Friday, June 22, 2012

Audi A1 Sportback 1.4TFSI S-Line


This week, I come to test a head on rival with the world famous, Mini Cooper. Due to the A1’s global success, Audi has decided to launch a 5-door, sportback version.
·             Design & Engineering:
From the front, the sportback still manages to retain its fresh and funky, youthful look and appeal from the original A1. From the side though, things start to change. For instance, the addition of two doors, and the quarter glass on the C-pillars, with contrasting roof rail colours. The five-door, model has grown 6mm taller and wider than the original model, which allows for noticeably more headroom in the rear. From the rear, the Audi looks as good as ever—perhaps even better with the extended wheelbase. The car we had came with the S-line model spec, thus coming with grayed aluminium style 18-in wheels, and an aerodynamic body kit.

·            Interior
Upfront, the dashboard is a wonder to use—simple, yet packed with oodles of features. As the exterior sports a funky and unique design, the interior sports Audi’s new ‘circular’ steering wheel and revised MMI system. In addition, the interior is highly customizable, with the option to specify the colours of the inlay panels around the air vents (shaped like those of a turbofan engine pod), center console, and doors. Other customizable areas include sporty looking and superbly supportive S-line seats with integrated head restraints and contrasting colour schemes for the seat inserts. As for the sound system, the option for an audiophile’s BOSE sound system is available, and works brilliantly with the (optional) MMI system, which reads SD cards, I-pods, and USB’S, and so on. At the rear, the sportback separates itself from its younger sibling, with the addition of a full bench seat. With the additional space, the bench can seat two adults and a child rather comfortably. Unfortunately, being a compact car, the A1 sportback does not excel too well in rear seating space area, thus strapping passengers in the back (apart from children) for long drives down the coast or for a road trip, wouldn’t be of the best idea. Overall, build quality is superb, with every thing—from the knobs, to the handles, and to the infotainment system, being properly fit and finished.
·            Ride & Handlings
Like the 3-door, the same super and turbocharged 1.4 TFSI engine powers the sportback. Compared to the base 122BHP model, the 185BHP, S-line model is noticeably livelier and robust. As Audi’s signature QUATTRO 4-wheel drive system is not available as of yet on all A1’s, the sportback’s power is sent to the front wheels. Nevertheless, the 7-speed DSG transmission works well with both engine variants, apart from a few lags in gearshifts when in lower speeds. Overall, the power source is more than enough, and provides one with a comfortable ride, nifty handling, and smile-inducing drive.

·            Verdict
In terms of perceived luxury and build quality, the A1 excels in this sector, as well as when it comes to power on tap. With an ultra modern design, highly customable interior and exterior, and 5 seats, the A1 sportback sure is providing competition for the Mini lineup.

o    Pictures from:
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Friday, June 15, 2012

Mini Cooper S Roadster


Another of Mini’s new creations, we come to see how this 2 seater roadster brings out the best of Mini’s racing heritage.
·             Design & Engineering:
From the front, the Roadster looks the same as any other ‘S’ spec Mini. Thus, one gets the chrome accented grills and headlights, as well as the rectangular air intake on the bonnet. In short, the new ‘kid’ is distinctively Mini—steep A pillars, wheel-at-each-corner stance, as well as a rather squat stance. Only if parked next to a 4 seat Mini roadster, will one notice the Roadster’s lower stance, to be precise, by 20mm. On the rest of the exterior, there is not much to differentiate the Roadster from other Coopers, especially the recent Coupe on which the Roadster is based on. Keep in mind the minor details such as the twin chrome exhausts, retractable spoiler, and ‘S’ badges. With the top down, one can see how aesthetics and ingenuity have merged, to produce safety. As the woven-top is kept behind the anti-roll bars, the top doesn’t impinge much on the rather limited boot space. This also means that the simple structure allows for a more rigid structure to take place—a truly crucial aspect to any drop-top. Regarding exterior design once more, one can pick and choose almost any type of stripes, colours and rims that appeal to one’s personal taste. That’s the great thing about all Mini’s—that special touch of individualism.

·            Interior
Some say that the interiors of all Mini’s are the same. Aren’t they right.
With the Roadster, Mini has simply played the same trick card, and has sewn in the same interior as the rest of the Mini lineup. This means a proper leather steering wheel, decked out with oodles of important controls such as voice command, a telephone system, and audio control system. With the speedo, Mini has made it larger than life, and has placed the on board infotainment system in the middle of it. With the infotainment system, Mini has taken the best of BMW’s i-Drive system, and has simplified it, resulting in an easy to use yet functional on board system. Depending on which options one ticks, the option for an audiophile’s Harman/Kardon sound system is available. Unfortunately, a rather plebeian central console still lies in place—with almost no change from Mini’s produced a decade ago. Hard plastic buttons and chrome switches adorn the console’s face, giving it (if I may) a rather ugly and old-fashioned feel. In addition, the latest Mini still lacks the much-needed centre glove box. In its place are still a couple of less-functional cup holders. To add on to the list of old fashion complaints, the Roadster’s fabric folding top is operated by hand! Indeed, this is where the Mini loses out to competition such as the 1-series roadster and the Golf cabriolet. The Roadster packs a decent boot space when pitched against its drop-top competitors, and provides a through-load opening for longer items, as well as the trenched style boot with an equipped cargo net.  On the whole, the cabin feels rather well put together, and still manages to feature a certain proportion of functionality and practicality, while resounding a proper German build.

