Latest Euro N-Cap results

Euro NCAP releases the results for the Hyundai I-30, the Ford Mondeo, the Volkswagen Caddy ‘Life’ and the Volkswagen Tiguan on 26th September 2007. Two cars out of four received Euro NCAP’s coveted five stars in Adult Occupant protection.

In the small car category, the the Hyundai I-30 got a 4 out of 5 stars in Adult occupant protection, 3 stars for Child protection and 2 Stars for pedestrian protection.

For Hyundai I-30's Results, see http://www.euroncap.com/tests/hyundai_i30_2007/302.aspx

In the Large Family Car, The NEW Ford Mondeo got a 5 out of 5 Stars rating for Adult Protection, 4 stars for child protection and 2 stars for pedestrian protection.

For Ford Mondeo's results, see http://www.euroncap.com/tests/ford_mondeo_2007/299.aspx

In the Small MPV section, the VW Caddy scored 4 stars for adult protection, 3 stars for Child protection and 2 Stars for pedestrian protection.

For VW caddy results, see http://www.euroncap.com/tests/vw_caddy_2007/300.aspx

Finally in the Small SUV (Off-Road 4x4) section, The VW Tiguan scored 5 out of 5 Stars rating for Adult Protection, 4 stars for child protection and 2 stars for pedestrian protection.

For VW Tiguan results, see http://www.euroncap.com/tests/vw_tiguan_2007/301.aspx

Dodge Charger (Current new model)

The Latest Dodge Charger is a rear-wheel drive full-size automobile built by the Chrysler Group for its North American Dodge brand. The Charger name is a historical one, borne by many other Dodge Charger models in the past. Introduced in February 2005 for the 2006 model year, this new Charger shares the LX platform of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, which borrows component parts from the older Mercedes E-Class platform. In fact, the interior of the Charger is almost identical to that of the Magnum. It replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan. This Charger is a family four-door sedan, disappointing many fans of the previous two-door Chargers. It is built at Brampton Assembly in Canada.

In early 2006, DaimlerChrysler released a new police version of the Dodge Charger. It made its debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.

Unlike the civilian version, the police version features upgraded heavy-duty brakes, a severe-duty cooling system, police-performance Electronic Stability Program, police performance-tuned steering, and a gear shifter that is mounted on the steering column instead of in the center console.[2] In place of the center console, Dodge has equipped the police edition with a steel plate appropriate for mounting radio equipment, computers, and controllers for lights and sirens.

To read more about the Dodge Charger and older Dodge Charger cars, visit the source of this post:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Charger_%28LX%29

Learn All about Car Headlamps

Here's an interesting Wiki article to learn all about your car's headlamps... check it out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headlight

Kia C'eed earns Euro NCAP 5-star rating for occupants

Korean carmaker Kia has earned its first ever 5-star rating for occupant safety with its Kia C'eed in the recent Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) test. Among other new cars tested to achieve the 5-star ratings are the Peugeot 308, Fiat 500.

To check out more about safety rating for cars tested under the Euro NCAP, check out their website at

http://www.euroncap.com

The hunt for good tyres

Hi folks...any recommendations on good tyres... i'm currently running on 195/55/R15 Yokohama Aspecs tyres. Looking in the market for new tyres... seems the reviews on forums are recommending the following in descending order:

1) Bridgestone TURANZA GR 80

http://www.bridgestone.com.sg/storefront/ContentDetail/productDet.asp?ContentId=61

2) Goodyear EAGLE F1

http://www.goodyeartires.com/cfmx/web/gyeagle/browseTires.cfm?PRODLINE=1197

Another others to recommend?

The Girl of my Life

I love you, Shicui. :)

Joseph Love Shicui forever.

Bought the Bosch Plus (+) White 4000K

Latest update:

I bought the Bosch Plus (+) White 4000K H4 lights for my car last week and I must say it is really excellent! much whiter and brighter than the original lights on my car.

