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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.

Some stylish details on this marvel (sorry) include perfectly tailored M Performance components. Exterior mirror caps hand-made from carbon-fibre add to the car’s athletic look. Plus, they pair well with the M Performance side decals and door sill finishes. The BMW iX3 Legend Edition will also feature high-quality BMW fixed hub caps which create a special focal point on the wheel even when the car is in motion.

Coolcoolcool.

Ok, so why 8 and not 10?

If you’re getting excited though, don’t wait too long because there’ll only be a handful of units available.

Plus, to add to your flurry, Mr Daren Ching, Director of Marketing, BMW Asia points out, “The first-ever BMW iX3 has been very well received in Singapore, with a majority of the stock being spoken for within weeks of its launch in August 2021. With only eight units of this limited edition model coming to the Lion City, customers should register their interest sooner rather than later!”

To sweeten the deal, upon placing a refundable deposit of $500, customers will also receive limited edition Marvel merch, and an Electrified Drive Package which includes a 2D1N staycation package with Parkroyal Collection Pickering, Singapore.

Interested? Then less thinking and more clicking. After all, if you aim at nothing, you hit nothing. #ifyouknowyouknow

Visit bethefirst.bmw.com.sg/theiX3 to register your interest ahead of the official launch in the coming weeks!

Happenings

Sneak a peek at the BMW iX3 Marvel fans have been waiting for.

IN BMW, BMW iX, BMW iX3, IX, IX3, BMW Electrified

The new BMW iX3 Legend Edition which celebrates the electrifying SUV’s appearance in Marvel Studios’ ‘Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings’, will be in Singapore by the end of this year.

A short animation on the page features the 500’s cherubic front end, asking if I was ‘ready for a new fun way of driving’ – as a fan of small hatchbacks, sure I was!

Happenings

Fiat is back in Singapore!

IN Fiat, 500, Fiat 500, Fiat Singapore, EuroAutomobile

After a 5-year hiatus in the local new car market, the iconic Italian brand makes a comeback.

Being the sole tyre supplier to Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship - as well as having a presence in almost any racing series you can think of - you know the company has pedigree and the technical know-how to make a world-class tyre, whether on the road or off it.

But with a lineup of tyres to suit cars and SUVs of any size and budget, knowing which model to choose can be a bit of a black art (and not just because they're black!). So to help ensure you get the most out of your Pirelli tyre, here’s a quick guide:

P ZERO (PZ4)

The Pit

Picking the perfect Pirellis for your car

IN Pirelli, P Zero, Cinturato, Scorpion Verde, Pirelli tyres, Tyres, New tyres

As one of the world's leading tyre manufacturers, Pirelli makes a wide range of products to suit nearly any car. But which one will bring out the best in yours? This handy guide breaks it down.

Main concerns

Topping the list were beliefs that EVs are difficult to charge and lack of range as compared to their petrol-powered brethren.

Despite this, an overwhelming 87% of respondents indicated reduction in carbon emissions as a key benefit of EVs. 65% noted increasing number of government incentives, and 59% pointed to the financial savings when compared to using petrol.

“It is encouraging to see the growing appetite for electrified vehicles, and that Singaporean drivers understand the benefits of owning an EV,” said Ms Preeti Gupta, Corporate Affairs Director & Sustainability Lead, BMW Group Asia. “With a 27% increase in EVs purchased in 1H 2021 compared to all of 2020, it is clear Singaporean drivers are ready to integrate electrified vehicles into their daily lives. However, based on our research, we still have work to do when it comes to educating consumers on charging and range.”

What drives EV adoption rates

64% of respondents pointed at a longer warranty period of up to 10 years, while 58% noted good aftersales service would motivate them to purchase an EV for their next car.

Following closely behind were performance at 55%, build quality at 43% and technological features at 42%.

Government incentives and EV uptake

72% of respondents said government incentives and access to public charging facilities were most likely to influence their purchase of an EV, while 70% noted access to home-charging being important.

The usage of EVs was more predominantly weighted toward running daily errands with 62% of respondents, while 40% would commute to and from work and 33% would enjoy weekend leisure trips in an EV.

“Today’s electric vehicles have more than enough range to support daily driving needs,” said Ms Gupta. “The average Singaporean drivers commutes 55km/day, and many electric vehicles allow them to drive anywhere from four to eight days without requiring a recharge.”

