Peugeot RCZ (1.6-Turbo, MT)

Peugeot is best known for its fabulous vans—loved by many in the industry. That being said, they have now created a coupé with the words emotion woven into it. We come to see how much emotion it can stimulate…

·             Design & Engineering:

From the front, the large bottom grill is outlined smartly in chrome, where the ends widen out, producing a Cheshire cat alike grin. To the sides of the face, are deep, hollowed out cheeks, where the fog lamps lie. At the end of the bonnet, the large Peugeot badge usually seen on delivery trucks glistens proudly on the edge, ready to face a challenge. Large curved eyes resonate hidden power and fierceness, adding on the desirability of the particular coupé. The sweeping pillar that connects roof to bonnet is made of what seems to be a cross between brushed aluminum and a gray, dull polished metal. This curve sweeps towards the rear of the vehicle—incredibly beautiful on such a car. From the side, the aerodynamic sides are well curved, with a bulging rear wheel arch, which fits the artistic 19-inch rims well. The rear is where things change a little—for the better. With a sweeping rear glass roof (think cross between Panamera and X6), a sense of balance occurs, completing the aerodynamic design and feel. The rear lights are stretched at angles, gently easing into the sheet metal. Ash gray 19-inch wheels complete the package.

·            Interior

Don’t expect much. Many critics find that Peugeot’s steering wheels are much to old fashioned, and do not provide much (if any) driver interface. In the RCZ’s case, though a flat-bottomed steering wheel is provided, it’s still gray and bare. Simple as that.  Once one looks aside that matter, the rest of the interior is almost faultless. The attention to detail for a Peugeot is relatively incredible. For instance, take the leather wrapped dash and side doors—probably the most amount of leather used in any Peugeot to date. Supportive seats prove faultless, and manage to hold one in place if attempted drifting is taken place. To maintain the luxurious feel, Peugeot has added a classy timepiece in between two air conditioning vents, all outlined in chrome. Directly above, is a display, featuring radio channel, etc. It does seem a touch old fashioned due to the old orange backlight in the background. Nevertheless, in such a car, these things seem relatively petty, as one feels focused on the road ahead, due to the powerhouse up front. Being a 2 + 2 coupé, the rear is tight. Pets, shopping, and babies would fit best in the rear. Due to the sloping rear glass roof, a rear passenger might describe his/her ride as: tight/inhumane, with a marvelous view.    

·            Ride & Handling

The heart of the RCZ, is a BMW co-developed 200 THP engine, with a considerable 200BHP. The top of the range, turbo charged 1.6-liter engine is matched with a slightly stiffer suspension setup than its lesser siblings. The six-speed manual featured in (this) the RCZ allows gear shifting as the driver feels is necessary, maximizing the 200BHP upfront due to shorter gear ratios. With the right gear selected, one will feel the difference when accelerating, compared to an automatic gearbox. Though the RCZ falls short of competition such as the Audi TT, steering is still relatively sharp. I must say that the RCZ best fits the description of: Beauty within the beast.

·            Verdict

Exterior incredibly faultless. Interior can be improved on; appreciate the extensive use of leather. 1.6-liter turbo seems fitting for such a sporty vehicle. Though not on par with the Germans, the RCZ still seems promising. There goes a check mark on emotion.

o    Pictures from:

o    http://www.carpresto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Peugeot_RCZ_00001.jpg

o    http://mzgafsha.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/peugeot-308rcz_i1.jpg

http://www.gotbroken.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/2010-Peugeot-RCZ-Rear-Side-Picture.jpg

BMW 1M

The 1-series BMW coupé/convertible has already caused sensation amongst customers. With the introduction of the first ‘affordable’ 1M, we come to see what more the 1M can offer…

·             Design & Engineering:

Take a standard 1-series Coupé. Add Bavarian tuned sports car kit from front bumper to back bumper. Widen the wheel arches. Add 19-inch wheels. Upgrade the brakes. Increase the size of the front air vents. Add quad-exhausts. Add stripes. Christen the M-badge. Really—that’s what the boffins in Bavaria have done to the originally petite 1-series Coupé. The result? A more hardcore, muscular M approved vehicle. One simply cannot help but be impressed. The rear lift has a dual purpose—it serves as a mini spoiler, yet as a brake light. Overall, the most obvious change to the car would have to be the rear. The enhanced grooves and curves for increased aerodynamics, the warning exuded from the quad exhausts, along with the M badge. 

