Fast Lane: Polestar 4 preview, refreshed BMW M4 arrives, Renault-Geely engine venture
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Polestar 4: This preview unit is from China, and is left-hand drive.
ST PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER TAN
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Polestar 4 starts at $195,000 before COE
The Polestar 4 is here for a preview at Wearnes Automotive in Leng Kee Road. The performance crossover coupe is the fastest model in Polestar’s line-up.
Positioned between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3, the aerodynamic 4 is 4,840mm long, 2,008mm wide and 1,534mm tall with a 2,999mm wheelbase. This translates to plenty of space in the second row, which has reclining seats.
Indicative prices before certificate of entitlement (COE) are $195,000 for the Long Range Single Motor and $245,000 for the Long Range Dual Motor. Its actual launch is slated for August or September.
Renault-Geely venture starts making 1.2-litre engine in Romania
Horse, a powertrain venture between Geely and Renault, has begun building a highly efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine in its plants in Mioveni, Romania. The HR12 is a three-cylinder engine to be used in the new Dacia Duster.
The plant can make 450,000 engines a year. The engine has a maximum power of 130hp at 4,500rpm and peak torque of 230Nm from 1,800rpm. It complies with the upcoming Euro 7 emission standard.
Latest BMW M4, 4-series land
BMW M4 Coupe: Most significant changes are beneath the bonnet.
ST PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER TAN
BMW’s latest M4 and M4 Convertible are here. The unveiling was done on June 12 at Performance Motors’ Alexandra Road showroom, which is undergoing a $5 million makeover to incorporate BMW’s RetailNext concept.
With an increased output of 530hp – up from 510hp – the refreshed second-generation M4 incorporates minor cosmetic tweaks. Laser tail lights are standard fare for both models.
Inside, changes include a flat-bottom steering wheel and an infotainment system with BMW Operating System 8.5.
BMW M4 Convertible: 0-100kmh in 3.7 seconds.
ST PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER TAN
The M4 Competition Coupe hits 100kmh in 3.5 seconds (3.9 seconds previously) and onto a top speed of 248kmh (250kmh previously). The Convertible does the century sprint in 3.7 seconds – unchanged from its last revision.
Refreshed versions of the tamer 4-series cars were also unveiled, with the 420i Coupe priced at $314,888 and 420i Convertible at $331,888. The M4 Coupe Competition is $594,888, while its topless twin is $616,888. All prices include COE.
Hyundai teases photo of new electric subcompact
Hyundai Inster: Could be bound for Singapore.
PHOTO: HYUNDAI MOTOR
Hyundai has released teaser images of its Inster electric subcompact crossover. The photos reveal signature LED daytime-running lights found in the Hyundai Ioniq line-up.
Hyundai says the Inster has a targeted maximum range of 355km and will make its official debut at Busan International Mobility Show in late June. Hyundai agent Komoco is in talks with the manufacturer to include the model in its Singapore line-up.
Mini Cooper 5 Door with longer wheelbase
Mini Cooper 5 Door: Little change to overall dimensions.
PHOTO: MINI
Mini has unveiled its latest Cooper 5 Door, just months after the launch of the three-door Cooper. At 4,036mm long, 1,744mm wide and 1,464mm tall, the Cooper 5 Door is almost identical in dimension to its predecessor. But its wheelbase is 72mm longer than before at 2,639mm.
There are two engine variants – the Cooper with 156hp/230Nm, which hits 100kmh in eight seconds and a top speed of 224kmh; and the Cooper S with 204hp/300Nm, which hits 100kmh in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 240kmh.
Estimated travel times now available on ERP2.0 touchscreen
The new electronic road pricing on-board unit’s touchscreen now flashes estimated travel times. The estimates are sourced from the Land Transport Authority’s Expressway Monitoring Advisory System, which currently displays the information on roadside signboards in selected locations.
Along with alerting drivers to bus lane operational hours and school zone proximity, the touchscreen also notifies them when they are near fixed speed cameras.
Volkswagen T-Cross returns to Singapore after facelift
Volkswagen T-Cross: First major facelift since 2019.
PHOTO: VOLKSWAGEN
The refreshed Volkswagen T-Cross – a model unveiled in 2019 – has returned to Singapore, with cosmetic and technical changes.
Two trim variants are available: Style and R-Line, both with Volkswagen’s latest LED headlights and tail lights, infotainment system and higher quality cabin surfaces. Driving aids include city emergency braking, rear traffic alert, lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control.
The price of the car starts at $169,900, inclusive of Category A COE.