4000K Headlight Bulbs

Hi... i'm thinking of upgrading the headlights of my Mitsubishi Lancer to either of the below:

1) Bosch Plus White 4000K H4 (this is inside the official accessories catalogue of the Mitsubishi Lancer in Japan)

http://www.bosch.co.jp/jp/aa/products/group.asp?id=PlusWhite

or

2) Philips Blue Vision 4000K H4

Apparently this is a Best Buy from http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/

30% more light than standard

http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/default.asp?product.asp?numRecordPosition=1&P_ID=145&strPageHistory=cat&strKeywords=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=76


Will let you know if I have bought either..or none at all.

Fuel efficient techniques for saving petrol!

Hi..just like to share this website that can teach you how to save money on petrol but trying out some of the techniques!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/

Suzuki Grand Vitara

Hi folks...sorry about the long break from blogging. Have been busy with work. Anyways... I think this shall be the car I will be buying next (in 2008/2009). The Suzuki Grand Vitara.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is produced since 1999. It was facelifted in 2002 and 2004, and redesigned in 2006. There are several engines available with this SUV ranging from 1.6L 16V, 2.0L 16V, 2.7L V6 and a 1.9L Turbodiesel. In Singapore, only the 2.0L and 2.7L are available. There is also a 2WD variant that is available in Singapore, which I'm not sure which other parts of the world it is available. This car is built in Japan.

According to Wikipedia, the 2006 Grand Vitara was developed independently by many of the same Suzuki engineers who developed the GM Theta platform. Although it uses some Theta componentry, especially in the suspension, it is quite different and should not be considered a Theta vehicle.

To read more about this car: visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Grand_Vitara

And if you're in Singapore.. you can go to Champion Motors Website to look at this SUV:

http://www.championmotors.com.sg/

Toyota Crown

Today we look at the Toyota Crown, a luxury car made by Toyota since 1955. The Toyota Crown is now in its Twelfth generation and is based on the Zero Crown concept car. It comes with either a V6 or the bigger V8 for the Majesta model. The Crown Comfort (LXS10 & YXS10 Models) are designed for taxi use only, and has smaller exterior dimension, but roomier and taller interior than the Crown Royal series. They are used as taxis in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore with engine varying from LPG to diesels.

For more information of the Toyota Crown, visit :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Crown

or Toyota's Website:

http://toyota.jp/crownroyal/index.html

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Singapore

Recently, I saw from a forum that there has been reports to open a CNG pump station on Mainland Singapore (probably in Mandai). Currently, there is only one CNG pump station in Singapore at Jurong Island serving around 400 CNG cars in Singapore.

CNG is must greener and much cheaper as compared to petrol prices here in Singapore, however, it seems that the lack of pump stations is the main reason for the slow growth in CNG cars.

To learn more about CNG here in Singapore, and perhaps even CONVERT your own car... goto their website at

http://www.cng.com.sg/index.php

You'll find details of other CNG pump stations in Malaysia and also more details about converting your vehicle to bifuel. However, it seems they do not convert Diesel vehicles.

Skoda Superb

Today's review is on the Škoda Superb, an executive car produced by Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto, which is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group (VAG). The Superb is based on the platform of the Volkswagen Passat (but was enlonged by 10cm) and is mainly targetted against Ford Mondeos and Peugeot 407s. Although cheaper than the Passat, the Superb is also targetting the likes of BMW 3 series and Audi A4s as well as Mercedes C-Class. Here in Singapore, it is also used as a Luxury Taxi.

