Automobile Archives - Page 9 of 12

(Test-Drive Review)- The New Volkswagen Tiguan

By delta October 24, 2017

“A great all-rounder with distinctive styling that confidently points the way to the future; the new Tiguan sets new standards in design, comfort and functionality.”

5 Key Facts about the New Tiguan

1. With an optimised body structure and improved aerodynamics, occupants enjoy improved ride comfort and greater safety

2. The new Tiguan is packed with state-of-the-art technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking

3. The new Tiguan makes its debut with new equipment such as the Head-Up Display and Active Info Display, making it one of the most innovative compact SUVs in its class

4. Engines are now up to 24% more fuel-efficient in the Euro 6 emissions standard, with BlueMotion Technology

5. The new Tiguan is awarded the top rating of five stars by the independent European consumer protection organisation Euro NCAP

Exterior

The new design language makes Tiguan more dynamic than ever.

The modular transverse matrix (MQB) gave Volkswagen designers a new platform that provided the perfect framework for this all-new SUV. The designers, led by Klaus Bischoff, had one simple ethos: less is more. This theory was the guiding factor in creating the unmistakable SUV profile of the new Tiguan.

The SUV design of the new Tiguan was completely reconfigured in this new generation, heralding a completely new design character for its SUVs. With its new vehicle architecture, the Tiguan is now longer, wider and lower, thereby enabling sportier proportions that gives it a powerful stance on the road.

Overall, the unmistakeable SUV of the new Tiguan radiates power, confidence, and control.

Interior

In perfect harmony with the expressive exterior, the interior of the Tiguan has also been fully reconfigured and it portrays a decidedly sporty and yet conscious SUV character. Space and flexibility of use is combined to give superb comfort under all road conditions, bringing together equal measures of elegance and ruggedness.

The cockpit of the Tiguan has been designed with the comfort of the driver in mind. The dash panel and the centre console form a single stylistic element, with high-quality decorative inserts and a precisely fitted frame lending a touch of class. The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel provides both form and function and feels great to the touch.

As a final flourish, a large panoramic sunroof provides plenty of light for all passengers on demand, with LED lighting integrated along both sides. Coupled with ambient lighting, this illuminates the cabin in moments of darkness, giving a welcoming feel.

The overall impression is a carefully thought-out and much more sophisticated vehicle.

The new Tiguan Driving Experience

The driving experience of the new Tiguan is out of this world.

The 220 PS model (which I drove) is extremely responsive and it picks up speed really fast (from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds). Despite it being a massive car, the new Tiguan handles very well (especially in tight corners) and has more than enough torque to overtake and change lanes.

Packed with numerous driver-friendly and passenger-friendly features, the new Tiguan is a joy to drive and it delivers both performance and comfort. Although the fuel consumption figure on paper is 7.8 L/100km; my heavy footedness raised it to 12 L/100km.

If there’s one thing that the new Tiguan doesn’t compromise on, it is safety!

With technologies that include a multi-collision brake and a proactive occupant protection system, the risk is minimised for all occupants of the vehicle in the event of collisions. The safety equipment is also completed by a network of seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver’s side.

What I Like

Active Info Display

New to the compact class is the Active Info Display, familiar from the Passat, and now with SUV-specific instruments. In combination with the display of the infotainment system, this creates a virtual, flexible human-machine interface (HMI) whose displays complement one another.

Retractable Head-Up Display

The new retractable Head-Up Display – a glass panel with laser-etched texturing is integrated into the dashboard and can be called up at the touch of a button. Relevant driver information such as driving speed, direction arrows for navigation and indicators for the driver assistance systems are projected directly onto the combiner display and thereby into the driver’s primary line of sight; thus making navigation a whole lot easier.

4MOTION Active Control

The new 4MOTION Active Control debuts on the new Tiguan, allowing drivers to experience an all-wheel drive technology like never before. The ground clearance is 11 mm higher compared to the previous generation and offers added safety in adverse weather conditions. The driving profile selector is now operated via a rotary switch, with four precisely tailored settings are available for various types of terrain and driving styles – fuel-efficient Eco mode, Normal mode day-to-day driving, Comfort mode to minimise vibrations or dynamic Sport mode. The system interacts with the hill-start assist, the hill descent assist, the Electronic Stabilisation Programme and the electronic differential lock. Depending on the selected profile, drivetrain characteristics such as accelerator response, gear shifts, engine brake, hill-start assist and locking assistance are modified.