·            Interior

From the driver’s seat, one immediately notices the attention to detail, lovingly placed by the M-division. The Alcantara, orange stiched dashboard extends to where brushed aluminum would be. The squishy M steering wheel differs from a standard BMW steering wheel. For instance, an extra M button is featured for enhanced performance, and the leather is stiched in signature blue and orange stitching, topped off with an M badge on the bottom of the steering wheel. The speedometers are the real game changers. Unlike the standard white dials on black background, in the 1M, orange dials on a black / ash gray background reign, with the top speed reaching up till 300km/h. BMW’s intelligent i-Drive is featured in the 1M with crystal clear graphics, and connected to a Harman/Kardon sound system. Reminding one that even though an M is a power packed beast, comfort and safety is also taken into consideration. A start-stop button takes the place of a key slot, and along with automatic headlamps, etc. At the back, space is tight—no doubts about it, the 1M’s back seats are made for children, not adults. Another setback would be that no rear air conditioning is provided. Though, in such a monster, who cares about rear seat air conditioning when clinging onto your seats is much more important. Like the 1-series Coupé, rear boot space is surprisingly large enough to gobble up a golf bag or two.   

·            Ride & Handling

The powerhouse of the 1M is BMW’s renowned 3.0-liter, twin turbo charged engine, found in the 135i, 335i, 535i, 740i, X3, and X5. One thing. This already ‘hungry’ engine has the special touch from M GmbH. The elevated engine lets out a gentle, deep-throated growl, especially when starting the engine or revving it above 4000 revolutions. By the time the gearbox (auto/manual) has leaped into 4^th gear, and one is soaring past competition. What I love about the engine is that in any gear and at any time, the 1M is always ready to push forward. With 340BHP on hand, the 1M still feels agile and zippy. Around tight corners, due to its small size and fantastic grip, one can zoom ahead with great confidence. Put together, the 1M is an amazing car to drive, anywhere, anytime. Indeed, good things come in small packages.

·            Verdict

Exterior—either love it or hate it, rear legroom is tight. Overall, the sporty interior, and the great engine make it more lovable. Finally, a more affordable M series vehicle for the masses.   

o    Pictures from:

o    http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/BMW-1M-Coupe-Interior.jpg

o    http://www.car-life.co.za/2010/12/13/bmw-1m-is-confirmed/

o    http://3series.co.cc/2010/12/exclusive-real-life-photos-bmw-1m/

o    http://blog.ottosbmw.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/1m.jpg

Audi A7

With the introduction of the new CLS from Mercedes-Benz, Audi has now
upped the game for the popular vehicle, by introducing their own
warrior—the new Audi A7 Sportback.
•        Design & Engineering:
Many say that with Audi’s interest in filling all niches, the A7 will
be a clear winner. Indeed, are they right. With Audi’s numerous sales
from the A5 Sportback, the A7 seems to be following the right path,
with the right people behind it all. The A7 seems to share a similar
profile with its younger sibling, the A5, albeit the better defined
elegance, and larger dimensions. From the front, hints of TT models
are available, but sport Audi’s new LED headlamps, which flank upwards
towards the sides of the vehicle. This new approach seems to make the
A7 more sinister, as if from a James Bond movie. A large variety of
rims are available on the A7, but unlike some models, the larger the
rims on the A7, the better. An optional S-Line trim is available for
the vehicle, which comes with 19-20 inch rims, a more aerodynamic
body, along with a silver-mesh interior. From the side, wide wheel
arches ooze masculinity. The sloping rear roof proves to be very
avantgarde, where the rear headlamps seem somewhat somber. Love the
proper use of chrome around the windows.

