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But at a time where our market is full of performance hatchbacks and prices means attractive packaging by the different local dealers, the 118i M-Sport seem to be at the shorter end of things.
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A Simple Life | BMW 118i M-Sport

IN BMW, 118i, M-Sport, BMW 118i M-Sport, Hatchback, BMW Asia, Performance Motors, 3-door

Just a sporty three-door hatchback, true, but are there any other talents beside that?


Setting the R apart from other Golfs are different bumpers front and rear, as well as a diffuser and quad chrome-tipped tailpipes. 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ wheels are standard, 19s an option, and the R gets a unique paint colour called Lapis Blue metallic. Inside, you get sports seats trimmed in alcantara or Nappa leather, stainless steel pedals and door sills, as well as a smattering of R badges throughout the interior, including on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Happenings

Rated R for Rapid

IN Volkwagen, Golf, R, VW, Hot hatch

Not long ago, the Golf R32/Golf R had its corner of the market to itself, its power and price elevating it above tamer hatches. But with new rivals from premium brands, is the Golf R still the daddy?


Well, I took it out on a nice long drive to find out. With the wife in tow, we drove up north to Malacca to see how the GTI cabriolet performed on the long North-South Highway stretches, along winding B-roads through the connecting towns, and even slow city drives through busy lanes like Jonker Street. This is my verdict.
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Roller Coaster | Golf GTI Cabriolet

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, GTI, Cabriolet

A convertible Golf GTI? Is there really a market for one? Is it really a compelling option? We drive one to find out...


On a separate note, the A250’s suspension system seems to have been set with the enthusiastic driver in mind. If you’re expecting C-Class level, the A250’s rather stiff setting might need some getting used to. It could just be yours truly, but when going over bumps, there’s that uncanny feeling the rear’s independent suspension has been mated to a stiffer pair of spring compared to the fronts.
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A+ For Effort | Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, A-Class, A250, A250 Sport, Sport

So the A250 Sport is marketed as the sportiest A-Class, with promising on-paper digits – but overcoming the looks, does it fall into hot-hatch territory?


We were very impressed with the latest seventh-generation Golf when we tested it both abroad in Italy and on home ground. Back then though, the car we managed to get a drive in was the 140 bhp Sport model. We find out this time, how the base model 1.4 TSI with 122 bhp fares.
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The Real Thing | Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, 1.4 TSI, DSG, Mk 7

Every Coke has its Pepsi, every iPad, its Galaxy Tab (cue flame war). But only one name has the qualities that make it 'The Real Thing'. When it comes to hatchbacks, the Golf is that name.


The Renault Megane RS 265 did that to me. You see, I have an affinity for Renault’s modern hot-hatches; they’re special and unique, and you need to drive them (hard, most times) to truly appreciate these finely tuned cars. The first Megane RS I drove - yes, that oddly shaped one - was a blast and definitely began my whole entire love affair with hyper Renaults. Then came the hotter R26 – a few laps around Sepang made me wonder how on earth did Renault put together such a brilliant car.
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Go, Go Power Ranger | Renault Megane RS 265

IN Renault, Megane, RS, RS 265, Renault Megane RS 265, Wearnes Automotive

What to do when you want to keep your sweet handling hot-hatch ahead of the competition? Well according to Renault, you add more powaaaaaah…


Changes to the new Fluence are mostly cosmetic. The most obvious difference is the redesigned front end, proudly incorporating the Renault diamond front-and-centre, ala the new Clio. Expect future Renaults to also feature this new family face.
Happenings

Updated Renault Fluence Launched In Singapore

IN Renault, Fluence, Wearnes

Renault’s mid-sized sedan gets a refresh to keep it competitive in its segment.


The V40 was unveiled last year as an in-between successor of both the S40 and V50, but for some reason we only received the jacked-up Cross Country version. Now though, local dealer Wearnes Automotive has followed up on its success and launched the V40 R-Design, a lowered, sportier version of the car.
Happenings

Volvo Range Revamped

IN Volvo, V40, S60, V60, XC60, S80, R-Design, Facelift, Wearnes

It’s part-way through its models’ life cycles, and Volvo updates not one, but four of its models, as well as introduces the V40 R-Design to Singapore.


Like previous versions, the vRS will be available in both petrol and diesel form, and gets identical mechanicals to the current Golf, which means either the 220 bhp, 350 Nm 2.0-litre TSI from the GTI, or the 184 bhp, 380 Nm 2.0-litre TDI from the GTD. To give an idea of how the Fastest Octavia Ever performs, the TSI version equipped with a 6-speed manual will do 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and will top out at 248km/h. Stop-start, Brake Energy Regeneration and the optional 6-speed DSG gearbox should help fulfill Skoda’s claims of a 19% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the old models.
Happenings

Czech-mate

IN Skoda, Octavia, VRS, Hot hatch, Wagon, Estate

With a new Golf out, comes a new Octavia. And as predictable as the GTI version is for the Golf, so too is the vRS for Skoda, in both hatch and estate form.


Then again, it doesn’t necessarily have to out-drag the competition, because Kia is pitching the GT as a brisk all-rounder designed for “everyday usability and civility, not a track special” (although its chassis was developed at the Nurburgring). So even though it gets re-tuned springs and dampers, a thicker rear anti-roll bar and larger brakes, its multi-link suspension should ensure a tolerable ride.
Happenings

Still Very Reasonably Priced

IN Kia, Hot hatch, Ceed, GT, Cee'd

The name is still ridiculous, but this hot hatch looks set to be a credible and value-packed alternative in the market.


