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8/19/2019 Torque - June 2015 SG
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w
JUNE 2015 S$6.90 RM9.50
SIGNSTHAT SINGAPORECANHAVEMORECARS
SINGAPORE’S NO.1 MONTHLY CARMAGAZINE*NIELSENMEDIAINDEX2014
vs
vs
vs vs
POWER& TORQUE
EXPLAINED
IN BICYCLING
TERMS PG86
PLUS
s. .c .s
NEW LOOK
2 0
N
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2 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
D R I V E S34 GROUP TEST: PORSCHE CAYENNE
3.6 vs BMW X5 xDRIVE35i 3.0vs LAND ROVER RANGE ROVERSPORT 3.0
42 GROUP TEST: TOYOTACOROLLA ALTIS 1.6 vsVOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.4
46 GROUP TEST: MAZDA 6 WAGON 2.5vs SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5
50 AUDI S152 MERCEDES-BENZ B20054 TOYOTA VELLFIRE56 VOLVO XC9064 DUCATI SCRAMBLER
GROUPTESTPORSCHE CAYENNE 3.6 vs
BMW X5 xDRIVE35i 3.0 vs LANDROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 3.0
34PG
O N T H E C O V E R
56 SWEDETREAT100 $25,000 OF GIVEAWAYS INSIDE52 MERCEDES-BENZ B20050 AUDI S154 TOYOTA VELLFIRE64 DUCATI SCRAMBLER46 MAZDA 6 WAGON vs SUBARU OUTBACK42 TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS vs VOLKSWAGEN JETTA34 PORSCHE CAYENNE vs BMW X5 vs LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
GROUP TESTYOTA COROLLA ALTIS 1.6VOLKSWAGEN JETTA1.4
PG
Tvs
50PG DRIVEAUDI S1
CONTENTS
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4 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW. TORQUE . C OM. SG
86PGTECH: TORQUEAND POWER
REGULARS8 EDITORQUE10 POSTBOX 14 NEWS22 FACES24 ANALYSE THIS26 HISWHIRL OF DRIVING28 BEHIND THE WHEEL30 HER WORLD OF MOTORING115 BUY128 REARVIEW 80PG
HOBBY: TAKE THESAAB WAY
ICEDRIVING SPECIAL
66
PG
FEATURES66 ICE-DRIVING SPECIAL:
BIMMERS ON ICE An afternoon out at the brand new
BMW Driving Center saw this youngwriter learn the finer points ofdriving on slippery surfaces.
68 ICE-DRIVING SPECIAL:COLD COMFORT
This writer battled sub-zero wintertemperatures on a frozen Finnishlake to see how well Bentleysperform on ice.
74 ICE-DRIVING SPECIAL:LOSING MY COOL
This writer discovered thatamateurishness, hot SUVs
and icy conditions are not a good combination.
78 FACE-OFF: DO MOTORSHOWS NEED SHOWGIRLS?
Associate editor Daryl is all forhaving models at motor shows,
while senior writer Jeremy thinks they’re irrelevant.
80 HOBBY: TAKE THE SAAB WAY For the most fervent members of car club Saabstance, Swede
dreams are made of these turbocharged numbers.
86 TECH: TORQUE AND POWER Our mechanical engineer explains
the difference once and for all, withthe help of two “cyclists”.
CONTENTS
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6 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW. TORQUE . C OM. SG
GARAGE90 MOD RIDE: FLIGHT OF
THE HUMMINGBIRD Autovox’s Audi R8-based project car
packs a supercharger, less weightand a serious sting in its tail.
94 TYRE TEST: DUNLOP
DIREZZA DZ102 Dunlop’s new performance-orientedrubber is great in both the wet anddry, but it has a hard ride.
95 OPTIONS A choice selection of cool bits for
your hot ride.
96 TUNE-IN News about motorsports, car mods,
and the art of driving fast.
PLAY106 TIME: DEEP ONES
It doesn’t matterif you’re a desk-diving landlubber or a deep-dwelling seamonster – these
diver’s watches would make greatadditions to yourcollection.
110 TIMEZONE
112 THINGS
106PG
TIME
THINGS
TUNEIN
96PG
112PG
MOD RIDE
CONTENTS
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GOODBYE, HELLOBye, old Torque. Hi, new Torque. And hello, Torque reader. Thanks
for reading this magazine, newly redesigned and re-engineered
from bumper to bumper for your enjoyment.The long and winding road of this revamp needed much more
than eight days a week, a hard day’s night and a ticket to ride.
Brains were drained in massive brainstorms and creative juices
were squeezed to the last drop. My colleagues and I are nursing
big headaches and feeling a bit thirsty.
We hope the end result you’re holding in your hands (as a print
magazine or tablet edition) has been worth the effort, and you
like what you see. Enjoy turbocharged Torque like never before.
This homegrown title has been “on the road” since 1990 (see
Rear View on pg 128), and our journey as Singapore’s authority
on all things automotive shall continue apace.
It’s the 25th birthday of Torque, but our readers get the power
presents – worth $25,000. Open them all from pg 100 onwards. EDITORDAVID TING
JEREMYCHUA
EDRIC PAN
DAVID TINGTONYTAN
LYNNTAN
TOH YONGCHUAN
CHRISTOPHERTAN
SHREEJITCHANGAROTH
KEVIN CHIN
ANDRELAM
8 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
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is availableaboardSingaporeAirlinesEconomyClass.
TORQUEIS PUBLISHEDBYSPHMAGAZINESPTELTD82GENTINGLANE,MEDIACENTRELEVEL7,SINGAPORE 349567.TEL:6319 6319,FAX:6319 6055,E MAIL:[email protected]:6319 6326.
DISTRIBUTEDBY CIRCULATIONDEPARTMENT,SINGAPOREPRESS HOLDINGSLTD.PRINTEDBY TIMESPRINTERS, SINGAPORE.SINGAPOREREGISTRATIONNO. 196700328H.SPHMAGAZINES REGISTRATIONNO.196900476M,ISSN02187868,MCI(P)063/09/2014,KDNNO. PPS1718/12/2012(022889).DISTRIBUTEDIN HONGKONGBYFOREIGNPRESS DISTRIBUTORSLTD.
ALLRIGHTSRESERVED.NOPARTOFTHIS PUBLICATION MAY
BEREPRODUCEDIN ANYFORMORBYANY MEANSWITHOUT
THEWRITTENPERMISSIONOFTHE PUBLISHER.THEVIEWS AND
OPINIONSEXPRESSEDOR IMPLIEDIN TORQUEARETHOSE OF THEAUTHORSOR CONTRIBUTORS AND DO NOTNECESSARILY REFLECT
THOSEOFTHE PUBLISHER.
CALL 63883838 FORBACKISSUES,E MAIL [email protected]: 63883838 ORSUBSCRIBE ONLINE:
WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
CHRISTOPHER TAN
“Seeing” clear roadsahead, he analyseswhy having morecars in Singaporedoes not alwaysmean having morecongestion (pg 24).
DR ANDRE LAM
Our “rubber burner”puts the DunlopDirezza DZ102through its paces(pg 94) and finds itto be great in boththe wet and dry.
KEVIN CHIN
Audi S1 in Germany(pg 50), Volvo XC90in Spain (pg 56) andDucati Scrambler inThailand (pg 64) –Kevin’s passport hasbeen in overdrive.
SHREEJIT
CHANGAROTH
Our mechanicalengineer explainsthe differencebetween torque andpower – once andfor all (pg 86).
EDRIC PAN
Our car-crazy legaleagle has convincedthis jury that heshould have his owncolumn, which willmake its debut inour next issue.
LYNN TAN
This year, 2015, issignificant for Lynnin more ways thanone (pg 30). And sheinterviews a fellowfemale petrolhead,Estonia Ruf (pg 22).
