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  • The Auris is an altogether more intriguing proposition, one that some of you readers might recognize as having a more European flair. It joins the growing number of designed-in-Europe cars like the Hyundai i30 and i40, Nissan Juke and Qashqai, and FN Honda Civic Type-R. This is great news, because cars bound for Europe are usually engineered to a higher degree, thanks to their stricter quality demands.
    DOCUMENTED: 07.06.2013 | 07:46 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The New Toyota Auris And Vios

    Two new models are launched; one to carry the torch passed on by its predecessor, the other seeking to make inroads in a new sector of the market.

    With cars so expensive these days it’s now more important than ever that the manufacturers’ products offer something really s ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Toyota, Auris, Vios, UK, Thailand, Launch, Revamp
    • The Auris is an altogether more intriguing proposition, one that some of you readers might recognize as having a more European flair. It joins the growing number of designed-in-Europe cars like the Hyundai i30 and i40, Nissan Juke and Qashqai, and FN Honda Civic Type-R. This is great news, because cars bound for Europe are usually engineered to a higher degree, thanks to their stricter quality demands.
    • Like previous generations, the new Vios is once again made in Thailand, but this time doing away with its friendly, rounded face in favour of a much more angular, aggressive look. Under the new sheetmetal, the drivetrain is carried over unchanged from the old car, meaning a 1.5L engine with 107bhp, a 4-spd auto and 0-100 time of 12s. Hardly inspiring figures, but you can’t argue with 6.3l/100km and a $5,000 CEVS rebate.
    • The interior sees a different dashboard design, with the most notable change being the instrument cluster’s shift from the top of the dashboard to the more traditional position in front of the driver. Rear passengers are also well catered for, with a flat floor and slimmer front seats ensuring greater legroom, while the boot is a competitive 476 litres, large enough for 4 golf bags.
  • The AVH-X8550BT is Pioneer's top-of-the-line system. It's a double DIN multimedia receiver that has a full touch screen 7-inch panel. It features a VGA display with LED backlighting for a sharp and bright playback. Like most modern systems, it plays a wide range of media formats and more! The list includes DVD, DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, AAC (iTunes®), DivX® and Dolby® Digital Decoder.
    DOCUMENTED: 07.06.2013 | 07:12 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Pioneer Leads The Car Audio Game With Unparalleled Connectivity

    It's been about 2 weeks since I've had the Pioneer AVH-X8550BT multimedia receiver in my car, and all I can say is that it's a pretty amazing piece of kit.

    Music plays a large part of my life. Simply put, I can't live without it. Whether I'm cleaning up the house, working on my photos ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Pioneer, Car audio, ICE, Multimedia receiver, MP3, IPhone, Mobile phone, Andriod, DVD, Bluetooth
    • The AVH-X8550BT is Pioneer's top-of-the-line system. It's a double DIN multimedia receiver that has a full touch screen 7-inch panel. It features a VGA display with LED backlighting for a sharp and bright playback. Like most modern systems, it plays a wide range of media formats and more! The list includes DVD, DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, AAC (iTunes®), DivX® and Dolby® Digital Decoder.
    • But the real clincher for this unit is its connectivity. It offers full capabilities for hooking up with your iPhone (even the latest iPhone5 which I'm using), and up to 40 Android smartphones from major brands like HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. With my iPhone, I'm able to connect directly via a HDMI cable and run apps developed by Pioneer directly on the head unit! These include music, media and navigation apps - which I will elaborate on in my next review article.
    • For now, I am enjoying the new found power that the AVH-X8550BT is producing. With no change to my speakers at all, the MOSFET 50W x 4 channel built-in amp is improving the sound quality by leaps and bounds. Music never sounded so good in this car before! Coupled with a cool Auto EQ feature, I can tune the sound to my preferred taste just by tapping on the screen, or simply pressing it in a wave motion from one end to another of the frequency range - so cool!
  • DOCUMENTED: 07.06.2013 | 05:30 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    SPARK™ Car Care's SPOT, SNAP & WIN Program!

    Since May 2103, we've been partnering SPARK™ Car Care in an awesome car decal program that put 16 SPARK™ cars on the road. Have you spotted any?

