There has been a lot of comparison between the Audi 1.8T and the Golf GTi. They are based on the same platform but in actual fact they are very different cars. 1 is comfort based while the other slant towards performance. Nonetheless, both cars provide plenty of driving pleasure.
At first sight, it looks like an extended hatchback, with more than enough space for 5 adults. and Alcantara-wrapped seats add a touch of sportiness in the cabin, although they are not as body hugging as the Golf. The materials used are top notch. Everything feels solid and compact. The centre console is easy to reach, resulting in near perfect ergonomics for the driver. Everything is easily reachable without having to lean forward. (Mirror adjustments, vanity mirror, radio controls etc.)
The drive is equally satisfying. It much more quiet than the GTi and a nicer place to be in. It may not be as exciting, but Audi is targeting this car for the small family man. The 7-speed s-tronic gearbox is silky smooth. When up shifting at around 4000rpm, gear change is seamless but it doesn't give you the "pop" sound like in the GTi.
I do not think that the A3 Sportback has many rivals. In fact, i couldn't think of any cars in the market now that is spacious (for a hatch), fuel efficient, relatively powerful and a joy to drive.
Upzzz for Audi's small car segment.
Overall verdict: 9/10
August 21, 2009
August 19, 2009
mini COOPER S
Managed to have a test drive on the MCS. Here's nuggets of info and then the overall verdict
- Handles extremely well
- Seats are not that body hugging though
- Turbo lag is still there but still able to control it rather comfortably
- Very noisy, especially after the turbo kicks in
- Super expensive go kart
- you feel on the car rather than in the car
- Nice keys
- A lot of fun but rather kiddy add ons
- Unique exhaust note
- No dual clutch so gear changes are sluggish
- Extremely easy to manoeuvre
- Small boot (its not called a mini for nothing
- non existent rear seats
- Fun factor is way up the scale
- feels very raw and not really comfortable
- no place to put hp and wallet
- Best to drive alone ( so that you can place your hp and wallet on the passenger seat )
- 1.6 engine feels like its struggling for breath, UNTIL the turbo KICKS in, and it becomes a totally different animal
- doubt a married couple with kids would enjoy this. ( too impractical, good for 2nd car )
Overall Verdict: 8/10
- Handles extremely well
- Seats are not that body hugging though
- Turbo lag is still there but still able to control it rather comfortably
- Very noisy, especially after the turbo kicks in
- Super expensive go kart
- you feel on the car rather than in the car
- Nice keys
- A lot of fun but rather kiddy add ons
- Unique exhaust note
- No dual clutch so gear changes are sluggish
- Extremely easy to manoeuvre
- Small boot (its not called a mini for nothing
- non existent rear seats
- Fun factor is way up the scale
- feels very raw and not really comfortable
- no place to put hp and wallet
- Best to drive alone ( so that you can place your hp and wallet on the passenger seat )
- 1.6 engine feels like its struggling for breath, UNTIL the turbo KICKS in, and it becomes a totally different animal
- doubt a married couple with kids would enjoy this. ( too impractical, good for 2nd car )
Overall Verdict: 8/10
August 18, 2009
VW EOS
Why can't the Germans have a coupe version of the Eos?? It'll be cheaper and lighter, performance figures will rise, and I'm sure it will be more sellable than the convertible.
Sat in a full stage 2 Eos last month
First impression:
It's a head turner, either with the roof up or down. Love the round yet aggressive looking headlights and the overall stance. The 2.0 TSI engine cant go wrong, as its used in other popular models like the Passat, Tiguan and MK6 GTi. the cabin is well built (as u can expect from the Germans) but a tad too similar to other models (Jetta, Golf) with its price tag way above the GTi and GLi, (yes i know the foldable hard top costs a bomb). it should at least put more chrome bits at the handles or have a more futuristic dash. Anyway, this car is meant to be seen.
On the go:
I cant comment on the performance of the Eos in stock form, and I'll have to settle for a review of the full stage 2 tune. Gear ratios are very different, but the power delivery is still very linear. U can forget about hitting double digit km/l with this tune. Lol. But you can't have both performance and efficiency. I sat in the back seat, and it is not a place a full grown adult will want to be in for long. I have to either spread my legs or sit sideways.
Pros:
- Very stylish
- Award winning 2 litre TSI engine mated to the quick shifting DSG transmission. Drools.
Cons:
- abit on the expensive side ( but not so considering the 325 is close to 200k )
- just treat this car as a 2 seater. Put your groceries, not children, on the back seat.
Verdict:
8/10
Sat in a full stage 2 Eos last month
First impression:
It's a head turner, either with the roof up or down. Love the round yet aggressive looking headlights and the overall stance. The 2.0 TSI engine cant go wrong, as its used in other popular models like the Passat, Tiguan and MK6 GTi. the cabin is well built (as u can expect from the Germans) but a tad too similar to other models (Jetta, Golf) with its price tag way above the GTi and GLi, (yes i know the foldable hard top costs a bomb). it should at least put more chrome bits at the handles or have a more futuristic dash. Anyway, this car is meant to be seen.
