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Good for me. On the flipside, since I own one such car, I must confess over the years my social circle is getting smaller and smaller…
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MINI John Cooper Works | Grown Up

IN MINI, John Cooper Works, JCW, Cooper, MINI Habitat

The JCW becomes significantly more fun with the bigger engine — growing up isn’t all that bad in this case


As has been well-documented in countless other BMW reviews though, that drivetrain layout which gives the 1-series its entertaining handling also leads to its biggest shortfall: interior space. Now, the new 1-series is not a cramped car. Unlike the first generation model, this new car is actually adequately spacious; the relatively large rear windows let in enough light to repel any claustrophobic feelings, and legroom is just about sufficient for two six-footers to sit in tandem. But compared to practically all its front-drive rivals, the 1-series doesn’t offer any surplus room to stretch out, and the transmission tunnel that runs down the middle of the car robs rear passengers of even more foot space.
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BMW 116d | Simple One-ders

IN BMW, 1-series, 116d, Hatchback, RWD, Performance Motors, Diesel

BMW’s smallest model had just had its mid-life refresh and now comes with only one engine. We find out if this Cat A fighter can punch above its weight.


Moreover, most Evoque buyers are new to the brand and looking for a posh status symbol. Unlike previous SUV convertibles, the Evoque Convertible does not disappoint in this regard as it looks the business with the same handsome design as before, but kerb appeal is now boosted by optional LED headlights as well as front and rear fascias that are redesigned for 2016. The folding soft-top can also be operated at speeds of up to 48 km/h for maximum visual kudos, and can fold itself in just 18 seconds.
Happenings

Luxury Convertible... SUV?

IN Range Rover, Land Rover, Evoque, Convertible, SUV, Niche, Range, Rover

Should you have the desire to barrel over sand dunes while looking fabulous and getting a tan, look no further - the Range Rover Evoque Convertible has you covered.


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Why BMW’s M5 Is The Only Sedan I Need | Random Writes

IN BMW, M5, M5 Competition Pack, BMW M5 Competition Pack, Random Writes, Munich Automobiles

The M5 may not sound like a favourable car to most, but here are some of the car’s unique quirks that actually raised its likeable factor for yours truly


Happenings

Sharper STI

IN Subaru, STI, Impreza, S207, Japan, Subaru Technica International

With turbo power and all-wheel drive the Subaru STI is already adept at covering ground quickly. The new S207 takes that formula and concentrates it further.


However the Civic has also had its share of lows, most recently with progress stagnating after discontinuation of the ‘FD’ generation in 2011, as rivals came out with powerful turbocharged engines, more tech-toys and snazzier looks. For 2016 though, the Civic is all-new from the ground up and if looks are anything to go by, this is a proper revitalisation of the Civic with swept back LED headlights, a wider stance and a sleek fastback profile.
Happenings

Perennial Favourite

IN Honda, Civic, US, Sedan, Turbo, New

Now in its tenth generation, the Civic returns revised from the ground up to compete with a new generation of small family sedans


But boy oh boy how things have changed for Jaguar now with their latest compact executive sedan. I strongly urge you: If you are about to head to either BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi showroom to confirm your order for the 3 Series, C-Class or A4 and hand over the deposit cheque, hold on to it first and tell the salesperson you intend to ‘sleep on it for another night’.
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Jaguar XE 2.0 Prestige | Cat's Out Of The Bag

IN Jaguar, XE, Jaguar XE, Jaguar XE sedan, Jaaaaag, Wearnes Automotive

Jaguar’s latest XE poses a real threat to the more established Germans — hold on to your chequebook first


BP — If there was one location anywhere on Earth you could drive this car, the perfect road for this car, where would it be? Yamamoto — In Japan we have four seasons; in spring we have the cherry blossoms, in summer there is lots of sunshine so you can drive the car along the coast or beach, in autumn you can enjoy the leaves changing colour in the mountains, and in winter there is snow, and you can wrap up in a scarf and enjoy the scenery. So I believe you can enjoy the drive no matter when or where. I'm sure that no matter where you live, you can find a perfect place, so I'd like for you to find the best for yourself in your own country!
Happenings

The Brains behind the MX-5 Part I | Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Programme Manager

IN Mazda, MX-5, Interview, Chief, ND

When the new Mazda MX-5 was launched here, two of the most important figures in its creation were in attendance. In the first of this two-part series, we had a chat with the car's Programme Manager.


The McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme is the ultra-exclusive ownership programme, offering specialist driver training, human performance and access to the McLaren racing simulator ahead of on track activity. This programme has been designed to prepare each driver mentally and physically, to allow them to fully exploit the abilities of the McLaren P1 GTR, which produces 986 bhp and runs on race-proven Pirelli slick tyres. The programme is completely bespoke, with each individual having a fully-tailored experience, working closely with a support team from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) comprising authentic professionals that have operated within the rarefied world of professional motor sport.
Motorsports

McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme Commences

IN McLaren, P1, P1 GTR, McLaren P1 GTR, McLaren Special Operations, MSO, McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme

McLaren's bespoke race programme gives the lucky few a fully-tailored experience


He clocks a good amount of mileage weekly, shuttling his wife and princess around. “Daddy duties, hence clocking high mileage is a norm”, he said with a wide smile when we met up with him.
The Pit

The Caltex Techron — Burnpavement Reader Survey

IN Caltex, Chevron, Caltex petrols, Caltex Singapore, Diesel, Caltex Diesel With Techron D, Techron, Techron fuels

Our final panelist, Benjamin Chew, fed his French MPV only Caltex Diesel with Tehcron D and came away with these...


