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APRIL 2011

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PLEASURE CRAFT Mercedes-Benz SLK

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS | KIA OPTIMA K5 vs TOYOTA CAMRY | MINI COUNTRYMAN

We drive Mercedes’ all-new roadster!

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GREENER PASTURES

HONDA’S REVITALISED INSIGHT

STIRRING THE EMOTIONS

THE EVOCATIVE RCZ FROM PEUGEOT

THE REAL BIG THING MINI’S HUGE COUNTRYMAN

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APRIL 2011

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contents April 2011

REGULARS 4 80 83 86 91 92 96

EdSpeaks F1 Updates Spy Shots Gear&Garage/LifeStyle COE Cost Performance Index Subscription

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PLEASURE CRAFT: MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS Is the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster going to impress Dr. Ian Kuah? Join him as he finds out

MOTORING NEWS 5 WORLD NEWS 11 LOCAL NEWS

COVER STORY

14 PLEASURE CRAFT: MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS Is the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster going to impress Dr. Ian Kuah? Join him as he finds out

Details on page 96

3/18/11 3:20 PM

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PREVIEWS >> COMING SOON

20 SUNSEEKER: BMW 650I CONVERTIBLE Dr. Ian Kuah soak in the warmth of the sun in the cool, new 6 Series Convertible from BMW

TWIN TEST

26 NATURAL PROGRESSION: KIA OPTIMA K5 VS TOYOTA CAMRY Can the all-new Kia Optima K5 rattle the competition in the 2.0-litre saloon segment? We pit it against the Toyota Camry to find out

REVIEWS >> ON THE ROAD

34 GO WITH THE FLOW: CITROËN C5 Can the revised Citroën C5 charm us with its innovations and updated styling?

39 GREENER PASTURES: HONDA INSIGHT Is the new Honda Insight as fuel efficient as it claims to be and can it help you save costs? We drive one to find out

45 STIRRING THE EMOTIONS: PEUGEOT RCZ Will the new Peugeot RCZ be as impressive to drive as it looks? Join us as we find out

51 THE REAL BIG THING: MINI COUNTRYMAN Can a five-door MINI be something to cheer about? We drive the current range-topping version to find out

ROADNEWS

57 FAIR PLAY: VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTD Can a powerful diesel engine make the Golf GTD as fun to drive as possible?

FEATURES

71 2011 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW We take a walk with Dr. Ian Kuah as he discovers the significant cars of one of the most exciting motor shows of the year

62 PLAY STATION: VOLVO V60 T4

77 ICONIC REVOLUTION: BMW I

The new Volvo V60 now comes with a small engine but can it impress us with its quality and dynamics?

We join Dr. Ian Kuah as he takes a look at the new BMW sub-brand launched recently

66 PERK ME UP: CITROËN DS3 1.6 THP Can a turbocharged DS3 raise the bar in the supermini segment? Join us as we find out

68 POWER TO THE PEOPLE: VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN SPORT Canß the Volkswagen Touran Sport be all the MPV anyone ever need? We drive one to find out

STIRRING THE EMOTIONS:

PEUGEOT RCZ

Will the new Peugeot RCZ be as impressive to drive as it looks? Join us as we find out

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EdSpeaks

PICKINGUPPACE In the few blinks of the turn indicator, we have already passed the first quarter of the year. Things are really picking up pace at the moment as more new cars make their way to our shores. This month, we have an interesting and exciting range of cars for you. On the cover you will find the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLK. It looks like a ‘baby SLS’ and I am sure Dr. Ian Kuah had a good time putting it through its paces. It has been a few busy weeks for Dr. Ian Kuah and apart from attending the Geneva Motor Show to bring us highlights, he also drove the BMW 650i Convertible, which now has a less controversial rear end and an improved powertrain. Back in Singapore, we have a couple of significant and eagerly anticipated debuts. We did a comparison between the Kia Optima K5, which is the third-generation Magentis, and the Toyota Camry. Recent models from Kia are getting more stylish and exude a new found sense of excellent build quality – the Optima K5 confirms it. But is it enough to lure customers to the Kia showroom? The Peugeot RCZ finally found its way here but is it as stunning to drive as it looks? Not lacking far behind is yet another unique vehicle, the MINI Countryman. Can this first-ever five-door MINI attract more fans to the brand? We also drove enhanced versions of the Honda Insight and the Citroën C5. The Insight now comes with an ECO Assist system designed to help us conserve fuel – did it really work? The C5 on the other hand intends to spring us a few surprises with its advanced suspension. Turn the pages to find out how these two cars made us feel. Besides these stories, we also have the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s diesel-powered twin (the Golf GTD), a very spacious and stylish Volvo V60 T4 station wagon, the very fast Volkswagen Touran Sport and the turbocharged French supermini Citroën DS3. So many cars, so little time! So as we continue towards the second quarter of the year, let us assure you that we have more to share with you and there are more exciting news and stories ahead! Until we meet again, drive safe and take care!

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WORLD •NEWS

BMW 6 SERIES COUPÉ BREAKS COVER

Hot on the heels of its convertible sister, the all-new BMW 6 Series Coupé has just been launched. This 2+2 Grand Tourer seeks to combine unmatched comfort and elegance with an even higher level of performance. It features a sweeping roofline with a long bonnet, short overhangs, long wheelbase and flat waistline, which embody the typical pro-

portions of a BMW coupé. The headlamps and taillights continue to sport the signature BMW look, while optional Adaptive LED headlamps are also available. The interior has been redesigned to offer greater headroom all around, whereas the individual rear seats also provide additional lateral space. Its boot space has a volume of 460 litres, which is enough, BMW said, to swallow three 46-inch golf bags. At launch, two petrol engines are available – a 4.4-litre V8 in the 650i and a 3.0-litre

in-line six in the 640i. The twin-turbocharged V8 produces 407bhp and 600Nm, pushing this coupé from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. The six-cylinder uses a single turbocharger and churns out 320bhp and 450Nm for a 5.4 seconds century sprint. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on both versions. The 640i also debuts the ‘ECO PRO’ fuel saving technology. This feature tweaks the engine management system, the accelerator mapping and gearshift characteristics to favour a relaxed, low-revving driving style.

FERRARI FF

REACHES NEW HEIGHT A couple of days after the Ferrari FF was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, two examples were flew to the top of the Plan De Corones in the Dolomites at 2,350 metres, where Ferrari will be conduction its media test drive on the roads of the Südtirol region. A special ice and snow track was prepared for the cars, located at the start of the vast ski area, where the journalists will test the cars under fierce conditions. The cars have been taken to this area, which can only be reached by the ski-lifts, with a CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter from Viterbo’s 1st Regiment Antares

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and the help of three Agusta 205 helicopters from the 4th Regiment Altair from the Italian air force in Bolzano. The cars were loaded into the transport helicopters and flown around the Dolomites, before they were carefully unloaded. In this much-anticipated event, with headquarters in Brunico, almost 200 journalists from the world’s most important publications will participate over the next four weeks. After the great feedback generated by the FF at the Geneva car show now this revolutionary 12-cylinder from Ferrari is finally debuting on the road. April 2011 | motoring

3/19/11 10:39 AM

WORLD •NEWS

CHEVROLET UNVEILS NEW ORLANDO MPV American carmaker Chevrolet has launched the Orlando, its all-new MPV crossover. Based on the concept car shown about three years ago, it is a family-friendly vehicle with seven-seat practicality, interior flexibility and generous load space. While it wears its split radiator grille and bow-tie badge with pride, the Orlando also adopts a bolder look with a low roofline, a crossover-inspired silhouette and its muscular wheel arches. On the inside, there is the Corvette-in-

spired dual cockpit and ambient blue lighting on the centre console. The ‘theatre-style’ seating arrangement is designed to ensure all seven occupants get enough room and a great view out, besides offering a wide range of configurations. Apart from numerous storage areas, the Orlando’s cargo area is designed to hold almost 1,500 litres when both the second and third row seats are folded flat. The first petrol engine available at launch is a 1.8-litre, which produces 141bhp at 6,200rpm

BENTLEY

REVEALS DESIGN SECRETS In a rare showcase of their designing prowess, the Bentley Design team is holding the ‘An Unbroken Line’ exhibition at their Crewe headquarters to offer a peek into the usually secret and closed world of their studios. This exhibition follows their stories of creativity and the technical precision behind the creations of the latest Bentleys such as the Continental GT and Mulsanne, from the first sketch right through to the moment they go through the factory gates. 6

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and 176Nm of torque at 3,800rpm. Maximum speed for this version is 185km/h, while its fule consumption and CO2 emissions are rated at 7.2L/100km and 172g/km respectively. The Orlando will come with a relatively high level of standard equipment such as electronic stability control, six airbags, and power mirrors, while trim levels will include even more features. It is also tuned like the Chevrolet Cruze, which should mean striking an ideal balance between ride comfort and agility.

Many of the very first drawings for the new Continental GT, including concepts consigned to the studio archives, are being shown publicly for the first time. The designers offer a step-by-step guide as to how the interior and exterior styles take shape both through computer virtualisation and sophisticated full-scale clay models. They also provide an insight into how they employ state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques such as aluminium superforming, adapted from the aerospace industry, to shape the metal into the complex but clean lines that define the new Continental GT. This fascinating look into the world of Bentley’s designs and history will be based at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters throughout 2011.

3/18/11 2:54 PM

WORLD •NEWS

VOLKSWAGEN RETURNS TO NÜRBURGRING 24-HOUR RACE WITH GOLF24

Volkswagen is heading towards the challenging Nürburgring 24-hour race this year with an all-new contender – the Golf24. Equipped with four-wheel drive and developing 440bhp, this racing version of Volkswagen’s best-selling model has already undergone initial testing ahead of the legendary 24-hour race. The Golf24 is fitted with a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 440bhp and 540Nm. Power is transmitted to the permanent four-wheel drive by a sequential six-speed gearbox with paddle shift operation. Volkswagen’s past success at the ‘Ring with the Golf and Scirocco GT24 has prompted them to develop the new Golf24 challenger, which will also celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Golf GTI this year. Before lining up on the grid of the gruelling 25 km circuit in June, the Golf24 will undergo an extensive testing and development programme. This began at the end of last year at Portugal’s Portimão circuit and further tests have been completed at Vallelunga in Italy. The Golf24 will also compete in three races in the Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

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COUPÉ JOINS MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS RANGE Following the launch of the facelifted C-Class, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new C-Class Coupé, entering for the first time into the compact coupé luxury segment. This youthful coupé, according to Mercedes-Benz, is designed to provide ‘pure fun at the wheel with exemplary efficiency’. It portrays classic coupé proportions with its short overhangs, long bonnet, steep windscreen and a wedge-shaped, tapering silhouette. At the front, it is still instantly recognisable as a C-Class yet has its own ‘twisit’, while the design of the rear section is sporty. The cabin will also feature strong, sporty designs, such as the new-generation three-spoke steering wheel, highly detailed surfaces and exquisite trim materials. It will also be endowed with the new telematics system, which was first seen on the saloon and estate models. A new multimedia system, COMAND Online, now provides Internet access for the first time, allowing users to browse the Mercedes-Benz Online service and other integrated services such as destination search via Google. A BlueEFFICIENCY range of petrol and diesel engines will be available and all are equipped with direct injection and the ECO start/stop function as standard, while the C 250 and C 350 will also get the enhanced 7G-TRONIC PLUS sevenspeed automatic transmission. Two turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine variants are available and they come with 156bhp/250Nm and 204bhp/310Nm, with fuel consumption ranging between 6.5 to 7.0L/100km. The V6-powered C 350 has 306bhp and 370Nm, pushing it from zero to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. Its fuel consumption figure is quoted at 6.8L/100km. Other standard equipment include features such as AGILITY CONTROL suspension, speed-sensitive steering, seven airbags and the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, while others like the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems are available as options. April 2011 | motoring

3/19/11 10:39 AM

WORLD •NEWS

FOCUS-ING ON THE ART OF NOISE

In developing the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine in the new Focus, Ford’s engineers have been tuning the engine acoustics to produce an impressively sporty growl under hard acceleration. It features special technology that filters out unwanted engine noises, while transmitting pleasing sounds straight inside the car for maximum driver enjoyment. While its technologically advanced features provide performance, it tends to muffle its ‘natural voice’. The engineers managed to overcome this by adopting a gadget called a ‘sound symposer’, which is a sound box that harvests good, engine-generated frequencies from the air intake system and then sends these sound frequencies straight into the passenger compartment. Apart from modifying he frequency range, this compact gadget can also adjust the sensitivity of the sound feedback. It first appeared on the 2005 Focus ST and later on the Focus RS as well as RS500, while it is more moderately tuned in this 1.6 EcoBoost engine.

