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JUNE 2011
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MTM R8 V10 Biturbo
SUZUKI’S ALL-NEW SWIFT
We go berserk in a 777bhp supercar!
NEW TOP MODEL
RENAULT’S TALENTED LATITUDE
TWIN TEST
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SMOOTH OPERATOR: SUZUKI SWIFT
The all-new Suzuki Swift has arrived and we test one to see if it delivers as much as it promises
REGULARS 6 78 84 89 91 92 96
EdSpeaks F1 Updates Spy Shots Gear&Garage/LifeStyle COE Cost Performance Index Subscription
Subscribe to motoring! 11 Jun Contents 2pp 2
MOTORING NEWS 8 WORLD NEWS 13 LOCAL NEWS
COVER STORY
TWIN TEST
22 VALUE PROPOSITIONS: FORD MONDEO VS CITROﾃ起 C5 Join us as we find out which of these two large saloons fulfil their purpose better
16 QUICKSILVER: MTM R8 V10 BITURBO How will a 777bhp MTM R8 V10 Biturbo make Dr. Ian Kuah feel? Strap in and let us find out together
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REVIEWS >> ON THE ROAD
30 SMOOTH OPERATOR: SUZUKI SWIFT The all-new Suzuki Swift has arrived and we test one to see if it delivers as much as it promises
36 REDEFINING THE SCOPE: RENAULT LATITUDE Can Renault’s latest large saloon, the Latitude, create the impact it wants in the segment? Join us as we find out
42 COMPACT THRILLS: VOLKSWAGEN POLO GTI The Volkswagen Polo GTI is set to make its mark in the supermini segment. Can it set our pulse racing?
THE GRANDEST SCHEME OF THINGS:
TECHART GRAND GT We hop onboard with Dr. Ian Kuah as he takes an exclusive drive in the TechArt Grand GT
ROADNEWS
48 SIMPLY SWEDE: VOLVO S80 T4 Volvo has endowed their S80 saloon with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine – how will it perform?
52 DELIGHTFUL TUNE: SAAB 9-3 HIRSCH PERFORMANCE Can more power and torque in the Saab 9-3 turn into a better car? We drive one to find out
FEATURES
64 THE GRANDEST SCHEME OF THINGS: TECHART GRAND GT We hop onboard with Dr. Ian Kuah as he takes an exclusive drive in the TechArt Grand GT
70 SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW We take a brief look at the important world debuts and significant concept cars from the Shanghai Motor Show
56 FAB FIND: SKODA FABIA RS We test the stoked Skoda Fabia RS and see if it fulfils its promises of performance and adrenaline dosage
60 BACK IN FORCE: KIA FORTE HATCHBACK The Kia Forte has gained a new body style and we drive one to see how good it is
11 Jun Contents 2pp 2
5/16/11 5:47 PM
EdSpeaks Published by:
FEVER PITCH Traditionally, June is always a time to reflect on the year’s progress thus far and more often than not, it is also a time when things are really heating up nicely – including the scorching weather. In preparation for this month’s issue, we came across some very interestingly hot new cars and events. Perhaps none can be more exciting than the Red Bull Racing Speed Street showcase. How often do you see an F1 racecar speeding down Orchard Road and doing stunts? To add to the excitement, there were also an Audi R8 LMS and a Renault Mégane RS doing their thing along the same stretch of our famous shopping boulevard. Even after four years since the introduction of the first Audi R8, it never fails to excite us each time we drove the car and its numerous iterations. This month, Dr. Ian Kuah got the best of it by testing a very shiny, very powerful and very fast MTM R8 V10 – with twin turbos! This astonishingly detailed R8 has 777bhp powering its four wheels and an eye-widening 888Nm worth of twisting force for an incredible 3.0-second zero to 100km/h sprint. Top speed, if you have to ask, is equally mind-boggling at more than 350km/h. No less spectacular is the TechArt Grand GT, a Panamera tricked out to excellent style and even more spectacular performance than the standard fare of four-door Porsche saloons. This by the way, is also an exclusive drive that no other local car magazine managed to procure. On a more ‘relaxed’ note, we have our regular comparison test this month reviewing the Ford Mondeo EcoBoost with the Citroën C5. The all-new Swift finally made its local debut and so did the micro hot hatch, the Volkswagen Polo GTI. Of course we have other cars in this issue too and without revealing too much, I hope that you would enjoy reading this issue as you had the rest. While the football season comes to an end and our little sunny island concludes our search for our next generation of leaders, I would like to take this opportunity to salute all those who are keeping the passion alive, the emotions burning and the excitement endless – Thank You.
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MANAGING DIRECTOR (Operations) Kenneth Tan Assistant Editor Raymond Yeo raymondyeo@epl.com.sg Senior Editorial Assistant Sharina Shariff Editorial Assistant Evelyn Ng evelynng@epl.com.sg Graphic Designer Jerry Cruz II Managing Director Dan Tan Senior Sales Executive Faith Tan faithtan@epl.com.sg Circulation Manager Foo Boon How Circulation Executives Elizabeth Heng Emily Wang Technical Consultant William Lyou Contributors Dr Ian Kuah, T.K. Pow, C.K. Lim, E.K. Foo, Tan Meng Choon Motoring is published monthly by: EASTERN PUBLISHING PTE LTD (Reg No. 200413351W)
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11 Jun EdSpeaks 1pp 8
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WORLD •NEWS
BMW M
DEVELOPS WORLD’S FASTEST PICKUP No, we are not talking about acceleration here but the world’s fastest pickup truck. With drivetrain and suspension technology from the M3, BMW has unleashed the M3 Pickup with 420bhp and a 450kg load capacity. It takes everyday utility and race-oriented performance to an allnew level, while it has already completed extensive testing and set-up drives on Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. The M3 Pickup offers a generously sized load area and a removable targa roof, whereas its interior sports the familiar ‘M feeling’. Apart from the high-revving V8, the M3 Pickup also has finely tuned aerodynamics and tailored suspension set-up. Its load area is also clad in high-grade structured aluminium sheeting and has the capacity to carry up to 20 46-inch golf bags!
Before you start asking how much or when it is available, this car was unveiled on 1 April and was meant as a ‘joke’. The truth of the matter is, some very well connected customer commissioned this one-off model and BMW M GmbH has no plans to put it into series production.
MG6
MARKS START OF NEW MG ERA The production of the first all-new MG in 16 years has begun at MG Motor UK’s factory. Designed by a team of 300 professionals in the UK plant, the MG6, is a ‘sporty fastback’ powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine and has a high level of standard equipment. Derived from the Rover K-Series engine, this 1.8-litre motor is available in two states of tune – 135bhp and 160bhp. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h is about 8.5 seconds, whereas its official average fuel consumption is about 6.6L/100km. 8
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WORLD •NEWS
LEXUS SIGNALS
FUTURE DESIGN THINKING WITH LF-GH The Lexus LF-Gh concept, which made its world debut at the recently concluded New York International Auto Show, is conceived as a new interpretation of the luxury grand tourer with a ‘clean sheet of paper’ approach to design by Lexus. Lexus’ aim was to produce a perfect blend of style, performance, efficiency and environmental
compatibility, while introducing the benefits of advanced, new technologies. Its styling is a refinement and evolution of Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy, projecting it as a bolder and more distinctive example. The Japanese luxury carmaker has also hinted that these design cues may find their way to future models, such as the GS. But this
concept takes it further, being designed as a high-performance model that delivers comfort over long distances. In addition, its interior is thought out with details and is an environment designed clearly with the driver in mind. Apart from a highvisibility instrument panel, an intuitive centre console, the space is also finished with highquality materials and trims. As its name implies, the LF-Gh utilises and Lexus Hybrid Drive, denoted by its blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges in the front grille and on the boot lid. The way the exhaust pipes blend with the rear bumper also suggests that the flow of exhaust gases is substantially reduced.
ALL-NEW
MAZDA CX-5
MINI WRC TEAM LAUNCHED
The new compact crossover from Mazda will be called the CX-5 and it is inspired by the Mazda MINAGI concept car. It will be the first Mazda model to incorporate the ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme, which first appeared on the Mazda SHINARI concept car. It will also feature a range of Mazda’s ‘SKYACTIV’ technologies, including new-generation engines, transmissions, bodyshell design and chassis engineering. The production form of the CX-5 will receive its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show later this year before going on sale next year.
