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Motorsports

Dr Andy Palmer: The Racing CEO

IN Aston Martin, Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4, GT4, CEO, Andy Palmer

Barely a year into this new appointment, Aston Martin's CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, is swapping his business suit for a race suit as he lines up alongside three fellow drivers to campaign a V8 Vantage GT4.

The chic and colourful three and four-wheelers are set to prove how clean and easy urban motoring can be by taking part in a major pilot programme in the French city of Grenoble. Toyota is a key partner in the three-year low-carbon car sharing scheme, which is expected to transform the way people plan and make local journeys.

Happenings

Toyota's Ultra-Compact Electric Vehicle: The i-Road and COMS

IN Toyota, I-ROAD, COMS, Ultra-compact, Electric vehicles, France, Grenoble, Ha:Mo, Cite Lib

Toyota is ready to bring nimble, zero-emissions motoring to Europe’s crowded city centres with a fleet of its i-ROAD and COMS ultra-compact electric vehicles.

One of the most famous, Carrozzeria Zagato, celebrates its 95th birthday this year, and it is this special occasion for which the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato was commissioned. Its commissioner is one Albert Spiess, a Swiss who already counts other well-known Zagato works such as the Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ, 1985 Aston V8 Vantage Zagato, and 2012 V12 Vantage Zagato within his stable. So what’s another one to add to the collection, eh?

Happenings

Get to the L-Z!

IN Lamborgini, Zagato, Gallardo, Concept, 5-95

Lamborghini and Zagato, two icons of Italian motoring, come together to create a striking one-off: the 5-95 Zagato Concept.

Handling wise, the Golf R is pinpoint sharp and definitely feels one notch higher than the GTI. Thanks to the 4Motion four-wheel drive system, ever alert traction control and XDS cross differential lock, you can enter tight corners at speed and also flick the car into a turn without worrying about any understeer. In fact, you might even feel the rear about to throw itself into a drift but like magic, the car will just correct itself. That said, body-roll is still obvious; it’s not the sort that throws you off, but the type that adds more sensation into your drive. If you want something that is more focused on all out grip and controlled body movements, then you might want to look at Renault’s Megane RS instead…

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Rock On | Volkswagen Golf R

IN Volkswagen, VW, Golf, Golf R, R, Veedub, Volkswagen Group Singapore

VW’s ultimate Golf returns — for all family men, there is still hope for non-boring motoring…

Paired to a six-speed auto transmission (no change here), it now whips out 151 bhp and 191 Nm of torque; despite now 15 bhp and 6 Nm down, the upside here is you get improved fuel consumption. According to Hyundai, it has a combined cycle of 8.4 litres/100 km (or 11.9 km/L) compared to the previous 11.4 litres/100 km (or 8.8 km/L). Oh, even the CO2 emission has dropped from 209 g/km to 200 g/km now; we can hear Green Peace giving a sigh of relief…

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Predictably Good | Hyundai Tucson GLS

IN Hyundai, Tucson, Fluidic Sculpture, Nu MPI, Komoco Motors, Hyundai Tucson

It obviously needs no introduction, but this revamped Tucson is surprisingly good

We have carefully selected and picked six different cars that we feel are truly special in 2013. Individually, they all answer to different classes of consumers, but when you look at them closer, they are all cars that were built also to provide the most fun for their respective price tags. We have it all here: from a 1.6-litre all the way to a monstrous 4.4-litre. Without any further delay, here they are, Burnpavement's Best Picks of 2013 (left to right, clockwise direction): BMW M5 Competition Pack, Mercedes-Benz CLA200, Lexus IS F-Sport, Renault Megane RS265, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Porsche Cayman.

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Best Picks Of 2013

IN Best Picks of 2013, 2013, Best Picks, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Lexus, Porsche, BMW, Audi, M, M5, RS, RS4, GTI, Golf GTI, CLA, RenaultSport, RS265, Cayman

So 2013 was an eventful year for the local motoring industry: An introduction and implementation of new policies, changes in classification of new cars, and the list goes on.

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When Everything Feels Right | Lexus ES300h

IN Lexus, ES, Hybrid, ES300h, Borneo Motors, Lexus ES300h

By reintroducing the ES, Lexus provides the answer to those who do not require a sporty GS

The E250 Estate might not be as sharp as the 5 Series or A6, but looking at the average Mercedes audience, it is still up to the task when taking sweeping corners slightly faster. Body movements are well controlled and you don’t get any unsettling sensation from the rear suspension while doing quick lane changes.

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Real Estate Agent | Mercedes-Benz E250 Estate Avantgarde

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, E-Class, E250, Avantgarde

Two words — “Mercedes wagon” — when combined, sound like the epitome of boringness. But by golly, this new one comes with some pleasant surprises.

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.

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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…

“With the latest development in car ownership, we understand that Singaporean drivers are seeking to maintain their cars for as long as possible. Bosch offers advanced competencies in diagnostics to improve the accuracy in identifying faults within a vehicle, thus enabling technicians to make more well-informed repair work,” said Neo Chee Cheong, Regional Director of Workshop Concepts for Bosch in Asia Pacific. “With Bosch Car Service capable of serving the vast majority of car makes and models, we are confident that motorists will appreciate the availability of quality automotive maintenance and repair solutions coupled with the accessibility of Caltex service stations.”