FIRST SAAB 9-4X ROLLS OFF PRODUCTION LINE In just three months after its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the first Saab 9-4X crossover to be commercially produced has rolled off the assembly line at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. The first vehicle with chassis number 00001 is an Ice Pearl metallic Aero model with a 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine. It is bound for a media test drive event in the United States before being shipped to Sweden for display at the Saab car museum. Featuring Saab’s advanced XWD all-wheel-drive system and adaptive chassis control, the 9-4X goes on sale in the United States in May, UK sales start late 2011 and Europe and other world markets are scheduled to begin from August. 8

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BENTLEY

SHATTERS ICE SPEED RECORD

Bentley has set a new world speed record on the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea with a Continental Supersports convertible. Driven by Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen, the mildly modified Supersports convertible ran on E85 bioethanol and reached the new record of 330.695km/h, shattering Kankkunen’s previous record of 321.6km/h in the Continental GT at the same location. With the help of his own experienced team and Bentley engineers, Kankkunen overcame the challenges of temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, sudden snow blizzards and potentially dangerous crosswinds on the 16.5km track on a 70cm-thick layer of sea ice. The record attempt was driven on a 1000m long measured distance with the speed certified by officials from the Finland Traffic Police. His new world record was based on the average of two runs in opposite directions with measured speeds ratified by a representative of The Guinness Book of Records. In celebrating this amazing feat, a limited edition of just 100 examples of this most extreme Bentley will be made and the car made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show last month.

3/18/11 2:54 PM

WORLD •NEWS

VAUXHALL

JAGUAR

CREATES WORLD’S FIRST CARWALK

ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL E-TYPE COLLECTORS’ BOOK

London witnessed its most unusual fashion show recently as top models strutted their stuff on the world’s first car catwalk. A 20 metre long catwalk was constructed across the roofs of three Vauxhall Corsa cars to mark the tenth season of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, a showcase for the best up-and-coming fashion designers, at London Fashion Week. The models spent a week learning to sashay at a height of over 1.5 metres ahead of the carefully choreographed three-hour show. Vauxhall Fashion Scout has become an established fixture during London Fashion Week with a reputation of unearthing some of the best British fashion designers including William Tempest, Prophetik and Bodyamr who have gone on to dress Cheryl Cole, Emma Watson and Daisy Lowe respectively.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the E-Type, Jaguar has commissioned a ‘Collectors’ Edition’ coffee-table book called ‘E-Type – 50 Years of a Design Icon’. It charts the remarkable story of this revolutionary car and is available for online purchase at www.fpcreative.com/sales/ etypebook. This 144-page hardback book contains a combination of previously unseen material from the Jaguar Heritage archives, newly commissioned photography and bespoke content featuring interviews with luminaries from the worlds of design, motorsport and celebrity, including Sir Jackie Stewart, Martin Brundle, Sir Stirling Moss and Jay Leno. It is available in a premium version and a limited-edition VIP volume, the latter which is individually numbered and hand-bound in a specially commissioned reproduction of the E-type’s original upholstery leather and presented in its own slipcase.

LEXUS

PRESENTS LFA NÜRBURGRING PACKAGE To celebrate the LFA’s hat-trick of class wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race, Lexus has created the Nürburgring Package, an array of aerodynamic features, suspension adjustments and revisions to the 4.8-litre V10 engine that give the supercar a more track-focused profile. Shown in public for the first time at the Geneva motor show, the performance option is available on just 50 of the 500 cars that will be built. These versions will be crafted during 2012, the second full year of LFA production. To increase downforce at high speed, the Nürburgring Package introduces a larger front spoiler, fin-type side spoilers, a canard fin and a fixed rear wing. To counter the increase drag and ensure the LFA maintains its 3.7 seconds century sprint, the V10 engine is stroked to produce 10bhp more, bringing maximum power to 562bhp, while shift times in the six-speed sequential transmission are just 0.15 seconds. Other modifications include suspension tuning, a 10mm reduction in ride height, exclusive mesh-type wheels and bespoke high-grip tyres. Exterior colours are restricted to matte black, black, white or orange,

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with interiors finished in black and red, black and purple and all-black. Customers who specify the package will also be offered one-to-one driving tuition from a Nürburgring chief instructor and a year’s pass to enjoy their car on the famous Nordschleife circuit. April 2011 | motoring

3/18/11 2:54 PM

WORLD •NEWS

MITSUBISHI

I-MIEV EARNS FOUR-STAR RATING AT EURO NCAP

When it was first launched, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV became the first electric car in regular series production from a major manufacturer, available to world markets. Today, it also becomes the first electric vehicle to be crash-tested by the renowned Euro NCAP organisation, earning itself a four-star rating.

Euro NCAP’s testers also commented that “they experienced no problems with the high voltage electrical system which powers the vehicle, where the battery was properly isolated from the body shell and was not damaged during the tests.” Recently launched in 15 European countries, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has already surpassed MMC’s sales expectations in the region (about 3,000 units shipped as of end of January 2011).

SPYKER

SQUADRON TO DEVELOP NEXT-GENERATION GT RACE CAR

Spyker Squadron, the factory racing division of supercar manufacturer, Spyker, will focus its resources this year on the development of a next generation GT race car for 2012. Based on Spyker’s new flagship C8 Aileron supercar, the new GT racer will be designed and developed to the ACO’s new GTE specifications, where development activities will be undertaken by Spyker Squadron’s expanded engineering team at its Zeewolde headquarters in conjunction with its long-standing technical partners. Greater attention will also be paid to the commercial arm of the Spyker Squadron division, specifically through the sale of its new C8 Aileron GT car to customer teams. There are already in discussions with a number of potential purchasers for the supply of cars and of full customer racing support packages. The Spyker C8 Aileron GT racing car will take over from Squadron’s C8 Laviolette GT2R racer, with which Spyker’s race division enjoyed three years of competitive European GT endurance racing. In 2009, the C8 Laviolette GT2R delivered Squadron’s most successful season, claiming two second-place GT2 class finishes in the Le Mans Series, and scoring an incredible fifth place in the gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans. 10

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ASTON MARTIN

RACING UNVEILS AMR-ONE

Aston Martin Racing recently unveiled its new LMP1 racecar that was developed from the ground-up. Called the AMR-One, this Gulf Liveried open-top LMP1 race car features a 2.0-litre turbocharged sixcylinder petrol engine, which has been developed for a new bespoke carbon fibre chassis designed and manufactured by Aston Martin Racing. In line with the new 2011 rules, the AMR-One features the new blade-fin and

has a significantly down-sized engine in keeping with the championship’s efficiency focused regulations. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed transverse semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox. A total of six AMR-Ones will be built, with the factory team running one car in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), which includes the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and two cars at selected events.

3/18/11 2:55 PM

LOCAL•NEWS

AUDI MAKES A BIG MOVE WITH ALL-NEW A1

The all-new Audi A1 has finally arrived on our shores and it marks the first time that a premium carmaker is entering the sub-compact segment, where it promises progressive designs, uncompromising quality, unparalleled fuel efficiency and high levels of customisations. Measuring no longer than 3.95 metres, the A1’s cutting edge design integrates this youngest member seamlessly into the Audi family. Signature styling cues make it instantly recognisable as an Audi, whereas the build quality is as good as any other models you would find in the ‘four rings’ stable. The A1 offered in Singapore will come with high equipment levels such as the seven-speed

S tronic dual clutch automatic transmission and ESP with electronic limited slip differential. Two engine variants are available – a 122bhp 1.4 TFSI and a dual-charged 185bhp 1.4 TFSI. With 200Nm, the 122bhp A1 will spring from zero to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 203km/h. Its average fuel consumption is quoted at 5.3L/100km with 122g/ km of CO2 emissions. The dual-charged A1

comes with 185bhp and 250Nm, endowing it with a sprint time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 227km/h. Its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are excellent too, measured at 5.9L/100km and 139g/km respectively. Prices at time of launch for the 122bhp A1 start at $126,888, while the 185bhp A1 will be available later in the year with prices starting from $149,888.

LAMBORGHINI SINGAPORE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

In celebration of its hallmark 10th Anniversary this year, Lamborghini Singapore raised a total of $200,000 from the sale of ten limited edition Lamborghini cars, where these proceeds will go to the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF). These limited edition Lamborghini cars are made exclusively to the Singapore market to celebrate Lamborghini Singapore’s 10th Anniversary. Mr. Melvin Goh, Managing Director of Lamborghini Singapore, saw to the commission of these cars by liasing directly with the Sant’Agata factory. They are also quite unique in the sense that they are powered by a 550bhp/540Nm V10 engine driving the rear wears through a six-speed ‘e-gear’ robotised sequential gearbox. With a specially designed ‘Merlion’ logo tagged to the exterior of each car and their exclusive colour scheme, they can be easily recognised on our roads.

