The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 exudes an unmistakable presence. It’s the kind of car that makes you stop mid-stride and do a double-take.

With its AMG badge, it carries an expectation of performance, but this isn’t a full-fat 63. Instead, the CLE53 finds its sweet spot somewhere between outright aggression and refined composure, a balancing act that promises a lot on paper.

A Coupe On A Protein Diet

The CLE53 begins life as the standard CLE coupe. Then it gets a dose of AMG steroids. Wider tracks (58mm in the front and a beefy 75mm at the rear) necessitate muscular arches to house those chunky 295-section rear tyres.

The result is a stance that harks back to the C63 AMG Coupe of old, but with a modern flair.  

Optional matte paints and blackline trims only add to the visual drama. It looks ready to pounce even when it’s standing still, a quality that few cars truly master.

With A V8 Shorn Of Its Glory

Let’s get this out of the way – no, there’s no V8 under the bonnet. Instead, you’ll find a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six paired with a mild-hybrid system.

While that’s a mouthful, the specs are respectable: 429bhp, 520Nm of torque, and an additional 22bhp from the electric motor for short bursts.

It’s an engine we’ve seen across the Mercedes lineup, tuned here to fit AMG’s vision. Mercedes claims a century sprint of 4.2 seconds.

There Is Calm Amidst The Chaos

The beauty of the CLE 53 lies in its adaptability. Around town, it’s a serene cruiser. The engine purrs quietly, and the cabin remains an oasis of calm.

It’s everything you’d want from a Mercedes coupe: refined, elegant, and comfortable.

But dial up the drive mode, and the beast awakens. The steering tightens, the suspension stiffens, and the engine note deepens.

Changes to the steel springs’ rates, damper loads and chassis kinematics have all been designed to sharpen responses, deliver more feedback and offer more control.

On winding roads, the CLE53 showcases confidence-inspiring grip. Yet, it never felt too eager or twitchy, maintaining a sense of control that encourages you to push harder.

But There’s Still The Ghost Of AMG Past

Where the CLE 53 struggles most is in its attempts to emulate the ferocity and visceral thrill of its V8 ancestors. Gone is the deep rumble that would stir your soul as you blip the throttle. Instead, the CLE53 offers a smooth, somewhat muted soundtrack. Functional, but far from evocative.

Despite power delivery lacking the necessary drama, the mid-range torque is sufficient for spirited driving. On tighter, twistier roads, the CLE 53 feels more at home. The rear-wheel steering system helps shrink the car’s footprint, allowing for sharper turn-ins and a livelier rear end.

However, on open roads, its 2,000kg kerb weight becomes apparent. It handles confidently but without the nimbleness or raw feedback of, say, a BMW M4.

At Least The Cabin’s Nice

Carbon fibre accents galore on the inside, alongside a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and luxurious leather appointments. The cabin tech is robust, featuring the latest MBUX system, though the myriad of options can feel overwhelming. You can even configure the instrument display to an uninterpretable mess if you wish.

The optional AMG sports seats look and feel the part, and rear passengers are quite comfortable too… if they don’t have legs.

A Coupe For Every Occasion

The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 isn’t trying to be a one-trick pony. It’s a car designed to cater to a wide audience, from those seeking comfort and luxury to drivers craving a taste of AMG performance.

Whether you’re cruising along the highway or carving up mountain roads, the CLE53 adapts to your mood.

Is it perfect? Not quite. But at least Mercedes is on the right path.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe

Engine: 3-litre 6-cylinder in-line, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 330 kW (443 bhp)
Torque: 560 Nm
Gearbox: 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT (A)
0-100km/h: 4.2 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Economy: 9.9 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$460,888 (Avantgarde)
Contact: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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With deliveries already rolling out in China and Europe, Singapore joins the growing list of countries with the new Polestar 4.

The 4 has the minimalist, Scandinavian design language that Polestar is known for, but with a design that harks back to the Polestar Precept concept car, featuring some striking innovations that are sure to turn heads.

The elimination of the rear window is its most prominent feature, and instead, you get an immersive experience for rear passengers, and a cleaner, more futuristic look that embodies Polestar’s forward-thinking ethos.

