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  • Let's take a closer look at the exterior, there's a beefed-up new bumper with integrated front fog lights, black honeycomb inserts with silver guards and silver roof rails, all of which have become a signature for the Cross range.
    DOCUMENTED: 19.10.2012 | 11:43 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The Angry Car | Volkswagen CrossPolo 1.2 TSI

    Launched at a time of high COEs, the trendy and well-packaged Volkswagen CrossPolo misses out on being found in more homes. You can see why it's not too happy about that.

    Photos: Joel Tam Slightly raised, clad with black side skirts, roof rails and a set of rugged sports rims, the CrossPolo resembles a ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volkswagen, Polo, CrossPolo, 1.2 TSI
    • Let's take a closer look at the exterior, there's a beefed-up new bumper with integrated front fog lights, black honeycomb inserts with silver guards and silver roof rails, all of which have become a signature for the Cross range.
    • The black lower half will help distinguish the CrossPolo from its 'lesser' brethren, as do the wheel arch extensions and the aggressive 17” ‘Budapest’ alloy wheels fitted as standard. The car also rides 15 mm higher than the standard Polo and comes in a colour range that includes this exclusive Magma Orange on our test-car, making the car pretty hard to miss on the road.
    • Other than that, silver side mirrors, along with subtle decals on the rear passenger doors to help set this model apart from the regular Polo. Things are not so different inside though. Step inside, and you'll find the cabin is largely similar to a typical Polo. Not that it is a bad thing. We've always loved Volkswagen interiors. While they're not of high-end premium quality, they're a class ahead of the Japanese makes and are both functional and well-built.
  • That said, it’s not saying the A1 isn’t a success story here locally. To date, the A1 has quite some presence – well, making it come loaded with a list of option and different state of tunes surely gave it a wider audience. And now with the newest 5-door variant, Audi’s baby definitely has a trump card against the aging Mini. With that two extra doors, practicality and versatility is definitely it’s strongest selling point. On top of that, it’s far more glamorous than a VW Polo GTI.
    DOCUMENTED: 17.10.2012 | 07:34 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Class Act | Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI

    Audi’s A1 was once considered a vain effort to meddle with Mini’s pie, but now in 5-door guise, it’s turning into quite the proposition.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming It’s quite predicted when Audi presented to the world their latest compact A1 – no matter how many P ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi A1, Audi A1 Sportback, A1, A1 Sportback, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles
    • That said, it’s not saying the A1 isn’t a success story here locally. To date, the A1 has quite some presence – well, making it come loaded with a list of option and different state of tunes surely gave it a wider audience. And now with the newest 5-door variant, Audi’s baby definitely has a trump card against the aging Mini. With that two extra doors, practicality and versatility is definitely it’s strongest selling point. On top of that, it’s far more glamorous than a VW Polo GTI.
    • The A1 Sportback is no botch, cut and paste job though; quite some work went into it. To begin with, it stands 6 mm higher and wider than the 3-door variant. Of course, the additional sheet metal also made this upsized A1 25 kg heavier too. Exterior wise, there isn’t much giveaway to let pedestrians know ‘I-am-driving-a-bigger-small-car’ though – that is, until you get to take a look at it from the rear three quarter.
    • The test car seen here came fitted with Audi’s S-line kit, which definitely gave the car an edgier presence on the road; the sporty front and rear bumpers are quite the eye-candy. Those 18-inch alloys - wrapped in low profile 215/35 R-18 Bridgestone rubbers - however seem a tad too big for the pint-sized A1. Well you know what they say about cars with big wheels: no, nothing about the driver. It does make a car crashy and less comfortable on the road, something I’ll talk more about later on.
  • ...ok, I remember saying I'll be nice, so let's start with the good points. It's a handsome car. It looks like a smaller version of its older brother, the bulky but aggressive Subaru Legacy. Also, it looks way better than the model it replaces, Subaru has gone back to adding some mild fender flares to accentuate the wider stance. Still, it's no award-winning design.
    DOCUMENTED: 28.08.2012 | 07:38 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Are You Imprezed? | Subaru Impreza 1.6