‘Discover Pro’ Infotainment System

The ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system is found on the Tiguan R-Line 380 TSI, which is accompanied by the 400-watt ‘Dynaudio Excite Surround’ system. This consists of a digital 10-channel amplifier, subwoofer, and center speaker integrated into the cockpit, delivering top-notch audio.

Overall

The Tiguan is not a crossover between different worlds – rather, it has created its own new and authentic SUV world.

With the new Tiguan, Volkswagen redefines many aspects of the A-SUV segment, impressing with ride comfort and innovation that are on a level beyond its class.

For more information about the new Tiguan, you can visit Volkswagen Singapore Website or head down to the Volkswagen Car Showroom for a test drive today.

Nissan Launches New 2018 Nissan Qashqai

By delta September 8, 2017

There are many crossovers in the market but none of them can compare to the Nissan Qashqai; after all, it was the Qashqai that pioneered the crossover segment. Since the introduction of the second generation Qashqai in 2014; its popularity has grown tremendously and it looks set to continue its lead in the crossover segment.

With a new and contemporary exterior design; higher levels of interior quality; improved driving performance; and the addition of new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies that will make Nissan drivers feel more confident, excited, and connected, while also enhancing road safety; the new 2018 Nissan Qashqai offers an irresistible proposition that will captivate both current and future Qashqai owners.

Exterior Upgrades for a More Contemporary Design

New front fascia with signature ‘V-motion’ grille and new Nissan badge
New LED headlamps with ‘boomerang’ Day Time Running Lights extending right across the top of the lamp unit
New rear styling with redesigned bumper and revised rear lamps and LED boomerang signature tail lights
New shark fin antenna
New 17-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels
Increase in overall length by 14mm, from 4,380 to 4,394mm
Two new colour choices – Vivid Blue and Chestnut Bronze

Interior Enhancements That Boost New Qashqai’s Premium Appeal

New D-shaped multi-functional steering wheel with four-way controller
New nappa leather upholstery for 2.0L variant
New power seat with lumbar support for driver and passenger in 2.0L variant
New memory seat function for driver in 2.0L variant

An Even More Confident Drive

Enhanced ride comfort
Enhanced Intelligent Ride Control system
New thicker steering shaft with Active Return Control
Enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance

Available in 3 variants, the price for the Nissan Qashqai starts from SGD$99,800 (inclusive COE).

How will the Nissan Qashqai perform in reality?

We will cover more on that in a separate post but if you’re itching to find out for yourself, head down to the Nissan showroom for a test-drive today!

All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Diesel 1.5T Privilège dCi (A)

By delta April 7, 2017

It has been such a trying time last month with all the different matters that we have to attend to and because we haven’t had the opportunity to share about our driving experience with the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège, we thought it would be apt to do so now!

The First Impression

We fell in love with the sporty looking All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège at the first instance. It’s really sleek and the curves are well-positioned at all the right places.

Standing out of the crowd with precise lines, sculpted shoulders and generous proportions, the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège flaunts a coupe-like silhouette and masterful finishes that is set to turn heads on every journey.

Exuding a bold and commanding presence on the road, there’s so much to love about the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège.

The Interior

The interior features a luxurious cabin with plush upholstery, refined finishing touches, and state-of-the-art multimedia system that invigorate the senses. Revealing a desire to take comfort to a whole new level, the inviting driving experience certainly offers an unrivalled pleasure on every journey.

The Driving Experience

Engineered with an array of cutting-edge technologies including the latest Renault MULTI-SENSE and intuitive driver assistance systems, we were very intrigued by the sporty stance that the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège has to offer.

Powered by a torquey 1.5L dCi turbocharged engine which delivers an impressive 250Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm; the responsive All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège takes on typical start-stop urban traffic with ease.

Frequent visits to the pump will be a thing of the past with the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège as it continues to impress with its amazingly low fuel consumption of just 3.7L/100km

With an energetic response and remarkable fuel economy, the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège also qualifies for class-leading CEVS green rebate, thanks to its responsibly low CO2 emissions of only 95g/km.

As with all diesel-powered cars, engine noise is essentially a concern but if you turn on the stereo system, the engine noise becomes barely audible. Although I have to admit that the engine is punchy and torquey, the acceleration felt like a drag even when I floored the pedal hard.

