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Found 15 results

  1. The latest variant of the Peugeot 3008 still offers plenty of usability but now starts with a lower asking price. 07 Aug 2020 With Gilles Vidal leaving Peugeot to join Groupe Renault, this is likely to be sgCarMart's last few chances to drive one of the cars that has received his design touch and turned Peugeot's fortunes for the better on the international stage. (The final expected car from the designer being the 2008, which we have been informed by AutoFrance can be expected to go on sale by earliest October this year.) But at present the 3008 you see here is being tested once more as it is now available here with a 1.2-litre engine paired with the Aisin-developed eight-speed automatic transmission. An engine output of 129bhp ensures that this variant falls into the Cat A COE category but this car is only being sold for a paltry $3,000 discount against the 1.6-litre engined Active variant ($108,888 against $111,888, prices as of 4 August 2020). That hardly seems worth it? Aisin-developed eight-speed transmission allows for smooth and quiet daily driving It isn't. But it's not all bad news though, as this 1.2-litre Puretech engine keeps the power penalty against its larger brother minimised to 49bhp, while the torque loss is even slimmer still, at just 20Nm. Not convinced that a 1.2-litre engine is sufficient for an SUV the size of the 3008? Then take note that this powerplant has also been awarded the International Engine of the Year in the 1.0-litre to 1.4-litre category for four years on the trot, from 2015 to 2018. But enough talk about the theoretical. Driving around town you will hardly miss the power deficit. The engine pairs with the eight-speed gearbox well. Gear changes are smooth and the whole powertrain is happy to deliver quiet acceleration, making navigating within city streets a real breeze. Small steering wheel makes taking tight turns a breeze With peak torque of 230Nm being delivered at a low of 1,750rpm, the engine feels almost like a diesel unit with its eagerness to pull from minimal revs, but delivers its power without any of the clatter associated with diesel units. And while we are on the topic of inner-city driving, I found the small steering wheel light and quick, which is a real pleasure to use. It hardly required any getting used to, and keeps hand twirling when executing tight turns to a minimum. If the paddle shifters were positioned just slightly closer to the steering wheel rim, and the signal stalk just centimetres longer, the 3008 would make one for one comfortable car to make repeated lane changes and overtaking manoeuvres in. Does this mean it can be sporty as well? Expect a good deal of aural drama from the 1.2-litre powerplant A definitive no. Stab the accelerator at speed and the engine delivers all the drama you would expect of a three-cylinder, with an off-beat soundtrack that turns into a snarl at the higher rpms. The effect is exaggerated further still with a bassy thump played in the mid-ranges when the car is set into its sport mode, but one glance at the instrument cluster quickly reveals that all you've tasted is saccharine. Peugeot quotes a century sprint time of 10.9 seconds and while the car may deliver on aural stimulation, you always come ready to be disappointed when you check back with the speedometer. The car simply sounds a lot faster than it actually is. Good thing is, I managed a real-world fuel economy of 12.0km/L with this new drivetrain. And what if I keep to within the speed limit? A compliant suspension setup pairs with 215/65 17-inch tyres to deliver a truly comfortable ride You will be more richly rewarded. The 3008 delivers a ride that far favours overall comfort than sporty responsiveness. Road undulations are smoothed over beautifully, aided no doubt by the 215/65 17-inch tyres fitted on this test car (standard on the Active trim). As is to be expected from a 1,623mm-tall car, body roll is always present when taking curves at speed. Take on larger humps and there is a noticeable difference in the way the suspension tackles the resulting forces across the axles, with the rear being more willing to throw the car about. And speaking of speed limits, make sure you learn how to use the cruise control before setting off in the car, as the steering wheel completely obscures the controls on the stalk itself, making it impossible to figure out when you're already on the move. So how will my family like this car? 520-litre boot is generous and has a wide opening as well Very well I'm sure. From the driver's seat, the wrap-around cockpit is a real visual treat, while the piano menu keys make accessing the infotainment and embedded air-conditioning controls really simple and fuss-free. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use although its scrolling controls, like when manually tuning the radio frequency, require a delicate touch. Take any other seat and you will still find a well-built cabin, with space aplenty for all. The low transmission tunnel, air-conditioning vents and the additional 12V power outlet at the rear are sure to please the rear passengers. And if you head further back, the 3008 carries around a 520-litre boot that easily beats the Nissan Qashqai at 430 litres and matches the larger Volkswagen Tiguan. We cannot wait to see what Peugeot delivers in the future. Source
  2. Apart from the door closing sound....not bad
