Beautiful isn't it? No ungainly straps that flap around at speed, no roof racks to spoil the nice curves of that roof and most importantly, it is not that difficult to use. Best of all, you won't be pulled over by the cops because your lights and number plates are still fully visible.
New

The Hitch-Biker | Opel Astra Turbo 1.4T

IN Opel, Astra, 1.4, T, Turbo, Ecotec, Hatchback

In the overcrowded market of family hatchbacks, how well will the Opel stand out? In this case, very.


Now let's talk about what it has. The MC Stradale generates 10 bhp more from the 4.7-litre V8 engine than the GranTurismo S. Torque is also up with a further 20 Nm improvement at 510 Nm. This allows the car to accelerate from nought to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, all the way to a 300 km/h top speed. Let this be official - this car is FAST! Maybe it's the sound that enhances the sense of speed, but the MC Stradale accelerates angrily through every gear and every rev input given.
New

Gentleman's Racer | Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

IN Maserati, GranTurismo, GT, MC Stradale

While the term 'Gentleman's Racer' might sound like an oxymoron, that's exactly what the MC Stradale is. Maserati's edgiest drive is hardcore yet still perfectly chivalrous around town.


But then, due to the current COE trend, such premium sedans are becoming even harder to reach — case in point, the “base model” Audi A4 1.8T, BMW 318i and Mercedes-Benz C180 costs $193,773, $178,800 and $189,800 respectively.
New

All Grounds Covered | Volkswagen Passat

IN Volkswagen, Passat, Volkswagen Passat, 1.8 TSI

Volkswagen promises value in a premium package with their new Passat, but the question is, can it really deliver the goods?


While the automatic variant delivered a good drive, the manual version of the RCZ feels more nimble, more eager and pounces a lot harder than the automatic. While the ride was still a good compromise between comfort and sportiness, the manual variant feels tauter in the corners and delivers more feedback.
New

The RCZ, Revisited | Peugeot RCZ 1.6 Turbo (M)

IN Peugeot, RCZ, 1.6, Manual, Turbo, THP, 200

Earlier this year, we tested the gorgeous RCZ. Now, can the flagship appeal to the discerning driver?


On the outside, the car is clearly more dashing than the model it has replaced. Large kidney grilles give an X5-like appearance, while the fog lamps have been raised, just in case you decide to submerge the car two feet underwater. Looking at our recent 'excessive water' issues, that might just happen.
New

Xpectations Xceeded Xceptionally | BMW X3 xDrive35i

IN BMW, SUV, X3, Xdrive35i

More handsome than its predecessor (they couldn't do worse). Packed with a three litre TwinPower turbo charged motor pushing 306 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. What's not to like?


But can it handle as well as its elder sibling? With a chassis that is not as well-balanced as the Golf GTI's, the Polo GTI does seem a bit suspect in handling when we drove it through the twisty bits. The steering of the Polo GTI as compared to its lesser Polo siblings feels a lot more weighted, giving you decent feedback, but for a car with sporty aspirations, it does seem a bit lacking. Steering the car is easy, with the car responding to directional inputs in a perfunctory manner with nary a hint of enthusiasm. This lack of enthusiasm I am afraid is unbecoming of a hot hatch. Also, with the spirited swerving came the slight body roll which can be a tad unnerving, but to be fair, the Polo GTI managed to fight the initial lean and stayed on course as directed ably. The same can also be said of the car's braking, which can be improved on as it felt 'under servoed', I am not expecting a dentures popping kind of braking, but a little more initial bite on the brakes can't go wrong for this car.
New

Polo-roid Pictured | Volkswagen Polo GTI

IN VW, Volkswagen, Polo, GTI

Volkswagen's entry level hatch gets imbued with the GTI badge of honour.


