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Alfa Romeo is a company any petrolhead wants to love, but in recent years has not been performing its best. The rear-wheel drive Giulia saloon and Stelvio SUV, launched in 2015 and 2016 respectively, were meant to start a renaissance of sorts for the brand, but despite a warm reception from enthusiasts and the media, this limited two-car lineup was nowhere close to realising Alfa’s potential. With that in mind, CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato promised last year that the company would be launching one new model every year till 2026, and this, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, is the first of this product offensive. Tonale is a smaller brother to the Stelvio, aimed to serve the compact SUV segment. First shown as a concept in 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show, Tonale has finally taken shape in production form and we can’t wait to see it in real life when it’s expected to hit our little red dot’s shores around the fourth quarter of this year. Tonale’s dimensions are pretty compact too; at 4.53m long, 1.84m wide and 1.6m tall, Alfa Romeo says it “encompasses the uniqueness of Italian design and the original, contemporary style typical of Alfa Romeo”.
Happenings

Electrified and Tingling: Alfa Romeo Tonale Launch

IN Alfa Romeo, Tonale, Hybrid

Setting the ‘tonale’ for the future, the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s arrival in Singapore geared for Q4 2022.


Find a twisty road however, and it doesn’t take long to unearth the RS’s other talents. Whack the DCC up into sport, and the car becomes a highly effective, if slightly clinical, road devourer. The meaty yet quick steering is confidence-inspiring and makes accurate placing of the car an intuitive affair, and the body control lent by the DCC is exceptional. As with the RS245 and Mk8 GTI though, the crowning glory is the limited-slip differential, which mitigates any trace of untidy wheelspin as you power out of corners, a trait which the old GTI sometimes frustrated me with.
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First Drive: 2022 Skoda Octavia RS

IN Skoda, Octavia, Octavia RS, Hot hatch, Sports saloon, Skoda Centre Singapore

The Skoda Octavia RS is back, and continues to offer the same incredible value and practicality. We take it out for a brief taster to see what it’s like


Colleague Sheldon has already done a thorough lifestyle-review of the iX3 in full-glory 4K, so this article will concentrate on the rudiments of the EV experience from the perspective of a complete newbie – yours truly.
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An EV-newbie's Virgin Experience | with BMW iX3 M Sport Impressive

IN BMW, IX3, M Sport, EV, Charging

Electric cherry popped


Factor in the current COE price of $82k and the M340i comes within striking distance of the $376,581 Audi S4, also an all-wheel drive 3-litre turbocharged sport sedan that makes 353hp and 500Nm of torque. Altogether, that’s good for an electronically-limited 250km/h top speed and 4.7 second sprint from 0-100km/h. Compelling? Moreover, even though it still sports a straight-6 turbo engine, the M340i is now available in Singapore only with all-wheel drive, or xDrive as BMW calls it. Cue moans and groans from hardcore BMW enthusiasts. Since the regular G20 has already been covered in a previous article, we’ll simply focus on what makes this an M Performance vehicle. The Important Bits The M340i features bulging intakes up front, which sets it apart from the regular 3er and makes that front-end look sharper and meaner. Don’t be deceived by those slim headlights though – they’re up there with the best that we‘ve tested.
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BMW M340i xDrive: Formerly known as Prince

IN BMW, M, M340i, XDrive

True commitment to (most of) BMW’s traditional values is needed


In a joint statement released on 27 January, Formula One, along with Singapore GP (SGP), and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) made the announcement that F1 will return to Singapore for another seven years starting from 2022 – with a difference.
Happenings

Formula One to return to Singapore

IN Formula One, Grand Prix, F1, Singapore, 2022, Night race, Street circuit, Marina Bay

We’ll get to enjoy F1 cars tearing around our streets yet again from 2022 to 2028


If the car vaguely looks like a Volvo XC40, particularly from the front end, that’s probably because it mostly is Polestar started out as a performance sub-brand of the Swedish carmaker. The brand is under ownership of Geely Auto, which also includes Lotus, smart, Proton, and of course, Volvo amongst its 18-brand portfolio. The Chinese auto giant has deemed that Polestar be positioned as a standalone dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) brand. Getting on pole
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POLE POSITION: Polestar 2 aims for Tesla Model 3

IN Polestar, EV, Sedan, Electric vehicle

The Volvo-spawned EV brand makes its debut in Singapore with Polestar 2, a compact sedan which offers something different from the popular American brand.


The redesigned model will come in seven colours, including WR Blue Pearl which is unique to the Subaru brand (in other words, not available with the Toyota GR86 – which is available in Neptune and Trueno Blue in other markets).
Happenings

BRZ to arrive in Singapore soon

The second-generation BRZ is due here soon. The 2.4-litre boxer engine in the new BRZ will push out 232 bhp and 250Nm of torque.


