2 weeks ago, we were given the opportunity to take the all-new CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso out for a spin and we had a rather comfortable and spacious drive. In this blog post, we will be sharing about our driving experience with the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso and what we think about it.
Exterior Appearance
The new CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso is styled to fully stand apart from the five-seater model. The side view of the new CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso has a distinctive visual appeal through its roof arches, which emerge from the base of the windscreen.
This “signature” highlights the spacious interior and the large window area, underscoring the generous and welcoming cabin. Blending style and practicality, the central part of the aluminium arches serves as a support function. The sculptural flanks emphasis the car’s more athletic design approach.
The front end, composed of fully flowing lines, showcases CITROËN’s new styling identity with an assertive, horizontal engine bay and chevrons that extend outwards to curve into the LED daytime running lights. Just above sit the sleek headlamps, which contribute to the high-tech look at the front, as do the fog lamps with their original light signature.
The rear LED lights feature a 3D effect with an innovative, deep-set design offering a refined take on futuristic styling cues. The rear styling is enhanced by a wraparound tailgate conveying all the robustness and capaciousness of the boot and opening to reveal broad and easy access to the loading area.
Interior Appearance
The pure and uncluttered interior of the new CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso was designed in a “loft” spirit. The impression is underlined by the standard-fit panoramic windscreen and large glass roof that bathe the cabin in natural light. The loft inspiration is also to be found in the quality of the cabin materials and the painstaking attention to detail.
The asymmetrically designed dashboard blends different colours and materials. Black, with its high-tech connotations, dominates on the driver’s side, echoing the lighter slate or champagne tones on the passenger side with their “sparkle” effect.
Each passenger in the new CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso benefits from special attention to make them feel fully at home; row two is home to three independent seats with adjustable bases and tilting backs; and row three passengers get their own air blowers.
What We Think Of the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso?
Having done multiple reviews on sedan and hatchback cars, the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso is the first MPV to be featured on our blog and we must say, it is so spacious that it allowed us to have an opportunity to bring our entire family out for a good dinner with just one car [usually, we have to drive two cars out]. With that being said, the 3rd row of seats might be a little crammed and claustrophobic for adult passengers and it would be more suited to accommodate children.
Although the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso has the highest torque in the Category A COE, we felt that the acceleration was a little sluggish and underpowered. This could probably be due to the fact that the car has a big body. However, going uphill with a full load of passengers is a “walk in the park” for the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso.
The gear transition was smooth and with its fully digitised instrument panel, we felt as if we were driving a futuristic high-tech car. The purely designed dashboard is structured around two displays in the centre, a 7-inch touchpad and a 12-inch panoramic HD screen.
The standard 7-inch touchpad, with its touch-sensitive buttons, controls all the in-car functions such as dual-zone air conditioning, navigation, audio, telephone, driving aids, and etc.
The spectacular 12-inch panoramic HD screen displays essential driving information and can be configured by the driver at any time to show data for either the navigation system or driving aids. The following picture shows the 360 Vision system, an exclusive feature that uses the four cameras placed around the car, to provide a complete view of the car’s immediate environment and an extended field of vision that makes for easier manoeuvres.
No matter how heavy-footed we were during the drive, the fuel consumption was minimal and because the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso runs on a diesel engine that is mated with the world’s first Stop&Start technology, it makes economic sense for a family to own this pocket-friendly MPV. It is also good to know that the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso is eligible for the SGD$15,000 Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme [CEVS] rebate.
Engine Compartment of the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso
The CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso is also equipped with Park Assist, a function that helps drivers look for a parking space and provides automatic assistance when manoeuvring into a space, whether parking in reverse or at an angle. Unfortunately, after trying this feature a couple of times, we reckoned that manual parking is still the way to go.
There are ample storage spaces onboard the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso to store big and small items and with that, going on a road trip to Malaysia or even for a simple picnic by the beach is definitely going to be a very comfortable and pleasant experience.
Although the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso is quite a big car, it is very simple to handle and manoeuvre. Having won many international awards and having so many great features that provide a spacious, safe, and comfortable driving experience, it is no wonder why the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso remains a clear favourite among MPV buyers.
If you are interested in the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso, do head down to the CITROËN Car Showroom at 239 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159930 and test-drive this family-friendly MPV! For more information and promotion updates about CITROËN’s range of turbo diesel cars, do like CITROËN Singapore Facebook Page!
Last year, we had the opportunity to test-drive the Audi A3 Sportback and we pushed its limits at the F1 Pit Lane. This year, the all-new Audi A3 Sedan caught our attention and it changes everything!
Although we love the sportiness and zippiness of hatchbacks/sportbacks very much, nothing can beat the luxurious elegance that sedans can offer. At the very first look, the Audi A3 Sedan is wide, low, and compact! It has a body that is 11 mm wider and 9 mm lower than the A3 Sportback and with the striking trailing edge and elegantly rising rear lights, the A3 Sedan promises more than just sportiness.
Featuring dynamic contours, taut muscular areas, and Coupé-like lightness, the breathtakingly new design of the Audi A3 Sedan sheds a whole new light on the term, “Sedan”.
The interior of the Audi A3 Sedan is extraordinarily comfortable. Thanks to the wide vehicle’s shoulders and long wheelbase, passengers will notice the spaciousness of the Audi A3 Sedan as they take their seat in the high-quality interior.
Although we haven’t got the chance to test-drive the Audi A3 Sedan yet [we are crossing our fingers and hoping that Audi Singapore will contact us soon], we figured that the Audi A3’s driving performance is nothing short of a thrillingly dynamic experience.
The Audi A3 Sedan employs TFSI technology. This combines the advantages of FSI – efficiency and dynamism – with a turbocharger, which ensures even better power delivery.
