Infiniti Q30 premium hatch to launch
Infiniti agent Wearnes Automotive will launch the Q30 premium hatch next week. Two versions will be available - a 1.5-litre turbodiesel front-wheel-drive and a 2-litre turbocharged petrol all-wheel- drive.
Both are equipped with a seven- speed dual-clutch transmission as well as a suite of premium features. Prices start at $138,800.
The Q30 emerged with a five-star rating at the latest European New Car Assessment crash test.
Citroen's futuristic plug-in hybrid
Citroen is once again showing off its design forte with the CXperience Concept. The plug-in hybrid fastback is a sleek creation measuring 4.85m by 2m. It is low slung at 1.37m, with short overhangs and a 3m wheelbase flanked by wheel arches with 22-inch tyres.
Its powertrain develops between 150 and 200bhp and up to 80kW of additional energy from its electric motor. It can cover 60km on pure battery power. Its battery can be charged in 41/2 hours with a standard charging system or in less than 21/2 hours with a high-voltage quick charger.
Inside, it has a 19-inch rectangular touchscreen. Instead of mirrors, the driver gets a high-definition view of the outside via cameras.
Volkswagen AG under fire
The Australian consumer watchdog has sued the Australian arm of Volkswagen AG for intentionally selling more than 57,000 vehicles with software that lied about levels of toxic emissions.
"These allegations involve extraordinary conduct of a serious and deliberate nature by a global corporation," Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims said. Already, law firm Maurice Blackburn is seeking more than A$100 million (S$102.6 million) from the company, including the full replacement cost of some 90,0000 vehicles.
The auto giant has agreed to compensate its 650 United States dealers US$1.2 billion (S$1.6 billion). Besides US and Australia, Volkswagen is facing similar suits in countries such as South Korea, Ireland and Singapore, and from its investors in Germany.
Porsche Macan Turbo gets a boost
The Porsche Macan Turbo is now available with a Performance Package that raises its output and street presence. Its twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 delivers 440bhp and 600Nm (40bhp and 50Nm more respectively). This allows the car to accelerate from zero to 100kmh in 4.4 seconds (0.4 seconds quicker) and to achieve a top speed of 272kmh (6kmh higher).
In Sport Plus mode, the time taken to go from 80kmh to 120kmh has dropped to 2.9 seconds, from 3.1 seconds. The car comes with a revised brake system, lower body, and controlled sports chassis. Sport Chrono Package and sports exhaust are fitted as well.
The new Macan is retailing at $415,688 excluding COE.
New Mercedes-Benz SLC in two variants
The new Mercedes-Benz SLC has landed. This substantial mid-life revision of the SLK roadster is available in two variants.
The SLC180 is a 1.6-litre turbo making 156bhp and 250Nm. It goes from zero to hundred in 7.9 seconds. The SLC200 is a 2-litre turbo making 184bhp and 300Nm. It hits 100kmh in 7 seconds. Both are equipped with nine-speed autoboxes for relaxed and efficient cruising.
The SLC180 is priced at $254,888 while the SLC200 is $283,888, both with COE.
Singapore Motorshow is back
The Singapore Motorshow will return from Jan 12 to 15 next year at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. It will feature more than 20 vehicle nameplates and a slew of accessory and lifestyle brands on two floors.
Tickets are priced at $6 each for entry on weekdays and $8 for entry on weekends. Children shorter than 1.2m get free access. Preview tickets are $10 per entry and will allow visitors to enter the show at 1pm on opening day, instead of the public opening time of 5pm.
Christopher Tan