    Subaru's new bread and butter sedan could not be launched at a worse time. High COEs and a market filled with many more alternatives. It has to be really special to stand out.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming I'll be honest. But I'll be nice too. The new Impreza is not a car I would buy. But that does not mean ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Subaru, Impreza, 1.6, Boxer
    • ...ok, I remember saying I'll be nice, so let's start with the good points. It's a handsome car. It looks like a smaller version of its older brother, the bulky but aggressive Subaru Legacy. Also, it looks way better than the model it replaces, Subaru has gone back to adding some mild fender flares to accentuate the wider stance. Still, it's no award-winning design.
    • Overall proportions are good, the rear is cut with a more chunky continental car-look. But the small wheels that come with the standard car look underwhelming and does it no favours, 18-inch wheels will look much better.
    • Peer in the cabin, and while it doesn't look very inspiring, the build quality is better than the model it replaces. To be fair, the inside of the Impreza is not a bad place to be. There is sufficient room all round and while there are still some hard plastics around, it won't bother you much.
  • The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill. The new B-Class measures in at 4,359 mm long, 1,786 mm wide and 1,557 mm tall.
    DOCUMENTED: 30.07.2012 | 10:56 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    New B-Class Arrives; Only B 200 Variant Available For Now

    The second generation of the B-Class car heralds a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz in terms of both design and technology.

    Photos: Azfar Hashim   The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressiv ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Mercedes-Benz, B-Class, B 200, Mercedes-Benz B 200, Cycle & Carriage
    • The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill. The new B-Class measures in at 4,359 mm long, 1,786 mm wide and 1,557 mm tall.
    • One striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1,557 mm, the new model crouches almost 5 cm lower on the road than its predecessor. In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is now more upright. However at the same time, the headroom has been further improved: with a maximum headroom of 1,047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline too.
    • The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called Easy-Vario-Plus system. This enables simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the Easy-Vario-Plus system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 mm (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 486 to 666 litres) and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion.
  • But before we get all carried away shooting this GTi (yes, with a small ‘i’ to not be confused with the <em>other</em> GTI) down, let’s put this into perspective: a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Sounds good. 200 bhp and – here’s the better part – all that 275 Nm worth of torque kicking in from as low as 1,700 rpm.
    DOCUMENTED: 26.03.2012 | 12:23 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    I Spy With My (Not So) Little i | Peugeot 308 GTi

    We know the big question ringing in your head: Is Peugeot’s latest GTi a vain effort to capture a slice of VW’s pie, or is it a really competent competitor?

    Photos: Azfar Hashim   It begs this question: does it have what it takes to be a “GTi”? After all, most of us ar ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Peugeot, Peugeot 308 GTi, 308, Pug, GTi, AutoFrance
    • But before we get all carried away shooting this GTi (yes, with a small ‘i’ to not be confused with the <em>other</em> GTI) down, let’s put this into perspective: a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Sounds good. 200 bhp and – here’s the better part – all that 275 Nm worth of torque kicking in from as low as 1,700 rpm.
    • For comparison’s sake, the Golf GTI (yes, the regular variant) has 210bhp and almost similar 280 Nm that also kick in at 1,700rpm. Difference is, the German has a 2.0-litre engine that’s mated to a sophisticated 6-speed DSG ‘box. And it gets to 100km/h faster – 6.9 seconds, compared to the Pug’s 7.7 seconds. Also, at 1,351kg, the GTI is a significant 48kg lighter than the French.
    • All figures aside between the GTI and GTi, let’s get an answer to the first question earlier: does it have what it takes to be a GTi?
  • Being an Infiniti, there is never any shortage of acceleration when it is needed. The 3.5-litre petrol V6 delivers 360 hp, backed up by 350 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The electric motor is rated at 67 HP (50 kW) and provides high torque from zero rpm, peaking at 270 Nm at just 1,770 rpm, ensuring dynamic performance from standstill.
    DOCUMENTED: 14.03.2012 | 07:34 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Infiniti's M35h Hybrid - Zero To Hero In 5.5 Seconds

    Infiniti's first hybrid to use a new-generation Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid technology; one electric motor with twin-clutch system to deliver linear performance and consistent rear-drive handling

