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COVID restrictions meant we only had an hour with the car during the launch event of the new Mk8 Golf and Golf GTI (and that included time for photography as well), so we can’t give you much more than the most fleeting of first impressions. Oh, and conspiring against us further still was some truly appalling weather. But even so, there are signs that VW has turned up the aggression slightly in the Mk8 and made it a more willing entertainer than its forebears.

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FIRST DRIVE: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Golf GTI, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Volkswagen Group Singapore

A brief taster of the new Golf GTI suggests that Volkswagen has injected a bit more sportiness back into the long-reigning hot hatch king.

So, any drivetrain differences?

Unfortunately, no. Power output stays the same, with 244 bhp and 353 Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-pot. This means a 6 second century sprint, up to a 240km/h top speed.

The lack of drivetrain updates isn’t necessarily a bad thing, considering how well it already drives. Its Nürburgring-developed chassis is nicely balanced between performance and comfort, despite the fixed dampers (Stinger GT gets electronically adjustable units). What’s lovely is how the suspension absorbs mid-corner bumps, ensuring that the chassis stays planted with no nasty surprises.

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Adding to Excellence | Kia Stinger 2.0 GT Line

IN Kia, Stinger, Kia Stinger, GT Line, Cycle & Carriage Kia

Kia’s already-excellent Stinger gets a mild facelift and quite a bit more equipment inside, but the price tag grows, too.

In this latest eighth-generation model, the Golf’s tried-and-tested recipe been enhanced, refined, and modernised both inside and out.

What’s new outside?

The Golf’s exterior – though not always the most exciting – has always been pleasant and easily identifiable as a Golf. That hasn’t changed, with the signature chunky, forward-leaning C-pillar still present.

Happenings

Eight-gen Volkswagen Golf tees off in Singapore

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Golf GTI, Golf R, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Volkswagen Golf R

The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s iconic hot hatch is now in Singapore with more power and an all-new digitalised interior

Did you say hybrid + turbo power?
Yup. No more 1.6 NA engine, the new car is a 1.4 BOOSTERJET turbo-charged engine with a 48V lithium-ion
battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter that helps to reduce fuel
costs and lower CO2 emissions.

Happenings

Champion Motors Launch Suzuki Swift Sport at KF1 Circuit

The new Suzuki Swift Sport is now officially here via the authorised distributor, Champion Motors. We bring you the important need-to-know stuff.

Is there more power?

Many changes have been made to make the GR 86 same but better. For starters, the new 2.4-litre lump makes 35 bhp more than the outgoing 2.0-litre, now producing 232 bhp and 250 Nm. As in the new BRZ, peak torque in the GR 86 is available from a much more usable 3,700rpm.

Happenings

Toyobaru Toyota Twin Revealed

IN Toyota, GR86, Toyota GR86, Toyota GR, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Toyobaru, Borneo Motors

Toyota's refreshed rear-drive coupe has launched, with the same 2.4-litre flat-4 as its related Subaru twin – but a few minor differences.

Oh no, why that nose again?
Well, if you really don’t like it, look elsewhere. But to us, the new grille is starting to look rather decent. It’s unmistakably a BMW and forms a large part of the 4 Series’ identity. See it in real life, who nose, it might grow on you.

Happenings

Six questions answered about The New BMW 4 Series Convertible

With a new, lower-slung silhouette, 50:50 weight distribution and a soft top that’s 40% lighter than the outgoing model, the new 4 Series Convertible looks set to drive as well as it looks.

This isn’t an all-new car of course, nor is it even a facelift (that comes next year, when the Countryman gets new headlights and Union Jack-themed taillights just like the rest of the Mini range, as well as new digital displays). But though it looks no different, the 2020 Countryman JCW’s updates run far deeper than facelifts conventionally do.

With 306hp and 450Nm now on tap, the new Countryman JCW has made gains of 75hp and 100Nm over the 2019 model - a full one-third more power and torque than before. That’s all courtesy of an updated version of the B48 2.0-litre turbo engine, which is now in the same spec as you’d find in the BMW M135i, M235i, and X2 M35i.

As a result, the 0-100km/h time drops from 6.5 to 5.1 seconds, and it’s powerful enough flat-out to warrant a 250km/h electronic speed limiter. It’s rather a different beast to drive now, and finally feels special enough to justify its existence (and its price tag).

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Rally the Troops | Mini Countryman John Cooper Works

IN MINI, Countryman, JCW, John Cooper Works, MINI Countryman, MINI John Cooper Works

The biggest and most expensive Mini you can buy gets a lot more power for 2020, finally giving it performance that’s worthy of the JCW name.

