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Our quick spin of the car during the media preview last month left us impressed with the six-cylinder’s power delivery. 374 hp and 500 Nm tends to do that, especially with a torque curve that smooth. On our extended test drive though, little foibles in the package began to surface.

Controversial Styling

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Not a girl, not yet a woman | BMW M440i Gran Coupe

IN BMW, 4 Series, Gran Coupe, M440i, M Performance, 4 Series Gran Coupe

Although adorned with M badges inside and out, you’ll need to approach the M440i Gran Coupe with a different perspective.

“Audi fans and customers have a lot to look forward to in the new year with a strong emphasis on the most prestigious members of the Audi family,” said Markus Schuster, Managing Director of Audi Singapore. Judging by the list they’ve sent us, we concur…

RS 3 Sedan & RS 3 Sportback

Happenings

New Year, New Audis!

IN Audi, RS3, S8, R8, R8 V10, R8 RWD, R8 V10 RWD, SQ7, SQ8, E-tron, Sportback

From supercars, to ubersedans, to hot SUVs – Audi’s got something for everyone in the coming year!

No matter, the A3 got a pass for the rest of the (rather competent) package. ‘The S3 will be better,’ I thought, and boy was I right.

Stealth Rocketship

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Potent Weapon | Audi S3 Sedan

IN Audi, S3, Audi S3, S3 Sedan, Premium Automobiles

There’s no need to give up hot hatch thrills even after you’re all grown up.

For that, we have to look at Extreme Performance tyres, and one of the most venerable and popular examples in this segment is Yokohama’s Advan Neova range. Yokohama has just revealed the latest addition to this family, the new AD09, which is due to go on sale in Japan in Feb 2022, before “gradually being expanded to Asia and North America”. Unfortunately, no launch dates have been set for markets other than Japan, according to Yokohama’s official dealer in Singapore, YHI Automotive.

Happenings

Yokohama unveils new Advan Neova AD09 extreme performance tyre

IN Yokohama, Advan, Neova, AD09, Yokohama Advan Neova, Neova AD09, Tyres

The AD09 is the latest in Yokohama’s line of track-oriented tyres, and is set to go on sale in 2022.

For a rather rounded-edge SUV, those downward-sloping headlights and signature pointy Alfa Romeo grille combine to give the Stelvio Veloce a fierce face, akin to a shark stalking its prey.

Large air inlets at the bottom of the front bumper add to this fiery countenance, with the adaptive cruise control sensor housed in the right-side inlet.

A clamshell bonnet with power creases on either side rounds off the top of the front-end.

Around the side sits a solitary black ‘Veloce’ badge on the muscular front fender, reminding one that this is a pretty hot variant of Stelvio.

Letting the eyes drop downward, one can’t help but notice the recognizably-Alfaesque telephone-dial 20-inch rims. Shod with 255/45 R20 Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tyres, this combo offers nice ride pliancy combined with generous levels of grip in the beating rain.

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Exciting la Famiglia | Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce

IN Alfa Romeo, Stelvio, Veloce, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Stelvio Veloce, EuroAutomobile

Higher-riding handling-machine, and also a family-hauler.

So, to embrace this (unavoidable) future of electric mobility, we rocked on down to electric avenue EV Weekend. Held at The Forum in Resorts World Sentosa, the event is Singapore’s first-ever EV showcase with ten cars on display. Happening from now untill 12th December both physically and virtually, you can either pop over to RWS or visit the brands’ virtual showrooms here.

The event not only showcases the latest EVs under one roof, but also includes information corners on how you can transition from an ICE vehicle to an EV. You can also learn more about Singapore’s upcoming EV infrastructure, and the future of electric mobility in Singapore.

The road to the future is electric, and here’s what we saw when we took a stroll down it:

BMW iX

Happenings

We Rock Down to Electric Avenue

IN EV Weekend, EV, Electric Vehicles

Ok, catchy title aside, it’s actually Singapore’s first-ever EV Weekend. We check out ten hot electric vehicles, including the latest BMW iX!

Look at the price of the A3 (S$187,635 as of December 2021), and you might balk at how much more it costs over its platform-mates. With that price tag, it puts the A3 S$30k over the Golf, and nearly S$50k over the Octavia!