    Photos courtesy of Wearnes Automotive   Innovative electric technology and an uncompromised driving experience come together ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Infiniti, M35, M35h, Hybrid, Infiniti M35h Hybrid, Infiniti Singapore, Wearnes Automotive
    • Being an Infiniti, there is never any shortage of acceleration when it is needed. The 3.5-litre petrol V6 delivers 360 hp, backed up by 350 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The electric motor is rated at 67 HP (50 kW) and provides high torque from zero rpm, peaking at 270 Nm at just 1,770 rpm, ensuring dynamic performance from standstill.
    • All of this is delivered in a large (4,945mm long) four-door, five-seat sedan with an exceptionally aerodynamic body complementing classic long bonnet, short rear overhang sports saloon proportions and a flowing, muscular design penned with characteristic Infiniti passion. The spacious, soft-feel luxurious interior is inspired by natural materials and unrivalled Japanese craftsmanship.
    • Key to the M35h’s Inspired – and green – Performance is an innovative yet elegantly simple petrol/electric drivetrain which ensures zero-emissions electric propulsion is used more often, for longer periods and at higher speeds than in existing hybrids.
  • A diesel engine is actually 20-30% more efficient than a petrol engine, because more power is produced as a result of the higher compression of the air/fuel mixture. The much higher compression ratio means diesel engines have to be heavier and more robust.
    DOCUMENTED: 14.03.2012 | 06:54 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Diesel Engines Revisited. Why Should We Bother?

    New to the Burnpavement.com team, contributing writer Dr Kevin Co revisits the diesel engine and tells you if diesels are the way to go.

    Photos: Burnpavement.com The diesel engine has undergone a technical revolution over the last twenty years. In the past, diesel- ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Diesel, Caltex, Techron D, Singapore
    • A diesel engine is actually 20-30% more efficient than a petrol engine, because more power is produced as a result of the higher compression of the air/fuel mixture. The much higher compression ratio means diesel engines have to be heavier and more robust.
    • This means they are more expensive to build, but the higher cost is offset by much longer lifetimes. Therefore, diesel models can cost as much as 20% more than equivalent petrol models.
    • Compared with petrol, emissions of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, are also approximately 20% lower for diesel. In general diesel powered vehicles have significantly lower fuel consumption compared to petrol power vehicles of the same class.
  • For most part, the Veloster drives very well. The steering feels accurate, there’s little body roll, the brakes are strong and assuring, the gearbox swaps between cogs smoothly even when you’re doing it the “+/-“ way. And there’s good composure while roving bumpy roads at speed. Importantly, with or without traction control working, the front suspension does a grand job of transferring all the power to the road without undue tricks (what understeer?).
    DOCUMENTED: 10.03.2012 | 11:40 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Avant-Garde | Hyundai Veloster MPI

    In a surprising twist, Hyundai put some design verve into their groundbreaking coupe; those looking for the latest (but affordable) fashion accessory should look here…

    Photos: Low Fai Ming We’ve probably seen it all – those “ground-breakers”, or “trend-setters", pro ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Hyundai, Veloster, MPI, GDI, Hyundai Veloster, Komoco Motors
    • For most part, the Veloster drives very well. The steering feels accurate, there’s little body roll, the brakes are strong and assuring, the gearbox swaps between cogs smoothly even when you’re doing it the “+/-“ way. And there’s good composure while roving bumpy roads at speed. Importantly, with or without traction control working, the front suspension does a grand job of transferring all the power to the road without undue tricks (what understeer?).
    • Hmm… Those said designers must have erupted, popping champagnes and throwing streamers in the air, when they were given the green light to design a new but different sort of coupe.
    • The Veloster is obviously the end result. Just take a look at that highly detailed exterior: bulging wheel arches on all four corners, descriptive façade thanks largely to those stylish bumper, curvy headlamps, bonnet with (dummy) air vents, designer lines along the sides, and a very sporty fast-back rump (the centrally placed exhaust pipe is brilliant) – the Veloster is epic from behind. 18-inch alloys, wrapped in 215/40 R-18 Hankook Ventus Prime 2 rubbers are standard items – uniquely, the centre inserts of the rims come according to body colour.
  • Now, the 5-Series Gran Turismo. From this angle, the first similarity we drew in our mind is the BMW X6 - a coupe-like SUV. Sure, it does have the handsome F10 5-Series Sedan face, albeit a slightly bigger grille and more aggressive styling.
    DOCUMENTED: 08.03.2012 | 16:57 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Who Am I? | BMW 535d Gran Turismo

    Never before have we been puzzled by a name for new car. It suggests a two-door heritage, sexy and fast. Can this new crossover on the block live up to the claims?

