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The Golf gained a total of 504 points, the highest ever for an import model. It also scored 131 points more than the second-placed car. At the award ceremony, Shigeru Shoji, the President of Volkswagen Group Japan, commented: “We are very much pleased that the Golf becomes the first import car which gained the grand prize in 34 years of Japan Car of the Year history. This honour has been awarded to all the people who supported Volkswagen in Japan over the past 60 years.” Among numerous other awards, the new Golf has also won the Car of the Year, World Car of the Year, and Golden Steering Wheel titles this year.
Happenings

The Golf Captures The Japan Car Of The Year Award

IN Volkswagen, Golf, Japan Car Of The Year

For a country that prides itself on manufacturing some of the world's best cars, the German made Golf has made history by being the first non-Japanese car to win this award.


Now, the arrival of the Kuga is also a timely one… Yes, despite the fact that (a) COEs are high and the change in policy makes every car buyer shed a tear or two and (b) banks are not obligated to grant you your wish, the Kuga gives a new option for those looking at the Qashqai/Tiguan 1.4 TSI/3008/Tucson/Sportage/CX-5/ASX/XV/Grand Vitara/RAV4 (my, my, my isn’t that quite a list) - who are all not exactly new in our market - a new candidate.
New

Making Sense? | Ford Kuga Titanium

IN Ford, Kuga, Compact SUV, Ford Kuga Titanium, Regent Motors,

A tax-friendly Kuga arrives, so should the Tiguan worry?


Let's take a look at this not-so-subtle Edition One-specced A45. With it's rear wing, side canards and matt black livery, this little car looks fast without even moving, if a little ostentatious. That said, without the Edition One add-ons, the A45 could pass off as a regular A-Class with a Sport kit. Only upon closer inspection, will you notice the
New

A Star | Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

IN Mercedes-Benz, A45, A Class, Hatch-back, AMG

The A45 is Merc's entry-level AMG model. But there's nothing basic about this premium hot hatch at all.


The 1.8 TFSI aside, what we have here today is the ‘entry-level’ variant: the 1.4 TFSI. Yes it shares the same powerplant as the Golf, but somewhat this one feels - and I swear it isn’t psychological - smoother. And of course, this is a good thing (and expected), considering the almost $44,000 (equivalent to a five year old, highly-spec’d Fiat Bravo T-Jet, egad!) separating the two. Hmm… You can’t help but wonder whether that significant difference in price between the two is justified — after all, the Golf and this new A3 is, technically, the same car.
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Table Top | Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI

IN Audi, A3, Sportback, TFSI, 1.4, Audi A3, Premium Automobiles

The entry level A3 has so much going on for it; surprise, surprise, surprise...


Many of the sophisticated solutions being applied for the very first time to an in-range car in the 458 Speciale, including its advanced active aerodynamics, will become a standard feature of all new Ferraris in the future. Flanked in the Maranello marque’s range by the multi-award-winning 458 Italia and 458 Spider, the new mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta was designed to boost both performance and driving emotion to unprecedented levels, yet simultaneously guarantee smooth, effortless control in all kinds of situations.
Happenings

Something Speciale This Festive Season!

IN Ferrari, 458, Speciale

The Ferrari 458 Speciale makes its debut in Singapore!


The new Lexus ES has been re-introduced in Singapore after a seven-year hiatus and has been designed to exude the Essence of Luxury with its class-leading spacious comfort and world-class refinement. For the first time ever, the new ES will include a hybrid model, alongside the ES 250 petrol model. Boasting a quieter, smoother yet more powerful ride, the new ES Hybrid elevates the new Lexus ES as a class-apart, while strengthening Lexus’ leadership in hybrid offerings. The new Lexus ES will be available in two models — ES 250 and ES Hybrid. The ES 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre gasoline engine delivering 184bhp and the ES Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine delivering 205bhp.
Happenings

The Lexus ES Makes Its Return To Singapore

IN Lexus, ES, ES 250, Hybrid, Borneo Motors Singapore

Borneo Motors Singapore recently launched the new Lexus ES model range at 7Adam Gallery on 4th November 2013.


Like the Toyota RAV4, the Mazda CX-5 seems to be struggling in sales compared to their German competitor, the Volkswagen Tiguan. But that's by no means any reason to knock it either of them. In fact, both Japanese models have upped their game and are very compelling choices.
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Mazda CX-5 Diesel

IN Mazda, CX-5, SkyActiv, Diesel, SUV, Eurokars

It's got the tech, the torque and the frugality. But can Mazda's diesel-powered SUV make a mark on Singapore's tough automotive landscape?


The newly launched Multimedia receivers continue to boast functional features that make them easy and convenient to use. With Bluetooth® connectivity, users will be able to enjoy the luxury of hands-free calling and stream high-quality audio wirelessly through their receivers. All new models launched also come with MIXTRAX, a Pioneer technology which creates a unique nonstop listening experience by seamlessly transitioning between songs with DJ-inspired effects such as cross-fading, high-pass filter, and phaser, allowing users to turn any car into a roving cool club.
Happenings

Pioneer Unlocks The True Power of Smartphone Connectivity in the Car

IN Pioneer, DVD, Multimedia receivers, Iphone, Android, Connectivity, MP3

Got an Android phone or the new iPhone 5S/C? Pioneer has launched a new line of Multimedia receivers that will allow connectivity with it to your car!