From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds with S tronic, the irresistible purr of a turbocharged engine will send thrill and excitement to adrenaline junkies. Brought onto the road with confidence by the standard quattro® permanent all-wheel drive, the Audi A3 Sedan is extremely efficient and environmentally-friendly; so much so that it is entitled to a CEVS Rebate of SGD$15,000.
Sporty through and through; elegant and confident, the Audi A3 Sedan could well be one of the best compact luxury sedan choices in the COE Category A at the moment. Costing from SGD$165,550, be ready to discover the world anew with the Audi A3 Sedan.
For more information and updates, you can head down to the Audi Centre Singapore at 281 Alexandra Road or “like” Audi Singapore Facebook Page.
As part of the launch of the Audi A3 Sedan, check out how Audi in Singapore went beyond to make people’s day better by upgrading their everyday experiences, like freshly brewed coffee to beat the Monday blues, and upgrades to premium movie experiences.
A few weekends ago, we brought the Volvo S60 out and we had a very enjoyable and reflective time spent with the Volvo S60.
The Volvo S60 features a sporty and dynamic look and it is an unmistakeable representative of Scandinavian design at its best. Virtually all the lines were penned to carve out the “coupe with four doors” profile. The C-pillar stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.
Volvo’s designers obtained their inspiration from the racing track as they pursued in the uncompromising sportiness inside the Volvo S60. The graphic character of the racing track is clearly apparent in the instrument panel and in the doors. Every detail looks like it is in motion.
The instruments and centre stack are angled towards the driver to create a sensation of focus and control. The dynamic three-spoke steering wheel and sports seats with extra side support are standard.
All information such as the trip statistics display is presented on a seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre stack. The screen is positioned high to make it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.
The interior is lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details, but it is still a five-seater offering comfortable space for all its occupants. Beige and black are the main colours of the upholstery range, which is spiced up with the highlight shade of Beechwood Brown.
Interestingly, the air-con vents for the rear passengers are at the sides.
The D2 version of the Volvo S60 features a 1.6-litre diesel engine. The engine produces 115 bhp and 270Nm of torque. The D2 engine combined with automatic Powershift gearbox comes with the same low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission as the manual version. As the Volvo S60’s 1.6L D2 engine has a CO2 emission of 114g/km, drivers can enjoy the Carbon Emission Vehicle Scheme rebate of SGD$15,000, the highest in its class.
Our Opinion of the Volvo S60
The sporty design delivers a visual promise of enthusiastic driving characteristics and the sports sedan truly lives up to that promise. The 1.6L D2 Engine was very responsive and zippy and having driven a couple of cars equipped with diesel engines, the Volvo S60’s is one of the quietest; probably due to the fantastic car sound-proofing under the bonnet.
As the driver behind the wheels, I feel quite secure and confident when cornering in medium speed as the Corner Traction Control and the Advanced Stability Control of the Volvo S60 work hand in hand to take on challenging manoeuvres. The pick-up speed of the Volvo S60 was satisfactory and the brake grips were tight.
Charged with driver-centric technology, the Volvo S60 is definitely a reliable sports sedan that offers you savings for a longer mileage.
Head down to the Volvo Car Showroom and test-drive the Volvo S60 to find out and feel for yourself the quality and intricate craftsmanship that Volvo has to offer. For information about sales promotion, do check out Volvo Singapore’s Facebook Page.
Thanks to Toyota Singapore, we had the opportunity to test drive the all-new Corolla Altis over the weekends and if you are wondering whether the car is worth buying, read on to find out more!
Built upon the stellar reputation of the Toyota Corolla’s iconic badge, the all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis represents a triumphant showcase of Toyota’s philosophy of constant improvement. This year, the series’ 11th generation fuses stylish design with durability and reliability, to redefine the legend that is the Toyota Corolla Altis. When we were driving the all-new Corolla Altis, we realised that there are more Toyota Corolla Altis on the roads than other brands of cars.
The all-new Corolla Altis’ design theme exudes the confidence of a modern, advanced vehicle. With a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs, the car holds an athletic stance with greater presence. More pronounced flared wheel arches and a clean yet impactful sculpted surface adds an air of elegance to its sporty exterior. Viewed in profile, a sweeping crease in the body sheet metal spans the length of the sedan and accentuates the integrated door handle design.
The exterior tapers towards the front and rear of the vehicle to emphasize its wheel arches, with a longer, faster sloping roofline that blends into a shorter rear deck to give the sedan a sportier image.
A horizontally oriented dash structure enhances the interior with a sense of spaciousness while providing a more intuitively functional space to interface with vehicular controls. The interior offers a premium aesthetic with its use of piano-black gloss trim highlighted by cyber carbon accents, while posh trimming conveys an upscale yet sportier image. Ornamental stitching along the edge of the dash pad adds the intricacy of craftsmanship to the interior’s upscale nature.
As a result of the increase in vehicle wheelbase, passenger comfort in the all-new Corolla Altis’ interior package has been dramatically improved, with significantly increased legroom for rear seat occupants.
A new sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, designed with a characteristic V-shaped silver ornamentation and clad in genuine leather, provides excellent ergonomics driving to remain a comfortable experience, even for longer journeys. Shortcuts to access frequently required information and audio controls are placed within easy reach to ensure safe driving at all times.
The all-new Corolla Altis offers an efficient 1.6-litre, four-cylinder 16 Valves DOHC engine equipped with Dual VVT-i that generates a power output of 121 bhp and 154 Nm torque. The Dual VVT-i varies the timing and lift of the engine’s valves to suit driving requirements, resulting in improved responsiveness, superior fuel economy of 6.5l/100km, and low CO2 emission of 151g/km.
