Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2018 i TopGear Malaysia

Getting inspiration from the richly scenic Land of The Rising Sun, the Camel Active Autumn Winter 2018 selection has come to prime, poised to keep its wearers warm in style matched with a clean look and the brand’s renowned comfort and versatility. Devised by the brand’s innovative Instinct Lab, the range sees Camel Active bridging its newly interpreted, tailored classics with heavily treated workwear. The result is an electric selection of garments, bags, accessories and footwear that harness the combination of casual tailoring with di.erent material combinations, wash and garment dyed treatment and colours blocking – the collection’s central theme. Once again, the new Autumn Winter 2018 range welcomes its wearers to mix and match easily through its rich colours and materials combination. Whether you’re exploring the neon-lit concrete jungle…

The iNext is the autonomous, electric BMW crossover for the road ahead. The production version, BMW says, will happen in 2021. At the front, the double-kidney grille is enormous, and its two halves are joined together. So, not a double kidney… and not actually a grille – it’s a smooth panel. There are two modes. Ease is the autonomous one. The steering wheel and pedals retract, but switch to Boost mode and they come back out. The electric drive serves up a range of 400-odd miles, although the human, having more fun, would probably go less far. The iNext won’t be the first electric BMW crossover. There’s an electric X3 at the end of 2019. There’s also a low-slung saloon, the i4 (think, if you will, Tesla Model 3) that…

Just like the original quattro, Audi is leaving numbers and letters behind to make a branding statement in the all-electric SUV market. Most notably, taking the fight to Tesla’s Model X, Jaguar’s I-Pace and Merc’s impending EQ C. Utilising a 95kWh lithium-ion battery and dual motors good for 300kW of output (402bhp and 665Nm of torque), the e-tron can reach 100kph in less than six seconds and goes on to a limited top speed of 200kph. However, it’s also capable of 150kW DC fast charging – meaning you can juice it up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. That’s the real race when owning an EV. But where Jaguar pushed the boat out with the I-Pace’s radical proportions, and Tesla got all the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ with the Model…

Suzuki Jimny SZ5 1.5 £n/a WE SAY: DON’T EXPECT SOPHISTICATION AND YOU’LL ADORE THE FIRST NEW JIMNY IN TWO DECADES Meet Jimmy, as every smartphone and laptop auto-correct feature insists on calling it. Good luck Googling one of these if you decide you want one. ‘Want one’ tends to happen about three seconds after clapping eyes on the new Jimny. As sturdy looking as the Mercedes G-Class but at six-tenths the scale. The old Jimny lasted 20 years. In those two decades, three things boomed in popularity: SUVs, downsizing, and retro. Job done. Underneath, the Jimny is still based around a ladder-frame chassis, but it’s a stiffer foundation for 2018, supporting rigid front and rear axles with separate differentials, and a four-cylinder petrol engine with 100bhp with 200cc more capacity.…

Perodua Alza Advance RM62,690 WE SAY: MALAYSIA’S MOST RAKYAT-FRIENDLY SEVEN-SEATER GETS AN UPDATE, BUT ITS AGE IS HARD TO MASK The Perodua Myvi is king in Malaysia. Between 2009 and now, the best-selling car in the country has undergone three complete model overhauls. Yet, its bigger brother, the Alza, has remained largely unchanged throughout the same period. The facelift bestowed upon it a few months ago may not be able to do much for the Alza’s ageing chassis and powertrain. But it gives the nation’s favourite seven-seater the legs to see out its final years with some pride intact. For starters, Perodua gave its designers the liberty to redraw both ends of the compact MPV on the condition that no changes are made to the fitment panels for the bumpers…

7/10 £20,530 Engine 1199cc, 3cyl, FWD, 110bhp, 205Nm Performance 0–100kph in 11.9secs, 175kph, 5.5L/100km, 125g/km CO2 Weight 1356kg This is Vauxhall’s first entry into the mid-sized, vanbased SUV market and it’s a good one. The crucial question for this type of car is whether it can fit three kid seats across the back, two adults and all their belongings. The answer to that is yes, comfortably. The steering is nicely weighted at high speeds and light and tactile at low, giving enough feedback when you need it. The 1.2 petrol is punchy enough, even when well loaded. The cabin is spacious, airy and ergonomically sound. Bootspace is large for a car this size – the packaging is exemplary – but while the sliding doors and wide tailgate are practical, they…