BOOSTING THIS ISSUE OF TORQUE
GROUP EDITORINCHIEF
CAROLINE NGUI [email protected]
GROUP EDITOR
RAYMOND GOH [email protected]
EDITORIAL
CONSULTING EDITOR
CHRISTOPHER TAN [email protected]
EDITOR
DAVID TING [email protected]
SENIOR WRITER
JEREMY REGAN CHUA [email protected]
EXECUTIVE SUB-EDITOR
LEONARD LAU [email protected]
SENIOR MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION AND
EDITORIAL SUPPORT UNIT
JULIANA CHONG [email protected]
EDITORIAL SUPPORT MANAGER
ALICE HAN [email protected]
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
YOLANDA ZHUANG [email protected]
CREATIVE
ART DIRECTOR
JASON TAN [email protected]
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
MICHAEL CHIAN [email protected]
SENIOR DESIGNER
SEAN LEE [email protected]
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
VERONICA TAY [email protected]
EXECUTIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS
FRENCHESCAR LIM [email protected]
TAN WEI TE [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHERS
DARREN CHANG [email protected]
JASPER YU [email protected]
VEE CHIN [email protected]
VERNON WONG [email protected]
WINSTON CHUANG [email protected]
ZAPHS ZHANG [email protected]
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT
ANGELA GUO
EDITORIAL SUPPORT EXECUTIVE
JACQUELINE YIK [email protected]
CREATIVE SERVICESDIRECTOR
ONG TING NEE [email protected]
EDITORS
DARYL TAN [email protected]
O THIAM CHIN [email protected]
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
GRACE CHUA [email protected]
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
CADENCE LOH [email protected]
SENIOR WRITER
NIDA SEAH [email protected]
ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER
NURASYIDAH ABDUL RAZAK [email protected]
ART DIRECTOR
NECCOL WOO [email protected] ART DIRECTOR
FENG LING [email protected]
SENIOR DESIGNER
ADELINE ENG [email protected]
DESIGNER
THAM SIEW YEE [email protected]
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS
EUNICE TAN [email protected]
CAREN LIM [email protected]
EXECUTIVE
MARTHA CHIN [email protected]
MANAGING DIRECTORDENNIS PUA [email protected]
GENERAL MANAGERPANG LEE CHENG [email protected]
ADVERTISING SALESASSOCIATE AD SALES DIRECTOR
KEVIN FOO [email protected]
ACCOUNT MANAGER
BERNARD CHEN [email protected]
MARKETINGTEAM HEAD
VICKY YONG [email protected]
ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER
JASMINE KOO [email protected]
PUBLISHING SERVICES
TEAM HEAD
ALICE CHEE [email protected]
TEAM LEADER
LISA YONG [email protected]
EXECUTIVE
FION TAN [email protected]
www.torque.com.sg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LOH YEW SENG [email protected]
STRATEGIC PLANNING DIRECTOR
FOONG SEONG KHONG [email protected]
PUBLISHING SERVICES DIRECTOR
LEONG TSCHENG YEE [email protected]
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS HEAD
CHIN SOO FANG [email protected]
VICEPRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES
IRENE LEE [email protected]
J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 9
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EVAN LOW I must confess: I’m quite an amateur when it comes to
cars and magazines about cars. But I feel thatTorque has distinguished
itself as a premier magazine, and as the place to go when people look for
“premier” car reviews, because Torque’s aesthetics are nicer. The quality
of articles and the focus on being a premium magazine brand are your
strengths. I’ll be disappointed if Torque ever compromises on aesthetics
– be it print or digital.
Torque Thanks for your “premier” praise. Don’t worry, we’ll always be
particular about the look and feel of our magazine, which has been given
a design upgrade with this very issue.
THE
LOOK
POST/MAIL OF THE MONTHPOST YOUR QUESTIONS,comments or suggestions on our Facebook page(www.fb.com/torque.singapore)or e-mail us ([email protected]).
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 11
IN TOUCH WITH PRINTKENT KHOO More and more people are
actively choosing to unplug or disconnectfrom digital media. I find myself turning off
my smartphone to “engage” with printed
material. A year ago, I didn’t see this coming.
Today, I relish the opportunities when I
cannot be reached for “comment”. Thus, I
prefer to read Torque as a print magazine.
Torque Print is alive and well, thank you very
much. Pages of automotive prose and photos
will continue to be published nicely in Torque,
even as we continue accelerating ahead
with our digital edition, website and social
media engagement.
WRITEROF THE BESTPOST/MAILTHIS MONTHWINS A COLUMBIATRAILPOINT WATCHWORTH $199!
This is a funky yet functionaldigital timepiece for thesporty girl. The Trailpoint isready for the great outdoors,thanks to its silicon strap,stainless steel case andTrakbak compass technology.Visit www.crystaltime.com.sgfor more information.
READER FROMDOWN UNDERHARLEY GROVER Hi,
I bought a copy of Torque
magazine and really enjoyed
it. I went online to subscribe,
but it looks like the subscriber
has to live in Singapore. Is
it possible to do a yearly
subscription for me in Australia?
Torque Yes, it’s possible forus to mail copies of Torque to
an overseas address, but the
one-year/12-issue subscription
cost will be high – S$270.15
forAustralia. (Our circulation
colleague has gotten in touch
with Harley regarding the
digital subscription option.)
PARKINGPROBLEMSWAYNE POH Some carpark
architects in Singapore use
vehicle dimensions from the
1970s. Some add a speed
hump on an upslope or at the
crest of a ramp. Some forget
that cars need space to turn
and manoeuvre. Some don’t
remember that there are
taller vehicles. Maybe manyof our carpark architects
cycle and don’t drive.
Torque We see the problems
you mentioned and can suggest
solutions, but carparks are never
the most important spaces in
Singapore’s urban landscape.
g between Honda’s
2-litre turbo 310bhp Civic Type R and Volkswagen’s 2-litre turbo
300bhp Golf R, assuming similar local prices. The Golf R has
all-wheel-drive, the CTR is front-wheel-drive. The Golf R can be
equipped with a dual-clutch DSG, the CTR only offers a 6-speed
manual gearbox. Depends on individual needs and wants, I guess.
For me, Civic Type R!
Torque To make the decision less tough for local boyracers, we plan
to do a Group Test of the two turbocharged hot hatches when/if the
new Civic Type R arrives.
LIKE TORQUE ON FACEBOOK(www.fb.com/torque.singapore)
Where we interact with our readers, post automotivetidbits and run our popular “Guess The Car!” and“Caption The Photo!” contests.
I L L U S T R AT I ON
& P H OT O S 1 2 3 RF . C OM
OR M IPSUMO R S MET
OREM IPS M
R & REUGENETAN It’ll be a tough decision choosin
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BMW SPECIAL
THE CARBON FIBRE
BMW i3 AND BMWi8 MAY SEEM LIKETHEY’RE FROMTHE FUTURE,BUT THEY’REAVAILABLE INSINGAPORE TODAY.
MATERIALGAINS
Now most of us already know that carbon
fibre is a miracle material – it’s remarkably
light and incredibly strong. It’s also
amazingly malleable, able to be fashioned
into complex shapes that are not possible
with metal.
However, the best thing about it is how
it has an exceptionally broad range of
applications, used to make everything from
golf clubs and planes to even the “blades”
of Paralympian athletes.
Carbon fibre also forms the backbone of
the revolutionary BMW i3 and i8, and it’s
used to make the passenger cells of both
vehicles (or as BMW calls it, the Life module).
Of course, the two vehicles
aren’t the first to be made from
the material. Formula One cars have
been made of it since the 1980s, and
it has long since trickled into the w
roadgoing automobiles as well.
However, hitherto the advent o
BMW i3 and i8, there has never y
been a mass-produced carbon fib
car (relatively low-volume superca
don’t count).
While the material is wonderful,
it’s also extremely expensive,
plus manufacturing it is time-
consuming and labour-intensive.
orld of
f the
et
re
rs
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Carbonfibre
featuresheavily
in everyBMW i car.
So, given all that, how BMW
has managed to price the
two vehicles reasonably – to
say nothing of how both are
produced in large volumes – is an
incredible feat indeed.
But while the carmaker has managed
to simplify carbon fibre production for the
vehicles (along with bringing down the
associated costs), how it managed to do so
was no easy task.
For starters, every aspect of theproduction is owned by the Munich-based
carmaker. The parts are manufactured in
a factory in Moses Lake in the US state
of Washington, and the entire plant is
powered by renewable hydroelectricity,
with the fibres then processed into usable
“cloth” at the automaker’s Wackersdorf
facility in Germany.
But the most amazing part is how it has
managed to accelerate production times by
streamlining the entire process, and using
cutting-edge materials such as adhesives
that harden in minutes. (In traditional
carbon fibre manufacturing, that same
process can take more than a day.)
However, don’t go thinking BMW
has cut corners. Plenty of engineering
expertise is needed to create a “simpler”
structure, something made more critical by
how the Life module also needs to protect
its occupants.
And to top it off, the Bavarian company
also controls every aspect of the recycling
process, with some of the excess materialbeing reused almost on the spot.
For instance, after some processing,
the material that would otherwise end up
as waste is reused in the production of
the i3 (the rear seat pan is made from
recycled stuff).
Carbon fibre truly is a wonder material,
but with BMW’s advancements in its
production, implementation and even
recycling, it’s even more wonderful.
And the best part? These cars of the
future are available in Singapore today.
JUST ASWITH F1 CARS,
BMW i CARSARE MADE
OF CARBONFIBRE.
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π INSIGHTS & INTELLIGENCE
Honda has launched the
all-new Step WGN, an eight-
seater MPV with a “tallboy”
bodystyle that rivals theMazda Biante. Like its
predecessor, the latest
Step WGN has third-row
seats that can be folded and
stored in the floor for added
flexibility. The new model,
however, offers even more
convenience with its Waku
Waku (a Japanese expression
for “exciting”) tailgate, which
features a sub-door that
opens to the side.
Said sub-door has three
opening angles to enable
easier entry and egress forthird-row passengers, saving
them from having to squeeze
past the second row. It also
lets users load/unload cargo
without having to open the
entire tailgate, which is a
challenge in tight carparks.