Our Take On The All-New Corolla Altis
From a driver’s point of view, the all-new Corolla Altis is for the minimalist. Although there are not much features like the luxurious Kia Optima K5 to rave about, the all-new Corolla Altis does offer the driver and its passengers a very smooth and comfortable journey on the road. Spacious in the interior with sufficient legroom, the road experience is no doubt a very comfortable one. In terms of driving experience on the road, the all-new Corolla Altis’ 1.6-litre, four-cylinder 16 Valves DOHC engine equipped with Dual VVT-i is very responsive, quiet, and smooth. The gear transmission is barely audible and the braking grip is tight; allowing for sufficient reaction time in the event of an emergency. If you are looking for a power-packed car with a lot of features, then the all-new Corolla Altis is not for you. Will the all-new Corolla Altis attract young buyers? Probably yes for young couples with children but probably no for the yuppies [young urban professionals].
Bolstered by an impressive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty plus 1-year of free servicing, the all-new Corolla Altis is currently priced at SGD$135,988 with a CEVS Rebate of SGD$5,000.
Last week, we were given the opportunity to test-drive the newly facelifted 2.4L Kia Optima K5 and we really adore the sleek executive look of the luxury sports sedan car. Yes, it is a luxury sports sedan car and it looks extremely stylish too!
The exterior of the Kia Optima K5 has a coupe-like roofline, flowing smoothly into the high rear deck which merges uninterruptedly with the strong C-pillar. The black high-gloss honeycomb grille and stylish chrome trim of the air intake hole add a touch of distinctiveness to the front view of the Kia Optima K5.
In addition, the Kia Optima K5’s state-of-the-art lighting systems have been upgraded with surface-emitting LED tail lights, jewel-like 4-point LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lights that are integrated into the headlamp housing for maximum dynamic appeal.
With such an intricately-designed exterior, the Kia Optima K5 is definitely a headturner!
While the exterior design of the Kia Optima K5 has improved significantly, the interior cabin packs a punch too! The driver’s cockpit features a generous use of soft-touch materials and a driver-centric main dash layout. As the center fascia is angled towards the driver; audio, navigation, and air-conditioning systems are intuitively positioned and within easy reach. With that being said, we really do wish that the time display could be positioned at the driver’s dashboard for easy viewing as opposed to it being at the center fascia.
For both the passengers and driver, the Kia Optima K5 offers maximum comfort and space. There is sufficient leg and head room for comfort and coupled with the panoramic sunroof, it expands everything about the Kia Optima K5; visibility, feeling of spaciousness, and sporty appeal!
The ventilated front seats where cool air is blown through the seat and backrest cushions is a feature that we really like because it helps prevent perspiration build up on hot sunny days!
For entertainment, the Kia Optima K5 comes equipped with the premium Infinity audio sound system with 8 speakers and it literally blew our minds away as our driving experience became a headbanging one!
In terms of driving experience, the state-of-the-art 2.4L multi-port injection gasoline engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission offers the perfect blend of on-road performance and penny-pinching savings at the fuel pump.
While fuel consumption is slightly above what we expected, it is definitely not a thirsty oil-drinking beast. Being heavy footed most of the time, we often find ourselves going above the speed limit in a matter of seconds and what we adore about the Kia Optima K5 is the onboard safety features that makes driving even safer.
As all drivers would probably know, one of the most common causes of collision is the failure to see other vehicles in the car’s blind spot. With the Kia Optima K5’s blind spot detection system, it features both lane change assist which elongates the area of detection and the rear cross traffic alert which warns the driver of crossing traffic behind the car when backing out of parking spaces.
Here’s a video of how the Kia blind spot detection system works
On the road, the Kia Optima K5 corners rather smoothly and the acceleration pickup is fast! Our friends have also commented that the Kia Optima K5 was surprisingly spacious and that its quality, design, and finishing is on par with most luxury car sedans. Even then, the only improvement we felt that the Kia Optima K5 could do with is to tighten the grip of the brakes slightly and it would make a perfect luxury sports sedan.
The Kia Optima K5 is currently priced at SGD$165,999 and it is definitely an up-and-coming luxury sports sedan car that will WOW even the seasoned drivers. A game changer, the Kia Optima K5 is definitely a car to consider if you are looking for a sporty, comfortable, and spacious drive!
Last week, we had the privilege to take the all New Renault Mégane Hatch out for a zippy ride and we absolutely love the responsiveness and comfort that it brings. Our driving experience with the New Renault Mégane Hatch was indeed pure sheer enjoyment!
Since its launch in late 2008, the elegantly French and sensibly efficient Renault Mégane has been a best-seller in Europe, thanks to its widely acclaimed styling and road-holding performance. Retaining the model’s original styling, which has proven to be a hit with customers, the New Renault Mégane Hatch now boasts a more contemporary look.
The front end now features LED daytime-running lights for a distinctive new lighting signature. The bumper is finished in gloss black with chrome highlights and it features an enhanced air intake grille with a sleek new design to underline the impression of robustness. Gloss black inserts and chrome fog lamp housings bring a touch of elegance.
And if the design of the New Renault Mégane Hatch is not enough, you will be awed by the fact that the New Renault Mégane Hatch also stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks in its class, thanks to its venerable 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbo diesel engine, which is mated to Renault’s latest Efficient Dual Clutch [EDC] transmission.
Just how fuel efficient is it?
Theoretically, the New Renault Mégane Hatch can take you from Singapore to Thailand with just one full tank and though we have not personally tried doing this, our driving experience tells us that the New Renault Mégane Hatch is extremely fuel efficient!