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The Posher Sibling | Audi A3 Sportback Mild Hybrid

IN Audi, A3, Sportback, Audi A3, A3 Sportback, Premium Automobiles

As the fanciest model to use the Volkswagen Group MQB Evo platform, is the A3 Sportback worth the extra dough? We check out what extras it offers over its siblings.

It’s the original luxury SUV, with the list of owners reading like a who’s who of Hollywood. Daniel Craig, Victoria Beckham, Kanye West… these are just some celebs that have chosen Range Rovers to pootle around in. Amidst all the luxury, this crowd is eventually going to get bored, thus JLR have now released a new one.

Smoother, Neater Styling

Happenings

Next-Gen Range Rover Unveiled

IN Land Rover, Range Rover, EV, Wearnes

The OG luxo-SUV gets updated, with options for a seven-seat configuration and full-electric drivetrain for the very first time.

So let's get down to the tyres. I had opted to go square for my wheels and tyres as I'm running a 4WD vehicle. Although oddly enough, BMW specced a staggered fitment for the X5 from the factory. Nonetheless, the specifications were 285/35ZR22 all around for the tyres, replacing my initial 275/40R20 (front) and 315/35R20 (rear). I miss the wide tyres at the rear, which gave my X5 a really 'phat' and wide stance, but the current ones ride so much better and still look quite aggressive.

The Pit

Pirelli P ZERO Review

We fit a set of new Pirelli P ZEROs on our BMW X5.

What’s new?

Up front, the Tiguan has been given a new stoic-looking face that resembles its larger Touareg sibling. There’s a new and wider radiator grille, a higher bonnet line, and a redesigned front bumper. Behind, the ‘Tiguan’ badge is now centrally positioned below the Volkswagen roundel, together with a new ‘4MOTION’ badge to match.

Happenings

We go off-road with the new Volkswagen Tiguan

IN Volkswagen, Tiguan, Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Centre Singapore

In the 4Motion-equipped Tiguan and Tiguan R-Line, this off-road course seemed like a trip to the supermarket.

Carmakers have taken to christening their estate models with different names to stand out from each other. Audi, for example, uses Avant, while BMW calls it a Touring. Skoda terms theirs as a Combi, while its parent company Volkswagen refers to its variants as um, Variant.

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The Critical Thinker's Practical Choice | Skoda Octavia Combi

IN Skoda, Octavia, Combi, Octavia Combi, Skoda Octavia, Octavia Combi, Skoda Octavia Combi, Skoda Centre Singapore

In a sea of SUVs, the seldom-seen station wagon smartly stands strong. And the Skoda Octavia Combi is one of the strongest there is.

By next year, they intend to have an electric offering in each segment. And, by 2025, there’ll be an electric variant of every model they make. The end goal is to have a lineup that’s completely electric (or at least a plug-in hybrid) by 2030.

Of course, this goal of electrification really depends on the EV infrastructure of each of their consumer markets. In Singapore, this goal seems achievable, given the Government’s Green Plan that aims to put 60,000 EV charging points nationwide.

I wanna be part of this!

Already thinking of going electric? Mercedes-EQ has you covered with the new EQA.

Happenings

The Mercedes-EQ EQA is the gateway to the electric age

IN Mercedes, Mercedes-EQ, EQA, Mercedes-EQ EQA

Mercedes-EQ is betting on their compact EQA for owners looking to go electric, in the brand’s push to be fully electric by 2030.

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Adapted & Electrified | Mercedes-Benz EQC 400

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-EQ, EQC, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Mercedes-EQ EQC, Electric, Electric Vehicle, EV, Cycle & Carriage

The Mercedes-Benz EQC is the brand's first mass production EV, and brings with it a whole new sub-brand. What’s to be expected?

Which is why TKA has opened a new track for traditional petrol-powered karts - both speed-restricted fun karts as well as full-on pro race 2-stroke karts - over at Jurong, across the road from the SAFTI Military Institute. It’s the same site that was previously occupied by KF1 Arena, and before that, Kartright Speedway.

The track itself isn’t very long, nor is it very complicated - just 700m and 11 corners in total (compared to KF1 Kranji’s 960m and 17 turns). What it is though, is wide - with 10m being the minimum at any point.