For enhanced safety, the
Step WGN can be equipped
with Honda’s Sensing
system, which includes a
STEP UP
millimetre-wave radar and
monocular camera that work
together to detect both
vehicles and pedestrians,and warn the driver of a
potential collision.
The Step WGN’s
performance has taken a
step up, too. It’s the first
model equipped with
Honda’s new 1.5-litre
VTEC turbo engine, which
produces 150bhp and
203Nm. We can expect to
see this powerplant in other
Hondas in the near future,
but the Step WGN is unlikely
to be here any time soon – at
press time, offi cial agent Kah
Motor had no plans to launch
this MPV in Singapore.
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3TOTHEFORE
The facelifted BMW
3 Series has greater
road presence thanks
to its updated design,
which includes wider
air intakes and optional
LED headlamps. New
trim and customisationoptions for the interior
are also available, but
junior execs are likely to
be more excited bythe
new engines and more
powerful model variants.
The 328i, for instance,
has been rechristened
the 330i, while the 335i is
now the 340i. The 340i’snew 3-litre inline-6 turbo
engine produces 326bhp
and 450Nm, or 20bhp and
50Nm more than the 335i.
Sure to be popular with
local buyers, however, is
the entry-level 318i, which
is powered bythe same
turbocharged 1.5-litre,
3-cylinder motor as theMINI Cooper hatch. The
updated 3 Series will come
to Singapore in the fourth
quarter of this year.
SsangYong has launched
the Tivoli compact
crossover – the first new
model from the Korean
manufacturer since it
was acquired by Indian
automaker Mahindra &
Mahindra in 2011. Named
after a small town outside
Rome, Italy, the Tivoli
has features such as an
instrument cluster with
six selectable backlight
colours, variable steering
assistance and ventilated
front seats. This compact
SUV will be available with
either a 1.6-litre petrol
motor or 1.6-litre turbo-
diesel. According to offi cial
dealer Motorway, the Tivoli
is currently undergoing
homologation in Singapore.
ITALIANINSPIRED
WORDS JEREMY CHUA
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STATESIDE EXPANSION Porsche has opened its new Experience Center in
the United States. Located at the north-east corner ofthe Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta, the complexspans 10.9ha and was built at a cost of US$100 million(S$132 million) – the largest investment by the carmakeroutside of Germany. The facility includes a classic cargallery and a Human Performance Center. There is alsoa 2.6km Driver Development Track for enthusiasts toenhance their skills.
LANDIE LANDMARK Land Rover production has crossed the six million
mark, 67 years after the Series I off-roader wasunveiled. The six millionth vehicle that rolled off theproduction line, however, was not a basic Landie –it was a Range Rover LWB destined for a Chinesecustomer. To commemorate this particular Rangie’ssignificance, it was fitted with a special puddle lightthat displays the brand logo and production figure.
General Motors (GM)has become the firstautomaker to produce500 million vehicles – themost any manufacturerhas produced in history. Tocelebrate this achievement,the 106-year-old carmakergave away a new GM-branded vehicle to five
lucky customers fromaround the world, includinga farmer in Thailand whoreceived a ChevroletColorado pickup (left).
Another American firmthat passed a half-billionmilestone is tech giantApple, which sold its 500millionth iPhone last year.
GENERAL’S
HALF
BILLION
MOTORS
π INSIGHTS & INTELLIGENCE
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KODO
FOR HOMEMazda designers
Setsu and Shinobu Itocollaborated with Italianfurniture makers to createthe Sofa by Kodo. Kodorefers to the brand’s“motion of life” design
philosophy, which isinspired by animals in thewild. The dynamic-lookingsofa supposedly evokesthe Mazda CX-3’s strongstance, agility and speed.We’re not furniture-design experts, but wethink this couch wouldlook cool in any home.
FORD FURNISHINGS Ford designers showcased their non-
automotive creations at the Salone delMobile in Milan, Italy. Inspired by thecarmaker’s upcoming GT supercar, the
creations include a foosballtable with real grass, an
armchair made from asingle-piece mould,
and a “floating”table featuring asolid wood coresupported byaluminium legs.
EXOTICWORKSPACE
You may not be able toafford a Bugatti Veyron(which is out of productionanyway), but you cancertainly aspire to ownthe Unique Racing Desk.Manufactured by DesignEpicentrum, a Polishfurniture company, thedesk is constructed fromwood, while the replica
Veyron front end is madefrom fibreglass. Just makesure you inform yourboss that sitting behindthis desk doesn’t speedup your productivity.
π INSIGHTS & INTELLIGENCE
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Think about the one thing you can’t live without
and, inevitably, our smartphones pop straight
into our minds. With connectivity having become
an integral part of our professional and personallives, it’s almost impossible to go offline during
the course of a work day without missing out on
things that matter to us. Fortunately, with a car
like the new Audi A6, the automobile has evolved
with our needs. This vehicle is now able to satisfy
a driver’s exacting standards for comfort and
performance, while adding value to our lives with
a suite of technological and connectivity features
that work like a smartphone on wheels.
CONNECTIVITY ON THE GOFor busy executives, the new Audi A6, with
its Audi Connect system, doubles up as yourpersonal secretary on the go. Dubbed the “virtual
personal assistant”, it redefines the idea of a
mobile office as it incorporates a Wi-Fi hot spot
that allows up to eight devices to be connected.
For mobile phones equipped with Bluetooth
Message Access Profile capability, this system can
retrieve and read your e-mails out loud via the
Multimedia Interface (MMI) infotainment system.
That way, you’d be able to stay on top of things
without taking your eyes off the road.
The Audi A6 also comes with Audi’s MMI
navigation plus that features a useful Point-of-
interest search function if you need to get to your
next meal appointment quickly. This is especially
helpful given that some of the best diningplaces are located in the most obscure places.
Furthermore, this system’s capability to connect to
various Google services – such as Google Search
and Google Earth (you get up to five free map
upgrades and easy online access) – is useful when
the need to source for business meeting venues
arises.
CONFIDENCE GAMEHowever, automotive technology is irrelevant if
it can’t be used easily or if it doesn’t protect the
driver. Fortunately, the new Audi A6 boasts a
whole array of innovations that excels in thoseareas. For instance, the car features Park assist,
the automatic self-parking feature that gets the
car in and out of the trickiest (but often the most
convenient) lots for you. The 360-degree cameras
also let the driver check the surroundings as the
system works the car into a parking space.
On the move, the optional Audi active lane
assist ensures that you stay within your lane
while driving. Especially useful after a long day
at work, the system can intervene with gentle
steering inputs when necessary to keep you on
AUDI SPECIAL
INTELLIGENTANDSOPHISTICATED,THE NEW
AUDI A6REDEFINES THEMARRIAGE OFCOMFORT ANDTECHNOLOGY.
FORWARDTHE WAY
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The dashboard layout ofthe A6 is driver-focused
and easy to read.
The impeccable detailsand finishes in the A6
make this one of the most
luxurious cabins around.
Features such as the Parkassist ensure a hassle-free
drive everytime.
the straight and narrow. This combines with
Audi side assist, which uses a radar system
to check for and warn you about vehicles
behind and beside, just like in an aircraft.
At night, the innovative new Audi Matrix
LED headlights adapt dynamically to varyingroad conditions, maximising safety by
ensuring that the driver has the maximum
required visibility at all times while not
blinding oncoming drivers.
Another useful option is the adaptive
cruise control with Stop&Go function. Perfect
for long-haul drives across the Causeway
and beyond, it also has sensors and radars
to not just maintain your desired cruising
speed but also react to traffic conditions
by slowing down the car and speeding it
up when necessary. Your preferred safety
distance can be preset and adjusted.Another oft-recommended option, standard
on the 3.0 TFSI quattro and RS 6 Avant, is
the head-up display, which virtually details
information such as vehicle speed and map
directions.
THE STELLARPERFORMERWhen it comes to technological innovations
for convenience and safety, the new Audi
A6 is clearly well ahead of the competition.
It leads the way in its class with its
impressive level of technological features,
and is a car that keeps up with the needs
of the intelligent and tech-savvy yet stylish
driver of today.
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π CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ruf Automobile GmbH
F
Founded by Estonia’s father-
in-law, Alois Ruf Sr, in 1939,
the eponymous German
manufacturer of Porsche-
based sports cars is now in
Singapore (again – Ruf was last
represented here in the 1990s),
with newly appointed dealership
Specialised Automobiles.
Estonia Ruf, 49, runs the family
business with her husband,
65-year-old Alois Ruf Jr, who
took over in 1974 after thedemise of his father. Estonia
considers herself a positive
force in the company, not just
in terms of the cars’ aesthetics
but also in product strategy.
For example, she pushed for
the development of the 3400S
(derived from the original
Porsche Boxster) even though
Ruf has always been about 911s.
She was proven right by the
positive market response to the
Ruf roadster, which was followed
by the 3600S and 3800S.
The Ruf power couple
officiated at the opening of the
new showroom at 10 Chang
Charn Road, where I spoke
to Estonia for this story.
How didyour passion
forcars begin?
