Talk about a diesel powered car some 20 years ago would bring about the image of black smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe. However, today's modern diesel car engine is nothing like the smoky, dirty motors of the past. They are extremely clean, powerful and efficient. The Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro that was launched in Singapore some time in Mid 2009 can testify to this statement.
Back to this entry's topic, a new Audi A3 1.6 TDI has just been introduced in UK. The 1.6 TDI engine generates 105P
GM has announced that it has extended its deadline for potential bidders of Saab, in a move that hands the Swedish car-maker a lifeline for survival. GM is still continuing the wind-down process of Saab though, but in the wake of renewed interest in Saab from Spyker Cars, as well as several other interested parties, GM has extended the deadline for bids from 31st December to 7th January. "We are preparing the wind-down process. At the same time we are open to options, to bids that come in. The
In Singapore, the current entry-level VW Scirocco is fitted to with the 1.4L Twincharged engine. However, a new entry-level 1.4 TSI (Single Turbo) model could be arriving in the near future as evident in its recent launch in UK. It is the same unit that powers the entry level 122bhp Golf.
The European speced entry model benefits from a comprehensive list of standard equipment including a six-CD autochanger with iPod preparation, rain and dusk sensors, a multifunction computer and 17-inch
The Audi A8 has always been renowned for the extravagant amount of technology that the car holds, alongside with the Mercedes S class or the BMW 7 Series. Though Mercedes usually pioneers implementing the latest technology in their cars, Audi has taken a step forward by announcing that their upcoming version of the A8 will have a revised Multi Media Interface (MMI) featuring Google Earth as part of the car's navigation system.
In addition to the traditional hard-disk navigation system,
The above image shows an illustration of what the next generation RX-7 could look like. A proper two-door coupe replacement for the much-missed Mazda RX-7 could make its appearance as early as 2011 as a 2012 model. The introduction of the two-seat RX-7 will lead to the death of the four-seat RX-8 with its 'suicide-style' rear doors, a feature which I finds rather unique among the sea of coupes.
Officially, the only piece of information that Mazda has released about its next generation RX mo
Happy new year to all readers of MyCarForum! Year 2009 saw a shift in the buying pattern of motorists in Singapore. Continentals and Koreans are gaining market share at the expense of the offerings from the land of the rising sun. The major reasons being the closing up of the price difference between the continental and japanese cars, and the major improvement in the build quality of the Korean vehicles while maintaining their price competitiveness.
VW is determined to continue the momentum
This is a further update to my earlier post on the all new Hyundai Elantra. Now, we have the first clear images of the completed interior of the brand's popular compact offering. Hyundai has ditched the conservative design of the current Elantra in favor of a rather radical and polarizing one, not unlike the cabin designs seen in the new Sonata and Tuscon. It takes the instrument cluster layout from the Tucson crossover and the steering-wheel design from the new Sonata, while centre console is a
Like all drivers, I do nick my tyre sidewalls now and then when I take a turn too fast. Whether on a multi-storey carpark ramp or mounting a kerb elsewhere. Well the last time I nicked my rear tyre, it caused a cut in the tyre sidewall. I didn't think much of it cause it looked superficial and most importantly the tyre still works fine without any deflation.
From what I learnt recently, that's not the half of it. Having a cut on the sidewall can be a serious hazard. When I brought my car in
In the world of modern technology, downsizing is the word. I could recall that twenty years ago, the size of a handphone could make it double up as a self defense tool. Fast forward to the 21st century, a handphone could fit into your right pocket with ease and could perform functions beyond your imagination.
Back to the automobile industry, the word 'downsizing' does not refer to the physical size of the car, but points to the capacity of the engine. The founder of this trend is none other
New images have been revealed for the new Ferrari F70 which is set to leave rivals, the Bugatti Veyron and the Lamborghini Reventon, biting the dust. I don't feel like it looks more radical or special than the Reventon, neither does it have the presence or power of the Veyron, but this Stallion is going to be seriously quick.
Its more serious and more focused than the Enzo, smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient. There are even rumours that a twin-turbo V8 is going to be at the heart
Having introduced the next generation 5-Series sedan, BMW's M division is now concentrating on the development of the flagship version of the series, the M5. The hotly anticipated M5 will make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show in March next year.