Overall

For the price of SGD$124,999 with COE (at the time of writing), the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège is a sporty luxurious sedan car that offers a full suite of functions (blind sport detection, sunroof, keyless entry with auto lock, automatic wipers and etc.) that no other car brands are able to match.

If you are looking for a fully-functional and pocket-friendly sedan car that is fuel efficient and has the looks; the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège is definitely a great buy.

For more information about the All-New Renault MÉGANE Sedan Privilège, visit Renault Singapore or head down to the nearest Renault Showroom over the weekends!

All-New Volkswagen Touran Comfortline 1.4 TSI (DSG) Review

By delta March 5, 2017

The Volkswagen Touran is one of the best-selling MPV and there are more than 1.9 million people who have chosen to purchase it since its debut in 2003. Last June, Volkswagen launched the all-new Volkswagen Touran and after taking it out for a weekend spin around the island; here are 4 considerations that we think would make the Volkswagen Touran a good buy.
1. Design

The Volkswagen Touran’s new powerful and precise lines pick up the reductive clarity of the previous model. The design concept was significantly further refined, and even reinvented in some cases, so as to give the vehicle a sharper look while retaining a strong underlying continuity.

The distinctive details of the Volkswagen Touran’s front section lend it a new and unmistakable depth of class; even the headlights themselves are much slimmer than those of the previous model, and have a more three-dimensional shape.

Although the new Volkswagen Touran is longer than the previous model, it is not so noticeable until you sit inside the car and realise how spacious it is. Despite having the largest cargo capacity in its class, it is able to retain its compact exterior dimensions due to an innovative design approach.

With its increased overall length and longer wheelbase, the Volkswagen Touran now appears considerably sleeker and more sportier; thanks to the long stylish side windows and precise lines.

2. Comfort & Convenience

The Volkswagen Touran’s longer wheelbase benefits passengers in the frequently used second seat row as the seats can be adjusted lengthwise. The backrest inclination can also be adjusted, with a choice of three positions. The area in front of the centre seat is also made more comfortable thanks to a very flat centre tunnel.

The newly designed fold-flat seats also improve seating ergonomics and believe it or not, the Volkswagen Touran has an interior width of 1,518 mm at elbow height in the second seat row; which makes it possible to fit three child seats next to each other, something that not many other MPVs can do. All three seats in the second row as well as the two in the third row, are equipped with ISOFIX fixtures that include top tether fixtures.

Legroom in the third row has also been improved when compared to its predecessor. Entry and exit have been optimised as well, with the second row seats now equipped with an easy entry function that allow it to slide forward with ease.

The Volkswagen Touran’s dashboard has been redesigned with a more driver-oriented layout. The upper area of the dashboard panel is made of a soft-touch material and contains a closable storage compartment. The focus of the driver’s work station both visually and ergonomically is the centre console, which slopes up towards the front. In front of the gear lever there is a storage compartment, and additional storage compartments and trays are located, among other places, on the side of the instruments and in the footwell on the passenger side (for tablet computers).

In addition to the storage areas in the dashboard, the driver and passenger also have the use of two cup holders in the centre console, a stowage area under the centre armrest, large compartments in the doors and sliding drawers under the front seats. In the Comfortline version, the Touran is also fitted with folding tables and storage pockets on the back of the front seats.

The “Pure Air Climatronic” system with 3-zone temperature control allows the driver, front and rear passengers to set their desired temperatures for maximum comfort. Its biogenic filter, unique to the MPV segment, helps maintain air quality at a consistently high level and prevents the infiltration of pollutants, fungal spores and allergens.

3. Functionality

The direct-injection turbocharged 1.4 TSI engine in the Volkswagen Touran is a completely new design. Producing 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, it delivers strong performance (0-100 km/h in only 8.9 seconds) while consuming only 5.6 L/100km of fuel in the combined driving cycle.

The new fold-flat seating system allows the three individual seats in the second row and the two individual seats in the third row to be folded down in a matter of seconds to create a perfectly level continuous floor. Utilisation of the full luggage space of up to 1,857 litres is made possible by easy-to-use lugs for folding down the backrests of the second row and third row seats and lowering the whole seats flat into the luggage compartment floor. In other words, all seats stay inside the vehicle and are simply folded flat to create space as needed. With the second seat row, it is easy to do this from the side; the third row can also be easily folded down or up, access in this case being from the luggage compartment.

Four driving modes are available at the touch of a button; Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. In Eco, the engine management and climate control are optimised for low fuel consumption.