The Polestar 4 is designed to slice through the air with remarkable efficiency, with its low nose, retractable door handles, and flush glazing with frameless windows. The rear aero blades and optimised airflow around the rear light bar further enhance the car’s sleek, streamlined profile.

With a wheelbase of nearly 3 metres, there’s ample room inside, particularly in the rear, where passengers are treated to a unique cocoon-like environment with reclining seats. And if that wasn’t enough, Polestar’s ambient lighting, inspired by the solar system, allows you to tailor the mood to your liking.

Thanks to the absence of a rear window, the panoramic glass roof extends beyond the rear seats, creating a one-of-a-kind, open-air feel.

And for those concerned about the view, don’t worry, the rear-view mirror is replaced with a high-definition screen, offering a real-time feed from a roof-mounted camera. It’s a feature that provides a far wider field of vision than your traditional mirror setup.

The Polestar 4 is the fastest production car in the brand’s lineup. The Long Range Dual Motor version puts down 544hp, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

For those who prefer a more relaxed, rear-wheel drive experience, the Single Motor variant still delivers an impressive 272hp and a range of up to 620km, according to WLTP standards. Both variants come equipped with a 100kWh battery, and if you’re driving around Singapore, the range should be more than enough to keep range anxiety at bay.

And for Singapore owners, the Pilot and Plus Packs come standard in Singapore, whilst an optional Pro pack is on offer for those who wish to stand out more.

Polestar 4 pricing starts at SGD320,000 for the Single Motor variant and SGD370,000 for the Dual Motor, inclusive of COE.

Test drives are now available at Polestar’s sleek showroom on Leng Kee Road, where you can experience the future of electric mobility for yourself.

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Life Cycle Impulse or LCI is BMW-speak for mid-cycle refresh or facelift. That’s what’s happened here with the G42 BMW 2 Series Coupe, set for market launch in August 2024.

Five engine variants will be available from launch, with Singapore specifications yet to be confirmed.

The 218i, 220i and 230i coupes all sport two-litre inline four-cylinder turbocharged engines with 156hp and 250Nm of torque, 184hp and 300Nm of torque, and 245hp and 400Nm of torque respectively sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

These outputs see the 218i, 220i and 230i dispatch the century sprint in 8.7 seconds, 7.5 seconds, and 5.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 224km/h, 236km/h, and 250km/h respectively.

There will also be a hot-version M240i xDrive with a three-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a healthy 374hp and 500Nm of torque being channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

0-100km/h is dusted off in just 4.3 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

There will also be a 220d diesel version with 190hp and 400Nm of torque, but this variant is unlikely to hit our shores.

All variants of the LCI 2 Series Coupe will come fitted with the M Sport Package as standard, which includes extra-large air intakes at the front, more prominent side skirts, a distinct rear apron with vertical reflectors and a diffuser-like insert, and M Sport suspension.

M high-gloss Shadow Line is now also part of the standard equipment. An optional M Pro Sport Package complements the dynamic exterior design with M Shadow Line lights, an M rear spoiler in sapphire black and the M high-gloss Shadow Line with extended features.

There will also be an M sport brake system with red-painted brake callipers and M seat belts, in addition to new paint colours consisting of two solid and five metallic, light alloy rims, steering wheels and seat upholstery to add a modern touch on the outside and inside.

BMW Operating System 8.5 features on the inside and brings tech in this junior coupe up to date. The system comprises a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display.

The standard ambient lighting also includes new waterfall lighting integrated into the covers of the central air vents, whose colour and brightness can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, with nine colour schemes to choose from.

An M leather steering wheel is standard fit, as are sports seats for the driver and front passenger. Bucket-like M sport seats will be available as an optional extra.

More details to come in due course.

Photo Credits: BMW

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Although the Aston Martin Vantage is considered the “baby Aston” of the range, there’s nothing infantile about this generation Vantage’s performance.

665hp and 800Nm of torque from a reworked four-litre twin-turbo V8 that sits at the heart of the Vantage propels it from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 325km/h through a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox via the rear wheels.

