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Which would you guys go for if any bros out here got the same requirements like uncle me below : Will buy only these 2 conti cars A3 or Octavia ( both lasting look ) - both almost got the same spec but both price gap quite a bit away Been driving Jap cars for past 2 decades M a Family man no need dashing power just smooth good pickup speed when needed when there’s 4 Adults in my car 🤗 Need space for the bicycles 😛 maybe dashing in driving in to JB for groceries 🤭 Been observing on 1 popular Korean model to 1 v.popular Jap hot model but both look can’t lasts long and will sick of it after a while especially t Korean one 😝 ( gonna drive next 10 yrs so must get something More lasting )

Hot on the heels of the rather erm, provocative XM, BMW Asia has now brought along its smaller, though no less anticipate stablemate, the M2 to our local shores and we were lucky enough to be privy to an early media preview. While the new car is slightly larger all around (except for height where 7mm is shaved off) from its predecessor, an almost 50hp bump in power (from the M2 Competition) means the new car is even quicker than the car it replaces, though only by .1 of a second for both gearbox options. Yes, gearbox options, because thanks to the heros of homologation at BMW Asia, you can spec your brand new M2 with a third pedal and 6 do-it-yourself forward gears should you feel the 8-speed automatic isn't quite "macho" enough. And macho might be the words that come to mind when chancing upon the M2. While it might not be as pretty as the previous M2, which let's face it, is one of the best looking BMWs out there even today, the new car does have its own distinct visual flavour. Personally, I think the front end is too fussy and overdesigned. Where aesthetics are concerned for this generation, the less well-endowed M240i in Thundernight Metallic takes the cake. You know the drill. BMW's S58B30. 3-litres, Twin Turbos, 6-cylinders all lined up to punch out a heady 460 horses and 500Nm of torques. A healthy dollop more punch than the considerably more expensive Porsche 718 Cayman GTS. Which then brings us to the price. Whilst never intended to be anywhere near "cheap", the new car represents a considerable increase from its M2 Competition predecessor and an even bigger leap from the original M2 launched back in 2016. At S$380,000 (without COE), the new M2 is a rather expensive proposition, but nowadays, what isn't?

Sexy is the word. @mercury1 @vratenza this one for your consideration? Munich. BMW consistently continues to pursue the brand’s current model offensive whilst developing an innovative vehicle concept for the premium compact segment. During the annual results press conference, BMW AG CEO Harald Krüger will announce the presentation of the first BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. With the sporty and elegant four-door coupe, the premium automobile manufacturer is adding to its range in the compact segment a particularly designoriented model for modern, urban target groups. The concept of a four-door coupe, already successful in higher vehicle classes, will in future combine a dynamic charisma and an expressive design with a high degree of everyday suitability also in the premium compact segment. The first BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will make its word debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019, with the worldwide market launch beginning in the spring of 2020. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe sets new accents in individuality, aesthetics and emotion in the premium compact segment. It combines an emotive design with sportiness and the latest innovations in operation and connectivity technology. Therefore, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offers the ideal prerequisites to attract new target groups to hallmark BMW driving pleasure. BMW already offers a unique range of compact models for various different requirements and target groups that is unmatched within the competitive environment. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will once again create fresh impulses in this class. It builds on the latest BMW front-wheel drive architecture and shares a multitude of technological developments with the new BMW 1 Series, which will also be presented during the course of 2019. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has been conceived as a global offering that constitutes an attractive enrichment, especially for markets in which car buyers show a strong affinity for notchbacks. As an exclusive alternative to the classic saloon, the four-door coupe addresses all target groups that prefer a sophisticated design and a self-assured look in the compact segment as well. Some video & spy shots to quench your thirst.

Look very sleek and just like a mini 7 series, minus the controversial monster size grille.. The car's shark-like front nose appears to be sitting lower compared to the current model to lend the 5 Series an angrier look without the odd split headlights of the next 7 Series, X7 facelift, and X8 / XM. A subtle spoiler integrated into the trunk lid can be seen as well, while the dashboard appears to be fully camouflaged. It's likely a sign the cabin will be completely revamped, possibly by adopting the dual-screen setup with a 12.3-inch driver's display and a 14.9-inch infotainment as seen in the iX and i4 electric models running on iDrive 8.

