Mercedes-Benz A200

Now in it’s 3^rd generation, the new A-Class does more than surprise.

·             Design & Engineering:

Having failed the Elk Test, engineers of the 1^st generation A-Class quickly fixed the problem, carrying over increased thought and planning into the 2^nd generation model. Although over a million units of A-Classes have been sold, since launch of the segment in 1997, neither the 1^st or 2^nd generations have truly invoked a sense of individualism and excitement…until now. From the outside, the 3^rd generation A-Class sheds whatever scraps of softness and MPV-like styling. Looking from the front, one notices the enlarged 3-pointed star, as well as the accentuated curves and sharp lines. This goes hand-in-hand with Mercedes’ goal to attract younger buyers and long-term customers. As a result, the side sees a slight sloping dip, helping to add onto the low drag coefficient of 0.27. The bum reveals an even youthful and engaging catch, with the addition of two exhausts—one on either side on the rear. This provokes a yearning for sporty driving as well as performance.

·            Interior:

On the inside, quality and design have increased tenfold, taking on some of the B-Class’ interior designs. For instance, the airplane-styled air vents and the i-Pad like screen. Weaved together with a 3-spoke sports steering wheel, merely sitting in the A-Class is a pleasure. In keeping up with competition such as the 1-Series and newly launched A3, the A-Class incorporates contrasting stitching and a vast amount of surface textures and seat material. Furthermore, the center console appears neat and clean-cut, thanks to the new gearshift position as a side-stalk on the steering wheel. However, despite having the best drag coefficient in its class, the A-Class has one of the tightest rear leg space and boot. Note that the A-Class does not come equipped with a rear air conditioning system—a standard feature on competition such as the 1-Series. Still, sitting at the back is an equally thrilling experience when on the move, for the sport-styled seats seem to wrap around your shoulders, cushioning you as the vehicle squirms round tight bends. What’s more, quality extends to the back, with everything from side-panels to the seats being firm and truly German (well built and solid, that is).

·            Ride & Handling

With the A200, a 1.6-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine churns out a powerful 156 BHP, considering the size and weight of the A-Class. Mated to a 7-Speed DCT, the century sprint is completed in a cool 8.3 seconds. Despite the facts and figures, the curvaceous and tight roads are where one realizes the true potential of the A-Class. As if guided by an invisible beam, the vehicle hugs the road, following smoothly and confidently in every twist and turn—at speeds of 70km/h. On the track, the A-Class is simply so well built that one barely notices the speedometer crossing over the 200km/h mark.

·            Verdict

What more can I say? The ultimate driving ma—NO. Indeed, Mercedes-Benz, the best or nothing. That motto has carried into the DNA of the new A-Class, making it one of the most enjoyable hatches around town—which is why I can’t wait for the A45 AMG.

o    Pictures from:

o    http://www.autowp.ru/pictures/mercedes-benz/a-klasse/autowp.ru_mercedes-benz_a_200_urban_package_13.jpg

o    http://www.autowp.ru/pictures/mercedes-benz/a-klasse/autowp.ru_mercedes-benz_a_200_urban_package_11.jpg

o    http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/07/20/043475-first-drive-2013-mercedes-benz-class-200-blueefficiency-ride-and.5-lg.jpg

http://cdn.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/mercedes-benz-a200-9-625x416.jpg

2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Avantgarde Trim)

Nearly four years into its production, the E-Class revamps itself both on the outside and inside.

·             Design & Engineering:

From the outside, the facelift E-Class appears to be more youthful, opting for a built-in emblem on the front grill for the Avantgarde trim. Compared to previous models, the revised E-Class integrates state-of-the-art headlamps, with neatly weaved in daytime running lights. This provides a distinct look for the E-Class, differentiating it from non-facelift models, as well as from competitors such as the 5-Series, XF and GS models. What strikes me is how bold Mercedes has become, taking inspiration off sporty and youthful models such as the new A and B-Class, and sewing certain aspects into larger, more serious models such as the E-Class. This plays out at the rear, where elongated oval-shaped brake lights replace the more rectangular and serious lights on the pre-facelift E-Class. Furthermore, angular exhausts take over previously rounded exhausts, indicating how Mercedes aims to step towards more futuristic and youthful designs.