So both Mercedes-Benz and BMW were seeing success stories. However, it was totally different for Audi - although the current A6 (still for sale in the market) is considered a relevant competitor, that aging shape didn’t go well with buyers in this segment.
New

Look Who's Back | Audi A6

IN Audi, Audi A6, Quattro, 2.8 FSI, 3.0 TFSI

The E-Class and 5 Series are success stories here in Singapore, but with the new A6, will Audi get the same treatment? We head to Abu Dhabi to find out


Power aside, the Volvo S80 is all about ferrying 'towkays' around in a fair amount of comfort and style. It does this well - as it has been doing for many years now.
New

Big Car + Small Engine = ? | Volvo S80 T4

IN Volvo, S80, 1.6, Turbocharged

Volvo's S80 flagship sedan has been fitted with a 1.6-litre engine. Yup. Flagship. 1600cc. We tell you how something that sounds so wrong can feel so right.


Fast cabrios are a must-have accessory if you’ve made it good. Well if you already have a limo, a sports car and another sedan for trips to the market, a cabrio is a natural “next-thing-to-get” - something to cruise around comfortably, or to show up at events in.
New

The One From Above | Maserati GrandCabrio

IN Maserati, GranCabrio, Cabriolet, Tourer

With instruction from god himself, Maserati shows how a proper cabriolet should be.


With modernisation in cars, comes new-found tech like the clever XDS system, an electronic differential that brakes the inside front wheel should the system detect any slip or loss in traction. Boring? Kind of, but safe nonetheless. It's fun with a safety net. Anyway, if you're feeling gutsy and are in the mood for some wheel spinning action, it can always be switched off.
New

Lil' Red Riding Hoot! | Skoda Fabia RS

IN Skoda, Fabia, VRS, RS, Hot-hatch

The closest thing we ever got to a Skoda hot-hatch here was the Skoda Rapid Coupé, which put a smile on the faces of many - only because it was a joke. Now though, Skoda's got something much better.


It was a wet morning as we all made our way to the rendezvous point in the eastern part of our little island. Great, now how on earth are we going to enjoy driving with the roof down in such crappy weather? Well, let’s just say the dude above wanted us to have a blast, so lo and behold, the weather stopped almost instantly by the time we arrived. Well, you should know what wet roads lead to — over steering antics, that sort. In the case of the 370Z and the Boxster S, it wasn't hard. Switch off the traction control, floor the pedal at the right time, steer with confidence and tadaa… “dorift-o”, as what Krado would say. Not so easy with the four-wheel driven TTS though — but a little pull of the handbrake with no traction control will see it go sideways, although not as spectacular as the other two.
New

Roof Up? Roof Down? Decisions, Decisions...

IN Porsche, Nissan, Audi, TT, TTS, Boxster, Boxster S, Roadster, 370Z, Fairlady

The mission was set. Each pundit selected their choice weapon. At the end of the day, only one will emerge the best. Melding punchy performance and drop-top eye-catching good looks.


Margaret says: The Countryman immediately made me regret buying the Mini Cooper S which I primarily bought for the fun drive. The engine does feel hot when it's running, which is what I experience in my own Mini as well. I would buy it, but I wouldn't want to go for the entry level, because the four wheel drive has a very planted feel and the equipment level is superb.
New

MINI Cooper S Countryman Panel Of Professionals (P.O.P.) Session

IN MINI, Countryman, Cooper, S, P.O.P.

Our panel of professionals (P.O.P.) strap themselves up in the passenger seat and get up close and personal with the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Hear what they have to say about the car.


Even out on the expressway, the A1 gets up to legal speeds without fuss. However what’s lacking here is engine refinement — it can sound a tad gruff especially above 4,500 rpm, and the drone does get intrusive when the audio system is switched off. Handling wise, the A1 remains your typical Audi. Which means the steering is well weighted, handling is predictable and as a whole, makes even an amateur driver a street hero. Depending on buyer’s demand, nothing is wrong with this particular aspect of the A1 — but if you’re more demanding and place more emphasis on “f-u-n”, then you might come disappointed. In comparison, at least the Mini Cooper requires more driver input and you can easily (a) throw its rear out, and (b) laugh away gleefully as you try to get back its line. But wait: here's a surprise, the A1 in comparison seems to brake better.
New