These numbers should get any serious car enthusiast hot under the collar, especially when the vehicle in question looks this gorgeous.

The Vantage’s bodywork is now 30mm wider than the previous model with a larger front grille, and all-new Matrix LED headlamp design with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs), featuring Aston Martin’s new light signature.

Frameless door mirrors and optional presenting door handles are also new, while a wider rear bumper incorporating side vents and larger diameter quad exhaust tailpipes ensure the Vantage looks as dramatic from the rear as it does from the front.

Vantage owners can enhance the sporting character of Vantage even further, by selecting one of three core livery designs. Available in 21 colours, a client can choose to add a Pinstripe, Pinstripe and Lipstick or Pinstripe, Lipstick and Rear infill.

A new launch control system sees to the Vantage’s snappy acceleration, and in conjunction with its E-Diff electronic limited-slip rear differential, ESP Slip Control and Adjustable Traction Control mean that the perfect launch can be dialled in for the current surface conditions.

The Vantage has a 50:50 weight distribution, which means it should handle extremely well too. Vantage’s bonded aluminium construction and underbody stiffening means more torsional rigidity, enabling more precision when pointed into and out of corners.

Adding to this are brand new Bilstein adaptive dampers, which offer a 500% increase in bandwidth of force distribution over previous generation hardware. This in turn has enabled an immense range of control and speed of response, and Aston Martin engineers to sharpen the Vantage’s handling characteristics.

The Vantage’s Electronic Power Assisted Steering system (EPAS) has also been sharpened, and at 2.27 turns lock-to-lock, will definitely offer its front-end a more darty and eager characteristic.

Of course, good handling also comes courtesy of grippy tyres, and Aston Martin has partnered with Michelin to fit 275/35 R21 and 325/30 R21 AML-marked Pilot Sport S 5 tyres made specifically for the Vantage.

These sticky rubbers sit on 21-inch forged 9.5J- and 11.5J-width alloy rims which are offered in three different designs, namely the standard Five-Spoke and optional Multi-Spoke and Y-Spoke, and in a range of colours and finishes, including Satin Bronze.

Braking duties fall to cast-iron 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs with drilled faces for improved heat management and fade resistance. Optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) can also be specified on the Vantage.

As expected of an Aston Martin, the Vantage’s interior is swathed in the finest materials. Standard fit is an Aston Martin 390w 11 speaker audio system, but a stunning 15-speaker, double amplified 1,170W surround sound system developed by audio partner Bowers & Wilkins is optionally available.

The Vantage is the second model to feature Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment. Created in-house and first introduced in DB12, it features a 10.25-inch touchscreen system which is much snappier than previous iterations.

Supplemented by a new Aston Martin customer connectivity app which supports iOS and Android devices, this infotainment system allows interaction, control and feedback to and from the customer’s Vantage via their personal device.

When purchasing their new Vantage, owners will be invited to enrol in the new Aston Martin app and create their own unique AML ID. The app offers a range of connected car subscription packages that are free for the first 3-years and designed to maximise the Aston Martin ownership experience.

This pre-production Vantage is making its rounds in right-hand drive markets for exclusive previews. It will be available for viewing at the Aston Martin showroom at 45 Leng Kee Road until Monday 6 May 2024.

Next stop, Kuala Lumpur.

Production versions of the Aston Martin Vantage are expected to arrive on our shores in Q4 2024.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long tradition of sporty, elegant dream cars with a new, independent series, the CLE, one that uses the conceptual and technical innovations of the C-Class and E‑Class.

With this new dream car series, Mercedes-Benz is fulfilling the wishes of many customers in the C-and E-Class segments. At market launch, consumers can look forward to the CLE 200 Coupé., while the CLE 200 Cabriolet, CLE 53 Coupé and cabriolet will soon be available.

Launch prices will be $341,888 for the CLE 200 Coupé AVANTGARDE, and $367,888 for the CLE 200 Coupé AMG Line.

