Audi A1

  The saying: good things come in small packages, can be applied to the new A1. The A1 is pitched against models such as the upcoming 3^rd generation A-Class (planned to be debuted in 2012), Volvo C30, Mini Cooper, etc. We see how the A1 plans to up its game.

·             Design & Engineering:

Today, we start from the side. Take in the arched roof—highlighted in contrasting aluminum, the graceful yet masculine line down the side, the optional S-Line wheels, and you come up with one word: magnifiqué. At the rear, the resemblance of a kiwi is depicted, and one seems to appreciate the modern yet surreal rear, and is once again reminded of the ability of the inner beast, when the twin exhausts and words TSI are revealed. At the front, the A1 reveals a beauteous strip of LED’s, and proudly bears the 4 rings of Audi. In short, the A1 is simply bits of Audi jumbled up together, mixed in with a bit of spunk.

·            Interior

Defines expectation. At first touch, the moment you pull the door shut, that assuring German thud along with the brushed aluminum resonates quality, and is enforced by premium A8 leather, soft plastics, and sturdy knobs. As one grips the evenly rounded steering wheel, it feels sturdy, and not loose fitting—as rivals might. The steering wheel comes with an optional set of paddle shifters, along with a multitude of buttons. Air conditioning is propelled through aero-style vents, with clear-as-day buttons to adjust to your desired setting. The center console is remarkably simple for an Audi, and is highlighted in warm red at night. An optional MMI package is readily available, which includes: Bluetooth, BOSE speakers, slots for SD cards, etc. Most people wonder how anyone or anything manages to snuggle in at the rear of the A1. Answer: head and legroom are decent—even with two adults stuck at the rear. Take into consideration though, that the rear is a strict two-seater. Surprisingly, boot space is still adequate with the rear seat up, in comparison to opposition, such as MINI.   

·            Ride & Handling

The all-new 1.4TFSI engine produces a century sprint of 8.9 seconds, and 122BHP. The responsiveness one receives from the engine is simply mind-boggling, along with the smooth performance. Good job Audi, you’ve produced one of the best charismatic engines. Once the light turns green, you’ll never be at the rear end of the pack, but will sail through with ease. Out on the open roads where the A1 gets pushed, wind noise and the sound of rumbling plastics is not evident. When slinking around sharp bends and twisting roads, the miniature Audi holds true to itself with plenty of grip, and resists roll. Suspension (to me) in the A1 depends on whether one chooses the large S-line wheels, or the standard sized wheels. When I sat in the standard model, a much smoother ride was offered, compared to when I sampled the S-line version. Nevertheless, when all of the above are mixed together, the result—a sexy, sporty yet sophisticated car.

·            Verdict

Notice that the A1 is not necessarily a fun car to drive, but indeed, sophisticated. The A1 automatically labels the driver as one who enjoys modern looks, luxury, and class; whereas a Mini would resonate: funky & fun. MMI should come standard—a pity. Love the dashingly good looks, the fine quality of materials, and the array of colours to choose from.

o   Pictures from:

o    http://www.carrentaltoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/1651022293_84020676b8.jpg

o    http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2011-audi-a1-s-line-1.jpg

o    http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/02/audi_a1_int_1.jpg

Porsche Cayman (S)

·             The Cayman has long been regarded to be a poor-man’s Porsche—an underclassman to its big sister, the 911. Now that the Cayman has been ‘souped-up’, we come to see if it has grown up…

·             Design & Engineering:

As one absorbs the Boxster like nose, the new LED strips, HID fog lamps, and Panamera like headlamps, seem to arouse your senses. Clearly, Porsche has used some of their best parts from the shared bins—telling us how much thought has been inserted into revamping the Cayman. As you move around to the sides, the same 911 ‘sweeping rear’ (C-pillar) is clearly visible, though shorter by a bit; it emphasizes what the sports car can do. Optional ceramic brakes are available, though unnecessary. The rear. As we can see, it becomes a love it or hate it situation. Personally, to me, it’s a no-go, as it exudes one word—boring. The only stimulating item happens to be the embossed ‘S’, which differentiates the 3.4-liter, flat-six Cayman S, from its 2.7-liter Tiptronic ‘lesser-siblings’. 

·            Interior

My goodness—definitely an improvement. The pre-facelift Cayman featured a relatively ‘bleak’ interior, with no such entertainment, interest, or stimulation at all. The post-facelift Cayman, along with new Porsches, has gotten rid of the Tiptronic shifters on the steering wheel, and now sports rocker switches, used to manually change gears. The standard Cayman (and Cayman S) will feature a CDR30 audio system, which has a decent colour screen. If one opts to select PCM (Porsche Management System, then a full colour, touch-screen is given—similar to the one provided in the 911 models. Once again, an optional BOSE premium sound system is available. Thanks to the revised center console and use of Alcantara, the entire interior feels much classier, and sporty to the touch.