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April 2011 | motoring

3/18/11 2:49 PM

LOCAL•NEWS

MASERATI’S

GRANTURISMO MC STRADALE STORMS INTO TOWN

LEXUS CT 200h In one of the most eagerly anticipated launches of this year, Borneo Motors have finally unveiled the all-new Lexus CT 200h, the world’s first full hybrid luxury compact car. Like most other Lexus models, the CT 200h comes with a stylish exterior and an interior with uncompromising levels of luxury and comfort. It is powered by a 1.8-litre fourcylinder engine that produces 98bhp and 142Nm and when combined with the electric motor in the Lexus Hybrid Drive, a total output of 134bhp is available. Mated to a continuously variable transmission, the CT 200h has a 10.3 seconds zero to 100km/h timing and a top speed of 180km/h. There will also be four driving modes – ‘NORMAL’, ‘EV’, ‘ECO’ and ‘SPORT’, where turning on the ‘SPORT’ mode will bask the instrument panel in a red hue, which is otherwise blue. It is also capable of travelling on electric mode alone at speeds of less than 45km/h. In terms of environmental performance, the CT 200h is officially quoted with CO2 emissions of just 94g/km, whereas the average fuel consumption figure is just 4.1L/100km. With Lexus’ renown ride quality and the promises of the benefits of the hybrid system, we cannot wait to test drive the CT 200h. Prices at time of launch start from $153,000 for the basic model, $157,000 for the ‘Plus’ and $170,000 for the ‘Premium’, where the latter features the Lexus Remote Touch Controller first seen on the RX 350 and a navigational system with retractable display. 12

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It is ironic how the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale made its debut in Singapore under a relative shroud of secrecy because this is one of the loudest and most exciting of Maserati models sans the MC 12 we have ever seen. Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the GT4 motorsports programs, the MC Stradale has more power, less weight and improved handling. In addition to having one of the most wicked exhausts we have ever heard, it is also the first road-going Maserati to crack 300km/h with its 301km/h top speed. The V8 engine has 450bhp and 510Nm, a 10bhp and 20Nm increase from the GranTurismo S. Zero to 100km/h here is covered in just 4.6 seconds, thanks also partly to its 110kg lighter kerb weight. In their desire to improve handling, engineers have stiffened the suspension, slapped on carbon-ceramic brakes, shod the wheels with bespoke Pirelli tyres and slash the gear shift times from the six-speed electro-actuated manual gearbox to just 60 milliseconds in ‘Race’ mode. Yes, this is also the first time Maserati has endowed one of its models with a dedicated ‘Race’ mode, besides the ‘Sport’ and ‘Auto’ modes. The GranTurismo MC Stradale is slated to be the perfect ‘gentleman’s racecar’ with its track-focused performance and everyday usability. According to official sources, demand has been very high for the local market and do trust us when we tell you now that the prices is also very reasonable given the looks and performance of this car, not forgetting the unforgettable noises its exhausts make!

3/18/11 2:49 PM

LOCAL•NEWS

INFINITI APPOINTS WEARNES AUTOMOTIVE AS OFFICIAL SINGAPORE DEALER

Japanese luxury carmaker, Infiniti, has appointed Wearnes Automotive as the brand’s official dealer in Singapore, with sales expecting to commence during the second half of this year. We can look forward to a sleuth of exciting models targeted at the performance-oriented luxury segment. Mr. Andre Roy, Group Managing Director, Wearnes Automotive, commented that “they are delighted to be appointed as Infiniti’s dealer and share Infiniti’s passion to provide customers not only with luxury performance cars, but also an exceptional and individualised customer service experience”. With this appointment, Wearnes Automotive joins Infiniti’s network of more than 340 dealers in 38 global markets including 19 in Western Europe.

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WEARNES AUTOMOTIVE WINS COVETED

McLAREN DEALERSHIP

McLaren Automotive, maker of the MP4-12C supercar, has named its official dealer in Singapore. Wearnes Automotive, whom also clinched the dealership for Infinity not long after this exciting announcement, will start selling the MP4-12C later this year. Mr. Ian Gorsuch, McLaren Automotive’s Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, said that “he is pleased to announce this partnership as Singapore is a key and hgh potential market for McLaren”. Mr. Andre Roy, Group Managing Director for Wearnes Automotive, also commented that “the launch of the MP412C in Singapore is highly anticipated, where they have already received purchase interest from eager customers”. Prices are expected to be slightly above the million dollar mark. If you have not already known, the MP4-12C has a carbon-fibre composite chassis with a mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 developing 592bhp and 600Nm and oh yes, ‘butterﬂy doors’. Along with rear-wheel drive and a 455bhp per tonne power-to-weight ratio, the MP4-12C is expected to reach 100km/h from standstill in 3.3 seconds (3.1 seconds with Corsa tyre option) and onto a top speed of 330km/h. April 2011 | motoring

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COVERSTORY MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS

PleasureCRAFT Is the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster going to impress Dr. Ian Kuah? Join him as he finds out

Words & Photos | Dr. Ian Kuah

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, I AM OF THE OPINION THAT A FOURCYLINDER SLK IS A SERIOUS driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; car. This comes as a big surprise as in the past, the four-cylinder versions simply did not cut the mustard. The kompressor motor in the original SLK (R170) of 1996 was rough, and when paired with the period five14

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speed automatic gearbox, it sounded like a worn out washing machine when revved hard. It was the antithesis of its marketplace contemporary, the Porsche Boxster. The V6 motor that arrived in the new flagship SLK 320 with the facelift in 2000 was a revelation. Not only did it have a glorious warbling soundtrack,

it also finally gave the SLK the performance it deserved. Along with the powertrain upgrade came chassis tweaks for all models that made the handling safer and more reassuring. The first generation car was twitchy, especially so when the roads were slippery. A slightly lower ride height, rear anti-roll bar and ESP in

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COVERSTORY PREVIEWS MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS

corporating the ASR of the original model fixed that. The second generation SLK (R171) that arrived in 2004 was a very different animal. Design-wise the SLR like nose was pretentious and looked too bulbous on this short roadster. But the chassis was good and the next generation 1.8-litre four-cylinder motor was not a bad tool. Once again, the V6 in the SLK 350 was the engine of choice, especially so when the car was face-lifted in 2008 and given the option of the Sport version of this engine. I mentioned before that the kompressor motor in the original SLK 230 was certainly no engine for sports car. While the latest turbocharged 1,796cc direct-injection motor revs freely and does not sound bad in the C and EClass, it still falls short of the most sonorous four-cylinder engines on the planet.

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Particularly charismatic ones like the old style dual-carburettor Alfa Romeo 1750 twin-cam or Mercedes own 2.516 Cosworth twin-cam spring to mind and are a hard act to follow. THE NEW EDGE The Mercedes engineers paid particular attention to this aspect of driver engagement in the course of developing the emotional side of the new SLK, and came up with a solution to give this technically efficient engine a soul. The answer lies with the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;acoustic generatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with its bypass flaps in the intake plumbing. Under full throttle acceleration, the air in this device resonates in such a way that it creates an induction note not far off the sucking and gurgling of carburettors. On the road, this gives the four-cylinder SLK a soundtrack that encourages the keen driver to use all the revs in the intermediate gears, and enjoy every

In its basic four-cylinder version, the third generation SLK (R172) delivers a wonderful seat-of-the-pants sense of balance to the driver

April 2011 | motoring

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COVERSTORY MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS

moment of it. It really makes a huge difference to one’s perception of the four-cylinder SLK as a drivers’ car. In its basic four-cylinder version, the third generation SLK (R172) delivers a wonderful seat-of-the-pants sense of balance to the driver. The front and rear ends of the car feel totally as one, the quick steering ratio with perfectly weighted power assistance exactly right for the cars relatively short wheelbase. This helps the compact Mercedes roadster feel light and agile on its feet, while its stiff structure and fine build quality make it feel substantial at the same time. Driven sportingly on a twisty road, the nose chases apexes like a hungry wolf, the back end following on cue, but with no hint of nervousness, even on damp roads. If anything, the mere 184hp and 270Nm of torque delivered by the en-

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try-level SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY turbo motor feels feeble compared to the confidence inspiring chassis, and on dry tarmac at least, applying full power exiting most bends is not a challenge at all. Against the stopwatch, 100km/h comes up in 7.3 seconds (7.0 seconds auto) and top speed is 240km/h (237km/h auto). In 7G-TRONIC auto form, the average fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 142g/km. ECO start/stop is standard on all models. There are three suspension variants available, the basic configuration being steel springs and gas dampers. Next up is the 10mm lower sport suspension with uprated springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Our test cars had the Dynamic Handling package, which consists of

electronically-controlled dampers, the Direct Steer system and Torque Vectoring Brakes. On paper, the optional AMG sports package with its uprated suspension and larger 18-inch wheels throws up images of a firm ride. But even on Lanzarote’s worst country roads, the SLK’s low speed secondary ride proved supple, the counterpoint being impressive high-speed stability. With 306hp and 370Nm of torque, the auto-only V6-engined SLK 350 is another kettle of fish altogether. With a lot more power and torque under the bonnet, and a howling V6 soundtrack, it is a faster machine from the word go, with 0-100km/h coming up in 5.6 seconds and an electronically limited 250km/h top speed. However, with more weight in the nose, and more torque at the rear

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COVERSTORY MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS

wheels, the SLK 350 gives the impression of being more of a blunt instrument than its smaller-engined brothers. The heavier motor creates more understeer should you carry too much speed going into tighter bends. On the way out, the beefy torque curve can unhinge the back end quite easily if you push hard in the lower gears. So where you find yourself pointing the 1,435kg (1,470 auto) SLK 200 on its intended line on the way in, and then just throttling up on the way out, when you drive the V6 model in anger you might have to trail brake into a tight bend to settle the front and then concentrate on managing the throttle to optimise grip on the way out. The happy medium then, is the SLK 250, which has 204hp and 310Nm of torque. With barely more weight and the same exquisite balance as its less powerful brother, the six-speed manual version should be the pick of the bunch when the car goes on sale in the early summer. With the 7G-TRONIC auto, 0-100km/h takes 6.6 seconds and top speed is 243km/h.

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However, the press launch SLK 250s were all equipped with the 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, which is good for all-round driving, but takes some of the sporting edge off the car. Like the SLK 200, the SLK 350 I drove had the AMG sports package, which comes with a paddle shifter steering wheel. If you must have an auto in a non-sports package car, I would recommend this steering wheel, which is available as an option anyway. TERMS OF ENDEARMENT While the overall proportions of the new SLK remain the same, with the traditional long bonnet, short tail characteristic of a roadster, the styling sees a bold new direction in both form and detailing. The new car is 31mm longer and 33mm wider, providing more cabin and boot space in the process. The drag coefficient is now 0.3, down from the 0.32 of the previous model. The boot capacity is 335 litres with the roof up and 225 litres when folded. This includes 51 litres under a reversible floor panel, although you lose this if you specify a

space saver tyre instead of Tyrefit. Where the first and second generation cars had a distinct wedge shape and the latter featured a faux SLR nose cone, the new car harks back to the 190 SL of the late 1950s with distinct curves over its rear arches and a much more rounded tail. Air intakes aft of the front wheel arches are a new detail on an SLK and were inspired by the 300 SL Roadster. The Mercedes sports grille that began to permeate to other cars in the range starting with the W204 C-Class, leads into a taller, more chiselled nose to meet pedestrian safety rules. On that subject, Attention Assist, Adaptive Brake, Brake Assist and ESP are standard, with Distronic Plus and Pre-Safe Brake as options. The SLK’s interior trim always felt a bit low rent compared to larger Mercedes models. That is no longer the case. Mercedes’ aim to redeem themselves after the ‘lost decade’ from 1995 is continuing on track, and the build quality of the new cars cabin is noticeably better than its predecessor in all respects. With or without paddle shifts, the 375mm diameter sports steering wheel feels just the right size in terms of diameter and rim thickness. And the leather perforated grips with finger cut-outs at the three and nine o’clock positions are absolutely spot on. Even the instrument dials look expensive for a car of this class, with a design and script the equal of, if not even better than the much more expensive SLS AMG, whose cabin obviously inspired the SLKs. The leather has a special coating that reduces temperatures by ten degrees under the sun. The four-eyeball air vent design and the shape of the centre console are clearly inspired by the flagship AMG coupe. Dashboard and centre console trim is brushed aluminium in the base model, with wood in either walnut brown or black ash as an option. On practical matters, while the first generation SLK introduced a powered folding solid roof to the Mercedes roadster range and the second-generation car brought along AIRSCARF, another new piece of technology accompanies the third car to wear the SLK moniker. Glass roofs are becoming more popular in all types of vehicles. But while they allow in more light, even tinted thermal glass allows significant heat to enter the cabin. Mercedes’ answer to this dilemma is called MAGIC SKY CONTROL, a technology that changes the April 2011 | motoring

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COVERSTORY MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS

amount of light let in through the roof at the touch of a button on the top of the cant rail. The base version comes with a solid vario-roof in body colour, with a panoramic glass roof as an option. MAGIC SKY CONTROL is an option for the panoramic vario-roof, which takes 20 seconds to fully open or close. MAGIC SKY CONTROL is the result of development work centred round the use of an electric current to influence particles in the laminate film of the glass sandwich panoramic roof panel. The particles are aligned in such a way that they become transparent to light when a small electrical charge is applied. When the charge is removed, they revert to their random state, which partially blocks light and heat, and makes the glass appear darker with a blue tint.

