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But can it handle as well as its elder sibling? With a chassis that is not as well-balanced as the Golf GTI's, the Polo GTI does seem a bit suspect in handling when we drove it through the twisty bits. The steering of the Polo GTI as compared to its lesser Polo siblings feels a lot more weighted, giving you decent feedback, but for a car with sporty aspirations, it does seem a bit lacking. Steering the car is easy, with the car responding to directional inputs in a perfunctory manner with nary a hint of enthusiasm. This lack of enthusiasm I am afraid is unbecoming of a hot hatch. Also, with the spirited swerving came the slight body roll which can be a tad unnerving, but to be fair, the Polo GTI managed to fight the initial lean and stayed on course as directed ably. The same can also be said of the car's braking, which can be improved on as it felt 'under servoed', I am not expecting a dentures popping kind of braking, but a little more initial bite on the brakes can't go wrong for this car.
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Polo-roid Pictured | Volkswagen Polo GTI

IN VW, Volkswagen, Polo, GTI

Volkswagen's entry level hatch gets imbued with the GTI badge of honour.


With modernisation in cars, comes new-found tech like the clever XDS system, an electronic differential that brakes the inside front wheel should the system detect any slip or loss in traction. Boring? Kind of, but safe nonetheless. It's fun with a safety net. Anyway, if you're feeling gutsy and are in the mood for some wheel spinning action, it can always be switched off.
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Lil' Red Riding Hoot! | Skoda Fabia RS

IN Skoda, Fabia, VRS, RS, Hot-hatch

The closest thing we ever got to a Skoda hot-hatch here was the Skoda Rapid Coupé, which put a smile on the faces of many - only because it was a joke. Now though, Skoda's got something much better.


The new car comes with plenty of electronic aids too, including Cornering Brake Control (CBC) which varies braking power between all four wheels in order to keep the car stable, Cornering Torque Control (CTC) that minimizes under steer and Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist (HBFA) that compensates for possible brake fade in repeated heavy braking situations.
Happenings

New Opel Astra: The Cyclist's Car?

IN Opel, Astra, Bicycle, Rack, Turbo

As ironic as it seems, this five-door hatchback has one unique feature that separates it from the pack.


Even out on the expressway, the A1 gets up to legal speeds without fuss. However what’s lacking here is engine refinement — it can sound a tad gruff especially above 4,500 rpm, and the drone does get intrusive when the audio system is switched off. Handling wise, the A1 remains your typical Audi. Which means the steering is well weighted, handling is predictable and as a whole, makes even an amateur driver a street hero. Depending on buyer’s demand, nothing is wrong with this particular aspect of the A1 — but if you’re more demanding and place more emphasis on “f-u-n”, then you might come disappointed. In comparison, at least the Mini Cooper requires more driver input and you can easily (a) throw its rear out, and (b) laugh away gleefully as you try to get back its line. But wait: here's a surprise, the A1 in comparison seems to brake better.
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The Potentially Special One | Audi A1

IN Audi, A1, 1.4 TSI, S-tronic

The Audi A1 jumps onto the scene in time — just when the Mini’s a decade old…


A seven-speed DSG gearbox with paddle shifters is fitted as standard. The new car also comes fitted with the same electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) you find on a Golf GTI. It electronically mimics a limited slip differential to reduce the tendency to under steer and deliver the power to the road more efficiently.
Happenings

The Polo GTI Lands In Singapore!

IN Volkswagen, Polo, GTI, DSG, TSI

Unlike most launches, we had the chance to wring out the best in this little beast!


As well as its all-new body shape, the new Forte Hatchback (the official name for the 5-door model) introduces styling, equipment, refinement and technical improvements, which are also featured on the new 2011 Forte sedan and two-door Koup models introduced last December. These include six-speed transmission with paddle shifters, boot-type gear shift, LED side repeaters, and integrated blue-tooth. Technically similar to its sedan and Koup sister cars, the new Forte hatchback has the same overall width, height and wheelbase as the sedan. The difference lies in the reduction of 190 mm in the rear overhang, therefore the five-door model is 4,340 mm long. Despite its more compact dimensions, the hatchback’s cargo volume of 385 litres (VDA) is highly competitive in its class.
Happenings

Kia Adds Stylish New Forte Hatchback To Line-up

IN Kia, Cerato, Forte, Koup, Hatchback

The addition of third body style to Kia’s best selling model is set to attract a broader range of customers.


What you need to take note of however is the uninspiring note coming from the bonnet. If you are the sort who is used to hearing the warble of V8s or whirr of force-fed power plants, you might probably just drop your jaws… in amusement. But hey, it is a hybrid after all — the smoothness and seamless operations (both lump and box) is a given. The fact that it starts and idles quietly is also pretty amazing. By the way, the CT200h can be driven solely on a fully charged electric motor at speeds of up to 45km/h before the petrol engine actually kicks in, vibration-free.
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Surprise Of Sorts | Lexus CT200h

IN Lexus, Hybrid, CT200h

A Lexus hatchback? Hybrid? Nope, your eyes are not playing any tricks...


In the real world, both feel equally sprightly on the road. Especially out on the expressway and Orchard Road traffic, where both doesn’t seem to have any issues keeping up with traffic or overtaking.
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Alfa Romeo MiTo Or Citroen DS3? We Revisit The 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals.

IN Alfa Romeo, MiTo, Citroen, DS3, Italy, France

It was 10 July 2006. A moment of madness from Zinedine Zidane sees him head butt Italian defender Marco Materazzi in extra time of the 2006 World Cup Final which cost France the title...