For more information about the Superb, visit Wiki at :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%A0koda_Superb

Or goto Skoda's homepage:

http://www.skoda-auto.com/

Singapore Car Park Rates Guide

Just discovered a great website for blog readers here in Singapore to check out the car park rates in over 450 car parks in Singapore. A must for drivers here in Singapore. Wonder if there are such websites overseas?

http://www.sgcarmart.com/news/carpark.php

Lincoln Town Car

Hi, today we will look at another full-size luxury sedan from the Ford's Lincoln luxury car division, the Lincoln Town Car. This car is the flagship of Lincoln and features a V8 engine with rear wheel drive. According to Wiki, The Town Car is currently the largest American-made car, measuring nearly 18 feet (5.49 m) in length for a standard Town Car and 18 1/2 ft (5.64 m) for an L Edition. The town car is also very popular as a streched limousine, mainly because it is the only American luxury car still in production with body on frame construction, making the production of stretched versions easier than with unibody construction. It is also popular in movies. To read more about this american luxury car, visit wiki's website :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Town_Car

Apparently, the average age for a Lincoln Town Car owner is 69 years old, are there any younger people out there that owns a Town Car? Leave your comments please :)

Ford Falcon (Australia)

Hi Folks, this week, we shall look at some full size cars around the World. Starting from Australia, today's review is on the Ford Falcon, a full size car designed, developed and built in Australia by Ford since 1972. Before 1972, this australia model was generally re-engineered from American Designs.

It is currently in its sixth generation with the seven generation (codenamed "Orion") scheduled to be released next year (2008). There is also a V6 engine for the Ford Falcon, however the V8 remains to be the preferred engine for the Ford Falcon. The Falcon is Ford's most popular model in Australia and they are also used as Taxis and police cars in Australia and New Zealand. For more information and history of the Ford Falcon, visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Falcon_%28Australia%29

Mercedes Benz C Class

Hi... Sorry for the delayed update of this blog, I have been busy lately. Today we shall look at the luxury compact car from Mercedes Benz, which is the Mercedes Benz C-Class. The first generation of this C-class rolled out of production in June 1993 and this year (2007) we see the 3rd generation being launched.


The current generation C-Class comes with three levels of equipment - Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. An AMG version of the C-Class will follow suit in time to come. The Classic and Elegance models (pictured below) has the traditional Mercedes Benz radiator grilles with the three pointed star bonnet emblem.

The Avantgarde version has a more sporty front radiator grilles with three horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star. (see picture below). This grille is similar to the sport coupe models including the CLS-class 4-door coupe-sedan.

For more information of the C-Class sedans, visit Wiki's website at the following:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Class

Or goto Mecedes-Benz website:

http://www.mercedes-benz.com

BMW 3 Series

Hi Folks, this week, we will look at entry-level luxury cars. First off would be the BMW 3 series.

This car has been manufactured by BMW since 1975. The current model codenamed E90. According the many car reviews and I've personally tested myself (during the BMW driver training), this car can really handle very well. The 330i i tested was very very powerful and excellent in handling.

To read all about the BMW 3 series, check out the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series

Volvo S40

Today's review is on the entry level luxury car from Volvo, the S40. The Volvo S40 shares the same platform as the Mazda 3 and the Ford Focus since Volvo, Mazda and Ford all belongs to Ford Motor Company. The S40 is currently in its second generation and a third generation may be out in 2009.

For more information of the Volvo S40, click on the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_S40

Mazda 3/ Mazda Axela

Hi again, Today's review of compact/small cars is from Mazda, namely the Mazda 3. This model is known as Mazda Axela in Japan, Mazda's domestic market. The Mazda 3 is based on Ford's global C1 platform, which was developed by Volvo and is shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Hence, from certain angles and if you look closely, you can see cues from the Ford and Volvo in this car.

There are 2 versions of this car, namely the 4-door sedan and the 5-door hatchback, which is quite popular in Europe. As mentioned by the wikipedia website, this car is reported to be up for a redesign for the 2009 model year.