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Even in transparent mode, the particles block UV and infrared light, both of which are bad for the skin in high doses, while the interior remains a significant 10 degrees C cooler compared to conventional green thermal insulated glass. The ultimate heat soak test was carried out in Death Valley where temperatures soar to 50 degrees C in August. Here, the thermal load on a test cars interior was measured as high as 1100W/square metre with the roof down. With the transparent roof raised, this dropped to 200W, and with MAGIC SKY CONTROL activated, it was a very comfortable 40-50W. The much lower load on the airconditioning, which no longer has to work so hard to keep the interior cool, means that both fuel economy and emissions benefit significantly. CONCLUSION Compared to its predecessors, the new SLK feels more mature as a design, and complete in itself, rather than a poor man’s SL. But perhaps the biggest surprise is just how good the four-cylinder models are. Even in its entry-level form, the new SLK is now a real drivers’ car, and with a four-cylinder diesel and an AMG V8 on the way, it looks like Mercedes new baby roadster has all its bases covered.

>SPECIFICATIONS:

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 350 BLUEEFFICIENCY GENERAL Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, twodoor convertible Price: T.B.A. ENGINE Capacity: 3,498cc Cylinder Layout: V6 Valves: 24 Compression Ratio: 12.0:1 Bore x Stroke: 92.9mm x 86.0mm Maximum Power: 306bhp at 6,500rpm Maximum Torque: 370Nm at 3,500rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 7-speed automatic MEASUREMENTS Length: 4,134mm Width: 1,817mm Height: 1,303mm Wheelbase: 2,430mm Kerb Weight: 1,540kg Power-to-weight Ratio: 198.7bhp/tonne SUSPENSION AND BRAKES Front: Multi-link, ventilated discs Rear: Multi-link, discs TYRES Type: N.A. Size: 225/40 R18 front, 245/35 R18 rear PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h: 5.6 secs Top Speed: 250km/h

WE LIKE Well balanced chassis, nicer soundtrack, a more complete car overall

WE DON’T LIKE Not much

3/18/11 2:58 PM

REVIEWS >> ON THE ROAD CITROËN C5

GO WITH THE Can the revised Citroën C5 charm us with its innovations and updated styling? Words | E. K. Foo • Photos | Raymond Yeo

THE CITROËN C5 WAS FIRST INTRODUCED ABOUT A DECADE AGO TO REPLACE THE XANTIA and offer consumers another choice in the large family saloon segment. It came with a range of body styles and engine options, besides featuring hydropneumatic suspension. Called ‘Hydractive III’, it replaces the mechanical height correctors with electronic sensors, which allowed the on board computer to automatically control ride height. The driver can also

Flow adjust the ride height manually and the system is clever enough to override it to ensure a safe riding height. A couple of years ago, Citroën unveiled the second-generation C5 and again, its styling was a great departure from the classic Citroëns of old. It was a lot more ‘European’ than French and it also carried Citroën’s refreshed identity. Recently, the company has deemed fit to give the C5 a minor facelift, along with the introduction of the turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder

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REVIEWS Citroën C5

It is still undeniably classy and portrays a sublimely elegant silhouette co-developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën, which also found its way into MINIs, Peugeots and other Citroën models. REFRESHED AND IMPROVED Although some have criticised the current C5 from deviating further from Citroën’s classic styling, it is still easily recognised as a Citroën. The chevron badge had been updated since two years ago and continues to feature prominently on the C5. Trimmed in chrome and with slates stretching across the fascia, it gives the C5 a very distinctive and classy look. The front bumper is very strongly designed, with fog lamps integrated intricately at the sides. A chrome strip also runs across the lower section surrounding the air intake, adding a visual cue to the C5’s wide and stable stance. While the headlamps structure remains the same, there is now a slim strip of LED daytime running lights at the bottom edge. These lights are very bright and give the C5 an even more distinctive fascia during the day and night. This ‘Exclusive’ variant also gets Xenon adaptive headlamps. At the rear, the taillights now feature a ‘dark crystal’ treatment, giving it a smoked look, giving it an equally distinctive signature at the rear. There is also a subtle boot lid spoiler, while

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REVIEWS Citroën C5

the rectangular chrome exhaust tips add a touch of sportiness too. Here on this particular ‘Exclusive’ variant, the 18-inch ‘Alantique’ alloy wheels look beautiful and fits the car’s size nicely, where they are shod with Michelin Primacy HP 245/45 R18 tyres. Additionally, this variant also features a tyre under inflation detector. Apart from the aforementioned, the ‘Exclusive’ variant also gets chrome strips running along the windowsill line, the side skirts and on the bumpers. The lateral glass area here is also acoustically laminated. To be honest, the C5’s styling may have mellowed down from the quirky designs from yesteryears but it is still undeniably classy and portrays a sublimely elegant silhouette. We feel that nobody would, or should, be offended by the way it looks. INTERIOR FLAIR Stepping inside the C5 brings back some familiarities such as the elegant designs, build quality and the ‘quirky’ steering wheel with its fixed centre. There is an air of sophistication in the

C5’s cabin, where the driving position is aptly focused and the ergonomics are almost faultless. With remote controls for the audio, trip computer and cruise control fixed on the steering wheel centre, it is easy to operate them and we can do so safely too. In addition to these benefits, the fixed centre also ensures that the airbag deploys at the correct angle in the event of an impact. The C5’s instrument panel is also designed with greater ergonomics in mind. It features three dials with annular needles and information clearly labelled and laid out. Effectively, such a design also means the display showing trip and vehicular information in the centrally located speedometer can be larger. On the top part of the centre console is the factory-fitted audio system, which now features iPod and USB connectivity. There is also a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a central display on the dashboard that provide various information, including a graphical presentation of the parking assistance function.

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REVIEWS Citroën C5

Here on this unit, there is also an electronic parking brake and also buttons for controlling ride height and sport suspension. Other additional equipment in this variant includes manual rear/side blinds, front glove compartment lighting, soft ambient lighting, powered adjustments for front seats with memory settings for driver’s side and also a ‘welcome seat function’ for the driver seat.

The seats are generally very comfortable, especially those in front as they are very well shaped and provide excellent support. In terms of spaciousness, the C5 has enough to fit five adult occupants, with generous legroom at the rear thanks to a relatively flat floor. One of the things we like best about the C5’s interior is its flexible loading function. Despite its status as a large family saloon, the boot space is very huge. It also has a cleanly shaped opening and loading area, where additional volume can be created by tumbling the rear seat benches forward and folding down the rear seatbacks. Undoubtedly, the C5’s interior is a comfortable place to spend time in. It has enough functionality and flexibility, plus adequate features to make life on the road a lot easier to bear with.

The engine produces 156bhp at 6,000rpm and 240Nm at 1,400rpm. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it enables the C5 to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds and onto a respectable top speed of 210km/h. Its main highlight is of course its environmental performance. Officially, fuel consumption figures for the C5 are quoted at 10.5, 5.6 and 7.3L/100km for the urban, extra-urban and combined cycles respectively. CO2 emission is just 168g/km. On the move, the C5 is very calm, with a very smooth and pliant ride quality that we so love Citroën cars for. With its slippery body shape and the acoustically laminated lateral glass on this unit, the ambience is also exceptionally quiet.

INVOLVING DRIVING As we have mentioned earlier, this C5 now comes with the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine from the BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën collaboration. This 1,598cc motor should attract those who love large cars and small engine sizes.

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REVIEWS Citroën C5

The steering, although light, is accurate enough to endow us with confidence when we are driving slightly faster through a series of corners. Body movement is very well controlled and the C5 feels stable throughout. Undeniably, the hydropneumatic suspension does work well. In the ‘Dynamique’ variant, the C5 gets standard suspension but here on this ‘Exclusive’ variant we are testing, it gets the ‘Hydractive III+’ system. This is an enhanced version that adjusts the spring and damping rates to compensate for driver input and road conditions. Regardless of load and number of occupants, the computer automatically adjusts the ride height, lowering the C5 at high speeds for stability and to reduce drag and raising it when going through bumpy surfaces. There is also a ‘Sport’ mode where the C5 becomes even more dynamic and exhibits better body control. This system really is quite clever and it can even maintain a constant ride height in the event of a puncture or even if you physically remove one of the wheels!

CONCLUSION The C5 is a very easy and enjoyable car to drive, be it moving around town or travelling on the expressways. It is comfortable and genuinely capable of maintaining utter composure no matter what kind of surfaces it encounters. On the inside, the design and build quality are of very high standards, where there are also enough features and flexibility for everyone to enjoy. The C5 also gets seven airbags, front/ rear parking sensors with parking gap detector, anti-glare rear view mirror, cruise control, ISOFIX seats, ABS, ESP and ASR as standard across the range. With this ‘Exclusive’ variant, you also get a technologically advanced suspension system that can really make its impact on you enjoying a relaxing drive or sprinting through your favourite roads enthusiastically. The C5 does go with the flow excellently and we also like its powerful yet frugal engine, the smooth transmission and its proper handling manners. At $144,988, it is quite a dear sum to pay. Apart from this, there is nothing else much we dislike.

>SPECIFICATIONS:

CITROËN C5 1.6 THP EXCLUSIVE GENERAL Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-door saloon Price: $144,988 including COE ENGINE Capacity: 1,598cc Cylinder Layout: In-line 4, turbocharged Valves: 16, DOHC Compression Ratio: : 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: Hydropneumatic, ventilated discs Rear: Hydropneumatic, discs TYRES Type: Michelin Primacy HP Size: 245/45 R18 PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h: 9.8 secs Top Speed: 210km/h

WE LIKE Cabin comfort and flexibility, frugal engine, ride quality and handling

WE DON’T LIKE Price

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REVIEWS Honda Insight

>SPECIFICATIONS:

HONDA INSIGHT GENERAL Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, fivedoor hatchback Price: $103,900 including COE ENGINE Capacity: 1,339cc Cylinder Layout: In-line 4 Valves: 16, SOHC Compression Ratio: 10.8:1 Bore x Stroke: 73.0mm x 80.0mm Maximum Power: 88bhp at 5,800rpm Maximum Torque: 121Nm at 4,500rpm

approximately four percent, although full responsiveness can be re-engaged by wide-open throttle. In the guidance function, feedback is provided by the ‘Eco Assist’ system via changing colours on the speedometer background. ‘Blue’ indicates aggressive acceleration and sudden deceleration, ‘blue-green’ means moderate and ‘green’ means optimal acceleration and deceleration. By monitoring the colours of the speedometer’s background, we were able to achieve ideal driving habits that enhance fuel economy. The scoring function on the other hand, ‘grows’ leaves according to the level of driving performance with regards to environmental friendliness. When the ignition is turned off, ‘leaves’ in the ‘eco score’ display tells us how efficient we were in the driving cycle just completed. Our best fuel economy figure was 18.0km/L, which is approximately 44

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5.5L/100km. This is quite commendable considering the number of times we were caught in crawling traffic and the number of errands we ran during our test drive period. CONCLUSION The new Insight is definitely one of those cars that we can see ourselves driving. It is stylish, hugely practical as a five-door hatchback and comes with an advanced hybrid powertrain that not only allows us to save costs in the long run with excellent fuel efficiency but also ‘trains’ us to develop good driving habits that save fuel. It is also very comfortable and rather nice to drive with a subtly sporty edge. While electric cars are still some time away from mass market practicality, hybrid cars like the Insight is a good point in the right direction towards greener pastures.