MINI’s return to the WRC has been marked by the launch of its WRC Team, which took place recently at the MINI Plant in Oxford. The team is slated to contest six rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship with the MINI John Cooper Works WRC, with the goal of gaining experience to better prepare themselves for next year’s championship. The car was developed by Prodrive, based on the MINI Countryman production model, and is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine tuned by BMW Motorsport for compliance with FIA Super 2000 regulations.
11 Jun WorldNews 5pp 9
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WORLD •NEWS
NISSAN
LEAF NISMO RC Nissan has taken its emission strategy to a whole new meaning with the introduction of the LEAF RC (Racing Competition). This racecar shares the same zero-emission powertrain and advanced Lithium-ion battery design as its production counterpart but its rear doors, rear seats, boot, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities removed. This is meant as a rolling laboratory for the development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series, apart from special demonstrations at various motorsports venues and the possible competition-spec series in the future. Designed and constructed as a real racing machine, the LEAF has a full carbon fibre monocoque bodywork that includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and driver-adjustable rear wing. It has a shorter wheelbase than the production car but is dramatically lower in height, while its kerb weight is also about 40 percent lesser. In addition to its rear-drive configuration, it also features a ‘mid-ship’ location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter, double-wishbone suspension, adjustable brake balance and 18-inch Bridgestone racing tyres. Testing has produced a zero to 100km/h time of about 6.85 seconds, while top speed is around 150km/h. Its projected running time under race conditions is about 20 minutes.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS CONVERTIBLE ISR
The Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR has been created to celebrate Bentley’s achievement of the ice speed record and is the most potent and radically styled Bentley convertible ever. Limited to just 100 cars worldwide, the ISR is an all-wheel driven, bio-fuel powered topless 10
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11 Jun WorldNews 5pp 10
beauty with a 6.0-litre V12 at its heart, pumping out 631bhp and 800Nm. Paired with a six-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic, it accelerates to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds and 0-160km/h in 9.4 seconds. Other bespoke revisions include three distinctive colours plus leather and Alcantaraclad cabin with high-gloss carbon fibre, while there is also a Mulliner design package and a new exhaust system.
PORSCHE CAYENNE & PANAMERA
MODEL RANGES ENHANCED
Porsche has launched improvements and new options to its Cayenne and Panamera range. The Cayenne Diesel will get a revised engine offering greater efficiency and lower CO2. At the same time, the range of options for the Panamera Gran Turismo has been expanded, including in-car wireless Internet access for the first time. Prices for all enhancements will be confirmed separately. The Cayenne Diesel’s engine now develop 245bhp, 5bhp more than before yet achieves 7.2L/100km and 189g/km of CO2, whereas acceleration has been cut by 0.2 seconds to 7.6 seconds and top speed is up to 22km/h. Meanwhile, the Cayenne Hybrid is now capable of driving on electric power alone even on cold start and there is also a new range of ‘Porsche Exclusive’ options for the Cayenne models. A Powerkit is now available for the Cayenne Turbo, boosting power by 40bhp and torque by 50Nm, making it 0.1 second quicker to 100km/h and raising top speed to 283km/h. New options for the Panamera include wireless Internet access, Lane Change Assist, BiXenon headlamps in black with PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System) and a redesigned sports exhaust tailpipe.
5/18/11 12:55 PM
WORLD •NEWS
SUBARU SHOWS ALL-NEW IMPREZA
Subaru has launched its fourth-generation Impreza recently at the New York International Auto Show. With bolder, more dynamic design and new engines, the new Impreza is designed to offer increased interior space, refinement and handling agility. In addition, there are also new interior features, infotainment technology and higher grade interior materials. A new 1.6-litre ‘Boxer’ engine will be mated to either a five-speed manual or second-generation ‘Lineartronic CVT’, while Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains as standard. The new Impreza has a longer wheelbase, suggesting a roomier interior, whereas its more confident exterior design is accentuated by the flared wheel arches and a new hexagonal grille and signature ‘hawk-eye’ headlamps. Apart from the new engine and gearbox, suspension components have also been strengthened and its body structure is also stiffened.
SUZUKI REVEALS KIZASHI
ECOCHARGE CONCEPT
Suzuki unveiled its Kizashi EcoCharge concept in New York recently, taking its eco-mobility strategy to a higher level with this eye-catching prototype. The Kizashi EcoCharge draws its power from a 2.0-litre engine and an advanced electric propulsion system that consists of a liquid-cooled 15-kW motor/generator unit tied to a 115-volt air-cooled lithium-ion battery. This combination, together with a six-speed automatic transmission, optimises fuel economy and delivers an electric power boost during acceleration, delivering a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy over the standard Kizashi. This is also aided by several technologies such as regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off, fuel cut-off during deceleration events and low-rolling resistance tyres. To highlight its unique character, the Kizashi EcoCharge has a luminescent white satin paint with a subtle blue undercoat, specialised headlamps treatment, as well as LED fog light illumination. On the inside, it utilises advanced seat materials, which require 84 percent less energy to produce, and create 80 percent fewer emissions than virgin material production.
11 Jun WorldNews 5pp 11
JAGUAR
REVISES XF AND XK British luxury carmaker is making a raft of changes to their award-winning XF saloon and XK coupé. The revised XF now features a new front section with distinctive LED DRLs and a more upright grille, along with new vents at the front wings. On the inside, there is a restyled steering wheel, refreshed switchgear and a new colour screen with reprogrammed software. In addition, the seats are also newly designed for greater support. For the first time ever, the XF also gets a new four-cylinder engine, a 190bhp/450Nm 2.2-litre diesel unit linked to a new eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and a ‘stop-start’ system. The result is 5.6L/100km and just 149g/km of CO2. Meanwhile, the range-topping XFR’s appearance is also updated but with a more aggressive outlook and emphasis on aerodynamics and ventilation. The XK range also receives a new look, elements of which are shared with the XKR-S unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. These include all-new headlamps that are slimmer and come with LED DRLs, larger oval grille framed in chrome, where on the XKR it is in black. The vertical vents on the front wings have been replaced by horizontal items with a chrome plate bearing the ‘Jaguar’ name, while the rear features LED taillights and for the first time on an XK, the Jaguar leaper badge. Inside the new XK range the interior has been given a freshen up with new trim finishes and, for the first time, the option of sculpted leather sports seats. As with the outgoing range, the new XK and XKR will both be available in convertible form while the new XKR-S coupé ts at the top of the range. June 2011 | motoring
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WORLD •NEWS
KIA
ENHANCES ITS SOUL
PORSCHE LAUNCHES
LIMITED EDITION 911 GT3 RS 4.0
The funky Kia Soul has now been updated with changes to its exterior and more power under the bonnet. It now gets new projector-style headlamps with LED DRLs, LED taillights and a redesigned front end. A new 1.6-litre engine is available, providing 138bhp and 164Nm. Paired to a six-speed manual, it is said to offer fuel consumption of 8.4 and 6.9L/100km for the city and highway cycles respectively, which is about 0.7L/100km better than before.
Porsche has introduced another variant to its successful 911 GT3 range. This limited edition of 600 vehicles worldwide 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is a 500bhp monster painted in ‘Carrera White’ with technology transferred from the racing versions of this unique sports car. The flat engine’s crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car’s six cylinder engine and the forged pistons’ connecting rods are made of titanium. Its 4.0-litre engine is the biggest 911 engine ever, developing 500bhp at 8,250rpm and 460Nm at 5,750rpm. Its Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time is 7:27 minutes and mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, it can sprint to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and onto 200km/h in under 12 seconds. Other revisions include chassis settings and weight reduction, the latter which puts the car’s kerb weight at just 1,360kg.
TEAM LOTUS ENTERPRISE TAKES OWNERSHIP OF CATERHAM CARS
Team Lotus Enterprise has recently acquired British sportscar maker Caterham Cars. This acquisition not only signals the continuous development of the legendary Seven but will also provide Caterham with a platform to apply its ‘lightweight’ philosophy for new models to come. And to celebrate its new ownership, the marque will build a limited run Team Lotus Special Edition Sevens. Just 25 of the Team Lotus upgrade packages, which can be applied to 12
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any variant up to the top-of-the-range 263bhp, 150mph Superlight R500, will be built in the UK, with the same number allocated to the
Company’s thriving export markets. These exclusive Sevens will come with special livery in the famous green and yellow colours of Lotus and will come with a raft of bespoke Team Lotus additions. Included in the upgrade package will be an invitation to a customised tour of the Team Lotus F1 factory in Hingham, Norfolk. Owners will also receive a Seven history book signed by chief designer, Mike Gascoyne.
