Tabla de contenidos para August 2018 en Torque

Expectations are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they can help us achieve our goals. On the other hand, they can be a burden to those who have their own distinct vision of the future that awaits them. This is especially true for unconventional individuals. You know who you are. When you were a child, you coloured outside the lines and used “strange” hues to complete the pictures in colouring books. As a pupil, you remember how most of your classmates wanted to be lawyers, doctors and engineers. When asked, you nonchalantly said you wanted to be an artist, photographer or film director. As an adult, you prefer doing things your own way. While most people get their caffeine fix from established coffee or café chains, you grind your own…

“I MANAGED TO FIND A CAREER PATH WHERE I COULD CONTRIBUTE BACK TO PORSCHE.” ARTHUR Willmann is one of the few people who can say that their job is the one they were destined for since birth. Born and raised in Stuttgart, the 35-year-old German recalls riding in his parents’ car and passing the Porsche factory on many occasions. His parents even explained what the conveying bridge that connects Plant 2 to Plant 5 is for. Looking back on it now, Arthur says that the fact that his childhood home was closer to Porsche than to the other Stuttgart-based carmaker (Mercedes-Benz) was perhaps a hint of things to come. Arthur first worked at Porsche as an intern in 2005. At the time, he was still a student at the University…

A corner beckons, kerbs on each side. The line forms in your head and you overlay it into your vision. Feeling the vibrant feedback from the steering wheel and through the seat of your pants, you carve like a scalpel through the bend exactly as you intended. You are entertained, exhilarated and utterly in control. Addicted, you aim the car at the next challenge, hungry for more. Welcome to the new Porsche 718 GTS models. The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS are infused with even more capability and emotion than the 718 Cayman S and 718 Boxster S models, combining the sports-car defining dynamics that make these models the industry’s benchmark driving instruments with everyday usability. Whether you’re driving on winding country roads, manoeuvring through the bustle…

MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN 1.5 versus JEEP COMPASS 1.4 versus VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 1.4 versus HONDA CR-V 1.5 COMPETITION for scarce resources has resulted in numerous conflicts throughout history. In a similar vein, the increasingly crowded SUV segment has left motorists spoilt for choice and made the rivalry between car manufacturers that much harder. In this case, the scarce resources are the buyers and their dollars. The British contender in this orbat is the MINI Cooper Countryman. It is bigger and roomier than its predecessor, yet promises to be more agile. Will this maxi-MINI have enough firepower to outgun its three rivals here? Lining up beside the Countryman is a “Yank Tank” with military roots – the Jeep Compass. Can the muscular design and off-roading potential (it’s the only contender with all-wheel-drive)…

DRIVETRAIN TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged CAPACITY 1368cc BORE X STROKE 72mm x 84mm COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1 MAX POWER 170hp at 5500rpm MAX TORQUE 250Nm at 2500-4000rpm POWER TO WEIGHT 103.6hp per tonne GEARBOX 9-speed automatic with manual select DRIVEN WHEELS All PERFORMANCE 0-100KM/H 8.3 seconds TOP SPEED 204km/h CONSUMPTION 14.5km/L (combined) CO2 EMISSION 160g/km SUSPENSION FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar REAR Multi-link, coil springs anti-roll bar BRAKES FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs TYRES TYPE Bridgestone Turanza T001 SIZE 225/55 R18 SAFETY AIRBAGS 6 TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESC MEASUREMENTS LENGTH 4394mm WIDTH 1819mm HEIGHT 1644mm WHEELBASE 2636mm KERB WEIGHT 1641kg TURNING CIRCLE 11.6m BUYING IT PRICE INCL. COE $167,888 (after $20k VES surcharge WARRANTY 5 years/120,000km GREATEST CAPABILITIES, BEST TRACTION, COOLEST FEATURES LEAST CUSHY BACKSEAT, LEAST COMFY…

PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN 2.0 versus JAGUAR F-TYPE 2.0 THERE are those who will tell you that a vehicle is but a tool of transport. They will turn their nostrils up, sharply exhaling, lips curled in a condescending smile as they smugly inform you that for that kind of money, you could get more doors, more metal, more dead-cows. You could get an apartment, actually. Do not listen to them. For what you are getting is not just a means of going to work and back, with a little leftover space for one passenger and a bag. With two-door sports cars you venture into irrational waters, in search of sweeter birdsong and a brighter palette for every second of your day, even when you are not driving. You are buying, with…