    Photos: Low Fai Ming Some of you may understand the connection of the title to Jackie Chan's "Who Am I?". For those who ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 535d, Gran, Turismo, Diesel, Caltex, Techron D
    • Now, the 5-Series Gran Turismo. From this angle, the first similarity we drew in our mind is the BMW X6 - a coupe-like SUV. Sure, it does have the handsome F10 5-Series Sedan face, albeit a slightly bigger grille and more aggressive styling.
    • With the sloping
    • Perhaps the side profile will help you understand the mash-up design. We can imagine the endless nights that the designers spent trying to blend the SUV, wagon, coupe and sedan shapes together. It's not ugly, but there are some rear angles that we probably will take some time to getting used to.
  • That is until you view it from the side; the first give away. After all, the 991 was stretched by a further 100mm.
    DOCUMENTED: 26.02.2012 | 06:18 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The Wife Should Approve | Porsche 911 Carrera S

    It proved to be the everyday sports car, at the same time bringing the 911 to a whole new level up; still, should you buy one?

    Photos: Low Fai Ming   Ask any layman on the street to differentiate the previous 997-generation 911 to the new 991 and they ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Porsche 911 Carrera S, Carrera, S, Carrera S, 911, 991, Porsche, PDK, Eurokars
    • That is until you view it from the side; the first give away. After all, the 991 was stretched by a further 100mm.
    • With that said, at least Porsche was wise enough – <em>cos</em> they knew, if they were to do something radical (think F430 to 458 Italia, Murcielago to Aventador), they would lose the plot. The car will not attract its targeted audience: those who enjoy driving and feel connected with the car BUT at the same time, one that’s not too flashy nor too loud. The sort who already past the BMW or Mercedes-Benz phase and looking for something one step up in their (motoring) life.
    • Kind of predictable, really, but now that I’ve driven it, the new Porsche 911 (in Carrera S guise here) definitely reminds me of the ultimate expression of Porsche’s ethic; it is the highest point, if you like, on a graph which measures driver involvement next to performance.
  • So that's enormous and powerful explained, what about the rest of the car? The massive SUV has always been handsome, so there's no denying that it is a good-looker. A strong and burly front-end with DRLs and a colossal signature Audi grille all combine to give the Q7 a tough yet subtle demeanor.
    DOCUMENTED: 21.02.2012 | 10:01 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Power House | Audi Q7 3.0 TDi

    We'll sum up this car in two words. Enormous and powerful. There you have it, our article is pretty much done. If you'd like to read more though, we did spend some time penning down our thoughts.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming This is the first Q7 I'm driving, and I must say that inital impressions are good. Spacious on the inside, h ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi, Q7, Premium Automobiles, Diesel, Caltex, Techron D
    • So that's enormous and powerful explained, what about the rest of the car? The massive SUV has always been handsome, so there's no denying that it is a good-looker. A strong and burly front-end with DRLs and a colossal signature Audi grille all combine to give the Q7 a tough yet subtle demeanor.
    • From the rear, chunky rear lamps with LEDs form the main look. Brawny and muscular with flared wheel arches that cover monstrous 20
    • Peak through the window and you'll like what you see. Quality materials (leather and wood top the list) are used and the fit and finish is as always, impeccable.
  • I can't wait any longer. I want to know what 340 bhp feels like, so I floor it. Woah! This is a blisteringly quick car. From the lightning quick shifts from the S-tronic gearbox, to the sensational 5-cylinder engine soundtrack, this car is fast, fast, fast. The quattro drivetrain helps keep you in check too, so you can really exploit all that power. There's no doubt this car will smack the smirk off anyone driving a much more expensive sportscar. EVO or STi? No problem. Unless they've got a huge aftermarket turbo under the bonnet, the result will be the same - Germany 1, Japan 0.
    DOCUMENTED: 14.02.2012 | 06:16 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Mad Rapid Transit | Audi RS3