I’ve always driven what I
consider to be nice cars, but
was either too busy with my
studies or career to really
spend time on them. I recall
the first time I walked into the
Rufworkshop – I saw a guy
putting the engine into a car,
and a few minutes later he was
in front of a sewing machine,
stitching the Ruf logo. I loved the
behind-the-scenes effort that
went into a finished product.
What is it like being a woman
in a male-dominated field?I do not see being a woman in
the car business as a particularly
difficult position. It is about
teamwork and it is fun. As part
of my education in the car
business, I listen to what our
customers need and how they
feel. The wives are also part of
it all. Some ofthem started out
being absolutely “allergic” to
cars, but I showed them how
to embrace and appreciate
cars, just like their husbands.
As a family-run manufacturer,
what sets Ruf apart from the big
boys in the supercar industry?
Because we are family-owned
and -operated, the decision-
making is much shorter. As
a boutique manufacturer,
we can really focus on the
craftsmanship, and it also allows
us flexibility. We’ve always
been keen to make cars that
ESTONIA
RUF
Estoniahad ahand inthecreation of the well-receivedRuf 3400S,which wasreplacedbythe3600S and3800S(pictured).
we ourselves like, and then
maybe other people will like
them, too. This is the “gap” we’re
trying to fill for enthusiasts.
How does a small company like
Ruf build powerful and reliable
sports cars from scratch?
It is a huge undertaking.
Sometimes, we ask ourselves
why we’re doing this! We finance
the business ourselves, we really
believe in what we do, and manydecisions have to come from
the heart. Every member of
our team is seeking perfection
with passion and exactitude.
What’s on the road map for Ruf?
We have plans to expand
our markets and increase
our partners. Within the
next five to eight years, our
production should increase
from the current 35 to 45
cars per year to a maximum
of 80 to 100 cars. Singapore
is our first step to Southeast
Asia. Specialised Automobiles’
managing director, Justin Tay,
has the dealer rights to Malaysia,
Indonesia and Hong Kong.
22 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
STORY LYNN TAN
FACES
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What do you currently
drive on a daily basis?
The 3800S, of course! I also
drive an RCT [Ruf Carrera Turbo]
and, in the summer, a classic
Porsche 356 convertible that
was a present from Alois.
Are women better drivers
than men?
I’m sure some women are, but I
don’t think I’m a good driver. I’ve
become a much better driver
than before, though, because
of what I do and where I live.
The German autobahn trains
you to be a better driver!
I DON’T THINK I’M
A GOOD DRIVER,
BUT I’VE BECOME
A MUCH BETTERDRIVER THAN
BEFORE, BECAUSE
OF WHAT I DO AND
WHERE I LIVE.
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versus 14.5 percent occupied
by housing. More than four
in 10 households already
own a car. And once people
own a car, they wil l drive
it indiscriminately, causing
congestion and pollution…
and so on, and so forth.
Well, after analysing various
sets of statistics compiled
by the Land Transport
Authority, it appears that
some assumptions may
have to be revised.
Firstly, motorists are driving
less. In fact, the average
annual mileage clocked by a
passenger car has been on a
continuous decline since 2006.
Last year, the average was
17,500km – nearly 20 percent
lower than the 21,075km
clocked eight years ago.
The carpopulation
in Singaporehas grownbysome 50
percent inthelast decade,
yetthe islandhasn’t turnedinto a giant
carpark.
CLEARROADS AHEADWhy having more cars does not always meanhaving more congestion.
Singaporecan avoid
gridlock byhaving betterroaddesigns
and fewerroadworks.
CONSULTING EDITORCHRISTOPHER TAN
CONSIDERINGTHE “WHYS”BEHIND THE NEWS
06 /JUN
rate is l ike ly to go down to
zero in the future – reversing
Transport Minister Lui Tuck
Yew’s previous position.
No doubt the usualreasons would spring forth
if one were to ask “Why?”.
Singapore is a small city
state; 12 percent of land is
already taken up by roads
T
THE Government has been
reining in Singapore’s car
population growth with
renewed fervour in recent
years. From 3 percent per year,
the allowable growth rate has
been cut repeatedly, and is
now at a dismal 0.25 percent.
If that was not enough, the
Senior Minister of State for
Transport, Josephine Teo, told
Parliament in March that the
P H O T O 1
2 3 R F . C
O M
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 25
Higher fuel prices and
steeper electronic road pricing
(ERP) charges may have been
the main reasons for this.
From a low of about $1.50
a litre in 2002, pump prices
climbed to $2.20 last year,before being pulled down
by falling oil prices (and then
raised by a petrol duty hike).
ERP rates have also
crept up over the same
period, with peak prices
doubling from $3 to $6.
Along with soaring parking
rates in the city centre, these
factors may have nudged
some drivers to take public
transport on weekdays,
either fully or partially.
And because heartland
shopping malls and cinemas
have sprouted in the last
decade or so, city-bound
traffic may also have dropped.
Saturday ERP may have
been another deterrent for
some shoppers who might
otherwise have gone to
Orchard Road or Marina Bay.
Why bother driving to
downtown shops when
neighbourhood malls are
nearly just as comprehensive?
Although a more thorough
investigation is necessary to
pin down the exact reasons
for the drop in annual mileage,
the fact is that said mileage
has fallen – noticeably.
But does lower mileage
translate to better traffic? In
this case, it does. According
to another set of stats (see
box story on the right), our
roads are generally morefree-flowing than they have
ever been in the past decade.
What the improved speeds
tell us is this: Despite the car
population having grown by
some 50 percent in the last
decade to about 620,000, we
have not come to a gridlock.
Neither has the island turned
into a giant carpark.
In fact, people have
tempered their use of the
car, resulting in what wouldhave been unthinkable in any
other city: an improvement
in traffic conditions on
the back of a huge growth
in vehicle population.
From the evidence,
Singapore can possibly
accommodate more cars.
It can do so by applying
more usage-demand
measures (which the next-
generation ERP is suitably
capable of doing), and it cando so by accelerating the
decentralisation programme.
And of course it can do so by
having better road designs
and fewer roadworks.
There is really no need for
the Singapore Government
to take a sledgehammer
approach to car population
control. No need to stifle
the natural aspirations of a
hardworking and increasingly
affluent population in such
an absolute and draconian
way. No need for tired
rhetoric on why we cannot
have more cars (but can
have a lot more people).
In short, there is
absolutely no need for
a zero-growth policy.
GOT A COMMENT?SEND IT TO
THERE IS
NO NEEDFOR TIREDRHETORICON WHY WECANNOTHAVE MORECARS BUTCAN HAVEA LOT MORE
PEOPLE.
S O
UR C E L ANDT RAN S P ORT A UT H ORI T Y
SPEEDIER ON
THE AVERAGE
On Singapore’s expresswaysduring peak hours, the averagespeed was 64.1km/h last year –
the highest in a decade. Speedon arterial roads and in theCentral Business District (CBD)was 28.9km/h – the highest in12 years.
While expressway speedin Singapore has been see-sawing before spiking last year,the speed on arterial roadsand the CBD has been on acontinuous uptrend since 2008.
This couldhavebeenbecause major expansionprojects on highways suchasthe Central Expressway andthe PanIsland Expressway,which had disrupted trafficflow in the earlier years, werecompleted recently.
The opening of theBartley
Viaduct in 2010would havecontributed to improvedflow on arterial roads, as itcompletes the so-called OuterRing Road system.
Clearly, speeds would havebeen even better if not for thethousands of road excavationsthat take place each year – andnot to mention the slew of MRTprojects that will take up to2030 to complete.– CHRISTOPHER TAN
Average peak-hour highway speed
60.5
61
61.5
62
62.5
63
63.5
64
64.5
65
0 4 0 5 0 6 07 08 0 9 10 11 12 1413
Year
km/h
Average peak-hour speed onarterial roads and in the CBD
Year24
04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 1 2 1413
25
26
27
28
29
30km/h
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DARYL LEE
F
FOR about as long as cars have
existed, science fiction has toyed
with the idea ofthem being able
to drive themselves someday. This
is kind of appropriate, because
there’s “auto” in “automobile”.
A few years ago, a self-driving
prototype of the then-new
Mercedes-Benz S-Class retraced
the steps of the world’s first
road trip (undertaken by Bertha
Benz in 1888), completely
unassisted by human hands/feet.
While the actual distance
covered was only about 100km,
it’s a stunning achievement
because it means the “automatic”
car is perilously close to being
a reality. There’s also howAudi
sent a driverless RS7 round the
Hockenheim racetrack, reaching
speeds of 240km/h. Indeed,
Nissan’s boss, Carlos Ghosn, is
so bullish on the self-driving
car, he says it’ll be a production
reality come 2020. Heck, even
Google is getting in on the actwith its driverless-car prototype.
So it might seem the fully
automated car looks inevitable.
But I can’t say I’m terribly excited
about a future where I won’t
have to drive myself to work.
And, no, it’s not because I’m a
tech-hating Luddite, or worried
about the millions of chauffeurs
potentially being out of work.
I’m a little sceptical because
if there ever was a harbinger
of the machine apocalypse,this would be it. You know
how the cataclysmic science
fiction movies go: Machines
get tired of servitude and rebel
against their human masters.