Throughout the time that we had with the New Renault Mégane Hatch, we were very heavy-footed and we tried to spam as much fuel as we can with every start-stop traffic movement. The pick-up of the New Renault Mégane Hatch was extremely fast and we often find ourselves at the 60km/h mark within a timeframe of 3-4 seconds. Cornering was also smooth and manageable even at 60km/h and the braking grip is firm and tight.
Even after the intensive but enjoyable driving experience that we had with the New Renault Mégane Hatch, the fuel indicator was still at full when we returned the car to Renault Singapore! This just goes to show that the 1,461cc block certainly stands out for its low carbon dioxide emissions performance, qualifying for an outstanding SGD$15,000 CEVS Green Rebate. Capable of delivering high torque and power from low rev brands across a broad rev brand in all situations, the New Renault Mégane Hatch is definitely a winner.
Inside the cabin, the New Renault Mégane Hatch offers a host of comfort equipment, with a special focus on its occupants.
The dual-zone automatic climate control is equipped with an Air Quality Sensor that monitors the quality of outside air entering the cabin and it automatically activates the air recycling mode if necessary.
The front and rear seats are very spacious and it provides enough leg room for occupants. Furthermore, the rear seats can be knocked down to create an even bigger boot space which by the way, is already big enough to accommodate all your shopping needs.
We also like the onboard speed limiter feature as it keeps us within the speed limits while driving along the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway [KPE] and Marina Coastal Expressway [MCE].
The only qualm that we probably have with the New Renault Mégane Hatch is the audible engine noise inside the cabin; which is only natural given the powerful 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbo diesel engine. We reckoned that the customised 8-speaker surround sound system with 3D sound should be able to overpower the engine noise with additional sound-proofing and drivers would probably be able to get used to it.
If you are looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient car that is value-for-money, we will definitely recommend the New Renault Mégane Hatch. In fact, the New Renault Mégane Hatch is a trustworthy car for long-term driving and it is worth renewing a Certificate of Entitlement [COE] even after 10 years.
The Renault Mégane Hatch is currently available at a promotional price from just SGD$126,999 and this promotional price is valid till 5 March 2014. The promotional price also includes a 5 years warranty as well.
You really got to see and test drive the New Renault Mégane Hatch for yourself in order to believe that it is a worthy car. And as for us, we will definitely put the New Renault Mégane Hatch as a consideration for our next car.
Head down to the Renault Singapore Car Showroom and book your test drive now!
We have written a couple of blog posts on hatchback cars and for this current blog post, it will be our first for a sedan car and we are pretty excited about its upcoming launch in Singapore on 27 July 2013. Want to make a guess which sedan car are we going to write about?
Well, it is none other than the Kia Forte K3!
Two weekends ago, we were invited to preview the Forte K3 at the Singapore Turf Club and we had an enjoyable time driving the sleek-looking car. Given the large spacious environment at the Singapore Turf Club and under the guidance of the driving instructors, we also had the rare opportunity to push the Forte K3 to its limits.
While waiting for the event to commence proper, we went around to shoot some photos of the Singapore Turf Club. Since it was our first time at the Singapore Turf Club, we looked quite “suaku” [mountain tortoise] and were amazed that such a place existed in Singapore.
A rider and his horse going around the tracks.
Fans of Kia Singapore enjoying some simple refreshments and having a light-hearted moment.
A personalised tag that was specially made by Kia for all event participants.
The preview of the Forte K3 was divided into three different segments.
In the first segment, all event participants were introduced to the Forte K3 and the awesome team members from Kia were there to answer any queries that we may have about the car.
The Forte K3 exudes a brilliant touch of luxury with no detail left unturned. From the distinctive radiator grille to the sporty spoke wheels, every detail of the Forte K3 delivers high-end functionality with high-class style.
With a perfect proportioned profile, the Forte K3’s dynamic silhouette is accentuated by a sweeping roof line, shortened front and rear overhangs, and distinctive side character line.
An aerodynamic spoiler on the rear trunk lid accentuates the sporty exterior design of the Forte K3.
The powerful and refined Gamma 1.6 MPI is the heart of the Forte K3. Featuring Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing [D-CVVT] and electronic fuel injection, its lightweight aluminium construction ensures superb fuel economy. When we drove the car, the engine was responsive and smooth. There was not much jerking effect and even when we pedalled hard on the accelerator, the engine and road noise were kept to a minimal.
Now, what about the interior of the Forte K3?
The interior of the Forte K3 is simply unbelievable. Packed with tons of features to provide maximum driving comfort, the Forte K3 is definitely a worthy contender for its sophistication and class.
Some of the interior features include:
A 10-Way Power Assisted and Ventilated Driver’s Seat that also comes with an Integrated Memory System.
– With a seat like this, the driver will not have much to complain about when the weather gets really hot and humid. Even if the weather is cold [which is unlikely the case], the seat also has a seat warmer to provide reassuring comfort. Finding your ideal driving position is also made much more convenient with the power assisted seat and if you have preferred driving positions for different circumstances, memory settings for two different driving positions are available.
Rear Air Vents
-It is really rare for a car in a class similar as the Forte K3 to offer a rear air vent and your back seat passengers will rejoice because with the Forte K3, they too can enjoy the air circulation from the rear air vents that are positioned at the back of the center console.
The interior is spacious and it provides sufficient legroom and headroom for both passengers and drivers alike. The soft-touch materials, faux leather trim, and carbon pattern embossing are among the finishing touches that give the entire cabin a high-quality, modern feel.
There are also other really cool interior features that come onboard the Forte K3 and due to time constraints, we did not have the luxury of time to shoot much photographs. If we ever do get the opportunity to bring the Forte K3 out for a weekend drive, we will definitely publish a more detailed blog post about the car for all you readers to check out.
