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Changes to the new Fluence are mostly cosmetic. The most obvious difference is the redesigned front end, proudly incorporating the Renault diamond front-and-centre, ala the new Clio. Expect future Renaults to also feature this new family face.
Happenings

Updated Renault Fluence Launched In Singapore

IN Renault, Fluence, Wearnes

Renault’s mid-sized sedan gets a refresh to keep it competitive in its segment.


The V40 was unveiled last year as an in-between successor of both the S40 and V50, but for some reason we only received the jacked-up Cross Country version. Now though, local dealer Wearnes Automotive has followed up on its success and launched the V40 R-Design, a lowered, sportier version of the car.
Happenings

Volvo Range Revamped

IN Volvo, V40, S60, V60, XC60, S80, R-Design, Facelift, Wearnes

It’s part-way through its models’ life cycles, and Volvo updates not one, but four of its models, as well as introduces the V40 R-Design to Singapore.


The whole 'alternative-fuelled cars' fever is pretty much still going on, and if there’s one car company that you have to thank for it all, well, it has to be Toyota. They may not be the first to mass-produce hybrid cars, but they definitely did a good job at commercialising this concept and also making it the way forward.
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The Electric Co | Audi A1 e-tron

IN Audi, A1, E-tron, Audi A1 e-tron, A1 e-tron, Ingolstadt, Audi Future Lab, Audi TSC

Audi let us briefly sample their innovative electric A1


The Cascada looks to be a serious contender to some of its more established German rivals. Cheaper, more practical and with arguably better looks than an A5 Cabrio, GM has an ambitious target in its sights. Sure, with an A5, you can brag to all your friends that you have an Audi, and granted, the Vauxhall/Opel Badge is not as desirable as an Audi one. But which do you prefer? A large, well made, good looking and practical car with some extra cash left over from the purchase of the car or a slightly smaller, well made Audi, with nothing left in your pocket? The choice is yours.
Happenings

Topless Vauxhall Unveiled!

IN Opel, Vauxhall, GM, Cascada, Convertible, Cabriolet

Vauxhall builds Astra and Insignia-based 4 seater convertible.


Ok, so we've driven it on curvy italian sweepers, but how does it fare on our local roads. We grab the keys to a Golf Sport which packs 140 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The 1.4 TSI turbocharged engine will enable the Golf Sport to hit 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds from standstill, and onto an impressive 212 km/h, where roads allow.
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Hole-In-One | Volkswagen Golf Sport 1.4 TSI

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, 1.4 TSI, TDI, DSG, Mk 7, 7, 1.6 TDI

Volkswagen scores a hole-in-one with the new Golf. We drive it, only to find out that it has just bagged the coveted Car of the Year award. We couldn't agree with the judges more.


A hefty 100 kg has been shaven off the new car. The weight savings were taken off from various parts of the car, making it a total re-look at the car's performance and weight distribution.
Happenings

Singapore First to Get Golf Outside Of Europe

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, 1.4 TSI, TDI, DSG, Mk 7, 7, 1.6 TDI

Singapore is the first market to get the new Volkswagen Golf outside of Europe since its first appearance in September. We tee-off with a quick look at some important facts of this all-new model.


The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill. The new B-Class measures in at 4,359 mm long, 1,786 mm wide and 1,557 mm tall.
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New B-Class Arrives; Only B 200 Variant Available For Now

IN Mercedes-Benz, B-Class, B 200, Mercedes-Benz B 200, Cycle & Carriage

The second generation of the B-Class car heralds a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz in terms of both design and technology.


Before reaching the shores of Singapore, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta has already won numerous awards and is exalted as the safest-ever compact saloon ever tested (according to the Euro NCAP 2010 standard).
Happenings

Alfa Romeo's New Giulietta Arrives; Attractive Sub-$160k Price

IN Alfa, Alfa Romeo, Giulietta, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, EuroAutomobile

Alfa's 147 replacement, with its attractive looks and 5-door configuration is finally here, giving hatchback fans a new option in their list


Compact and muscular, the DS signature on the bonnet is complemented by a striking LED light signature around the front fog lights (LEDs are illuminated both day and night). The car was designed from the start to have a reduced environmental footprint, especially evident in its construction - around 15% of the 200kg of plastic used in the DS4 vehicle is derived from ‘green materials'.
Happenings

Cycle & Carriage France Launches Citroën's New DS4

IN Citroën, DS4, Citroën DS4, Cycle & Carriage

DS4 promises an interesting alternative to the sea of hatchbacks; commanding driving position a major USP


As both are clad in go-fast suits, you can see bits of sporty items like the roof-mounted spoiler, detailed bumpers and twin-piped exhaust tip. Here is where Audi shows off its generosity: the A1 (with S-line kit) gets 18-inch alloys wrapped in low-profile 215/35 R-18 Bridgestone rubbers. The Cooper S on the other hand gets for itself a set of 17s wrapped in 205/45 R-17 Continentals. Since we’re at the topic of aesthetics, you will surely notice how both test cars come in rather unique colour shades – funky chocolate with silver roof pillars in the case of the A1, and bright blue with white roof for the Cooper S.
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Apple to Apple? | Audi A1 Vs Mini Cooper S

IN Mini, Cooper S, Mini Cooper S, Audi, A1, Audi A1 185bhp

The A1 is said to be Audi’s answer to BMW’s Mini, but what came out of this comparison was far more telling of these two car’s differences...


The brakes are well equipped with a host of technology as well - DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ABS (anti-lock braking system), DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and DBC (Dynamic Braking Control) - makes you wonder if you need to do anything braking yourself at all! Truth is, all that technology helps to keep you out of trouble when you do 'silly' things at inappropriate speeds.
Happenings

All-New BMW 1 Series Drive - Singapore to Kuala Lumpur

IN BMW, 1 Series, 118i, 116i, Efficient Dynamics, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur

We test BMW's EfficientDynamics award-winning technology with a drive from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur with the all-new BMW 1 Series.


The rear lamps also embody the new direction Volkswagen is taking with their characteristic M-shaped lights. A convenient feature we all can appreciate is the remote tail-gate function that can be opened from the key fob, very useful when you have your hands full.
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Sports-Purpose Vehicle | Volkswagen Sharan 2.0 TSI DSG

IN VW, Volkswagen, Sharan, 2.0 TSI, MPV

The Volkswagen Sharan feels like a overgrown hot-hatch. Which is a good thing, because this 7-seater is made for the grown-up who doesn't want to ... er ... grow up.


Undoubtedly, the technical aspect of the car is one of the most important. In almost all driving situations, the 16-valve four-cylinder turbo diesel engine offers the strength of a V8 sports car – a little lazy initially but once you hit that sweet spot, in the case of the GTD it’s before 2,500rpm, the world around you just turns into a blur.
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Golfing Around All Day Long | Volkswagen Golf GTD TDI

IN Volkswagen, VW, Golf, GTD, GTi, TSI, DSG, Caltex, Techron, Techron D, Diesel

When given the keys to Volkswagen’s diesel-powered hot hatchback, our Associate Editor deliberately spent his time driving around the whole of Singapore.


Beautiful isn't it? No ungainly straps that flap around at speed, no roof racks to spoil the nice curves of that roof and most importantly, it is not that difficult to use. Best of all, you won't be pulled over by the cops because your lights and number plates are still fully visible.
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The Hitch-Biker | Opel Astra Turbo 1.4T

IN Opel, Astra, 1.4, T, Turbo, Ecotec, Hatchback

In the overcrowded market of family hatchbacks, how well will the Opel stand out? In this case, very.


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…


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.



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