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First a bit about the car. The 160 bhp 2.4-litre Estima came shod with oddly matched forged staggered wheels that while I think look cool, are better fitted on a RWD car. Nonetheless, I've decided to keep them on since they work fine and are in pretty good condition. The tyres though, were not. Wrapped in mismatched brands (one Toyo, one Dunlop, two China-brand), it just made me uneasy whenever I spent time on the road.
The Pit

Tyre Review: Bridgestone Potenza RE003

IN Bridgestone, B-Select, RE003, Tyres, Potenza, Singapore, Review

Our company minivan straps on a set of new rubbers from the good folks at Bridgestone.


L is for Lightning-quick - Like all Lamborghinis, the Aventador is fast. With 30 bhp more, the S pushes a crazy 730bhp and 690Nm of torque. The 6.5-litre V12 powerplant enables the car to hit the 100km/h mark in just 2.9 seconds from standstill and it will reach 200 km/h mark in 8.8 seconds. Then onto 350 km/h if the roads allow.
Happenings

An Italian Affair | Lamborghini Esperianza

"What's the point of buying a sports car when you have nowhere to drive it in Singapore?" Heard that question before?


Cleverly designed to install without intrusive mechanical alterations onto the 1,998cc SKYACTIV-G engine, the BBR Stage 1 turbocharger upgrade is specified to enhance drivability as well as outright power. Post conversion, the turbocharger upgrade indicates a 0-100 km/h time slashed from 7.3 to a scorching 5 seconds flat. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The Pit

Stage 1 Turbo Now Available For MX-5!

IN BBR Stage 1, Turbocharger, Stage 1, BBR, Mazda MX-5, Mazda, Miata, SKYACTIV-G

Want more power out of your MX-5? How does 248 bhp sound like?


The new face kept things pleasant, with new headlamps featuring an LED strip to keep up with the current trend that was first started by Audi. Paired to an aggressively styled front grill, surprisingly this new face somewhat grew on me after spending almost a week with the Elantra. At the rear, it gets a pair of newly designed tail lamps; taking cues from its bigger Sonata sibling, this resembles a, well, pair of eyes looking down on you especially at night...
New

Ignore Me Not | Hyundai Elantra Elite

IN Hyundai, Elantra, Elite, Elantra Elite, 1.6-litre, Hyundai Elantra, Korea, Sedan, Saloon, Family sedan, Komoco Motors

Yes it’s no attention grabber but the updated Elantra still impresses in other ways


Based on Audi’s new MLB-Evo platform (first found in the new Q7), the new A4 is as much as 120kg lighter than the outgoing model. Although it really does not look it, the car has also grown in size, 25 mm longer and 16 mm wider to be precise. The model we tested is the Design trim which comes with extra chrome trimmings and the sportier 17-inch alloy wheels.
New

Suit Up | Audi A4 1.4 TFSI S-tronic Design

IN Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles, Audi, A4, Sedan, Saloon, 1.4 TFSI, Turbocharged, MLB-Evo, Singapore

Audi's new A4 is here and despite not looking very different from the model it replaces, the executive sedan has actually been reworked rather extensively.


So, as a whole, the Audi TT Roadster is fast, refined when it needs to be and handles like nothing else in the market. Some, however, may opine it is clinical and predictable. Whatever it is, this car is brilliantly packaged and does not need too much brain cells to drive; two important aspects for a buyer looking at such cars.
New

Audi TT Roadster | Adds Spice To Life

IN Audi, TT, Roadster, Audi TT Roadster, EA888, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles

Boring people driving boring cars in search of more excitement need to get this car


I unlocked the car, opened the bonnet, went ‘tsk… tsk’, closed the bonnet and that’s that.
New

Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Saloon | Medium Or Well Done, Sir?

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes AMG, AMG, Merc, C 63 S AMG, C 63, Daimler South East Asia, Cycle & Carriage

With a sleeper exterior that doesn’t give you much hint of the monstrosity it offers, this is probably the ‘it car’ that can do a lot


BP — Would you be as effective with another driver or is there a sort of chemistry between you guys? MA — I think it depends mostly on how well you can cope with the system of a particular driver, because normally every driver has his own preference and the co-driver must adapt himself and understand what the driver needs. There are several co-drivers who have been successful with several different drivers, so I think that one driver can be successful with many co-drivers, but for a co-driver to be successful he needs a very talented driver. BP — Jari-Matti, has there ever been a case where you found yourself expecting more of Miikka? JML — No, not really. Its only been a few times where if Miikka has been a little bit late or going a little too early then I will just tell him to wait a moment, or just telling him ”next note, next note
Motorsports

An Intimate Interview with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila | Part 1

IN VW, Volkswagen, WRC, Rally, World Rally Championship, Polo, Polo R, Motorsport, Latvala, Jari-Matti, Anttila, Miikka, Finland

Meet motorsport’s highest-flying Finns as they talk Group B, co-driving, and their intra-cockpit relationship.


