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... Until you see what was parked next to it...
Happenings

The Car’s The Star Pt 2 | Cars & Coffee Dec 2015

IN Cars & Coffee, Meet, Meetup, Special, BMW, Porsche, VW, Lotus, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, JDM, Euro, Classic

Check out our extended coverage of the pre-Christmas Cars & Coffee meet!


BP — What cars do you guys own? JML — I have a VW Passat biturbo. MA — I actually have the same. JML We both also have VW Golf GTIs; mine is a 1980 and Miikka’s is a 1983. MA — And I also have a ’92 Polo G40, which is a very rare car in Finland, and a Mercedes 190SL from 1963. JML — In my collection I have a MkII Ford Escort BDA, I have an Audi ur-Quattro road car, Quattro Group 4 rally car, Quattro A2 Group B rally car, and then an Audi Coupe Quattro. Then I have a ’99 Toyota Corolla WRC car (which we were using back when we were privateers in Finland, but now it’s been completely restored), and then a Sunbeam Avenger (which was the first rally car I ever got), an AE86 Corolla Levin (which I was running when I was 16 years old), and my father has a Ford Escort RS BDA and two Mitsubishis, a Group A Lancer Evo III from 1996, and a Lancer WRC 2002. The Golf GTI and ur-Quattro are completely road cars, in original condition, but the rally cars all have some sort of history, and that’s what’s important to me.
Motorsports

An Intimate Interview with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila | Part 2

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

In part two of our chat with the Finnish WRC pair, we delve into Sisu, learn how to tackle jumps and deep water, discuss the perfect rally car and get to learn of their amazing car collections.


And now today we have the all-new, 2015 X1 sDrive20i. It’s a different animal altogether too; first and foremost, it’s now a front-wheel drive — something BMW fans still find hard to swallow. Secondly, it has an exterior that mimics the bigger X5 closely; in other words, more mature and there’s that undeniable tinge of macho-ness as well.
New

BMW X1 sDrive20i | New & Improved?

IN BMW, X1, SDrive20i, BMW X1 sDrive20i, SUV, Beemer, Performance Motors

BMW puts plenty of effort into their entry-level X1, and the result is nothing short of impressive


But rather unfortunately, within my first 10 minutes the car brought me to this: Disappointment. The engine sounds dismal, you need to crack it up just to feel alive and… it drizzled. It was painful, feeling cheated; I mean, this car got raving reviews the world over!
New

Mazda MX-5 2.0 (M) | Balanced Diet

IN Mazda, MX-5, Mazda MX-5 2.0, Manual, Roadster, Trans Eurokars

Mazda stated it is heavily inspired by the first generation, albeit with a modern twist - so are they just playing with our emotions?


First impressions of the GS F can be polarizing, with the sharp lines of standard GS enhanced by a gaping front maw with a mesh grille and vented fenders flowing into swooping side skirts, as well as a diffuser, quad pipes and a carbon-fiber lip spoiler out back. The front and rear light clusters have also been redesigned. While some may find it overkill, this writer finds the enhancements well suited to the GS shape, adding a good dose of presence.
Happenings

Lexus GS F Unveiled

IN Lexus, GS, F, GS F, F Sport, Toyota, V8, Saloon, Sedan

BMW M5 too mainstream? Lexus now has your answer, albeit with a twist to the current über sedan formula


Now, Luminox is proud to introduce the new Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark Nova watch features the best of two luminous technologies — Luminox’s proprietary 'Luminox Light Technology (LLT)', the famous micro borosilicate gas tubes that enable the watches to glow continuously for up to 25 years and made the brand the icon that it is today, and 'Super-LumiNova' to further maximise visibility in the dark.
Happenings

The Luminox Spec Ops Exhibition

IN Luminox, Luminox Spec Ops, Luminox Light Technology (LLT), Super-LumiNova

Swiss adventure watch brand, Luminox, commemorates its 25th anniversary as the official watch supplier for the US Navy SEALS


That said, even the Touran MPV was not doing that shoddily. Thanks to the fact that it has space for seven and a pocket-friendly engine that performs very well for its class, every family man (and grandpa) decided to have one.
New

Volkswagen Sportsvan Highline | A Complete Club

IN Volkswagen, VW, Veedub, Sportsvan, Golf, Touran, TSI

Volkswagen's Sportsvan fills the gap between the Golf hatchback and Touran MPV, but does it do what the labels says or is it just another vain segment filler?


Weight distribution is set to 40% at the front / 60% at the rear, reducing inertia on the front axle. An entirely new power management set-up, along with modified suspension, new steering set-up and recalibrated stability and traction controls, connects the driver as directly as possible with the road. The selectable Lamborghini driving modes Strada, Sport and Corsa are tuned to provide oversteering characteristics, emphasizing authentic rear-wheel drive behavior.
Happenings

RWD Huracan LP 580-2

IN Lamborghini, Lambo, Huracan, LP 580-2, Huracan LP 580-2, Lamborghini Singapore

Lamborghini promises rear-wheel drive driving fun with the new rear-wheel drive only Huracan LP 580-2


There are cars that only those with the keenest of eyes will be able to spot:
Happenings

The Car’s The Star Pt 1 | Cars & Coffee Dec 2015

IN Cars & Coffee, Meet, Meetup, Special, BMW, Porsche, VW, Lotus, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, JDM, Euro, Classic

Christmas is a time for sharing, so what better way to spread some festive petrolhead cheer than with a car meet with some of the rarest cars in the country?


