Hi all,
Unfortunately, I will be unable to make a post this week.
Posting will resume next week.
Cheers,
CSI
Unfortunately, I will be unable to make a post this week.
Posting will resume next week.
Cheers,
CSI
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Lexus GS 350 F-Sport
Indeed. This is a follow up
from the previous post. With the GS now ready for sale in (most) dealers across
the world, we take a second look.
·
Design &
Engineering:
Immediately, the
difference from its predecessor is noticeable. On the previous GS, the whole
car had a bubbly look, whereas the 2012 GS features tauter and crisper lines,
while still managing to follow Lexus’ new philosophy of L-finesse. From the
front, despite being the F sport model or not, the GS 350 has an aggressive
look due to the angular grille. What’s more, with the use of LED daytime running
lights, the GS fits in perfectly amongst executive saloons such as the A6,
5-Series, and the E-Class. At 4850mm in length, the new GS is only 20mm longer
than the previous GS, though it looks slightly shorter when compared amongst
the E-Class. Nevertheless, the added length provides the Lexus with a more
muscular and mature feel. On the F-model, darkened rims are provided as
standard. From the rear, this is where the sedan starts to grow on me. With its
new design, the car has a wider stance, commanding more respect. Also, the
chrome-outlined trapezoidal exhaust and under body diffuser manage to turn on
one’s masculine hormones—definitely a plus sign.
·
Interior
The engineers at Lexus challenged
themselves to create an ergonomic and more spacious interior, while leaving the
exterior dimensions virtually unchanged. This means that one can now experience
more interior space from both the rear and front seats. In addition, the
luggage area is longer and wider than the previous GS, making taking out golf
bags an ease, also due to the wider boot lid. From the drivers’ perspective,
one feels the need to enjoy sporty driving, thanks to the F-sport steering
wheel with F1-style paddles, the sports pedals, and the brushed aluminium trim.
And indeed, can one do so, thanks to the S+ (sport) button, which stiffens the
suspension and quickens the throttle. I especially like the large 12.5in colour
screen, with excellent graphics, navigation, etc. Coupled with the standard
Mark Levinson & Dolby Digital sound system, listening to Milton Nascimento’s
Mas Que Nada, seems like a live
concert performance anywhere in the cabin. Again, the whole system is also very
simple to use, via Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface (RTI), also found on the new
RX and CT models. Luxury—an element always in the mind of Lexus engineers.
Therefore, there is no cheap digital clock still
found in the flagship LS model, but instead, there is a classy chrome analogue clock. Despite being
under the tutelage of Toyota, the new GS uses very few interior parts from its
parent company. Everything is solid yet soft, and good to the touch. Unlike its
predecessor, an array of interior options, colour, and side paneling trim are
available. Our test car had a heads up display, heating and cooling seats, duke
blue leather, and brushed aluminium trim.
·
Ride & Handlings
The GS 350 F-Sport features
a direct injection V6, delivering a powerful 316 BHP, making it more powerful
on paper than the E350, 535i and the A6 3.0TFSI. Keep in mind though, that Lexus
has never produced any turbocharged engines (I’m fine with that). This means
that it can feel a tad lazy (if I may) at lower revs and speeds. Nevertheless, Lexus
claims that the GS 350 F-Sport devours the century sprint in a respectable 6
seconds, placing it in between the 535i and the A6 TFSI. Being the F-spec
model, Lexus has tweaked the GS in noticeable ways, so that the V6 is tuned to sound
sportier, hence making the drive more engaging and involving overall. Apart
from that, Lexus has also inserted a resonator within its air intake, so as to
produce a V6 rumble and roar when past 4000 RPM, or when the driver fully opens
throttle. Thus, traditional Lexus fans might find it a tad to vocal. Despite the
sportier handling, the new GS hasn’t at all lost the impressive ride quality of
its predecessor, and feels even more controlled and well proportioned. As always,
interior noise (at the usual speeds) is always kept at a minimal, allowing one
to fully soak in the melodies from the unsurpassed Mark Levinson speakers.
·
Verdict
Clearly, Lexus has its
head back in the game. With the new GS, expect it to give tough competition against
rivals such as the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, in terms of
pricing, comfort and quality.
Lexus. The relentless
pursuit of perfection.
o
Pictures from:
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Mazda CX-5
Mazda has come up with
something new. Something revised. Something that its competitors (Kia Sportage,
Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan…) should all watch out for. Mazda has launched
its new CX-5.