  3. The Mercedes-Benz CLA200 AMG Line adds a touch of sporty equipment without taking away from the car's innate comfort, stylishness and daily capability. 16 Aug 2019 This is the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, and you would have already read our review of the car (if you haven't, here it is). The CLA has a lot going for it - it looks good, the cabin is well-equipped and it certainly exudes a premium feel, and the drive is surprisingly perky without compromising on comfort. So, what's this car you are looking at, then? Well, it's pretty much the same car, bar some minor differences. This AMG Line model rides on stylish 18-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels What's different? This is the AMG Line variant. Much like the B-Classwe also recently reviewed, the differences between the Progressive trim and AMG Line trim are largely cosmetic. The only mechanical difference is the suspension. This AMG Line has a 'lowered comfort suspension'. The good news is that unlike in the B-Class, this AMG Line model isn't notably harsher riding. In fact, on the road the differences between the two are fairly imperceptible. Inside, you will find a multifunction steering wheel with flattened bottom, wrapped in nappa leather Beyond that, in this AMG Line model you get AMG front and rear aprons, AMG side sills, sports seats, a flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, cooler-looking AMG light-alloy wheels, and light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim elements. And it drives the same, then? This model is powered by the same turbocharged 1.4-litre engine producing a respectable 161bhp and 250Nm of torque. Rev it past 2,500rpm and the engine sounds and feels quite rough. However, keep the revs under 2,000rpm and it's quiet and refined enough. The CLA-Class is surprisingly light on its feet, with the nose sharp and attentive to your steering inputs. Importantly, it also doesn't compromise on comfort at all. Complains? Well, the seating position is higher than we'd like it, and the seats aren't the most comfortable. Also, space in the rear cabin is not particularly generous, as a result of the sloping roofline. The cabin is stylish, modern and well-equipped, though the two-tone seats may not be to everyone's liking So, which should I buy? Honestly, the Progressive model delivers a lot of what you actually 'need'. It's a car that's easy to like, easy to live with and, obviously, has a desirable badge. It also already packs plenty of equipment. Anything additional is obviously just a 'want'. This AMG Line package will cost you $6,200 more on top of the Progressive model's $181,888 pricetag (as of 15 August 2019), and you can easily pick up even more equipment from the options list. The AMG Line package adds a touch of sporty visual flair, without compromising the CLA-Class' core capabilities Unlike with the B-Class AMG Line, choosing this AMG Line model doesn't notably compromise the car's core capabilities in any way. So if you want a CLA-Class Coupe that looks and feels just a little more sporty and different then, yes, this AMG Line model is right up your alley. Desmond Chan Source
  4. The new 10th generation Honda Accord impresses with its good looks, high equipment levels and refined drive. 25 Oct 2019 This brand new Honda Accord, the Japanese brand's popular large sedan offering, is now in its 10th iteration. However, the Accord hasn't always been the large family sedan that we now know it to be. When it was first launched back in 1976, it was actually offered as a compact hatchback. However, as with all things, the Accord has grown over time, and now sits atop the ever-popular Civic at the top of the brand's local product lineup (Civic Type R and NSX aside). The new Accord is handsomely and maturely styled Oh, how its grown... This new Accord has definitely matured visually. A strong character line strikes across the car from head light to taillight, and it lends the Accord a strong sense of movement and dynamism. It's a handsome car, this one... Expectedly, the new Accord has also grown in size compared to its predecessor. Significantly, the 55mm longer wheelbase means that the car is notably more spacious than before. Rear passengers enjoy 44mm more legroom, and you can really lounge at the back. The boot, too, has grown from 450 litres to a sizeable 573 litres. Rear passengers will enjoy generous amounts of legroom The cabin also feels premium and quite upmarket. It's not the prettiest cabin in the world, but it stands out with good materials, easy operation and generous space. Oh, how it shines... Where the Accord most impresses is when it comes to driving comfort. The suspension is supple, the steering effortless, and the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine provides just enough power to make the daily commute sensibly easy. The 1.5-litre engine produces 198bhp and 260Nm of torque - not particularly powerful, but quite efficient Thankfully, comfort isn't achieved by sacrificing dynamism. With an accurate front end, well-managed body roll and good chassis balance, the Accord tackles corners very well for a car its size. That said, this car is best left in 'Econ' mode. With the throttle and engine response regulated, the engine revs spend most of its time under 3,000rpm, which is where you want it to be. Work the engine hard and its inherent roughness and noisiness comes to the fore. Better to drive the car with a lighter foot. Driven lightly, the Accord is commendably refined. Noise insulation is also very good. The Accord is also reasonably efficient. We managed to achieve 13.2km/L, not terribly far off from the on-paper figure of 15.6km/L. Adaptive Cruise Control is definitely useful for highway driving The Accord also comes equipped with the full suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance systems. Importantly, this provides access to Adpative Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, and the Lane Keeping Assist System. This is especially useful during highway driving, as the Accord will keep a fixed distance from the car in front, as well as steering accurately to keep within its