The bigger grill does help to enhance the look of this SAC - Sports Active Coupe (coined by BMW), which now look closer to the larger X4 esthetically. X2 M35i xDrive The 2024 X2 measures 4,554 mm in length, with a width of 1,844 mm and a height of 1, 590 mm. The X2’s wheelbase of 2,692 mm and track of 1,582 mm is identical to that of the X1. However, when it comes to mass, the SAC is a smidge porkier than its crossover SUV sibling, weighing in at 1,725 kg for the xDrive28i and 1,742 kg for the X2 M35i, which is 40.8 kg more than the X1 xDrive28i. In the US, this brand new model get a 2.0L sump, churning out 241hp / 400Nm / 6.2sec (xDrive28i) and 312hp / 400Nm / 5.2sec (M35i xDrive). When it hit our shore, I am sure the 122hp / 230Nm / 10.5sec sDrive16i will be one of the option, if not the only one available...

New EVs from Honda, targeted to hit the market next year. The look of the 0 SUV look less radical than the sedan. Production versions of the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will be made at Honda's Ohio-based EV hub, starting in 2026. These cars will use an all-new centralized e/e architecture (electrical/electronic) running a new SoC done by Renesas Electronics Corporation. Honda also claims that these cars will also be able to do Level 3 autonomous driving. Honda’s back at CES with another iteration of the 0-series Saloon concept, and a new follow-up – called the 0 SUV. It’s not entirely clear how close either car is to its final production body, but we shouldn’t discount how outlandish modern manufacturers can be, especially since they’ve got to compete with increasingly wild Chinese EV designs. Honda 0 Saloon Honda 0 SUV

Compared to the current X1, the grill seems to be wider by not as tall?

Saw this.... Front wheel drive.... oh man... but at least it does look like one of the sportiest MPVs around... http://paultan.org/2013/12/16/bmw-2-series-active-tourer-completely-undisguised/ Will you buy?

For some time, i'm been wondering about potential dangers of EMF from hybrid batteries. These batteries are in big capacity and usually placed in close proximity to drivers and passengers. The car cabin space is very small. So google is my best friend. For those thinking of getting hybrid cars or already driving one, think about EMF dangers. POV, i don't trust the claims from car makers. There are already lots of cheating done on fuel consumption. I'm not surprised if they cheat on the EMF test results. Fuel cheating doesn't damage your health, but EMF will. At this moment, there are some contradicting articles about EMF dangers. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/automobiles/27EMF.html http://witscience.org/hybrid-cars-pose-moderate-cancer-risk-new-study-confirms/ http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2010/08/mythbuster-emf-levels-in-hybrids/index.htm