5/18/11 12:55 PM
TWINTEST
FORD MONDEO VS CITROËN C5
VALUE Join us as we find out which of these two large saloons fulfil their purpose better Words | E. K. Foo • Photos | Tan Meng Choon
22
AS COE PRICES CONTINUE TO REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF A CAR’S PRICE IN Singapore, buying a larger or an ‘expensive’ car start to make more sense. This is especially true if you are torn between a mid-sized model and something that offers more space and equipment levels.
PROPOS motoring | June 2011
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TWINTEST Ford Mondeo VS Citroën C5
European models are gaining popularity these days as they become more reliable, have better build quality and come with advanced technologies – properties that elucidate their valuefor-money and justify their price tags. THE TOP CONTENDERS Today, we are looking at such cars below the $150,000 mark and as these two cars fit the bill for our comparison this month, we were glad to be able to bring them together for you. In fact, there is a wide range of choices but this duo stood out distinctively with their designs, quality and practical technologies. The Ford Mondeo has been around for a long time, since the early 1990s. It
was developed as a ‘world car’ and sold in many markets across the global. The cost of this ‘new car program’ was tremendous and the Mondeo had to be good. There was a second-generation Mondeo a few years down the road, where together with the first-generation model, became quite successful models in the class. Then came the third-generation Mondeo at the turn of the millennium, which was significantly improved and well loved by many, especially in Europe. In 2007, the fourth-generation Mondeo was introduced to the world. This car is now based on the ‘EUCD’ platform developed together with Volvo and also utilised for the Ford Galaxy and S-MAX MPVs. It also carries the
new ‘kinetic’ design language and is available as a four-door saloon or fivedoor ‘liftback’ and station wagon. Last year, a facelifted Mondeo was unveiled. It offered minor changes on the outside, the use of better materials in the cabin and a new 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine along with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. So we decided to bring in the Citroën C5, which we reviewed in April, to compete against this well-equipped Ford Mondeo. Both are similarly priced, well built and have inherent qualities that distinguish them in their own rights. The C5 was first launched in early 2000s and was one of the first Citroëns
ITIONS
11 Jun Ford vs Citroen 8pp 23
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TWINTEST Ford Mondeo VS Citroën C5
to slowly move away from the French carmaker’s quirky designs. It also had a revised development of the renowned hydro-pneumatic suspension, which improves ride quality and level the car to enable it to drive on three wheels if one of the tyres go flat. About three years ago, the secondgeneration C5 was introduced and it now offers only four-door saloon and five-door station wagon body styles. This iteration is even less ‘French’ and more ‘European’ in styling, although it continues to feature the hydropneumatic suspension and other Citroën technologies.
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Earlier this year, the C5 was given a minor facelift, adorning it with revisions on its exterior while it goes along with a ‘big car, small engine’ combination. So let us find out which of this duo will emerge triumphant. EXTERIOR STYLING Although both cars are in the same segment, the Mondeo is visibly larger than the C5. It measures 4,844mm in length, 1,937mm in width and is 1,500mm tall. Comparatively, the C5 is smaller by 65mm, 77mm and 49mm in length, width and height respectively. The wheelbase is slightly less telling, with the Mondeo’s 2,850mm edging the C5’s 2,815mm. In terms of kerb weight, the larger Mondeo tips the scale at 1,569kg, while the C5 weighs 1,515kg. Like we mentioned before, both cars have recently gone through a minor facelift and their exterior designs are more refreshed than before. The Mondeo immediately struck us as the sportier of the duo, where its overall shape exudes athletic proportions.
MIXED EMOTIONS The C5’s cabin is slightly edgy and yet subtly sporty. Ergonomics are superb and fit and finishing at an acceptable level
5/16/11 3:53 PM
TWINTEST Ford Mondeo VS Citroën C5
AMAZING GRACE With excellent build quality, the simple designs and functionality of the Mondeo stand out well and it is indeed a nice place to spend time in
11 Jun Ford vs Citroen 8pp 25
Here on this example, the front section has been updated with an air of confidence. The grille is shielded in chrome and is also wider, as is the trapezoidal grille on the bumper. There are also bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering functions and a strip of LED daytime running lights. Chrome strips also surround the side windows, while the wing mirrors feature integrated turn indicators. And where the indicators used to be is now a subtle but sporty looking ‘vent’. The bulging wheel arches house the 17-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels shod with Goodyear EfficientGrip 215/50 R17 tyres. At the rear, the Mondeo’s taillights are slightly slimmer than before, where they look even better in this four-door guise. There is a round exhaust pipes at both ends of the bumper and also a small kink on the boot lid to complement its dynamic looking rear end. Over at the C5, Citroën’s quirky styling from yesteryears is absent and in its place, a more conventional yet
instantly recognisable flair make it stand out well. The svelte ‘boomerang’ headlamps also feature Xenon bulbs and adaptive functions, while likewise, there is a strip of LED daytime running lights just at the bottom of the headlamp cluster. There is also a general dosage of chrome lines around the C5, accentuating its elegance. The alloy wheels are also very unique in appearance and suit the whole car well, while they are shod with Michelin Primacy HP 245/45 R18 tyres. Look to the rear and the C5 again exudes a fair amount of flair in design, where the smoked taillights
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TWINTEST Ford Mondeo VS Citroën C5
are wonderfully matched with a neat and clean rear end and two rectangular exhaust tips spread across the bumper. There is not much to dislike about the exterior styling of both cars here. But if like us, you prefer a sportier looking saloon and would not care if it were more ubiquitous in aesthetics, then the Mondeo will tickle your fancy. The C5 on the other hand, is more ‘unique’ and will appeal to those who adore such character in a car. INTERIOR COMFORT AND QUALITY One of the attractions of these two cars here is definitely the amount of cabin
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space they can offer in comparison to their smaller counterparts. If you are spending this kind of money on a car, you would really want to get your money’s worth and a little something extra if possible. Due to its inherent dimensions, the Mondeo looks and feels like the slightly bigger car here. On the inside, there is certainly more lateral space and headroom, whereas legroom at the rear passenger compartment is just a tad better than in the C5. The Mondeo has a very nicely designed cabin, where the curvaceous dashboard is enhanced with soft-touch
C5 SPACIOUSNESS There is enough room for three averagesized adults here, where legroom is just a bit lesser than in the Mondeo. Boot space is huge and flexible
materials and excellent fit and finishing. There is a factory-fitted Sony audio system with mobile telephony, a dualzone automatic climate control system and keyless ignition. Its ideally-sized steering wheel is also comfortably upholstered in leather and comes with remote controls for the audio system and cruise control buttons. The instrument panel is now sporting a colour LCD screen in the middle, displaying vehicular and trip data. The front seats are well shaped enough for adequate comfort and support, whereas rear passengers will feel equally well treated, thanks especially to the air-con vents integrated into the B-pillars. Open the boot lid and you will find a huge cargo area, 535 litres in volume. While its opening may not be as evenly shaped as the C5’s, the Mondeo’s cargo area is free from intrusions, such as from the boot lid struts. The rear seats can also be split-folded flat to increase cargo flexibility. Hop over to the C5 and indeed you can see a tad more flair in the design. The front seats are surprisingly more sportily shaped than in the Mondeo and likewise, they offer very good side support and comfort even with their leather and fabric combination. The C5 also gets a dual-zone automatic climate control system and factory audio, although we would have
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TWINTEST Ford Mondeo VS Citroën C5
preferred bigger buttons on the audio system. And if you have been wondering, yes – the C5 also features the fixed steering hub, whereby all the remote control and cruise control buttons stay in place no matter how you turn the wheel. Elsewhere, the styling of the C5 is pretty engaging, such as the snub transmission lever, the buttons for adjust the hydro-pneumatic system and the three-gauge instrument panel with a central speedometer and trip computer display. Although there seems to be slightly less rear legroom in the C5, it is still quite a serene environment, where it feels airy, tall enough and also has B-pillarmounted air-con vents. Similarly, the rear seat backs can also be split-folded flat, although the C5’s 467-litre cargo volume is smaller than the Mondeo. It has been difficult to decide which one of these cabins we prefer more. They are both ultimately comfort and well built, but the Mondeo’s quality is astonishing considering its price tag, which is one of the reasons why we probably had spent more time inside the Mondeo. P E R FO R M A N C E , R I D E A N D HANDLING Quite a lot has been said of Ford’s new 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which is one of their flagship powerplant found also in other models like the S-MAX and