The second segment of the preview was the handling of the Forte K3 and this was where we pushed the car to its limits.
In this segment, we were tasked to navigate through the slalom course with both the Forte K3 and it’s competitor’s car, and we must say, we felt more confident handling the slalom course with the Forte K3 than it’s competitor’s car.
An instructor showing us the correct driving posture.
The professional driving instructor whom was guiding us through the slalom course. He looks quite fierce but seriously, he is quite an approachable guy.
The Forte K3 comes with a Flex Steer System that provides three different steering modes [Comfort, Normal, and Sport] and it delivers the appropriate level of steering assistance and feedback for different driving conditions and preferences. Personally, we prefer the Sport Mode because the feedback was pretty realistic. As such, we felt very confident handling the Forte K3 even at high speeds. For the ladies, they might prefer the comfort mode but for us, we found the steering too light for our liking.
The last segment for the preview was where we brought the Forte K3 out for an urban drive.
In this final segment, we took quite a while because we were comparing the driving experience of the different brands of cars with the Forte K3 and we must say, the Forte K3 wins hands-down.
Overall, having compared and driven three different cars on the same day, we must say that the Forte K3 is simply unrivalled. Apart from the beauty of its external façade and its luxurious and spacious interior, the driving performance of the Forte K3 is also powerful and smooth. Packed with so much features that most of its competitors do not offer, the Forte K3 offers a driving experience like no other.
If you’re looking for a spacious, comfortable, and an affordable car that sports an executive look, you might just want to consider Kia’s All-New Forte K3!
Two weeks ago, we had the privilege of owning the Volvo V40 Cross Country T4 for a weekend drive and it is an experience that we will probably remember for a long time. For simplicity sake, we will be referring to the Volvo V40 Cross Country T4 as V40 Cross Country. As we attempt to cover our 3 Days 2 Nights experience with the V40 Cross Country in one single blog entry, be prepared for tons of pictures!
The Volvo Car Showroom @ Alexandra Road
We went over to the Volvo Car Showroom at Alexandra Road to pick up the V40 Cross Country and we were greeted by its lively and cosy ambience. Honestly, the Volvo Car Showroom is somewhat like a mini car museum where there are many interesting facts about driving that many drivers are probably unaware of.
There is this particular area at the Volvo Car Showroom that allows you to find out how much you really weigh in a car collision.
I tried it for myself and if I were to be involved in a car collision at 55km/h, my weight would be a hefty 3740kg!
There’s also other activities that you can try out and one of them is to find out how it feels like to be sitting in a child safety seat.
Apart from these mini activities, children can be kept entertained with a play area that is specially built for them.
For the art enthusiasts, there’s an Art Gallery at the Volvo Car Showroom.
And for the shopaholics, the Volvo Car Showroom has a small retail space that sells a wide range of accessories, apparels, and gifts.
If you just want to sit down and have a cup of good ol’ coffee, the Volvo Car Showroom has a cafe that serves some light pastries and hot/cold beverages.
We spotted the iconic Volvo P1800 car at the Volvo Car Showroom and it is considered by many to be the best-looking and the most well-known Volvo car that was built in 1961.
Volvo was really meticulous to ensure that we had everything we needed to have an all-rounded driving experience. Even parking coupons and a cashcard was provided to us for our usage.
Volvo was also very personalised in their approach and we were given a Moleskine notebook which we could use to record our driving experience with the V40 Cross Country.
So off we go in the V40 Cross Country!
Exterior Design of the V40 Cross Country
Many people tend to have the notion that Volvo cars are old-fashioned and “boxy”, and we couldn’t agree more. However, when we were invited to take the V40 Cross Country out for a spin over the weekends, our perceptions of Volvo cars changed entirely and in case you’re wondering if all Volvo cars still look that old-fashioned and “boxy”, you might want to know that Volvo has recently given their range of cars an entirely new facelift!
From the front, the V40 Cross Country has the looks of an executive sedan car and coupled with the distinctive honeycomb mesh grille, it gives the V40 Cross Country a rather sporty and adventurous outlook.
From its side profile, the V40 Cross Country is actually a hatchback car and you could see that the sports rims complements the body colour of the V40 Cross Country pretty well.
The back profile of the V40 Cross Country has an even sportier appearance and we really like its rugged design.
Overall, the design of the V40 Cross Country is one that is elegant and refined but yet at the same time, stylish and sporty. With an extrovert and expressive character, the V40 Cross Country promises the open-minded adventurer a great driving experience.
Interior Design of the V40 Cross Country
The interior of the V40 Cross Country is extremely spacious and comfortable. Here’s an overall view of the interior at the front.
Ergonomically designed front seats.
The driver’s seat has a memory function where you can input and store your preferred seating posture.
The illuminated gear knob creates a dramatic mood that harmonises perfectly with the centre console illumination. This is quite evident at night when the car’s lighting system is switched on.
It is quite interesting to note that the car handbrake is actually at the side of the front passenger seat.
The Start Stop Engine Push Button and A Key Slot for the Car Key.
Volvo Sensus, the New Personalised Interactive Dashboard that brings the interaction between car and driver into a new dimension. It expresses emotional functionality and it always display the most important information in any given situation right in front of the driver.
All the functions on the dashboard can be operated from the steering wheel.
The multimedia system onboard the V40 Cross Country is equipped with a function that allows music streaming using Bluetooth technology and Volvo is actually the only automobile brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout their entire vehicle range.
The control panel for the air-conditioning, radio, telephone, and other features of the car.
Perfectly crafted, the interior is also packed with tons of storage spaces for various items.