“LEXUS INTENDS TO WIN OVER NEW CUSTOMERS WITH THE NEW AND EXCEPTIONALLY SPORTY ES.” LEXUS’ best-selling model after the RX, a luxurious SUV, is the ES, a luxurious saloon. The outgoing sixth-generation ES still looks fresh from the oven. It has been six years since its launch in 2012, but you will be excused to assume it was much later. The car has not aged a day with its sleek and chiselled silhouette. Even the facelift nip-and-tuck in 2015 was slight and relatively unnoticeable. The 2019 ES may look like the flagship LS at first glance, but it appears muscular and more athletic, as if it spent many hours in the Lexus gym. There is a pair of defined, ripped shoulders aft of the C-pillars. The saloon cuts a striking…

“A DILIGENT WORKSHOP MAY DISCOVER A WORN-OUT SUSPENSION LINKAGE, BUSTED DAMPERS OR EVEN DEFECTIVE TYRES.” I changed my car’s front suspension a few months ago. Recently, my mechanic told me that the front tyres are wearing out unevenly – the inner portion is wearing out faster than the outer portion. I am not sure if this uneven wear occurred before or after the suspension change. Which do you think is more likely and what should I do about it? Uneven tyre wear is, without doubt, due to incorrect suspension alignment settings. The workshop that replaced your front suspension would have dismantled a number of components in the process. When front suspension work is completed, it is mandatory to realign the front wheels to original specifications. Having said that, it is…

Nissan and Italdesign have come together to create what might be the ultimate GT-R: the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign. The GT-R50 is based on a 2018 GT-R Nismo, and perhaps only 50 will be produced. The model was made to celebrate Italdesign’s golden anniversary this year, and the GT-R’s 50th birthday next year. Ironically, it was Italdesign which developed, engineered and constructed the GT-R50, while Nissan was responsible for the coupe’s exterior and interior design! The coupe’s striking elements include a lower roofline, custom 21-inch wheels and a more pronounced “power bulge” on the bonnet. The two-tone paintwork is a blend of Liquid Kinetic Gray and Energetic Sigma Gold. The cabin is trimmed in various materials that include Alcantara, carbon fibre and Italian leather. The GT-R50 has plenty of substance…

Using the right tools can mean the difference between getting the job done and getting the job done right. Without the right tools and materials, even simple tasks will take longer to accomplish. The entire job becomes an exercise in inefficiency. As a car owner, it is important to have tyres that suit both your vehicle and driving needs. Only then can your motoring experience become safe, enjoyable and efficient. MPVS AND CROSSOVERS The Yokohama BluEarth RV-02 is a tyre designed to meet the unique demands of MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) and CUVs (crossover utility vehicles). To reduce the “wobbling” associated with taller bodystyles, the Yokohama BluEarth RV-02 has a mound profile similar to the one in its ADVAN Sport V105 tyre. And to mitigate or eliminate road noise, the Yokohama…

“THE COUNTRYMAN IS THE MOST TROOP-FRIENDLY, THE COMPASS IS THE MOST SUREFOOTED, THE TIGUAN IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND THE CR-V IS THE MOST VERSATILE.” The Jeep Compass is arguably the best all-rounder in this little “tank battle”. It feels rugged, has the coolest amenities, and is the only one here with the sure-footedness of all-wheel-drive. It is more than up to the task of a suburbanite’s daily missions, which include school and office runs, along with weekend trips to East Coast Park for some R&R. While the Compass can probably tackle any off-road surface with the right tyres, its on-road performance could definitely be enhanced. The ride quality isn’t as settled as its rivals’, and its performance doesn’t feel as quick as claimed. Ironically, it’s the MINI Cooper Countryman…