The Bavarian automaker has decided to power the new M5 using the new 4.4L bi-turbo V8 that debuted in the X5M and X6M, ditching the current model's exotic V10 powerplant. In the X5M and X6M, the bi-turbocharged unit produces an ou
The Iphone Invasion cannot be ignored any longer. Even if you don't own an Iphone, chances are you may own an Ipod Touch. And both these devices have revolutionized the way we see phones or MP3 players. They're not essential devices anymore, they have become an integral part of our lives, using them to surf the Internet or to get directions using GPS. But with the Iphone, the number of applications or Apps as we now call it, that we can download are close to 100,000! The best part is, most of th
The Volkswagen Polo has made its presence known in India.
Eagerly awaited by the Indian market, the Polo will now be available in showrooms by March 2010. Volkswagen is not the only car-maker to venture into the Indian market, Nissan, Ford and General Motors have also taken the plunge and started manufacturing their cars in India.
The Chakan factory has an annual capacity of around 110,000 cars and Volkswagen claims it to be the most state of the art amongst the Volkswagen group w
Here's the all new Opel Astra. It projects a more elegant and classy image than the outgoing model and has grown alot is all dimensions, being 170 mm longer, 160 mm wider and 50 mm taller. With such dimensions, it engulfs the Mark VI Golf. Not only that, I feel that the Astra managed to look more sophisticated than the Golf.
A bigger car inevitably weighs more. Opel said the new Astra carries an average 40 kg more than the equivalent old car.
On the positive side, torsional rigidity of
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The all new Volkswagen Passat will bow in 2012, and here is what to expect from the next-generation sedan when it debuts early next decade.
The 2012 will retain its transversely mounted engine, although it will ride on an all-new platform. Dubbed MQB, the architecture will prevent VW from putting obscure engines
Ok guys, be prepared to pay more for your rubber - I meant rubber that is worn on your car
Yokohama Rubber Co. recently announced that it would increase the export price of tire products effective January 2010. The price increase applies to all exported tire products for passenger cars, light trucks, trucks, buses, and vehicles for construction and industry. The domestic market is spared from the price hike. The maximum markup is around 15 percent, with even larger markup applied to specific
Ford Motor Company announced that it has settled all the substantive commercial terms with China's Geely Holding Group Company Limited on the prospected sale of its Volvo unit.
Ford commented that some works such as final documentation, financing and government approvals need to be done before the deal is sealed. However, the company anticipates that a definitive sale agreement will be signed in the first quarter of 2010, with closing of the sale likely to occur in the second quarter of the
The 2010 Kizashi is Suzuki's first shot at the D-Segment market after enjoying many years of success in the small car market. In Japanese, "Kizashi" means "a sign of great things to come".
Styling-wise, I can't help to feel that the frontal view of the car looks like an upsized SX4 sedan with a hint of VW Jetta. It should look non-offensive to most people but doesn't seem to stand out among the sea of Teanas, Camrys and Accords.
The rear view of the Kizashi is more distinct than th
The Ford Fiesta made its ASEAN debut at the recent Thailand International Motor Expo, and will go into production next year at the AutoAlliance Thailand plant. The USD 500 million facility is a joint venture between Mazda and Ford.
The Thai factory will supply Fiestas to the ASEAN region, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa , which are all the major right-hand drive markets. A sedan version of the Fiesta will be made available at a later date.
Over the past 10 years, more car manufa
Is it time for LTA to revise the speed limits on our expressways?
The only conceivable purpose (to me at least) for imposing laws regulating the maximum speed we can drive at is safety. It keeps us safe; it keeps the people/objects around us safe. But is our current speed limit on the expressway an over-enthusiastic curb (i.e. is LTA being too kiasu)? My answer is YES.
The reason? It is no longer reasonable to restrict our expressway speed at 90km/h or less (for passenger cars) in most
The legendary man is back! Michael Schumacher will join Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button on the starting grid in next season's Formula One World Championship. The only difference this time is that he won't be piloting for Ferarri, but for Mercedes GP instead, what used to be Brawn GP.
And that is the big question. Why did he go to Mercedes after so many years with the Stallion from Maranello? He was one of their chief advisors and placed in such a position with high reg
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Say hello to the new Ford Focus.
This stunning new model is set to make heads turn.. It has all the hot-hatch ingredients with massive driver appeal, a handsome look to it, and technology that is up to date. Set to go on sale in 2010, the third generation of the family car will showcase a dramatic new look that