Rebellion has expanded its collection yet again after debuting its new RE-1 2.0 chronograph and a three-handed Predator S. As with any Rebellion creation, both offerings embody the best of the renowned Swiss watchmaker’s racing-inspired craftsmanship and engineering. Kicking things off with the Predator S, this smaller version of Rebellion’s Predator has been fashioned much like a race car. For starters, its date display aperture evokes a fuel tank flap. This model also features characteristics that are typical of the automotive world like the multilayered dial with its honeycomb base and the bezel attached by eight distinctive logo-branded screws. Similar to the larger Predator, this S version harnesses an automatic Swiss-made movement engine that’s equally robust as it is precise. Besides employing 27 jewels in its build, the movement boasts…

For Japanese watchmaker Seiko, its Prospex series for divers are both tried and tested since its first inception in 1965. For this brand new Prospex SRPD14K1 offering however, it’s made even more special. Inspired by the prized Yellow Fin Tunas, this special edition Prospex is set apart from its siblings thanks to its yellow-brass casing and silvery white calibrations to complement its black-coloured motif. This special outlook comes on top of the PROSPEX’s renowned standard features of water resistance and high recognition. The watch is equipped with 4R36 caliber, the case is made of reinforced glass, and with screw-down crown and back and 200m scuba diving functions, all aimed at ensuring its wearers can freely explore the deep ocean world without worry. The pretty and comfortable accordion-style strap perfectly fits…

MERC-AMG G63 | PORSCHE 911 GT2 RS | BMW M2 COMPETITION The Germans’ splendidly literal language is not short of ways to brand someone a wimp. Try Schattenparker, or ‘someone who parks their car in the shade.’ Don’t like it? You’re quite the Beckenrandschwimmer – ‘one who only swims around the edge of the pool’. Exposed to this pathological intolerance of fear or caution, it’s small wonder that Germany cultivates the most diverse crop of alarmingly intimidating cars. Welcome to Team Deutschland, literally über alles. We’re up in the clouds because while I could detail how these three behave on the boring m’way slog from their fatherland, it’s hardly box-office. Dragging a gazebo wing through the air atop a 691bhp arse doesn’t stop the Porsche 911 GT2 RS returning 29mpg.…

A big one, this. Porsche vs Ferrari vs McLaren. Last time we refereed this inter-marque fight the contenders were hybrids collectively referred to as the Holy Trinity. That was a couple of days I won’t forget. Mainly for praying the rain would stop falling. This time my prayers are focused on the barriers. Whoever thought concrete was the right protective barrier for spindly Seventies F1 cars? Emerson Fittpaldi must have thrashed around here in the full knowledge that the only impact cushioning would come from his sideburns. “Titanium. Carbon. Inconel. Magnesium. it's all here. Almost everywhere you look” Wings, turbos and 700bhp. Yes, car safety has moved on in the last 50 years and the electronics are very clever these days, but to see these three growl down the pitlane…

Nine, that’s the number of variants available for the new Ranger pick-up truck in Malaysia. Something for every type of buyer, and trucks do tend to appeal to a wider variety of people for different reasons. You’ll also notice that trucks are the sole vehicle segment which still offer manual gearboxes; something to do with going off-road and all other manly reasons. The new Ford Ranger, for example, has more passenger car tricks than most passenger cars in the country. To start with, the Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 test car here packs a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is new too – a 2.0L bi-turbo that makes 213ps and 500Nm. Admittedly I am not the biggest fan of trucks but this powertrain is earning it big points. It responds quickly and…

The AMG Owners Community Malaysia (or AOCM in short) prides itself as the ‘World’s Fastest Family’. Indeed, when your members are made up exclusively of Mercedes-AMG owners, there’s little in the way for anyone to doubt such a claim. Officially launched in September, the Malaysian chapter of the ever-growing global AMG Club held its fourth annual club gathering on Nov 16-19 in Desaru, Johor. We were there to join in the fun. Things kicked off early Friday morning as members based in and around the Klang Valley, gathered at Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie, which served as the meeting point. Joining the drive was Guido Brormann, AMG Regional Sales Manager SEA. For most, the presence of the man from Mercedes-AMG was indeed a treat. From Glenmarie the group, which comprised mostly…

Delve into the touchscreen and engage Track mode. That’s it. The computers monitor all driver inputs and divvy up the torque front and rear Tesla has come a long way since the introduction of the Roadster back in 2008. The boss, Elon Musk, is regularly characterised as part Tony Stark, part Bond villain, depending on what side of bed he’s climbed out of. But whatever the case, the Model S and Model X have upended the automotive world in a way few would have imagined a decade ago. Thing is, no one ever bought a Tesla for pure driving kicks. Not until now, anyway. The Model 3 isn’t just the Tesla that turns the company into a genuine volume player, it’s also the one that aims to stick it to…