Both CLE models come with a mild-hybrid two-litre inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine putting down 204hp and 320Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we have always pushed the frontiers of what a desirable car means to our customers, and the new CLE is no different. At the heart of it, the CLE Coupé was designed to be the ultimate dream sportscar; a divine blend of prestige, comfort and the latest technology, integrated with the best features from our E-Class and C-Class models. It is truly in a league of its own and we are thrilled to welcome the CLE Coupé into the family and introduce it to our customers in Singapore,” said Claudius Steinhoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore.

The new CLE Coupé embodies proportions typical of a coupé with the modern design language of Mercedes-Benz. This creates a sculptural appearance for the CLE Coupé, which is characterised by flowing surfaces with seamless transitions.

The combination of a low silhouette (1,428 mm) with a long wheelbase (2,865 mm), short overhangs (888 mm at the front and 1,097 mm at the rear) and a muscular shoulder two-door means that the CLE looks every part that an attractive coupe should.

Both AVANTGARDE and AMG Line are housed on 19-inch light-alloy wheels as standard. A selection of other light-alloy wheels from 19 to 20 inches with different exterior colours give a high degree of customisation.

The CLE Coupé has DIGITAL LIGHT headlights as standard, two daytime running light ellipses and blue illumination of the headlight base to give an unmistakable look that further reinforces the dynamic appearance.

The rear lights are connected to a dark red design element, much like the classic chrome trim strip on the bumper, thus emphasising the width of the rear. In the AVANTGARDE Line, C‑shaped trim parts enclose the chrome trim strip like a classy clasp.

In the cockpit are the free-standing 12.3-inch (21.3 cm) fully digital instrument display and the 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display in user-friendly portrait format.

Additional sportiness is created by the dynamic ambient lighting in 64 colours. Provided as standard equipment are the ambient lighting with indirect light on the trim strip of the instrument panel, the cup holders on the centre console, the overhead control unit, the door handles, the seat adjustment unit and in the front footwell.

With Ambient Lighting Plus, a light band sweeps from the centre console along the lower edge of the instrument panel to beneath the outer air vents on each side. A strip of light runs in each of the doors along the lines of the armrest and beltline to the rear row of seats, reinforcing the generous feeling of space.

Other highlights include the standard multi-function sports steering wheel in leather and new front seats that were developed exclusively for the CLE, featuring sports-seat design with integrated headrests.

In conjunction with the Burmester 3D surround sound system, they each have two speakers at the level of the headrests, creating an immersive music experience for the individual with Dolby Atmos close to the ears. The premium sound system has a total of 17 speakers.

The front seats are heated and have an electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support as standard. Seat climate control and a seven-zone massage are also available in conjunction with the optional ENERGIZING Plus package. Seat height, backrest and cushion inclination, as well as seat cushion depth, can be infinitely adjusted electrically.

The memory function can be used to save individual driver seat settings for up to three people, likewise for the position of the steering wheel, the optional head-up display and the exterior mirrors. If the driver changes, the optimal driving position can be conveniently set at the touch of a button.

A new, specific EASY-ENTRY function ensures easy access to the rear. The front seats are not unlocked with a lever but with an elegant loop made of Nappa leather that is conveniently located at the upper edge of the backrest.

Anyone who has not buckled their seat belt immediately after boarding can reactivate the seat belt feeder via a button on the central display or simply by opening and closing the door again. In addition, the CLE Coupé is one of the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles with an optimised warning for seat belts that are not fastened, and the system only reacts to occupied unbuckled seats.

The KEYLESS-GO comfort package is available to further increase convenience. In addition to starting the engine at the push of a button, it enables all vehicle doors to be opened and locked by simply touching the respective door handle.

The recessed grips are illuminated for better orientation in the dark. With HANDS‑FREE ACCESS, the trunk can also be opened and closed contact-free and fully automatically with a simple kick of the foot in the rear bumper’s sensor area.

With a 25mm longer wheelbase, the CLE Coupé offers significantly more space than the C-Class Coupé. The rear passengers in particular benefit from 10mm more headroom, 19mm more shoulder and elbow room and 72mm more knee room, while the boot offers 60 litres more volume.

Mercedes-Benz is also working on automating comfort functions using artificial intelligence (AI). The vehicle learns which comfort systems the driver uses repeatedly at certain times and under certain conditions, and then runs them automatically.