4. Safety

Volkswagen has made advances in active and passive safety through the use of a crash-optimised body that includes high-strength steels (resulting in an increase of 25 percent in the static stiffness of the body structure). The Volkswagen Touran has seven airbags as standard, including a driver’s knee airbag, a chassis with passenger car-like attributes and a range of new assistance systems that’s pioneering in this class. The assistance systems featured for the first time in the Touran include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard, the Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection system, and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking.

Our Personal Take On The Volkswagen Touran

The Volkswagen Touran is a spacious vehicle with ample storage compartment and passengers will surely appreciate the added legroom and comfort especially for long road trips to Malaysia and beyond. Swift and nimble, the Volkswagen Touran is able to manoeuvre with ease during lane change and overtaking.

On hindsight though, the fuel consumption might be a concern because the average fuel consumption we managed for an entirely urban drive was about 10 km per litre.

One thing we truly appreciate about the Volkswagen Touran is the ample space that is available when the seats are folded flat because it makes running errands so much easier. In fact, we think that the Volkswagen Touran will make an excellent vehicle for commercial purposes too.

Currently priced at SGD$147,400 for the Comfortline variant; the Volkswagen Touran is definitely a car for the adventurous family. Whether it’s an outback adventure or a simple picnic in the park, the Volkswagen Touran will serve a family of 7 very well.

Head down to the Volkswagen Car Showroom at Alexandra road for a test drive now.

Review: The New Volkswagen Golf Variant 1.4 TSI DSG R-Line

By delta November 4, 2016

I’m still getting used to not having a car but honestly, having a car does make a whole world of difference; especially if you want to get around and travel to the more ulu part of Singapore.

Thanks to the folks from Volkswagen Singapore, I had the opportunity to bring the Mrs, the brother, and the sister-in-law to be; for an epic outdoor adventure in the northwestern part of Singapore where we pushed the car to its limits.

Exterior Design

I always have got issues with Volkswagen cars in terms of its exterior design but the new Golf Variant (and the Volkswagen Beetle) are an exception.

The Golf Variant’s styling with its precise lines creates a sporty and impressive look and the two-part rear lights emphasizes its family affiliation to the model range and the brand.

The standard R-Line exterior styling package includes R-Line bumpers in a striking, sporty look, a dedicated radiator grille with R-Line logo, side sill extensions, a roof edge spoiler, a black gloss diffuser and 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres.

Personally, I really like the side profile and the overall sporty exterior design of the Golf Variant; although I have to admit that taste can also be quite subjective. Hence; design-wise, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Interior Design

The interior of the Golf Variant overcomes class boundaries through its high-quality materials and exclusive appearance. When stepping into the car, the wide centre console is immediately apparent and its ambience is akin to that of a premium class car.

One awesome feature of the Golf Variant is its large boot space! With the rear seats up; it offers 605 litres of boot space but with the rear seats folded down, the boot space increases to a whopping 1620 litres! If you frequent IKEA during the weekends; you will definitely love the Golf Variant because you can shop till you drop and still have ample space for many more shopping bags.

The Driving Experience

What impressed me the most about the Golf Variant is its refined and intuitive driving experience. Despite it being a longer and heavier vehicle than the Volkswagen Golf Hatch, the Golf Variant is pretty nimble and ultra-responsive. With a top speed of 205 km/h and a maximum torque of 200 Nm, the Golf Variant sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. Overtaking another vehicle is a breeze although I very much prefer to drive defensively.

Turning and cornering is agile, thanks to the XDS differential lock that reduces the need for steering angle inputs by targeting brake interventions at the wheels on the inside of the bend. This means that the specific braking torque applied by XDS contributes towards keeping the steering angle difference small, compared to a neutrally steering vehicle.

Although the lower centre of gravity provides much stability to the driving experience, it also means that the feedback from the tarmac road can be easily felt; especially if there are mini potholes or bumps on the road. Having said that, the Golf Variant has no issues going over humps or off-road driving as the suspension handled it really well.

In terms of fuel consumption, it’s pretty decent if you utilise the Eco mode most of the time; but if you choose to engage the Sports mode permanently; you’re probably burning away fuel faster than you earn money.

All in all, the Volkswagen Golf Variant provides a very pleasant and smooth driving experience.

If there’s one thing that I don’t like about the Volkswagen Golf Variant, it will have to be its length. It took me a day to get used to driving such a long car and horizontal parking proved to be quite a challenge (even though it comes with the park-assist function). Then again, a car of this length have its advantages as well and like I said, the large rear storage space is one such example.