    To promote their extensive range of automotive maintenance services, SPARK™ decided to do something different this year. Instead of ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : SPARK, Decal, Contest, SPARK Car Care
  • The B-Select outlet at Beng Heng Tyres Batteries in Sin Ming is the second in Singapore, and is well equipped to make the customer’s experience as hassle-free as possible. There is a lounge area with refreshments that allows customers to view the happenings in the workshop area, while friendly staff is at hand to provide answers and advice on the various tyre models, purchasing and maintenance.
    DOCUMENTED: 04.06.2013 | 12:43 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Second Coming For Bridgestone’s B-Select Service Outlet

    A year after the B-Select tyre service outlet concept made its debut, Bridgestone has opened its second outlet.

    The B-Select Tyre Store concept was developed by Bridgestone as a new and innovative retail concept for the Asia-Pacific region, specific ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Bridgestone, Tyres, Singapore, B-Select, Opening
    • The B-Select outlet at Beng Heng Tyres Batteries in Sin Ming is the second in Singapore, and is well equipped to make the customer’s experience as hassle-free as possible. There is a lounge area with refreshments that allows customers to view the happenings in the workshop area, while friendly staff is at hand to provide answers and advice on the various tyre models, purchasing and maintenance.
    • There are several services available here, including nitrogen tyre inflation, the ability to mount/dismount Run-Flat tyres from wheels up to 24-inches in diameter, as well as a Hunter Road Force Touch Balancer that can measure rim run-out and diagnose pulling issues within the tyre itself. Free tyre checks and consultations are also available upon request.
    • Bridgestone B-Select Sin Ming is located at Blk 32 Sin Ming Drive, #01-337 Sin Ming Industrial Estate. Opening hours are 9am-7pm Mondays to Saturdays, and you can contact them at 6459-3335 or 6457-6337.
  • Thanks to its lightweight construction (composite body panels on top of a tubular spaceframe chassis), the Twin’Run weighs just 950kg, and can hit 100km/h in 4.5s before topping out at 250km/h. The car sits on 18-in wheels, with double wishbone suspension and Ohlins shock absorbers all around.
    DOCUMENTED: 29.05.2013 | 09:04 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Run For Miles

    This is the French at their loony best, stuffing a big V6 into the rear of a tiny car. And what did they do with it after that? Thrash it round a track, of course!

    This is the Renault Twin’Run, a 320bhp race concept with its engine in the middle and rear wheel drive. But none of that matte ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Renault, TwinRun, Concept, V6, Race
    • Thanks to its lightweight construction (composite body panels on top of a tubular spaceframe chassis), the Twin’Run weighs just 950kg, and can hit 100km/h in 4.5s before topping out at 250km/h. The car sits on 18-in wheels, with double wishbone suspension and Ohlins shock absorbers all around.
    • Of course, Renault has done this before. Who can forget the utterly bonkers Renault 5 Turbo and two generations of Clio V6? In fact, it’s the rally-winning R5 Turbo that the Twin’Run pays homage to, with the “5” decal on the sides and the futuristic take on the rally car’s spotlights; only this time, LED technology has allowed the lights to be made just 25mm thick.
    • The interior is similarly race-inspired, although slightly plusher than most racing cars these days. Alcantara features on the doors, dashboard and padded Sparco seats, and the handbrake and gear levers are positioned up high, right next to the steering wheel. The instrument cluster is the most impressive, an oversized binnacle housing both a 5.5-in LED screen (with readouts for speed, revs, gears and various pressure readings), as well as a large starter button to the right, flanked by gauges for oil and water temperature.
  • To be fair though, the Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept isn’t all max power and unhinged lunacy. In fact, the thinking behind it is fairly inspired – using Audi’s racing experience to shed massive amounts of weight: the car weighs just 1,111kg, 300 less than the TTS on which it’s based.
    DOCUMENTED: 14.05.2013 | 11:26 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Superleicht

    Like a Superleggera, but German. The Audi Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept makes Lamborghini's (and indeed everyone else's) efforts at a lightweight special seem completely inadequate.