The CLE Coupé goes one step further in terms of automated adaptation to personal habits and adopts the innovative routines introduced with the new E-Class.

At market launch, customers can use templates for standard routines, and they have the option of creating their own routines, with the possibility of linking several functions and conditions with each other.

In the future, the CLE Coupé will also be able to fully automate recurring routine tasks if desired, with the help of AI. The vehicle’s ability to also learn and evolve with the customer will represent a new level of intelligence.

In the first expansion stage, Mercedes-Benz will offer AI-generated routines such as Massage, Seat heating and Seat ventilation for the driver’s seat. Other interior systems are to be successively integrated and further routines made possible.

More to come when we drive the CLE Coupé.

Photo Credits: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

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The G22 and G23 BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible respectively have gotten a mid-cycle refresh, or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW-speak. Market launch is expected to be in March 2024.

Both coupe and convertible receive slim LED headlights, and the large kidney grille continues its appearance here. The headlights themselves are visually and functionally upgraded.

The side lights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signal indicators are vertically arranged. Cars equipped with Comfort Access will have a new Welcome Light Animation.

Adaptive LED headlights with matrix beam, urban lights and exclusive BMW M4 CSL-esque Laserlight rear lights can be ordered as options. M Shadowline lights are also optionally available as part of the M Sport Package Pro.

Design element changes in the rear end see the 4 Series’ width emphasised even more. An optional M Sport package includes a black diffuser and larger 100mm tailpipes.

Two new paint colours, New Cape York Metallic and Fire Red Metallic, have been added to the range of shades. If that’s not enough, pick from an extensive selection of BMW Individual paint colours and BMW Individual special paint finishes.

Three new 19-inch alloy rims are also optionally available, as is an M Carbon exterior package and a wide selection of BMW M Performance Parts.

On the inside, both coupe and convertible receive newly-designed steering wheels. Both the standard and M leather steering wheels feature flat bottoms.

BMW Curved Display is also here, and features Operating System 9 or iDrive 9. The number of buttons and controls in the cockpit is further reduced as a result.

The standard-fit sports seats are covered in Sensatec perforated material. Optional Vernasca leather trim with decorative quilting is now offered in bi-colour Black/Red. BMW Individual Merino leather is also available in three colours.

However, if leather is not your thing, M Perfomtex is available as a sustainable alternative for the 4 Series Coupe. High-quality velour-type material in Black is available exclusively for cars fitted with the M Sport package, and for M Performance models.

Underhood, three petrol and three diesel engines will be available from launch. Singapore will likely receive the petrol engines only. The M Performance models will enjoy a six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 374hp for the M440i.

Two four-cylinder engines will also be available with 184hp in the 420i and 245hp in the 430i. xDrive all-wheel drive will be standard in the 430i and M440i. A 48V mild hybrid system will come as standard in the M440i, and all engines get an eight-speed automatic Steptronic Sport transmission.

Production of the G22 & G23 LCI 4 Series will continue at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, which also produces the 8 Series and M4.

Photo Credits: BMW

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First, some context. Sean and I previously had an agreement in that he would test the ZN8 Toyota GR86 and I would review the ZD8 Subaru BRZ. As we drew closer to the review date, and during the photoshoot of Subaru’s excellent WRX Wagon, word came through that the BRZ on test would be DUN DUN DUNNNNN!! an automatic.

Here I was looking forward to my first manual-transmission test-drive in three years, only to have those hopes utterly dashed, doused in petrol and immolated into a smouldering mess.

After I’d finished sobbing my eyes out, a period of internal reflection brought about a realisation. “Vivek, spare a thought for those who cannot drive manual or are unable to do so anymore, but still want to experience rear-wheel drive heaven.”

On To Business

When Subaru and Toyota first collaborated to bring forth a pure rear-wheel driven (RWD) coupe, the world awaited with bated breath. While the first iteration was great in handling, it was not so good in the engine department.

Here in its ZD8 second-generation, the engine grows in size from two-litres to 2.4-litres, but still remains naturally aspirated. A bit more power and torque means more flexibility on the streets and on track.