Happenings

The Karting Arena | New kart track opens in Jurong

IN Singapore, Motorsports, Go-Kart, Go-Karting, Kart, Karting, Race Kart

The Karting Arena Jurong is said to be designed “by racers, for racers”

Bridgestone has established a legacy with its Potenza performance tyre series, thanks to its storied racing heritage. Now, with the new European-developed Potenza Sport, they aim to set a new standard for premium sports tyres.

Succeeding Bridgestone’s flagship Potenza S007A, the Potenza Sport is targeted at discerning drivers of premium sedans, SUVs and coupes. Piloting high-performance cars such as the Audi RS 5, good all-weather grip and stability at high speeds are must-haves for them.

Happenings

Potenza for Greatness | Bridgestone Potenza Sport released in Singapore

IN BRIDGESTONE TYRE SALES SINGAPORE, BRIDGESTONE POTENZA, POTENZA SPORT, HIGH PERFORMANCE TYRE, PERFORMANCE TYRE, NEW TYRE

Loved Bridgestone’s Potenza S007A? They’ve now got a newer and greater flagship performance tyre, the Potenza Sport.

Traditionally, MINIs are targeted at the young and young-at-heart. Funky colours, endless customization options, and cheerful styling. On this new facelifted MINI, however, they’ve taken all of those unique MINI features… and given it a goatee.

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Goatee Go Fast | MINI One 5-Door

IN MINI, One, One 5dr, MINI One, MINI One 5dr, Eurokars Habitat

With lively handling, Johnny Depp-esque styling and a practical cargo capacity, it’s hard to fault the refreshed entry-level MINI.

What’s new?

The latest Civic appears to take a more premium direction, visually aligning itself with the larger Honda Accord. The impression is even more evident inside where a clean and simple dashboard features a full-width honeycomb grille that conceals the air-conditioning vents. The obligatory 9-inch full HD Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is situated prominently atop and a built-in wireless smartphone charger appears for the first time in a Civic.

According to Honda, the Civic’s all-new styling is designed to improve outward visibility, especially for the driver. This would fundamentally improve the driving experience since the better view out imparts a greater sense of confidence and safety.

Happenings

11th-Gen Honda Civic premieres in Singapore

IN Honda, Civic, Civic Turbo, Honda Civic, Honda Civic Turbo, Kah Motor

The turbo-only 11th-generation Honda Civic was unveiled today and goes on sale from $122,999 with COE.

Secondly, any potential pillion-riding opportunity was also out of the question due to an aggravated lower back from the weekend prior. Don’t ask...

However, one doesn’t have to ride the Pan America to see that Harley-Davidson is likely on to a winner here.

Happenings

Harley-Davidson adventure bike whaaaat?

IN Harley-Davidson, Pan America, Harley-Davidson Pan America

Yep, you read that right. Harley-Davidson has a new bike called the Pan America, and it’s got other more popular brands squarely in its sights. Yours truly was along for the ride…

How am I protected against COVID?
For one, the entire process is contactless. Bookings are done online and no one will accompany you on the test drive. Booking schedules are spaced out one hour between each booking to ensure that the whole process remains contactless – you will not meet the next test-drive party.

Happenings

Hyundai Rolls Out Contactless IONIQ Electric Test Drives

Imagine – no sales staff, no receptionist and no one to accompany you. Just go online, fill in your details, book a test drive and turn up at the appointed time.

A good starting point is the driving position. This is of course highly subjective as the driver’s size and body type makes a big difference. For this writer’s 1.8-metre frame at least, the front seats are perfectly supportive. More crucially perhaps is how the car’s most crucial touchpoints – the steering wheel, gear lever, as well as the pedals – fall readily to hand and feet. Like putting on a tailored jacket, the driver immediately feels comfortable, familiar, and ready to go. This imparts a sense of confidence to explore the limits of the car.

The positioning of the steering wheel and gear lever is underscored by also being nicely weighted for feedback that feels sweet and positive.

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Sweet spot for entry performance | Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid

IN Suzuki, Swift, Swift Sport, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Swift Sport, ZC33, ZC33S, Champion Motors

The entry point for performance driving begins with this supermini. Does its mild hybrid drive hinder or enhance the experience?