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.
New

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.


However, pure electric vehicles present the challenge of range anxiety and abysmal charging times that have so far restricted them to short urban sprints. In this respect the mission E makes bold claims, with a 500 km maximum range and an ability to offer 400 kilometers in just a scant 15 minute charge. This comes courtesy of an innovative
Happenings

Electrifying Proposition

IN Porsche, MissionE, Electic, Green, Concept, Fraknkfurt, Motor show

With the Mission E Concept, Porsche previews new technology in their version of a futuristic, all-electric Sports Saloon.


The complete BBR Super 225 upgrade for the (NC) models consists of BBR stainless steel 4-1 exhaust manifold, BBR high performance intake and exhaust camshafts, BBR 3.5-inch diameter branded tailpipes with stainless steel clamps, BBR badges for front wings and boot lid, Drive-by-wire controlled direct to head shiftless AT power Individual throttle bodies, AT Power/BBR curved inlet extensions, CNC machined 20 mm alloy inlet ram pipes, MAP block assembly (to enable OEM Mazda MAP sensor installation), Ramair foam air filter (optional BBR air box and replacement OEM intake for track day use) and BBR engine breather system. All these are yours for 3,490 Pounds - check out www.bbrgti.com for more details.
The Pit

UK's BBR Tuning Package For NC MX-5

IN Mazda, MX5, MX-5, Mazda MX-5, NC, NC MX-5, Miata, MX-5 Miata, Roadster, BBR Tuning

The Mazda performance specialist has 'the ultimate' non-turbo tuning package, producing 225 bhp


The next stage of development will be optimising the aerodynamic performance. Further testing will continue over the winter months to ensure that, following the completion on the 375th and final example of the road-going McLaren P1, the McLaren P1 GTR will achieve the goal of being the ultimate drivers’ car on track — two decades on from the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans win by the legendary McLaren F1 GTR.
Happenings

P1 GTR To Debut Alongside Special 650S

IN McLaren, P1 GTR, P1, McLaren P1 GTR, 650S, McLaren 650S, McLaren Automotive, Hypercar,

McLaren to exhibit at inaugural Chantilly Arts & Elegance event in France; development shots of the McLaren P1 GTR show race track-inspired camouflage.


The initial response to OrangeSafe thus far has been extremely encouraging, with more than 300 early bird participants confirming their attendance. OrangeSafe complements the road safety efforts of the Singapore Traffic Police and Singapore Road Safety Council, which recently launched the Singapore Ride Safe 2014 campaign to spread the message that safe riding saves lives on the roads.
Happenings

Free Defensive Riding Course For NTUC Policyholders

IN NTUC Income, NTUC, OrangeSafe

The first insurer in Singapore to provide a free defensive riding course for its policyholders, NTUC Income has committed $500,000 over two years for OrangeSafe; one in two motorcyclists in Singapore


With the Disco Volante, Touring rejuvenates its purest tradition: to create new and exciting shapes for the most performing and interesting chassis. When applied to Alfa Romeos, this philosophy gave birth to masterpieces that marked the history of design and automobiles.
Happenings

American Debut For The Disco Volante

IN Alfa Romeo, Disco Volante, Touring

The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring makes its first appearance in America at the Pebble Beach Concours on August 18, 2013.


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.
New

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 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.


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 EP200 and EP850 will be launched in September and December respectively. Sizing and prices will be announced closer to the launch dates.
Happenings

Can Black Be Green?

IN Bridgestone, Tyres, Thailand, Ecopia, Green, Test, Unveil

With Bridgestone poised to expand its range of Ecopia tyres, we head up to Thailand for a sneak preview at what these new rubbers have to offer.


New

Beetle Juiced | Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI

IN Volkswagen, Beetle, 1.4 TSI, Supercharged, VGS

With some added power, the otherwise cute Volkswagen Beetle is now quite the road beast.


To be fair though, the Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept isn’t all max power and unhinged lunacy. In fact, the thinking behind it is fairly inspired — using Audi’s racing experience to shed massive amounts of weight: the car weighs just 1,111kg, 300 less than the TTS on which it’s based.
Happenings

Superleicht

IN Audi, TT, Quattro, Concept, Worthersee, Festival, Lightweight, TSI

Like a Superleggera, but German. The Audi Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept makes Lamborghini's (and indeed everyone else's) efforts at a lightweight special seem completely inadequate.



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