Concluding the dialogue, AC Sam said
Happenings

Singapore Ride Safe 2015 - A Dialogue With Traffic Police

IN Singapore Ride Safe 2015, Use Your RoadSense, Traffic Police, Singapore Police Force, 2015, Road Safety

With approximately 145,000 motorcyclists in Singapore, the Traffic Police wants to do more to reach out to this group of road users


Happenings

The Traditionalist

IN Porsche, Singapore, Stuttgart Auto, Cayman, GT4, Launch, Eurokars

Here's one for the driving purists: Porsche's manual-only Cayman GT4 makes its local debut


Power gets to the road via a pair of 6-speed transmissions. An automatic is optional but the manual offers enough convenience features to make life easy, with features such as hill-start assist and automated rev matching. The latter is particularly useful, helping to prevent stalling and allowing quick, seamless downshifts.
Happenings

Modern Workhorse

IN Toyota, Hilux, Pickup, Rugged, SUV, 4x4

Now in its eighth generation, Toyota has thoroughly revised the Hilux with the same values of ruggedness and utility, but added a good dollop of everyday usability as well.


Say hello to Mike Frost: Mike works for Mobil 1 and his official job title is 'Racing Technical Advisor for McLaren-Honda'. His office is a small mobile laboratory in the McLaren pit garage, literally a cubicle-sized space amongst the various spare parts, tyres and mechanics' tools. It doesn't sound like much, but his role is an important one; he analyses and tests all the car's fluids and lubricants that are supplied by Mobil — such as engine and gearbox oils, and hydraulic fluid. All these oils share the same purpose — to increase efficiency by reducing friction, resulting in increased performance and reliability.
Motorsports

The Winning Formula

IN Mobil, Mobil 1, Esso, Formula 1, Formula One, Fuel, Oil, Engine, McLaren, Honda, Team, UK, Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore GP, F1

The drivers may grab all the headlines, but there so many more heroes in Formula 1, some of whom you never knew existed.


Happenings

Tail Of The Dragon

IN McLaren, 675LT, Long Tail, V8, Turbo, Launch, UK

The crowning glory of McLaren's Super Series range, the 675LT, makes its local debut during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend


To ensure the former two are achieved, engineers have endowed the F-Pace with technologies first developed in its sportier brethren. The chassis benefits from Jaguar’s all-aluminium architecture, yielding a strong and light structure. This sets it apart from conventional steel-bodied crossovers and provides a stout platform for the suspension to work with. The aforementioned suspension also offers more sophistication than other crossovers, comprising a double wishbone design up front and an “integral link” multi-link setup in the rear. With a similar setup, the XE saloon was lauded for class-leading ride and handling, so it should not be a surprise if the F-Pace follows suit.
Happenings

Grace, Space and Pace

Can any automobile deliver all three attributes? Jaguar claims it can with the all new F-Pace


After a month of using Caltex petrol with Techron, Jason was ready to share his thoughts. We caught up with him to get his verdict; and he was rather excited to say the least.
The Pit

THE CALTEX TECHRON — BURNPAVEMENT READER SURVEY

IN Caltex, Chevron, Techron, Singapore, Toyota Wish

We catch up with our second panelist, Jason Lie, who tested a month's worth of Caltex petrol with Techron.


They will also need to demonstrate an interest in the automotive sector through their previous work experience, hobbies or school project work, and be able to show a commitment to teamwork along with academic aptitude, ambition and a passion for the motor industry. Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said, “As a strong advocate of apprenticeships — I started my automotive career in just such a role — I’m very happy that we are able to offer more young people this valuable opportunity.
Happenings

Aston Martin Looking For Apprentices

IN Aston Martin, AM, Apprentice, Gaydon

The luxury British sports car maker opens ten more apprenticeship slots in a selection of priority positions.


His smash single ‘Happy’ sold over 12 million copies and was Billboard’s Number 1 single for 2014. The feel-good anthem — the fourth track in 20 years to go triple platinum — also led to his first Academy Award nomination and two Grammy nominations. Voted as Fashion Icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, he has collaborated with brands including Louis Vuitton, Adidas, Uniqlo, Comme Des Garçons and G-Star. This is in addition to his own clothing lines, Billionaire Boys Club and ICECREAM that sit under his own multimedia creative collective and record label, 'i am OTHER'.
Happenings

Want To Meet Celebrity Pharrell Williams?

IN Singapore, Singapore GP, Pharrell Williams, Pharrell, 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore Airlines, Marina Bay Circuit, 2015

Singapore GP launches an exclusive T-shirt design contest, to be judged by famous multi-talented celebrity Pharrell Williams; winner will meet Pharrell in person!


We all want a Porsche - well, who doesn’t? But forking $190k deposit, paying $23k on interest and then a monthly installment of more than $3.5k for the next five years, is undeniably a real stretch. These figures may not be precise, but you should know what I’m going at here…
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More Than Meets The Eye | Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Shooting Brake

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, CLA, Shooting Brake, CLA Shooting Brake, CLA250, 250, Wagon, CLA250 Shooting Brake

The CLA250 Shooting Brake sounds like another segment-filler for Mercedes-Benz, but is it talented enough to actually work?



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