Sportier Macan
Porsche's Macan GTS has arrived to tempt those who want a sportier crossover, but not something that is as extreme as a Macan Turbo.
Starting at $326,488 before COE, the Macan GTS is powered by a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 360bhp and 500Nm of torque. It sprints to 100kmh in five seconds if equipped with the Sport Chrono Package and reaches a top speed of 256kmh. A seven-speed dual- clutch transmission is standard issue, as is a sport exhaust system with black sports tailpipes. Porsche Active Suspension Management is also included. The default car sits 15mm closer to the tarmac than a Macan S, supported by 20-inch RS Spyder rims.
Clean and smooth petrols
Caltex has reformulated the additive package in its petrols with what it calls "Clean & Glide Technology". The company says the fuels will now clean and protect engines more efficiently than before. The American brand says the new formula was the result of approximately 600,000km of fleet testing.
Crossover from Japan
Honda agent Kah Motor will source its new HR-V crossover from Japan instead of Thailand. The car, which parallel importers have been making a fortune from, is expected to arrive in Kah showrooms from August. The Japan-made car is better equipped and qualifies for a bigger carbon rebate than the Thai version.
Braking on ice
German components maker Bosch is developing and testing a new braking control system in the Pagani Huayra BC on ice and snow. In temperatures of minus 20 deg C in the northern part of Sweden, the 12-cylinder 750bhp supercar goes through its paces to ensure that its brakes work well in sub-zero conditions.
Limited-edition Audi R8
Audi has unleashed a limited- edition version of its supercar. The R8 V10 Plus "selection 24h", of which only 24 will be produced, celebrates the R8 LMS' success in the GT3 circuit.
It features a unique tri-colour paint finish, 10-spoke black-coated rims and several other cosmetic changes to differentiate it from other R8's. Drivetrain and performance remain unchanged.
New-look C4Picasso
The Citroen C4 Picasso has undergone a facelift, which makes it even more gorgeous than before.
Boasting a new front end, a two-tone body-and-roof option and even more personalisation possibilities, the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are fashionable family movers. New features include a hands-free tailgate and enhanced connectivity.
There are two new petrol engines - a PureTech 130 EAT6 in the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso and PureTech 110 six-speed manual in the C4 Picasso.
Volvo's smoother, more comfortable child seats
Volvo Cars' new generation of child seats are made with a more breathable and comfortable upholstery of 80 per cent wool, which makes the seats smoother, highly durable and suitable for hot and cold climates.
The seats also have a slimmer design aimed at increasing legroom and overall comfort.
MG unveils new SUV
MG Motor has unveiled its all-new SUV, the MG GS, at the London Motor Show.
The car will come with a dual- clutch gearbox, a first for MG. This is mated to a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
SUV named after bear
Skoda's new large SUV is to be called Kodiaq. The name refers to the Kodiak bear that lives on a remote island off the southern coast of Alaska.
At 4.7m long, the Kodiaq can comfortably seat seven and offers remarkable performance both on and off the beaten track.
Unfortunately, it will not come here as the Skoda brand has failed a second time to establish itself in Singapore.
Christopher Tan