11 Jun Ford vs Citroen 8pp 27
MORE IS BETTER The Mondeo has excellent rear passenger space, whereas boot should have a more evenly shaped opening even though it is larger than the C5
Galaxy MPVs. This turbocharged fourcylinder direct injection, twin variable cam timing and variable intake systems. The ‘Blue Oval’ claims that this new motor provides the ‘performance of a V6 with the fuel consumption of a 1.6-litre engine’. It churns out 203bhp at 6,000rpm and 300Nm generously between 1,750 to 4,000rpm. Compared to the 2.3-litre models, this Mondeo’s engine is more powerful yet more fuel efficient. Its official figures for fuel consumption are 10.8, 6.1 and 7.8L/100km for the urban, extra-urban and combined cycles respectively. Mated to the sleek-shifting six-speed
‘Powershift’ dual-clutch automatic, this Mondeo is able to make good use of its low end thrust, accelerating from zero to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 232km/h. Such a combination of a powerful engine and lively gearbox means the Mondeo is easy to live with, thanks to the smooth gear changes and quick reaction of the ‘box when overtaking slower vehicles. Putting it into ‘Sport’ mode via the transmission lever also allowed us to take some degree of control, where it can be pretty fun too. Of course Ford’s well-known ‘Control Blade’ rear suspension is also featured
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TWINTEST Ford Mondeo VS Citroën C5
here, where we could really feel its ‘assistance’ in tidying up the steering action and giving our passengers a gently firm but nonetheless comfortable ride. In the C5, Citroën has taken the ‘downsizing’ route and endowed their large saloon with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder ‘THP’ engine. This turbocharged motor, developed jointly by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën, produces 156bhp at 6,000rpm and 240Nm at 1,400rpm. It has also won several ‘International Engine of the Year’ awards since 2007. While Ford claims a ‘1.6-litre fuel efficiency’ for their 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the C5’s 1,598cc unit is marked with 10.5, 5.6 and 7.3L/100km for the urban, extra-urban and combined cycles respectively. Depending on how you interpret these figures, either Ford is
right in their claims or the C5 is a bit more fuel efficient. In terms of outright performance, the C5 loses out a little though. It is mated to a conventional six-speed automatic and sprints from standstill to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds, which is 1.9 seconds slower than the Mondeo, while top speed is academically 22km/h slower. What the C5 lacked in performance, it makes up for in ride quality. In this ‘Exclusive’ variant, the C5 has the ‘Hydraractive III+’ suspension – an advanced self-levelling suspension designed to provide constant ride height regardless of load or road conditions. This system can automatically adjust itself, such as lowering the car at high speeds or increasing clearance on rough roads. There is also a ‘Sport’ mode that
>SPECIFICATIONS:
FORD MONDEO 2.0 ECOBOOST GENERAL Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-door saloon Price: $146,999 including COE ENGINE Capacity: 1,999cc Cylinder Layout: In-line 4, turbocharged Valves: 16, DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Bore x Stroke: 87.5mm x 83.1mm Maximum Power: 203bhp at 6,000rpm Maximum Torque: 300Nm at 1,750 to 4,500rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic MEASUREMENTS Length: 4,844mm Width: 1,937mm Height: 1,500mm Wheelbase: 2,850mm Kerb Weight: 1,569kg Power-to-weight Ratio: 129.4bhp/tonne SUSPENSION AND BRAKES Front: MacPherson struts, ventilated discs Rear: Multi-link, discs TYRES Type: Goodyear EfficientGrip Size: 215/50 R17 PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h: 7.9 secs Top Speed: 232km/h
28
w
WE LIKE Build quality, engine and gearbox, handling
f
WE DON’T LIKE Not much
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TWINTEST Ford Mondeo VS Citroën C5
ensures optimal balance, which meant that we enjoy enough comfort even when driving enthusiastically. In real-world testing, the C5 did impress us quite a bit with its clever suspension and more importantly, it works well in most situations. There really is a sublime quality in its ride and stability is also quite good when the going gets rough. CONCLUSION Ultimately, the car we will to choose over the other had to make us feel good about driving it and also has a solid bombproof cabin. However, if performance and handling are not your top priorities, then the C5 is probably a better choice for yourself.
We are not saying C5 is a bore to drive though, far from it. Its 1.6-litre engine may be ‘tiny’ in this class but it has enough to power the C5 along at a comfortable pace, plus the handling is pretty neutral and the fuel consumption up to expectations. The Mondeo on the other hand, feels more lively and agile, especially over the same series of bends and corners. It picks up speed quickly enough and keeps its composure, while its nimble handling manners make it feel like a car smaller than it really is. Its engine provides a strong all-round performance, while the gearbox is a good match to its character. Couple that to its frugal nature and the Mondeo becomes a valuable proposition we cannot dismiss.
>SPECIFICATIONS:
CITROËN C5 1.6 THP EXCLUSIVE GENERAL Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-door saloon Price: $147,988 including COE ENGINE Capacity: 1,598cc Cylinder Layout: In-line 4, turbocharged Valves: 16, DOHC Compression Ratio: N.A. Bore x Stroke: 77.0mm x 85.8mm Maximum Power: 156bhp at 6,000rpm Maximum Torque: 240Nm at 1,400rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 6-speed automatic MEASUREMENTS Length: 4,779mm Width: 1,860mm Height: 1,451mm Wheelbase: 2,815mm Kerb Weight: 1,515kg Power-to-weight Ratio: 103.0bhp/tonne SUSPENSION AND BRAKES Front: Hydro-pneumatic, ventilated discs Rear: Hydro-pneumatic, discs TYRES Type: Michelin Primacy HP Size: 245/45 R18 PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h: 9.8 secs Top Speed: 210km/h
11 Jun Ford vs Citroen 8pp 29
w
WE LIKE Cabin comfort, ride quality and frugal engine
f
WE DON’T LIKE Not as exciting to drive
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REVIEWS >> ON THE ROAD SUZUKI SWIFT
SMOOTH OPERATOR
The all-new Suzuki Swift has arrived and we test one to see if it delivers as much as it promises Words | T. K. Pow • Photos | Raymond Yeo
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5/18/11 2:00 PM
REVIEWS Suzuki Swift
WE HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF THE PREVIOUS GENERATION SUZUKI SWIFT, ESPECIALLY THE EXCITING and nimble Swift Sport. Technically, that was the second-generation model, whereas the first was introduced as the Ignis outside of Japan. This Swift supermini from Suzuki was introduced as a ‘sporty subcompact’ rather than an ‘affordable alternative’ like the model range it replaced. Its design and driving dynamics were honed for the European markets, where the chassis was refined through rigorous road-testing across Europe. The global market launch also saw a marketing campaign headed – no pun intended – by a famous footballer, which swiftly saw the Swift doing better than forecasted in many European countries and also in Japan itself. The Swift was also intended as a ‘global car’ for Suzuki, where it was produced at seven plants around the world and sold in more than 100 countries and regions. It was the first Suzuki to reach one million units sold faster than any other compact car in the Japanese carmaker’s history. So to launch a replacement for the second-generation Swift had certainly become a tall order. Nevertheless, Suzuki rose to the challenge and has finally unleashed the all-new third-generation Swift. STYLE FACTOR This all-new model carries its predecessor’s styling and dimensions
11 Jun Suzuki Swift 6pp 31
over and basically refines them to create a modern interpretation of the ‘sporty subcompact’. Comparatively, it has the same height but is longer, wider and has an additional 40mm in wheelbase. The front and rear treads too have been increased and that is why in the metal, the new Swift appears a lot more hunkered down and purposeful. While the basic shape of the headlamps is the same, the cluster is now elongated for an extra touch of elegance. There are also some minor revisions to the front section, where the grille has a slightly more pronounced mesh and
the bumper is more heavily etched. Here on this GLX version, there is also a pair of front fog lamps. In addition, the GLX version also gets 16-inch aluminium-alloy wheels (where they are shod with Bridgestone Turanza ER300, 185/55 R16 tyres), wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators and keyless entry. These wing mirrors are also more aerodynamic than before, in order to reduce wind noise around them. The new taillights with its clear break-lamp lenses are larger than before and appear to be ‘floating’ above the rear wheel arches more prominently.