lane. Multiple cameras grant you good vision of the car's surroundings when parking Oh, it matters... While it may look it, the new Accord is more than just an upsized Civic. It packs a wealth of equipment, and delivers a much more cosseting and comfortable driving experience. And, that matters. This is a step into luxury. However, this step into luxury comes at a price - $160,999 to be exact. Here's the big question, though - is this a $160,000 car? It's undeniably well-equipped, which also explains its high OMV, almost $40,000. But, its pricetag pushes it into European car territory (stretch a little and you can seriously consider the Audi A4 or the Volvo S60). The new Honda Accord delivers high levels of comfort and refinement, while still being totally sensible and reliable Still, it's probably worth the money. It may not be as immediately classy or premium as some European models, but with the Accord, you're banking on Honda reliability and efficiency. It's not a perfect package (the car probably needs more power), but as it is, the new Accord is a refined and well-rounded package that has plenty of appeal. Desmond Chan Source
  5. The Seat Ibiza receives a welcome update that adds tech and convenience features to round off an already appealing package. 31 Oct 2019 Tech upgrades seem fitting for a marque that prides itself on a lineup of youthful, sporty vehicles. But are the upgrades to the Ibiza sufficient to lure our local tech-savvy youth into an otherwise less familiar brand? Local distributor Vertex certainly seems to believe so, and have accordingly upgraded the high spec 'Style Plus' version of its supermini. Adaptive Cruise Control is easy to figure out and use, with all its associated controls located on a single stalk The car now sports Seat's Kessy Keyless Access and Start System, as well as Tiredness Recognition, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Technology in a supermini? That's right. But having technology isn't the end of it all. As Apple's tremendous rise has shown, technology also has to be intuitive to use in order to truly appeal. Luckily, the Ibiza's tech upgrades are easy to figure out. All the controls associated with the Adaptive Cruise Control are located within a single stalk on the steering wheel, and the central digital display within the driver's cluster provides immediate and assuring confirmation that your adjustments have been registered by the vehicle. Shades of grey predominate in the interior Left to its own devices, the system brakes and closes gaps smoothly, allowing you to simply set your preferred following distance and forget about it until you leave the highway. On the inside Those already familiar with Volkswagen's interiors will find the Ibiza's a truly homely place. All the switchgear and buttons are where you'd expect them to be, while the controls all have that familiar weight and damping that we have come to know from the Volkswagen Group's line of products. The 8.0-inch infotainment delivers colourful graphics and a beautiful font Where the Ibiza doesn't do as well, however, is with its prodigious use of grey plastics. Alternating the texture of the surfaces does alleviate the effect somewhat, but we imagine a majority of this car's market might be looking for an interior with a little more show. Thankfully, the 8.0-inch infotainment display captures most of your attention with its colourful displays and beautiful font. Equipped with Seat's Full Link suite of Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility, it is also easy to use, with prodding and swiping doing as you would expect it to, while the touchscreen itself delivers high levels of sensitivity and responsiveness. On the road The Ibiza is also now built atop Volkswagen's MQB A0 platform, and sports an increased wheelbase and width compared to its predecessor, with the changes yielding surprising sovereignty when driving at highway speeds, while sound insulation easily rivals cars a segment above. 355 litres of boot space will see to your family's stowage needs The steering is a tad on the light side, but pleasingly communicative and accurate, allowing you to simply throw the car into corners and up multi-storey carpark ramps. And when you do spot that open lot, the car's short length and the suite of parking sensors work with the reversing camera to make parking a painless affair for even the greenest amateur. Body roll is also well-controlled and the car is well-damped over larger bumps, although driving over poor surfaces can cause a worrying amount of clatter from the semi-rigid rear suspension to transmit into the cabin. 1.0-litre three-pot turbocharged powerplant makes 112bhp and 200Nm of twisting force The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit in the Ibiza puts out a respectable 114bhp, and a tremendous 200Nm of torque, which the seven-speed dual clutch automatic is very keen to make full use of. Day-to-day driving sees the car switching to the higher gears at the first opportunity, which no doubt contributed to the excellent tested fuel consumption rate of 14.7km/L. Take control of the gearshifts yourself, however, and the Ibiza delivers a decent turn of speed thanks to its low 1,160kg kerb weight. Plus, the three-cylinder plays an addictive snarly soundtrack to boot. The Ibiza's short 4m body makes manoeuvring up ramps and parking in any multi-storey a breeze A compelling car, this one At $92,999 (as of 31 October 2019), the Seat Ibiza is a compelling package. For those willing to ignore the weaker brand recognition, the Seat Ibiza packs plenty of intuitive tech into a package that is fun to drive and easy on the wallet. Perfect, in other words, for those new to the world of motoring. Clarence Seow Photos by Low Fai Ming Source
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