·            Interior:

On the inside, the interior sees no distinct changes, bar the integration of a new sports steering wheel on the Avantgarde trim (a 4-spoke wheel for the Classic trim) and the addition of an analogue clock on the center console, just as in the current S-Class. Other minor changes include slightly new seat patterns, as well as a design change of the gearshift stalk. Still, one change that breaks E-Class tradition is the shift from a quad-cluster instrument panel to that of a tri-cluster one, due to the shift of the analogue clock to the center console. Apart from those changes, the majority of things on the inside remain the same. Of course, extra technological features are offered as a teaser for the upcoming S-Class, such as LANE KEEPING ASSIST and PRE-SAFE PLUS.

·            Ride & Handling

*Having being lent the keys to the new E200, 7G-TRONIC, the specs provided are for this particular model only. With the new E-Class, out goes the old heart and in comes a new turbocharged 4-cylinder, churning out 184BHP with a century sprint of a decent 8 seconds. Most notably, fuel efficiency is now up to an average of 17.1km/l, surpassing BMW’s 520i by leaps and bounds. Still, some problems from the pre-facelift E-Class carry on to the facelift version, such as soft brakes and a firm suspension. Nevertheless, the overall quietness of the vehicle makes up for its flaws.  

·            Verdict

Great refresh. Looks good on the outside and on the inside as well. However, stronger brakes could help assert even more driving confidence.

o    Pictures from:

o    http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/2013-mercedes-benz-e-class-1-e1355373449901.jpg

o    http://www.themotorreport.com.au/content/image/2/0/2014_mercedes_benz_e_class_01_sedan_02-1212.jpg

o    http://www.mblynnwood.com/images/e/2014-E-Class-Cabriolet-FutureModel-Interior-01.jpg

o    http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2014-Mercedes-Benz-E-class-headlight-01.jpg

 http://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/DigitalAssets/Vehicles/ClassLanding/2014/E/Sedans/Features/2014-E-CLASS-SEDAN-013_CF.jpg

Porsche Cayman 2.7 PDK

*Cayman/caiman: a semiaquatic reptile similar to the alligator but with a heavily armored belly, native to tropical America.

Now in it’s second generation, is the new Cayman merely a coupé version of the Boxster—or is it much more than just that?

·             Design & Engineering:

The new Cayman sheds past designs, ridding itself of previous Plain-Jane styling. This means, taking on the new face of the Porsche industry—that of the recently launched 911 and Boxster. From the front, a duo row of headlights on both sides serves as bi-xenon headlamps, as well as daytime running lights. From certain angles however, I find that the new Cayman seems a tad childish in terms of its curvatures and (a bit too) youthful styling. Still, large aerodynamic curves and intakes on the sides make up for signs of masculine weakness displayed on the front. At the rear, the bum comes off that of the Boxster, meaning a completely redesigned, sweeping boot, with an electrical spoiler. Being the base model, a single sport exhaust meets at the mid section of the bum—an inaccurate representation of the sheer ability the Cayman possesses. 

·            Interior:

After toying around with the new Panamera, 911 and Boxster, the interior of the new Cayman comes off as no surprise. From the driver’s perspective, the cabin is neat, orderly and even a surprisingly inviting place to be in. Neatness comes from the slightly less cluttered Carerra-GT inspired center console (as compared to a 911 or a Panamera), and the sense of invitation is derived from the different types of available interior colours. The test vehicle came with a warm sandy-beige colour, fitted with plastic-chrome inserts, filling the entire cabin from the side panels, steering wheel and dash, to the carpet and headlining.  Needless to say, quality and comfort comes standard in the Cayman, adhering to the brand’s reputation and rich heritage. Thanks to a mid-mounted engine and lack of a soft-top, among the Boxster and 911, the Cayman has the most space to offer, with 150 litres of front cargo space and 162 litres of rear cargo space ready at all times. This comes in handy on weekends to the golf course, or to short trips, where duffle bags and light luggage will fit in with ease.