Overall Conclusion

If there’s a need for speed, ample storage space, and a sporty looking design; the Volkswagen Golf Variant is worth considering. In fact, don’t belittle this Category A COE car because for the price that you’re paying, it certainly packs a punch on the road.

2016 Automobile Review- The Latest Toyota Prius

By delta August 28, 2016

Toyota is one of the most reliable carmakers for the mass consumers till date and it is not a surprise why there are still so many Toyota cars on the roads in Singapore.
Thanks to Toyota Singapore, we had the privilege to own the latest Toyota Prius for half a week and we had lots of fun zipping around Singapore in this fuel efficient and futuristic hybrid car. With more than 8 million hybrids sold worldwide, the Toyota Prius is a modern-day icon that is so efficient that it remains unrivalled.

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Exterior

The “Triangle Silhouette” that defined the second and third-generation Prius models has been reimagined. In profile, it is longer and sleeker with the overall outline evoking an athletic shape. The hood is lower, and in fact the name badge on the front is at the same height as on the Scion FR-S sports car.

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The distinctive roof peak has been moved forward by 170mm to further reduce drag while still ensuring ample rear-seat headroom. Edgy character lines run along the side from the front fenders. One is just above the sill that sweeps up towards the rear fender, while the upper crease morphs into the rear spoiler. The rocker panel features a distinctive light-catching upward-facing surface that begins at the lowest part of the vehicle to highlight its stable low stance.

New standard Bi-LED headlamps dominate the Prius’ front fascia and give it an unforgettable face. Automatic headlamp levelling keeps the beam focused on the road and helps prevent blinding drivers in oncoming vehicles.

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The unique and striking rear combination lamps express the distinctive lines of the Prius from the rear spoiler to the trailing edges of the sides and leave one of the most evocative night-time signatures on the road today.

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A palette of seven exterior colours includes an all-new Toyota hue, Hypersonic Red. A newly developed treatment process yields a deep and vibrant lustre highlighting the external forms. Perhaps red will be the new green!

Overall, the Toyota Prius exudes a sharp and confident design that is truly a head-turner.

Interior

The Toyota Prius brought not only a futuristic trend to exterior design, but also to interior configuration, delivering mid-size room in a compact package.

The intuitive concept of former Prius generations continues, anchored by a centrally mounted gauge panel. The information displays and the center display wrap around the instrument panel, showing a layered structure. A seamless flow from the instrument panel into the door trim creates an open, airy ambience.

The soft instrument panel and trim surfaces convey a smooth, warm feel. Features that drivers use on a regular basis, including a new electric fuel lid release, are placed close to hand for intuitive operation. The look may seem futuristic, but the driver does not need an advanced degree to use the controls.

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In the 2016 Toyota Prius, the electronic information cluster appears to float through a carefully carved, almost invisible rear surface. The new panel features dual 4.2-inch full-colour TFT multi-information displays, and their content can be changed using steering wheel controls. To suit the mood, the display background colour changes depending on selected driving mode. Choose Power mode, and the background becomes racy red. Select Normal mode for a soothing blue glow.

The display provides a multitude of readouts for hybrid energy information and much more, but best of all, the driver can choose how much information to receive by selecting either Simple or Segmented display modes.

A driving support display shows the status of features such as radar cruise control, Lane Departure Alert and other systems. The driver can cycle through the Multi-Information Display content using steering wheel-mounted switches. After the vehicle is turned off, the display will remain on for 30 seconds to show elapsed time, distance travelled, average fuel economy, Eco Score result, and driving advice to help enhance fuel economy.

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The most critical element of the new Toyota Prius interior becomes apparent only once underway; quietness. With a lighter, more efficient hybrid system and greater usage of high-strength, light-weight body materials, Toyota was able to significantly increase noise control measures without hurting the vehicle’s fuel economy or performance.

New noise-control features and materials throughout the body, engine compartment and cabin combine to give the 2016 Prius a serene passenger cabin. A sound-insulating laminated windshield glass and numerous new sound absorbers in the dash structure reduce noise intrusion.

The 2016 Toyota Prius may be the most comfortable way to conserve fuel. Amenities abound in this roomier, quieter model, with comfort and convenience manifesting in many details. The tilt and telescoping steering wheel comes wrapped in urethane synthetic leather.