ELECTRIC MOTOR Maximum Power: 14bhp at 1,500rpm Maximum Torque: 78Nm at 1,000rpm COMBINED OUTPUT Maximum Power: 98bhp at 5,800rpm Maximum Torque: 167Nm at 1,000 to 1,500rpm TRANSMISSION Type: CVT MEASUREMENTS Length: 4,395mm Width: 1,695mm Height: 1,435mm Wheelbase: 2,550mm Kerb Weight: 1,210kg Power-to-weight Ratio: bhp/tonne SUSPENSION AND BRAKES Front: MacPherson struts, ventilated discs Rear: Torsion beam, drums TYRES Type: Bridgestone Turanza ER370 Size: 185/55 R16 PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h: N.A. Top Speed: N.A.

WE LIKE Style, cabin design and roominess, smooth drive, poised handling

WE DON’T LIKE f ‘Auto stop’ can’t be switched off

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REVIEWS >> ON THE ROAD

PEUGEOT RCZ

STIRRING THE EMOTIONS Will the new Peugeot RCZ be as impressive to drive as it looks? Join us as we find out Words | T. K. Pow • Photos | Raymond Yeo

MANUFACTURERS OF MASS PRODUCTION CARS SELDOM GO OUT OF THEIR BOXES AND COME up with a ‘non-series’ model that is really sensational but when they do, the excitement is almost unbearable. We are of course talking about the Peugeot RCZ here today and if a car can really capture the imagination and etch a grin on one’s face, this has to be it. The evolution of Peugeot from a

steel foundry two centuries ago into what it is today is nothing short of epic. They celebrated their 200th birthday last year with a new corporate identity and styling direction, christened ‘MOTION & EMOTION’. The new lion emblem, boasting a new posture, fluidity and dynamism accompanies this new era for the company. There will also be 14 new models that will be launched between now and April 2011 | motoring

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REVIEWS Peugeot RCZ

2012, undeniably signalling more exciting times ahead for Peugeot. Recent introductions like the 3008 and 5008 cemented our belief that Peugeot are truly capable of building cars with aesthetic appeal, creativity and excellent functionality. The ride comfort and build quality of these cars are also improving with each iteration, which are definitely some of the reasons why they are gaining due recognition with local consumers. With the launch of the RCZ here in Singapore, the allure of Peugeot is set to gain a few notches. This sexy little model is available in two variants â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a 156bhp with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 200bhp variant with a six-speed manual transmission. At press time, prices start from $173,900 for the former and an additional $10,000 will get you the 200bhp model.

MOVING STYLE When the 308 RCZ concept car was unveiled about three years ago, reception from the public and media was outstanding and that pushed Peugeot to go ahead with the production version. To achieve the transformation from concept to production was certainly no easy task. The stylists and engineers worked together to ensure that the whole vehicle was in keeping with the expectations created by the exterior styling of the concept. Apart from keeping the purity of the design, ambitious objectives were set in order to provide the RCZ with driving dynamics and build quality that will endow it with its own strong identity. Despite the uphill challenges faced by the development team, the RCZ was ready in production form in just

With the launch of the RCZ here in Singapore, the allure of Peugeot is set to gain a few notches

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REVIEWS Peugeot RCZ

It is undoubtedly a triumph in terms of style and technical innovation, reinventing the coupé with a uniquely curvaceous body that is very elegant as well

two years from the time the concept was shown. Due to its inherent dimensions, the RCZ is classified as a ‘non-series’ model and thus, this 2+2 coupé is the first Peugeot that does not use the usual zero or double zero nomenclature. It is undoubtedly a triumph in terms of style and technical innovation, reinventing the coupé with a uniquely curvaceous body that is very elegant as well. Its most distinctive element is the ‘double bubble’ roof and rear windscreen, inspired by Zagato’s masterstrokes from the 1960s. Its fluid contours are accentuated by two polished aluminium arches, endowing it with a very attention grabbing shape. Broad front and rear

shoulders, along with the low ride height give the RCZ a very athletic stance. Its 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are polished to a stylish shine, while they are shod with high-performance Continental ContiSportContact 3 235/45 R18 tyres. The signature feline headlamps with its bejewelled styling wrap the front section and together with the bulging bonnet, direct the sight of anyone looking at it to its sharp snout. Its front bumper features a gaping grille with chrome slates and a piano black member, and a pair of fog lamps skilfully etched onto the sides. At the rear, the ruby red taillights sit gently around the flared shoulders, while the tailgate has a strip of LED April 2011 | motoring

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REVIEWS Peugeot RCZ

brake lamps and a retractable spoiler on the boot lid. Instead of the concept car’s centrally located exhaust pipes, the RCZ makes do with twin chromed tailpipes at the left side of the underbody diffuser. The RCZ is one of those cars that look beautiful from almost any angles. It appears ready to leap forward even it is standing still and it easily captures the attention of everyone who comes across it. In our own opinion, the RCZ scores a perfect ten as far as automotive style is concerned. THE BUSINESS INSIDE With such a gorgeous exterior, one would expect the RCZ’s cabin to be equally exciting. Unfortunately, its interior is more ‘business as usual’, which is probably due to the practical con48

cerns and viability. Nevertheless, we have nothing much to complain about the RCZ’s cabin except that it should have been just a pure two-seater. The two rear seats here are more for ‘emergency purposes’ or occupants with exceptionally short height. Despite its low ride height, ingress and egress is very easy. The sumptuous leather upholstery creates a luxurious and intimate ambience, while cabin space is unexpectedly generous. The front sports seats are very well shaped and provide excellent support and comfort, whereas the driver’s seat also features powered adjustments and memory settings. Like all sporty Peugeot cars, the RCZ gets a sportily trimmed threespoke steering wheel with a flat

bottom. The centre console is more steeply raked than usual and creates aptly sports car feel. It features highgloss black panelling and houses a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a small clubby hole in the middle and an audio system. While the audio and trip computer display sits on top of the dashboard as usual, the chrome ringed circular air vents add a touch of elegance. One of the interesting bits here is the chronograph-style analogue clock in the middle, which has a sketched aluminium and ‘carbon fibre’ face in similar fashion as the twin-meter instrument panel. There are some thoughtful details in the interior designed to make the RCZ more user-friendly and spacious, such as numerous storage areas,

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a 12-volt socket and the short parking brake lever with its space-saving design. Meanwhile, the button for raising the rear spoiler is located conveniently next to the parking lever. The RCZ may be a compact sports car but it has excellent practicality and is definitely a very useable daily driver. Besides the aforementioned functionality, it has a cleanly shaped cargo bay with a large opening, which is measured at 384 litres in volume. Like we mentioned earlier, we would very much have preferred the RCZ to be a pure two-seater, where perhaps the rear seats could have been removed and in their place a parcel shelf or something. The interior is otherwise fuss-free and there is a genuine sense of high build quality too.

LEAPING AHEAD The RCZ is launched here with an initial offering of just one variant – this 156bhp 1.6-litre with a six-speed automatic gearbox you see in these pages. Later on, there will be another variant with the same engine but stoked to provide 200bhp and comes with a six-speed manual instead. We are quite familiar with this turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine and have confidence that it is an apt motor for the RCZ at this price level. It churns out 156bhp at 6,000rpm, while the generous 240Nm worth of torque is available between 1,400 to 4,500rpm. At full chat, the engine and exhaust also emit a rather nice throaty tone. Mated to the six-speed ‘Tiptronic System Porsche’ automatic gearbox, it

provides the RCZ with excellent driveability and fuel economy. According to official sources, it sips a reasonable 7.3L/100km of fuel in the combined cycle. Just like recent six-speeders introduced by Peugeot, this ‘box in the RCZ feels very well behaved and is quick enough to react to our inputs. Specially developed by Aisin AW according to Peugeot’s specifications for the RCZ, it is optimised to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Thanks to features such as the direct-control hydraulic block and revised mapping that optimises downshifts, the quality and speed of the gear changes are fine-tuned and very smooth and responsive. There is an option to shift ‘manually’ but only via the transmission lever, as there are no fancy steering April 2011 | motoring

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REVIEWS Peugeot RCZ

wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The RCZ is a poodle to drive around town, as its speed-sensitive steering enables us to manoeuvre it without problems even within tight confides. The front MacPherson struts suspension with anti-roll bar ensured good road holding and elicit sharp responses. Due to its low ride height and large tyres, the RCZ does feel a little tightly sprung. It has a ride quality that is firm and unlike most other Peugeot cars we are familiar with. Although we can definitely feel the body’s rigidity, it is not so bad that we have to clench our teeth each time we go over rough road patches. The upsides of a low centre of gravity and a stiff body are improved handling and stability. The RCZ can turn in sharply when we want it to and dives for any given corner without the chassis protesting too much. Its comparatively compact body tips the weighing scales at 1,336kg, endowing it with adequate agility. Although the 9.0 seconds 0-100km/h timing is not quite what we expected, the RCZ does have enough pace in most situations, allowing us to flow through the streets in a fast and most importantly, smooth manner. If this RCZ has such an acceptable level of performance, we really cannot wait to try the 200bhp variant with

the six-speed manual gearbox. That, we suspect and expect, would be much more fun to punt around. CONCLUSION In all truthfulness, we are very happy that Peugeot has decided to make the RCZ into production reality. One of the added bonuses is of course its close link with the concept car in terms of its exterior styling. Some says it is sporty and others think it is adorable, while a handful will acknowledge its sports car aspirations. One thing is for sure though, it creates an endearing affinity with those that comes across it. The interior fit and finishing is good enough and there are also enough features and practicality sans the two tiny rear seats. It may be marketed as a twodoor sports coupé but Peugeot is never going to throw day-to-day usability out of the window, which is reassuring to know. One can definitely ‘pose’ in the RCZ and enjoy driving it around at a leisurely pace, whereas the chassis, engine and transmission gel well enough to provide respectable levels of performance. The RCZ may not be soul stirring – leave that to the 200bhp variant – but it certainly stirred our emotions to a happier level than before we saw it in the flesh and drove it.