Aesthetically, too, Hyundai’s latest Sensuous Sportiness design identity boldly takes innocuous family-mobiles and adds dramatic styling. In late 2020, this made its debut on Singapore roads with the new Avante. It instantly became the clear choice for someone whose emotional side wanted a boldly-styled car, yet their rational side called for a sensible sedan. Hyundai’s now put the new design identity to work on their crossovers – and if you ask me, it’s turned out even better with the Tucson’s rugged proportions. An Exterior with Funkiness
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The Future is Funky | Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

IN Hyundai, Tucson, Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Komoco Motors

Hyundai has taken a gamble with the new, boldly-styled Tucson SUV – and it’s paid off handsomely.


In Singapore’s market, GLB 35 occupies a pretty unique niche. The Cupra Ateca sits in the same category for space and pace but not so on price, while the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman comes close on price and performance but not so on space. Since the more mundane, practical aspects of the Mercedes-Benz GLB have already been covered in the review of the GLB 200, the focus of this article will be on the GLB 35’s raison d’être – pant-pummelling performance with suitably-aggressive looks to boot.
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Zesty and Zingy Family SUV | Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, GLB, GLB-Class, GLB 35, 35 AMG, Cycle & Carriage, Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz

(G)ood (L)ikeable (B)read-van.


“Audi fans and customers have a lot to look forward to in the new year with a strong emphasis on the most prestigious members of the Audi family,” said Markus Schuster, Managing Director of Audi Singapore. Judging by the list they’ve sent us, we concur… RS 3 Sedan & RS 3 Sportback
Happenings

New Year, New Audis!

IN Audi, RS3, S8, R8, R8 V10, R8 RWD, R8 V10 RWD, SQ7, SQ8, E-tron, Sportback

From supercars, to ubersedans, to hot SUVs – Audi’s got something for everyone in the coming year!


No matter, the A3 got a pass for the rest of the (rather competent) package. ‘The S3 will be better,’ I thought, and boy was I right. Stealth Rocketship
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Potent Weapon | Audi S3 Sedan

IN Audi, S3, Audi S3, S3 Sedan, Premium Automobiles

There’s no need to give up hot hatch thrills even after you’re all grown up.


For that, we have to look at Extreme Performance tyres, and one of the most venerable and popular examples in this segment is Yokohama’s Advan Neova range. Yokohama has just revealed the latest addition to this family, the new AD09, which is due to go on sale in Japan in Feb 2022, before “gradually being expanded to Asia and North America”. Unfortunately, no launch dates have been set for markets other than Japan, according to Yokohama’s official dealer in Singapore, YHI Automotive.
Happenings

Yokohama unveils new Advan Neova AD09 extreme performance tyre

IN Yokohama, Advan, Neova, AD09, Yokohama Advan Neova, Neova AD09, Tyres

The AD09 is the latest in Yokohama’s line of track-oriented tyres, and is set to go on sale in 2022.


For a rather rounded-edge SUV, those downward-sloping headlights and signature pointy Alfa Romeo grille combine to give the Stelvio Veloce a fierce face, akin to a shark stalking its prey. Large air inlets at the bottom of the front bumper add to this fiery countenance, with the adaptive cruise control sensor housed in the right-side inlet. A clamshell bonnet with power creases on either side rounds off the top of the front-end. Around the side sits a solitary black ‘Veloce’ badge on the muscular front fender, reminding one that this is a pretty hot variant of Stelvio. Letting the eyes drop downward, one can’t help but notice the recognizably-Alfaesque telephone-dial 20-inch rims. Shod with 255/45 R20 Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tyres, this combo offers nice ride pliancy combined with generous levels of grip in the beating rain.
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Exciting la Famiglia | Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce

IN Alfa Romeo, Stelvio, Veloce, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Stelvio Veloce, EuroAutomobile

Higher-riding handling-machine, and also a family-hauler.


So, to embrace this (unavoidable) future of electric mobility, we rocked on down to electric avenue EV Weekend. Held at The Forum in Resorts World Sentosa, the event is Singapore’s first-ever EV showcase with ten cars on display. Happening from now untill 12th December both physically and virtually, you can either pop over to RWS or visit the brands’ virtual showrooms here. The event not only showcases the latest EVs under one roof, but also includes information corners on how you can transition from an ICE vehicle to an EV. You can also learn more about Singapore’s upcoming EV infrastructure, and the future of electric mobility in Singapore. The road to the future is electric, and here’s what we saw when we took a stroll down it: BMW iX
Happenings

We Rock Down to Electric Avenue

IN EV Weekend, EV, Electric Vehicles

Ok, catchy title aside, it’s actually Singapore’s first-ever EV Weekend. We check out ten hot electric vehicles, including the latest BMW iX!


