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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.


What are your top 3 achievements in 2020? Our greatest achievement in 2020 was having BMW recognised in Singapore as the second top-selling car brand, and the best-selling among premium brands. In addition to moving up three positions, from 5th to 2nd, our market share increased to 9.8%, the highest market share of any BMW NSC worldwide.But that’s not all. We maintained segment leadership in the Philippines for the second year in a row, and also secured premium segment leadership in Indonesia after 15 years (as of YTD December 2020).Finally, sales in the region increased for both BMW and MINI brands across their model range. Our luxury models – 7 Series, 8 Series and X7 – increased by 15% and sales of BMW M and M Performance models increased by 14% in Singapore. Specifically, in the Philippines and Vietnam, luxury model sales increased by 63% and 48% respectively compared to 2019.  For MINI, we witnessed extremely strong growth compared to 2019 with our xEV models (+63%), Performance JCW models (+116%), and the new MINI Clubman (+74%).None of this would have been possible without the relentless ongoing support of our strong partners in all markets.
Happenings

“10 questions to…”

Challenges. Successes. Mr. Christopher Wehner, the Managing Director of BMW Group Asia shares how he has taken the BMW Group Asia region to new heights.


For the brand typically associated with fictional super-spy James Bond, a large, high-riding SUV seems a bit out of character – or is it? With the DBX, Aston Martin aims to combine the versatility expected of a luxury SUV, with sports car levels of dynamic performance. As it is, 70 percent of Aston Martin customers already own an SUV (or three); it thus makes sense that the company simply take the final step of converting their existing SUV to a DBX. It also serves as an excellent proposition for existing owners who love to drive their Vantage or DB11, but occasionally prefer being driven.
Happenings

The Aston Martin DBX arrives in Singapore

IN Aston Martin, DBX, Aston Martin DBX, Aston Martin Singapore, Aston Martin Lagonda Singapore

Want something sportier than a Cullinan or Bentayga? Great news – order books for the DBX are now open!`


This is precisely what a sporty coupe should be. If it doesn’t excite, set tongues wagging or get fingers pointing, what’s the point? Enthusiasts of all ages can name any number of BMW coupes that made cars and driving exciting for them. The iconic cars inspire even until this day. So what does the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe have in common with some of its best-known predecessors? 328 – The Original
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The FANTASTIC 4: Iconic BMW coupes that shaped the brand

IN BMW, BMW 4, BMW 4 Series, BMW Coupes

Over the decades, BMW has produced some truly inspiring coupes. How does the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe build on the legacy of its forebears?


“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


Known internally as a Life Cycle Improvement (LCI), the G30 BMW 5 Series has received such a comprehensive list of updates that it is, for all intents and purposes, a new model. Similarly, the G32 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo has been simultaneously refreshed to provide customers with a longer, five-door alternative.
Happenings

Executive decisions: The New BMW 5 Series and BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo

IN BMW, New 5 Series, New 6 Series GT, 530i M Sport Edition, 630i Gran Turismo, M Sport, Digital Key, Executive cars

With both cars featuring a host of styling and technology updates, the only hard choice left is to decide between the new BMW 5 Series sedan or BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo fastback.


With the exposure brought by professional drivers around the world blurring the line between racing in the real and virtual worlds, it’s clear that sim racing is here to stay, and we hope, expand further in 2021 to offer more aspiring racers an alternative path into a racing cockpit.
Happenings

From couch to cockpit: why sim racing isn’t child’s play

IN Porsche, Sim racing, Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo, E-sports, Gaming, Simulators

Growing manufacturer support highlights how much sim racing has grown in 2020, with Porsche Asia Pacific recently concluding its first eSports racing tournament.


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 official figures are 181 bhp, 270 Nm of torque and a 0-100 km/h timing of 7.3 seconds. But in reality, the car feels a lot more lively than the numbers suggest. But the beauty of it all is that the fine handling characteristics of the MINI have been retained and the little electrified hatch is still a fun runabout to pilot. Taking it around a series of bends feels like you're driving an electric go-kart (with music and air-con!).
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Electrified hot hatch | MINI Cooper SE

IN MINI, Electric, Singapore, Hot hatch, EV, MINI Cooper SE, Cooper, SE

The new MINI Electric, or otherwise known as the Cooper SE is proof that the new era of electric cars is here to stay.