·            Ride & Handlings

Despite being the “base” model, the 2.7-litre PDK Cayman still manages to pack a lot of punch for its size. The mid-engine flat six provides more stability and better handling, churning out 275 BHP and 290nm of torque—plenty for the Cayman, considering its shed of 40kg. With a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds, the new Cayman is a definite crowd-pleaser, assuring passenger and driver of its inner capabilities and stunning handling. Indeed, once thrown around curves, the Porsche simply hugs the road with no signs of resistance at all.

·            Verdict

Though the exterior may spark controversial debate, the interior and inner soul of the new Cayman makes it a worthwhile buy.

o    Pictures from:

o    http://www.themotorreport.com.au/content/image/2/0/2013_porsche_cayman_overseas_04-1129.jpg

o    http://images.conceptcarz.com/imgxra/Porsche/2014-Porsche-Cayman-Coupe-Image-01.jpg

o    http://fastestlaps.com/photos/porsche_cayman_s_2013_50b72b542703a.jpg

o    http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Porsche-Cayman-spoiler1-625x416.jpg

http://mos.techradar.com/art/car%20tech/Porsche/Cayman/Porsche%20Cayman%20(6)-420-90.jpg

Apologies

Hi readers,

I'm away riding (not in cars, but instead on...) camels as I type this out!

Wireless is an issue out here in the Silk Road so I'll resume posts as soon as a stable connection can be established.

Keep in touch,

CSI

Shanghai Auto Show 2013

Hi Readers,

I'm currently at the Shanghai Auto Show, witnessing how the recent influx of nouveau-riche has inspired luxury auto makers to place much of their focus on the Chinese car market.

That aside, the auto show has indeed placed an emphasis on luxury, style and youth appeal. With the economy picking up slowly, buyers have turned one eye away from the gas ratings of vehicles, and have turned their focus towards the "less unimportant" aspects of a vehicle.

Browsing the halls, I was particularly impressed by the influx of local Chinese brands, making an effort to cater towards executives and CEO's. One such example? The Luxgen MASTER CEO MPV-with a twist. Take the concept of a limo, and retain the privacy glass. Now take an Alphard-sized MPV, and strip it out of everything in the back, replacing it with two large massage-style chairs.

Furthermore, the revealing of the 2013/2014 E-Class, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz concept SUV sparked the excitement of media and press from all over the world. However, I was particularly interested in the plug-in concepts (i-series). BMW plans to have these relatively affordable and green vehicles out in the market within a span of 2-3 years. One of the vehicles had a glass rear, meaning that the interior was clearly visible. Upon taking further inspection, I can now say that 2-3 years is indeed a relatively manageable time period, for the concept's interior was somewhat that of a current 3-Series. As with the 3-Series GT, it also received much attention from spectators, due to the finesse of the vehicle, as well as the youth (and sex) appeal of the overall piece.

With the show running through the end of the week, it's not too late to get tickets. Watch out for the crowd though.

Pictures from:
-http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8666740744_e4fa77defa_b.jpg
-http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1308623.1365177647!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/bmw-x4-concept.jpg
-http://strumors.automobilemag.com/files/2013/04/2013-Buick-Riviera-Concept-front-three-quarter-6-623x389.jpg
-http://img.motorpix.com/p/2/20770.jpg
-http://image.17car.com.cn/image/20130221/20130221131013_96667.jpg

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 6.4 V8

Jeep has long been synonymous with the classic American exploration dream, gas guzzling methods, and large, U.S.-sized engines. The SRT8 does just that.