The armrest can be adjusted to provide extra support for the driver.
Two cup-holders and a 12V power outlet are integrated in the console in front of the armrest.
Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items. It also features a connector for either USB/iPod or AUX, depending on the audio system specified.
The glove compartment includes space for two soft-drinks cans or bottles that can be kept cool with the cold air from the Electronic Climate Control system. This is one feature that we find really cool because when the weather is sweltering hot, a can of chilled soft drink certainly comes in handy.
A sunglass compartment above the driver’s door.
Just how huge is the boot space available?
Its so huge that I can even fit into it! To make it even more spacious, the rear seat backrest and the front passenger seat can be easily folded to accommodate larger items.
Some other convenient features that can be found in the interior of the V40 Cross Country include…
An integrated cup holder in the rear passengers seat.
Sunshades with a mirror and lighting system.
The exterior of the fixed panoramic glass roof fits neatly against the top edge of the windscreen, giving the impression of one large glass panel to create a sporty coupe style look. As the tinted roof reduces infrared radiation entering the cabin, it allows the interior to maintain a comfortable temperature even on the sunniest days.
The rear passenger seats are extremely spacious and it offers quite a fair bit of legroom.
So how was our driving experience with the V40 Cross Country?
Three words, “Adventurous But Safe!”
Driving Performance and Safety Features of the V40 Cross Country
What’s under the hood of the V40 Cross Country?
Under the hood of the V40 Cross Country is a 180 bhp engine that offers 270 Nm of torque, including a 30 Nm overboost. As the torque curve is relatively gentle, the driving experience is rather comfortable. Even when we floored the accelerator pedal, the V40 Cross Country picks up speed gently in a relatively short time. The 1.6-litre GTDi engine: T4 with 180 bhp is also fitted with a start-stop and braking energy regeneration system, and that helps the car to be more fuel-efficient.
A friend of ours once said this and we quote him, “Volvo cars are the safest on the planet!” We couldn’t agree more. The V40 Cross Country is packed with tons of high-tech safety features that makes it the most intelligent and safe car in the segment.
Some of the standard safety features include Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Alert Control, Road Sign Information and City Safety.
Lane Keeping Aid
Studies show that many accidents take place in non-critical traffic situations and good weather conditions due to driver distraction, drowsiness or illness. Approximately 30 percent of all accidents in Volvo Cars’ statistical accident database are accidents with an initial road departure. About 75 percent of these occur on roads with speed limits of 70 km/h or more.
The Lane Keeping Aid in the Volvo V40 Cross Country helps the driver stay in the intended lane. The system is active at speeds between 65 km/h and 200 km/h. The forward-looking camera monitors the left and right lane markings. Lane Keeping Aid registers the car’s progress between the lane markings and takes action if the driver shows signs of unintentionally drifting out of the lane.
As a first step, Lane Keeping Aid applies gentle steering wheel torque to help the driver steer back onto the intended course. If the car leaves the lane, the technology generates a distinctive warning through a haptic vibration in the steering wheel.
Road Sign Information
Road Sign Information supports the driver by displaying road signs in the instrument display. The forward-looking camera can detect speed limit signs as well as “no overtaking” signs. The road sign icon is shown until another sign is detected.
Road Sign Information can be combined with the Speed Alert function, which provides the driver with a visual warning in the speedometer if the speed limit is exceeded.
Driver Alert Control
Driver Alert Control is designed to detect and warn tired drivers. The system can also cover other situations where the driver is distracted.
Driver Alert Control consists of a camera, a number of sensors and a control unit. The camera continuously measures the distance between the car and the road lane markings. The sensors register the car’s movements. The control unit stores the information and calculates whether the driver risks losing control of the vehicle.
If the risk is assessed as high, the driver is alerted via an audible signal. A text message appears in the car’s information display, displaying a coffee cup symbol to advise him or her to take a break.
City Safety
The V40 Cross Country is the first Volvo that features an upgraded City Safety system. This system is now active at speeds up to 50 km/h as compared to its previous 30 km/h.
City Safety keeps an eye on traffic in front with the help of a laser sensor that is integrated into the top of the windscreen at the height of the rear-view mirror. The car automatically brakes if the driver fails to react in time when the vehicle in front slows down or stops, or if the car is approaching a stationary vehicle too fast.
The collision can be avoided if the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is below 15 km/h. If the speed difference is between 15 and 50 km/h, the speed of impact is reduced to minimise the effects of the collision.
Active High Beam
The new Active High Beam technology in the Volvo V40 Cross Country helps the driver utilise high beam more efficiently. It also offers automatic switching between high and low beam at the right moment. The technology uses a forward facing camera together with sophisticated image processing to offer the driver the best possible visibility at night.
The camera monitors other vehicles and their headlamps and tail lamps. Advanced image processing software analyses this data and provides information about the position and direction of other vehicles. The calculation serves as the basis for automatic switching between low and high beam.
Well, the V40 Cross Country is really packed with other safety features as well and because it might be slightly difficult to understand some of the technical terms that are mentioned here, we actually embedded some videos from Youtube that are more or less related to the safety features that are available on the V40 Cross Country.
A last video that we will be showing you will be the crash test of the Volvo V40.
V is for Volvo.
Volvo is Super!
Truly, our weekend driving experience with the V40 Cross Country was nothing short of a wholesome experience and we will also like to thank Volvo Singapore for giving us this really rare opportunity to take the V40 Cross Country out for a spin. We also want to thank Smith Leong from one9ninety for engaging us and we really appreciate the warm hospitality.
We will end this really long blog entry with a meaningful quote from Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, Founders of Volvo.
If you would like to be kept updated with Volvo’s latest promotions, you can check out and “like” Volvo Singapore’s Facebook Page!