Urban life presents particular challenges. When it comes to driving, it's an environment where motorists increasingly appreciate the robust, high-riding qualities of an SUV, but on a scale tailored to suit urban streets and with a genuine emphasis on environmental performance. At the same time, drivers want a vehicle that's distinctive and stylish, and which has all the flexibility they need for an active lifestyle. These are exactly the qualities Toyota has instilled in the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross. The new Toyota Yaris Cross has been designed and developed for Europe, specifically to meet the requirements and preferences of the region's B-SUV market. It will be made in Europe too, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF), alongside the new generation Yaris hatchback, from 2021. True hybrid, true SUV The new Yaris Cross draws on Toyota's strong heritage of advanced hybrid technology, small car design and SUV engineering. Toyota's world leadership in hybrid vehicle technology includes the first use of a hybrid system in a B-segment car with the original Yaris Hybrid in 2012. The unmatched experience it has gained ensures that Toyota Yaris Cross's new fourth generation hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional performance and efficiency. As a member of the Yaris family, Yaris Cross is constructed on Toyota's new GA-B compact car platform. It also shares the "big-small" design and packaging concept that characterised the original Yaris, and presents a roomy interior within compact exterior dimensions. Toyota Yaris Cross is also a genuine SUV, benefiting from Toyota's experience in originating the concept of the recreational SUV 25 years ago with the RAV4 - today the world's best-selling SUV - and more recently in producing the stylish and highly efficient C-HR. A raised ride height and the availability of AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive reinforce its authentic SUV credentials. Adding Yaris Cross to the line-up will give Toyota an SUV range that spans the B, C and D segments. New hybrid powertrain Yaris Cross benefits from Toyota's fourth generation hybrid technology. Toyota successfully pioneered the use of full hybrid technology in B-segment cars with the introduction of the first Yaris Hybrid hatchback in 2012. Since then, more than half a million have been sold in Europe, making it a powerful tool in building public awareness and appreciation of the technology. The Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota's latest 1.5 hybrid system, developed directly from the larger 2.0 and 2.5-litre powertrains used by recent new models such as the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. This features a new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed. The result is high torque at low engine speeds and excellent fuel efficiency. The engine's thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, which is greater than comparable diesel engines and ensures strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The new hybrid system has a maximum output of 116 DIN hp. Special attention has been given to power delivery, making the system very responsive to drive. In terms of emissions efficiency, the front-wheel drive model starts from below 90 g/km CO2 and the AWD-i version from below 100 g/km. Toyota GA-B platform Toyota Yaris Cross follows its sibling hatchback model in adopting Toyota's new GA-B vehicle platform. This ensures a high level of body rigidity and a well-balanced chassis, making the car responsive and agile. All urban. All SUV With the Yaris Cross, Toyota has produced an authentic SUV on a smaller scale, giving customers the higher driving position, practicality and interior spaciousness, they desire in a car with compact dimensions that make it well-suited to urban driving. The design evokes the classic qualities of SUVs, with a higher body and larger wheels/tyres communicating strength and purpose. Toyota Yaris Cross has the same 2,560 mm wheelbase as the new Yaris hatchback, but is 240 mm longer overall, with 60 mm added to the front overhang and 180 mm to the rear, securing more interior space. The ground clearance is 30 mm higher and the vehicle is taller and wider overall - by 90 and 20 mm respectively. Practical and Versatile Being a true SUV, special attention has been given to practicality and versatility. There's a power back door for when your hands are full. And an adjustable deck height to give the flexibility of either a secure underfloor compartment or increased trunk space for larger loads. In addition, the deck board itself can be split in two, giving customers both increased space and an underfloor storage area. The trunk is also equipped with a new flex belt system to secure items and stop them shifting during driving. Yaris Cross is just as spacious as it is practical. With all seats up and tonneau