    Audi's last hurrah for the A3 is this meteoric baby rocket known as the RS3. The smallest, but by no means the least of the brand's who's-your-daddy RS range. We drive this crazy-fast car.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming & Joel Tam If not for the fact that I already knew which car the media had been assigned for test drives, I ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi, RS3, Premium Automobiles, Turbo
    • I can't wait any longer. I want to know what 340 bhp feels like, so I floor it. Woah! This is a blisteringly quick car. From the lightning quick shifts from the S-tronic gearbox, to the sensational 5-cylinder engine soundtrack, this car is fast, fast, fast. The quattro drivetrain helps keep you in check too, so you can really exploit all that power. There's no doubt this car will smack the smirk off anyone driving a much more expensive sportscar. EVO or STi? No problem. Unless they've got a huge aftermarket turbo under the bonnet, the result will be the same - Germany 1, Japan 0.
    • That's when I was reminded yet again of the car's 'age'. No keyless start or start/stop button here. You slot the key in and crank the engine up yourself. Like you would in a Kia. Waitaminute. Even the latest Cerato has got press-and-go buttons. At this point, I begin to realise that there's ALOT riding on the drive.
    • So off we go. Initial feel of the car is pretty good. The car feels nimble and agile under my hands at low speeds. It's not pin sharp, but my inputs are reciprocated with accurate responses from the car. The steering does feel a tad numb, but not worryingly so.
  • So here is the new Focus then, in its third and - what must probably be - the finest iteration. It’s not merely a facelift, mind you; it’s a major rework. Updated engine, new transmission, new exterior and even a new antenna. Well the chassis remains largely similar to the second generation, only points to note are strengthened mountings, improved bushings and steering, and better brakes.
    DOCUMENTED: 08.02.2012 | 21:14 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Properly Focused | Ford Focus Sedan

    Now into its third generation, has Ford finally found its sweet spot in the mid-size sedan segment here?

    Photos: Azfar Hashim   We all know how Toyota, Honda and now Volkswagen have been dominating the local sales charts with the ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Ford, Focus, Ford Focus, 2012 Ford Focus, Regent Motors, Titanium
    • So here is the new Focus then, in its third and - what must probably be - the finest iteration. It’s not merely a facelift, mind you; it’s a major rework. Updated engine, new transmission, new exterior and even a new antenna. Well the chassis remains largely similar to the second generation, only points to note are strengthened mountings, improved bushings and steering, and better brakes.
    • There’s no denying that the Jetta is the new class-leader, thanks to the current COE trend that made the Koreans seem expensive and Japanese cars too much of a premium. This would surely pose a problem for Ford... Or not?
    • This, ladies & gentlemen, is really the latest Ford Focus. A far cry from its predecessor (even after a mid-life facelift) – goodbye square, unassuming and daft body shell, and hello curvier, perkier and far more contemporary exterior even in sedan form. Mondeo-esque when viewed from certain angles, the Focus was designed in accordance to Ford’s current ‘Kinetic Design’ language (if you’re not in the know, it simply means making the car look in motion even when it’s at a standstill). It gets pronounced lines along the sides, flared wheel arches for added visual drama, heavily sculpted bonnet and a face that’s far more distinctive even when placed next to the Golf GTI. Those LED daytime running light keeps it up to date with current trend, then again, the triangular front bumper’s supposed air-inlet seems more like an after-thought…
  • In 535i form, the car is of course, really powerful. Which makes it more than a regular load-lugger - this is essentially a sports-wagon. A Q-car. Something other road users will not expect to be a threat. That's exactly why I love it all the more.
    DOCUMENTED: 30.01.2012 | 14:51 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Real Estate | BMW 535i Touring

    Singapore's best-selling model for 2011 now comes with more space and a funky twin-boot. We drive the 535i Touring and see how it measures up as a sports-wagon.

    Photos: Joel Tam I'm a big fan of wagons, have always been. So imagine my joy (pardon the 'BMW is JOY' pun) when I first ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 535i, Touring, 5 Series, Performance Motors
    • In 535i form, the car is of course, really powerful. Which makes it more than a regular load-lugger - this is essentially a sports-wagon. A Q-car. Something other road users will not expect to be a threat. That's exactly why I love it all the more.
    • BMW did exceptionally well with the design. The front remains dashing like the sedan version, while the rear has an equally good-looking face with similar rear-lamps used on the 4-door. Unlike the previous Touring (E60), this new model retains the winning good looks of its saloon version.
    • The cabin is familiar if you're already acquainted with the 5 Series. Leather and robust materials are used on the overall sophisticated, but not exactly inspiring design. The steering wheel with paddle shifters remains meaty to hold and a cinch to use.
  • As both are clad in go-fast suits, you can see bits of sporty items like the roof-mounted spoiler, detailed bumpers and twin-piped exhaust tip. Here is where Audi shows off its generosity: the A1 (with S-line kit) gets 18-inch alloys wrapped in low-profile 215/35 R-18 Bridgestone rubbers. The Cooper S on the other hand gets for itself a set of 17s wrapped in 205/45 R-17 Continentals. Since we’re at the topic of aesthetics, you will surely notice how both test cars come in rather unique colour shades – funky chocolate with silver roof pillars in the case of the A1, and bright blue with white roof for the Cooper S.
    DOCUMENTED: 27.01.2012 | 10:06 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Apple to Apple? | Audi A1 Vs Mini Cooper S

    The A1 is said to be Audi’s answer to BMW’s Mini, but what came out of this comparison was far more telling of these two car’s differences...

