Search Result

Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and US, the new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. It will be the 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, following such technology trendsetters as the 16-valve 1970 Escort RS1600, the turbocharged Sierra RS Cosworth of 1985 (oh, and remember its radical aerodynamics?), and the four-wheel-drive 1992 Escort RS Cosworth. The all-new Focus RS is also the first ever RS model that will be sold around the world and produced for all markets at Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany, manufacturing plant beginning late this year.
Happenings

Ford's New Focus RS

IN Ford, Focus, RS, Ford Focus RS

Listen up all hot-hatch fans: Ford's all-wheel drive Focus RS all set to thrill!


Which makes it a little bit of a problem for BMW. Because a product like this is so out-of-the-box, not everyone would want to embrace it wholeheartedly. Trust us, we’ve done our questionnaire and not many would like to sign up for this Bavarian hot-hatch. After all, us hot-hatch fans grew up with front-wheel drive, manual transmission type. So a wholeheartedly complete hot-hatch should remain that way; Renault’s Megane RS is the finest example.
New

Director's Cut | BMW M135i

IN BMW, M, BMW M, BMW Asia, M, M135i, BMW M135i

We've driven the M135i last year and it even made it to Burnpavement’s ‘Surprises of 2013’ list; this time, we sample a kitted M135i. Sound the alarm...


Looks wise, the V40 R-Design is truly an exciting car that screams
New

Designed By A Rebel | Volvo V40 T4 R-Design

IN Volvo, V40, R-Design

Volvo’s answer to Audi’s S-line and BMW's M Sport turns the nondescript V40 into an able performer with the looks to boot.


On a separate note, the A250’s suspension system seems to have been set with the enthusiastic driver in mind. If you’re expecting C-Class level, the A250’s rather stiff setting might need some getting used to. It could just be yours truly, but when going over bumps, there’s that uncanny feeling the rear’s independent suspension has been mated to a stiffer pair of spring compared to the fronts.
New

A+ For Effort | Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, A-Class, A250, A250 Sport, Sport

So the A250 Sport is marketed as the sportiest A-Class, with promising on-paper digits – but overcoming the looks, does it fall into hot-hatch territory?


The Renault Megane RS 265 did that to me. You see, I have an affinity for Renault’s modern hot-hatches; they’re special and unique, and you need to drive them (hard, most times) to truly appreciate these finely tuned cars. The first Megane RS I drove - yes, that oddly shaped one - was a blast and definitely began my whole entire love affair with hyper Renaults. Then came the hotter R26 – a few laps around Sepang made me wonder how on earth did Renault put together such a brilliant car.
New

Go, Go Power Ranger | Renault Megane RS 265

IN Renault, Megane, RS, RS 265, Renault Megane RS 265, Wearnes Automotive

What to do when you want to keep your sweet handling hot-hatch ahead of the competition? Well according to Renault, you add more powaaaaaah…


Stomp on the pedal from standstill and the new GTI will accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 246 km/h. The GTI Performance will edge ahead a little at 250 km/h and 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.
Happenings

New Volkswagen Golf GTI To Grace Geneva Motor Show

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Geneva Motor Show

Following the news on Volkswagen's GTD diesel hot-hatch, their iconic GTI has officially been announced and will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.


“Powered by the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, the impressive engine found on both the BMW X6 M50d and BMW X5 M50d is equipped with three turbochargers and advanced common-rail injection system. With its outstanding abilities, we trust it will only be a matter of time before this new engine enjoys the highest level of recognition just as its fellow award-winning siblings have.” added said Mr Fiorentinos.
Happenings

BMW M Performance Automobiles launched in Singapore.

IN BMW, X5 M, X6 M, Munich Automobiles, M Performance, M Performance Automobiles, MPA

With a high-powered SUV range and a scorching hot-hatch in its stable, M Performance Automobiles (MPA for short) has landed on our shores with a big bang.


Like all six Golf GTI generations before it, the seventh generation concept car being shown in Paris is distinguished from other Golf models by numerous additional equipment features and classic GTI insignia. Overall, the seventh generation Golf is also visually more dynamic than the previous one. The objective of the designers was to develop an even more striking and sporty character into the new Golf GTI - the goal was to give the GTI a lower, wider image with a more challenging character. Volkswagen Design developed numerous individual, detailed solutions for the new Golf GTI and integrated them harmoniously into the overall visual concept. Important here is the fact that the GTI-specific design elements are not simply
Happenings

Volkswagen Golf GTi Concept

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, E35, 2.0, TSI, Concept, Paris Motor Show

Set to be launched in early 2013, the new Volkswagen Golf GTI will be powered by the engine from the EA888 series with 220 ps, and 230 ps if opted with the factory performance pack.


Happenings

Swift Sport Supplement Is Up On N.GINE

IN Suzuki, Swift, Swift Sport, Champion Motors, N.GINE, E-Supplement

Our very first Special Issue is a 36-page E-Supplement on Suzuki's latest hot-hatch! Check it out now!


From the rear, the new Tiguan immediately looks more 'manly' with the new tail-lamps. The curvy ones have made way for a simpler, but better design that feature VW's signature L-shape LEDs.
New

King Of The Hill | Volkswagen Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI

IN Volkswagen, VW, Tiguan, 2.0, TFSI, TSI, DSG, SUV, Sport

Back in the 90's, the Subaru Forester was an SUV that stood out from the rest. Grippy, fast and sweet to drive, it was the best sporty SUV out there. Now though, there's a new king of the hill...


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.
New

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.
New

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.


With modernisation in cars, comes new-found tech like the clever XDS system, an electronic differential that brakes the inside front wheel should the system detect any slip or loss in traction. Boring? Kind of, but safe nonetheless. It's fun with a safety net. Anyway, if you're feeling gutsy and are in the mood for some wheel spinning action, it can always be switched off.
New

Lil' Red Riding Hoot! | Skoda Fabia RS

IN Skoda, Fabia, VRS, RS, Hot-hatch

The closest thing we ever got to a Skoda hot-hatch here was the Skoda Rapid Coupé, which put a smile on the faces of many - only because it was a joke. Now though, Skoda's got something much better.


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.
New

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.
New

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.


Happenings

AMS Honda CR-Z

IN Honda, CR-Z, AMS, Bodykit,

Is the tree-hugging CR-Z too plain for you? Well AMS has just the thing to jazz it up! Enter the Terra wide-body kit, and it rocks!


Congratulations to all our awesome winners and sincere thanks to all participants!
Modified

Singapore's Best | Volkswagen Golf

Our WRX competition has been a huge success, the votes are still piling in as I write this! But already we're looking for a european hot-hatch for our next competition - get ready for...



© 2015 BURNPAVEMENT