The CITROËN C4 Hatchback Car was launched in January earlier this year and it comes in two variants; the petrol 1.6L THP 155 variant and the diesel 1.6L e-HDi 115 variant, both in 6-speed Electronic Gearbox System [EGS]. For simplicity sake, we are going to focus our sharing on the CITROËN C4 [Diesel Variant].
Fitted with a Stop & Start System and an e-HDi microhybrid technology that cuts fuel consumption by 15%, the e-HDi variant is the first diesel passenger car in the CITROËN range in Singapore. As the CITROËN C4 [Diesel Variant] boasts a low carbon emission of only 109g/km, prospective buyers can enjoy $15,000 CEVS rebate. The CITROËN C4 [Diesel Variant] costs $142,988 and currently, CITROËN has some really special deals and for more information about that, do check out CITROËN Singapore’s Facebook Page.
The CITROËN C4 surprises and appeals through its styling. From fluid surfaces, sculpted lines to its chrome trims, the CITROËN C4 has a striking exterior that is assertive, elegant and surprisingly compact as a hatchback.
The impression of strength and stability is immediate from the first glance, illustrated by the car’s balanced proportions and the positioning of the body, sitting close to the wheels. The sculpted lines and black rear spoiler further illustrate the quest to optimise aerodynamics.
CITROËN and Michelin have pooled their innovative capacities to develop the 16-inch Michelin Energy Saver Tyres, premiered on the e-HDi variants of the CITROËN C4. The Michelin Energy Saver Tyre achieves a hitherto unknown balance in performance by cutting fuel consumption while improving safety and achieving the highest levels in tyre mileage.
The e-HDi system is original in that it combines several technologies: an HDi engine, one of the most efficient powertrains on the market; a Stop & Start system with a second-generation reversible alternator; an e-booster system to restart the engine instantly; an electronic control system for the alternator, designed to recover energy when the vehicle slows down; and a gearbox with optimised ratios.
Interior Design
Boot space in the CITROËN C4 has also been maximised at 408 litres and it features a cubic shape, low, slim load sill, and interior fittings to ensure that all the space available can be used. Although the rear seats can be folded down, it doesn’t fold down completely like what we have seen in the Kia Soul and Audi A3 Sportback.
The dashboard and fascia of the CITROËN C4 have been designed with the best in-class materials. Cool satin chrome lines the steering wheel controls, air-conditioned vents, and as well as the gear lever.
The CITROËN C4 is cleverly engineered with a central storage compartment that houses the connecting box with a jack, USB port and Bluetooth hands-free kit. I personally find the central storage compartment deep and wide enough to put all sorts of items like the mobile phone, wallet and sunglasses.
The switch for the panoramic sunroof are located above the rear mirror and there’s even an indicator to note which passenger does not have his/her seatbelts on.
The new instrument cluster with three dials combines analogue and digital information. The readout plays on depth and contrast to ensure exceptional legibility.
The carefully designed steering wheel with centralised controls, grouping the many functions in clearly defined areas- audio, telephone, speed limiter-cruise control, comfort
Although I have driven diesel-powered vans before, it was my first time driving a diesel-powered passenger car. From the outside, the idling sound of the engine was rather loud; very much like what you would hear from vans and lorries when they are idling. However, once inside the cabin of the CITROËN C4, the atmosphere is hushed and relaxed. The acoustic treatment and soundproofing of the cabin reduce vibrations, engine noise, aerodynamic noise, and driving and impact noise, thus turning the hatchback into a serene haven.
Sitting in the driver’s seat of the CITROËN C4 makes me feel like a pilot in an aeroplane cockpit. There are so many buttons and controls and it took me quite a while to make sense of the features that are available in the car.
When driving the CITROËN C4, I could feel the e-HDi technology kick in. Whenever the vehicle comes to a stop or from 8 km/h during the deceleration phase with the 6-speed clutchless gearbox, the engine would be cut and it would restart instantaneously when I was about to move off. In case you’re wondering, the main comfort functions such as the air-conditioning and radio and assistance functions like the steering and ESP, naturally remain available during the “STOP” phase. This innovation helps cuts fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 15%.
When coming to a stop, it didn’t require much effort because the brake is nice and tight. The CITROËN C4 handles pretty well during cornering and the pick-up speed is also relatively fast; hence overtaking cars shouldn’t be much of an issue. We found the transmission to be rather responsive and you can switch to manual-shift paddling if you wish to.
Elegant and dynamic, rational and versatile, reassuring and modern; the CITROËN C4 truly sets new standards in the hatchback market. Having reviewed the Kia Soul, Audi A3 Sportback, and now the Citroen C4; which one do you like the best?
We have also gotten in touch with a few more automobile brands like Mercedez-Benz, Mazda, Volvo, and BMW, and we might be doing a test-drive of the hatchback cars they have if time permits.
Apart from cars, we are currently reviewing the Nikon COOLPIX P520 camera and upcoming blog entries will also see us reviewing the NESPRESSO Pixie Coffee Machine and the Logitech UE Boombox. So stay tuned to us for more reviews and updates!
Last week, we received an invitation to test-drive the latest Audi A3 Sportback Car at the F1 Pit Lane and it was held as part of Audi Singapore’s annual premier fashion event, the Audi Fashion Festival Singapore. To mark the 5th anniversary milestone of the Audi Fashion Festival Singapore, the festival is held at the Marina Promenade with a new waterfront location against the backdrop of Singapore’s skyline and a bigger tent that targets to attract more than 20,000 visitors.