>SPECIFICATIONS:

PEUGEOT RCZ 1.6 THP GENERAL Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, twodoor coupé Price: $173,800 including COE ENGINE Capacity: 1,598cc Cylinder Layout: In-line 4, turbocharged Valves: 16, DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 Bore x Stroke: 77.0mm x 85.8mm Maximum Power: 156bhp at 6,000rpm Maximum Torque: 240Nm at 1,400 to 4,500rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 6-speed automatic MEASUREMENTS Length: 4,287mm Width: 1,845mm Height: 1,362mm Wheelbase: 2,596mm Kerb Weight: 1,336kg Power-to-weight Ratio: 116.8bhp/tonne SUSPENSION AND BRAKES Front: MacPherson struts, ventilated discs Rear: Deformable cross member, discs TYRES Type: Continental ContiSportContact 3 Size: 235/45 R18 PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h: 9.0 secs Top Speed: 212km/h

WE LIKE Gorgeous styling, efficient engine, smooth gearbox and nice handling

WE DON’T LIKE Not much (if they make it a pure two seater)

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REVIEWS >> ON THE ROAD

MINI COOPER S COUNTRYMAN

THE

Words | T. K. Pow Photos | Raymond Yeo

RE A L BIG THING Can a five-door MINI be something to cheer about? We drive the current range-topping version to find out

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MINI HAS CERTAINLY COME A LONG WAY EVER SINCE BMW BROUGHT THE BRAND UNDER ITS WINGS. The successful reinvention of this automotive icon has been largely very well received. Today, MINI has given us delectable models such as the MINI, MINI Cabriolet and MINI Clubman. About a year ago, something big happened in the MINI camp – the Countryman was born. It is a modern interpretation between the classic concept of the MINI and a ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ and is the first-ever four-door MINI. This is indeed a very different vehicle compared to the Austin Mini Countryman from the 1960s with its rear barn doors. It is visually bigger, taller, has a longer wheelbase and is more spacious April 2011 | motoring

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REVIEWS MINI Cooper S Countryman

The cabin design is instantly familiar but has a refreshing identity of its own than the Clubman. While the engine options remain the same as the rest of the MINI range, there is now the option of an all-wheel-drive powertrain dubbed ALL4. The Countryman was recently launched in Singapore with great fanfare, where the Cooper and Cooper S derivatives were introduced. MINI remains very much a ‘lifestyle brand’ with quite a niche market. Despite the recent rise in costs for car ownership, the brand managed to see an increase in sales of almost 40 percent compared to 2009. With the launch of the Countryman – and the impending MINI Roadster – the number of new MINI owners should continue to increase.

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A NEW ICON When we first saw the Countryman on the Internet, we did not really like the way it looked. In some ways, it felt like it was trying to be something it was never meant to be – well, a MINI is meant to be ‘small’, right? We do have to hand it to BMW for continuously creating new models that we would have never thought had any meaning until we see them in the metal and drive them. The Countryman is a huge car by MINI’s standards and undeniably unique even in its own stable. It is 4,110mm long and measures almost 1.8 metre across, while the height is 1,561mm. Despite its inherent dimensions, the Countryman’s styling is still fundamentally MINI. With its

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REVIEWS MINI Cooper S Countryman

The fact is though, the Countryman is a very spacious vehicle on the inside

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new body concept, the Countryman has increased ground clearance and raised seating positions. There are very distinctive segments in the Countryman’s body, where you can clearly see the separation of the roof, window areas and the lower body. Its front section is distinctively MINI, with large headlamps, a hexagonal grille and that upright windscreen. It is bold, expressive and portrays a strong purposeful stance. Characteristic details such as the side scuttle on the front shoulders, the tapering windows and the upright taillights mean the Countryman is instantly recognisable as a MINI although its four-door body may lead the uninitiated to think otherwise.

For the first time, the MINI badge at the tailgate has a function. Pressing the ‘circle’ of the badge opens up the tailgate. Meanwhile, the rear section of the Countryman also echoes a link between the front end, where there is also a diffuser designed to optimise aerodynamics. Like the rest of its stable mates, the Countryman has a wide selection of body colours besides several customisation options. Our white test unit looks great with its black 18-inch wheels, which are shod with Goodyear EfficientGrip RunOnFlat 225/45 R18 tyres. To be fair, we feel that MINI has done a good job in designing the Countryman. Its four-door architecture certainly opened up numerous

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REVIEWS MINI Cooper S Countryman

stylistic opportunities but instead of creating something too far out, MINI has endowed the Countryman with bespoke flair while maintaining its corporate identity. EVEN BETTER INSIDE Nobody would be blamed if they think that the Countryman is essentially an enlarged MINI with two additional doors. The fact is though, the Countryman is a very spacious vehicle on the inside. Contrary to expectations, the raised seating positions did not compromise headroom and the Countryman is big enough to even swallow taller occupants. The legroom is generous too, while rear seat passengers get the same spacious feeling especially in this fourseater variant. The boot volume is 350 litres with the rear seatbacks upright, while there is an additional 100-litre worth of storage space beneath the boot floor. While the rear seats can be adjusted forward for increasing storage space, the seatbacks can also be folded down to increase boot volume to 1,170 litres. On the Cooper S variants, there is also an option for a three-seater bench. Here on this particular unit, the two rear seats are separated by the innovative Centre Rail storage and fastening system. The Centre Rail runs length-wise through the middle of the middle in place of a conventional centre console. It features ‘clip-in’ fixtures that anchor storage boxes, cup holders, mobile phones and other elements along the rail, which can be positioned according to the users’ needs. If the three-seat rear bench is specified, however, the MINI Centre Rail stops at the front seat backrests. The cabin design is instantly familiar but has a refreshing identity of its own. Most of the surfaces have a new design, while the dashboard has pronounced, concave forms. The Countryman carries on the circular theme found in other MINIs, such as on the air-con vents, the large speedometer and the transmission gate. There are also a variety of options for the infortainment system and on this unit, we have the MINI Visual Boost radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution display in the Centre Speedo and Bluetooth connectivity for a mobile phone along with USB audio interface. 54

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We are really delighted with the amount of space inside the Countryman and also very impressed with its flexibility

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REVIEWS MINI Cooper S Countryman

This system is very user-friendly and can be operated via a set of two buttons and a small rotary knob on the centre console aft the transmission gate. Pressing the ‘house’ icon brings us back to the main menu where we can select functions such as radio, CD/media, telephone and other vehicular settings. Equipment level on this Cooper S Countryman is reasonably high, with features such as a ‘Park Distance Control’, twin sunroof and an engine start/ stop button. The Countryman has also been awarded a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. We are really delighted with the amount of space inside the Countryman and also very impressed with its flexibility. Couple these to the unique Centre Rail system, the strong safety features and the wonderful design of the cabin, the Countryman is a very nice place to spend time in. FOR THE LOVE OF DRIVING The revival of the MINI brand by BMW has been so successful that with each introduction of a new MINI model, we fully expect the car to behave like it should – in other words, fun to drive.

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Thankfully to begin with, this Cooper S Countryman is endowed with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. It is also MINI’s first-ever model to feature fully variable valve management along with turbocharging and petrol direct injection, developed to achieve an ideal balance between fuel consumption and power output. This engine also complies with Euro V emissions standards and is also about nine percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Its maximum power is rated at 184bhp at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 240Nm is available between 1,500 to 5,000rpm. An overboost feature also allows a maximum twisting force of 260Nm between 1,700 to 4,500rpm. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Cooper S Countryman is delightful to pilot through town speeds and beyond. Its sleek-shifting nature and the broad power band enable us to pick up pace as and when we want, while the paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel also add a generous dose of driving fun. Zero to 100km/h comes in a respectable 8.3 seconds while top speed is capped at 205km/h. CO2 emission April 2011 | motoring

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REVIEWS MINI Cooper S Countryman

is rated at 180g/km and the fuel consumption figure for the combined cycle is measured at 7.7L/100km. This Cooper S Countryman is also specified with the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system, which distributed drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles via an electromagnetic centre differential. Depending on road conditions, the ALL4 system can direct between 50 to 100 percent of drive to the rear axle, optimising traction on the Countryman for assured handling especially during critical situations. We did bring this Countryman onto loose gravel surfaces for a quick roundabout and honestly, the reactive forces from the ALL4 system become immediately noticeable. The electronics are integrated directly into the DSC unit, which explains its ability to react quickly to changing road conditions. Despite our very best efforts, this Cooper S Countryman refused to break traction and kept us going in circles on the loosely paved surfaces. Going back onto familiar asphalt, it behaves with composure and neutral handling manners.

There were no torque steer or understeer we had to meddle with and instead, the Cooper S Countryman just trundled along beautifully with adequate ride comfort. What impressed us most is the acute steering, which allowed us to power the Countryman precisely through our favourite string of corners. While the Countryman is still very fun to drive and can corner as if on rails 90 percent of the time, there is no denying that this ‘upsized’ MINI is a tad heavier than its lithe siblings are. At 1,405kg, it does lose some of that famous ‘go-kart’ magic. CONCLUSION The Countryman sits below the John Cooper Works variants in the MINI price range with prices ranging from $159,800 for the Cooper Countryman, and the $179,800 front-wheel driven Cooper S Countryman to this Cooper S Countryman with the ALL4 system at $189,800. Anyone looking at these figures right now would certainly agree with us that this is serious money. However, the Countryman offers a unique driving experience and excellent practicality as

far as lifestyle vehicles are concerned. It is still instantly recognisable on the road and stands out pretty well with its well-proportioned body and distinctive stance. On the inside, it provides more than enough space for a small family and also very good storage and cargo options. The engine, transmission and steering come together very well and give the Cooper S Countryman some very nice driving sensations, adequate pace and an acceptable level of ride comfort. If only it is less affected by factors such as COE prices and rising costs of car ownership, the Countryman – in our own opinion – can really become the next big thing, for real.

>SPECIFICATIONS:

The Countryman offers a unique driving experience and excellent practicality

MINI COOPER S ALL4 COUNTRYMAN GENERAL Type: Front-engine, four-wheel drive, five-door hatchback Price: $189,800 including COE ENGINE Capacity: 1,598cc Cylinder Layout: In-line 4, turbocharged Valves: 16, DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 Bore x Stroke: 77.0mm x 85.8mm Maximum Power: 184bhp at 5,500rpm Maximum Torque: 240Nm at 1,600 to 5,000rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 6-speed automatic MEASUREMENTS Length: 4,110mm Width: 1,789mm Height: 1,561mm Wheelbase: 2,595mm Kerb Weight: 1,405kg Power-to-weight Ratio: 131.0bhp/tonne SUSPENSION AND BRAKES Front: MacPherson struts, ventilated discs Rear: Multi-link, discs TYRES Type: Goodyear EfficientGrip RunOnFlat Size: 225/45 R18 PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h: 8.3 secs Top Speed: 205km/h

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WE LIKE Cabin spaciousness, precise steering, high levels of traction

WE DON’T LIKE Apart from the price not much else

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2011 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW AFTER TWO YEARS OF DOOM, GLOOM AND THINNED OUT ATTENDANCE, THIS YEAR’S Geneva Auto Salon, the first European event on the annual motor show calendar, proved to be one of the best ever. With over 90 new debuts in total, Geneva completely overshadowed January’s Detroit Motor Show. It was also a supercar and high-end tuner car fest, the new high performance machinery on display decisively sidelining the glut

LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR Spectacular in the way Lamborghini does best, the stunning Aventador may well offer best value amongst the current crop of major league supercars

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Features

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

We take a walk with Dr. Ian Kuah as he discovers the significant cars of one of the most exciting motor shows of the year

of eco-friendly cars, in the eyes of car enthusiasts. While McLaren was noted for its absence, the press and public swarmed around the other two most significant supercars of 2011. The ever-affable Horacio Pagani talked almost nonstop to an excited press about his new Huayra, while the edgy Aventador drew crowds to Lamborghini’s stand like bees to honey. The controversial Ferrari FF does

Words & Photos | Dr. Ian Kuah

not look as awkward in the metal as early photographs suggested, but it remains to be seen how stalwart V12 Ferrari buyers will react with their chequebooks. At a more reasonable price level, the Aston Martin Virage and 542bhp Jaguar XKR-S offer style and pace for subsupercar money, while at real world price levels, the VW Golf Cabriolet, the new Mercedes-Benz SLK and the C-Class Coupé will no doubt sell by the bucket load.