·            Ride & Handling

On the revised Cayman S, acceleration is remarkable—especially with Porsche’s PDK, 7-speed, dual-clutch system, taken directly off a 911. With the launch control (available only when the optional Sport Chrono package is selected), acceleration from 0 ---> 100km/h, takes 4.9 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than without launch control)—exactly the same as an entry level 911. Most Cayman consumers buy the car for the superb handling—the best in its class. Throw the car in any tight bend, slick corner, or intense roads; it will always handle predictably and consistently. On B-roads, the Cayman will easily surpass its older sister—the 911. There is a Sport button available on the Cayman, which firms up the suspension, alters the characteristics of the engine, gearbox, throttle, and steering for a sportier drive. A Sport Plus button is readily available, but is recommended for smooth tarmac.

·            Verdict

Revised for the better—though, the rear needs some change. Avoid the optional ceramic brakes, unless you’re a hard-core kind of person. Tick the optional BOSE sound system, as it provides enhanced enjoyment throughout your ride. In short, the Cayman meets the status quo of a 911—almost.

o   Pictures from:

o    http://carguideblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011-Porshe-Cayman-S-mid-engine-1.jpg

o    http://www.otoracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2011-porsche-cayman-s-580x371.jpg

o    http://www.cartype.com/pics/8983/full/porsche_cayman_s_in_11_02.jpg

Porsche Panamera

·             Indeed, by now we all have seen one trim or the other of the Porsche Panamera—a slightly elongated 911 with four doors. In this, I shall focus on the base Panamera, as it is the most commonly bought trim.

·             Design & Engineering:

From the front, one might see hints of 911. Look closer, and the wider headlamps, daytime running lights and stretched out face becomes apparent. Peer to the sides, and one notices the smooth sheet metal, encasing a total of four doors. Standard base wheels seem slightly unfitting on a Porsche—but are soon made up for by the graceful arching rear. Unfortunately, it all seems to make the car seem slightly gauche. Under the hood, this trim model takes charge of a 3.6-liter engine.

·            Interior

This time, let’s start from the back. As you open the rear boot, you seem to be invited into a spacious, and somewhat ‘warm’ interior—definitely a plus for the Panamera. Boot space is relatively good, taking into consideration that the entire vehicle is technically based on a 911. Easing into the back seats, you enjoy the sensational coupé feel, where you appear to have your own individual cubby. Soon, you begin to notice the center ‘piece’ running down the middle of the vehicle—such as you get in the new Mini Countryman. Though, there is one difference. This particular center ‘piece’ contains all the buttons needed to adjust the climate, the TV channel, the sound, etc. BUT, before one figures out how to use the multitude of buttons at the back or in the front, first, one has to appreciate the soft yet ergonomic leather, optional BOSE surround sound, ambient lighting, and multi-interface system. Finally in the front, the first impression one gets is: “wow! That’s a good number of buttons”. Electrically adjustable seats come standard, and so do hard-drive based navigation, eleven speakers, a power tailgate, rear parking sensors, tilting and telescopic steering, along with a cooled glove box. As the base trim, there are obviously multiple features waiting for you to glance at. Personally, one thing missing from the otherwise surpassable interior would be another seat in the rear.

·            Ride & Handling

Obviously, as the ‘tiniest’ engine is used, fuel economy is impressive for a lump such as the Panamera, and equals out with an A8. 0-->100km/h is done in 6 seconds (for the rear wheel drive; 5.8 seconds in the all-wheel-drive). Oddly enough, one might find that more satisfaction is produced out of the 3.6 Panamera, than the 3.6 Cayenne. All Panameras come with Porsches seven-speed PDK dual clutch transmission. Acceleration and power comes almost naturally on the car, and so does handling and suspension. Many argue that the V6 Panameras are one of the most agile four-door vehicles out on the road. Braking is never an issue to consider, as the standard brakes are considered highly impressive, though optional ceramic brakes are available. As an Edmunds reviewer stated: “steering is precise, and handling is much comparable to much smaller sport cars”—probably what makes the Panamera so special.

·            Verdict

A coupé, a sedan, a sports vehicle, a show car—the Panamera does it all. It will be better if Porsche adds an extra seat to the Panamera, and if they include more options as standard. What makes this Panamera so special? The fact that you enjoy a luxury four-door saloon with that special Boxster/Cayman/911 feel…

o   Pictures from:

o    http://media.il.edmundsmedia.com/porsche/panamera/2010/ns/2010_porsche_panamera_f34_ns_1_717.jpg

Luxgen--Heard of It?

Luxgen Motors—originally a private Taiwanese car company started in 2009. Now, it has an ambition to emerge into one of the leading luxury brands from the region. The name comes from the words ‘luxury’ and ‘genius’—two words that resonate from the brand. Luxgen has experience with automobiles, as parent company, Yulon Group, has been a key manufacturer for companies such as Nissan, Mitsubishi, General Motors, Chrysler…

            The model that leads the company is the Lugen7, a six-seat MPV that incorporates a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine. Surprisingly, engine performance manages to lack in certain areas, but is made up for by the luxurious interior. Wraparound headrests, leather seats, two 10 inch screens, a 360° surveillance camera, night vision, etc., are all available on the Luxgen7, highlighting what the company has the ability to achieve.

            Due to the cars being assembled in Hangzhou, China, prices are not expected to be high. Who knows? As the company plans to distribute models to corners of the world, the Taiwanese automaker might emerge as a world-renown brand…