cover in place it delivers a large trunk volume. However, if more load capacity is needed, then there's a 40:20:40 foldable rear seat system to balance rear passenger space with cargo needs. Intelligent all-wheel drive One of the features that defines the new Toyota Yaris Cross as an authentic SUV is the availability of an intelligent all-wheel drive system - a unique feature in its class for a hybrid model. AWD-i provides extra stability and traction in everyday driving, in poor conditions and on low-grip surfaces. An electric system, it is more compact and weighs less than mechanical AWD units, helping the Yaris Cross Hybrid AWD-i achieve lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than any of its all-wheel drive B-SUV competitors. The system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. In normal driving, the Toyota Yaris Cross operates with front-wheel drive, but when low-grip conditions are detected, all-wheel drive is engaged automatically. This can be, for example, on wet cobblestones, in heavy rain, on wet or packed snow, or on sand. Advanced Driver Assistance System The foundation of the new Yaris Cross's safety performance is its GA-B platform, giving the car an exceptionally rigid body. With the intention of meeting the highest and most rigorous independent test standards, it will further benefit from Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems and advanced driver assistance functions, helping to avoid a wide range of common accident risks through driver information, early warnings and, when necessary, automatic braking and steering intervention. Design The design process of Toyota Yaris Cross brought together a wide team from studios in both Europe and Japan. To describe their ideas and inspiration in more detail, please find below the words of one member of the team - Lance Scott, Design General Manager at Toyota's EDD studio in Nice, France. "When we started this process, we understood that whilst style is the number one purchase reason in the B-SUV segment, customers were also keen to have a high level of practicality. Not easy things to reconcile, especially in a compact package. From the very beginnings of the design concept, we had the European customer in mind, but needed to understand more about them. So we went out and interviewed real customers to understand their lifestyle, what they liked, what their daily activities were and how they enjoyed themselves. After an enjoyable and enlightening process, we came back enthusiastic to design a car that would mirror their personality and deliver a vibrant combination of being both sophisticated and energetic. As a team, we came up with the key words 'Robust' and 'Minimalistic', which we felt would express both compactness and agility, as well as the robustness and strength of an SUV. When we started to sketch ideas for the exterior, the iconic image of a diamond consistently came to mind. Subsequently we coined the phrase 'nimble diamond' to express the hard, strong and premium image of the gemstone combined with the agile and fun to drive personality we felt the car needed to convey. From the top view, or plan view as we call it, we 'cut', or 'shaved' the body to give us a diamond shape that allowed us the space to emphasise the fenders. This diamond body shape combined with the 4 bold fenders gave us an energetic shape which was both strong and sophisticated. Clearly, we want the car to be immediately perceived as a SUV, so we emphasised a higher ground clearance, a strong horizontal axis giving a great balance and poise, big squared wheel arches and of course big wheels ... up to 18"! The face was also a very important aspect for us. We wanted to keep the strong DNA of Toyota's SUV line-up but at the same time give Yaris Cross an identity of its own. At the rear, we again focused on giving the car a good stance with the wide fenders illustrating how it looks planted on its wheels. Combining the horizontal rear tail lamps and rear screen clearly shows family identity with Yaris, yet the wider and more squared tailgate hints at the luggage space's larger flexibility for daily usage. For the exterior colour, we started to think about something that could express an active and high-quality image that our target customers would really appreciate. Looking at future colour trends we can see that there is a growing tendency for gold and other precious metals, but we wanted to offer something a bit more natural and urban. Adding a subtle hint of green to the gold direction, whilst also de-saturating the colour to emphasis the metal like appearance, gave us this fresh urban yet active appeal that highlighted the surface form of the exterior. The final result is a colour we call Brass Gold" Toyota expects to produce more than 150,000 Yaris Cross a year at the TMMF Onnaing factory, near Valenciennes in France, and achieve a B-SUV segment share of more than 8%.