PAGANI HUAYRA The Pagani Huayra may have the most unpronounceable name of any supercar launched recently, but its pedigree, design and technology are simply beyond reproach April 2011 | motoring

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FEATURES Geneva Motor Show

FERRARI FF The most powerful front-engined Ferrari road car ever, the FF is also the first ever Ferrari to feature all-wheel-drive and a hatchback. However, its looks are an acquired taste

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASSSS The new Mercedes SLK now sports the corporate front grille, and loses the wedge shape of its two predecessors

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPÉ Replacing the CLS hatchback, the booted C-Class Coupé is a full four-seater. In its forthcoming C 63 AMG form, it will be a head-on rival for the BMW M3

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF CABRIOLET VW’s new Golf Cabriolet may not be the sleekest of the hatchback-based convertibles money can buy, but you can bet that it is one of the best made

JAGUAR XKR-S With 542bhp and 801Nm of torque, the XKR-S has larger intakes and a much more purposeful stance than its stable mates. 0-100km/h takes 4.2 sec and top speed is limited to 300km/h JAGUAR XKR-S With 542bhp and 801Nm of torque, the XKR-S has larger intakes and a much more purposeful stance than its stable mates. 0-100km/h takes 4.2 sec and top speed is limited to 300km/h

ALFA ROMEO 4C We thought Alfa Romeo would struggle to top or even equal their stunning 8C, but their 4C Concept hit the spot. Powered by a 1,750cc, 200bhp motor with dual-clutch transmission, this diminutive carbon-fibre and aluminium coupe weights just 850kg. Best of all, Alfa say they will make it 72

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FEATURES Geneva Motor Show

ASTON MARTIN VIRAGE The Virage is further proof that Aston Martin has run out of ideas. What the world needs is yet another DB9 variant on the eve of this stalwart model line’s replacement

ROLLS-ROYCE 102EX A prototype only, the electric-powered Rolls-Royce 102EX would be the perfect car for an image conscious Chairmen of The Board to be chauffeured from his Hampstead residence to the City

MINI ROCKETMAN Rocketman is a daft name for MINI’s latest concept car, but the clever hinged door arrangement might just catch on

BMW VISION CONNECTED DRIVE BMW’s Vision Connected Drive Concept was probably the most futuristic design at the Show. Focused on comfort, safety and infotainment, the car provides the driver with as little or as much information as required

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FEATURES Geneva Motor Show

IED ABARTH SCORPION After years of Abarth badges appearing on barely worthy Fiat’s, the famous Italian tuner’s badge appeared on the IED ScorpIon design concept. With the ‘Ion’ in its name, this would be an electric car with a motor on each hub

RINSPEED BAMBOO Rinspeed’s BamBoo electric car is a leisure vehicle with a range of 100km and a 120km/h top speed. Just right for driving to the beach and back. What does it remind you of? Why, the Citroen Méhari of course!

ITALDESIGN SCIROCCO Giugiaro designed the original edgy Scirocco of 1976. Now, the Italdesign Giugiaro Scirocco concept is smoother and more rounded than the current edgy factory design

BRABUS 700 BITURBO With 700hp and 850Nm of torque, the Brabus 700 Biturbo propels AMG’s already fast gull-winged SLS into the 340km/h club

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FEATURES Geneva Motor Show

GUMPERT TORNANTE While their Apollo trackday car looked like a refugee from Le Mans, the new Gumpert Tornante was designed by Touring Superleggera as a pure road going supercar. Powered comes from a 700hp twin-turbo Audi V8

RUF RGT-8 A V8 engine in a 911? Weighing 40kg less than Porscheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current ďŹ&#x201A;at-six, the 4.5-litre V8 makes 550bhp and 500Nm of torque, and will be in production later this year

ABT R8 GT S After their sell-out limited edition GTR of 2010, Abt set about making a Spyder version. This, and their take on the new A6 were the highlights on their stand

NOVITEC ROSSO Novitec Rosso showed their Italia, California and this fabulous GTO. In its silver paintwork with yellow stripe, it looked like a 21st Century interpretation of the 250GT SWB SEFAC Hotrod

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FEATURES Geneva Motor Show

MANSORY The most garish tuned Ferrari 458 Italia yet was to be found on the Mansory stand, where it shared space with this almost unrecognisable carbon-fibre take on the SLS AMG

TUNED PORSCHE CAYENNES The new Cayenne was one of the most popular tuned cars at Geneva. Here are the cars from FAB Design, Hamann and TechArt. Interestingly, all these tuners altered the amorphous shape of the standard taillights

HAMANN SLS The Hamann SLS departed from the usual grey or black paintwork with this unusual rose gold in semi-matt finish. It will be interesting to see how it looks on the road

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F1 F1 UPDATES

UPDATES We take a quick look at the F1 pre-season testing results Words | Raymond Yeo Photos | Ferrari, Mercedes GP, Red Bull, Sauber, McLaren & Lotus Renault

THE 2011 F1 SEASON WAS SUPPOSED TO HOLD A RECORD OF 20 RACES BUT AS YOU MAY already know by now, the Bahrain Grand Prix opening race that was supposed to be held on March 13th had been cancelled due to the political unrest in the country. At press time,

we know that a decision would be made sometime next month as to whether to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix. Thus, this season will see 19 races, with the addition of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. So far, pre-season testing sessions had been held three times – straight after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the ‘Young Drivers Test’ and again at Yas Marina for the new tyres developed by Pirelli. The final session at Barcelona, after the original Bahrain session was cancelled due to the reason mentioned earlier, was carried out last month at the Circuit de Catalunya. Lotus Renault GP’s Robert Kubica suffered a high-speed accident in early February while competing in the Ronde di Andora Rally. He has since gone through extensive surgery and looks to be recovering at a stable pace.

The Enstone team has since hired Nick Heidfeld to take over Kubica’s driving duties, starting with the test session in Barcelona. Heidfeld is one of the most experienced F1 drivers having started 172 races over the last 11 seasons. Meanwhile, Hispania Racing Team confirmed their second driver, appointing Italian driver Vitantonio Liuzzi to partner Narain Karthikeyan for 2011. Liuzzi had previously raced for Toro Rosso, before moving on the Force India F1 Team and ending last year’s championship in 15th with 21 points, his career best. FINAL COUNTDOWN The first day of the final testing sessions in Barcelona saw Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber putting in 97 laps in total with the day’s fastest time of 1m

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22.544s. This was followed by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ Jenson Button with 1m 22.910s, while Lotus Renault GP’s Vitaly Petrov was close behind with 1m 22.937s. Meanwhile, rookie F1 driver Sergio Perez put in a good show for Sauber F1 Team, driving 90 laps and clocking a best time of 1m 24.117s. Nick Heidfeld, whom Perez replaced at Sauber F1 Team, clocked his best time of 1m 24.735s for his new team, Lotus Renault GP. Another rookie F1 driver, Paul di Resta, who will be starting his maiden F1 career with Force India F1 Team in 2011, did reasonably well by scoring the day’s sixth best time of 1m 25.039s.

Not all teams took to the circuit as the first day of testing saw the absence of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team, AT&T Williams and Hispania Racing Team. As the second day’s testing ended, results showed that Red Bull Racing continue to dominate, with 2010’s World Champion Sebastian Vettel topping the timing charts with 1m 21.865s. Red Bull’s sister team, Scuderia Toro Rosso, clinched the second fastest time of the day with Sebastian Buemi driving 120 laps, scoring 1m 22.396s. Lotus Renault GP’s Vitaly Petrov was one of the ‘most consistent’ drivers as far as placements after the testing April 2011 | motoring

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session are concerned, taking third fastest with a time of 1m 22.670. Button’s team mate, Lewis Hamilton, was visibly disappointed at his time of 1m 22.888s, putting him only fourth on the chart. Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro took the opportunity of testing their Ferrari 150th Italia with several ‘aerodynamic enhancements’, where Felipe Massa clocked his fastest of 1m 23.324s. This Ferrari F1 car by the way, was renamed after the initial ‘F150’ moniker was challenged by Ford, whom cited ‘similarities between it and their F-150 pick-up truck’. Finally, Paul di Resta also showed his ‘consistency’ like Petrov did, clinching the day’s sixth fastest time of 1m 24.334s. Day three saw Sauber’s Sergio Perez topped the charts with a blistering pace, etching 1m 21.761s, while Ferrari’s Felipe Massa managed 1m 22.092s. Massa’s time was followed closely by three others within 1m 22s – Red Bull’s Mark Webber, Williams’ Rubens Barrichello and Mercedes GP’s Michael Schumacher. On the fourth day of testing, nothing much went on except for heavy rain. In the end, only three drivers managed to set times. Mercedes GP’s Nico Rosberg recorded 1m 43.814s, Williams’ Pastor Maldonado 1m 44.333s and

McLaren’s Hamilton 1m 44.560s. With the last test day, Schumacher showed he still got some left in him as he stormed to the charts with 1m 21.249s, where Ferrari’s Alonso separated Schumacher’s team mate Rosberg (1m 21.788s) with 1m 21.614s. CONCLUSION Sadly, Hispania Racing Team did not managed to run their car as parts were being held at the Spanish customs. This final testing session at Barcelona ended up as a good outing for the Mercedes HP Petronas F1 Team, as Schumacher was the fastest overall and Rosberg was fourth. Rookie F1 driver Sergio Perez showed great promise, as he trailed Ferrari’s Alonso with 1m 21.761s, while the Spaniard was second fastest overall with 1m 21.614s. Current World Champion Sebastian Vettel meanwhile was fifth fastest with his time of 1m 21.865s scored on the second day of testing. As it starts to get more exciting, we really cannot wait for the Qantas Australian Grand Prix to kick off the season, which we expect will be as good a start as any openers. Gentlemen, start your engines!

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Features Spy Shots

SPY•SHOTS Our roving operatives have done it again – here are the latest scoops on what’s coming out soon

S.O.S. – SAVE OUR SOUL

LIFESTYLE LOAD LUGGER

FACELIFT FOR KIA SOUL

HYUNDAI I40

The European version of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is now expected to come with the i40 moniker which is a part of the conversion of most Hyundai models to a numerical naming system in order to make Hyundai more, well, European. More

Words & Photos | Automedia

Here are the first shots ever of what’s to become the facelift for Kia’s trendy SUV called Soul. Most visible will be an all-new headlamp design and a front fascia in the style of the new Picanto. From what’s visible through the heavy disguise, we reckon taillights and rear bumper will be modified, too, - maybe even the massive rear door which we would like to see a bit more elegant. No changes, though, under the bonnet. The car will continue to be powered by 1.6-litre engines – either petrol or diesel – developing 126 and 128hp respectively.

variants of the car – including a hybrid – are in the pipeline, and here we have the best shots yet of the i40 Wagon. The prototype was snapped undergoing road tests in Scandinavia. With its low profile and sloping roof, the i40 Wagon will

be very lifestyle-oriented and less practical. Engines will come from the standard i40 sedan, and the range will include a pair of direct injection (GDI) four-cylinder petrol engines, as well as an eventual gasolineelectric hybrid model.