For more information about this Mazda 3, check out the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Axela

Nissan Sentra / Nissan Sunny / Nissan Sylphy

Today's review is also another compact car, the Nissan Sentra. In Japan, this car is known as the Nissan Sunny. The Sunny name is also used for in Singapore. The replacement for the Nissan Sunny here in Singapore and also Japan is the Nissan Sylphy shown below:



The current Nissan Sunny on sale in Singapore looks slightly different from its Malaysia's counter-part, the Nissan Sentra. The difference is primarily in the front end (radiator grilles) of the car. The picture below shows the Nissan Sunny:

while the Malaysian Nissan Sentra is pictured below:

A new model of the Nissan Sentra is also on the way and is already out in the United States and other countries, the next picture shows this new Nissan Sentra:

For more information about the Nissan Sentra, click on the Wiki link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Sentra

Volkswagen Jetta

Today we look at another compact car, the German built Volkswagen Jetta. Essentially, the Jetta is the sedan version of the Volkswagen Golf and the Jetta has been built since 1980s.

It is currently in the fifth generation (See pictures) and the Jetta has also been known as Volkswagen Bora, Volkswagen Sagitar, Volkswagen Vento in different markets.

To read more about the VW Jetta and its history and future, check out the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VW_Jetta

Toyota Corolla

Today, we will look at a compact car from Toyota, the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla is a popular family car around the world and is made in a lot of countries which includes Japan, the United States (Fremont, California), the United Kingdom (Derbyshire), Canada (Cambridge, Ontario), Malaysia, China (Tianjin), Taiwan, Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, Philippines, Thailand, Venezuela and India.

The Japanese domestic market (JDM) model (show above) is slightly different as compared to the model being sold in other markets such as United States, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia etc (show below).

A new model, named the Corolla Axio was released in Japan on October 10, 2006. The picture below shows this new model. It has already been imported to countries like Singapore by parallel importers.

For more information on the history and current developments of the Toyota Corolla, check out the Wiki link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla

Ford Focus

Today, we'll look at a small family car from Ford, the Ford Focus.

There different versions of this car sold in North America and International markets. For the international markets, there top range is the Focus ST shown below.

And recently, there is a Coupé-Cabriolet version know as the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet (Focus CC) (see picture below).

To find out more about the Ford Focus, click on the below Wiki links:

NORTH AMERICAN MARKET:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Focus_%28North_America%29

INTERNATIONAL MARKET:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Focus_%28International%29

Honda Civic & Honda Civic Hybrid

Today, we look at Honda Civic, which is another similar size car as the Mitsubishi Lancer and Subaru Impreza. The above picture shows the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model, while a slightly different version of the Honda Civic (Below) is available for the European market.

There is also a high performance version of this car, namely the Honda Civic Type R, which is built in England. (See below picture)

To find out more about the Honda Civic, check out the Wiki website below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Civic

There is also a Hybrid version of the Honda Civic. Read about it by clicking the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Civic_Hybrid

If you're interested about hybrids, I have also posted another review of the Toyota Prius Hybrid.

Free GPS maps of the world

Just like to share a website called MapCenter2 - a place where you can share your maps for Garmin GPS receivers and find maps created by other GPS enthusiasts from all over the world.

You can download free routable maps from any part of the world that are put up by fellow GPS enthusiasts!

I haven't tested out any of the maps from this website yet. Anyone tested may like to comment here if you wish... cheers!

Check it out:

http://mapcenter2.cgpsmapper.com/

Subaru Impreza & WRX

Yesterday, we looked at the Mitsubishi Lancer, so today, we shall look at another similar sized saloon, the Subaru Impreza. Like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the rally version of the Lancer sedan, the Subaru Impreza WRX is the rally going version of the Impreza sedan. However, both the Subaru Impreza and its more powerful WRX sibling are all-wheel drive while in the Mitsubishi's case, only the Evo (short for Evolution) is 4-wheel drive.

Here's a look at the new 2008 Subaru Impreza Hatchback. (picture from Wikipedia)

Notice that the front end of the car has been changed from the current 2007 model.

To read more about the Subaru Impreza, its origins, history, past, current and future model, click on the below link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza

Mitsubishi Lancer voted "Car of the Year" in 2005 in Russia

Mitsubishi Lancer was voted "Car of the Year" in 2005 in Russia. Read about it at this website:

http://www.carpages.co.uk/mitsubishi/mitsubishi-lancer-22-04-05.asp

Also, the new Mitsubishi Lancer was launched in January 2007 and went on sale in North America from March 2007.