•       Interior
Audi has always been praised for making the best mass made interiors
in the auto industry. With the A7, they have taken simplicity,
comfort, and standard, to the next level. From the driver’s point of
view, the high center console creates a cockpit-like feel, especially
with the clarity and simplicity of the instrument panel. On the tested
3.0TFSI Quattro model, the speedometer reaches all the way to 300km/h,
and 8000 revolutions/minute. The ability to use exotic materials such
as wood paneling and aluminum, aids in raising the benchmarks for
rivals.   The driver’s seat is well proportioned and clad in durable
leather, offering fantastic views of the road, for an enhanced driving
experience. The center console features Audi’s improved MMI navigation
system, and comes with a touch pad next to the gear lever, which can
be used to input directions and addresses. Due to the expanding
Chinese market, the touch pad also reads the Chinese characters.
Through the MMI system, the driver has the option to select the
personality of the vehicle, displayed in four modes: comfort, auto,
dynamic, and individual, which allows one to fine tune the car’s
character. Just like the A8, the A7 (utilizes the A6 platform, just as
the A5 utilizes the A4 platform) features a magic screen, which sinks
and rises from its hiding place with the touch of a button. Being an
Audi, the standard sound system is up to notch with Mercedes-Benz, but
has the option of being improved with the optional BOSE or Bang and
Olufsen surround sound system. For a car placed in the luxury segment,
heads up display comes standard with the vehicle (depending on which
part of the globe one lives in), and does not have the tendency to
fade off in sunlight, as other car makes do. A sports grip,
intelligent steering wheel completes the touch. Back at the rear,
accommodates tall passengers, and provides plenty of head and legroom.
With such a spacious rear, the A7 would be able to accommodate a fifth
child, although it would have to be a young child. Keep in mind
though, that the A7 has been designed to seat only four passengers,
hence the two seatbelts provided at the rear. Is it not amazing how
Audi manages to build a luxury Sportback, which is about the length of
their flagship vehicle—the A8, using a mid-executive range A6
platform, while maintaining absolute comfort and spaciousness?

•       Ride & Handling
The base A7 comes with a 2.8-liter V6 engine, commonly found in the
A6. The best buy would be the 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged V6, taken
straight from the speedy S4. Gun the engine, and one gets a nice low
growl from the supercharger, and an ‘oomphy enough’ exhaust sound.
With 300BHP on hand, the cruiser is never lack of power. Even on the
toughest roads, during the toughest conditions, Audi’s renowned
Quattro four-wheel drive system will bring you home with ease. The
large sportback, feels agile enough for a car of its size, with
accurate steering and response. Being an Audi, bumps and humps will be
smoothed out even with optional 20-inch rims, due to the attention
Audi inserts into fine-tuning each and every single one of their
vehicles. The A7 is the type of cruiser, which always wants to keep
you going.

•       Verdict
An excellent rival to the CLS from Mercedes-Benz, and a considerable
one too—due to the wider range of engines, and more competitive
pricing. Lacking power? The release of an S7 should be here quite
soon.

o       Pictures from:
o       http://www.carsendse.com/2011/03/2011-audi-a7-sportback-five-door-coupe/2011-audi-a7-sportback-front-angle-3/
o       http://cars.vc/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2012_Audi_A7_Sportback-7.jpg
o       http://www.carsession.com/photos/audi/2011-audi-a7-8.jpg.html
o       http://www.motorcarhome.com/2011/04/09/2011-audi-a7-reviews-and-pictures/audi-a7-interior-view-pictures/
o       http://www.eurocarnews.com/media/pictorials/789/3775.jpg

Bentley Continental GT

The name, Continental, has been displayed on several Bentley’s, since the early 1950’s. In 2003, the introduction of first Continental GT became Bentley’s game changer, eventually leading on to other variants, such as the Continental Flying Spur, Continental Supersports, etc. Now eight years on, the beauteous Bentley has acquired a new look—one that will probably stay around for a few more years.

