselves in a constant tug of war between operating costs and ride revenue. While some choose to increase revenue by doubling up as delivery drivers for courier services like Lalamove, one of the easiest ways for a private-hire driver to maximize their earnings is to reduce their operating costs by choosing an economical vehicle.
What’s the right vehicle? Let’s take a look at three of the best car models for private-hire driving in Singapore.
Honda Vezel (Hybrid)
An ever-present sight on our roads, the Honda Vezel is a popular choice amongst car-owners and private-hire drivers alike.
Pros
The hybrid version of the Honda Vezel is extremely fuel-efficient at about 27km/l. The low fuel costs make it perfect for private-hire drivers who are looking to save at petrol stations while clocking in the miles. At the same time, it is an MPV with lots of room so you’ll be eligible to take on jobs carrying more people for larger fares.
As for the driving experience, the Vezel is surprisingly nimble for an SUV and can definitely handle everything the road throws at you. The well-fitted interior keeps you comfortable when driving for long hours. Should you require maintenance or repairs, parts are readily available due to the popularity of the brand in Singapore.
With low fuel costs, eligibility for more jobs and a solid driving experience, it should come as no surprise that the Honda Vezel is one of the top choices for private-hire drivers.
Cons
One of the cons of driving a Honda Vezel is its stiff suspension. This means you’ll feel every bump on the road as you’re driving. Thankfully, the roads in Singapore are pretty smooth, but
this is still something you should consider especially if driving for long hours. The large size might also be intimidating to drivers who might not be used to handling larger vehicles.
How Much to Lease?
The Vezel’s popularity as a private-hire rental is well known and lease prices are usually higher to reflect that. Not to worry though, for the best deal on a Honda Vezel Hybrid, check out CarVault at just $66/day for a 1-year contract.
Toyota Prius
Ever since its release, the Toyota Prius has been a hallmark of hybrid car reliability, environmental-friendliness and fuel efficiency.
Pros
The Prius features best-in-class fuel economy at 26km/h coupled with smart features like zero-emissions mode where the petrol engine lies dormant while the electric motor does all the work. It even adjusts the air conditioning according to how many people are in the cabin to save energy! Many private-hire drivers love how they can squeeze in more fares between fuel stops and low prices for a full tank. Reliability is also excellent with many older models still on the road today, which is also proven by how many Priuses are out there as part of taxi fleets!
Toyota hasn’t skimped over creature comforts either. The driver’s seat offers all-day comfort, and controls for interacting with the infotainment display and driving display are easily accessible via buttons on the steering wheel. The engine is soft and the car drives smoothly and quietly, which helps you be less fatigued when driving for long hours.
Cons
One of the reasons why the Prius can have such excellent fuel economy is its slow acceleration. Although great for fuel consumption, it hampers the driving experience and can sometimes lead to difficulties overtaking on the road.
The Prius is also very polarising when it comes to its looks. Some people love the touted “dolphin” silhouette and boxy rear, while others can’t stand to look at it. And while this has zero effect on your driving experience or its performance as a private-hire vehicle, we thought it was important enough to point out for those who care about the aesthetics of their car.
How Much to Lease?
Finally, like the Vezel, the Prius is a sought-after hybrid which can inflate rental prices. At just $83/day for a 1-year contract, CarVault offers one of the most attractive rates for Prius rental in Singapore.
Honda Fit (Petrol and Hybrid)
This charming and sporty hatchback is a pleasure to drive and is surprisingly spacious. The hybrid version takes it up a notch with one of the best fuel economy ratings out there.
Pros
Many private-hire drivers opt for SUVs or sedans so driving a hatchback like the Honda Fit definitely helps you to stand out from the crowd. However, just because it's a hatchback doesn’t mean it is not suitable as a private-hire vehicle.
Inside the sleek exterior is a roomy cabin with plenty of space for four people to sit comfortably. The small size also means the Fit is big on fuel efficiency — coming at an average of 17km/l for petrol models and 31km/l for hybrid models. The driving experience is excellent too, giving you the typical zip of a hatchback with smooth gear shifts and precise handling. This is one car that will have you cruising through heavy traffic with ease.
Cons
While the Honda Fit’s small size and easy handling might be a positive to some, there’s no escaping that it is still physically smaller than sedans despite its spacious interior. This means limited cabin and boot space which might be unacceptable to some.
As one of the more affordable options in Honda’s range, the Fit typically comes with modest technology and features to keep it from becoming too expensive. Although there is nothing wrong with sticking with what’s reliable, some drivers might be frustrated with last-gen details like a less responsive and slower infotainment interface.
How Much to Lease?
At CarVault, the lease rates for the Honda Fit (Petrol) and Honda Fit (Hybrid) is just $52/day and $56/day respectively.
Choose the Right Leasing Partner
If you’re going to become a private-hire driver, then choosing the right leasing partner can help focus on driving rather than worrying about the condition of your vehicle. At CarVault, we offer reliable service together with competitive rates for car leasing.
As an official Grab rental partner, we’ll take care of all your administrative processes so you can drive worry-free. From 24-hour workshop assistance to comprehensive insurance and road-tax coverage to full maintenance and servicing support — we keep you on the road so you can keep earning.
We carry the Honda Vezel and Fit as well as the Toyota Prius and many other popular models for private-hire driving. Find out more about the vehicles we carry and their leasing rates by contacting us today.
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