The Potentially Special One | Audi A1

IN Audi, A1, 1.4 TSI, S-tronic

The Audi A1 jumps onto the scene in time — just when the Mini’s a decade old…


Exterior wise, the new Megane CC (I shall call it MCC from now on) looks less angular than its predecessor — it seems Renault’s designers decided to make it curvier (and more feminine too) this time around, probably to match Peugeot’s 308CC. The face has more prominence now thanks largely to the new swept back headlamps and detailed bumper (is it smiling at me?). Then, the rear looks simply beautiful, mainly due to the darkened tail lamps and the fact that its overhang is not that long to make it look, err, tilted like a duck’s rear? Oh, and those alloys are simply beautiful on the MCC — think of it as wearing the right shoe to match the dress. Ahh… you French are so fashionable.
New

More For Her | Renault Megane CC

IN Renault, Megane, Coupe, Cabriolet

...that’s what the Megane CC is, with that all-smooth drive and chic interior.


Which brings me to the BMW 320i coupe. Driving it is like being in the small pool. It is fun to be in. Like many models that came out of the Bavarian marque's production line, it handles brilliantly, and thanks to its handsome and stylish lines it feels sporty enough to make you feel like you're piloting something quite special.
New

First Stroke To Style | BMW 320i Coupé

IN BMW, 320i, Coupé

BMW straps their entry-level four-cylinder engine to their handsome 3 Series Coupé. But does it still deliver a full BMW experience without their signature six-cylinder powerplant?


What you need to take note of however is the uninspiring note coming from the bonnet. If you are the sort who is used to hearing the warble of V8s or whirr of force-fed power plants, you might probably just drop your jaws… in amusement. But hey, it is a hybrid after all — the smoothness and seamless operations (both lump and box) is a given. The fact that it starts and idles quietly is also pretty amazing. By the way, the CT200h can be driven solely on a fully charged electric motor at speeds of up to 45km/h before the petrol engine actually kicks in, vibration-free.
New

Surprise Of Sorts | Lexus CT200h

IN Lexus, Hybrid, CT200h

A Lexus hatchback? Hybrid? Nope, your eyes are not playing any tricks...


Inside both cars however, it is the Countryman that shows more personality than the Juke, with colours to choose from for the trim and seats, while the Juke's interior is only offered in one colour. Pop the boot lids and the Juke shows less swallow space than the Countryman. The Countryman's boot space space may look smaller than the Juke, but it has less suspension intrusion into the boot space itself and has extra storage space below it. As far as ergonomics go, the Juke's more “traditional” layout will bode well with simpletons, whereas the Countryman's switch layout will take some getting used to.
New

Mini Cooper S Countryman Vs Nissan Juke DIG-T

IN Mini, Cooper S, Countryman, Nissan, Juke, DIG-T

What happens when two crossovers cross each other's path? Well, we just had to find out which is the better crosser.


Being heavier and taller, the Countryman unlike its normal Cooper sibling does not possess a go-kart like drive. Instead, it feels more like a sporty sedan. The steering is noticeably heavy at low speeds but it is quick and gives a good amount of feedback on the road once you get going at higher speeds. For more demanding drivers, hitting the sports button increases the steering effort and slightly sharper throttle response. However, body roll is not very pronounced in the corners, and it has brakes that feel very progressive.
New

Fun? We Are All4 It! | Mini Cooper S Countryman

IN Mini, Cooper, S, Countryman

The first-ever four door Mini is not just an up-sized Mini. It is their first cross-over and also quite possibly, the most controversial Mini of all time.


Despite all those nuances, the V60 responds nicely to corners with lots of grip. Go hard on the brakes, dive into the corner, exit with your foot on the accelerator and let the stability control figure out where to send the power to. Or, if you are feeling brave, enter the vehicle settings menu and turn the stability aid off. While this makes the car break away in predictable under steer once the limit is breached, it is a bit hard to get it to behave again.
New

Hello Vogue Wagon! | Volvo V60 T4

IN Volvo, V60, T4, Station, Wagon, Estate

Once shunned, now gaining popularity, especially with young men who like cars to be practical and at the same time stylish. Now, how about a four-door coupe-like station wagon?


New

An Epitome Of Style And Class | Rolls-Royce Ghost

IN Rolls-Royce, Ghost

They say in life, you have to work hard in order to succeed. And once you have achieved success, you buy a Rolls-Royce...



© 2015 BURNPAVEMENT