But enough about the front end. Let’s look past it and work our way around everything else that’s awesome about these cars. Up top, there’s a carbon roof that’s become de rigeur for BMW M cars of late, while at the back there are massive diffusers and quad-tailpipes with active exhaust valves. 
Happenings

New BMW M3 and M4 break cover

Both the new BMW M3 and M4 adopt that huge nose. Like it or loathe it, it’s coming straight at you anyway.


This service, which has been described as a sort of Netflix for cars, allows users to get behind the wheel of a BMW without the heavy commitment of a purchase or lease; the service may be used for periods as short as a week or a month at a time.
Happenings

COVID-19: BMW offers discounted car subscription for healthcare workers in Singapore

IN Covid-19, Circuit breaker, BMW, Singapore, Local news

Frontline healthcare workers can enjoy safer, private mobility with Access by BMW, from $50 per day


Part of that has almost certainly got to do with Singapore’s preference for four-door models, which would make us something of a priority market. For all intents and purposes, the 2 GC is essentially a four-door version of the new front-drive-based 1 Series (note: not an elongated version of the rear-drive 2 Series Coupe). And despite the “Coupe” part of its name, there’ll be a good chunk of local buyers who see this as the cheapest entry into a new BMW “sedan”, similar to its arch-rival, Mercedes-Benz’s CLA when it first arrived seven years ago.
Happenings

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe arrives in Singapore

218i and M235i variants are available; prices start from S$160k with COE


Sticking to their even model numbers for this series, they've just launched the 2 Series Gran Coupe, or what I’d like to call the Baby Grand. This latest model is the first of its kind and is effectively the entry-level four-door coupe (and sedan) for the brand.
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Baby Grand | BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe M235i

The piano is a beautiful musical instrument. It requires you to play both chords and melody at the same time, master that, and you'll able to create music in many various genres.


Hyundai Motor Group expects an adaptable all-electric platform using Canoo’s scalable skateboard architecture to allow for a simplified and standardised development process for Hyundai and Kia electrified vehicles, which is expected to help reduce cost that can be passed along to consumers. Hyundai Motor Group also expects to reduce complexity of its EV assembly line, allowing for rapid response to changing market demands and customer preferences. With this collaboration, Hyundai Motor Group doubles down on its recent commitment to invest $87 billion USD over the next five years to foster future growth. As part of this drive, Hyundai plans to invest $52 billion USD in future technologies through 2025, while Kia will invest $25 billion USD in electrification and future mobility technologies, aiming for eco-friendly vehicles to comprise 25% of its total sales by 2025.
Happenings

Hyundai Ties Up With Canoo to Develop Platform for Future EV Platform

IN EV, Electric Vehicle, Electric, Hyundai

A skateboard chassis as the basis for future EV platforms? Who would have thought of that? Well, Hyundai did...


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.


At the start of the trailer, we see the protagonist of the series is essentially living the retired life as a
The Pit

Fast And Furious 9 Posters Revealed

IN Fast & Furious, FF9, Universal Pictures, Movie

Universal Pictures has released new character posters as well as the trailer for Fast & Furious 9!


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...


Some of the future data we can expect to receive from the Pirelli Cyber Tyre, include kilometres clocked, dynamic load, and for the first time, situations of potential danger on road surfaces, from the presence of water to poor grip. This information in tandem with the car’s onboard technology will enable the car to adapt its control and driving assistance systems, greatly improving the level of safety, comfort and performance. In addition, it will provide the same information to other cars and the infrastructure.
Happenings

Pirelli's Tyre Of The Future

IN Pirelli, Tyres, Technology, 5G network, Ericsson, Audi, Italdesign, KTH, TIM

Pirelli has developed the world's first tyre that interacts with the 5G cellular network.


1. The last time Toyota made such a car was 20 years ago. The Celica GT-FOUR brought the company 30 rally victories, four drivers' championship titles and one manufacturers' championship. It remains one of the most iconic rally-bred cars the world has ever seen. In a reference to its illustrious predecessor and its all-wheel-drive technology, the Toyota GR Yaris will have a GR-FOUR logo on its tailgate.
Happenings

Five Fast Facts | Toyota GR Yaris

The world has been waiting for a car like this. Thank you, Toyota, for giving us a potential gem.



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