Sleek Coupe

One cannot help but to look longingly at that long bonnet as it curves it way up to the steeply-raked windscreen and low roofline, all hallmarks of a coupe whose front wheels do the turning and the rears do the propelling.

The multi-spoke 18-inch rims are sufficiently attractive, and in gunmetal, play well with the test vehicle’s shade of WR Blue, Subaru’s signature colour.

A clean design aesthetic is interspersed by STI bits below the front bumper, side skirts and, much more prominently, in the rear with that lower diffuser and swan-neck wing.

The STI Edition will cost you a cool $18,000 above the standard car’s price.

Since looks are subjective, decide for yourself whether the extra outlay is worth it for you or whether the standard coupe’s clean looks speaks more to your heart.

Yes, I said heart, because a BRZ purchase is based purely on emotion. Why?

Low Rider

Ya ain’t gonna reasonably fit anyone back there. Maybe, just maybe, if all four occupants are of a petite nature, or a child seat at a pinch, but that’s about it. This isn’t a family vehicle.

In other words, the BRZ is likely only going to work for you and your significant other or friend. Take heart though, for those back seats are perfectly shaped for a couple of helmets for track days.

What’s not wanting, on the other hand, are the front seats. They’re manually adjusted (yes, I realise the irony there), but are supremely comfortable and supportive, even for yours truly with lower back and pinched nerve issues. Those red trimmings on the seats and doors are exclusive to the STI Edition.

As expected of a front-engine rear-drive coupe, the steering wheel, adjustable for reach and rake, is perfectly sized and falls naturally to hand.

With the driver’s seat all the way back and up for my longer limbs and shorter torso, the driving position is decidedly sporty, with the steering wheel adjusted for a natural bend in the elbows.

The digital instrument cluster is simple, clear and easy to read, with pertinent information available on the left display for the street or a track day.

The infotainment is basic, but one will likely be using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The sound system is pretty good and can play quite loud without being too overwhelmed.

It’s also nice to have physical knobs and buttons for the dual-zone climate control.

Looking past the automatic transmission just for now, one finds two buttons and a central toggle. The left button turns traction control completely off, and the right puts it into a halfway mode called ‘Track.’

The central toggle offers up three driving modes, namely Normal, Sport and Snow. Given that we live in sunny and rainy Singapore, and because this was a street- and highway-based test drive, Normal was selected most of the time. Sport definitely sharpens up the throttle and would be more useful for carving up B-roads and track days.

Rage Your Dream

What a dream the BRZ is to drive! Its suspension is decidedly sportily sprung, but never gets harsh and still remains composed. The steering is perfectly weighted and pretty communicative of what the front wheels are doing.

You sit sufficiently low to where the small of your back tells you how the coupe’s behaving in bends and corners. Use this information to better judge cornering speeds, and the BRZ will grip like a leech with its Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and dance through the twisty stuff like a world-class ballerina.

This BRZ’s six-speed automatic transmission is set up to play along with the enthusiast driver, and bangs up and down through its gears in Manual mode through the steering-mounted paddle shifters. Though an automatic, the immediacy of gear change is surprisingly good.

No, it won’t beat a dual-clutch gearbox for shift speeds, but it was enough for me to have a really good time at the helm.

The purity of the whole experience speaks volumes about Toyota’s and Subaru’s efforts to bring in a suitable replacement for the hallowed Hachiroku of the 80’s, and I’d say they’ve succeeded lock stock and barrel with this second-generation.

This is thanks in no small part to the BRZ’s new FA24D engine.

Compared to the old FA20D, the FA24D makes 237hp and 250Nm. That’s 23hp and 45Nm more, but the area under the torque curve is also wider now. What this translates to is much more flexibility while daily driving, and it shows.

Pootling around in street traffic was a cinch. There’s enough get-up-and-go to keep with the flow, and throttle inputs could be made smoothly. Same on the highway, where the BRZ sat unflappable at higher speeds, and a simple prod on the accelerator was enough to overtake.

Since the BRZ was only available for a business-day loan, my daytime test route encompassing the first two legs of Pure Street and the last two legs of Mostly Highway test routes was utilised.