    Think of a German engineer and what normally springs to mind? Meticulousness? Sensibleness? Cold logic and common sense?  In most ca ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi, TT, Quattro, Concept, Worthersee, Festival, Lightweight, TSI
    • To be fair though, the Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept isn’t all max power and unhinged lunacy. In fact, the thinking behind it is fairly inspired – using Audi’s racing experience to shed massive amounts of weight: the car weighs just 1,111kg, 300 less than the TTS on which it’s based.
    • Exotic materials abound all over the car. Not only does it have a carbonfibre bonnet, roof and bootlid, even parts of the body in white are made from the stuff – the rear end, central tunnel and B pillars. With the floor and hinges made of magnesium, about 100kg has been shaved from the car’s body.
    • In an effort to further improve the ride and handling, a lot of focus has also been placed on reducing unsprung mass. Or course, there are your obligatory carbon-ceramic brakes, but then there are also other innovations like fiberglass-reinforced plastic springs, as well as special, 20kg-lighter wheels, with aluminium spokes bolted to a carbonfibre rim.
  • Sit yourself inside the Cayman, and you'll find that this is one sports car that is easy to get comfortable in. It may be low slung, but the seats are comfortable and visibility all round is excellent. Materials used in the cabin are of high quality - what else would you expect from the Germans. That being said, the Boxster S we have in our company stable is starting to show signs or wear, even the plastic areas we hardly come into contact with are beginning to scratch off. No chance of a long term test with this Cayman though, so we wouldn't know how it's interior will stand the test of time.
    DOCUMENTED: 08.05.2013 | 08:29 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    So Good It Hurts | Porsche Cayman 2.7 PDK

    The new Porsche Cayman is seriously good. In fact, it's definitely the best drive I've had this year so far. So why am I still missing the previous one?

    Photos: Joel Tam The new Cayman is fine looking car. Porsche got it spot on with the new Boxster, and now the Cayman. Just look at it ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Porsche, Cayman, PDK, Coupe, Eurokars, 2.7
    • Sit yourself inside the Cayman, and you'll find that this is one sports car that is easy to get comfortable in. It may be low slung, but the seats are comfortable and visibility all round is excellent. Materials used in the cabin are of high quality - what else would you expect from the Germans. That being said, the Boxster S we have in our company stable is starting to show signs or wear, even the plastic areas we hardly come into contact with are beginning to scratch off. No chance of a long term test with this Cayman though, so we wouldn't know how it's interior will stand the test of time.
    • The sitting position is great too, and the new steering wheel is nicely sized. I did wish it had the sports steering wheel with the paddle-shifters though. This one is a bit confusing - if you're used to pulling left to downshift and pulling right to upshift (like the sport wheel does), the buttons on this wheel might throw you off a bit, as they don't do that. Instead, you push either one down to downshift, and pull the ones behind to upshift. I find it odd how one company has two methods to do the same thing. Anyway, the PDK is still an awesome gearbox. Phenomenally quick and robust with every gear change, it's one of the nice things about the Cayman. Although I really wouldn't mind trying a manual 'box too.
    • Which brings me to the bit about sports cars and technology. Sure, the automotive world has benefitted in a huge way because of technology. Cars are faster, more efficient and more effective now because of advancement in technology. But how far is too far? The electrically assisted steering in the new Cayman is once such example. Other journalists who have had the opportunity to drive the Cayman earlier have claimed that it offers the best of both worlds. Analogue meets electric - and they both hit it off. I beg to differ. It still feels fake and simulated. I reckon its because nothing can replace real feedback. Duh!
  • At the rate he was driving, it didn't take long for us to be back at the Audi Centre's lobby. Short it might have been, the preview drive was enough to whet our appetite for the full review we look forward to do soon. We'll share more then!
    DOCUMENTED: 08.05.2013 | 06:29 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Audi RS 4 Avant Preview Drive

    The RS 4 has landed! Audi invited us to get a taste of one of the first few units that breathed Singapore air. How could we refuse?

    To give the RS 4 a proper welcome, Audi Singapore got Audi R8 LMS Cup driver Alex Yoong take the media out on a preview drive in the supe ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi RS 4, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles, Alex Yoong, Avant, V8
    • At the rate he was driving, it didn't take long for us to be back at the Audi Centre's lobby. Short it might have been, the preview drive was enough to whet our appetite for the full review we look forward to do soon. We'll share more then!
    • But we're not in an R8 today. We're in the family car actually, a really, really fast one. Audi is arguably the master of fast estates, or 'Avant', as they would call it. Beginning with the RS 2 Avant which they developed with a joint venture with Porsche, they've been building ferocious wolves in sheep's clothing for the past 10 years.
  • Called the Jetta Special Edition, the car gets a full bodykit for the front, rear and sides, 18-inch Preston alloy rims, chrome tailpipes, tinted windows and aluminium pedals. Mechanically it’s identical to the Jetta and Jetta Sport, with a choice of 122 or 160 bhp 1.4 TSI engines, mated to the familiar 7-speed DSG gearbox. The $10,000 CEVS rebate applies for the Jetta SE too.
    DOCUMENTED: 07.05.2013 | 07:13 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Hitting The Gym And Working Out

    The Jetta’s always been a competent performer, with this sporty new variant, Volkswagen is hoping to enhance its appeal and win new hearts.