Happenings

First Bosch Car Service Workshop Now At Caltex East Coast Station

IN Caltex, Bosch, Service, Workshop, Station

Motorists in Singapore the first in Southeast Asia to experience Bosch’s Premium Car Services at Caltex

Then again, it doesn’t necessarily have to out-drag the competition, because Kia is pitching the GT as a brisk all-rounder designed for “everyday usability and civility, not a track special” (although its chassis was developed at the Nurburgring). So even though it gets re-tuned springs and dampers, a thicker rear anti-roll bar and larger brakes, its multi-link suspension should ensure a tolerable ride.

Happenings

Still Very Reasonably Priced

IN Kia, Hot hatch, Ceed, GT, Cee'd

The name is still ridiculous, but this hot hatch looks set to be a credible and value-packed alternative in the market.

The natural trade-off though, is in its ability to carve a corner. Despite how tall the Forester is, body roll is less prevalent than expected, no doubt thanks to the Boxer drivetrain’s low centre of gravity, but unless you really enjoy feeling a car at its limit no matter how easily reached it is (which I do), there’s not much reward to be gained from hustling it. The tyres are designed for low rolling resistance and hence give up very easily, running out of grip at even moderate speeds, while the electric steering, though light and easy to twirl at parking speeds, has a vague, non-linear response during the first few degrees of lock. On initial turn-in the steering feels overly light but after that it firms up, with nice weighting and progression through the rest of the turn.

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The Family Rocketship | Subaru Forester 2.0XT

IN Subaru, Forester, XT, Turbo, X-mode, AWD, Review

With the next generation of WRXes and STIs still at least a year or two away, it’s up to the 4th-generation Forester to uphold the turbocharged mantle in the Subaru stable.

For a punchy hot-hatch with 380 Nm (available from 1,750 rpm), it boasts a low 122 g/km CO2 emission output, sips an average of 4.7 litters every 100 km and complies with the stringent EU-6 emissions standard as well. Making it not only the most powerful Golf GTD and Golf 7 to date, but one of the most economical fast hatches as well.

Happenings

GTI's Diesel Twin Says Hello!

IN Volkswagen, Golf, Golf 7, GTD, Diesel, 185 bhp, 380 Nm, Singapore, Geneva International Motor Show

No official release of news on the Volkswagen GTI just yet, but its diesel twin has made an entrance at the party already, with strong overtones and nuances of what we've seen on the GTI concept snaps

In Singapore, with a dominant market share, Borneo Motors is currently the leader in hybrids, offering the widest range of hybrid models in various segments. The Prius C, being the leader in the hybrid segment, topping the charts with 33.6% market share since its launch in Feb 2012 and has grown the segment.

Happenings

Toyota Reveals Line-Up For 2013

IN Toyota, Borneo Motors, 86, RAV4, CEVS, Auris, Yaris, Avanza

Toyota shares with us their host of new exciting models and wallet-friendly cars for the year ahead.

Peugeot is proud to present ‘Blueprint to Reality’, with the unveiling of its newly revamped showroom at 305 Alexandra Road. In addition, the month of July also brings the inaugural launch of Peugeot’s line of scooters and bicycles in Singapore, serving to expand Peugeot’s current range of mobility options for every motorist.

Happenings

New Showroom And New Products From Peugeot

IN Peugeot, AutoFrance, Peugeot Scooters, Peugeot Bicycles, Vivacity, Geopolis RS

Peugeot proudly introduces their revamped showroom and a new line of scooters and bicycles to Singapore, expanding the French automaker’s existing motoring options in Singapore.

The entry point to VW’s wide range of cars, the new Polo 1.2 TSI is more powerful than the outgoing 1.4. It now boasts 90 bhp and 160 Nm, and does the century sprint in only 10.9 seconds courtesy of a 1,197cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 7-speed DSG gearbox. Also available is a more powerful ‘Sport’ variant, producing 105 bhp and 175 Nm of torque. It goes from 0-100km/h in only 9.7 seconds.

Happenings

Polo Kart - Latest VW Polo Variant For Sale Now

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Polo, Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI, Kartright Speedway, TSI

Ok, kidding. VW Group Singapore did things differently this time around when launching their latest offering for the local market.

Johan van Tongeren's Impreza began its life in early 2000. But as the white paint fouled up after ten years, Johan decided to spruce it up himself and gave it a name:

Readers' Rides

The Barracuda | Subaru Impreza WRX GC8

IN Subaru, Impreza, GC8, Holland

Johan's Barracuda isn't just a rolling art display, it is built like a tank with all the firepower too!

So here is the new Focus then, in its third and - what must probably be - the finest iteration. It’s not merely a facelift, mind you; it’s a major rework. Updated engine, new transmission, new exterior and even a new antenna. Well the chassis remains largely similar to the second generation, only points to note are strengthened mountings, improved bushings and steering, and better brakes.

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Properly Focused | Ford Focus Sedan

IN Ford, Focus, Ford Focus, 2012 Ford Focus, Regent Motors, Titanium

Now into its third generation, has Ford finally found its sweet spot in the mid-size sedan segment here?

Happenings

Innovation Isn't Just A Word. It's An Experience.

IN BMW, BMW Asia, BMW Innovations xpo, Efficient dynamics, Event

Burnpavement.com is privileged to be the only motoring publication to partner BMW Asia in this exclusive event. We have 15,000 active readers daily-only 200 of you will join us. Best to register now!

The Motoring Heritage Day is a collaboration between the National Heritage Board (NHB) and the Malaysia and Singapore Vintage Car Register (MSVCR). This event also presented the public a rare opportunity to come up close and personal with these iconic motoring gems.

Happenings

Celebrating The Motoring Heritage

IN Motoring, Heritage, Day, Memories, At, Old, Ford, Factory

The former Ford Motor Factory hosted the Motoring Heritage Day, an event filled with nostalgic memories.