·             Design & Engineering:

From the front, side and rear, one word definitely comes into play—leviathan. Indeed, from the front, the day time running lights, designed in circles, seems to pull back the face of the vehicle, pointing down towards the large twin grill. Everything on the bonnet curves and flows so evenly, yet being as balanced as yin and yang. The face of the Bentley has increased in size, and sports dark grills on the bottom that serve their purpose in breathing air, in order to feed the signature W12 engine. From the side, a fluid line births from above the front wheel arch, and ends at the door handle, and followed by another, even larger bulge from the rear wheel arch. The arches serve their purpose of imitating waves, as if the Continental were a luxury cruise on the open seas. Optional 21-inch rims, available at a cost, still manage to feel a tad small on the Bentley. Perhaps some may agree that the rear of the vehicle is the most obvious change in the Bentley. Compared to the previous generation Continental, which sported a rounded and somewhat protruded bum, the 2011 model features a slightly flat, and indented bum, with even crisper lines, and LED brake/signals, all above the two chrome exhausts. What I love about Bentleys is that no matter how gorgeous they look, they never have the desire to scream out for attention, along with the fact that there always seems to be a sort of surreal calmness surrounding the cruiser.  

·            Interior

In a world filled with technology, it has now become the standards that even vehicles require certain amounts of user-interface. Inside the Bentley, its level of craftsmanship is meticulous, with the beauty of it being how the artisans conceal all the oodles of technology with loving care. For instance, the Continental GT features leather just like every other premium brand out in the market, however the amount of time, placed into finding the perfect shade of natural leather to match the desired interior is incredible. Take the leather (again), each stitch one sees, has been hand stiched, and treated by hand. The natural wood has been searched all over the world, so as to find the perfect piece with the desired number of grains. The front console echoes the flying wings of the emblem, and is spotted once again on the steering wheel. The ‘cobra shaped’ front seats are ergonomically designed and provide more rear legroom. Everything feels good to the touch, and looks great to the eye. The engineers of the Continental were so successful, that much of their previous generation Continental is visible in the 2011 model—a good thing, considering the amount of customers who purchased Bentleys for their dream-like interior. Being a 2+2 seater, at the rear, space would usually be relatively tight. But being a leviathan, space at the rear is almost like sitting in an extended wheelbase E-Class. When the luxury seating, quietness, superb Naim audio system, adaptive suspension, touch screen satellite navigation come into play, and old-world charm arises, and fuses with the modern architecture. Probably the best reason to buy a Bentley, especially when the doorsill has these words etched clearly: Handcrafted by Bentley Motors LTD, Crewe, England. 

·            Ride & Handling

The heart of all Continentals is a W12, Phaeton derived engine, and shared with the A8 W12. The difference between the Continental’s heart and the rest? Bentley plucks the engine from Volkswagen, but nurtures it to a higher level, therefore setting the benchmarks of enjoyment, at a higher level. In a straight line, the Continental is the ultimate game changer, especially when it comes with a ‘Sport’ mode. With the 100km/h mark coming under 5 seconds, it’s easy to reach speeds of 180km/h quite eagerly, more so as the speedometer ends at a ‘mere’ 340km/h. Braking is charming in the Bentley, with an eye-opening stopping distance for a 2.3-tonne car. In the corners, due to the adaptive suspension and active cornering aids, anything becomes possible in the vehicle, without intruding into the space of comfort.

·            Verdict

Would I buy one? Of course—if they took off a few zeroes. Indeed, the revised Continental GT is a charmer, reserved purely for those in the know.

o    Pictures from: http://www.seriouswheels.com/2011/bc/2011-Bentley-Continental-GT-Interior-1920x1440.htm

o    http://znautocars.com/pictures/2011-Bentley-Continental-GT-Pictures-3.jpg

o    http://www.inautonews.com/gallery/d/40420-2/2011-Bentley-Continental-GT-05.jpg