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The air conditioning system uses a new, quieter electric compressor, and the Smart-flow mode focuses airflow only to areas where occupants are seated in order to help maximise fuel economy and comfort. The system’s slim climate control panel conveys a luxurious feel with piano black finish for the switches and chrome accents. Each control is arranged directly underneath its corresponding display, for intuitive operation.

The Toyota Prius comes ready to connect with your world through its Entune Audio systems. The Entune Audio system comes as a standard and it includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle (6.1 in. touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod® connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology), plus Siri® Eyes Free mode and an integrated backup camera display.

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Driving Experience

Of all the cars that we have driven this year, the Toyota Prius offers the smoothest and quietest driving experience. There is no doubt about it.

When I first sat in the driver’s seat of the Toyota Prius and pushed the Start Engine button, nothing seemed to happen as there wasn’t any sound of a roaring engine (you know that usual engine sound when you turn the ignition key?) but when I shifted the gear to ‘Drive’ mode, the car moved off in a quiet fashion.

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What I really like about the whole driving experience with the Toyota Prius is the smooth transition from gear to gear and the rapid acceleration that it offers. The car handling in terms of cornering and braking is also superb too. There’s everything to like about the Toyota Prius and if there’s one thing I don’t like about the car, it has got to do with travelling at high speed as I felt like I was floating/flying on the road. I suppose this is only normal for an eco-friendly car because the weight of the car ultimately affects fuel efficiency and the Toyota Prius is designed to be lightweight.

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While turning heads, the new Toyota Prius design slices through the air with a 0.24 coefficient of drag, among the lowest of current production passenger cars. The sleek shape is aided by myriad details to keep the wind going on its way.

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Overall, the Toyota Prius is a fun car to drive and despite being heavy footed throughout, we managed to achieve 18km/litre (which could have been better if there wasn’t the frequent peak hour traffic jam).

If you have been eyeing on the Toyota Prius for a while now, there is no better time to own the all-new Prius because from now till 7 September 2016, Toyota Singapore is having some attractive promotions and if you purchase a Toyota Prius during this period, it will come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

At the time of writing, the price for the all-new Toyota Prius 1.8 – Sedan Auto Hybrid starts from SGD$136,888. For more information about the latest Toyota Prius, you can visit Toyota Singapore Official Website or head down to their showroom for a test-drive!

How Have Motor Scandals Affected The Asian Automotive Industry?

By delta July 12, 2016

Even though the Volkswagen emissions scandal first came to light nearly two years ago, the German giant continues to struggle with the fallout. In the first three months of 2016, pre-tax profits were €3.2bn, a decline of 20 per cent

However, Volkswagen isn’t the only automotive manufacturer to undergo controversy. Most recently, Japan-based Mitsubishi admitted to manipulating test data that overstated the fuel efficiency of some 625,000 cars, forcing its share price to an all-time low.

For Bernard Aw, Market Analyst for the world’s number one CFD provider IG, a gloomy global outlook will have a bigger impact on the Asian automotive industry than recent emissions scandals.

The impact of automotive scandals on the industry

Despite the fact that both Volkswagen and Mitsubishi have suffered market difficulty due to their respective blunders, the financial performance of other manufacturers is explained by the wider economic climate.

“Strangely, there were no significant spill over effects on other auto companies, even when there was a growing list of carmakers whose diesel cars were reported to emit more pollution than in regulatory tests,” notes Aw. “Instead, the overall soft performance in the last couple of years was attributed to a challenging business environment.” In fact, a recent rally in global stocks was accompanied by a recovery of automotive shares. But this was short-lived, as economic uncertainty continues to heavily influence investor confidence.

Aw also goes on to add that while the fortunes of carmakers are tied closely with global equities, automotive shares have been underperforming the benchmark indices. What’s more, the BI global automotive index, which comprises 40 major manufacturers, showed that the sector pulled back in late April.

The returns of Asian carmakers were also lower than the broader stock universe. However, several marques and manufacturers are going against the grain by posting profitable figures.

The contrasting fortunes of Asian carmakers

“Among the carmakers in Asia, Guangzhou automobile, Mahindra & Mahindra, and China Motor Corporation were the only companies to post a positive return,” revealed Aw. “Other major Asian auto companies saw their share price under pressure, including the Japanese autos.”

As you can expect, Mitsubishi Motors was the worst performing brand in the BI Asia Pacific Automobile competitive peers index. Then again, Japanese manufacturers were among the best performers too, with Mazda Motors and Isuzu Motors at the top.