When the machines rise up
against humanity, their first task
would probably be to put us to
work driving them around, which
is ironic on so many levels.
But I suppose when our
merciless automotive masters
do take over the world, drivingwill be the least of our concerns.
They’ll probably force us to
do horrible things such as
performing oil changes on a
dailybasis, or fixing their myriad
inscrutable mechanical issues.
It would also spell the end for
me, because while I can drive with
a modicum of skill, I’m hopeless as
a mechanic. I knowthis because I
once cut myself quite badlywhile
repairing my bicycle’s brake rotor.
Carmakers might think
that the self-driving vehicle
advances the breed. But mark
my words. When the roles
are reversed and humanity is
put under the yoke, subject
to the endless whims of cars,
don’t say I didn’t tell you so.
DARYL RECKONS THAT THE
SELFDRIVING CAR WILL SPELL
THE END OF HUMANS AS THE
MASTERS OF THIS PLANET.
NO, THANKS,MR ROBOTOCarmakers may think the self-drivingcar is the way of the future, but Daryldoesn’t want any part of it.
Audi’sself-drivingtechnology
replacesthe humandriver withMr Roboto.
26 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
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A
AUTOMOBILES have fascinated
this petrolhead since I was a kid.
Every car ride was an exciting
journey, and every new vehicle I
saw along the way was another
model I memorised. Like most
boys, I dreamt of being able
to drive the newest Porsches,
Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
But in secondary school, I
began to feel different (and it
wasn’t due to puberty). Suddenly,
the latest vehicles did not seem
as appealing to me as the cars
from the 1950s to the 1970s. So
while my buddies were talking
about the latest models, I was
the odd dude who kept going
on about fintails and generous
chrome on the bodywork.
I couldn’t explain my obsession
back then, but now that I’m
older and a bit wiser, I definitely
can. The lure of a classic car
comes from its history, which is
not always easy to discover. A
modern car, on the other hand,
is easy to understand. Marketing
managers give us press releases,
while engineers at car launchestell us the technical nitty-gritty.
There’s very little mystery.
Sitting in a classic car is like
being in a time machine. I settle
in, close the door and take a deep
breath. Is it really 2015? With
my eyes closed and The Four
Seasons playing on the radio,
it sure feels like 1963 to me.
A well-maintained classic car
is not only timeless, it can do
wonders for my love life as well.
Without automatic door locks,I’ll exude a gentlemanly vibe as I
unlock and open the passenger
door for my date. With any luck,
she’ll repay the favour by scooting
over to unlock the driver’s door
for me. And in a classic car with
a front bench seat, my squeeze
can sit closer to me, making
the drive a romantic one.
Neither of these scenarios
would be possible in a modern
automobile. I love the latest
vehicles, but I feel an evendeeper bond with classic cars.
JEREMY CLAIMS HE’S
OLDFASHIONED, BUT
HIS BETTER HALF HAS
CONCLUDED THAT HE’S JUST
“JEREATRIC” AT HEART.
THE LURE OFCLASSIC CARSModern automobiles can excite, but only a classicone can stir the soul of our senior writer.
JEREMY CHUA
Curvaceousbodies and
long bonnets– what’s notto like aboutclassic cars?
The keyto a well-
maintained
classic isthe key tothis writer’s
heart.
28 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
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PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTOR (C&C AVAILABLE)
- Min Ghee Auto Pte Ltd (Kallang) Tel: 6298 3888
PRO SHOPS
- Edge Works (Sin Ming Autocare)
Tel: 6456 4300
- Horizon Auto Tuner (Kaki Bukit)
Tel: 6304 3074
- OSK Automotive
(Ang Mo Kio Auto Point)
Tel: 6252 5025
- SKM Motor Works (Kaki Bukit)
Tel: 9783 7908
- BMS Motorsports
(Ang Mo Kio Auto Point)
Tel: 6483 1810
- MTE Garage Pte Ltd
(Bartley Biz Center)
Tel: 6440 7725
- J’s Garage
(Toh Guan Enterprise Hub)
Tel: 9664 8646
- Maximus Racing
(Toh Guan Enterprise Hub)
Tel: 6795 9015
FUCHS LUBRICANTS SINGAPORE
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F
FIFTY years ago, Singapore
gained independence andembarked on an arduous
journey of nation-building.
Five decades on, this little
red dot has gained a foothold
on the global stage, proving to
the world that small does not
necessarily mean insignificant.
Twenty-five years ago,
the Torque story began. A
quarter of a century on, what
started as one of several
homegrown car magazines
has become Singapore’s
No. 1 monthly car mag.
Those years are more than just
numbers on a calendar or candles
on a cake – they represent the
blood, sweat and toil that have
gone into growing a magazine
(and building a country).
There are also innumerable
lessons learnt along the way.
Some lessons, however, do
not take as many years.
My daughter turns five this
year, and I have picked up many
invaluable lessons through her
– about life, love and the world
around us. Her childlike innocence
is like a magnifying glass that
allows me, as a grown-up, to
see things in their true simplicityand with greater clarity.
Through her, I learnt that you
do not need to record a video,
because you can just “save” it
in your head; that rain is God
holding a giant watering can;
that you buy a car for the spoiler,
not the other way around; and
that she decided to make
her world debut
five weeks early
because it was
boring inside my
50 PLUS25 PLUS 5This year, 2015, is significant forLynn in more ways than one.
tummy where there was no Lego.
Through her, I got re-acquainted with board games
and paper dolls from my
own childhood. Through her,
I discovered the raw joys of
watching a bean grow into a
sprout. Through her, I realised
that a weekend staycation in
Singapore can be as exciting
as a three-week vacation in a
country 12,000km away, as long
as you spend it with people
you love. All this is evidence
of wisdom beyond her years– beyond us adults even.
She has also made me realise
that, in the words of author
Kate Kerrigan: “Watching
something you love grow is
both a pleasure and a pain.”
She will never again be that
2.2kg bundle we brought home in
a car seat that made her look like
a tiny pea in an oversized pod, or
that toddler who is tickled silly by
a spinning mobile above her cot.
These have become
memories tucked away (in my
head and my hard disk) to be
savoured years from now.
Soon, she will be wanting to
assert her independence.
THERE’S ONE TH ING THAT
LYNN DOESN’T HAVE TO LEARN
FROM HER DAUGHTER SHE’LL
ALWAYS BE HER PRECIOUS
LITTLE THING, WHETHER
SHE IS FIVE, 25 OR 50.
A mothercan get re-acquainted
with her ownchildhood
through herfive-year-old.
30 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
I L L U S
T R A T I O N
1 2 3 R F . C
O M
LYNN TAN
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LIKETORQUE ON FACEBOOK
Interact with our editors and writers.“Guess The Car!” and “Caption The Photo!”Share your opinions on cars and motoring.
DOUBLECLICK FOR
EVEN MORETORQUE
DIGITAL EDITION WITH
EXTRA FEATURES
CLICKFOR
MORETORQUE
WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
The authority on all thingsautomotive in Singapore is onlineand on the road with our readers.
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DRIVEA1 IDEA
Audi’s first-class supermini was previewed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show,in the form of this prototype called A1 project quattro (below). Three
years later, the production A1 hit the streets, and since then, the littlehatchback has accounted for one in 10 new Audis sold worldwide. Today,there’s a full-blown pocket-rocket version, the speedy S1 (pg 50).
06 /JUN100%ROADTESTED
J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 33
AND ALSO TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS vs VOLKSWAGEN JETTA MAZDA 6 WAGON vs SUBARU OUTBACK
MERCEDESBENZ B200 TOYOTA VELLFIRE VOLVO XC90 DUCATI SCRAMBLER
PORSCHE CAYENNE vs BMW X5 vs LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT
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GROUP TEST LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
SPORT 3.0
versus
PORSCHE
CAYENNE 3.6
versus
BMW X5
xDRIVE35i
EURO ROCKCONCERT
These are the stars of the luxury SUVsegment in Singapore, but which onedeserves to have the most groupies?
STORY JEREMY CHUA
PHOTOS TAN MENG CHOON
ART DIRECTION MICHAEL CHIAN
34 J U N E 2 0 1 5 WWW.TORQUE.COM.SG
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T
THE three sports utility vehicles
we’ve gathered for this story
are the hot rock stars of their
segment/generation. They play
unique SUV “tunes”, but their
“band instruments” are similar,
with each having a 6-cylinder
engine, an 8-speed automatic
and permanent all-wheel-drive.
The rocker with the longest
legacy is Land Rover’s
Range Rover Sport. The
latest Rangie Sport is lighter
and more effi cient than
the previous model, but its
commanding presence and
terrain-conquering reputation
remain undiminished.
Another long-running rocker
is the BMW X5, now in its third
generation. It offers more
interior space, and promises
a better driving experience
than its predecessor.
The Porsche Cayenne is the
youngest of the three rockers
here. Recently facelifted, the
second-generation model is
said to have been improved
in effi ciency and driveability.
