Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2017 i Torque

 In life, there are two kinds of people: Those who blend in and are content to go with the crowd, and trailblazers that others will eventually follow. “MINI HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNCONVENTIONAL... THE BRAND HAS BROKEN MOULDS SINCE ITS INCEPTION.” But to walk the unbeaten path is to go down a road filled with uncertainty. It is a journey that not many will dare to embark on. For instance, how many folks would choose a career as a designer, sculptor or chef, instead of being a lawyer, doctor or engineer? Not many men would choose to shave with a straight razor and risk cutting themselves. Even fewer people would opt to write letters with a fountain pen, as opposed to typing e-mails or sending e-cards. But to these offbeat individuals,…

Can an MPV, which is meant to ferry people, actually be fun to drive? Well, not all MPVs are staid family movers. After all, as multi-purpose vehicles, they can also be adept at a variety of roles. The Volkswagen Sportsvan is one such MPV. As a compact five-seater MPV, it is ideal for families with one or two children. ROOMY AND GROOVY The Sportsvan isn’t designed like a typical MPV. In fact, it is a slightly bigger version of the popular Volkswagen Golf hatchback, on which it is based. The Sportsvan’s cabin, however, is much roomier than its exterior dimensions would suggest. Settle into the driver’s seat and you’ll notice that there’s a lot more headroom than expected. It’ll easily accommodate drivers who are more than 1.8m tall. And with…

THIS pair of compact hybrid SUVs from Honda and Kia are well-equipped to tempt prospective buyers who want a fuel-sipping ride that doesn’t scream “Boring!”. Urban-chic exterior design? Check. Practical interior? Check. Highly fuel-effi cient, petrol-electric engine with dual-clutch transmission? Check. Generous equipment? Check. Price points within 10 percent of each another? Check. These similarities aside, the Honda Vezel Hybrid and Kia Niro are mutual rivals with different advantages and characteristics. The Vezel needs no introduction. The “evil twin” of the HR-V is Singapore’s bestselling parallel-import model, with almost 10,000 units sold last year (private-hire fleet sales included). The hybrid version of the Vezel is equipped with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to a 22kW electric motor, giving a total system output of 150bhp. And a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission has…

YUJI Matsumochi concluded his product presentation by saying, “You will come out of the car with a very, very big smile”. The 41-year-old Japanese is the assistant project leader for the powerful powertrain of the new Civic Type R (CTR for short). He was right. After my action-packed test drive of the Honda hot hatch on Germany’s autobahns and EuroSpeedway racetrack, I wasn’t the only one with a smile. My inner ah beng was smiling, too. Both my inner and outer ah bengs were already grinning when we saw the vehicle in the metal for the first time, because it looks delightfully beng. That’s a compliment, by the way, from this self-professed PMAB (postmodern ah beng). The shapely five-door hatchback is bristling with splitters, slats and air ducts, and brandishing…

WHEN you need effi ciency and lots of low-end torque, nothing does the job better than a diesel engine. That’s why a diesel-powered MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) is more ideal than a petrol-powered one, especially when it has a full complement of passengers and their belongings. The newest contender in this segment is the Renault Grand Scenic. It looks sportier than a typical MPV with its “windswept” windows and standard 20-inch wheels, which are the biggest on any MPV today. Apart from its sleek design, the Grand Scenic also promises a roomier cabin and more amenities than before. The other “Grand” in this contest is the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. Its futuristic looks and advanced cockpit have clearly endeared it to buyers, for it is the most popular model in the…

JUST last year, Ferrari introduced the FF’s replacement, the V12-powered GTC4Lusso. Less than 12 months later, Ferrari launched the GTC4Lusso T. The turbocharging within the hallowed Prancing Horse stables continues apace, but the new Ferrari four-seater is more than just a variant with a turbo V8 engine. Because Ferrari removed the four-wheel-drive system and replaced it with a rear-drive setup, giving the newcomer an interesting twist. The mechanical changes are significant, but there are barely any visual clues that identify Maranello’s latest Lusso model. There are only two styling tweaks – a new set of alloy wheels with a different spoke pattern, and redesigned exhaust tailpipe tips which look less ornate than before. The 2+2 cabin is unchanged. It still has the impressive 10.25-inch central multimedia touchscreen and Dual Cockpit…