LOTUS – BUT WHICH ONE? LOTUS EXIGE OR ELISE MULE

The Lotus tested in these pictures is still a bit of a mystery. Lotus specialists say that it’s a mule for either a new Elise or Exige. Both cars have been in production for a rather long time now, respectively seven and five years. Other sources say that Lotus is using

the mule to test the new V8 engine for the 2011 Esprit. Previous reports told us that the new Esprit will have either a BMW or Toyota V8, the 3.5-litre V6 that is currently used in the Evora wouldn’t be an option. Then again Lotus specialists

contradict this way of thinking because the body of the Elise and Exige shown in the spy pictures is too small to fit a V8 engine. Currently the Elise and Exige are running on a 1.8-litre Toyota engine, which might see an evolution in the future. Stay tuned for more! April 2011 | motoring

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Features Spy Shots

NEWS FROM THE EAST SSANGYONG CHAIRMAN FACELIFT

The SsangYong Chairman is a full size luxury sedan made by the South Korean automaker SsangYong Motor Company. A long-wheelbase model is also available, and it is favoured by some limousine operators in South Korea. In 2008, the Chairman was renamed Chairman W to differentiate the new model from the older Chairman H, as both are still in production. Our spyphotographers now snapped what appears to become a minor facelift for the Chairman W. The changes seem to incorporate a new design of the grille, bumpers and headlights as well as modified taillights and a new boot lid. SsangYong presented their flagship Chairman W in 2008, and it is equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine and a 7G-Tronic by Mercedes. It has an electronic air suspension system with a rebound coil that helps reduce noise and vibration, as well as an extended rear passenger space and the front and rear both have their own screen to control the car’s entertainment system. The Chairman W is the first Korean luxury sedan to apply a four-wheel drive system, a feature common in high-end European sedans.

SLIDE ON THE ICE MERCEDES SL

Here are the latest spy-photos of the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL model. This prototype was spotted on a test outing this morning in Sweden without the heavy plastic disguise it was wearing the last time out. With some of the camouflage dropping away, we get a better look at the next SL’s overall shape. Our spy photographers also report that the SL was in a group of vehicles, which included an Aston Martin Vantage Roadster and a Jaguar XK, likely for benchmarking purposes. The next-generation MercedesBenz SL is due sometime this year. It will feature an array of Benz power plants including a new 3.5-litre V6 and a 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8. It will also likely be lighter than its predecessor, with extensive use of carbonfibre components and reinforced plastics.

SEED FOR THE NEW CEE’D ALL-NEW KIA CEE’D

Closer inspection of our photos revealed: this is not the new Hyundai i30 but the all-new Kia Cee’d, snapped close to the Koreans’ German development centre. Scheduled for a debut in 2013, the new car will receive an evolution of today’s design, including the make’s new grille, a flatter windshield, new mirrors and the rising waist line at the rear side doors. Power will again come from a choice of petrol and CRDi diesel units, delivering between 90 and 126hp.

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Features Spy Shots

SECOND FACELIFT IN TWO YEARS

NEW LOOK FOR CAT

PROTON EXORA Just one year after the introduction of the all-Malaysian Exora MPV, Proton released a so-called Exora MC in July 2010. MC stands for minor change, which is one step less comprehensive than a facelift for the MPV, which Proton’s Director Dato’ Syed Zainal Abidin said the company was already working on and would come later. We can confirm this now as our spy-photographers snapped a prototype of this car in northern Sweden yesterday. Modifications of the exterior seem to be limited to grille, front bumper and taillights – but, of course, could as well incorporate changes under the hood and inside.

JAGUAR XF FACELIFT

After being on the market for some years now, the Jaguar XF is soon up to a midlife refresh proven by these photos. By the looks of it, the front and rear end will be made to look more like the new XJ, especially the headlights look very much like the XF’s bigger brother. We suspect that the interior will be slightly upgraded and that we will see some new engines or at least modified engines under the bonnet. We hear there is also an XF Wagon in the works that will come on the market at the same time as the facelifted XF in 2011.

MALAYSIA MEETS SCANDINAVIA

PROTON EXORA ESTATE

This mysterious prototype car with the distorted Proton Exora exterior has made its way around the roads of northern Sweden. From what we hear, the modified Exora exterior is just a decoy and what’s underneath has absolutely nothing to do with the Exora. Comparing the bodies of the real Exora MPV with the car snapped here reveals the prototype’s much lower greenhouse. Our photographers also managed a peek into the interior, which is also quite Exora-like – they probably used the Exora dash too, as what is being tested could be the powertrain and chassis. With the nearest Proton full model change car launch being the next generation Proton Persona replacement model known internally as the Persona R (R for Replacement), don’t blame us for wondering if this is that new model on test. In the other hand, it could as well be a second body variant of the Exora range which is quite successful over in Malaysia.

April 2011 | motoring

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GEAR&GARAGE

GET IN THE GROOVE WITH SPARK MOTORSPORTS RACING APPARELS AND PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS FROM SPARK MOTORSPORTS [Available at SPARK Motorsports, tel: 6757 8777]

SPARCO UNDERWEAR Part No.: 4SP001761MB13L Soft-touch Nomex Underwear revolutionised the industry by creating a soft-to-the-touch material against the skin that maintains the same protection as standard Nomex fireproof products. Combined with the extra flat seam construction, Sparco Underwear helps maintain the driver’s concentration and prevent fatigue and discomfort

SPARCO CHALLENGER HELMET Part No.: 4SP00331HRSXL The Sparco challenger is a full-face helmet with a shell manufactured from a lightweight composite material. Supplied with a clear anti-fog visor. FIA 8858-2002, BS 6658-85 A/F Approved

SPARCO GLOVES Part No.: 001352NP-12NR/001767MB13L The WIND is an excellent addition to Sparco’s line-up of gloves. The palm incorporates separated leather panels, ensuring grip as well as comfort. The WIND also features internal stitching, and is SFI-approved

PIVOT ENGINE STARTER

VP RACING C5 CTANE BOOSTER Part No.: VP C5 This product is designed to help prevent pinging and detonation while maximising the potential horsepower of the engine. It also allows for higher compression ratios and crisper throttle response. In addition, it reduces over heating and improves engine life. Other benefits include providing upper cylinder lubrication especially for older cast iron engines and protecting valve seat recession in early model leaded, vintage and historic engines

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A’PEXI AUTO TIMER Part No.: 405-A921 The A’PEXi Auto Timer allows the vehicle to idle for a preset amount of time after the ignition key has been removed. In turbocharged vehicles, this prevents hot oil in the engine from choking up in the lines. Hard driving can raise engine oil temperatures to dangero usly high levels and proper cooling down is essential for a healthy turbo and engine

Part No.: ESS W The Pivot Engine Starter Switch enables easy start of the vehicle and a unique high-performance feel. It also has a random flashing light that should deter theft. Available in 28mm or 20mm sizes with white or blue illumination. Installation is easy in existing blank cover or cigarette lighter hole or any other place. It is also possible to use a turbo timer harness available from other manufacturers to enable easy installation without modification to the standard harness. Starting the vehicle then is simply by inserting the key and turning to the ‘On’ position before pressing the ‘Engine Start’ switch.

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LIFE•STYLE

THE LATEST AND COOLEST NEW POWERFUL COMPACT CAMERAS Olympus VR-310 & VR-330

SMART PHONES LG Optimus Black & Optimus 2X LG Electronics recently unveiled two new smartphones boasting a couple of world’s firsts. The LG Optimus Black comes with a bright four-inch NOVA display in one of the world’s slimmest 9.2mm body, while the LG Optimus 2X is the world’s first smartphone to feature the NVIDIA Tegra 2. This mobile processor, with a dual-core CPU, is designed to provide faster and smoother multi-tasking with no screen lag. Aimed at enhancing user experience, the Optimus Black’s bright and clear NOVA screen provides optimal visibility, apart from reducing power consumption. Its slim form factor tips the scales at 109g, while its flushed finishing hides the ‘Invisible Receiver’ behind the edges of the phone. Additionally, the Optimus Black offers smart features designed for easy and faster access to important apps and content. It will also have the Optimus UI 2.0, Gesture UI, Wi-Fi Direct and the world’s first 2.0-megapixel front-facing camera. Powered by a dual-core CPU mobile processor, the Optimus 2X is designed to enhance multi-tasking in smartphones with virtually no screen lag. Running at a clock speed of 1GHz, this processor also boasts low-power consumption and high-performance audio and video capabilities. It will also playback and record 1080p HD video with HDMI mirroring that expands content on external displays to Full HD quality. [At all telecommunications outlets, LG Optimus 2X MSRP $888, LG Optimus Black MSRP $768]

Featuring a 10x zoom lens from a wide angle of 24mm to 240mm, the Olympus VR-310 is a compact camera with a powerful zoom. It also image stabilisation with its DUAL IS function, an abundant array of easy-to-use, automatic functions like i.AUTO which enables any user to easily take beautiful pictures and automatic tracking AF for face detection in a slim body. HD movie recording is available with the slim, stylish VR-310. When using any of SD/ SDHC/SDXC memory card, it is selectable to record to which card. When not using any memory cards, movie is to be recorded to internal memory. Movie recording can be manipulated by a dedicated movie REC button. In addition, the VR-310, available in Black, Purple, Red and Silver, also features an expanded range of seven ‘Magic Filters’ – Pop, Pin Hole, Fisheye, Sketch, Soft Focus and Punk inherited from the previous model, and newly added Sparkle. With Sparkle filter, you can enjoy photos with the luxurious feel created by the added twinkling lights. The VR-330 on the other hand, also offers a wide angle lens of 24mm but has an even more powerful zoom of 300mm. Similarly, it also features DUAL IS and dedicated Movie REC button. There is also a 3D shooting function that recreate a sense of depth in the images, besides having the capability to display them on compatible TVs and computers. Available in Black, Blue, Red and Silver. [At Olympus authorised retailers]

JABRA STONE2 Leading headset solutions provider, Jabra, recently launched its STONE2 Bluetooth headset at the IT Show. The STONE2 features a curved, flexible headset with a round portable charger that fits neatly into the palm of your hand. With its new leather finish and advanced features, the STONE2 is expected to appeal to all types of users. For example, its all-new Voice-Control System allows users to make outgoing calls and answer/reject incoming calls simply by saying “Call taxi”, “Call pizza”, “Answer” or “Ignore”. In addition, the Voice Guidance feature means users can hear the name of the incoming caller – exactly how you have the caller identified in your phone – through the headset. Furthermore, STONE2 also supports third-party apps at the ‘Jabra World of Apps’ portal, allowing users to find the best apps to suit their usage. [At Challenger, EpiCentre, Nubox and other authorised resellers, MSRP $198]

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