·            Ride & Handlings
In its more ‘potent’ ‘S’ trim, the twin-scroll turbocharger fuels the Roadster rather vigorously. The engine of course, is the same 4-cylinder, 1600cc (with a top speed of 222km/h) engine featured in other ‘S’ Coopers. In every bit as it should be, the Roadster has a rather go-kart feel. Imagine a golf cart without a roof. Now add on a twin-scroll turbocharged 4 pot, and voila! You’ve got yourself a Roadster S. This of course means that the Mini has a rather spirited feel, with a proper gearbox (auto or manual upon specification), and a nifty steering wheel.  

·            Verdict
Remarkably, the Roadster feels just as robust as its hardtop siblings, suffering only from a bit of a rigid suspension. In short, the Roadster is a well-built, proper roadster. Unfortunately, it suffers from a bit of old-age technology, such as its center console and manual-folding top. Nevertheless the spirited engine provides absolute joy at all times. As always with all Mini’s though, the high pricing might turn one off.  

o    Pictures from:
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Saturday, June 9, 2012

Volvo XC90 2.5T ‘Refresh’


One of the most significant vehicles in the world of automotive industry since 2003, we come to see how the ‘refreshed’ XC90 buys itself extra time until its replacement in 2014.
·             Design & Engineering:
From the front, the Volvo doesn’t look noticeably different from older models. Look closer and one will see that the fog lamps double up as LED daytime running lights. The average person also won’t be able to notice the newer model’s LED tail lamps, the redesigned silver metallic bumper bar, silver roof rails, new side mouldings in matching body colour, as well as the 19-inch Galateia wheels. Nevertheless, despite Volvo’s (or per say, Geely’s) efforts to revamp the SUV, the XC90 certainly looks old. Many of the design cues are shared with older, and more angular Volvo models such as the old XC70 and S60. Nonetheless, the soccer mom SUV dominates the road with its gargantuan size, still managing to hover around with Range Rovers and Q7’s. 

·            Interior
This is where the Volvo oozes the word—practicality. Indeed, the XC90 was built to be a safe, all-rounded family transporter. Up front, the ‘Refresh’ model sports a three-spoke aluminium steering wheel, aluminium sanded inlays, as well as new dials with white back lighting. With the steering wheel, I found it exceptionally grippy—perfect for an SUV or such a massive size. Also, the new control buttons for the Bluetooth® telephony system and the audio improve the driver interaction to a higher degree. Once more, age bears itself with dignity inside the XC90. For instance, a conventional key is used to start the vehicle, and chunky black and white instrument stalks and headlight controls are still used. With the centre console, the lack of a coloured screen is the most obvious sign of age. Nevertheless, new features have been added to the audio system, such as Bluetooth® audio streaming. As for the switches, they resound the technology from the early 2000’s, producing an audible ‘click’ when pressed. Back at the middle and last row, air conditioning is standard with oodles of space to move seats around. At the rear, the knockdown seats for two medium sized adults features the same individual sound system feature from the pre-‘Refresh’ model—truly an ingenious system. As with all Volvo’s sound quality from the speakers are more than satisfactory. Bar the slight wind noise when above three digit speeds, the ‘Refreshed’ XC90 still seems to show signs of life, despite its nine-year lifespan.

·            Ride & Handlings
With the engine, Volvo hasn’t changed it. This means a choice of three engines, being the 2.5T turbocharged five-cylinder option, the 3.2-litre V6, and the road hugging V8. For the ‘Refresh’ model, Volvo has fitted the factory-backed Polestar Power Optimization kit. This ups the engine’s power from 210BHP to 240BHP. On the road, the new model certainly feels stronger in the mid-range area, picking up speeds a tad more convincingly than the 08’ 09’ models. Volvo claims that the century sprint can be achieved by ½ a second more than before, in a respectable 9.4 seconds. With the steering, I was rather disappointed, as I expected the boffins down at Polestar to spice it up. Unfortunately, it still lacks life and hardly talks to the driver at all. Keep in mind though, that when it comes to the mud, sand, snow and gravel, the four-wheel drive system mated to a 5-speed autobox saves one from any sticky situation. On the whole, ride quality is still kept along traditional Swedish guidelines, being quiet and pliant enough at all speeds.

·            Verdict
Slightly more modern looks, though not drop-dead-gorgeous. Interior still as drab yet practical as ever. As for the engines, the factory tuned Polestar engines help dramatically with performance. Still, the XC90 doesn’t seem to have much life in it left.

o    Pictures from:
o    http://www.carevos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2012-volvo-xc90-002-interior.jpg
o    http://www.play-auto.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Volvo-XC90-My2012-new-official-pictures-6.jpg
o    http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2012-volvo-xc90-11-625x468.jpg
o    http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3knaaGBIU1qzqua1o1_500.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3zECSka-iHXAAcujKvAyDFlZpao7dzcukI38ReqI_Ff5XDDdD1bTXiMcu7nTjQhw7IROMf8qIADlb9TC9slXeh5F6t3JYh5C25Tjwg5WCWLFUe0yvjAshiqCMv8JUH1GcdqEb87SGGc/s640/Wallpaper-+2013-Volvo-XC90-2.jpg
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