Read about the history of Mitsubishi Lancer from its beginning up til now at Wikipedia at the following :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Lancer

2007 Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck sold by Toyota, replacing the Toyota T100. It is similar to the Toyota Sequoia, and Toyota Tacoma. The Tundra was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the year for the year 2000. The Tundra currently owns 5.6 percent of the fullsize market, and is built in San Antonio, Texas, and Gibson County, Indiana. The Tundra is also the best selling foreign full-size half-ton truck.

This truck has been featured in TV dramas such as Smallville and 24! The current model is the second generation of Tundra. This truck has many enhancements from the old generation, such as a towing capacity of over 10,000 lb, a payload capacity of over 2000 lb, and a new 5.7 liter V8 that produces 381 horsepower and 401 pound feet of torque. The 4.7 liter V8 and 4.0 liter V6 are also avalible in the new generation Tundra.


For more details of this truck, check out:

http://www.toyota.com/tundra/ - Toyota's America Website

Toyota Prius

The 2007 Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive® is one of the greenest car you can find on this planet. This car offers a seamless integration of its gas engine and an emissions-free electric motor to achieve amazing fuel economy with an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 55 miles-per-gallon and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. Available features includes Bluetooth® wireless technology, Smart Key System and backup camera. There is also an available auxiliary audio jack provides MP3/WMA playback capability so you can listen to your own soundtrack as you drive the hybrid movement forward. This car is so quiet during idle that you'd wonder if the engine is already started or not!

To find out more about this fantastic car, Check out the Toyota's website of your country!

http://www.toyota.com/ - America Toyota Website

Australia's Fuel Prices Check online

And here's a website for our Australian readers to find out fuel prices around your area:

http://motormouth.com.au/default_fl.aspx

MotorMouth helps you save precious time and money, and their improved services make it even easier to find the cheapest fuel in any part of Australia!

Checking Fuel/Gas Price online?

Just managed to track down several websites for North American readers of my Blog to check gas prices.

http://www.gasbuddy.com/ - This website is quite easy to use. Just click on your state in North America (US or Canada) and you will be linked to websites that track the cheapest gas prices.

http://www.gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp - This website allows you to either enter the location you are looking for using a control panel, or search directly in the map provided. Relatively simple and useful as well.

Finally, you can also use the Gas calculator provided by Newsnet5.com to check the price per fillup. http://www.newsnet5.com/sh/idi/news/gascalculator/index.html

Free GPS maps for Singapore and Malaysia

Hi Fellow car drivers,

If you have a GPS device and are looking for GPS maps for Singapore and Malaysia. Here's a great website to obtain free GPS maps for Singapore and Malaysia. Great help for navigation around these 2 countries either by foot or by car on your GPS device.

http://www.malsingmaps.com/forum/index.php

Viewers who to my blog who knows of free GPS maps to other countries could email me and or add in the comment section. Cheers.

Free online car magazine

Check out this website for free monthly car magazine. Great cars are featured. Cars are mostly for the american market.

http://www.windingroad.com/

Petrol Pricing Updates

You can get periodic petrol pricing comparisons from CASE at the below website

http://www.case.org.sg/central3.htm

Under the Title : Petrol Pricing Updates

Alternatively, you can goto

http://www.petrolwatch.com.sg/

Really cool websites to watch for Petrol prices!

Mitsubishi Cars Singapore

Was just surfing the Singapore's Mitsubishi website (I own a Mitsubishi Lancer Sports) and realised that they've changed and improved on the website. It looks quite cool now and they're showing the new face-lifted Mitsubishi Lancers, the New Mitsubishi Outlander, Colt CZC and others... you can check them out! The brochures are there also!

http://www.mitsubishicars.com.sg/

The start of Cars and People

Hi folks,

I'll be posting on reviews and discussions on cars that are on Singapore roads as well as overseas soon.