Lexus UX £30,000 est WE SAY: LEXUS’S SUV GOES FOR BOLD DESIGN AND ECO TECH THAT DOESN’T NEED A PLUG… As almost every other brand in the world has already launched a compact SUV, Lexus had to come up with something new for its take on the segment. Fortunately, the UX genuinely does, as a hybrid-only model with a bold, angular exterior design that can’t be mistaken for any other. It’s a big deal for Lexus too, the UX is expected to quickly become the brand’s top UK seller, outgunning its NX and RX SUV brothers. Longer than any premium compact SUV rival, lower than most and with a lower seating position too, the UX feels car-like to manoeuvre. It will be sold alongside the ageing CT hatch, contrary to…

MINI Countryman Plugin Hybrid RM250,888 WE SAY: NOT SO MINI, BUT STILL THE SMALLEST PLUGIN HYBRID CROSSOVER IN THE MARKET TODAY With Mercedes-Benz Malaysia bidding auf Wiedersehen to some of its EQ Power models, the luxury PHEV segment has effectively become a two-horse race between BMW and Volvo – three if you classify BMW-owned MINI as a separate entity. However, the British marque’s role in this duel is anything but mini. The Volvo XC40 reviewed in page 32 is the only model in the Swedish carmaker’s local catalogue lacking a plugin hybrid variant, at least for now. Until a T5 Twin Engine variant lands on our shores, the MINI Countryman Plugin Hybrid is uncontested in the compact crossover market targeting environmentalists with corporate pay cheques. And it’s quite the opportunist…

BMW R1200 RS RM103,900 WE SAY: MEET A BIKE THAT CAN EASILY SWITCH BETWEEN A MANIC SUPERBIKE AND A COMFORTABLE SPORT TOURER AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE Like you, we aren’t strangers to BMW Motorrad’s acclaimed boxer-powered R1200 range. While the star here is the R1200 GS dual-sport, things like the R1200 RS sport tourer stands as a reminder that the German firm’s boxer-powered magic isn’t just exclusive to the dual-sport offering. Having sampled it over a weekend recently, we’re certain that BMW’s boxer package isn’t just made to munch miles and cross continents. It’s also one that’s ready to hit superbike-like speeds when you want it to. Yes, it probably sounds similar to what the off road-ready GS has got, but the difference of course is the RS’s heavy preference…

In typical fashion, Italian motorcycling powerhouse Ducati came into this year’s edition of the annual EICMA motorcycle trade show in Milan in full force and style. But amongst the new and updated motorcycle models that debuted here, Ducati also unwrapped a rather ‘unorthodox’ offering that bears its name – a bicycle. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. This is in fact a brand new Ducati two-wheeler powered by two legs – albeit with a slight electric assist – instead of its signature V-twin motors. Meet the MIG-RR e-mountain bike (or e-MTB) that looks ready to welcome avid off-road adventure cyclists in conquering the rough, unbeaten path with great ease and in unrivalled style. Born out of a collaboration with Italian e-bike specialist Thok Ebikes, the MIG-RR is natural fit…

ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE | MCLAREN 600LT | LOTUS EXIGE CUP 430 | FORD FIESTA ST First stop: the white cliffs of… Saint-Jouin-Bruneval. No sign of an oiseau bleu, but here they are, just as impressively dramatic and imposing as those on the other side of the Channel. Stands to reason, when you think about it. Let’s call this the trip of home comforts. White cliffs, followed by Le Mans, the latter a path trodden by some 100,000 British race-goers every year. Even some of the péages are set up for right-hookers. A southerly leapfrog that will put us at Circuit de Charade tomorrow evening. “You know the bruises you get from karting?” says Andy Franklin, tenderly unwinding himself from the Exige at the base of the cliffs, “I’ve got the…

“G ood line-up of cars, boys, good line-up of cars,” says Chris Harris, rubbing his hands as he walks the pitlane. That’s something we can all agree on – amazingly, it won’t be the only thing, either. More on that much later. Yes, this year’s Speed Week shoot-out contains some absolute humdingers, covering every price bracket, power level, engine layout, body type and so on. It’s a fantastic group containing some proper battles. Any trends? Well, the rise of the SUV has breached its final barrier – we’ve invited three along to fight it out, one of which has captured Harris’s attention immediately. The Merc-AMG G63 has that effect. More excitingly, we’re able to conduct the ultimate hardcore supercar test, as the twin-turbo triumvirate of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS,…