It did quite decently on fuel consumption. Subaru quotes a WLTP average efficiency of 8.8-litres/100km or 11.4km/litre, and the weighted and normalised test-drive average surpassed it at 7.92-litres/100km or 12.6km/litre. As usual, your mileage may vary based on driving style and conditions.

I started this journey sobbing my eyes out at the thought of an automatic test vehicle. I still had tears in my eyes at the end of the test-drive, but that was because I was very impressed at how “even an automatic” BRZ can be this enjoyable.

Add to that EyeSight-based adaptive cruise control and the BRZ becomes a thoroughly usable daily-driven vehicle for the enthusiast who needs a relatively affordable rear-drive coupe.

That it is not turbocharged also means that newbies to rear-wheel drive won’t get themselves into trouble too quickly. That in itself makes this a very compelling package for both new enthusiasts learning the ropes, and old hands who can truly enjoy momentum-driving. Even if it means waiting a while for delivery, since the BRZ is only available on indent basis.

Welcome to RWD heaven.

¡Manuel! ¿Dónde estás?

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Technical Specifications

Subaru BRZ 2.4 Eyesight RWD 6AT

Engine:  2,387cc naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Driveline: rear-wheel drive
Power: 237hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 250Nm @ 3,700rpm
0-100km/h: 6.8 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 216km/h (claimed)
Fuel Economy (combined): 8.8-litres/100km or 11.4km/litre (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres
Kerb Weight: 1,310kg
Price: $237,800 (BRZ 6AT)/ $255,800 (BRZ 6AT STI Edition) (including COE, accurate at time of writing)
Contact: Subaru Singapore

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You’ve seen it in countless leaks online, and its controversial styling may have ruffled your feathers a little. Well, the hotly-anticipated BMW M2 Coupe is finally here in Singapore.

Now in its second generation, the new M2 coupe has muscular proportions and aggressive angles. BMW’s signature kidney grille is loud and proud here, with horizontal slats reminiscent of the recently introduced BMW XM.

Compared to the standard 2 Series Coupe, the M2 has a much wider track width, exemplified by the squared-off, almost boxy lower intake area. In fact, it shares its front and rear track widths with its bigger M4 sibling.

These aren’t for show either. The widened tracks greatly improve handling, giving you those massively flared wheel arches. The rear, is equally boxy, with quad tailpipes that sit loud and proud underneath the rectangular facade. Also included as standard equipment with Singapore-bound M2s is the carbon fibre roof, offered as an option in other markets.

Somehow, all of these elements coexist nicely together, giving the M2 a distinctive M charm. I’ll be honest, the look does grow on you too.

The cabin is equally decked out in carbon fibre, with a driver-centric cockpit design, similar to other BMW performance models. The M2 Coupe also runs BMW’s latest curved display, with Operating System 8 on tap for all connectivity needs.

M Sport seats spotting illuminated M logos come as standard equipment, while M Carbon bucket seats can be optioned if you’re the kind that takes your car to the track. Or the mall, in greater discomfort.

Equipped with the same S58 straight-6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that you’ll find in the current BMW M3 and M4, alongside a myriad of chassis technology and electronic gizmos, the BMW M2 Coupe is built from the ground up to be a driver’s car.

In the M2, the engine punches out a slightly watered-down 453bhp and 550Nm of torque, a fair bit more than its F87 predecessor. All of that power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission as standard. If an automatic doesn’t tickle your fancy, the M2 can optionally be specced with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The dynamism of the M2 Coupe is made possible due to its compact dimensions and overall torsional stiffness of its body structure and chassis mountings, thanks to bespoke bracing. To make the car even more potent, a whole suite of M performance parts comes as standard too.

You get Active M Differential, Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Servotronic steering with variable ratio, Dynamic Stability Control including M Dynamic Mode, and M Compound brakes (six pistons front, single piston rear). 

With equipment like that, the BMW M2 Coupe does cost a pretty penny. At the time of writing, the BMW M2 is priced at $380,000 without COE.

Customers who wish to view the all-new BMW M2 can contact Eurokars Auto or Performance Motors Limited to make an appointment or place a deposit.

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