Quick Fact / Details - Production begins November 2018 - Uses B47 and B58 engines - 330e come with 48V electrical system - Model availabe for new launch (other models possible, but unlikely by end 2019): • 318d, B47, 148hp, manual and automatic, RWD • 320d, B47, 188hp, manual RWD, automatic RWD and xDrive • 330d, B57, 262hp, automatic RWD and xDrive • 320i, B48 168hp 1.6L or 181hp 2.0L depending on the market, automatic RWD and xDrive • 330i, B48, 255hp, automatic RWD and xDrive • M340i, B58, 385hp, automatic RWD (US only) and xDrive • 330e, B48 + electic motor, 248hp, automatic RWD and xDrive (xDrive US only)

Hi everyone, I'm starting a thread for all BMW owner. So we can share everything inside here. I'm currently driving G30, cheers and have a great weekend!

You are forgiven if you think I have mistaken a Kia for BMW. Honestly, this new Gran Coupé is one of the better looking BMW in recent years. The 3 Series had been the entry-level BMW sedan for decades before the 2 Series Gran Coupe arrived in 2019. The luxury brand was criticized for cheapening out by introducing a compact sedan on a front-wheel-drive platform. Despite the controversy, the formula must’ve worked commercially. At the end of the business day, that’s all that really matters. As such, the “F44” gets a direct successor. Meet the new “F74.” The not-so-compact model now measures 4,546 mm (+20 mm) in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,445 mm (+25 mm) in height. It carries over the wheelbase of its predecessor, so the distance between the axles remains at 2,670 mm. While the exterior is more of a facelift aka Life Cycle Impulse, the cabin has been overhauled. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was one of the few remaining models with the old iDrive setup and plenty of physical buttons. Its replacement embraces minimalism with a dual-screen layout and limited switchgear. Much like in the 1 Series, X1, X2, and 2 Series Active Tourer, the rotary knob is sadly gone. The simplified dashboard accommodates a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 10.7-inch touchscreen. If the interior looks instantly familiar, it’s because the latest 1 Series is almost identical on the inside. Just like many recent BMWs and MINIs, the cabin completely does away with leather. This Veganza upholstery can be combined with Alcantara if you go for the M Sport Package or the hot M235. The base model in Europe has a three-cylinder, 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 154 HP (115 KW) and 240 Nm of torque. Because it employs a mild-hybrid setup, total output is slightly higher, at 168 HP (125 KW) and 280 Nm. The 2025 BMW 220 Gran Coupe takes 7.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h and tops out at 230 km/h. (but unlikely we will get it here). For Americans, they will get a 228 xDrive that sends 241 HP and 400 Nm to both axles. It’s enough muscle for a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) run in 5.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 209 km/h. With performance tires, the top speed increases to 250 km/h. The M235 has a larger four-cylinder engine on both sides of the pond. However, the 2.0-liter unit is downgraded in Europe, therefore echoing the other M Performance compact cars. On the Old Continent, you’ll have to make do with 296 HP (221 KW) whereas Americans get 312 HP (233 KW). Both flavors of the sporty sedan have 400 Nm on tap. In European guise, the M235 needs 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Its American cousin takes 4.7 seconds to hit the same speed. Both max out at 250 km/h (electronically controlled). Regardless of engine and continent, all variants of the 2 Series Gran Coupe are exclusively available with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The “F74” marks the end of the six-speed manual, which BMW had offered in Europe on the lesser-powered versions. Consequently, yet another model with a stick shift bites the dust. Although it debuts in the same week as the 2024 Paris Motor Show, the new 2 Gran Coupe isn’t in France’s capital these days. Deliveries to buyers won’t kick off until March 2025, after production starts in Leipzig. BMW estimates the US, Germany, the UK, Japan, and Australia will be the largest markets. For China, there are plans to launch a long-wheelbase model early next year as the “F78.” The newcomer will replace the 1 Series Sedan (“F52”) discontinued last year.

Hi All Anyone driving this car? Please share experiences here. If there is a telegram chat group will be best!

seems like there is not much interest/discussion in the new X3 comes in xDrive20 and M50 ready for preorder eta oct/nov2024 delivery https://www.bmw.com.sg/en/all-models/x-series/x3/bmw-x3.html

Hi starting a thread for those considering the f70 1 series since I didn't come across any.. Any owners here to share their feedback?

Hi all, especially those driving Japanese hybrid cars such as Honda and Toyota, the latest recommended engine oil for the new cars since years ago is 0w8. The car itself when shipped comes in the 0w8 oil. During maintenance and servicing, have you come across 0w8? Can’t seem to find it and shipping it is typically not allowed (like from Amazon Japan etc)

Hi, I am considering getting a brand new BMW 116i. Few things to consider before confirming the order: Fuel Consumption - what's the advice on a realistic mileage on a full tank? Any other comments (pro and con) for this car?