Badge snobs will have flicked straight past this page. Their loss. Now you’re in on Speed Week’s best-kept secret. I don’t want this to sound too ‘school sports day’, but these two are already winners. Difficult second album syndrome didn’t strike when the old Fiesta ST made way for this prettier, more mature, downsized-engine sequel. Meanwhile, Hyundai has come from nowhere to build an authentic first hot hatch that sweats credibility. These two are by no means the token bargains of Speed Week; they’ve earned their pit garages at Charade. It’s no accident that, in the supermini stakes, the new Polo GTI is absent, and the Hyundai’s pinched the latest Megane RS’s family-hatch-sized grid slot. Leaving the i30N to be curiously pored over by the quizzical Dallara and Lamborghini pit…

ALFA STELVIO Proved SUVs know how to move. Less rigid than the Urus, more fun Price: £69,500 Engine: 2891cc, V6 turbo,503bhp, 600Nm Transmission: 8spd automatic, AWD Performance: 0–100kph in 3.8secs, 283kph Economy: 9.0L/100km Weight: 1830kg BHP/tonne 275 McLAREN 600LT Want to dissect every corner into a million pieces? Take the McLaren Price: £185,500 Engine: 3799cc, V8 twin-turbo, 592bhp, 620Nm Transmission: 7spd SSG twin-clutch, RWD Performance: 0–100kph in 2.9secs, 333kph Economy: 11.7L/100km Weight: 1356kg BHP/tonne 437 ALPINE A110 Was described as ‘poetry in motion’, despite our ham-fisted driving Price: £46,905 Engine: 1798cc, 4cyl turbo, 248bhp, 320Nm Transmission: 7spd DCT twin-clutch, RWD Performance: 0–100kph in 4.5secs, 250kph Economy: 6.1L/100km Weight: 1103kg BHP/tonne 224 FERRARI 488 PISTA Wanted to skid almost as much as Chris Harris. New tyres please! Price: £252,765 Engine: 3902cc,…

Post-track debate. 10pm. Village Hall. It’s a weird dog-leg part of TopGear’s self-catering gîte with a built-in stage. Some members of the team have convinced themselves that, with the black faux-leather sofas and oddly sited shower in the corridor, it’s also used as a… well, never mind. We’re eating. It’s gone better than the previous night, when Charlie Turner had the barbecue’s rev-counter way beyond the red line and we had to rifle through cars for a fire extinguisher. Tonight has been calmer. This is good. This remote hamlet is tiny and utterly silent; we can barely squeeze cars down the track past the ancient stone barns, and it wouldn’t do to upset the neighbours. But tomorrow morning we want to do sunrise about half an hour away, and two…

Our continental adventure gave us a pretty good idea of how things are like at both ends of the facelifted W205 spectrum. Apart from some minor aesthetic changes, the Malaysian-spec C200 and C43 AMG are largely the same as their European counterparts. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to sample the mid-spec C300 in Germany – we’ll spare you the details as to how it slipped away. Luckily, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia put together something called the ‘C-Class Rally 2018’ right after launching the facelift locally. It’s essentially a press drive to Cameron Highlands and back. And there’s no prizes for guessing the model we went straight for during this ‘rally’. Here, the C300 is offered solely in AMG Line spec. On the surface, it looks more or less the same as what we’ve…

Let’s face it, the new Toyota Rush is not small. It’s not large either. At best it’s big-ish. A Vios probably have more knee room but the taller ride height and a significant glass panel past the C-pillar lends the cabin an airier feel. Here’s one more to think about – unless you’re four feet tall standing on your toes, you won’t feel great seated in the third row. The fact there are two extra seats at the back – tight squeeze and all – is a good selling point. Proof: Honda made the BR-V and it also sold well. I don’t reckon most owners bought the first-gen Rush because it seats seven, but the fact that it can is good enough. Sure, I’ll throw in that powerful ceiling-mounted air-conditioning…

Who: Tom Harrison Where: Aydat, France When the gîte is full of bragging helmsmen, the only place to get a bit of peace is the car park Who: Eddie Jordan & Thoriq Azmi Where: Yas Marina Circuit, UAE ‘Wannabe’ host Thoriq meets ACTUAL host of TG TV Mr Eddie Jordan in the paddock during the Abu Dhabi GP Who: Team Speed Week Where: Aydat, France Discussing the minutiae of Speed Week organisation. Jack decides not to join in Who: Chris Rowles & John Wycherley Where: Channel tunnel Chris supporting John just before JW’s triple-toe-loop dismount from the Fiesta’s boot What: dinner Where: Aydat, France That’s the last time Team Speed Week believes Charlie when he says he’s a demon with a BBQ What: sign Where: Göschenen, Switzerland This way for…

