Torqueの September - October 2019 の目次

IF you have never driven a big SUV before, then walking up to the latest Volkswagen Touareg is going to be a very unnerving experience. The new Volkswagen Touareg is big, brash and burly. It is larger and looks even more imposing than its predecessor. Surprisingly, however, VW says that the SUV is up to 106kg lighter than before. This is down to the use of materials such as aluminium and high-strength steel. I last drove a Touareg six years ago. Back then, the coolest and possible most advanced feature in the cabin was the set of dials for the SUV’s air suspension. Fast forward to 2019 and the latest Touareg’s cabin is a technological tour de force. When you climb into the cabin and settle behind the wheel, the…

AT Continental TechShow 2019, the German automotive supplier pressed home its expertise in autonomous and smart tech. In particular, it’s focusing on delivering both electric drivetrains and autonomous driving features, believing both to be “major trends” of the industry moving forward. This year’s tagline – Mobility is the Heartbeat of Life – crystallises the company’s zero accidents, zero emissions and zero stress goal. One of the products showcased was Continental’s third-generation electric drive axle, which is a fully integrated, high-voltage axle drive for mass production. The electric motors, power electronics and reduction gear are combined into one compact, liquid-cooled housing weighing less than 80kg and is available in either 120kW or 150kW form. Continental says the technology can be incorporated into “various” vehicle classes. In fact, it will be in…

ANYONE who wants to master the English language must first master the alphabet. In the same vein, an enthusiast who wants to master the Mercedes-Benz model lineup must first learn the brand’s ABCs. That’s exactly what participants at last month’s Breakfast With Torque did. Nearly 70 of them filed into their “classroom”, located in Harry’s at Dempsey, to discover the new A-Class, B-Class and CLA-Class models. Once seated, the studious students paid close attention to their “professor”, who explained the advanced technologies found in the latest aforementioned models. One of the key features was Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which encompasses the digital instrument panel, infotainment, voice control and artificial intelligence. Following the informative lecture about the A-Class hatchback, B-Class Sport Tourer and CLA Coupe, the “students” broke for recess. The…

RANGE ROVER HST 3.0P FROM $382,999 ON THE ROAD The first-ever inline-6 from Land Rover finds a home in the Range Rover HST 3.0P mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV). The engine and the word "electric" may sound like blasphemy to Range Rover owners only ever used to V8s, but the new 3-litre motor is properly modern, equipped with an electric supercharger and a 48-volt mild hybrid system to pump out a respectable 395hp and 550Nm of torque. Mud-plugging has never been so clean. ■ RIVAL: PORSCHE CAYENNE E-HYBRID MERCEDES-AMG A35 PRICE ON APPLICATION When the A35 takes the fight to the BMW M135i xDrive, the young, big belt buckle-wearing crowd will have a sizzling hot hatch battle on their hands. Only a true back-to-back test will declare a winner, but on…

The National Basketball Association or NBA, as it’s popularly known, showcases the best basketballers and most exciting basketball action in the world. Tissot, the first watch brand with specially branded shot clock, has been chosen as the NBA’s Official Watch. NBA players are typically powerful on-court and stylish off it, and the new special edition Tissot Chrono XL NBA Collector is the ideal watch to celebrate this collaboration between the NBA and Tissot. With a hardwearing 45mm PVD case made of stainless steel and leather strap crafted from the same leather as that found on Spalding basketballs used in NBA games, the Tissot Chrono XL’s gorgeous black case projects an image of strength and durability. Presented in a special box, the Tissot Chrono XL features a mineral crystal case back,…

ASK a Japanese engineer a sensitive question about an upcoming model or upgrade and you’ll be met with a smile and very polite response. “We will announce it at the appropriate time.” No matter how many times you repeat the question, you’re going to get the same answer. I get the feeling that they have been relentlessly drilled before they’re grilled by the press. I received this response on several occasions during the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. At the time, the Mazda 3 hatchback splashed all over these pages was still something called the Kai Concept. Back then, I guessed that the Kai Concept would be the next Mazda 3. I asked for confirmation but was met with said polite reply. Then I put forward more queries about the Skyactiv-X…