On the move, the driving characteristic of the MiTo isn’t what it seems to be. You may opine initially that the ride sways more towards the soft side, but when you set its DNA system from “Neutral” to “Dynamic”, you can feel the MiTo stiffen up and provide a reasonable amount of grip that is both sharp and rather precise. Pity the factory-fitted Bridgestone Turanza ER300 tyres that don’t seem to cooperate as they tend to screech and struggle for grip when pushed hard, killing your enthusiasm when shooting in hard into a corner. When it comes to the brakes, the anchors on the MiTo — standard with ABS and EBD - are assuring and offers respectable stopping power with no feeling of brake fade which is useful at hauling all that 1,145kg to a complete halt.
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Ciao Di Nuovo | Alfa Romeo MiTo Multiair TCT

IN Alfa Romeo, MiTo, TCT

If you are a loyal fan of hot hatches, you would have noticed how this particular car segment is sometimes on a roll, but in most instances just plain quiet.


Hitting the Sport mode button boosts electrical power to a maximum 650v, increasing overall power train output. Engine revs are held higher, and throttle and steering settings are modified to give a faster response to driver inputs.
Happenings

Lexus' First Compact Luxury Hybrid

IN Lexus, CT, 200h, Hybrid, Luxury, Compact

Promising refinement and driving pleasure, the new CT 200h is geared for the young, highly discerning and environmentally-conscious customers.


Happenings

Is This Suzuki's New Power-packed Hatchback?

IN Suzuki, Swift, Sport, Geneva

Suzuki Motor Corporation is exhibiting a new concept car named the Suzuki Swift S Concept at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show. Take a close look as this may well be the next Swift Sport.


Happenings

New Audi A1 Arrives In Singapore

IN Audi, Audi A1, Audi A1 TFSI, A1

With two engine variants available and a S$127k starting price, the compact A1 proves to be bigger than expected, with style to boot.


Inside, it features a unique “twin bubble” shaped cockpit. The arched lines and warm curved surfaces on either side of the instrumental panel create a distinctive bubble-shaped interior space that gives a secure feeling for both driver and passengers and enhances driving pleasure. A large speedometer placed in the centre of the meter cluster provides improved visibility. It's practical, with lots of storage spaces and cup holders combined with a boot space of 241L with folding rear seats for extra space. It will be available in 10 fashionable colours, including Spring Green, Sunlight Orange and Crystal Lilac. The preview Nissan March is currently on display at the Nissan Ubi and Bukit Timah showrooms.
Happenings

There's A New Nissan Arriving In March

IN Nissan, March, HR12DE, Tan Chong

Orders are now open for Nissan's little hatch.


Even though there's only one trim level available, its comes nicely specified with 16-inch alloy wheels, a 160W sound system with USB playback support and vehicle speed-sensitive volume control and of course, climate control and cruise control.
Happenings

Honda Insight Launch | Time To Go Eco

IN Honda, Insight, Kah Motor

Kah Motors recently launched Honda's latest hybrid car in the Singapore, the venerable Honda Insight. When the first generation was launched in 1999, it was a 2-seater 3-door hatchback.


However, if there’s any comment to be made on the exterior of the new fifth generation Polo, it does come with some lineage pretensions, its silhouette resembling a Golf from afar. It sports the same chunky dimensions as its older sibling with the same staid looking roof line. Product differentiation wise, there are still some elements that separate the Polo from the Golf such as the rear lights and a sportier looking front bumper.
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That's A Mint Car! | Volkswagen Polo Sport

IN VW, Volkswagen, Polo, 1.2, TSI

A new engine offering petrol performance with diesel economy, does it even exist? Look no further than this sporty little Polo 1.2 TSI.


The new Opel Astra brings into the compact class its own interpretation of the brand’s award winning design language of combining sculptural artistry with German precision first seen in the Insignia. Its strong coupé-like silhouette and stylish details add to a new handsome look. Elegant proportions give it a strong, cab-forward silhouette, with a steeply-raked windshield and falling rear roof line, adding visual excitement to the traditional hatchback format. Also new to the Astra are double wing-shapes in each of the rear lights and a dynamic inverted blade on the flank that visually connects to the powerful movement of the rear window and C-pillar. The interior echoes the flowing forms of the bodywork: sweeping lines, curvaceous shapes and the quality of the execution are all part of Opel’s design language. A signature design cue is the wrap around wing shape of the instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door moldings. The effect is a warm embrace of the occupants, providing a welcoming ambience.
Happenings

The All New Opel Astra

IN Opel, Astra, 1.6

Designed for sportiness, engineered with innovation and equipped with a full clean power train line-up, the all-new Opel Astra debuts as a five-door hatchback to re-energize Singapore’s compact car


Happenings

AMS Honda CR-Z

IN Honda, CR-Z, AMS, Bodykit,

Is the tree-hugging CR-Z too plain for you? Well AMS has just the thing to jazz it up! Enter the Terra wide-body kit, and it rocks!


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Pocketful Of Goodies | Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSI

IN VW, Volkswagen, Golf, 1.2, TSI

Cheap road tax, zippy turbocharged engine and a robust build quality - with the Golf 1.2 TSI, you can have your cake and eat it!


From the onset, the Megane Renault Sport (RS for short) has the fresher looks. Being the newer model, it has that advantage. That said, Scirocco R's front bumper adds visual aggression and sets it well apart from its lesser siblings.
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Megane RS or Scirocco R? We decide. Sort of.

IN Wearnes Automotive, VGS, VW, Renault, Volkswagen, Scirocco R, Megane RS, Singapore

Two of the planet's hottest hatches met in an underground ring to exchange blows. We tell you who won.


Congratulations to all our awesome winners and sincere thanks to all participants!
Modified

Singapore's Best | Volkswagen Golf

Our WRX competition has been a huge success, the votes are still piling in as I write this! But already we're looking for a european hot-hatch for our next competition - get ready for...



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