·
Design & Engineering:
In the past few years, the
market for SUV’s has risen dramatically. To be specific, the CUV segment. As
its name implies, a CUV is a compact crossover model that features off-roader
style looks and heights. To do a compare and contrast, a good example of an SUV
would be a Range Rover Sport / Volvo XC90. A CUV would be more of a Volkswagen
Tiguan. CUV’s have gained popularity, due to their adequate off-road
capabilities (mostly used around cities) and tall stance, despite their more
compact form of shape. This appeals greatly towards modern day ‘soccer mums’
who enjoy the off-road capabilities (over grassy fields to pick up the kids),
and yet the compact size. Now for the CX-5, the exterior takes a step apart
from its older brother—the CX-7. Now a rather popular trend, the CX-5 sports an
oversized five-point grill. From the side, I find that the CUV has a staggered
look—the rear seems to have a higher stance than the nose of the vehicle. Though
the standard 19-in wheels (on the luxury package) provide the Mazda with a nice
stance, the vehicle look clumsy and messily put together. From the rear, the
CX-5 shows tell tale signs of its capabilities, through the small boot and
small tailpipes. What I like about the rear though, is the nice, clean-cut rear
lights, which seem to resemble pulled back eyes. On the whole, the CX-5 has a
funky appearance that might not appeal to the general market.
·
Interior
Getting into the driver’s
seat, one immediately notices the large steering wheel neatly adorned with multiple
control buttons. I find that the splash of brushed aluminium down the middle
provides the wheel with a sporty and avantgarde look. Unlike its older brother,
the CX-5 has near to perfect ergonomics, thanks to well laid out controls and a
highly adjustable driving position. Unlike the red dials found in earlier
models, the new Mazda showcases ice white dials (frankly these appeal to me much more). To follow suit with the fine ergonomics, the standard factory
fitted touch screen stereo system with satellite navigation (comes with standard Bose speakers) is placed high
upon the center console for easy reach of both the driver and the front
passenger. Unfortunately, as the interior is filled with acres of black
plastic, things can get rather drab after a while. Nevertheless, the exposed
surfaces are made with high quality
and soft-touch plastics. At the rear, the CX-5 offers reasonable amounts of
head and legroom for passengers. Furthermore, rear-air conditioning vents spoil
passengers, allowing them to be comfortable throughout long journeys as well. The
boot also offers a wide section for luggage and golf bags, and is further
enhanced by the split/fold rear seats. To sum it all up, the CX-5’s interior
has surpassed interiors from the CX7, 3, 5, 7, etc. With a new and revised
interior, this Mazda looks the epitome of charisma and good taste, vis-à-vis
competitors.
·
Ride & Handlings
Underneath, the CX-5
features Mazda’s all new platform and engine. Based on Mazda’s new philosophy
of SKYACTIV, the engine incorporates a holistic approach to enhancing
efficiency. Thus, the 1988cc naturally aspirated four-pot produces a convincing
155 BHP and 200Nm—numbers that are up on Mazda’s ever popular naturally
aspirated 2.0-liter found in the Mazda 5 and Mazda 6. Being a naturally
aspirated 4-pot, the CX-5 speeds ahead of naturally aspirated Japanese models,
with a 0-100 Km/h time of 9.5 seconds, though it lags behind European
turbo-charged rivals, such as the Volkswagen Tiguan. Mated to a 6-Speed auto
box, the engine can sound slightly gruff once pushed past the 130km/h mark. On
the plus side, as manual shifting via the gearbox as well as through the paddle
shifters on the steering wheel is available, enjoying your drive becomes ever
so easy. Hurry the CX-5 into a corner, and the CUV hugs the road well enough
for it to surpass even small sedans. Despite the 19-inch wheels, total ride
comfort is suitable and quiet, allowing for a comfortable ride throughout.
·
Verdict
Definitely Mazda’s best
efforts in years. Through exterior styling can be slightly funky an unappealing
to many, the interior boasts of superior quality and features (such as the
standard Bose sound system). Overall ride quality is superb, bar a few clanks
over potholes. Apart from that, the CX-5 does a good job of upping the pace
against rivals.
Zoom-zoom.
o
Pictures from:
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Pictures of the Month
This week, I have decided to post pictures of upcoming cars with an eye on the global market. In essence, vehicles which will pitch against already existing models from rivals, and vehicles which will most likely yield very high sales on a global scale.