WITH over a million units sold since its introduction in 2011, the Q3 compact crossover has been one of Audi’s most successful models to date. Over the past seven-plus years, Audi has offered some changes, above and below the bonnet. It even introduced a high-performance RS version for drivers who like their SUV with more on-road potency. However, the first generation Q3 was starting to look stale and it prompted Audi to reveal an all-new model with a fresh design and a slathering of new tech. From a distance, the second-generation Q3 doesn’t seem very different from its predecessor, but walk closer and you will notice that it is a more aggressive-looking machine. Sharp, angular lines and flared wheel arches convey a sportier look while the single-frame grille, with its…

WHAT better way to wake up bright and early on a Saturday than to grab some breakfast – and a test drive in the world’s most popular electric car? That’s what loyal Torque readers and electric car enthusiasts had in store for them on June 29 when they headed to Leng Kee for Breakfast with Torque and Nissan. A bright and airy Nissan showroom was the ideal setting for showcasing the all-electric Nissan Leaf, the most technologically advanced model in Nissan’s local lineup. Shaped like a traditional hatchback but powered by cutting-edge battery-electric tech underneath, it’s familiar yet futuristic. With 320Nm of torque on tap from zero, its snappy acceleration also pips many other sportier cars. Small wonder, then, that some participants turned up even before the 9am registration time.…

“COOLANT RAISES THE WATER’S BOILING POINT, WHICH IS CRUCIAL IN A CLIMATE LIKE OURS.” My dealer told me that I have a “maintenance-free” battery. Does this mean I don’t have to do anything to it? Maintaining your car battery is something every driver has to do – unless you like getting stranded. Your car battery is responsible for providing the energy needed to turn your engine over. After that, the alternator takes over the task of providing electricity to components such as the infotainment system and headlights. But if there’s not enough, the extra juice needed is drawn from the battery’s stored power. The tropical climate is responsible for much of the wear and tear experienced by our cars. Together with humidity and age, battery terminals can get corroded. When…

AS electric cars slowly but surely slide into mainstream consciousness, BMW is making sure other manufacturers don’t steal their slice of the pie amid burgeoning competition. To wit, the German automaker is embarking on an aggressive plan which will see electric vehicles make up nearly a quarter of its global sales within the next six years. The future of BMW is electric, and Dr Andreas Aumann is in prime position to keep the company pointed down that road. As vice-president of product management, eMobility at sub-brand BMW i, Dr Aumann is keenly aware of what electrification means for BMW as a whole. Ever since taking his current position in 2018, the division – responsible for the BMW i3/i3s and i8 – has grown to become one of the most important…

MY speedometer is reading 200km/h, but with minimal wind noise and a rock-steady ride, the all-new BMW M135i xDrive feels like it’s cruising at half that speed. That’s testament to the work BMW has done for the third-generation 1 Series. Styling-wise, the new 1 Series sports the current BMW design language – more creases, lines, angles and scalloped surfaces. The front gets a pronounced shark nose with the BMW kidney grille merged in the middle. It’s not the most elegant look when seen from some angles but the slim, drawn-back headlights help claw back some style points. The rising beltline now ends in an integrated Hofmeister kink, similar to the current 3 Series sedan. It’s a far more desirable style than the “bread van” looks of yesteryear, putting the car…

BEFORE we go any further, let me reassure you that I am not going to talk about the song (same title as this story) that exploded over the Internet three years ago. If said song is already playing in your head, I apologise. If you actually thought this story had something to do with it, sorry to disappoint. Now then, back to business. When the latest Mercedes CLS broke cover, I was impressed with the new head-turning design. But it was when I first saw the car in the flesh (metal?) that I was really stunned. The new shark-nose design suits the CLS to a T. I think it looks great from any angle. In fact, I cannot imagine the current model not looking the way it does. I had…

GETTING up on a Saturday morning may be difficult for some, but not if you’re a petrolhead looking forward to multiple test-drives. Two months ago in July, 55 Torque readers had no trouble making their way to the Renault showroom along Leng Kee Road for a Gallic, fun-filled morning. The event began with a unique presentation of the seven-seater Renault Grand Scenic by product specialist Isaac Tan. Instead of using slides to showcase the various features of the Grand Scenic, Isaac made a Skype call to a colleague. “COOL CARS, INTERESTING GAMES AND SNAZZY PRIZES AWAITED READERS.” This enabled him to use his smartphone’s camera function to show participants the various features he was discussing. During the presentation, Issac also took the time to dispel several myths surrounding diesel-powered cars.…