Punching through the six-speed in a San Remo Green metallic Z4 as I chased the rising sunlight into the horizon, A cool spring breeze swirled around me, carrying the sweet scent of Sakura blooms. The vibrant pink flowers blurred past, their beauty momentarily overshadowed by the sound of my Z4’s B58 as it crackles and thunders on the overrun as I powered into another cog. It was the perfect scene—a fitting farewell to BMW’s venerable Zukunft roadster as it heads towards the end of its production run. Alas, as I sliced through the rain-soaked roads and ascended into the thick, fog-covered summit of Hakone, that perfect scene was not to be. But once again, I’m getting ahead of myself, so let’s hit the rewind button once again. Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to navigate the mountainous Touge roads of Hakone and the mesmerising stretches of the Wangan in Tokyo. It wasn’t just a memorable drive; it marked the realisation of a dream that began over two decades ago when I first set foot in Japan. And as we all know, the best of dreams deserve a revisit, so with another trip to Tokyo lined up towards the tail-end of Spring, it was time to set things into motion. The Plan While my first run through the roads of Hakone in January was exhilarating, it was also an intense journey that began and ended in Tokyo on the same day, leaving my body battered and exhausted by nightfall. The tight schedule allowed little time to savour the sights as I blitzed through each checkpoint, aiming to cover as much ground as possible before daylight faded. This time, however, while I planned to revisit and dive even deeper into the beautiful driving roads of Hakone, I also added a night in nearby Gotemba, allowing for a slightly more relaxed drive and the opportunity to explore the magnificent vista and surroundings of Mt. Fuji before making the return journey back into Tokyo, with a brief stop in Yokohama. The Car As you might have ascertained from the title and pictures, I didn’t get the Z4. It wasn’t for the lack of trying though because as it turned out, the Z4 Manual was not destined for Japan. At least, not officially. Instead, I found myself behind the wheel of something at the opposite end of BMW’s performance spectrum: Their ultimate touring machine. In place of a gorgeous and compact, 2-seater drop-top Handschalter Z4 M40i roadster with its 335 horsepower, I was about to push the starter button in BMW’s formidable 503-horsepower M3 xDrive Competition Touring, an ex-show car with every single M Performance option ticked off. It had quite the presence. Yes, the entire M Performance catalogue for the G81 is here, boasting handmade carbon fibre body parts and panels both inside and out, an M Performance Coilover suspension setup, 20 and 21-inch M Performance forged wheels, a multitude of M Performance enhanced interior trim accents, and their bombastic M Performance titanium exhaust system with quad pipes exiting through a central position. Needless to say, fitting these additional goodies would significantly alter one’s final purchase price—I didn’t dare ask. Departure Tokyo With my luggage stowed in the cavernous boot (hot tip: never load luggage into an M3 equipped with an M Performance exhaust with the engine running), it was time to once again navigate out of the city and head towards Hakone. This time, however, the skies were grey and ominous, signalling what was to become the start of a very wet but very memorable day. As I powered out of the metropolis, the M Performance Coilovers immediately made their presence known. Despite Tokyo’s typically smooth highways, the M3 Touring’s suspension was so responsive that every imperfection and painted road marking sent a distinct sensation through the chassis. Accelerating slightly improved the ride as it smoothed out the minor bumps, but it also heightened the car’s spirited nature, subtly encouraging me to push the accelerator deeper into the carpet at the expense of my license. Such is the nature of M. Dancing the very fine line between smooth progress and possibly breaking the law, the light drizzle that had been showering Tokyo’s skyscrapers escalated into a full-blown thunderstorm as I pressed on southwards the legendary Hakone Turnpike. The Highs of Hakone and the Izu Skyline Turning off the highway, the heavy downpour finally subsided, giving me a moment of calm as I headed toward the Hakone Turnpike. This famous toll road in Japan is a favourite among drivers. It stretches about 15.7 kilometres (9.8 miles), beginning in Odawara and climbing into the Hakone mountain range. The road, which reaches elevations around 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) above sea level, offers a thrilling drive with sharp hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and long straights. Today, this illustrious road is wet, and with a 503-horsepower, 650 Nm twin-turbocharged engine under my right foot, I felt a mix of excitement, hesitation and trepidation as I charged up the hill. As my brief respite from the rain ended and the JDM heavens opened up once again, the M3 stayed firmly planted and always a step ahead of my intentions. The massive tires spewed water out their sides, clawing for any grip the damp surface could offer. As I pressed the accelerator deeper, the M3 unleashed a ferocious surge of power. My heart pounded in sync with the