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REVIEWS Suzuki Swift
Meanwhile, the rear bumper design is neater and the boot lid features a ‘midbody’ ledge. The windscreen is more steeply raked and the side windows are more sharply tapered. Not only does it appear more dynamic now, the new Swift is also aptly sporty looking and wears a slight hint of elegance with gorgeous curves and round edges. We especially like how the wide stance and short overhangs accentuate the feeling of nimbleness in the Swift. 32
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The proportions are very well balanced to portray a sporty image and we could not help but anticipate an exciting and fun drive. SWEET INTERIOR The interior of the new Swift has been comprehensively made over and it now features a nicely contrasted black and silver scheme. The dashboard is particularly detailed, where the soft edges and asymmetrical design exude a sporty ambience.
REVISED AND REFRESHED The new interior fits the image of the Swift well and is well complemented by the adequate roominess inside despite its supermini footprint
In particularly, the leather wrapped three-spoke steering with audio remote controls in this GLX variant is especially beautiful and feels wonderful in our hands too. It has tilt and telescopic adjustments, while to its right sit an ‘Engine Start/Stop’ button (also an GLXonly feature). The new single-cowl instrument panel also has a very sporty design with silver-on-black graphics, illuminated crystal-like acrylic graduations and a central display for trip and vehicular information. The new Swift still gets a factoryfitted audio system like before but now, the buttons and knobs feel a lot better to operate and they also look like better quality items. It is also capable of accepting connections easily for iPod and other USB-enabled portable music players. The single-zone automatic air-con also gets an LCD screen and like the audio system, has white illuminated graphics. Like most other Japanese
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REVIEWS Suzuki Swift
cars, the new Swift’s air-con system is ultra efficient and always cool when we want them too, a great boon under these amazingly warm conditions in recent months. As far as the seats are concerned, the front items are shaped reasonably well and offer a good enough level of comfort, although some may moan the lack of side support. They are also upholstered with locally-fitted leather, while the rear seats also feature three headrests. Although the new Swift may be a supermini, it is very well packaged and comes with full of thoughtful details. There is a lidded compartment in the middle of the dash, a receptacle at the side (just above the glove box), front seatback pockets, a clubby hole beneath the air-con controls, cupholders and door bins. If there is something we can nit pick about the new Swift, it is its lack of boot space. Undoubtedly, the short rear overhang limits the space left behind for cargo volume, which is measured at a mere 210 litres. Then again, it does have a useful shelf at loading sill level, which means you can keep less frequently used items there if you so wished to. Thankfully, the rear seats can be split-folded flat in 60:40 configuration, which then creates a loading volume of between 533 to 900 litres. Generally, we feel that there is a sense of refinement and quality in the new Swift’s cabin. The choice of materials used and their fit and finishing are better than before, whereas the design and ergonomics are almost faultless.
The choice of materials used and their fit and finishing are better than before, whereas the design and ergonomics are almost faultless
11 Jun Suzuki Swift 6pp 33
SMOOTH MANNERS New Swift gets better audio with remote controls, a fussfree gear lever and average consumption during our test was around 7.1L/100km
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REVIEWS Suzuki Swift
>SPECIFICATIONS:
SUZUKI SWIFT 1.4A GLX GENERAL Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-door hatchback Price: $86,500 including COE ENGINE Capacity: 1,372cc Cylinder Layout: In-line 4 Valves: 16 Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Bore x Stroke: 73.0mm x 82.0mm Maximum Power: 94bhp at 6,000rpm Maximum Torque: 130Nm at 4,000rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 4-speed automatic
GOING PLACES The new Swift is now utilising the K14B 1,372cc four-cylinder engine with variable intake valve timing, which produces 70kW or 94bhp at 6,000rpm and 130Nm at 4,000rpm. This revhappy motor is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox here, although a fivespeed manual is also offered. While these numbers seem inadequate, the new Swift actually feels rather agile and quick, thanks to its light kerb weight of around 1,035kg or 20kg more if you go for full options. Like we mentioned earlier, the engine breathes freely and is eager to respond to input from the throttle. After having driven the new Swift for quite a bit of distance, we came to realise that it is tuned more for environmental performance and not so much for outright speed. In fact, a quick look at the figures reveal that his new model is 6.4 and 8.1 percent better in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption compared to the previous model (manual gearboxes; 14.3 and 18.2 percent respectively). As for the ride comfort, the new Swift is very quiet and comfortable during cruising. Obviously the pains that the Suzuki engineers took in developing this new model have worked. These measures include the aerodynamic wing mirrors we mentioned earlier and high34
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rigidity body to suppress generation and transmission of noise. In addition, there are also extensive use of sound-absorbing materials and high-performance acoustic parts, such as the sealant used around various ‘noisy spots’ around the body. Another thing we quite like about the new Swift is its newly developed steering system. Specially designed joints in the steering shaft allows for a firm but linear steering feel, while the system’s variable-gear ratio also enhances the steering response. The suspension too is another highlight, where the enhanced MacPherson struts layout limits body roll, which meant that we could travel along curvy roads without swinging wildly in the cabin. In other words, the new Swift is brilliantly well behaved over most types of road. Yet another thing we feel the need to highlight is the gearbox. Although this is just a four-speed automatic unit, it feels incredibly smooth and shifts generally well without any hint of transmission shunt. It is paired well to the engine and throttle, which means the computer is
MEASUREMENTS Length: 3,850mm Width: 1,695mm Height: 1,510mm Wheelbase: 2,430mm Kerb Weight: 1,035kg Power-to-weight Ratio: 91.0bhp/tonne SUSPENSION AND BRAKES Front: MacPherson struts, ventilated discs Rear: Torsion beam, discs TYRES Type: Bridgestone Turanza ER300 Size: 185/55 R16 PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h: N.A. Top Speed: N.A.
w
WE LIKE Well build interior, ride quality, handling, steering, gearbox
f
WE DON’T LIKE Limited boot space
Most importantly, the new Swift has got a good chassis to begin with and allows for a somewhat spirited drive despite having just 94 horses propelling its front wheels
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REVIEWS Suzuki Swift
able to select the correct gear without ‘searching’ for it frantically. CONCLUSION Fundamentally, the new Swift is a well designed package and those who are in the market looking for a supermini with credible substance should never dismiss it. It has great value-for-money and is also respectably well built. This GLX variant that we tested also has a decent level of equipment, including front, side and curtain airbags and all-round disc brakes. On the inside, it has a much better ambience than
11 Jun Suzuki Swift 6pp 35
before and everything work just like they should, besides exuding a genuine sense of quality. Most importantly, the new Swift has got a good chassis to begin with and allows for a somewhat spirited drive despite having just 94 horses propelling its front wheels. Body control is well judged and there is good ride quality over most sorts of road here. With its rev-happy engine and invariably sleek gearshifts, the new Swift is definitely a smooth operator in our books.
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ROAD•NEWS
KIA FORTE HATCHBACK 1.6A SX
BACK IN FORCE The Kia Forte has gained a new body style and we drive one to see how good it is Words & Photos | Raymond Yeo
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WHEN THE KIA CERATO FORTE AND FORTE KOUP WERE LAUNCHED SOME TIME BACK, THEY QUICKLY become very popular. One of the reasons was the renewed styling of Kia’s models under the leadership of design maestro Peter Schreyer. The German designer skilfully embellished Kia’s new corporate identity and the ‘Tiger nose’ became instantly recognisable as the South Korean carmaker’s new face. One of the aims of this new corporate design is also to attract a younger crowd, where the sharper lines and chiselled good looks were seldom seen on Kia’s previous offerings. But most importantly, this newfound appearance was complemented by a invigorated interior, where it is more stylish and better built than before. Suddenly, consumers started flocking to Kia’s showroom again and to be fair, local car buyers do know a good deal when they spot one. So what did Kia do? They gave the Cerato Forte and Forte Koup a ‘facelift’,
5/16/11 4:26 PM
ROADNEWS Kia Forte Hatchback 1.6A SX
endowing it with minor revisions, the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox, keyless entry and an engine start/stop button. HATCHING A NEW IDEA That is not all though as now, the Korean carmaker has unleashed a third body style in the range – the Forte Hatchback. Generally, hatchbacks are more popular than saloons in Europe as they offer a tad more style and have practical load-lugging flexibility and the Forte Hatchback definitely fits into this bill. At the front section, one would be hard-pressed to distinguish the Forte Hatchback from the rest of its siblings. It still has that ‘Tiger nose’, with its mesh grille, slanting headlamps and sporty bumper with fog lamps, while the 17-inch alloy wheels also have a different design. The marked difference obviously happens after the C-pillars, where the Forte Hatchback’s rear end slopes gently into a curvaceous behind and a 190mmshorter rear overhang. The split-type taillights are still quite similar compared to the saloon and coupé but somehow, the rear end’s styling is more gracious. There is still a rear bumper diffuser and a large round exhaust tip, while the grab-type door handles get chrome trim and the wing mirrors have LED turn indicators. Compared to the saloons and coupés, we find that the Forte Hatchback’s really do look more distinctive and should go down well for its intended audiences. Stepping inside the Forte Hatchback reminded me of how I like its design and build quality. Like its siblings, the cabin is a nice place to spend time in. It may be simple but definitely functional, while comfort levels remain adequately high. Here in this particular unit, there is still a factory-fitted audio system capable of playing MP3s and also connect to Bluetooth devices and iPod/USB music players. It can also be hooked out to a mobile phone, where the strategically mounted microphone (overhead on the driver’s side) makes for an easy, handsfree and safe conversation.