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.


Fans will also see the Bentley Continental GT V8 S road car - from which the GT3 racer is derived - on duty this weekend at the Sepang International Circuit as Bentley provides the safety car for the event. “Sepang 12 Hours gives us the opportunity to race in a region that is very important for Bentley,” explained Brian Gush, Director of Motorsport at Bentley. “In addition, it allows us to continue racing in the winter season and is good preparation for Bathurst 12 Hours in February.
Motorsports

Bentley Set For Sepang Debut

IN Bentley, Motorsport, Continental, GT, V8, GT3-R, GT3, Race, Bentley Team

A pair of works team Bentley Team M-Sport Continental GT3s to contest the final race of the season


But lets be honest here. How many people actually do plan to buy a compact crossover like the trio and plan to keep it long term? Because realistically speaking, changes in circumstances like (a) once the number of family members increases, (b) promotion at work or, (c) you just want something bigger, there will be the need to also get another car with more space. And due to those examples, the GLA250, Q3 and X1 are just something you’d have for, well perhaps, four years maximum.
New

Volvo V60 Cross Country | Balanced Act

IN Volvo, V60, Cross Country, Volvo V60 Cross Country, Volvo V60, Wearnes Automotive, New Car

Volvo gives you a rugged wagon in the form of their new V60 Cross Country — should be able to match your Camel boots and loafers


The Clubsport makeover starts with the bodywork, where a redesigned front bumper with splitter, roof mounted wing and rear diffuser with larger pipes add presence as well as genuine downforce to the familiar Golf shape, all without looking obnoxious or boy racer-esque. Lightweight forged alloy wheels available in 18 or 19 inches, blacked out roof and mirror trim as well as stripes with “Clubsport” lettering down the side also let you know this is no run of the mill GTI.
Happenings

GTI Remastered

IN VW, Volkswagen, GTI, Golf, Clubsport, Turbo, Hot hatch, Hatchback

Want a little more grip, grunt and style from your Golf GTI? Look no further than the limited edition GTI Clubsport.


The new XF is part two of Jaguar’s current three-pronged product offensive aimed at capturing sales from Ze Germans; first there was the compact XE sedan which we reviewed earlier, and early in 2016 will see the arrival of the F-Pace, Jaguar’s first SUV. Already the results are showing: in just three months since its launch in September, the XE has already accounted for 20% of total Jaguar sales in Singapore! This tripartite group is important for Jaguar also because it debuts a number of advanced technologies that will sustain the company’s products in the near future.
Happenings

eXquisitely Finessed

IN Jaguar, XF, Wearnes Automotive, Launch, Singapore, Sedan, Luxury, Launch

The first XF was a landmark car for Jaguar, overhauling the brand’s image and keeping it afloat during financial struggle. Now that its tour of duty is complete, a new XF is here to lead the charge.


The new headlights which look like it was directly lifted from the 458 Italia, makes the car immediately more striking. You can be excused if you think that the California is just another hardtop with pleasing lines. However, it is more than that. If you hit the switch and wait 14 seconds, you find that the touring model is actually a drop-top. The California is equipped with a retractable hardtop that quickly slips out of sight behind the passenger compartment. Thanks to its intelligent design, the stored hardtop doesn’t take too much away from trunk storage. For a sports car, there is a fair amount of storage space - easily enough to hold luggage for a weekend away.
New

Ferrari California T | Cup Of T

IN Ferrari, Ital Auto, Ferrari California T, Cabriolet, Convertible, Turbo, Singapore

The Ferrari California T is the automaker’s “entry-level” touring model, marking Maranello's modern incarnation of their turbocharged stallions.


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.


Happenings

Back To Basics

IN Toyota, S-FR, Lightweight, Sports car, Concept

Building on momentum of the GT86 Coupe, Toyota unveils a sports car concept that is even smaller and lighter than its already svelte bigger brother - enter the S-FR concept


You see, the 124 Spider is the result of an agreement formed between Fiat and Mazda about three years ago. Mazda would develop and manufacture both its new MX-5 and the Spider at its factory in Hiroshima, with the two cars featuring each brand’s own engines. So, whereas the MX-5 uses a naturally aspirated 1.5 or 2.0L Skyactiv engine, the Spider will come with a turbocharged 1.4L lump from the 500 Abarth.
Happenings

An Itsy Bitsy Spider

IN Fiat, Spider, 124, Roadster, Sports car,

Japanese engineering with Italian style. Fiat revives another iconic nameplate with this, the new 124 Spider.


Created with sports car fan in mind, the Sport Recaro gets sharper looks with a Brilliant Black Sports Aero kit consisting of a rear spoiler, front apron, side and rear skirts. Piano Black door mirrors and 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels with an engraved 'MX-5' logo complete the appearance.
The Pit

MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition

IN Mazda, MX-5, Sport Recaro, MX-5 Sport Recaro, Recaro, Jinba Ittai

Limited Edition range-topping model joins the all-new Mazda MX-5 line up; unique look courtesy of Sports Aero Kit and Diamond cut alloy wheels


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.



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