Audi A1, 5 Door Sportback:
http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/images/models/a1%20sportback%204.jpg
BMW 6-Series Grand Coupe:
http://www.desertlivingtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/bmw-6-series-gran-coupe-xl.jpg
Jaguar F-Type:
http://www.japanautostore.com/car-picture/jaguar-f-type-full-story-8.jpg
2012 Lexus GS:
http://www.autospectator.com/cars/files/images/2013-Lexus-GS-450h-006.jpg
2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class:
http://cdn.hypebeast.com/image/2012/03/2012-mercedes-benz-a-class-1-620x413.jpg
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
http://carsandreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2013-Mercedes-Benz-S-Class.jpg
http://cdn1.automobilesreview.com/2012/01/2012-Porsche-Boxster-S-644.jpg
2012 Volkswagen Beetle:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-beetle.jpg
http://s1.aecdn.com/images/news/gallery/2012-volvo-v40-officially-revealed-photo-gallery_4.jpg
Thursday, May 3, 2012
2012 BMW 3-Series (335i Sedan)
Revised, revisited and
completely new, the NEW 3-Series surpasses all expectations.
·
Design &
Engineering:
Ever since its debut six
generations ago, the 3-Series has always been the bait used by BMW, to lure
customers towards larger models such as the 5 and the 7. With the sixth
generation, the new 3-Series sets higher standards for rivals from Audi &
Mercedes. From the front, the new BM mirrors the new 5-Series. Compared to the
previous 3-Series, the vehicle has clearly expanded. With revised headlamps,
added silver front skirts and circular fog lamps, the new 3-Series is clearly
more defined and avantgarde. With the vehicle tested being the top-of-the-range
335i (SPORT) trim, wider air intakes, larger arches and a slightly stiffer
suspension come standard with the vehicle. From the side, the 3-Series
resembles a slightly smaller 5-Series. Perhaps the vehicle’s selling point lies
partly in the increased dimensions. At 4624mm in length and a visible 93mm
longer than its predecessor, the BM seems to infringe on 5-Series territory,
vis-à-vis overall dimensions. From the rear, the sedan features state of the
art looks, and incorporates BMW’s signature LED’s. On the whole, the overall
look provides a handsome, distinctive, and sporty look.
·
Interior
To complement the sharp and
clean looks on the outside, the 3-Series’ interior features a driver orientated
layout. With most of the interior taken from the 1-Series, the 3-Series
features the same good to the touch interior, with the proper use of brushed
aluminium on the door handles, iDrive scroll, and around the air-conditioning
vents. Just like the latter, two trims are available—Sport and Urban (Luxury).
With Sport, splashes of colour lift the cabin’s ambience, with exterior
stitching on the seats, steering wheel and on the door bolsters, the added use
of colour provides the cabin with a more youthful feel, following suit with
BMW’s mindset of looking towards the future. Unlike the 1-Series though, a new
feature on the 335i is the power and torque gauges which can be viewed on the
wide, high-resolution iDrive screen. Up front, both driver and passenger will
be pampered by the 2-zone climate control, and the relatively easy to use,
iDrive system (though I still find that the COMMAND system featured in
Mercedes’ are easier and more intuitive to use). In addition, with the smooth
E-gear featured in the 1, 5, 7, and X-models, sitting up front in the driver’s
position becomes a wonderful place to be. At the rear, passengers are pampered
with their own air-conditioning unit, as well as a marvelous sound system. Compared
to its predecessor, both head and legroom have improved by leaps and bounds. Overall,
considering its class of vehicle, the new 3-Series features an improved
interior with superb build quality.
·
Ride & Handlings
Upon driving the new 3, the
immediate response from the wheels, as well as the spirited drive allows one to
fully enjoy the vehicle. The key to the well thought out ride lies in its
rear-wheel drive, drive train layout, new steering system, and sophisticated
multi-link suspension. Under the bonnet, either a 2.5 or 3.0-liter twin-turbo
charged V6. Having tested the 335i, familiar BMW technologies such as Valvetronic
and double-VANOS variable camshaft timing systems worm their way into the
bonnet as well. Start the motor, and all six cylinders rumble to life. At idle,
the engine burbles sweetly, and when revved hard, produces a satisfying purr. Outright
performance is also impressive, with the sedan devouring the century sprint in
a mere 5.5 seconds—three tenths of a second quicker than its predecessor (*see
article on 3-series coupe/convertible). Mated with BMW’s renowned 8-speed
automatic gearbox (two more than its predecessor), the gearbox’s lower ratio
provides sharper acceleration, and improved fuel economy.
·
Verdict
A very good rival against
Audi’s A4, and Mercedes’ C-Class. Great interior, sharp looks. Despite the
vehicle’s high pricing, the new 3-Series sticks to BMW’s motto, truly being: The
ultimate driving experience.
o
Pictures from:
o
http://www.eurocarnews.com/media/pictorials/1659/8459.jpg
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