·             Design & Engineering:

Obviously based off a Grand Cherokee, the SRT8 spec SUV still brings out the same distinct fierceness seen in the Grand Cherokee. In fact, a sporty and aerodynamic body kit has been added on to the Jeep’s face, giving it a larger and more imposing stance. However, high-gloss black bits have been added onto both the front and rear end of the behemoth, making it stand out next to “ordinary” SUV’s, as the use of deep and bold colouring clearly accentuates the inner beast of the barge—the 6.4-liter V8 under the bonnet. From the side, 20-inch wheels fitted with Brembos clearly indicate that the American means business. The rear however, remains largely unchanged—providing that same, rustic American exploration feel.

·            Interior:

Once again, same as the Grand Cherokee. This means practicality, comfort, and simply, large everything. From the steering wheel to the well-bolstered seats, everything is big and very American, once more providing one with that same sense of the Jeep’s deep heritage in exploration. However, things have been upped in quality. For instance, the entire dash now comes swathed with stitched leather, and carbon fiber, “go faster” bits line the dash and center console. The steering wheel ditches the Grand Cherokee’s bits of wood, and takes on a classy stainless steel, SRT8 logo instead. Leather has been given some look as well, and has been changed to premium Nappa leather, providing supreme suppleness and comfort be it on the long roads, or over harsh bumps. Don’t be fooled by the shiny goodies, for at the core of things, the SRT8 still retains some off-roading gizmos, such as the adjustable settings for SNOW, and TOW. Note though, the new addition of TRACK. Indeed, unleash that V8!

·            Ride & Handlings

Being a sports variant (this goes with most variants of this nature), the SRT8 suffers from a lower ride and large, 20-inch wheels. Spelt out neatly, low ride + large rims + heavy 2.3 tonnes  = very uncomfortable ride. After getting out of that vehicle, a visit to your nearest chiropractor is highly recommended. Still, most SRT8 owners will look past the off-roading capacities of the SUV, and focus more on the available TRACK mode. Upon firing up the vehicle, a rumbly V8 burble erupts from the V8—though I must confess, it does not sound as pleasant or polished as an ML63 or X5M per say. Still, for the lower price tag, it’s not too bad. Mating the power plant to a 5-speed gearbox has proven to be a large mistake for the SRT8’s designers, for gearshifts are not as seamless or engaging as they should be. Furthermore, it feels as if the lack of one or two gears (if I may) impedes on the true capabilities of the engine. Still, what can go wrong with 470HP under the bonnet? Maneuvering the behemoth can never be as easy as handling a GranTurismo, or a Vantage. However, steering feels responsive enough, with the 2.3tonne vehicle handling things in a relatively well manner.

·            Verdict

Masculine looks, masculine engine. However, the suppleness of the interior may appeal to the ladies as well. Disappointing 5-speed autobox, harsh ride. Still, a rather good compromise considering the lower price tag you pay as compared to German competitors.

o    Pictures from:

o    https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zXCR5eVz17eV-rCfNjYhXNL1Z1iZAxmPKrInGzjK0Ek_V-aljrFfojQqHifX0opPov0MAf1L1cJ1P5UdRnCoAWDRzCwId3cpNdOVuhql19N9UbY8g8Ok_FYJIofJSj7SzqTECB2mDZJS/s1600/jeep-grand-cherokee-srt8-vapour-3.jpg

o    http://www.themotorreport.com.au/content/image/2/0/2013_jeep_grand_cherokee_srt8_australian_launch_01_1-1006-mc:1023x472.jpg

o    http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/2012/12/2013-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-SRT8-cockpit.jpg

o    http://www.autospectator.com/cars/files/images/2013-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-SRT8-009.jpg

http://www.autoweek.com/galleryimage/CW/20121002/CARREVIEWS/100209998/PH/1/4/2012-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-SRT8-6.4-liter-hemi-engine.jpg