In the process..

Brakes are still in the process of bedding in.. basing to today's drive, i guess it'll take another 3 to 4 days for them to reach it optimum potential.

It is no where near racing BBK but it just requires modulation to get more brake feel. Should be more than enough for my driving habit and street cruising.


Had to carry these 45kg stock brakes back home cos of the massive clattering noise coming from the boot. Took 4 trips to transport these.


I prefer this more subtle look


Newer and sleeker sibling in the background

No more mods.

Installed R32 bbk ytd..

Still have the spongy feel but after proper bedding in, i'm rather sure pedal feel will improve.

Rotors are 345mm, compared to stock 310mm. A huge difference and its also aesthetically pleasing. Calipers are close to twice the size of the old one and it made the red one look like a rear brake.


Look at this puny rotor and caliper.



The colour scheme is quite off now but i guess only i care. So this will be the last mod.

This mod is more of a safety mod, cos it will be too late when u need it

Did some bedding in at lck.. looked like a moron when accelerating and braking but made sure no cars were behind before carrying out this idiotic but necessary task.



My old look (rear)


Time for another photoshoot.

It will not look at flashy cos the R32 Blue won't be as outstanding than the GTI Red.

No more mods. And time for some serious saving.

Audi A3 1.8T Sportback

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

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

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