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Anyway out on the expressway, the Clubman behaves in a very gentlemanly manner with the engine spinning below 2,500 rpm at 100 km/h — which means engine noise is barely intruding. Heck, Mini’s engineers also ensured wind noise is kept to the barest minimal, making themselves heard only near three-figures region. Somehow this compliments the style as well — style and refinement rarely come hand in hand for cars below $150k.
New

Wagon Special 3: MINI Cooper Clubman

IN MINI, Mini, Clubman, Cooper, Cooper Clubman, MINI Cooper Clubman, 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, Turbocharged, Eurokars Habitat, BMW Asia

Into its second modern iteration, can the new Clubman break into the mainstream market and be a volume seller?


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.
New

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…


Exterior wise, the new Megane CC (I shall call it MCC from now on) looks less angular than its predecessor — it seems Renault’s designers decided to make it curvier (and more feminine too) this time around, probably to match Peugeot’s 308CC. The face has more prominence now thanks largely to the new swept back headlamps and detailed bumper (is it smiling at me?). Then, the rear looks simply beautiful, mainly due to the darkened tail lamps and the fact that its overhang is not that long to make it look, err, tilted like a duck’s rear? Oh, and those alloys are simply beautiful on the MCC — think of it as wearing the right shoe to match the dress. Ahh… you French are so fashionable.
New

More For Her | Renault Megane CC

IN Renault, Megane, Coupe, Cabriolet

...that’s what the Megane CC is, with that all-smooth drive and chic interior.


Aimed at drivers who have skipped the original Mini because of its small size and those who have “outgrown” the two-door phase in life, the Countryman cross-overs the versatility of a four-door car and rough-and-tough capabilities of a Sports Activity Vehicle, but still retaining the familiar Mini design.
Happenings

Massive Mini Lands On Our Shores

IN MINI, Cooper, Clubman, Countryman, S, BMW

The first Mini with four doors and also the largest Mini built to date does raise some eyebrows.



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