    Huge space, fuel-efficient engines, and a premium badge? Given these qualities, it’s not surprising the VW Jetta was Singapore&rsqu ... MORE

    • Called the Jetta Special Edition, the car gets a full bodykit for the front, rear and sides, 18-inch Preston alloy rims, chrome tailpipes, tinted windows and aluminium pedals. Mechanically it’s identical to the Jetta and Jetta Sport, with a choice of 122 or 160 bhp 1.4 TSI engines, mated to the familiar 7-speed DSG gearbox. The $10,000 CEVS rebate applies for the Jetta SE too.
    • The car was launched just last Wednesday, May 1st, and is on sale from $123,300 with COE. Not a bad choice if you want to stand out from the crowd.
  • A mismatch though it may be, the engine is still a great unit. It produces just 94bhp, which admittedly isn’t fantastic, but makes up with 230Nm of torque. That’s more pulling power than some NA 2.4-litre engines! An even bigger selling point though, is its cleanliness – just 99g/km of CO2. Perhaps this why only this engine is being imported here – it gets the maximum $20,000 CEVS rebate, a useful saving in Singapore’s problematic car market. And naturally, being a diesel, fuel consumption is excellent too; I managed just under 17km/l over 370km of not-particularly-economic driving.
    DOCUMENTED: 07.05.2013 | 06:49 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Call Of The Jungle… | Peugeot 208 e-HDi

    … The urban one, that is. Peugeot’s latest baby has landed and, curiously for this end of the market, it’s a diesel!

    Photos: Joel Tam Since the 205 of the ‘80s, Peugeot’s best selling models have been its small ones, the 206 in particula ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Peugeot, 208, 1.6 e-HDi, Diesel
    • A mismatch though it may be, the engine is still a great unit. It produces just 94bhp, which admittedly isn’t fantastic, but makes up with 230Nm of torque. That’s more pulling power than some NA 2.4-litre engines! An even bigger selling point though, is its cleanliness – just 99g/km of CO2. Perhaps this why only this engine is being imported here – it gets the maximum $20,000 CEVS rebate, a useful saving in Singapore’s problematic car market. And naturally, being a diesel, fuel consumption is excellent too; I managed just under 17km/l over 370km of not-particularly-economic driving.
    • The thing about engines like this is that the torque is ridiculously addictive. There’s no great shove in the back or even any excitement to be had (in fact the engine is extremely harsh and raucous above 3250rpm), but put your foot down at speed and the car just suuuuuuuuurges ahead. No muss, no fuss, just an extra 20km/h in the blink of an eye.
    • A good thing then, that the motor is so tractable it doesn’t usually need to downshift, because the gearbox is literally nauseating. It’s a six-speed automated manual called EGC, basically a normal manual gearbox with an electronically controlled clutch, with the option of swapping cogs yourself via column-mounted paddles. It’s great at doing its job of changing gears, just useless at doing it well. Gearshifts, particularly in the lower ratios, take an age to complete. The clutch doesn’t disengage fully, making it feel like the engine brakes between shifts, causing much bobbing of heads by occupants when the power comes back on. It’s also quite easy to confuse the gearbox, especially when navigating road humps or if you have to brake before leaving first gear - it just can't decide if it should shift up or not. You can make shifts much smoother if you lift off right when a change occurs, but why should you need to do this in a car marketed as having an automatic transmission?
  • Alas, BMW hasn’t made any mention of engine options or vehicle dynamics or anything at all to do with actual driving – the X4 is for now still officially a Concept, intended to show how the production version will look. Looking at the X3 though, engine options should be carried over directly. That means the turbocharged four and six cylinders as found in the xDrive20i, 28i, and 35i.
    DOCUMENTED: 08.04.2013 | 12:19 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    First reveal of BMW X4

    BMW lifts the wraps off its new ‘SAC’ ahead of its premiere at the Shanghai motor show