But after enjoying large profits since 2012, Toyota expects a 35 per drop in net income this fiscal year. Although this was due to a stronger Japanese yen, Toyota’s pessimistic forecast was significantly below analysts’ estimates.

So, while the automotive scandals have affected the manufacturers involved, it seems as though the fortunes of other carmakers are dependent on a range of other factors. Scandal, it seems, is just one factor in a complex market.

“The prospects for car sales remain challenging, as global economic growth continues to splutter,” says Aw. “The slowdown in China, the sluggish recovery in the US and Europe would keep the pressure on sale performance of auto companies. On an optimistic note, the need to replace old cars and improvements in economic conditions could help offset flattening demand.”

As for Singapore, no matter how expensive it is to own a car, the demand for cars will never wane. Just look at the price of the recent COE and you can easily come to a conclusion that we are still a long way to becoming a car-lite country.

[Automobile Review]- The new Volkswagen Sportsvan

By delta June 19, 2016

The new Volkswagen Sportsvan was launched in October last year and recently, we had the privilege to test-drive the Highline-variant of the Sportsvan for 3 days.
At the first impression, the exterior of the Sportsvan seemed quite ordinary and there was really nothing much to rave about. I had expected the Sportsvan to be more sporty and stylish but sadly, that wasn’t quite the case because the Volkswagen design DNA (which I don’t quite fancy) features prominently in all of their vehicles; including the Sportsvan.

Having said that, I believe the Sportsvan is more targeted towards young families who are just starting out (since the car is marketed as a compact 5-seater MPV) and I will be upfront here to say that the Sportsvan will definitely not appeal to me based on its exterior but there is a common saying that looks can be very deceiving.

Will the Sportsvan offer a sporty driving experience? I was eager to find that out.

I opened the driver’s door and sat in the driver’s seat; and I must say, the style and interior of the Sportsvan is remarkably different from what its exterior has to offer. High-end and stylistically sophisticated would be the terms I will use to describe the Sportsvan’s interior.

The centre console between the seats ascends forwards near the gear knob just as in a high-class sports car, and this creates an ergonomic environment that makes the driver and front passenger forget that they are sitting in a compact MPV.

The Sportsvan is a car which focuses on maximum on-board comfort. The vehicle is already very comfortable to enter, thanks to the wide-opening doors and the elevated seats. There is also very generous space for rear seat passengers and even people measuring 1.90 metres can sit comfortably, one in front of the other.

Storage pockets and folding tables integrated in the backs of the front seats give practicality a further boost, and there are also three additional cupholders (two for standard size cups and one for narrower cups) in the rear centre armrest that folds up.

Cargo capacity is a very generous 500 litres with the rear bench seat in its standard position. When the two separately adjustable sections of the rear bench seat are moved to their front-most positions, up to 590 litres of cargo fit into the luggage compartment of the Sportsvan. With the rear folded down, a maximum storage capacity of 1,520 litres is available.

So, what do I really like most about the Sportsvan?

Well, that has got to be the driving experience.

The Sportsvan is fitted with a stop-start system as standard and its new 1.4-litre TSI engine with 125 PS produces an impressive 200 Nm of torque from only 1,400 rpm. It enables a top speed of 200 km/h and a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds.

The driving experience was a sheer pleasure and the gear transition was really smooth. The speed pick-up of the Sportsvan was fast; even in the Normal driving mode and when in the Sport mode, I could feel the responsive feedback on the steering wheel when cornering. In the Eco mode, I noticed that the gears are shifted up rather promptly to reduce engine drag. As I was quite heavy footed throughout, overtaking and lane changing were a breeze and my overall fuel consumption was about 11.2 km/litre.

Overall thoughts?

The Sportsvan is definitely a car that offers power, speed, space, and comfort. I personally fancy the fun and sporty driving experience that the Sportsvan has to offer but I am still not entirely enticed because of its not so sporty exterior appearance.

If you value the practicality of a car more than its exterior appearance, you might want to consider the Sportsvan. The Volkswagen Sportsvan is currently selling at SGD$136,800 for the Highline-variant and if you would like to see the Sportsvan for yourself and have a go at it, head down to the Volkswagen Car Showroom at Alexandra Road.

For more information about the Volkswagen Sportsvan, visit Volkswagen Singapore Website.

(Sponsored Post)- Shell V-Power Nitro+

By delta May 15, 2016

It has been a super duper long time since I last have my own personal vehicle but thanks to the occasional opportunities that I get to test-drive cars; I occasionally have the privilege of driving around our little island and escape from the always-crowded public trains.

