Passengers get to ride on Cloud 9 with the MIFA 9. The MAXUS MIFA 9 is SAIC Motor's first export model out of China. Interesting, then, that a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was chosen to represent the company's maiden overseas foray - probably due in no small part to the success of the likes of Toyota's upmarket Alphard and Velfire MPVs. There's only one realistic electric vehicle (EV) MPV competitor in Singapore's ...
Read MoreThe new Hyundai Ioniq 6 takes all of the good points from the Ioniq 5, resulting in an even more impressive offering. (Article updated 25 October 2023) Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is one of the defining cars of the past few years - a vehicle with a polarising bold design and tech to boot, marking the Korean automaker’s emergence as a real dominant superpower, particularly in the electric vehicle segment. Now the company ...
Read MoreMore space and more pace never hurt anyone. Many of our loyal readers would know that I often make references to the Audi RS6 when reviewing cars with space and pace, simply because there aren't many cars that do that formula as well as the wonder wagon from Ingolstadt. Well, with the SQ7, Audi has created a compelling alternative. Aren't they different, though? Sure, they are rather different in many ways. One is a ...
Read MoreThe DBX makes a strong statement while standing still and on the move. It's no secret that I've been lusting after a test drive of the Aston Martin DBX since 2019, and with good reason. You know the saying "better late than never"? Yup. That opportunity has finally arrived in 2023. The world of uber luxury Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) is an interesting and varied one. For those who crave the last ...
Read MoreThe Opel Combo-e is a compelling choice for prospective business owners who wish to make the transition to greener cargo cruising. If you want to do your bit for the environment while also keeping running costs low, an electric van seems like an obvious choice. This is where vans like the Opel Combo-e come into play. It is ready to serve alongside its siblings - the Citroën e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner and ...
Read MoreCrossovers and SUVs dominate the family car market these days, but BMW is keen to prove that the humble MPV is still deserving of a place on the family lot. And they’re doing so with this - the new and improved BMW 216i Active Tourer. Keen viewers would have already spotted the ‘16’ vehicle designation in the title, which in a local context means that this new 2 Series has a powertrain ...
Read MoreThe Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ has all the stops in terms of luxury, but small foibles might make it hard to appreciate the whole picture. If I listed down everything about the Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ having never seen, driven in, or ridden in the car, you would be very enthusiastic about it. Indeed, it's a car that promises a wealth of luxury alongside a ton of great features, and it is Mercedes' answer to ...
Read MoreThe Mazda CX-60 is an interesting specimen, going against the grain in a world where electrical assistance now reigns supreme. Yep, it’s Mazda’s new flagship, and the vehicle it hopes will revive its fortunes after a tough business period during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, what's the buzz about? This SUV, grand and illustrious, steps onto the stage as Mazda's current largest offering (a bigger CX-80 is still in the pipeline) and brings ...
Read MoreBMW's electric four-door coupe is eye-catching and exciting. Think of this BMW i4 as an electric 4 Series four-door coupé and BMW's tagline "the first-ever fully-electric Gran Coupé" makes sense. What you see here is the "entry-level" model called eDrive35, with the i4 M50 sitting above it. So, what does this i4 Gran Coupé (GC in short from now on) compete with in the Singapore market? Nothing. Nothing from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. ...
Read MoreVans can be brisk and lively too. I realize the irony of someone named 'Vivek' writing an article with its title containing the word 'Vivace', but just... just.. just run with it for now okay? Electric vans are becoming more commonplace on our streets today, and with good reason. Take the Opel Vivaro-e for example. It's quiet, comfortable and peppy. More on the pep later on. The Vivaro-e's closest competitor is the ...
Read MoreWith a high-class cabin, a smooth ride, and space for the whole family, it's easy to see why the Hyundai Palisade has been a hit for the Korean automaker. While it feels like the Hyundai Palisade had just stormed the three-row SUV scene, it’s actually receiving a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year. This, conveniently, provides another excuse to review what is a thoroughly excellent SUV. The Korean automaker’s largest SUV ...
Read MoreThe Skoda Scala proves that fun and enjoyment can come from compact packages. The Scala is Skoda’s attempt to bridge the gap between the Fabia and Octavia. Think competition for the Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon, that sort of thing. Still, as is the Skoda way, the Scala is priced competitively so that you get a bit more kit than the aforementioned brands for the same money. With badge prejudice becoming ever ...
Read MoreThe naturally aspirated Audi R8 reminds us of the glories of a soon-to-be-bygone era. Supercars, in general, have made great strides in terms of usability over the past few decades. Rewind time to before I was born, and most supercar owners were stuck suffering with temperamental machines that were often broken down by the side of the road and were all but unusable in adverse weather. These days, however, supercars are practically ...
Read MoreThe all-new Suzuki S-Cross is an interesting combination of the latest tech with old-school charm. (updated: 21 August 2023) When you’re of a certain vintage, it is natural to grow nostalgic about the cars of yesteryear. We usually remember them to be better to drive than the cars of today. The reality, however, is debatable. While the simpler mechanicals might make for a more unfiltered driving experience, the truth is, creature comforts like ...
Read MoreThe new Audi SQ8 is a big, black and brawny beauty. Well, to some, at least. The idea of a Coupe SUV has always been an oxymoron. SUVs are not sleek. Never were and will never be, so why try to pretend that it has any sporting intentions, let alone try to look as if it does? Well, what do I know? Virtually every major car manufacturer has one of these now; ...
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