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WORKSHOPS
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11 Jun Kia Forte Hatchback 3pp 61
108 International Road • Singapore 629173 Tel: +65 6265 3155 • Fax: +65 6261 0876 • www.umwequipment.com June 2011 | motoring
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ROADNEWS Kia Forte Hatchback 1.6A SX
At the rear passenger compartment, the Forte Hatchback can still comfortably accommodate three average sized adults, where the legroom remains adequate. The major benefit here in this model is of course the boot. It has a 550-litre capacity and also comes with a removable tonneau. Flip the hatch open and you will find a neat cargo area with little intrusions. Due to its inherent dimensions, it is also possible to carry taller items in the boot. And more can be done if you fold the rear seats down, which can be done in 40:60 ratio and creates a flat loading space. The Forte Hatchback still uses the same 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder engine, which means 124bhp at 6,300rpm and 156Nm at 4,200rpm. It is also endowed with the six-speed automatic gearbox and here in this unit, there are also paddle shifters for ‘manual
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shifting’ or via the transmission lever. Weighing in at around 1,253kg, the Forte Hatchback gets adequate thrust on the move and is utterly easy to drive around town. The vision all around is good and that makes manoeuvring around tight car spaces a sedated affair. The ride quality remains firmly planted but it has a more sublime quality at normal speeds compared to its other siblings. Push the Forte Hatchback a little harder though, and there is some noticeable wind and road noise but nothing too boisterous the audio system cannot drown. The steering feels tidy and there is also proper stopping power thanks to its all-round disc brakes.
>SPECIFICATIONS:
BRINGING BACK THE STYLE Already a nice overall design, the hatchback Forte gives more option to the consumers. Engine, gearbox and practicality are definite highlights
KIA FORTE HATCHBACK 1.6A SX PRICE $87,999 incl. COE GENERAL Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-door hatchback ENGINE Description : In-line 4 Capacity : 1,591cc Power : 124bhp at 6,300rpm Torque : 156Nm at 4,200rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h : 11.5 secs Top speed : 190km/h
w
WE LIKE More distinctive, nice interior, rides better at normal speeds, flexible load capacity
f
WE DON’T LIKE Not much
CONCLUSION At $87,999, the Forte Hatchback is just $1,000 more than the saloon and $4,000 less than the coupé. Which version attracts you solely depends on what are your needs and how do each model make you feel. Personally, I find a hatchback’s practical and flexible boot hard an added convenience. Some may shun its lack of a ‘behind’ but I feel that such thoughts are overshadowed by the sensible loadlugging capabilities and slightly better ride. With such a stylish body, nice interior and better load capability, there is a strong chance that the customers will start going back to Kia’s showroom in force soon.
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Features
TECHART GRAND GT
T H E
GRANDEST
SCHEME OF THINGS We hop onboard with Dr. Ian Kuah as he takes an exclusive drive in the TechArt Grand GT Words & Photos | Dr. Ian Kuah
MOST PEOPLE WOULD AGREE THAT THE WEAKEST PART OF THE PORSCHE PANAMERA’S DESIGN is its bulbous tail, which seems at odds with its sleek, aggressive nose treatment. However, this aspect of its design can be counter-balanced by giving the rest of the car a tougher, more purposeful look. Every design starts with an image, and TechArt wanted to make sure that their interpretation of the Panamera walked the fine line between the conservative standard car and the wild creations from the likes of FAB Design and Mansory.
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FEATURES TECHART GRAND GT
First revealed in late 2009, the initial Concept One design study for the Grand GT went down this route, receiving a very warm welcome from both the press and prospective customers. Some of these would-be customers were existing TechArt Cayenne owners who fancied the Panamera as their next car. Others were new clients drawn to the more extrovert look of the Grand GT after hesitating over the standard Panamera or its rivals. ART OF CREATION One of the ironies of life is that some of the world’s fastest and most powerful cars are sold in countries with the most restrictive speed limits. The Swiss police
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legendary sense of humour bypass when it comes to speeding, yet Switzerland is one of TechArt’s best markets in the world. However, it is the implied speed and power that counts for the owner’s image, and on this score, the Grand GT has a level of presence and implied performance that leaves the standard Panamera in the dust. The black Grand GT Geneva Show car had been sold off the stand to a client of TechArt’s Swiss importer, who is one of their top European dealers. The car was due to be delivered to its owner within days, and since TechArt’s white demo car was weeks away from being finished, it was a case of now or never.
As always, timing is everything. And so I made the two-hour trek down from TechArt’s HQ near Stuttgart, and crossed the border into Switzerland, where everything is generally even more precise and pristine than Germany. TechArt’s Swiss dealer is a very pleasant, relaxed and unassuming gentleman who seems to be into everything that makes money legally. You would never suspect he was a highend car dealer and owner of the local football team, and he is about as far from the flashy Donald Trump kind of figure as you can get. When we arrived, the Grand GT was waiting for us on his forecourt, and I had my first look at the car away from
THE RIGHT STUFF The Grand GT gets the best treatment in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Great colour combination too
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FEATURES TECHART GRAND GT
Bespoke interiors are a TechArt speciality, and one of the cornerstones on which the company was founded the bright lights of a motor show stand where it is hard to judge a vehicles real world size and look. Out of the box, the Panamera has a very strong ‘face’ and bulbous rear, but the bit in the middle seems rather plain, like it was extruded from a tube rather than assembled from components. It is exactly the same problem the Carrera 996 had. And how did Porsche cure that for the 997? By re-interpreting the larger wheel arches of the 993 that went before. In that respect, TechArt has taken a leaf from Porsche’s own book, and then moved it to the next level in a way that I cannot see any factory car ever emulating. An already wide car at 1,931mm out of the box, the Panamera is also long at 4970mm. Thus, an extra bit of muscle does not upset that ratio, and certainly adds to the cars visual presence. TechArt’s half teardrop shaped wheel arch extensions add 21mm per side to the cars width at the front, and a whopping 42mm per side at the rear. And once these big arches are filled with the larger footwear, the car takes on a whole new attitude. TechArt only use the highest quality materials for their bodywork additions, and the front and rear arch extensions, sculpted side skirts, vented bonnet, tailgate spoiler, and the fixed rear wing are all made from carbon-composites, painted to match the bodywork. The rear underbody diffuser is in matte finished natural carbon-fibre as is the front air splitter and the bumper level bar that holds the LED daytime running lights and licence plate. The new front and rear bumpers are moulded 66
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FEATURES TECHART GRAND GT
NEW AGE Everything is there for a reason, even the choice of colours. Luxury and sportiness are stepped up a few notches here
in flexible PU-RIM that can withstand small bumps just like the factory bumper covers. The new wider front wings are direct bolt-on replacements that use the original mounting points. The wider rear arches are grafted onto the original steel panels, which are cut, reshaped and rust-proofed before the new arches are bonded on prior to painting. The TechArt ultra-light, forged alloys that fill out the wider wheel arches are finished in their classy dark silver option. On the Grand GT, they are sized 9.5J and 10.5J x 22-inch, and shod with 265/30 ZR22 and 305/25 ZR22 ContiSportContact 3 rubber. Where the standard car looks weak from some angles, mainly due to being
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visually under-tyred, even with 19-inch wheels, the TechArt car looks finished and complete. Rather than merely standing on the road, the Grand GT looks hunkered down and purposeful, with the stance of a wild creature ready to pounce. Walk around the car, and you realise that it looks balanced from every angle, with none of the visual proportion issues that arise with the standard car. If I have one criticism of the body styling additions, it is a practical one. The massive air intakes in the distinctive TechArt nose section make the radiator and intercoolers vulnerable to damage from flying stones and other foreign object debris. The addition of protective mesh should be a high priority here.