Believe it or not; in the past, I will head to Shell Petrol Station to pump my car’s fuel tank with Shell V-Power Nitro+ at least once a month and this was only because I noticed a significant difference between and its competitors. Whenever I pumped Shell V-Power Nitro+, the driving experience was always smoother and there was an improvement in my car’s fuel efficiency. In fact, you might be surprised to know that the efficiency and power of the Shell V-Power Nitro+ was also extensively tested on Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars on the tracks.

Although Shell V-Power Nitro+ may be the most expensive premium fuel in Singapore, the benefits it has on the car engine in the long run certainly outweighs its cost.

Formulated with a unique double action formula to prevent and remove performance-robbing engine deposits, Shell V-Power Nitro+ is designed to form a protective film on metal surfaces to defend against corrosion. With 25% more friction reducer, Shell V-Power Nitro+ is also designed to act instantly to improve performance, helping the engine deliver more power to the wheels.

If you are a Shell Escape customer, you will be delighted to know that from now till 31 May 2016, you can earn 2 Shell Escape Points for every litre of Shell V-Power Nitro+ purchased and if you clock up to 300 litres of Shell V-Power Nitro+ from now till 17 July 2016, you will receive the Privilege+ Pack which include:

Shell V-Power Nitro+ Classic Model Cars Collection – Volkswagen Van “Samba” and Mercedes-Benz 450SL (1977)
A limited edition Shell car organizer
SGD$5 worth of parking vouchers at selected malls

This post was brought to you by Shell V-Power Nitro+. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

2016 Automobile Review- The All-New Renault Kadjar

By delta April 10, 2016

An adventurous crossover with class-leading torque and fuel-efficiency, the Renault Kadjar is indeed impressive. We took it out for a spin over three days and our first impression of the Renault Kadjar was its robust and assertive appearance.
The modern sporty design is visually-stunning and definitely a head-turner. Although the build of the Renault Kadjar may seem somewhat similar as the Nissan Qashqai; they are in fact quite different as the Renault Kadjar is bigger in size and seems more like a facelifted version of the Nissan Qashqai.

The Renault Kadjar certainly stands out from the crowd with its raised ground clearance and distinctive appointments, such as Renault’s new signature C-shaped LED daytime-running lights, 19” sport rims, sporty longitudinal roof rails on top of dynamic front and rear skid plates.

As for the interior, the cabin of the Renault Kadjar is exceptionally plush and roomy and the enveloping seats, soft-touch dashboard, high and wide centre console convey a refined finish. The controls were all within reach and it feels good to be in the driver’s seat. What was quite impressive about the interior was also the fact that it was equipped with a BOSE premium sound system that comes with 7 speakers and subwoofer.

So, what about its driving performance?

Well, I must say, the driving experience was somewhat a let-down as I expected the drive to be as fun and sporty as its exterior appearance. Instead, the driving experience that I got from the Renault Kadjar was one that is more family-oriented (slow and steady). When I pedalled hard on the accelerator, the pick-up wasn’t as fast as I had wanted it to go but it was way better than the Renault Captur that I test drove last year.

Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged diesel engine that is mated to the 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch gearbox, the Renault Kadjar is very fuel efficient; albeit a little noisy at the lower gears when the stereo isn’t switched on.

For the more safety conscious ones out there, the Renault Kadjar is equipped with lane departure warning, blind spot warning (my personal favourite), traffic sign recognition, reverse camera and a self-parking system which can tackle parallel, perpendicular and diagonal parking spaces. You might also want to know that the Renault Kadjar was awarded the top-tier 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Overall, the Renault Kadjar provides an economical and pleasant driving experience for the slow and steady driver who aspires to own a sporty and spacious car. However, for the aggressive driver that drives fast and furious, the Renault Kadjar may not be that suitable.

In terms of style and design, the Renault Kadjar is a worthy contender but when comparing its driving performance with its competitors, the Renault Kadjar certainly have room for improvement.

If the Renault Kadjar is on your shortlist, you might want to know that Wearnes Automotive is having a promotion for the Renault Kadjar at just SGD$111,999 and it even comes with a 5-year factory warranty. Hurry though, the promotion ends on 15 April 2016!

For more information about the Renault Kadjar, head down to the Renault showroom for a test-drive session or alternatively, you can check out Renault Singapore’s Website!

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