The VOR 70 Maserati yacht is an engineering marvel. With a carbon mast of over 30 meters, a canting keel, water ballast, canards, sleekly elegant waterlines and a composite construction, it measures at just over 20 meters and was built for the purpose of one thing: speed.
Happenings

Maserati Soldini Yacht Sails To Singapore

IN Maserati, Quattroporte, Luxury, Soldini, Yacht, GTS

After casting off from Hong Kong four days ago, the record-breaking Maserati Soldini Racing Yacht reached Singapore waters to showcase it's latest developments.


Essentially an A-Class underneath, the CLA looks like it had gone to a trendier tailor than its hatchback sibling. The four-door coupe is pretty avant-garde in styling, to say the least. The result is that some will like it, some will loathe it. That said, I've met more who find it 'progressively attractive'. Which is another way of saying
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Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 Urban

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, A-Class, CLA, 200, Urban

The CLA is well-priced and promises to be a car that doesn't conform to the norm. Is that necessarily a good thing? We find out.


In a comparison of peak and off-peak travel times, Bukit Timah recorded a 111 per cent increase in travel times in the mornings and a 97 per cent increase in evening travel times. In the latest study this year, Clementi featured as the second worst suburb for the morning commute, with a 97 per cent increase in travel time during peak-hours compared to free flow traffic, extending its position as one of Singapore’s most congested suburbs during peak-hour since the pioneer study was published in 2010. It was ranked as the third worst suburb for evening commute with a 93 per cent increase in travel time.
Happenings

Traffic Study Underscores Traffic Challenges In Singapore

IN TomTom, Traffic, Congestion, Road Conditions, Bukit Timah

TomTom Traffic Time Study highlights Bukit Timah as the worst suburb for both morning and afternoon peak-hour commute.


Targeting the challenging conditions of an urban drive landscape, the test drive event was held in the high-traffic Orchard area at Scape. Participants who have signed up with Audi Singapore take on the challenge of safe city driving in the sleek and compact Audi A1 Sportback, Audi A3 Sportback and Audi Q3. Drivers will manoeuvre through a parallel parking course, crank-course, S-course and a test drive in the city.
Happenings

Audi City Driving

IN Audi, City Driving

Audi Singapore designs unconventional city driving experience to encourage safe driving.


The announcement of Loeb’s participation adds to the fevered anticipation building ahead of the Macau race, which sees the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia return to the Guia Circuit as part of the celebration of the 60th running of the Grand Prix. Loeb may be new to Macau’s 6.2km Guia street track, but he does have experience of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup both as a driver and a team boss in the Porsche Carrera Cup France, and on a city circuit. In 2012, he won the two Porsche Carrera Cup France rounds held around the streets of Pau. Earlier this year, Loeb made his debut at the pinnacle of Porsche one-make racing — the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, contesting both the Spanish and Monaco rounds. Having conquered the world of international rallying, Loeb has turned his remarkable talent to circuit racing. When he arrives in Asia, he will be met by a Porsche Carrera Cup Asia brimming with both experience professionals and young talent, several of whom have previous experience at Macau. All eyes will be on the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia this November to see whether the world’s most successful rally driver can beat his formidable rivals and conquer the Guia Circuit to take a coveted Macau victory.
Motorsports

Sébastien Loeb Confirmed For Macau Grand Prix Invitational

IN Porsche, Carrera, 911, PCCA, GT3 Cup Car

Porsche China has announced that nine-time FIA World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb will make his Porsche Carrera Cup Asia debut at the end-of-season invitational at the Macau Grand Prix.


BP: Hi Mr Winkelmann, first and foremost could you tell us more about Lamborghini's motorsports initiatives and how it could benefit the company's branding and customer relations efforts? SW: In terms of motorsports, Lamborghini has moved beyond just having driving experiences on the race tracks. We have recently initiated a double pronged approach worldwide, with two different levels. One of them is known as the Esperienza, which quite simply translates into an experience. This is for our prospects - potential customers and fans that dream of owning their very own Lamborghini one day, and through the Esperienza, their dreams of driving one is instantly fulfilled. The Esperienza allows them to experience the brand and the cars, and to understand how easy it is to drive these cars. The other one is the Lamborghini Academy, which is a customer program that allows us to impart a slew of driving skills that range from safety driving to discovering a potential race car driver to participate in the Super Trofeo series, which is a one make race for gentleman drivers. Through these two initiatives, the prospects and customers learn much more about the cars and what they can do with it than by driving it themselves. These initiatives also create a family atmosphere for the existing Lamborghini owners, and help forge a bond between the company and its customers, thus enhancing the relationship. What we aim to do is tell customers and prospects that it is all about the emotion and the passion for the brand and the products when it comes to owning a Lamborghini. And as mentioned earlier, the Super Trofeo allows one to drive a Lamborghini race car on a F1 track while being watched by family, friends and other spectators, and this series is being held in three regions of Northern America, Europe and Asia. Last but not the least; we have our own GT3 initiative, which is a development of a race-ready Gallardo GT3 that will be driven by professional drivers to compete in FIA’s new GT3 category.
Happenings

In Conversation With Stephan Winkelmann

IN Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, Super Trofeo

We recently had the privilege to sit down and have a chat with Stephan Winkelmann, president and chief executive officer of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. about Lamborghini at the Fuji Speedway.