The new Audi A3 Sportback Car! By the way, the backdrop that you see in the background is designed by LASALLE Students
From featuring the world’s most revered designers and International top models to red carpet fashion galas and glamorous after-parties, the Audi Fashion Festival Singapore is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and is highlighted as the biggest fashion event of the year.
Themed “Crafting the Future”, this year’s festival will feature 5 days of shows featuring a mix of emerging and established top-class names from the international world of fashion including Carolina Herrera, Hussein Chalayan, Peter Pilotto, Tsumori Chisato, Collette Dinnigan, RAOUL, Ashley Isham, Zardoze, Jun Okamoto and Ong Shunmugam.
Quoting from Audi Singapore’s Website, the cost of the new Audi A3 Sportback starts from $168,910 for the 1.4 TFSI S-tronic Model and its design is a statement for poise and vast energy. You would have notice from the photograph that the new Audi A3 Sportback sports a flatter, more masculine, and more dynamic appearance thanks to its distinctive tornado lines, roof contour, and integrated roof-edge spoiler. Available in more than 10 colours, the Audi A3 Sportback is definitely a car that YOU MUST CONSIDER, especially if you are looking for a futuristic, innovative, and fuel-efficient sporty car!
Before we move on to share with you the technical details of the new Audi A3 Sportback, here’s some shots that we took when we test-drove the Audi A3 Sportback on a custom-built course at the Singapore F1 pit lane. This test-drive experience that we had was really unique, challenging but fun as well.
The A3ttraktion Zone is where we registered for the Audi A3 Sportback test-drive.
So here I am in the Audi A3 Sportback with my driving instructor on my left and also with Jacqueline seated in the rear passenger seat documenting the process.
The custom-built course for the test-drive consists of 4 stations; See & Saw, Score!, Slalom, and Garage.
For See & Saw, I basically had to drive the Audi A3 Sportback up the ramp and wait for the ramp to descend before moving off. It wasn’t really that difficult but it requires a certain level of coordination because moving off too fast would cause the ramp to slam down rather quickly.
For the second station, Score!, I had to accelerate the Audi A3 Sportback Car, hit the gigantic soccer ball, and try to score a goal. We were given two attempts and I failed quite miserable in the first attempt. However, the good news is, I scored a goal in the second attempt and my name was entered into a lucky draw where the grand prize is a VIP trip to catch Bayern Munich and AC Milan in action at the Audi Cup 2013 in Munich, Germany!
The third station, Slalom, requires me to navigate the Audi A3 Sportback Car in between the cones that have been placed and it is very much like weaving in and out of the cones. It wasn’t too difficult and I managed to complete the obstacle rather smoothly.
The last station, Garage, requires us to jam our brakes really hard and the purpose is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Anti-lock Braking System [ABS] onboard the Audi A3 Sportback.
A photo with my Driving Instructor after the Test-Drive
We really enjoyed driving the Audi A3 Sportback and the experience was truly awesome.
If you’re interested to find out more about the Audi A3 Sportback Car, do read on!
The interior of the Audi A3 Sportback is really classy and it also offers plenty of space with its surprisingly large knee space in the rear passenger compartment. There’s also a separate air-conditioning system for the rear passengers.
The rear bench seat can be split-folded 40:60 to increase the luggage space and when folded down completely, it creates 1,220 litres of space that is sufficient for two large luggages.
For the individual seating position, the optional electric seat adjuster and the intelligent automatic climate control option provide a pleasant atmosphere.
The air vents in jet design set further stylish trends. Also, the air flow can be adjusted to provide a concentrated stream of air or to distribute air evenly, all with variable levels of intensity.
The central control unit; the optional MMI® navigation plus with MMI touch, is a touch-sensitive control panel integrated in the rotary/push-button control for intuitive operation. It offers drivers a new and intelligent way of controlling the navigation and telephone functions by “writing” letters or numbers on the control panel with the finger. Drivers can also operate the functions supported by the optionally available Audi connect via the MMI touch. The slim 7-inch colour display, which pops up electrically, presents all the information in a new look and with impressive clarity.
The S tronic transmission combines the low fuel consumption of a manual transmission with the benefits of an automatic. The control ensures fast and consumption-reducing gear shifting in automatic mode. The very large transmission-ratio spread of the S tronic allows the last gears to be used at very low engine speeds.
Audi A3 Sportback Car Driving Experience
Practical, efficient, powerful and oh-so-agile, the all-new Audi A3 Sportback is at the forefront of urban vehicle technology and it is a car that features inspired applications of technology that really needs to be driven in order to be appreciated.
During the test-drive, the Audi A3 Sportback handles the corners pretty well and we felt very safe in the car as it was quite sturdy.
When I pedalled hard on the accelerator, the Audi A3 Sportback picks up speed really fast and the engine was really quiet. The driving experience was smooth and the gear transmission was intuitive and responsive. What’s really great about the Audi A3 Sportback is its fuel efficiency!
Tested in accordance with UN ECE R101, the fuel consumption of the Audi A3 Sportback is 5 litres per 100 km; in other words, the Audi A3 Sportback consumes 1 litre of fuel for every 20km travelled.
If you decide to purchase the Audi A3 Sportback, you can also get a rebate of $15,000 under the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle [CEV] Scheme Banding.
Truly, the five greatest strengths of the Audi A3 Sportback are sportsmanship, driving dynamics, comfort, functionality and style.
We had an awesome time with the Audi A3 Sportback Car and we want to thank Audi Singapore for hosting us. Personally, I really like the Audi A3 Sportback and if I have the dough, I would have bought it! Or maybe, I should emigrate to Australia permanently and live there because the Audi A3 Sportback only cost Australian Dollars $35,600 [equivalent to Singapore Dollars $43,535]. That is about a quarter of the price for an Audi A3 Sportback here in Singapore!