Happenings

Almost half of Singaporean drivers want to buy electrified vehicles …

IN BMW Group Asia, Study, Survey, PHEV, EV, Electrified vehicles

… a study by BMW Group Asia shows.

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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?

The Dogfights

The Belgian started at row one for the first sprint together with fellow Belgian and Comtoyou Team Audi Sport driver Frédéric Vervisch, and stayed up ahead of his teammate in a 1-2 formation despite the safety car being deployed at one point.

A hard attack on the last lap dropped Vervisch back to fourth, but Magnus kept his cool and collected the chequered flag with a 2.1-second lead, thereby also winning the Trophy classification for privateers – an early birthday present for the soon-to-be 22-year old.

The second sprint saw Vervisch brilliantly fighting his way from ninth on start to second at the chequered flag, and setting the fastest lap time in the process, bringing home another trophy for Audi Sport customer racing.

The Car

Impressively, the 340hp Audi RS3 LMS gen II has racked up five podium places in the FIA WTCR. Once price and specifications have been finalized, customers’ can expect their cars in the third quarter of 2021.

This touring car has been homologated for TCR racing, and combines cost-effective technology – from top-notch cockpit ergonomics to deeply configurable axle kinematics – while being customer-racing centric, with durable service lifespans of major components. This enables the Audi RS3 LMS gen II to race in about 30 licensed racing series globally as a worthy successor to the highly successful RS3 LMS that came before it.

Motorsports

Remarkable first victory in the new Audi RS3 LMS for privateer Gilles Magnus ...

IN Audi, Sport, RS3, LMS, WTCR, FIA, Customer, Privateer

… spelling the second victory for the Audi RS 3 LMS gen II in just six weeks!

Happenings

iX3 is the icing atop BMW Group Asia’s 7-year electrification cake

IN BMW, IX3, PHEV, EV, Singapore

Customers in Singapore now can choose which drivetrain they prefer

The President Speaks

“The Countach LPI 800-4 is a visionary car of the moment, just as its forerunner was,” says
Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “One of the most important
automotive icons, the Countach not only embodies the design and engineering tenet of
Lamborghini but represents our philosophy of reinventing boundaries, achieving the unexpected
and extraordinary and, most importantly, being the ‘stuff of dreams’.

Happenings

Retro, Not Retro: 21st Century LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH Unveiled

IN Lamborghini, Countach, LPI, 800-4, 2022

A ‘few-off’ 112-unit production run pays homage to the legend with the same name from the 70s and 80s

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.

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.

2002 NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R34) V-SPEC II NÜR (10KM)

Given the skyrocketing values of JDM icons, the crown jewel of the collection is unsurprisingly that white Skyline GT-R. The current auction record for an R34 Skyline is 33.2 million yen (US$314k/S$426k) for a 6817km Millennium Jade M-Spec Nür, but this BH Auction car will probably smash that. For comparison, that’s slightly more than the base price of a McLaren 720S in the US - just let that sink in for a moment...

The reason for the astronomical price? Well for starters, it's a V-Spec II Nür, the penultimate iteration of the R34 that commemorated the end of Skyline GT-R production (the 19 mighty Z-Tunes were converted by Nismo in 2005 from existing cars). Named after that famous racetrack in Germany, 718 V-Spec II Nür were produced (159 - the most common colour - in white), and received all of Nissan’s go-faster bits that were available to the Skyline at the time.

Happenings

This is what a brand new, 10km Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 looks like

IN BH Auction, Tokyo, Japan, Tuning, Modified, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Nissan Silvia, Porsche 993

It’s part of an incredible auction of unregistered cars that includes a C4 Corvette Grand Sport, a Nissan Silvia S15, a Porsche 993 Carrera 4, and a pair of single digit-mileage Porsche 997 Speedsters

But I’m guessing the RS6 caters to owners who would be in their late ’40s or mid to late ’50s. These guys have enough money to buy whatever they want, and probably already have (or had) whatever they fancied (think Ferrari 488, Porsche GT3 or McLaren 600LT), but want something that works daily that won’t give them a headache or a backache, yet makes a statement about their choice in cars.

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A Class Of Its Own | Audi RS6 Avant

What do you get when you’re fortunate enough to own a stable of supercars but need a practical daily driver that’s just as quick and ‘showy’? The Audi RS6, of course.