THE WIPER BLADES ARE YOUR VEHICLE’ HIGHEST-WEARING COMPONENTS. THE windscreen wiper is standard equipment for all moving vehicles with a windscreen. Its main purpose is to clear as much rainwater as possible off the windscreen and provide clear/ clearer vision for the driver. The conventional windscreen wiper system used in all motorcars consists of an electric motor, a linkage assembly, wiper arms and wiper blades. What we see are only the arms and the blades (made of rubber) that make contact with and sweep the glass screen. Wipers ensure that rain and road grime do not “block” the driver’s view through the windshield. How often should we change a car’s wiper blades? Here is a little bit of motoring trivia: The wiper blades are the highest-wearing components in your vehicle.…

Omakase fans have another restaurant to check out now that Bam! has converted from an ala carte to an omakase- only concept. The four-course menu, which can include dishes such as Cold Capellini with Sakura Ebi, Uni and Citron Confit (above), is priced at $98++ (six- and eight-course options are also available). Each omakase menu can be paired with sake by certified sake sommeliers. Harried executives looking for a place to kick back with a cocktail or two can consider heading to The Fat Prince or the “secret” establishment behind it called The Ottoman Room. Both restaurants have a new cocktail menu that offers concoctions such as Chilli-choc Espresso and Tea Party (above), which is a mix of Appleton Signature, Wray & Nephew rum, Bentianna and green apple tea. The…

“WE’RE HERE TO BUILD THE BEST SUPERCARS, NOT WIN F1 CHAMPIONSHIPS.” IN Asia, a company’s head honcho is usually someone with grey hair. Traditional thinking dictates that one’s experience and expertise only come with age. Fortunately, 32-year-old George Biggs does not work for such a firm. If he did, the Briton, who still has a full head of hair (and not a single grey strand in sight), would probably be in a junior management position for another decade. But since McLaren Automotive is a young company (seven years old, to be exact), it is perhaps fitting that the one overseeing the carmaker’s Asia Pacific operations has a youthful face, too. Prior to joining McLaren, George began his career at Deloitte Management Consultancy in 2007 as a management consultant. Over the…

IF you don’t follow the local motoring trade, you might be surprised to learn that the most popular models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW aren’t their entry-level offerings. Those honours actually go to the E-Class and 5 Series models. That doesn’t mean Mercedes has trouble moving the A-Class, or that BMW finds it tough to sell its 1 Series. The biggest reason why the E-Class and 5 Series are huge sellers is because there are plenty of wealthy car buyers, many of whom are loyal to either of these models. The two competitors we’ve lined up here are the mid-tier versions within their respective ranges. The E300 is “higher” than the E200 and E250, while the 530i sits above the diesel-powered 520d. Therefore, the E300 and 530i not only come with…

THE original, nine-year-old XC60 made up about one-third (or nearly a million units) of Volvo’s total global sales, so it is a crucial model for the Swedish automaker. Which is why they equipped the new XC60 with advanced amenities and the latest technologies, most of which come from the current XC90, one of the most capable and complete SUVs in the world right now. For instance, the modular platform and 2-litre 4-cylinder T6 powertrain of the new XC60 are shared with the XC90. But the XC60’s size and shape are much closer to its predecessor’s. Compared to the XC90, the body of the new XC60 is smaller, curvier, and creased more dramatically. Its front end has an even more striking variation of the XC90’s “Thor’s hammer” headlight design, while its…

LEXUS LC PRICE ON APPLICATION The luxury carmaker’s flagship coupe comes in two flavours: earth-friendly LC500h and fire-breathing LC500. The LC500h, a petrol-electric hybrid powered by a 3.5-litre V6 and an electric motor, will appeal to ecoconscious motorists. The LC500 will tempt petrolheads with its naturally aspirated 5-litre V8, which sends 477bhp to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic. RIVAL: BMW 6 SERIES COUPE VOLVO XC60 PRICE ON APPLICATION This Swede SUV is out to lure buyers from rivals’ showrooms with its combination of stylishness, comfort and security. It takes its design cues from its “90” siblings (the XC90 and V90), offers a cushy and high-tech interior, and is filled with the brand’s latest safety features. One such feature is Steer Assist, which provides autonomous steering assistance in a…