    Photos: Low Fai Ming In this cognitive world, people are divided. You either like cats or dogs. Macs or PCs. Blackberry or iPhone (yo ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Mini, Cooper S, Mini Cooper S, Audi, A1, Audi A1 185bhp
    • As both are clad in go-fast suits, you can see bits of sporty items like the roof-mounted spoiler, detailed bumpers and twin-piped exhaust tip. Here is where Audi shows off its generosity: the A1 (with S-line kit) gets 18-inch alloys wrapped in low-profile 215/35 R-18 Bridgestone rubbers. The Cooper S on the other hand gets for itself a set of 17s wrapped in 205/45 R-17 Continentals. Since we’re at the topic of aesthetics, you will surely notice how both test cars come in rather unique colour shades – funky chocolate with silver roof pillars in the case of the A1, and bright blue with white roof for the Cooper S.
    • Let’s start with the Mini Cooper S. So it’s not exactly the latest news, having been in the market for a decade under BMW’s brilliant parenthood. In it’s latest iteration, the Cooper S has gone through its second facelift, now with far more air inlets within the front bumper for better aerodynamics and engine bay cooling (and to keep it up to date, of course).
    • The Mini maintains the proverbial neat image – short overhangs, wheels at each corners and that cheeky façade. But so did the A1.
  • Sensuously sexy and compact in size, the latest MX-5 reminds me of my old flame, a first generation MX-5 (NA) I owned for awhile. I had never driven the new model (NC), but heard that this latest iteration is a rather worthy successor to the very first sweet handling model.
    DOCUMENTED: 04.01.2012 | 13:51 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Still The One | Mazda MX-5

    After finding out that the Mazda distributorship in Singapore had changed hands, we decided to give our good friends at Eurokars Group a call to see if we could get acquainted with the brand again.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming Before the year closed, Eurokars Group was awarded the sole Mazda distributorship in Singapore in Nov 2011. &nb ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Mazda, MX-5, MX5, Roadster, Convertible, Trans Eurokars, Eurokars
    • Sensuously sexy and compact in size, the latest MX-5 reminds me of my old flame, a first generation MX-5 (NA) I owned for awhile. I had never driven the new model (NC), but heard that this latest iteration is a rather worthy successor to the very first sweet handling model.
    • For those of you who are not aware, this is actually a facelift of the third generation, it features Mazda's next-generation design DNA, with more aggressive and aerodynamically efficient styling, amongst other things we will look at later.
    • The facelifted model also has a rear bumper that is more integrated into the body. It now flushes with the bottom of the rear lamps, give the rear-end a more chunky look. The lower portion of the rear fenders are more sculptured and extend downward, as they are at the front. New headlamps and rear lamps help to differentiate it from the previous model as well.
  • But this time around in the case of Mini’s latest fashion accessory, the new Coupe shows off so much sheet metal style, it takes only those with keen eye for something different and brave to truly appreciate.
    DOCUMENTED: 03.01.2012 | 17:13 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Just Another Coupe? | Mini Cooper S Coupe

    While some opined that Mini's Coupe is another marketing exercise, driving it proved to be more than just that

    Photos: Low Fai Ming 'Flamboyant'. Normally, you do not associate such a word with cars. ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Mini, Mini Cooper S, Cooper, Coupe, Mini Cooper S Coupe, Mini Coupe
    • But this time around in the case of Mini’s latest fashion accessory, the new Coupe shows off so much sheet metal style, it takes only those with keen eye for something different and brave to truly appreciate.
    • To the point that you can’t help but wonder whether the French had a hand in designing the Coupe.
    • Anyway, Mini has always been known to push the boundaries in product range. Just look at the Clubman and Countryman: who the hell on earth needs a wagon Mini? Who, in their right mind, would want to get a butch Mini? But Minis are quirky and stylish, and their marketing gurus have brilliant minds; at the end of the day, it will still move out of the showrooms and onto the roads.
  • BMW 1-Series M Coupe - Small, light and FUN! BMW did piece together this car from bits through the parts box but the final product is amazing. When we thought cars were getting so easy (and boring) to drive, the new kid on the block showed us how driverkind can be saved. That electrifying sensation though the steering, coupled with the aural pleasure of that straight six and the eagerness to wag its tail. Oh and whatever you do, don't push that M... uh oh..
    DOCUMENTED: 30.12.2011 | 13:31 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The most impressionable cars we've driven this year.