    “Fancy a small, sporty BMW that can also serve family duties? Sure, the 3-series is among the best in class. Need more bootspace? N ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, X4, SAC, Concept, Shanghai, SUV
    • Alas, BMW hasn’t made any mention of engine options or vehicle dynamics or anything at all to do with actual driving – the X4 is for now still officially a Concept, intended to show how the production version will look. Looking at the X3 though, engine options should be carried over directly. That means the turbocharged four and six cylinders as found in the xDrive20i, 28i, and 35i.
    • It doesn’t take long to figure out where in the lineup this model slots in. Just as the X6 is a sleeker, less practical version of the X5, so too is the X4 the SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) sibling to the X3. You may find BMW’s glut of niche-busting models unnecessary – I certainly do – but there’s a very good reason the X4 exists: the whole range of X models accounts for 25% of BMW’s overall sales today.
    • The X4 shares its basic styling direction with the X6 – narrow glasshouse, bluff front end, high shoulder line, huge wheelarches and distinctive swage lines keep it distinct from the X3. Overall length and wheelbase are identical, but height and width go down and up 53 mm and 34 mm respectively.
  • DOCUMENTED: 04.04.2013 | 08:48 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Mercedes' New AMG is a 'CLA45' Act!

    The CLA gets a powerful 4 cylinder engine and all wheel drive to turn it into a mad, track munching beast.

    Mercedes has had great success with their CLS, which combines sportiness and luxury in one sleek looking package. Although the CLS may be ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Mercedes, Benz, CLA45, CLA, AMG, Coupe
    • The ordinary CLA is a really stunning looker. Based on the A class but with a new 4-door coupe body, it combines the desirability of the CLS at the price of a compact executive car. It was inevitable Mercedes would add more go to the CLA. On the outside, the CLA45 AMG receives some aero tweaks around the lower front intakes. At the rear, rectangular dual exhaust outlets, and a large, high-speed spoiler complete the list of alterations to the exterior. The car sits on 19-inch aluminum wheels decked in Dunlop tyres.
    • In the cabin, the standard CLA\'s paddle shifters have been enlarged, while the dashboard has been lavished with carbon fibre trim, which looks good against the contrasting stitching on the door cards and seats. The standard seats have been abandoned for a pair of lovely AMG Sports seats.
  • Aesthetics wise, Volvo has got the formula right. The very thing that captures your attention first would be the very sporty looking bonnet with its cuts and creases, and the extremely rakish windscreen. Throw in unpainted plastic cladding that runs all round, faux scuff plates (front and rear) and sleek silver roof rails, what you get is a jacked up hatch back with an off-roader presence. 
    DOCUMENTED: 03.04.2013 | 20:43 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Dull And Drab No More | Volvo V40 Cross Country

    Volvo's V40 Cross Country is style and substance all rolled into one.

    Photos: Joel Tam It’s the age of having the best of both worlds. Consumers these days demand an amalgam of sorts, and often se ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, V40, Cross Country, Hatchback
    • Aesthetics wise, Volvo has got the formula right. The very thing that captures your attention first would be the very sporty looking bonnet with its cuts and creases, and the extremely rakish windscreen. Throw in unpainted plastic cladding that runs all round, faux scuff plates (front and rear) and sleek silver roof rails, what you get is a jacked up hatch back with an off-roader presence. 
    • As for the interior, in comparison to the exterior, it is nowhere as stylish. The design within the car offers a more subdued mood, and the interior seems to echo the very design vibe carried by its fellow stable mates. Though a tad drab, it might not necessarily be a bad thing at all as most of the bits are well constructed, and tastefully trimmed in black and aluminium.
    • Some areas, like the floating centre console and the sculpted door-pads do provide a tinge of peppiness, but that’s as far as it goes. Some parts that really appeal to me are the transparent LED illuminated gear selector, massive full-length glass roof and the fully digital dashboard instrument cluster (which has a switchable colour mode function to suit your mood - see photos below) featuring a high resolution TFT screen. In terms of space, the V40 Cross Country T4 can comfortably seat four adults and carry a substantial amount of stuff with its 335 litres boot.
  • Already distinctive and rather good to look at, the new 3 Series is made even more desirable with this aggressive bodykit. While the stock 3 has design cues that resemble the bigger 5 Series, the added M kit seems to lend well to help the 316i carve its own identity, which is definitely a good thing.
    DOCUMENTED: 03.04.2013 | 20:25 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Less Can Be More | BMW 316i M Sport

    Last to the 3 Series family, the 316i may pack the least power, but it's so affable, it may just leave its middle siblings neglected by the crowd.