SUPERCAR PRACTICALITY With the exterior walking the middle line in extrovert stakes, it was important to ensure that the cabin trim was contiguous with this theme. Bespoke interiors are a TechArt speciality, and one of the cornerstones on which the company was founded. In line with its raison d’etre as a long distance express, the Grand GT has to balance sportiness with luxury and comfort. The soft black leather trim with orange relief stitching on the seats, centre console, dashboard, door panels, the smaller, thicker TechArt sports steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifters, and on the gear knob and doormats. A very thin slice of orange leather
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FEATURES TECHART GRAND GT
covers the Sport button on the centre console, highlighting it at a glance from the sea of identical buttons. Interestingly, only the rev counter face is finished in orange, underlining the importance of this centrally placed instrument to the driver. Why orange? TechArt say it is a warm and sporty colour. Used in a small dose as it is here, it picks out the interesting shapes of the cabin’s main elements from the otherwise drab background in a reasonably subtle way. A nice finishing touch is the matching orange stitching on the TechArt key fob. Naturally, a customer can choose any other shade he or she fancies for any of the cabin’s surfaces. For instance, the sporty carbon-fibre trim inserts used on the dashboard, centre console and door panels could also be substituted for carbon in another colour, piano black lacquer or aluminium. Even with the standard 500hp twin-turbo V8 motor, the Panamera is no slouch, and frankly more than fast enough for most people even on the unrestricted German autobahns. However, TechArt and its wealthy clients never consider a standard factory motor to be powerful enough, and no car from this leading Porsche tuner is considered finished without a decent power boost. 68
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The Siemens ECU that Porsche uses to control the engine management of their new Cayenne and Panamera models has proven to be a tough nut to crack. It is no problem to extract 580hp from these twin-turbo motors using an interceptor box like the Techtronic system used by the Grand GT, but this output is close to the flow limit of the standard turbochargers. Changing the turbochargers for larger units takes the ECU parameters beyond the scope of an interceptor box, and that is where the tuners have run into a brick wall. Given its wider wheels and body styling additions, about 30 of the additional 80hp is soaked up straight away in overcoming the extra drag. However, with turbocharged motors delivering substantially increased torque when remapped, this is much less of an issue at normal road speeds. Thus, it is obvious from the word go that the Grand GT has a substantial mid-range performance improvement in real world situations. In Sport mode, its response to a demand for power is initially snappier and then you feel the full force of the enhanced power and torque. The horsepower curve rises in a close to the ideal 45-degree angle, peaking with its 580hp at 5,500rpm. Incidentally,
95 percent of that output present from 5,000 to 6,000rpm, giving it very strong top end thrust. Peak torque is a mighty 830Nm (700Nm standard) on a plateau from 3,250rpm, with 800Nm on tap all the way to 5,000rpm. These big numbers translate directly to bombastic tarmac performance, where
Photo by TechArt
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FEATURES TECHART GRAND GT
>SPECIFICATIONS:
TECHART GRAND GT PRICE P.O.A. GENERAL Front-engine, four-wheel drive, four-door saloon ENGINE Description : V8, twin-turbocharged Capacity : 4,806cc Power : 580bhp at 5,500rpm Torque : 800Nm at 3,250rpm TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
the standard Panamera Turbo already just shades its obvious rivals like the Aston Martin Rapide and Maserati Quattroporte. With the TechArt Techtronic upgrade, and helped by the Panamera’s all-wheel-drive system, 0-100km/h now takes just 3.8 sec, which is a true major league supercar number. 200km/h comes up in 12.5 sec and top speed is 315km/h. These numbers are for a Panamera with the factory Sport Chrono Package, which features launch control and an over-boost facility. The Grand GT also has a fruitier V8 soundtrack thanks to the TechArt stainless steel sports exhaust system. This has a button to change the relatively subdued town setting to full open road rolling thunder mode at the touch of a button.
CONCLUSION With its comfortable ride and roomy back seat, the Panamera may be the least pretty of the three cars, but in standard guise, it works better than the others as an all-weather, cross continental express for four. Ironically, its bi-turbo V8 motor it is also more fuel-efficient than the naturally-aspirated Italian V8 and British V12 units. As the excellent ride quality of the standard Panamera has a lot of headroom, and the ultra-light forged wheels hardly affect the unsprung weight compared to the factory 20-inch wheel/ tyre option, the impact they have on the ride is not too great. This is where Porsche’s clever twin-chamber air suspension system, and anti-roll bars that decouple on the straights, really come into their own. Thus, while the Grand GT’s secondary
FULL BLOWN POWER With 580bhp and four-wheel drive, the Grand GT achieves supercar ability and performance
PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h : 3.8 secs Top speed : 315km/h
w
WE LIKE Ride and handling balance, amazing traction, speed
f
WE DON’T LIKE Not exactly the prettiest around
ride is best described as firmer than standard, it retains a good balance between comfort and sportiness. In fact, with its four-wheel-drive advantage off the line, exiting bends and all-weather abilities coupled to its ultra low roll in cornering, the Grand GT feels like a four-seater Bugatti Veyron. When you stand back and consider the TechArt Grand GT as an overall package, it is hard to think of an obvious direct rival for this unique all rounder. This is one of those instances where if you like the idea and the looks of this car, you should simply buy it.
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F1 We look back at how did the teams fare in the last two Grands Prix Words | Raymond Yeo Photos | Ferrari, McLaren & Red Bull
UPDATES
F1 UPDATES
CHINESE GRAND PRIX What a start to the season it has been for Red Bull Racing ace Sebastian Vettel. The German driver has since won the first two races and continues to dominate the drivers’ standings. Leading into the Chinese Grand Prix with 50 points, Vettel looks set to extend his lead further. On the first practice session, Red Bull Racing is again running ahead, with Vettel taking the top spot followed by team mate Mark Webber. The McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were not far behind either, eventually managing even closer times during the second practice to take second and third fastest. Saturday’s last practice saw a repeat of the top three positions, whereas Webber was running at more than halfway through the pack at 15th. Shanghai has got off to a good start for Red Bull Racing and in particular, Vettel. The current World Champion scored his 18th career pole position and his third consecutive one this season. Nico Rosberg from Mercedes GP became the driver to split the McLaren and Ferrari drivers, with Button and Hamilton on P2 and P3, while Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa on P5 and P6 respectively.