These Euro rock stars
have assembled on stage,
plugged in their guitars, and
are ready to rock this arena!
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RANGE ROVER SPORT
PORSCHE CAYENNE
BMW X5
ENGINE
Rangie’s supercharged 3-litre
V6 with 340bhp and 450Nm
is the most powerful, but the
least refined.
ENGINE
Porsche’s 3.6-litre V6 with300bhp and 400Nm is
the thirstiest, but sounds
the sportiest.
ENGINE
BMW’s turbocharged 3-litre
inline-6 with 306bhp and
400Nm is the most refined
and responsive engine.
MOSTPOWERFUL
ENGINE
SPORTIEST
SOUNDING
ENGINE
MOST
RESPONSIVEENGINE
7.2seconds(0-100KM/H)
7.7seconds(0-100KM/H)
6.5seconds
(0-100KM/H)
RANGE ROVER SPORT vs PORSCHE CAYENNE vs BMW X5
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Eight-speedautomatic’s“joystick”shifter is thecoolest, butits manualoverride feelsthe slowest.
Eight-speedautomatic isthe smoothesttransmission,and its
manualoverride isas quick asthe X5’s.
Eight-speedgearleverhas the idealarrangementfor its manualoverride– push todownshift, pullto upshift.
J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 37
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PORSCHE CAYENNE
BMW X5
COCKPIT
Has attractive
all-digital
meters, a nifty
touchscreen and
the most generous
headroom.
“Armchairs” make
this cockpit
conducive to
long-range roving.
COCKPIT
Most driver-focused cockpit,
with 911-ish
instruments
and the most
supportive seats.
Roominess and
visibility are
not as good as
the others’.
COCKPIT
The most space
and practicality,
plus the nicest
infotainment.
It’s the only one
with a head-up
display, but the
main meters are
less impressive.
RANGE ROVER SPORT
RANGE ROVER SPORT vs PORSCHE CAYENNE vs BMW X5
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BACKSEAT
Roomiest for
rear passengers,
who’ll also enjoy
the best back
support. But the
narrow bench is
more comfortable
for two people
than three.
BACKSEAT
Boasts the “longest”legroom plus the
cushiest seating.
But Porsche doesn’t
have the others’
dedicated climate
control panel for the
folks seated here.
BACKSEAT
BMW’s backseat
has a “footloose”
flat floorboard, the
biggest doorbins
and fully retractable
windows. Also offers
third-row seats, like
the Rangie.
BOOT
Volume of 780 litres
is revealed when
the electrically
foldable third-row
seats are stowed.
Tailgate operation
is powered, like
its two rivals’.
BOOT
Capacity of 670 litresis the most flexible,
as it has the most
tethering points and
a netted partition
for loose items. No
third-row seats,
unlike the rest.
BOOT
BMW’s 650-litre
boot is readily
accessible, thanks
to the two-section
tailgate, which
also helps with the
loading/unloading of
heavy/bulky cargo.
THE X5 IS THE CROWDPLEASER, THE RANGE
ROVER SPORT IS THE CLASSICROCKER, WHILE THE CAYENNEIS A RED HOT CHILLI PEPPER.
J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 39
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LAND ROVER RANGEROVER SPORT 3.0 A
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves,supercharged
CAPACITY 2995ccBORE X STROKE 84.5mm x 89mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 340bhp at 6500rpm
MAX TORQUE 450Nm at 3500-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 158.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automaticwith manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0100KM/H 7.2 seconds
TOP SPEED 210km/h
CONSUMPTION 13.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 199g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Double wishbones,coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRESTYPE Continental
CrossContact LX Sport
SIZE 275/45 R21
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4850mm
WIDTH 2073mm
HEIGHT 1780mm
WHEELBASE 2923mm
KERB WEIGHT 2147kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12.1m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $410,888 (no CEVSrebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
MOSTCONFIDENTOFF THEBEATEN PATH,CUSHIESTSEATS, BIGGESTBOOT
HIGHESTLIST PRICE,SURPRISINGLYCOMPACTBACKSEAT,HEAVIESTSTEERING
BEST IN OFF
ROADING
ABILITY
The Range Rover Sport may be the “oldest” rocker
here, but that hasn’t stopped it from churning
out the hits – on the road and off it. Its superior
presence wherever it goes is complemented by
the commanding view from its driver’s seat and
the ruggedness of its 4x4 system. The Rangie is
an evergreen rock star in the luxury SUV arena.
The Porsche Cayenne is more than just a
popular musician. It’s also a serious performer
that excels both on-road and off-road. The
car’s cockpit ergonomics, however, could be
more excellent. In any case, the Cayenne’sfan base is likely to stay strong and loyal.
The BMW X5 is well-suited to suburbanites
who have no intention of venturing beyond the
concrete jungle. Its superb powertrain, solid
infotainment and practical interior are guaranteed
smash hits in suburbia. The X5 plays its brand
of sports-utility pop-rock exceedingly well.
RANGE ROVER SPORTvs PORSCHE CAYENNE vs BMW X5
KEYS (From left) Buttons on theCayenne’s car-shaped fob are the easiest
to press, the hefty Range Rover key hasthe most functions, while the X5’s device
looks and feels the most expensive.
LAST
WORD
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PORSCHECAYENNE 3.6 A
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves
CAPACITY 3598cc
BORE X STROKE 89mm x 96.4mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11.7:1
MAX POWER 300bhp at 6300rpm
MAX TORQUE 400Nm at 3000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 147.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automaticwith manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0100KM/H 7.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 230km/h
CONSUMPTION 10.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 215g/km
SUSPENSIONFRONT Double wishbones,
coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRESTYPE Michelin Latitude Sport 3
SIZE 255/55 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4855mm
WIDTH 1939mm
HEIGHT 1705mm
WHEELBASE 2895mm
KERB WEIGHT 2040kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.9m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $374,400 (after $5kCEVS surcharge)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
BMW X5 3.0 A
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-6, 24-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 2979cc
BORE X STROKE 84mm x 89.6mmCOMPRESSION RATIO 10.2:1
MAX POWER 306bhp at5800-6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 400Nm at 1200-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 145.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automaticwith manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0100KM/H 6.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 235km/h
CONSUMPTION 11.8km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION197g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Double track control arms, coil springs,
anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRESTYPE Goodyear Eagle F1
SIZE 255/55 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4886mm
WIDTH 1938mm
HEIGHT 1762mm
WHEELBASE 2933mm
KERB WEIGHT 2105kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12.7m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $352,800 (no CEVSrebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
SHARPESTSUSPENSION,MOSTACCURATESTEERING,SPORTIESTSOUNDINGMOTOR
AVERAGEHIFI WITHNO SATNAV,CONFUSINGCLIMATECONTROL,THIRSTIESTENGINE
MOST USEFULCABIN, BESTINFOTAINMENT,MOSTDRIVEABLEDRIVETRAIN
SMALLESTBOOT,WEAKEST AIRCONDITIONING,OVERLY LIGHTSTEERING
BEST IN HANDLING
BEST INDRIVING
FEEL
J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 41
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VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA 1.4
versus
TOYOTA
COROLLA
ALTIS 1.6
STORY JEREMY CHUA
PHOTOS JASPER YU
ART DIRECTION MICHAELCHIAN
Between these two saloons, it’s
the interior of the Jetta that looks
more upmarket.
The instrument panel now
features individual binnacles
for the speedometer and
tachometer, while the
infotainment system is more
attractive and more user-friendly
at the same time, thanks to its
touchscreen interface.
There are two small missteps,
though. Firstly, the addition of
T
TWO of the most popular saloons
in Singapore are the Volkswagen
Jetta and Toyota Corolla Altis. The
former is the German marque’s
best-selling saloon, while the
latter was, by far, the choice pick
of Japanese cars here in 2014.
Both Volkswagen and Toyota
have raised their stakes by
introducing updated models
of the Jetta and Corolla to the
Singapore market.
The Jetta’s facelift is a timely
one, as the pre-facelift model
was introduced five years ago.
The Corolla’s update, on the other
hand, is ahead of time, because
the current model was only
launched last year.
Aiming to convert the Corolla
customer, the Jetta sports a
slightly jazzier design than
before, with a more elegant grille
and a redesigned front bumper
that Volkswagen says reduces
the car’s aerodynamic drag by
10 percent.
Although the exterior of the
Corolla hasn’t received any
tweaks, it still looks sharper than
the Jetta’s, or, for that matter,
those of previous Corollas. The
current version is stylish, and
that’s saying a lot.
The Jetta(right) is
jazzier thanbefore, while
the Corolla(far right) is
simply stylish.
GROUP TEST
WHEN
STARSCOLLIDEThe Jetta and Corolla, bothrecently updated, are the starbuys in their segment. Whichsaloon shines brighter?
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 43
The Jetta’sinterior (left)looks moreupmarketthan theCorolla’s(right), butthe latterhas betterergonomics.
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VOLKSWAGENJETTAvsTOYOTACOROLLAALTIS
glossy black trimmings on the
dashboard and the gearlever
surround will only serve to
attract fingerprints. Secondly,
the switches on the new steering
wheel are less intuitive than thoseon the old one.