    Photos: Joel Tam The honor of being our 1,000th article goes to this worthy BMW. No, it doesn't have 500 bhp, nor does it handle ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 3 Series, 316i, 335i, M-Sport
    • Already distinctive and rather good to look at, the new 3 Series is made even more desirable with this aggressive bodykit. While the stock 3 has design cues that resemble the bigger 5 Series, the added M kit seems to lend well to help the 316i carve its own identity, which is definitely a good thing.
    • More good news, the 3 Series now fits into the Cat A COE bracket (although that isn't really saying much, considering how COE prices have been volatile lately). That said, I do believe that BMW is a bit late in bringing in the 316i. Mercedes has already gotten a big fat piece of the pie with their 1.6-litre powered C Class range. But you know what they say - better late than never.
    • With 136 bhp and 220 Nm, the BMW loses out to the Merc in terms of power output, but there is no disputing the fact that it is still a pretty punchy drive. My take is that BMW is marketing this as a more sporty option compared to the Merc, which has always been a more 'business' brand, while BMW's USP has often been driving dynamics.
  • The WRX concept has been designed as a ready-to-rally 4 door sedan. With a much lower and wider stance, it looks a whole lot more aggressive than the current car. To make the car even more aggressive, Subaru has ditched the tiny grille of the current car and have gone for an extremely pronounced front meshed grille and large air intake. The front end is then rounded off by a large bonnet scoop. The rear of the car has received some rather un-Subaru-like cues too; Subaru has ditched the WRX’s huge wing and replaced it with a BMW M3-esque lip spoiler. The whole package certainly looks smart, and knowing Subaru, will probably go like stink too.
    DOCUMENTED: 02.04.2013 | 11:05 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Subaru Stuns with the Scooby

    Incredible-looking WRX Concept is miles ahead of the Impreza, yet retains some of its classic DNA.

    In the recent few years, the gap between the standard Impreza and the WRX has been narrowing; the WRX has become softer and less sporty, ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Subaru, WRX, Impreza, WR Blue, Concept, New York
    • The WRX concept has been designed as a ready-to-rally 4 door sedan. With a much lower and wider stance, it looks a whole lot more aggressive than the current car. To make the car even more aggressive, Subaru has ditched the tiny grille of the current car and have gone for an extremely pronounced front meshed grille and large air intake. The front end is then rounded off by a large bonnet scoop. The rear of the car has received some rather un-Subaru-like cues too; Subaru has ditched the WRX’s huge wing and replaced it with a BMW M3-esque lip spoiler. The whole package certainly looks smart, and knowing Subaru, will probably go like stink too.
    • On the subject of bonnet bulges and going like stink, Subaru themselves have not revealed what would reside under that beautiful bonnet, although we can expect a turbocharged 2.0 litre of some sort.
    • The WRX Concept is definitely a stunning looking thing. Subaru has managed to strike the perfect balance between aggression and beauty for this concept car. The amount of attention to detail is just obsessive, which is why I think this car is the best looking car ever produced by Subaru. That said, it’s not likely this is exactly what the final product will look like as the majority of concept cars get ‘dulled down’ before they enter production. It’s a real shame that such a beautiful machine would never get to feel the roads beneath its wheels.
  • Enter the new Forester XT. With a 2-litre ‘Direct Injection Turbo’ flat-four putting out 240 bhp and 350 Nm, the car will sprint to 100 in 7.5s and top out at 221 km/h. And, this being a crossover, the long-travel suspension should be able to soak up the bumps quite decently. The perfect replacement for newly minted dads needing something more family-friendly than their hopped-up WRXes?
    DOCUMENTED: 01.04.2013 | 13:15 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    A Real Trailblazer

    No, not that honking great GM SUV; Subaru’s latest offering has the pace to be a real scorcher.