That’s where the S60 T8 R-Design comes in. It’s the most powerful Volvo you can buy today, with the sort of on-paper figures that might give warm sports saloons like the Audi S4, BMW M340i, and Mercedes-AMG C43 a right old scare: 402hp, 640Nm of torque and 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Except, the S60 doesn’t follow your traditional sports saloon recipe. It’s a plug-in hybrid you see, which means a twin-charged 315hp 2.0-litre engine driving the front wheels, and an 87hp electric motor powering the rears. And that, I’m afraid, is the S60’s undoing as a performance car.

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Plugged In | Volvo S60 T8 R-Design

IN Volvo, S60, Volvo S60, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, PHEV

402hp makes the new S60 T8 plug-in hybrid the most powerful Volvo ever sold in Singapore. But is that enough to make it compelling for keen drivers?

“Sportiness” may be one of the most overused marketing cliches in the automotive world, but given Toyota’s recent form with the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and LC500, we’ve got plenty to be optimistic about in the new IS. Stay tuned for our review coming soon.

Happenings

The sportier and sexier new Lexus IS launches in Singapore

IN Lexus, IS, Lexus IS, IS300, IS350, Sports sedans, Luxury sedans, Car launch, New cars

Aggressive new looks back up a more thrilling drive in the heavily updated Lexus IS; prices start from S$199k

Much to the disappointment of the former group, the second-generation Subaru BRZ broke cover this week with an engine that didn’t feature forced induction. Despite the absence of a turbocharger, however, the new BRZ still offers a power bump over its predecessor.

Happenings

Consistency is key for the new BRZ

IN Subaru, BRZ, Subaru BRZ, Subaru Asia, Toyobaru

Subaru sticks to the purist’s formula for the second-generation BRZ – a naturally aspirated engine, a manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive.

The TT RS 40 years of quattro (quite a mouthful) is powered by the award-winning 2.5 TFSI engine from Audi Sport. The five-cylinder packs 400 PS and develops a maximum torque of 480 Nm.

Happenings

Only 40 units for this Limited edition Audi

It's been 40 years of quattro (Audi's all-wheel-drive) and they've whipped up a special edition TT to celebrate.

It requires skill and gracefulness to be executed perfectly, without picking up a sprained back or leg cramp.

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Power Unedited | Lotus Exige Sport 350 (M)

Learn to live with it, and you'll be rewarded with adrenalin-packed drives that only a Lotus can give you.

The Ponte Vasco Da Gama. It is the second-longest bridge in Europe, spanning more than 17 km in length, the bridge connects Lisbon with Montijo, where we will be crossing from in our BMW X1 xDrive25d.

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Finding Portugal WITH THE BMW X1 XDRIVE25D | Day Two

We cross one of Europe's longest bridges in day two of our Portugal road trip.

All in all, it proved to be an eye-opening day for us. As we conclude our short road trip tomorrow, we’re told that we will be making our way across some interesting roads. More of that in our 'Day-Two' story soon!

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Finding Portugal with the BMW X1 xDrive25d | Day One

IN BMW, Xdrive, X1, Portugal, SUV, XDrive25d, Travel

There’s no better way to discover what a country has to offer than to explore it by car. We grab the keys to the BMW X1 and do just that.

The 50kW DC chargers can fully charge a car in 30 minutes. Over the next few years, SP will introduce more high-powered DC charging points of up to 350kW. Other than SP’s, there are six other DC chargers in Singapore. SP’s new additions will be a game-changer in improving the charging turnaround time for EV drivers in Singapore. EV drivers can also enjoy at least 50 per cent cost savings compared to typical Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles for every kilometre travelled. The cost of using SP charging points will be regularly adjusted, mainly influenced by the prevailing electricity costs in Singapore.

Happenings

SP Group Offers EV Full Charging

IN EV, Electric Vehicle, Electric, SP Group

Electric vehicle (EV) users can now fully charge their vehicles in 30 minutes at SP Group’s island-wide charging network.

“It’s one of the worst experiences for a driver, to find their car up on blocks with all four wheels gone. Some alloy wheels can cost thousands to replace, but these unique rim nuts will stop thieves in their tracks. Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a game-changer for car production.”

Raphael Koch, research engineer, Advanced Materials and Processes, Ford of Europe.

Happenings

Ford Develops 3D-Printed Wheel Nuts

IN Ford, Wheels, Rims, Tyres, Security, Technology

As car security systems become increasingly more sophisticated, thieves are targeting car parts instead, including alloy wheels. Ford has the solution...