The Peugeot 408 is a tempting fastback that drives more engagingly than most crossovers, whilst maintaining the status quo of a sedan. So, what exactly is this? It’s a good question really – and no one is entirely sure. It's like the automotive equivalent of mixing all your favourite snacks into one bowl – a hatchback, a coupe, and a crossover SUV. Are we witnessing the apex of the crossover trend, or ...
Read More
The Land Rover Defender 90 is a compact two-door marvel that's ready to take on any adventure. The Defender has been a byword of hardy reliability since it was first conscripted into the ranks of Land Rover. Its "go anywhere, do anything" approach made it a star in the world of unpaved routes and undulating terrains. Which is exactly why the Defender had to overcome a deafening roar of polarising opinions ...
Read More
The Volkswagen ID.4 is Singapore’s first taste into the world of das elektroauto. Before we rev up the engine, or rather, juice up the batteries, let's set the stage. The ID.4 is the SUV cousin of the ID.3, and it's no secret that within the VW Group's electric family tree, this one's expected to be the best-seller worldwide. So, the pressure's on for this electric city runabout. Under the sleek hood of the ...
Read More
Ford Ranger combines commercial commuting with premium features. First off, its full name is the Ford Ranger 2.0A Turbo 4X4 Double Cab. For brevity's sake, we'll just call it 'Ranger' from now on. Having ridden shotgun in a few pickups, this was my first foray into the premium side of things, not to mention driving one. Also, having seen how Americans enjoy snapping up the Ford F-150, and our Malaysian kinship the ...
Read More
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 More
The 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 More
More 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 More
The 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 More
The 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 More
Crossovers 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 More
The 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 More
The 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 More
BMW'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 More
Vans 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 More
With 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 More