    Subaru has been in the doldrums for a while now. It’s been 5 years since they pulled out of the WRC, the WRX and STi models were qu ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Subaru, Forester, XT, Turbo, X-mode, AWD
    • Enter the new Forester XT. With a 2-litre ‘Direct Injection Turbo’ flat-four putting out 240 bhp and 350 Nm, the car will sprint to 100 in 7.5s and top out at 221 km/h. And, this being a crossover, the long-travel suspension should be able to soak up the bumps quite decently. The perfect replacement for newly minted dads needing something more family-friendly than their hopped-up WRXes?
    • Family men will be pleased to hear of the Forester’s safety standards; 7 airbags help contribute to a 5-star EuroNCAP and ‘Good’ IIHS safety ratings. Larger dimensions all round free up more interior room, while practical touches such as one-touch folding rear seats and a rear door that opens nearly 90° make it easier to live with day to day.
    • Most talked about, though, is Subaru’s new X-MODE control system that aids drivers in extreme conditions, all at the push of a button. Similar in concept to Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, it detects when wheels are slipping or have no grip, and appropriately shuffles torque around to the wheel(s) that can use it most. It also incorporates a Hill Descent function, allowing the car to maintain traction and creep down a steep hill, without the driver needing to use the brakes (though you should probably still cover the pedal with your foot, just in case).
  • DOCUMENTED: 28.03.2013 | 08:23 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Mind The Claws - The Jaguar XKR-S GT And XJR

    Two new flagships arrive to head Jaguar's model lines, and though they share the same heart, their briefs couldn't be more different.

    It may not be called the 'Jaguar XK GT3 Black Edition', but one could easily see that Jaguar had the 911 GT3 and C63 Black Series ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Jaguar, V8, XK, XKR-S, GT, XJR, Supercharged, Sport
    • It certainly looks the business, with an aero package made of carbonfibre that includes a front splitter, canards, diffuser and massive rear wing, all contributing to a useful 145 kg of downforce at its (iimited) top speed of 300 km/h. The bonnet also features more louvres to further aid engine cooling (like an Aston V12 Vantage) and there is a R-S GT graphics package unique to this car.
    • In a first for a road-going Jaguar, the GT features carbon ceramic brakes which help shave 21 kg off the car's unsprung weight, accompanied by 20-in forged alloys wrapped in Pirelli Corsa tyres. There's also a quicker steering rack borrowed from the new F-type, a 52 mm wider front track and re-worked suspension with Eibach dampers that's 68% and 25 % stiffer front and rear.
  • DOCUMENTED: 15.03.2013 | 11:37 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Beetle: Now With Added Poke

    VW Singapore bolsters the Beetle range with a more powerful 1.4 TSI twincharged engine that packs 160 bhp.

    While 1.2 litres of displacement may be a great figure for a passenger car (cheap road tax!), and 105 bhp and 170 Nm sufficient power and ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : VW, Volkswagen, Beetle, TSI
    • To help cope with the increased power and torque going through the front wheels, the Beetle 1.4 comes equipped with the XDS electronic locking differential that premiered on the Mk 6 Golf GTI, while larger, 17-inch rims and a rear spoiler beef up the car's looks.
    • Inside, the large swathe of body-coloured trim remains on the dashboard, steering wheel and doors. The interior also sees the addition of paddleshifts for the multi-function steering wheel, an integrated infotainment and navigation touchscreen, keyless entry and start-up, dual-zone climate control, Park Distance Control with front and rear proximity sensors, and finally a trio of dash gauges for turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and lap times (a VW Sport Chrono Package, if you will).
  • Two models of the A-class will be available here, both powered by turbocharged 4-cyl engines: the 1.6-litre A200 with 156 hp and 250 Nm of torque, and the 2.0-litre A250 Sport with 211 hp and 350Nm. Claimed performance figures for both models are 8.3 s and 6.6 s respectively for the 0-100 km/h dash, and top speeds of 224 km/h and 240 km/h. Thanks to Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY engineering philosophy, both cars are rather fuel efficient at 5.8 and 6.4 l/100km, while CO2 emissions of 136 and 148 g/km ensure up to $10,000 in CEVS rebates.
    DOCUMENTED: 14.03.2013 | 07:32 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    All-New Mercedes A-Class Launch

    The previous Mercedes A-class was an innovative exercise in compact packaging and practicality, but suffered from ungainly looks and the results of the infamous Elk Test. Will the new one redeem it?

