Fast lane: Economical micro car

Economical micro car. PHOTO: SHELL
The Mercedes-AMG C43 – in sedan and wagon form (above) – follows the recently unveiled C43 Coupe. PHOTO: MERCEDES
QX Sport Inspiration concept. PHOTO: INFINITI
718 Cayman. PHOTO: PORSCHE
Cruise M Bike. PHOTO: BMW

Economical micro car

Oil giant Shell has unveiled a micro concept car and it runs on - surprise, surprise- petrol.

Shell says the car uses 34 per cent less energy in its entire life and is 69 per cent more efficient than a typical SUV. The car is said to have been tested to deliver 100km on just 2.64 litres of fuel, at a constant 70kmh.

It does not, however, say if this impressive economy - which is equivalent to what a plug-in hybrid delivers - depends on it using Shell petrol.


A car that finds your wallet

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a car which never forgets. The first car to have Tile's advanced tracking app, it is designed to make forgotten wallets and missing bags a thing of the past.

The app uses Tile tags (tiny Bluetooth trackers that can be attached to important items) to keep track of their whereabouts.

With the average person spending 15 minutes a day searching for misplaced items, the unique in-vehicle app promises to put an end to this wasted time.

Once the app is initiated using the central touchscreen, customers are alerted if specified items are not inside the vehicle. They are able to get on-screen directions to their last known location.


Ford's EcoBlue engine

Ford has revealed a new 2-litre EcoBlue engine - first in a new range of advanced turbodiesels promising "unrivalled" fuel efficiency, performance and refinement.

Using an off-set crank, belt-in-oil and Ford's first use of modular camshafts, the engine is 13 per cent more economical than its predecessor and delivers 20 per cent more low-end torque.


More AMG versions

It looks like Daimler is making an AMG version of every single model in its line-up. The Mercedes-AMG C43 - in sedan and wagon form - follows the recently unveiled C43 Coupe.

Available with all-wheel-drive, the C43 comes with a turbocharged 3-litre V6 petrol engine producing 367bhp.

The sedan and coupe sprint from 0 to 100kmh in 4.7 seconds, while the estate takes 4.9 seconds. All cars come with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with shortened shift times.


Infiniti's sporty concept

Infiniti showed off its QX Sport Inspiration concept at the ongoing 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

Heavily influenced by the brand's "Powerful Elegance" design philosophy, the car has a powerful, purposeful exterior with sculptural lines and strong, muscular proportions.


Cayman gets a facelift

Porsche's facelifted Cayman is called the 718Cayman.

Like the 718 Boxster, it is powered by new four-cylinder turbocharged engines. The 2-litre unit makes 300bhp for the Cayman, while a 2.5-litre unit makes350bhp for the Cayman S.

The 2.5-litre engine features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry - a technology previously exclusive to the 911 Turbo.


Cruise on a BMW bicycle

Check out the Cruise M Bike, a sporty bicycle which BMW will make only 1,500 units of.

Its carbon seat post and spacer ensure the BMW Cruise M Bike is a light yet strong device.

With larger wheels (28 inches), a 30-gear system and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, it has all the tools to deliver the last word in riding pleasure - on straight roads and twisty or hilly routes alike. It is priced at $3,070.60 before GST.

Christopher Tan

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 30, 2016, with the headline Fast lane: Economical micro car. Subscribe