Look at the price of the A3 (S$187,635 as of December 2021), and you might balk at how much more it costs over its platform-mates. With that price tag, it puts the A3 S$30k over the Golf, and nearly S$50k over the Octavia!
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The Posher Sibling | Audi A3 Sportback Mild Hybrid

IN Audi, A3, Sportback, Audi A3, A3 Sportback, Premium Automobiles

As the fanciest model to use the Volkswagen Group MQB Evo platform, is the A3 Sportback worth the extra dough? We check out what extras it offers over its siblings.


Darker Than Ever Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke programme is known for creating cars in all colours of the rainbow and more (ahem, Michael Fux), so why go for black?
Happenings

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost wafts into Singapore

IN Rolls-Royce, Ghost, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Black Badge, Rolls-Royce Black Badge, Eurokars Group

The dark side of the British luxury marque’s entry model comes purer and more technologically advanced.


With the exception of genuine mud-pluggers like Land Rovers, Jeeps, the Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes G-Wagen or Suzuki Jimny, what can SUVs do that other car types can’t? Just need a personal or family runabout? An equivalent-sized saloon or hatchback will be cheaper and more economical. Regularly need to lug lots of cargo around? A wagon can swallow just as much stuff while being easier to load/unload (due to being lower), and being more economical as well. And what if you have an extended brood? Well, proper MPVs will always be more spacious and comfortable than even the largest of 7 or 8-seater SUVs. Add to all that the fact that physics ensures an SUV’s extra height and weight works against it in road manners, and it’s still a wonder how, for the first time last year, they became the best-selling type of new car in Singapore.
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Clawing its way to the top | Jaguar F-Pace 2.0 R-Dynamic

IN Jaguar, F-Pace, Jaguar F-Pace, Wearnes

Handsome looks, superb handling and an excellent new infotainment system make the facelifted Jaguar F-Pace one of the most desirable medium luxury SUVs around.


Consider this... ... before scoffing at Mutt Motorcycles' lack of Class 2 options. If eyeball-searing speed and hair-raising acceleration are one's goals, the Yamahas, Kawasakis, KTMs and BMWs of the motorbike world can satisfy those desires. Instead, think of newly-minted riders. Not necessarily, but likely, in their late 30s or older. They've just gotten their Class 2B or 2A licence, the latter possibly after a long hiatus post the former sans street-riding experience in the interim, and are keen to finally get a bike after having been stymied for one reason or another earlier in life. Maybe as a daily rider, which Mutt's range is more than capable of doing, but also one to call their own. One that's as comfortable cruising down Orchard Road and being ogled by onlookers as it is tackling twists and turns on a weekend Tour de Singapour Street Edition ride around our little red dot. Originating from Digbeth, Birmingham in the UK, and having spent over 15 years building custom bikes, Mutt Motorcycles is founded on the ethos to deliver bikes that are easy to ride and maintain, affordable to buy and run, whilst giving the same feel and sound of a classically styled custom machine. Mutt Motorcycles applies the same build quality and style to small cc bikes that are easy to throw around city streets and country lanes, making the custom bike scene that much more accessible to more riders. Having spent many years making larger high-end custom bikes, Mutt Motorcycles applies the same attention to detail to the smaller bikes, offering endless possibilities for personalized detail changes. Mutt Motorcycles are brand new bikes designed in-house and built-to-order as standard or customized to the owner's preference. With that in mind, let's look at...
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Mutt Motorcycles Akita ...

IN Mutt, Motorcycles, Akita, Mongrel, Hilts, Fat Sabbath, FSR, RS-13, GT-SS, Mastiff, Razorback, Classic inspired, British, Custom, Licence, 2B, 2A

... looks like it's hewn from granite and ready for the rough and tumble.


With over 50 bhp more than the previous-generation F36 Gran Coupe, it’s got plenty of poke. Power delivery comes smoothly and elegantly, so much so that you get to license-losing speeds without realising. Non-stop rain plagued the entire duration of our testdrive, but the xDrive all-wheel drive system worked beautifully to put the power down without fuss.
Happenings

We take a sneak peek at the all-new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

IN BMW, 4 Series, Gran Coupe, 4 Series Gran Coupe, BMW 4, BMW 4 Series, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, BMW Gran Coupe

The BMW coupe with the prominent grille now has more doors for added practicality.


Tucked away in a row of shophouses along Joo Chiat Road, at number 432, is the home of Mutt Motorcycles Singapore. Give the glass door a good tug sideways during opening hours - it isn't locked, just heavy.
Happenings

Mutt Motorcycles Singapore ...

IN Mutt, Motorcycles, Classic inspired, British, Custom, Licence, 2B, 2A

... where Birmingham meets Bukit Timah, and bums, boils and bicycles get bantered about.



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