The whole 'alternative-fuelled cars' fever is pretty much still going on, and if there’s one car company that you have to thank for it all, well, it has to be Toyota. They may not be the first to mass-produce hybrid cars, but they definitely did a good job at commercialising this concept and also making it the way forward.
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The Electric Co | Audi A1 e-tron

IN Audi, A1, E-tron, Audi A1 e-tron, A1 e-tron, Ingolstadt, Audi Future Lab, Audi TSC

Audi let us briefly sample their innovative electric A1


The Cascada looks to be a serious contender to some of its more established German rivals. Cheaper, more practical and with arguably better looks than an A5 Cabrio, GM has an ambitious target in its sights. Sure, with an A5, you can brag to all your friends that you have an Audi, and granted, the Vauxhall/Opel Badge is not as desirable as an Audi one. But which do you prefer? A large, well made, good looking and practical car with some extra cash left over from the purchase of the car or a slightly smaller, well made Audi, with nothing left in your pocket? The choice is yours.
Happenings

Topless Vauxhall Unveiled!

IN Opel, Vauxhall, GM, Cascada, Convertible, Cabriolet

Vauxhall builds Astra and Insignia-based 4 seater convertible.


The exterior of the Fiesta ST has several alterations that include a large grille (that may have been inspired by a certain British Marque) that dominates the front fascia, a new front splitter, and a rear fascia shaped to resemble a rear diffuser. To further distinguish the ST from the normal Fiesta, the ST has a dual exhaust outlets, a new rear wing and tricked out 17 inch alloy wheels. Of course, a hot hatch is meant to scream in your face, and what better way to do it then to paint it in a bright Orange specifically made for the car?
Happenings

‘Hot’ Fiesta Launched!

IN Ford, Fiesta, ST, Hot, Hatch, Manual

Ford bolts a turbo on a Fiesta and turns it into a Euro-hatch killer. Let's hope it makes its way here!


Stomp on the pedal from standstill and the new GTI will accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 246 km/h. The GTI Performance will edge ahead a little at 250 km/h and 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.
Happenings

New Volkswagen Golf GTI To Grace Geneva Motor Show

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Geneva Motor Show

Following the news on Volkswagen's GTD diesel hot-hatch, their iconic GTI has officially been announced and will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.


Ok, so we've driven it on curvy italian sweepers, but how does it fare on our local roads. We grab the keys to a Golf Sport which packs 140 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The 1.4 TSI turbocharged engine will enable the Golf Sport to hit 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds from standstill, and onto an impressive 212 km/h, where roads allow.
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Hole-In-One | Volkswagen Golf Sport 1.4 TSI

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, 1.4 TSI, TDI, DSG, Mk 7, 7, 1.6 TDI

Volkswagen scores a hole-in-one with the new Golf. We drive it, only to find out that it has just bagged the coveted Car of the Year award. We couldn't agree with the judges more.


Well that engine is, along with the rest of the lineup, being phased out to make way for Audi’s potent supercharged 3.0 TFSI. But rather than the performance-tuned 333 bhp you'll find in say the S4, the Q5 has 272 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. Paired with Audi’s 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, it is the same quick-shifting unit you'll find on top tier Audi sedans. We would have loved for it to be mated to the S-tronic though, because the Q5 is a rather nifty handling SUV, and with all that power, it makes for a rather sporty drive.
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Luxury Hatch On Stilts | Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI

IN Audi Q5, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles, SUV

Audi bid's their naturally aspirated 3.2 V6 farewell, and the updated Q5 SUV impresses with a good drive thanks to a new 3-litre power-plant pushing 272 bhp and a hefty 400 Nm.


To distinguish this hot hatch from its pedestrian siblings, the Pro Cee’d GT has a black roof, and a new body kit. A red insert decorates the base of the lower air intake. The surgery at the front goes beyond that; mesh grilles, a GT badge, LED daytime running lights and enlarged intakes complete the front end of the Pro Cee’d GT. Other alterations include 18 inch wheels to clear the larger brakes, and a rear spoiler. This car is not all about show and no go though; the car comes with some decent poke too.
Happenings

Kia Unveils Korean 'Golf GTi'

IN Kia, Pro Cee'd, GTI, Turbo

Kia builds a hot hatch with 201 bhp and 264 Nm of torque. Is this going to be a budget Golf GTI?


Our test-car was finished in black and matched with glossy black wheels. Racing stripes, wing mirrors and brake calipers were peppered in red, and the result is a rather mean looking supermini that looks ready to take on cars twice its size.
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MINI In Name Only | MINI John Cooper Works Hatch

IN MINI, MINI Habitat, Cooper S, BMW Asia, John Cooper Works

In the past, if you wanted the hottest MINI, you could only get it with three pedals. Now the John Cooper Works range comes paired with an autobox that works (pardon the pun) surprisingly well!


Thank god the Mayans got their doomsday predictions wrong. We'll now get a taste of some JCW action before we die. Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia says that “The latest MINI John Cooper Works model continues to make driver’s heart beats faster with its even quicker responses and stoke their admiration with significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions”. I look forward to agreeing with him on this.
Happenings

MINI John Cooper Works Range Goes Auto

IN MINI, Coupe, MINI Habitat, Cooper S, BMW Asia, John Cooper Works

MINI's John Cooper Works range of baby performers are now available with an automatic transmission.


A hefty 100 kg has been shaven off the new car. The weight savings were taken off from various parts of the car, making it a total re-look at the car's performance and weight distribution.
Happenings

Singapore First to Get Golf Outside Of Europe

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, 1.4 TSI, TDI, DSG, Mk 7, 7, 1.6 TDI

Singapore is the first market to get the new Volkswagen Golf outside of Europe since its first appearance in September. We tee-off with a quick look at some important facts of this all-new model.



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