The Corolla cockpit has no
such missteps in ergonomics. In
fact, one of its strengths for the
longest time is its ease of use.
Even a driver who has never sat
in a Toyota saloon won’t have any
trouble figuring out the controls.
There are two minor
enhancements for the 2015
model tested here: The leather
upholstery is now factory-fitted,
and the driver’s seat is nowelectrically adjusted. The latter
feature, however, doesn’t include
a memory function, without
which the electric adjustment is
less useful than it should be.
As usual, the Corolla’s air-
conditioning is ridiculously
powerful. It makes the cabin feel
like a walk-in chiller with four
ENGINE 1598cc, 16-valves,inline-4
MAX POWER 121bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 154Nm at 5200rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 95.7bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT with 7-speedoverride
0100KM/H 11.1 seconds
TOP SPEED 185km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 151g/km
PRICE INCL. COE $121,147 (after $5kCEVS rebate)
ENGINE 1390cc, 16-valves,inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 122bhp at 5000rpm
MAX TORQUE 200Nm at 1500-4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 94.8bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutchwith manual select
0100KM/H 9.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 202km/h
CONSUMPTION 16.7km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 138g/km
PRICE INCL. COE $117,300 (after $10kCEVS rebate)
The Jetta’s510-litre
boot (right) islarger than
the Corolla’s470 litres (far
right) and iseven more
practical,with nettedportions forsmall items.
On the go, it is the turbo
1.4-litre Jetta that will please the
driver more than the naturally
aspirated 1.6-litre Corolla. With
122bhp and a healthy 200Nm
(from just 1500rpm), theGerman saloon easily outpaces
the Corolla, taking less than 10
seconds (9.8) to hit 100km/h.
The VW’s 7-speed dual-clutch
gearbox is a real treat as well – its
gearchanges are snappy, and it
offers a Sport function that holds
onto each forward ratio for a
longer, “sportier” period.
The driver who likes to take
things easy will prefer the Corolla,
doors (groceries sold separately).
Too bad the car lacks an
additional auto-climate zone and
rear air-con vents, which are all
present in the Jetta.
But the Corolla is even roomierin the rear, thanks to its wider
bench and flat floorboard. It can
fit three adults there, whereas
the Jetta backseat is more
comfortable for two occupants
due to its rearward-protruding
centre console.
However, the Jetta offers
bigger doorbins and a 12-volt
socket for charging personal
mobile devices.
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 45
which takes 11.1 seconds to
accomplish the century sprint.
The Toyota motor produces
121bhp – just one horse less than
the Jetta – but its 154Nm is a
significant 46Nm down.The Corolla’s continuously
variable transmission (CVT) isn’t
as quick as Volkswagen’s dual-
clutch gearbox, but the Japanese
CVT operates in an even more
seamless manner, especially when
“creeping” in traffi c and carparks.
The Corolla is slower than the
Jetta in a straight line, but its
handling is surprisingly decent,
and accompanied by some
feedback from its steering, too.
The Jetta is a better handler,however, being more planted
around corners, and yet pliant in
its damping.
Both cars here are good-
looking, practical and fuel-
effi cient. The Jetta outshines the
Corolla in terms of performance,
while the latter automobile
does a more brilliant job of
THE JETTA IS THESPORTIER PERFORMER, BUT
THE COROLLA IS BETTERAT ACCOMMODATING
PASSENGERS.
accommodating passengers.
And their prices are merely a few
thousand dollars apart.
So, what happens when these
rival stars collide in Singapore?
Well, they give bedazzled buyersplenty to think/read about.
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SUBARU
OUTBACK 2.5
versus
MAZDA 6
WAGON 2.5
STORY DARYL LEEPHOTOS VEE CHIN
This pair of Nipponesehave just hit town, andhave identical bodystybe more different to d
I
IT’S always baffl ed me as to
why station wagons never found
much popularity over here. To
most “car people”, a wagon
is the best choice if they are
looking for the perfect all-round
ride – practical, relatively rare
(this is important because most
petrolheads are insufferably
snobbish), less obnoxious than a
monster sports utility vehicle and,
crucially, with car-like handling.
But at the same time, I can also
see why station wagons aren’t
popular here. Perhaps it’s because
most such vehicles of yore tend
to resemble hearses, and such
practical cars (that isn’t an SUV)
project a terribly dreary image.
However, the modern station
wagon is a different prospect
altogether, and in some cases
can even look sleeker than their
saloon counterparts. This is
particularly true in the case of the
Mazda 6 Wagon on test here.
As for not looking dreary,
there’s a crossover vibe to
Subaru’s latest Outback
(essentially a jacked-up Legacy),
what with its matte black
cladding and raised ride height.
As for what both cars are like
to drive, well, it’s exactly how you
would imagine them to, based on
the way they look.
I’ve always been a big fan of
the way the Mazda 6 looks, and
in Wagon form, I’m even more
smitten, especially the gentle
wave at the shoulder line that
tapers moderately towards
the rear and wraps around
the tailgate, giving it an air of
GROUP TEST
Both carscome with
touchscreeninfotainmentsystems, but
the one inthe Outback
has thebigger screen,
while the 6Wagon’s has
sat-nav.
station wagonswhile they may
les, they could notrive.
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 47
supercar-esque swoopiness.
I think this Mazda 6 version
looks best when viewed from the
side, the extended glasshouse
lending more coherence to the
overall design. I almost get the
feeling the Japanese carmaker’s
designers styled the Wagon
first, with the saloon done as an
afterthought.
That may be subjective, but the
way this estate conducts itself
isn’t. It handles in an identical
fashion to the saloon, with tautly
controlled body movements, a
well-damped ride, keen steering
and the ability to “shrink” the
harder I push it.
But then, the Mazda 6
Wagon’s handling prowess isn’t
too surprising, because against
the saloon, the former is 65mm
shorter from bumper to bumper
and a paltry 11kg heavier (the
latter is 4800mm long and
weighs 1524kg).
The only chink in this Mazda’s
handling armour is how its
2.5-litre engine doesn’t really
match up to the chassis. The
motor is certainly powerful
enough (boasting 187bhp and
250Nm), and it’s frugal as well (it
Both vehiclesare poweredby 2.5-itreengines withquite similaroutputs –187bhp in theMazda and175bhp in theSubaru.
will return a claimed 15.2km per
litre), but I think its reedy engine
note and flat power delivery leave
much to be desired.
As an added bonus, the Wagon
gets 84 litres more boot space
than the saloon (522 versus 438),
which is a significant amount
on paper. But, in reality, it’s even
better: The Mazda is blessed
with a far larger loading aperture,
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SUBARUOUTBACK2.5vsMAZDA6WAGON2.5
with the ability to fit awkwardly
shaped items such as bicycles
and furniture with ease.
Practical though the Wagon
may be, if it’s outright space
you’re after, then Subaru’s latestOutback would be a better
choice, as it packs a 560-litre
boot. And with its more upright
stance and elevated driving
position, this automobile has
better all-round visibility.
While it has a marginally shorter
wheelbase against the Wagon
(2745mm versus 2750mm), the
taller glasshouse of the Subaru
gives its cabin a more airy feel
compared to the Mazda, which
can be a little claustrophobic, nothanks to its sloping roofline.
Unfortunately, the price to
pay for the Outback’s increased
practicality is how it doesn’t
ENGINE 2498cc, 16-valves, flat-4
MAX POWER 175bhp at 5800rpm
MAX TORQUE 235Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 110.8bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT with 8-speedoverride
0100KM/H 10.2 seconds
TOP SPEED 210km/h
CONSUMPTION 12.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 177g/km
PRICE INCL. COE $160,600 (no CEVSrebate/surcharge)
stack up too well against
the Wagon in the handling
department. Its tall stance
certainly has a negative impact
on agility, but I have a bigger
beef with its vague helm andequally nebulous CVT.
Not helping the Subaru’s cause
is how it weighs 1580kg. And
while its all-wheel-drive system
provides plenty of grip, it’s more
ponderous than the Mazda on
turn-in, to say nothing of its
numbingly average 10.2 seconds
zero-to-100km/h time.
Regardless of whether you’re
of a sporty or practical bent,
you’ll be glad to know that both
cars have a healthy amount ofkit. Both estates come with a
touchscreen infotainment system
(though the Subaru has the
prettier, larger screen), Bluetooth
Thanks toits taller
glasshouse,the Subaru
(right andextreme
right top)has the more
airy cabin,though the
Mazda’s morecocooned
interior (farright and
extreme rightbottom) lends
it a greatersense of
sportiness.
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E 49
ENGINE 2488cc, 16-valves,inline-4
MAX POWER 187bhp at 5700rpm
MAX TORQUE 250Nm at 3250
POWER TO WEIGHT 122.7bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automaticwith manual select
0100KM/H 8.2 seconds
TOP SPEED 218km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.2km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 155g/km
PRICE INCL. COE $172,888 (no CEVSrebate/surcharge)
KEEN DRIVERSWILL FIND PLENTYTO LIKE ABOUT THE6 WAGON, WHILETHE OUTBACKWILL IMPRESS THEMORE PRACTICALMINDED DRIVER.
telephony and cruise control.