In order for the McLarens to break Vettel’s winning streak, they would have a play a cool strategy and fight for the first corner at race start 78
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Hamilton continued to eat away at Vettel’s pace, eventually catching up with the German four laps later
In order for the McLarens to break Vettel’s winning streak, they would have a play a cool strategy and fight for the first corner at race start. Things did not look too good for Hamilton as his car was still in the garage with a suspected fuel leakage but kudos to the team, he managed to get his car out with 30 seconds to spare! As the red lights go out, Vettel made a terrible mistake and allowed the two McLarens to slip past him into the lead. Michael Schumacher was the initial big winner, climbing up from 13th to ninth. Webber in the mean time, could not do much and only snatched a spot up. By the third lap, it was a McLaren 1-2 lead with Button and Hamilton, while Webber climbed up another notch and somewhere up front in the pack, Rosberg was being chased down by the two Ferraris. Before pitting on Lap 15, Vettel managed to slip past Hamilton for second place and subsequently followed race leader Button into the pits, the former
whom bizarrely drove through Vettel’s pit before arriving at his own! It was then a musical chair exchange of race leads, with Hamilton and Button challenging for positions at one point even. With just ten laps to go, Massa, Button and Rosberg ended up fighting for fourth place, while Hamilton continued to eat away at Vettel’s pace, eventually catching up with the German four laps later and slipping past with just four laps to the chequered flag! The Briton finally pulled away from Vettel and continued to set a comfortable lead of over five seconds. Meanwhile, what happened to Webber? The Australian driver proved to be a tough fighter, climbing up the spots, closing in on Button and finally taking the last podium place in the race. This, may we remind you, was done from a race start of P18! With the conclusion of the Chinese Grand Prix, Vettel’s hopes of scoring a third consecutive race June 2011 | motoring
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When the red lights went out, it was not to be for Hamilton as Vettel stormed away from the pack and Hamilton was even passed by Alonso
win was dashed. But the Red Bull Racing driver continues to dominate the standings with 68 points, followed by Hamilton with 47, Button with 38 and Webber just one point behind with 37. So it is a two-weekend break before the F1 entourage convene at Istanbul, Turkey. Will Vettel fight back or will the McLarens break Red Bull Racing’s spell? TURKISH GRAND PRIX The Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul was the first European race of this season, whereby several teams introduced revisions to their cars. Majority tweaked aerodynamic packages, while some chose to rectify KERS. Friday’s first practice became the first time Pirelli’s wet weather tyres were used in a competitive scenario. Ferrari’s Alonso became 80
the day’s fastest driver with almost one and a half seconds faster than the next two Mercedes GP’s drivers of Rosberg and Schumacher. Vettel’s start to the day did not end well as he spun into a barrier, while Webber was only 11th fastest. The second session was dry and Button made the most of it by coming in fastest but Rosberg was not too far behind. Hamilton was third fastest, followed by Schumacher and then Webber. Alonso did not do well after experiencing a hydraulic problem, while Pastor Maldonado crashed his Williams into the barrier. During the last session before qualifying, Vettel came back and scored the fastest time but Schumacher was only 0.001 seconds slower than him. This was followed by Webber and then Rosberg, the latter whom was 0.016 seconds behind Webber.
Qualifying started and during Q2, Vettel returned to the top of the timing charts with the first sub-1m26s timing. Even with Red Bull Racing’s single run attempt during Q3, the final results saw Vettel taking pole, this 19th of the season, and Webber taking P2. This was followed by Rosberg at P3 and then Hamilton at P4. Once again, the grid looks to be an exciting one as Hamilton must be hoping to jump on the two Red Bulls for Turn 1, but he would have to get past Rosberg first. When the red lights went out, it was not to be for Hamilton as Vettel stormed away from the pack and Hamilton was even passed by Alonso. The first casualty, Sauber’s Sergio Pérez, came in on Lap 2 to replace a damaged wing, while on the third lap, Vitaly Petrov collided
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FEATURES F1 UPDATES
with Schumacher, causing the German to pit early to repair his Mercedes. Meanwhile, Webber is putting his drag reduction system (DRS) to good use and managed to pass Rosberg for second place, while Hamilton is still trying to pass team mate Button and Alonso is catching up with Rosberg. Rosberg again suffered another spot as Alonso executed a similar move to Webber’s on the back straight. Vettel then pitted for a new set of soft tyres and rejoined in P2, but eventually retook the lead from Button as the latter also came in for soft tyres. Halfway through the race, Vettel has already extended his lead by nine seconds over his second-place team mate Webber. Alonso then used his DRS to good effect by passing Webber for P2. With less than 10 laps to go, it was again a case of the effectiveness of the DRSes, as Hamilton used it to pass Button and Webber did the same to regain his spot from Alonso. This battle for P2 enabled Vettel to maintain his lead at eight second. Eventually, Webber increased his lead over Alonso by two seconds but was not fast enough to catch up with Vettel. Meanwhile, the World Champion chanced upon a twelfth-
place duel between Sutil and Pérez but managed to lap the two safely. In the end, Vettel scored his 13th career victory with eight and 10 seconds to spare over second-placed Webber and third-placed Alonso. It was ultimately disappointment for Hamilton and Rosberg, whom were tipped to challenge Vettel prior to the race start but only managed fourth and fifth place respectively. CONCLUSION Within just four races, the reigning World Champion has extended his Championship lead by 34 points over second-place Hamilton 59 points. This meant that the talented young German’s score of 93 points and Webber’s 55 points put the Red Bull Racing team in excellent position, scoring 148 points in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of their closest rivals McLaren with 105 points. So it is another two weeks’ rest before the teams gather at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. Will we see a repeat of last season’s race with Webber edging Vettel for the top podium spot or will we finally see Schumacher on the podium or perhaps Hamilton getting closer to Vettel again? Only time will tell and be sure to tune in again soon!
Within just four races, the reigning World Champion has extended his Championship lead by 34 points over second-place Hamilton 59 points
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GEAR&GARAGE
FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW TG2K Spray Painting Centre
There is no wonder why some car owners would adore their prized wheels with love and care. Apart from proper grooming and the occasional repairs from minor damages, spray painting is often an overlooked procedure. It is a delicate process, be it covering up a scratch or giving your car a new coat of colour. With more than 30 years of experience, TG2K Spray Painting Centre is one of the foremost pioneers in the industry. Their workshop is supported by a team of well-trained and skilled technicians whom ensure the products and services offer the best value-for-money. TG2K uses the Spies Hecker System, which is an industry-leading company dealing with vehicle refurbishing and uses the latest German technology. This system is geared towards the individual needs, while the application itself is easy and reliable. Some of the quality-control measures used at the Centre include temperature-controlled drying booths, dust prevention and dedicated areas for specific painting processes. At TG2K, all car spray-painting jobs are covered with a one-year warranty against paint defects. In addition, they also offer services such as restoration, spraying and installation
of body kits, accident repairs on third-party claims and various car grooming services. TG2K Spray Painting Centre is located at Blk 1010, Bukit Merah Lane, #01-117, Singapore 159724, tel: 6841 4220.
TAKE A PICTURE FOR ME, OF MY CAR Compact Cameras from Olympus and Sony [Available at leading departmental stores and retailers]
SONY NEX-5
OLYMPUS XZ-1
The Sony E-Mount Camera Nex-5 is designed to provide true photographic quality with
The award-winning Olympus XZ-1 is a compact camera with a large f1.8-2.5 aperture
its 14.2-megapixel ‘Exmor APS HD’ CMOS Sensor and interchangeable-lens versatility.
designed to ensure maximum brightness from wide-angle to telescopic shooting. Combined
Featuring intuitive user interface, Full-HD movie recording and ‘Sweep Panorama’ for
with a high-sensitivity sensor, is it said to be able to achieve picture quality close to that
effortless panoramic shooting, the Nex-5 is an excellent camera for all users. MSRP
of SLR cameras. Other features include Olympus’ ‘TruePic V’ image processing engine,
$1,299.00.
‘Live Guide’ and a slim and attractive body. MSRP $748.00.
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GEAR&GARAGE
PERFORMANCE PARTS FOR YOUR JAPANESE CARS For Subaru STI, Honda K20A and Mitsubishi Evolution X [Available at SPARK Motorsports, tel: 6757 8777]
STI REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVER
Part No.: 38316ZR000 Keep the ‘rear end’ of you STI cool with the STI Rear Differential Cover. Made from high-strength, heat-treated cast aluminium, this cover incorporates cooling fins to reduce oil temps, thus extending the life of your expensive differential. Additionally, the oil capacity is increased more than 30 percent over the stock unit. ‘Rear end conscious’ owners will be happy with its great design too
STI SILICONE HOSE
Part No.: 45162ZR000 STI radiator hose kits are made with a dual-layer combining high-grade silicone and heat-resistance to provide efficient heat reduction and increased pressure tolerance
JUN K20A CAM SPROCKETS
Part No.: 1006M-H005/1006M-H105 JUN Cam Sprocket is the part used for adjusting the timing after changing cams or after tuning. It is also used for co-ordinating a gap of the valve timing, which is produced by the machining of the surface for engine over-hole. These sprockets are also clearly marked for easy adjustment of the valve timing.
JUN K20A CON ROD
Part No.: 1002M-H009 The JUN I-Beam Connecting Rod Honda K20A are made from Alloy steel (SCM440) for low weight and increased strength. These rods are made to JUN’s strict specifications to withstand high RPM and high power applications, while the bolts are made by ARP. Designed to be used in conjunction with JUN Piston Set for utmost reliability.
JUN AERO MIRRORS EVO X
Part No.: 8009M-M001 Sleek and lightweight aerodynamic wing mirrors with carbon fibre bases for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
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