    Photos: Joel Tam The launch for the new Mercedes A-class was held at One Fullerton, with two cars on display for media and customers ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, A-class, A200, A250, Hatchback, Cycle & Carriage
    • Two models of the A-class will be available here, both powered by turbocharged 4-cyl engines: the 1.6-litre A200 with 156 hp and 250 Nm of torque, and the 2.0-litre A250 Sport with 211 hp and 350Nm. Claimed performance figures for both models are 8.3 s and 6.6 s respectively for the 0-100 km/h dash, and top speeds of 224 km/h and 240 km/h. Thanks to Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY engineering philosophy, both cars are rather fuel efficient at 5.8 and 6.4 l/100km, while CO2 emissions of 136 and 148 g/km ensure up to $10,000 in CEVS rebates.
    • The A-class has turned into quite the looker now, with a squat stance that will likely resonate with the younger crowd. The wide grille and wraparound headlamps give the car an increased sense of width, which, combined with the rising windowline and small glasshouse, make the car appear to be hunched down, waiting to pounce forward. Buyers who opt for the A250 Sport model can expect a more aggressive AMG-styled bodykit that features a deeper chin spoiler with red accents and a rear diffuser with twin tailpipes, that will look very similar to the upcoming A45 AMG.
    • The sportier theme continues inside, with part-leather sports seats front and rear, honeycomb or carbonfibre-effect trim for the dashboard, flat-bottomed steering wheel with shift paddles on the Sport model, and air vents that resemble those found on the SLS AMG (or, if you're feeling uncharitable, the '80s W123 saloon). A panoramic sliding sunroof is also an option to allow more light and a greater sense of space into the cabin.
  • The stats, though, really do make for quite some startling reading. The 6.3-litre V12 is a development of the unit from the F12 Berlinetta, but massaged to produce 790 bhp at a screaming 9000 rpm. Coupled with Ferrari's HY-KERS (HYbrid-Kinetic Energy Recovery System), the LaFerrari manages a grand total of 950 bhp and 970 Nm of torque, eclipsing the McLaren by about 50 bhp, and murdering the Porsche's 785 bhp. As a result, 0-100 km/h is done and dusted in less than 3 sec, 0-200 in less than 7 and 0-300 in 15 sec. The mighty Bugatti Veyron SS, with around 200 bhp more, can only manage those benchmarks in 2.5, 6.7 and 14.6 sec respectively.
    DOCUMENTED: 13.03.2013 | 12:46 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The New LaFerrari - LaAwesome, Or 'Come On lah'?

    Years of planning, research, testing and teasing have led to this. The War of the Hypercars is upon us and Ferrari wades into battle with the biggest arsenal. It's gonna be an exciting year ahead...

    Sorry about the title, couldn't help myself. You have to admit though, Ferrari's name for this car just leaves it so open to Sing ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Ferrari, LaFerrari, Geneva, Hybrid, Hypercars
    • The stats, though, really do make for quite some startling reading. The 6.3-litre V12 is a development of the unit from the F12 Berlinetta, but massaged to produce 790 bhp at a screaming 9000 rpm. Coupled with Ferrari's HY-KERS (HYbrid-Kinetic Energy Recovery System), the LaFerrari manages a grand total of 950 bhp and 970 Nm of torque, eclipsing the McLaren by about 50 bhp, and murdering the Porsche's 785 bhp. As a result, 0-100 km/h is done and dusted in less than 3 sec, 0-200 in less than 7 and 0-300 in 15 sec. The mighty Bugatti Veyron SS, with around 200 bhp more, can only manage those benchmarks in 2.5, 6.7 and 14.6 sec respectively.
    • The hybrid system on its own contributes 160 bhp and 270 Nm of torque, and actually features two motors - one to assist the engine and the other to power the ancillaries. The batteries can be charged in two ways: using regenerative braking, like in F1 cars (or the Toyota Prius), or in situations where the engine produces more torque than can be effectively deployed (e.g. during cornering). All in, the whole HY-KERS system weights just 140 kg, 62 of which belong to the batteries.
    • As you'd expect, the chassis is made entirely of carbonfibre. Four different varieties, in fact, all hand-laminated and autoclave-cured by the same team that builds the F1 cars. In an effort to maximise torsional rigidity, the seat position is fixed into the chassis, the steering wheel and pedal box being adjustable instead, the end result being a driving position akin to that of a single-seater racing car. The batteries are also integrated into the chassis, in between and underneath the seats to lower the car's centre of gravity. Sadly (or maybe thankfully), “hybrid” needn’t necessarily equate to “eco-friendly”; with 330 g/km of CO2 produced, the LaFerrari is unfortunately not eligible for a CEVS rebate (not that that would put off potential buyers)…