Authorised BMW Motorrad dealer Auto Bavaria, in partnership with Tissot Malaysia, successfully ran their Ride To Live 2018 (#RideToLive2018) convoy ride event on Oct 27. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by both firms centred on raising riding safety amongst participants. Open exclusively to invited BMW Motorrad owners, the ride took place on Saturday, Oct 27, with the picturesque retreat of Caravan Serai in Bentong, Pahang serving as the destination for the 177 bikes and over 200 participants that took part. Additionally, this was the second Ride To Live event ever organised by Auto Bavaria after its inaugural run to Ulu Kinta, Perak back in 2015. Flagged off from Auto Bavaria’s flagship dealership in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, #RideToLive2018 featured a rich variety of BMW Motorrad models, past and current models…

Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design RM255,888 WE SAY: THE V40 IS NO MORE. VOLVO’S CHEAPEST AND SMALLEST CAR IS NOW A PROPER LUXURY SUV At time of writing, the PR folk at Jaguar Land Rover are putting the finishing touches on a grand launch event in London for the second-generation Evoque. It’s hard to believe that the mini Range Rover has been on sale for over seven years. Its bold angles still look incredibly handsome by current standards, a colossal feat given that the basis of Gerry McGovern’s design was first publicly showcased in 2008. It’s a timeless thing of beauty. But why are we rambling about a Range Rover in a Volvo review? While posh SUVs weren’t unheard of in 2011, the Evoque was arguably the car that accelerated…

Audi A6 Avant £40,740 WE SAY: OK, PANACHE ISN’T ON THE MENU, BUT THERE’S MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MAKE UP FOR THAT… A nice, big Audi estate car. That’s all. No delving into previously unheard-of new sectors, no busting of niches. It’s a new A6 Avant, and it is very nice. So I may have spoiled the verdict a little, but bear with me: this is the latest generation of Audi’s do-it-all estate and the progress is very much on the evolution side of revolution. Saying that, it is notably new. Sharper surfaces, the Audi familial face apparently modelled on various sizes of faintly angry robot, a decidedly technological look, the new A6 Avant is a bit slinkier, but just as practical. Broad brush stuff: it’s bigger on the inside…

Jeep Cherokee £40,000 est WE SAY: FACELIFTED CHEROKEE LOOKS BETTER, BUT WE’D STRUGGLE TO RECOMMEND IT Just like Trump’s White House, the Jeep Cherokee has a problem with communication: it’s difficult to explain why you’d buy one over a Compass, let alone the more regular rivals. The main issue is that the car lacks identity, it just doesn’t have the inimitable Jeep attitude that, say, the Wrangler has by the shed load. However, what this facelift does have are new headlights. Also, the rear styling has been tweaked, the satnav has been updated as part of an interior refresh (the Cherokee now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), there are minor suspension alterations and, in Europe at least, the front-wheel-drive option is now available with the nine-speed auto ’box. Annoyingly,…

WE SAY: IT’S A BATTLE BETWEEN TWO BASE D-SEGMENT OFFERINGS, BUT WHICH IS BEST? What am I looking at? This is Honda’s entry-level Accord 2.0 VTi-L that’s been around for a while now. Though both its drivetrain package and styling are starting to show signs of age now against the more modern Mazda offering, this Accord still has several surprises that can make it a top favourite in a segment where competition has become very close. This is the recently refreshed Mazda6 2.0 base model. Same principles as before, but Mazda has refined it further, especially in the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) reduction department. There’s also a mild nip-tuck featuring tasty new alloy wheels and full-LED lighting up front, not forgetting a revised cabin layout and trim that truly…

As the year draws to a close, you’d be glad to know that the folks at Red Army Watches (RAW) have readied a specially curated catalogue of gifts that are poised to make the holidays even more special. Featuring a wide selection of unique timepieces and accessories, one might just find the perfect present to put in your loved ones’ Christmas stockings. Here’s what’s up for grabs from RAW for the holidays this year: Apart from the lone eyewear piece in this list, all the timepieces featured are now retailing at a RAW boutiques located in Utama Shopping Centre, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Gurney Plaza Penang, as well as the mo.men. tum boutique in Sunway Velocity Mall. 1. Sixtythree by Alexander Shorokhoff Price: RM6,800 Inspired by the flat timepiece designs of…