On the go:
I cant comment on the performance of the Eos in stock form, and I'll have to settle for a review of the full stage 2 tune. Gear ratios are very different, but the power delivery is still very linear. U can forget about hitting double digit km/l with this tune. Lol. But you can't have both performance and efficiency. I sat in the back seat, and it is not a place a full grown adult will want to be in for long. I have to either spread my legs or sit sideways.
Pros:
- Very stylish
- Award winning 2 litre TSI engine mated to the quick shifting DSG transmission. Drools.
Cons:
- abit on the expensive side ( but not so considering the 325 is close to 200k )
- just treat this car as a 2 seater. Put your groceries, not children, on the back seat.
Verdict:
8/10
French flair
Unable to post pictures until now, so I'll have to submit wordy enties from now on.
Renault Megane Sport 5 Door (225hp/300nm)
Sat in 1 last month.
First impressions:
Not a great fan of the near vertical rear screen. Comes with Brembo 4 pots as standard. As its not the R 26 R megane, it looks rather dull. Looks similar to the 1.6 version other than central twin tailpipes. Inside feels very Japanese. Plastic feels hollow and it seems that the French doesn't feel bothered with the interior design at all.
On the move:
the driving/seating position is way too high. You feel on the car rather than in it. Fabric seats are not wrapped around enough, so body roll during fast cornering was expected. i will have to say that it feels like an SUV rather than a performance hot hatch. However, stopping power thanks to the silver painted Brembos were excellent. Really gives the driver more confidence. Turbo lag is non existent courtesy of the light pressure turbo. Rather torqey (especially when pulling away from 3rd gear), but not as "pinned to the back" as the big turbo Japs.
Pros:
- ample power for Singapore roads.
- easy to handle at low speeeds
Cons:
- cheap plastic aplenty
- Many other well built and more satisfying hatch backs in the market.
Verdict:
4/10
(Will post a review on the Mini Cooper S soon after a test drive)
Renault Megane Sport 5 Door (225hp/300nm)
Sat in 1 last month.
First impressions:
Not a great fan of the near vertical rear screen. Comes with Brembo 4 pots as standard. As its not the R 26 R megane, it looks rather dull. Looks similar to the 1.6 version other than central twin tailpipes. Inside feels very Japanese. Plastic feels hollow and it seems that the French doesn't feel bothered with the interior design at all.
On the move:
the driving/seating position is way too high. You feel on the car rather than in it. Fabric seats are not wrapped around enough, so body roll during fast cornering was expected. i will have to say that it feels like an SUV rather than a performance hot hatch. However, stopping power thanks to the silver painted Brembos were excellent. Really gives the driver more confidence. Turbo lag is non existent courtesy of the light pressure turbo. Rather torqey (especially when pulling away from 3rd gear), but not as "pinned to the back" as the big turbo Japs.
Pros:
- ample power for Singapore roads.
- easy to handle at low speeeds
Cons:
- cheap plastic aplenty
- Many other well built and more satisfying hatch backs in the market.
Verdict:
4/10
(Will post a review on the Mini Cooper S soon after a test drive)
August 10, 2009
Tee off
The new MkVI Golf is slowly making a statement in Singapore. GTIs are slowly emerging, but most on the road these days are still the 1.4 variant. Went for the GTI launch a month back and i must say that the build quality is a step up from the MkV. Still feel that it's more luxurious than sporty ( as it shld be ). Nonetheless, this new design should appeal to mature consumer who wants purely driving pleasure, whereever they go.
Focusing on the base model, the Golf still boasts top notch fit and finish. Extremely practical and falling into the cat A band of COE, it should capture the attention of jap car followers. Although 86k can buy one a 2 litre Honda Civic with spare change, what you are paying for is German refinement and superb handling. The relatively new 7 spd dsg gearbox is a gem, with smooth gear changes allowing for an enjoyable city drive. 200nm at just 1.5k rpm is more than adequate for Orchard Rd. Excellent fuel consumption wraps up this practical package.
TDI version (not available in Sg)
Focusing on the base model, the Golf still boasts top notch fit and finish. Extremely practical and falling into the cat A band of COE, it should capture the attention of jap car followers. Although 86k can buy one a 2 litre Honda Civic with spare change, what you are paying for is German refinement and superb handling. The relatively new 7 spd dsg gearbox is a gem, with smooth gear changes allowing for an enjoyable city drive. 200nm at just 1.5k rpm is more than adequate for Orchard Rd. Excellent fuel consumption wraps up this practical package.
TDI version (not available in Sg)
August 8, 2009
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