On the equipment front, the
Mazda 6 Wagon has an edge
over the Subaru Outback due
to its Bose audio and satellite
navigation system.On the other hand, you are
paying more for the Mazda –
it’s priced at $172,888, which
represents a hefty $12,288
premium over the Subaru.
So, perhaps choosing between
the pair might come down to
which one is less detrimental
to your bank account. But the
bigger question is: Will their
myriad charms tempt buyers
away from SUVs?
Well, that question might bemore diffi cult to answer. But as
great do-it-all cars, these station
wagons have managed to win me
over, at least.
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AUDIS1 DRIVE
O
OLDER rally fans will remember
the last time Audi had a car
called the S1. Armed with enough
spoilers, scoops and fins to shame
a Formula One car, it terrorised
the rallying world in the 1980s as
a member of the fearsome bunch
of Group B rally cars that included
the Ford RS200, Lancia Delta S4
and Peugeot 205 T16. If you’re
too young to remember, simply
search for “Walter Rohrl onboard
highertop speed and a nearly
identical zero-to-100km/h
time. More importantly, this car
has the same all-wheel-drive
system and 6-speed manual
transmission as the A1 quattro.
Audi S1” on Youtube and prepare
to worship a newdriving hero.
The S1 you see here may
share the same name as the
terrifying 600bhp rally car, but
this hot hatch isn’t its spiritualsuccessor. That honour goes to
the A1 quattro from 2012 – the
most powerful A1 ever produced,
with 252bhp, bodywork that
wouldn’t look out of place on
a WRC vehicle and a limited
production run of 333 units.
But look closely at the modern
S1’s specs and you’ll see that it
isn’t too far off its limited edition
sibling. Despite having 21bhp
less, the S1 has more torque, a
STORY KEVIN CHINLOCATION MUNICH, GERMANY
The Audi 1 is proof that feisty things can come in small packages.
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E
ENGINE 1984cc, 16-valves,inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 231bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 370Nm at 1600-3000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 175.7bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed manual
0100KM/H 5.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 12.9km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE Not applicable
It may look less shouty than
the limited edition A1 quattro,
but it still has plenty of aesthetic
flourishes to intimidate other
motorists. Inside, the seatbacks
colour-coordinated to the
body drive home the point thatthis is no regular A1. Its driving
position would have been near
perfect if not for the fact that
the pedals are slightly offset,
just like an old Italian car’s.
Under the bonnet, you get
the same 2-litre turbocharged
engine found in the Audi S3, TT
and VW Golf GTI. In the S1’s case,
it produces 231bhp and 370Nm,
which is considerable when
shoehorned into a hatchback
the size of a matchbox.Given all that, this vehicle is
like a hyperactive child at a toy
shop. It begs to be unleashed on
twisty back roads, but even on the
motorway, its smooth and flexible
The S1 hasplenty ofracy exterioraccoutrements,includingtwo-tonewheels, quadtailpipes andan outrageous
rear spoiler.
power delivery means I took
every opportunity to experience
the engine’s riotous nature.
It makes a nice noise, too,
which means my ears aren’t left
out of the S1 experience, with
the deep, baritone exhaust notea strange juxtaposition against
the car’s diminutive size.
As expected of a pint-sized,
short-wheelbase hot hatch, the
car is immensely chuckable when
the roads tighten up. Extremely
responsive to steering and throttle
inputs, it is far sharper than its
larger stablemates, the S3 or TT.
This automobile is more
rewarding the harder it’s pushed,
carving up the wet, often icy roads
around the Munich countrysidewith reassuring sure-footedness.
Granted, I didn’t push as hard as I
would have liked, but considering
the treacherous conditions,
traction is never an issue.
Maybe it’s down to how the
S1 has a proper manual gearbox.
But whatever it is, this vehicle is
everything I love about good,
old-fashioned driver’s cars.
Sure, there are niggles, like the
bone-jarring ride in its Dynamicmode or the over-servoed
brakes, which make it hard to
heel-and-toe properly. But all
in all, the S1 is probably Audi’s
most grin-inducing car today.
Too bad this firecracker
won’t see the light of day here.
Unlike the A1 quattro, which
was produced only in left-
hand-drive, the S1 is offered in
right-hooker form. But with an
estimated price in the region
of Audi’s S3, it’s too expensivefor Audi Singapore to import.
That’s a shame, really, because
while most of us could never drive
like Walter Rohrl, with the S1, we
could at least imagine we could.
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DRIVE
BFORE
AND AFTERThe B-Class was rough around the edges,but after a timely facelift, it’s now thepremium mini-MPV it should be.
W
WHEN Mercedes-Benz launched
the second-generation B-Class
three years ago, everyone
expected it to set the standard
for mini-multi-purpose vehicles.
This automobile’s interior and
ride comfort, however, fell short
of expectations. The plasticky
cockpit lacked soft-touch
surfaces. That model also had
relatively stiff damping and a
choppy ride.
The updated B-Class you see
on this spread, however, is a notch
above its predecessor. Compared
to the older model, the latest car
boasts stronger road presence,
thanks to its wider grille and new
Classier than“B-fore”, the
cockpit also hasa new steering
wheel (identicalto the one in theC-Class), and is
now equippedwith Collision
PreventionAssist Plus foradded safety.
bumpers. More importantly, the
new headlights are now LEDs
instead of HIDs, thereby offering
better visibility at night and in
poor weather.
The most palpable
improvements to the B-Class,
however, are inside the car. Settle
into the driver’s seat and you’ll
discover that the materials used
around the cabin now have a
softer, classier feel. And for the
first time, buyers are offered the
option of specifying the brand’s
Keyless-Go function for added
convenience.
Also aimed at enhancing
user convenience is the new
infotainment system, which
features a larger display and the
latest menu format.
The former is definitely pleasing
to look at, but the latter is a bit of
a hit-and-miss.
MERCEDES-
BENZB200
STORY JEREMY CHUA
PHOTOS VERNON WONG
ART DIRECTION MICHAEL CHIAN
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E
ENGINE 1595cc, 16-valves,inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 156bhp at 5300rpm
MAX TORQUE 250Nm at 1250-4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 115.6bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutchwith manual select
0100KM/H 8.4 seconds
TOP SPEED 220km/h
CONSUMPTION 18.5km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 125g/km
PRICE INCL. COE $177,888 (after $10k CEVS rebate)
The animated graphics are
nice, but navigating through the
system is less intuitive than I like.This is because the new format
no longer has the menu options
displayed permanently. You’ll need
to perform an extra directional tap
on the rotary controller to bring
these up on screen.
One cool addition to the cabin
is the ambient lighting system,
which gives the interior a more
modern feel. With a dozen
colours to choose from (five
more than what the flagship
S-Class limousine offers), even
artsy drivers should be able
to find a hue that reflects
their motoring mood.
This car’s performance,
however, remains unchanged.
The B200 variant tested here,
with a turbocharged 1.6-litre
4-pot producing 156bhp and
a very useful 250Nm, still has
a very relaxed character.
In contrast, its key rival,
BMW’s 218i Active Tourer (see
box story on the left), feels
more eager on the go.
Responsible for thisautomobile’s relaxed nature
is the 7-speed dual-clutch
transmission. Though it delivers
smooth and snappy gearchanges,
its tendency to upshift early
makes its acceleration feel
relatively restrained.
Luckily, there’s a selectable
Sport setting, which helps hasten
progress by holding onto each
forward ratio a bit longer and
letting the engine rev higher.
Although this vehicle’s outright
performance hasn’t changed,
its ride quality has improved
noticeably. The bumpy ride that
plagued the pre-facelift model
has been eliminated. The latest
version isn’t upset by speed strips
and undulating road surfaces.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class
is now a more complete
mini-MPV. The likely question
on buyers’ minds, then, is:
“To B, or not to B?”
NIMBLER TOURER
The 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW’s directanswer to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which
was the first model of its kind in the German
premium segment.
Unlike the B-Class with its laid-back persona,
the Active Tourer has a sprightly character,
which could stem from the fact that its platform
is shared with the MINI hatchback. Compared
to the B-Class, the Active Tourer is smaller andless spacious, with its length and wheelbase both
shorter than those of the Mercedes.
Between these two rivals, it is the Active
Tourer that is the more entertaining drive. The218i variant I tested, which has a turbocharged
1.5-litre 3-cylinder motor, is not only rev-happy,
it also provides a sporty soundtrack.
– JEREMY CHUA
P H OT O T ANME N G C H O ON
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J U N E 2 0 1 5 T O R Q U E
domestic model) equipment that
makes the Vellfire a veritable limo.The optional gadgetry includes
programming of the power-slide
doors to open automatically upon
approach, a Panoramic View
Monitor that gives the driver a
helpful “see-through” perspective
of the vehicle’s surroundings,
automated Parking Assist, and
radar-based “follow the front car”
cruise c