Besides rolling out the special edition Prospex featured above, Seiko also made waves at the recently concluded 2018 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) with yet another special iteration of its famed diving watch. Regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the luxury timepiece industry, this year’s edition of the annual award was held on Nov 9 at the Théatre du Léman in Geneva, Switzerland. From a short list of six in the Sport category, the jury of 29 watch and luxury experts selected the Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Re-creation as the best sports watch of the year. This is the fourth occasion on which Seiko won an award at the GPHG but it is only the second time that one of our mechanical watches has been recognised and the first time…

Do you remember Efkon Asia Sdn. Bhd.? They are the Austrian company that provided the technology for the SmartTAG device until its sale was discontinued by Touch ‘n Go to focus on the use of RFID technology. For their own reasons, there were people who didn’t take to the news well. The good thing is, Efkon kept the technology open for others, which is how Sigma Technology Sdn. Bhd. came with the MaxTAG device. It’s basically the same device with the same technology as SmartTAG, but sold by a different company. More than 1,500 MaxTAG devices have been sold within four days of its debut. Now, Efkon have also introduced their own infra-red tag device with the name E-TAG. Unlike MaxTAG, which is only available through online retail platforms such…

As you well know, we’re sticklers for regulations here at TG. So when we decided that we ought to have a pace car at Charade to appease the track authorities and our insurers, I went straight away to the big book of FIA regulations and looked up the requirements for a Formula One safety car. Because that’s how we roll. In among all the claptrap about “taking up position 20 minutes before the start of the formation lap” and needing to “be driven by an FIA-appointed driver and carry an FIA observer” was the vital information: “it must be able to maintain a minimum speed level to prevent the tyres and brakes of the Formula One vehicles from excessive cooling and the engines from overheating”. Allow me to translate: it…

Two cars separated by 99bhp, £70,000, eight-tenths from 0–100kph and 65kph at the top end. Not much competition when it comes to image, either: the Vantage is a tailored suit; the BMW, a pair of off-the-peg Levis. Yet draw away from the details and they play much the same role. Both are rapid rear-drive coupes, both aren’t cut out for family life (although the BMW can claim rear seats) and both are just as capable at squashing huge distances as they are vaporising a set of rear tyres. Fortunately, our patented Speed Week scoring system (the car which makes us grin inanely the most, wins) takes price, power and any other numerical comparison out of the equation, levelling the playing field nicely. Unsurprisingly, it’s the Aston that looks, feels and…

Spoiler alert: none of these SUVs is the winner of Speed Week. Despite their best efforts, no carmaker has yet managed to engineer its way around the laws of physics. A bigger, heavier car is almost always less capable than a smaller, lighter one, and so it will remain until someone figures out how to make a chassis out of antimatter. Or candyfloss. But that’s not to say these three are here merely to make up the numbers (or because we couldn’t fit all of Rowan’s camera gear in the 488 Pista). While none are quite right for the ultimate award, each is tremendous in its own way, and thoroughly deserving of a place among our favourite performance cars of 2018. Take the Urus. Ignore, for a moment, any philosophical…

In the corners, I fall asleep. My head lolls to the side, I snuggle up against the seat flank and my pillowy brain decides I’m perfectly fine to settle down for a nap. Deep within, maybe somewhere around the brain stem, where information is still being gathered and processed, a faraway voice is screaming into the heavy duvet surrounding my consciousness that all is not fine, all is a long way from fine, and I really, really need to wake up and pay attention. RIGHT NOW. This is the part that’s still responding to events outside. The most pertinent of which is that the VW ID R Pikes Peak is currently doing about 120mph. Because what I’m actually experiencing is g-LOC. Loss of consciousness due to g-force. Everything goes quiet,…

Super saloons Toyota sets its sights on regaining local sedan markets with new Camry and Vios The Toyota exhibit at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS18) may have been graced by the likes of the FT-1 and i-Road concepts, as well as a stunning TS030 LMP1 prototype. But the headline acts were two debutants in the local passenger car market that should come as a massive boost to UMW Toyota’s 2019 sales prospects. Making its Malaysian debut at the ongoing motor show was the all-new Toyota Camry, which is now on sale with a sole 2.5-litre Dual VVT-I engine. The 2AR-FE four-pot engine features something Toyota calls ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System) which supposedly enhances output throughout the engine’s operating range. The grand total is 184PS and 235Nm of…