    We sum up the cars of the year that did one thing well: Making us happy.

    What makes a good car? Space for people, groceries, pets, a comfortable drive and being reliable? The fastest on the track? Perhaps, but ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi, BMW, Citroen, Lexus, MINI, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Volkswagen, Volvo
    • BMW 1-Series M Coupe - Small, light and FUN! BMW did piece together this car from bits through the parts box but the final product is amazing. When we thought cars were getting so easy (and boring) to drive, the new kid on the block showed us how driverkind can be saved. That electrifying sensation though the steering, coupled with the aural pleasure of that straight six and the eagerness to wag its tail. Oh and whatever you do, don't push that M... uh oh..
    • Audi RS3 - Launched late in the year, Audi's last hurrah for the A3 line-up is a celebration of the company's technological feats. A car that is both involving and clinically capable of having supercars for breakfast, the RS3 is a classic Q-car. Dressed in no more than some add-on kit, its potency far exceeds its appearance. Undoubtedly one of the fastest cars we've driven this year.
    • Citroen DS3 - We forgive you for the weird pedal feel, eyeball assault and slightly damp steering. Because as a package, you seem sooo good. Yeah, you're like a gooofy little heffalump through the corners, but we still like you because you're a little heffalump. Ok, on the realistic side: It has the space, the straight-line performance and most importantly, it's something that you can live with everyday.
  • By now, you might be asking “is this pricier than a regular GTI?” Good news for you then, because you'll be getting an E35 if you order a GTI today – at no extra cost.
    DOCUMENTED: 27.12.2011 | 14:59 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Happy Birthday Golf! | Volkswagen Golf GTI E35

    The Edition 35 is Volkswagen’s way of celebrating 35 years of the evergreen Golf GTI. But is it the perfect anniversary present?

    Photos: Low Fai Ming Unlike performance icons that come and go, the Golf GTI has been the benchmark which all hot hatches are measure ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, E35, 2.0, TSI, Edition 35
    • By now, you might be asking “is this pricier than a regular GTI?” Good news for you then, because you'll be getting an E35 if you order a GTI today – at no extra cost.
    • Let us cut to the chase, Volkswagen claims that the E35 is the hottest GTI ever, and it does have boosted numbers to cement that claim. But if you're expecting wilder styling to go with those numbers, tough.
    • Just to point out some little detail changes: The re-designed front bumper, glossy black mirrors and body colour-coded side skirts, the biggest difference are those 18-inch
  • Road-holding and handling are areas that the French have always done reasonably well. The 308 CC is no different. While it may not be the grippiest car out there, the McPherson type front suspension and rear suspension with torsion beam setup do well to keep the car planted as it powers through corners, the Continental CSC3 wrapped 17
    DOCUMENTED: 19.12.2011 | 15:58 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    French Open | Peugeot 308 CC

    With a new chiseled front-end, the new Peugeot 308 CC is less pretty but more handsome. Is the assertive look going to win more male buyers?

    Photos: Joel Tam When Peugeot served us the new 308, we were given a pretty car. Trouble is, pretty doesn't always mean good. Mo ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Peugeot, 308 CC, Convertible, Coupe-Cabriolets
    • Road-holding and handling are areas that the French have always done reasonably well. The 308 CC is no different. While it may not be the grippiest car out there, the McPherson type front suspension and rear suspension with torsion beam setup do well to keep the car planted as it powers through corners, the Continental CSC3 wrapped 17
    • Seeing the new 308 CC in the flesh, I feel the designers have done a pretty (pardon the pun) good job adding some masculinity to the car. The main changes are at the front-end, a
    • At the back, the styling remains untouched. Rear diffusers add some aggression, although I've always felt they were out a bit out of place. LEDs rear lamps with 'curtain effect' help to broaden the rear stance rather effectively.
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