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 ...
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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 ...
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The 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 ...
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The 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 ...
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The 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 ...
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The 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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Pop a downsized 1-litre engine into the Audi A3, and magic happens. Sensible. Practical. Frugal. These are words that economical buyers want to hear when buying a new car. Positive words that resonate “You got your money’s worth”. And with COE and fuel prices soaring to unprecedented heights, the question arises - what is a sensible choice for the times we're living in? Well, I may have your answer, and it’s the ...
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As an entry EV model, this little hatchback ticks all the right boxes. (updated: 18 August 2023) If you want to see how far and fast China-made Electric Vehicles (EVs) have improved, there is no better example today than the BYD Dolphin tested here. Barely a COE cycle ago, the e6 was the BYD’s first foray into the passenger car EV market, and you literally had to be paid to drive one. This ...
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The Audi A8L is for the discerning businessman who wants luxury and comfort wrapped up in a sleek executive saloon. Let’s face it, at some point in our lives, we would all concede and put away all of the fast-performance cars back into the toy cupboard, longing for a comfortable cruiser that can get us to places in quiet relaxation. These luxury cruisers ooze pantomime and comfort, but might sometimes be ...
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She may be big, and polarising in looks, but the BMW i7 is an absolute barnstormer. It’s a fierce ring fight in the world of ultra-luxury saloons. For the longest time, the Mercedes S-Class has dominated the field, edging out the competition with a constant sleuth of tech and innovation, making the others play catch up. Well, now BMW has rocked up to the table with the new i7, the electric sister ...
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This is how to go the extra distance with an EV in Singapore. (Updated 20 July 2023) It wouldn't be a stretch to postulate that the Chinese are properly killing it in the electric vehicle (EV) world, and this BYD Atto 3 stands testament to that statement. There's a good reason why, in the first five months of 2023, BYD outsold Tesla in Singapore. Here we have the 100kW version of the Atto ...
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How does the ICE 2008 compare to its EV e-2008 sibling? Photography Credit: Alex Tan After a memorable weekend and an emotional parting thereafter with the electric vehicle (EV) version, that's what we were keen to find out. This review will focus on the differences between the 2008 and the e-2008. In fact, we recommend checking out the other article first for a full-featured review of what is essentially the same compact ...
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The ‘E’ in ‘EV’ stands for ‘Efficient’ with this Polestar 2. For some background information, Polestar initially was the performance-tuning arm of Volvo. Later, it was spun off into its own entity with the sole express purpose of building electric vehicles or EVs based on current Volvos with its own special touch. The Polestar 2 is based on the architecture underpinning the Volvo C40 and XC40 and is effectively the former ...
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Though compact, the e-C4 can surprise with how sweet it is to drive and ride in. Regular readers would know that I have a soft spot for French cars. This came about when back in the 80s, one of my uncles in Malaysia joined Citroën's sales team. From then onwards, I was privy to Citroën brochures up the wazoo from a young age because he knew that I was enthusiastic about ...
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If ever there was a reason to take the plunge into an extravagant vehicle, the 735i is it. Before we delve into this G70 BMW 735i, a confession first. I've always had a soft spot for the 7 Series, more so than its smaller sibling 5 Series. Take for example BMWs from the late 90s to early noughties. Given the choice between an E39 5 Series and the E38 7 Series, ...
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