In addition to the current four flavours, the chefs are also currently developing a new range of creations, which will be introduced in the coming months. The Inspired Chef will also partner with other local chefs in the near future, with the aim of creating a wider range of extraordinary flavours that will raise the culinary bar in Singapore. The Inspired Chef is now available online via The Inspired Chef at S$14.90 per pint. A minimum purchase of two pints is required and delivery charges apply.
The Pit

Artisanal Ice Cream Brand, The Inspired Chef, Launches in Singapore

IN The Inspired Chef, Ice Cream, Delivery

Is your sweet tooth making you feel peckish, but yet you're too lazy to drive out for dessert? There's a new selection of artisanal ice cream that can now be ordered online and delivered to you!


Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, Bathurst, to give it its full name, is the home of motorsport in Australia. Located in New South Wales, it has a rich motorsport history - the first race held there was the 1938 Australian Grand Prix and it now hosts the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Bathurst 1000 races amongst others. The challenging circuit is 6.213 km long with surprisingly steep inclines, a twisty, narrow section across the top of the mountain which proves difficult to master even for the very best racing drivers, and very little run off area to allow for mistakes.
The Pit

Gran Turismo 6 To Feature Legendary Bathurst Circuit

IN Gran Turismo 6, GT6, Sony, Playstation

Australia's Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, Bathurst will appear in Gran Turismo for the first time.


Using Nokia's innovative collection technologies blended with a team of local experts with an intimate knowledge of local road networks and surrounding areas, the True II vehicle is a specially equipped vehicle used to collect and verify real time location data about buildings, street signs and roadways and then puts that information into HERE maps, which are used by Microsoft’s Bing, Windows Phone devices and cars throughout the world.
Happenings

HERE's True II Car

IN GPS, Mapping, Nokia, True II, Volkswagen

With Nokia's next-generation data collection vehicle called True II, high quality navigation maps can be built and kept fresh.


He continued, “At the same time, BMW is using the new nomenclature to latch onto the fine tradition established by its older sibling like the BMW 6 Series Coupé, which is a top-class coupé known for its stunning design, athletic elegance and driving dynamics.”
Happenings

BMW's 4 Series Set To Wow Local Buyers

IN BMW, 4 Series, Coupe, New, 435i, 428i

At an exclusive launch event held at the Red Dot Museum last Thursday, BMW Group Asia takes the cover off the new 4 Series


The E250 Estate might not be as sharp as the 5 Series or A6, but looking at the average Mercedes audience, it is still up to the task when taking sweeping corners slightly faster. Body movements are well controlled and you don’t get any unsettling sensation from the rear suspension while doing quick lane changes.
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Real Estate Agent | Mercedes-Benz E250 Estate Avantgarde

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, E-Class, E250, Avantgarde

Two words — “Mercedes wagon” — when combined, sound like the epitome of boringness. But by golly, this new one comes with some pleasant surprises.


BP: Some people have said that the best racing drivers didn’t pass their driving tests on the first try - Jenson Button for example. How many attempts did you take to obtain your driver’s licence? Alain: I did the test when I was 18 years old, the normal age at the time, and passed on the first try. (chuckles) BP: What was your first car, and what’s your preference for your road cars you drive? Alain: I never liked driving sports cars. When you’re driving in Formula 1 you want something a little more comfortable. The first car I bought was an Opel Kadett GT/E, which was a rally car. Unfortunately, that was the only car I had an accident with. I was going quite slow to be honest, but it was on gravel, and my friend and I ended up going 30m down the (side of a) hill. I’d only had the car three weeks, so that was quite a bad experience! BP: I understand that your son is currently a test driver for Lotus. How is he going with that? With Kimi moving to Ferrari, might there be a spot for him next year? Alain: It is never impossible, because he has done a good job in the last two years, and spent a lot of time on the simulator. But being a development driver, he is very focused, and it is a different way of working and it is very good for the team. Being a race driver is going to be another different thing, with qualifying one lap or doing the start, (or) even if he races in endurance or other types of races. So it is two different things and I realised it and he knows it himself that it will be difficult for him to be chosen by the team but you never know. BP: All the best for that!
Motorsports

A Meeting With The Professor

IN Renault, Alain Prost, Prost, Wearnes,

Racing drivers live and breathe motorsports throughout their careers, but have you ever wondered what happens when they stop?



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