DRIVETRAIN TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged CAPACITY 1395cc BORE X STROKE 74.5mm x 80mm COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1 MAX POWER 148hp at 5000-6000rpm MAX TORQUE 250Nm at 1500-3500rpm POWER TO WEIGHT 98.8hp per tonne GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select DRIVEN WHEELS Front PERFORMANCE 0-100KM/H 9.2 seconds TOP SPEED 200km/h CONSUMPTION 16.1km/L (combined) CO2 EMISSION 143g/km SUSPENSION FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar BRAKES FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs TYRES TYPE Continental ContiSportContact 5 SIZE 235/55 R18 SAFETY AIRBAGS 6 TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESP MEASUREMENTS LENGTH 4486mm WIDTH 1839mm HEIGHT 1673mm WHEELBASE 2677mm KERB WEIGHT 1498kg TURNING CIRCLE 11.5m BUYING IT PRICE INCL. COE $147,400 (no VES rebate/surcharge) WARRANTY 5 years/150,000km LARGEST BOOT, LOWEST PRICE, MOST SOLID BUILD QUALITY LACKS SOME RIVALS’ FEATURES,…

ENGINE 1988cc, 16-valves, flat-4, turbocharged MAX POWER 300hp at 6500rpm MAX TORQUE 380Nm at 1950-4500rpm POWER TO WEIGHT 219.8hp per tonne GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select 0-100KM/H 4.9 seconds TOP SPEED 275km/h CONSUMPTION 14.5km/L (combined) CO2 EMISSION 158g/km PRICE INCL. COE $304,988 (after $20k CEVS surcharge)…

HYUNDAI SANTA FE PRICE ON APPLICATION This seven-seater SUV is larger, roomier and more advanced than its predecessor. Aside from the new head-up display and adaptive cruise control functions, the Santa Fe will appeal to parents with the new Rear Occupant Alert and Safety Exit Assist systems. The former alerts drivers by sounding the horn if there is movement in the rear seats after they leave and lock the car, while the latter temporarily locks the doors to stop them from being opened when the system detects vehicles approaching from behind. RIVAL: KIA SORENTO AUDI RS4 AVANT $392,280 ON THE ROAD This German estate delivers an even more blistering pace than the preceding model, despite “only” having a turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 instead of a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8. The 6-cylinder…

POST/MAIL OF THE MONTH POST YOUR QUESTIONS, comments or suggestions on our Facebook page (www.fb.com/torque.singapore)or e-mail us (magtorque@sph.com.sg). (THINKING OF) WRITING ABOUT CARS EDWIN SEAH I have gathered just enough courage to e-mail Torque on a super-random topic. I am 35 years old with two children, and working as an account manager in a pharmaceutical company. It could be a mid-life crisis, but I’ve always had a love for cars and writing, so I thought the best way to marry these two passions of mine is to explore writing on everything car-related. Your editor must have entertained numerous such requests, and I do apologise if this sort of e-mail is annoying. But if I could ask – what directions and advice can Torque…

‘THE SPORTY MPV WOULD BE THE CHOICE OF THE PETROLHEAD WHO NEEDS THE SPACE FOR HIS BROOD BUT STILL LIKES TO HAVE FUN BEHIND THE WHEEL’ ROAD-TRIPPING up to Terengganu last month in our family’s trusty Touran reminded me just what a fine little MPV it is. While some other people-carriers try to disguise their utilitarian origins, the Touran embraces its functionality, and is all the better for it. That unapologetically boxy shape contains a remarkable amount of room, so there was stretching space for the five of us, including child seats and all, and the boot easily swallowed a week’s worth of luggage plus fishing rods, toys, snacks and drinks. The 1.4-litre turbo engine was refined and frugal, yet peppy enough to permit swift overtakes past timber trucks and…

DRIVETRAIN TYPE Inline-3, 12-valves, turbocharged CAPACITY 1499cc BORE X STROKE 82mm x 94.6mm COMPRESSION RATIO 11:1 MAX POWER 136hp at 4400-6000rpm MAX TORQUE 220Nm at 1400-4300rpm POWER TO WEIGHT 97.8hp per tonne GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select DRIVEN WHEELS Front PERFORMANCE 0-100KM/H 9.6 seconds TOP SPEED 200km/h CONSUMPTION 16.7km/L CO2 EMISSION 138g/km SUSPENSION FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs REAR Multi-link, coil springs BRAKES FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs TYRES TYPE Bridgestone Turanza T001 SIZE 225/50 R18 SAFETY AIRBAGS 6 TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC MEASUREMENTS LENGTH 4299mm WIDTH 1822mm HEIGHT 1557mm WHEELBASE 2670mm KERB WEIGHT 1390kg TURNING CIRCLE 11.4m BUYING IT PRICE INCL. COE $161,088 (after $10k VES surcharge) WARRANTY 3 years/200,000km MOST AGILE, MOST PRACTICAL CABIN, KEENEST PERFORMANCE FEWEST PONIES, SMALLEST GAUGES, FIRMEST RIDE BEST IN MANOEUVRABILITY…

DRIVETRAIN TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged CAPACITY 1498cc BORE X STROKE 73mm x 89.5mm COMPRESSION RATIO 10.3:1 MAX POWER 190hp at 5600rpm MAX TORQUE 243Nm at 2000-5000rpm POWER TO WEIGHT 112.4hp per tonne GEARBOX CVT DRIVEN WHEELS Front PERFORMANCE 0-100KM/H 9.4 seconds TOP SPEED 200km/h CONSUMPTION 13.7km/L (combined) CO2 EMISSION 166g/km SUSPENSION FRONT McPherson struts, coil springs REAR Multi-link, coil springs BRAKES FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs TYRES TYPE Toyo Proxes R45 SIZE 235/60 R18 SAFETY AIRBAGS 6 TRACTION AIDS ABS, VSA MEASUREMENTS LENGTH 4686mm WIDTH 1810mm HEIGHT 1442mm WHEELBASE 2840mm KERB WEIGHT 1690kg TURNING CIRCLE 11.7m BUYING IT PRICE INCL. COE $151,999 (after $10k VES surcharge) WARRANTY 5 years/150,000km MOST VERSATILE INTERIOR, PUNCHIEST DRIVETRAIN, CUSHIEST RIDE LEAST ECONOMICAL ENGINE, HEAVIEST BODY, NOT VERY IDEAL FOR CARGO BESTIN FLEXIBILITY…

DRIVER’S LICENCE  8 NUMBER OF KIA CERATOS HE HAS TESTED SINCE 2008. JEREMY CHUA Our senior writer has a Cerato (he owns the previous-generation model), enabling him to evaluate the latest 1.6-litre Kia saloon with an even more critical eye. WE have all heard the saying, “You can’t please everybody”. This statement is especially true when it comes to consumers. Consumers are notoriously difficult to please. And in the digital age, where everything is expected to be cooler, quicker and more high-tech, this problem has become even more acute. Some would say it’s nigh impossible to solve. Let’s use smartphones as an example. Ever since Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, consumers and critics alike have expected every succeeding generation of iPhone to have more advanced features as well as…

“THE CABIN IS A FUTURISTIC BUSINESS-CLASS SPACE WITH PREMIUM MATERIALS.” FOLLOWING the introduction of the A8 limousine and A7 Sportback is the equally advanced and all-new A6 executive saloon. On the surface, the new A6 looks sportier and more chiselled than its predecessor, and shares styling cues with the flagship A8. There are sharper crease lines and bulging rear fenders which are reminiscent of the original Quattro. Snazzy matrix LED front and rear lights are available options. But in the context of Singapore’s well-lit streets, they would be quite irrelevant. Emphasising the A6’s width and more planted stance is the chrome strip that extends across the rear end to “connect” the tail-lights. There also seems to be a pair of what looks like trapezoidal tailpipes. As it turns out, these…

The next best thing to being able to drive an exotic car would be to take it for a spin via a virtual reality headset like the Oculus Go. The Go features a 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, and comes with built-in speakers (there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, too) to enrich the experience. $270 Fitness buffs who want a pair of earphones that won’t get in the way of their workouts can consider the Sony WF-SP700N. These wireless earphones are splash- and sweat-proof, and each piece weighs just 7.6 grams. With their noise-cancelling function, they can help you ignore chatty gym-goers, too. Available in four colours. $299 Enthusiasts looking for a tough, car-inspired backpack could consider the Arktype Dashpack Mark II. The bag’s shoulder straps…