rhythm of the elevated road’s expansion joints, yet the M3 tore forward with uncanny confidence, undeterred by the relentless downpour. [/img] Even as I pushed into the wide, expansive bends of the Turnpike, the M3 tracked its line with unwavering accuracy. As the rear hinted at slip, the front end swiftly hooked up, pulling me out of each corner with surefooted traction. Powering up the rain-soaked roads of the turnpike, xDrive worked its magic seamlessly, and as the corners tightened further up the Hillclimb, the M3 delivered a confidence-inspiring drive with every turn of the wheel, urging me to push harder and deeper, even as the surfaces got wetter as I ascended the peak. Despite its 1,825 kilograms, the M3 blitzed straights and carved through corners with such agility that its published weight felt inconsequential. As I finally let off at the end of the final straight, my mouth was dry, my hands were buzzing, and my mind was still trying to comprehend just how eye-wateringly capable and ruthlessly the M3 Competition Touring had taken on the Turnpike, even in the rain. It was an exhilarating experience, and now, I needed a moment to calm down. After finishing up my lunch (Katsu curry is fab here), it was time to strap in once again for the Izu Skyline. As you can see from the pictures, it was evident that while the rain had stopped, a thick fog had settled over the rugged mountainous terrain, shrouding the scenery in an eerie silence, a silence that was about to be broken with a rapturous bark of a BMW S58 coming back into life. "Bwar!!!" With adrenaline still coursing through me, I set my sights and GPS on the Izu Skyline. Unlike the Hakone Turnpike’s fast, dynamic straights and sweeping curves, the Izu Skyline stretches approximately 40 kilometres through the lush Izu Peninsula. It is renowned for its narrow, tight technical curves and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. When it’s not shrouded in thick fog, that is. Today, the rain and misty clouds have transformed the serene landscape into a mysterious, almost otherworldly landscape for the M3 Competition Touring to explore and experience. Even on the Izu Skyline’s challenging road surfaces and tight bends, the Competition Touring excels, delivering scintillating performance and steadfast ground-covering ability that instils confidence with each corner. It dives into turns and accelerates out with enthusiastic abandon, punctuated by a crackle of thunderous pops with every downshift, urging you to continue pushing further and faster in the pursuit of sheer driving pleasure. While I was certain the car did most of the work keeping me planted in these slippery conditions, the engagement I felt behind the wheel was palpable. Every input elicited a precise response, enhancing my connection with both the machine and the road. It was a truly joyful experience, and one to be savoured for the full 40 kilometres. Spirited Away While the first day of driving delivered utmost joy even on one of the wettest days of Spring, what lay ahead of me as I dragged myself out of bed at the ungodly hour of 4:30am was a drive that promised an even greater state of driving bliss. After the previous day’s grim weather obscured the beautiful surroundings, a brief look at day two’s weather forecast revealed a fleeting opportunity in the early morning to witness Fujinomiya in all its magnificent splendour. With sleep taking a backseat, I fired up the M3 for a brisk morning drive through the mountain roads of Fujikawaguchiko. But first, a quick coffee and to take that photo. No, I’m not sorry for it. It was 530am, there was no one else around and it was just too beautiful to not take the shot. Charging up a narrow Touge mountain road, the M3 Competition Touring, which had already performed exceptionally well in the rain, now revealed an even more ferocious demeanour on dry roads. It pulled and gripped even harder as it roared up into the mountains with increased tenacity, eagerly wanting to be unleashed. With all four paws charging uphill through a series of rapid directional changes—left, right, left, right—the M3 Competition Touring continued to power and howl. Finally, the dense curtain of trees parted, unveiling one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever experienced in the land of the rising sun and my jaw hit the ground. This was what I woke up for. It was beyond words and a sight that will stay with me for a long time. Nestled at the summit of this touge is Tenka Chaya 天下茶屋, translated, it means tea house under the heavens and I think you can understand why they chose this name. Beyond this heavenly teahouse, the road winds its way back downhill towards ground level. Like the ascent, it boasts an endless sequence of winding, flowing curves and tight hairpin corners—a playground perfectly tailored for the M3. With each bend, the car showcased its exceptional handling, flawlessly manoeuvring through every twist and turn. The M Performance exhaust crackled and thundered as the M3 surged through the gears, with the S58 powerplant applying ample engine braking to temper our “enthusiastic” velocities. I was addicted. A Dream Reimagined As my time with the M3 drew to a close and Tokyo’s iconic skyline began to loom in the distance, I found myself reluctantly easing off the accelerator, not wanting to let go of the exhilaration that had defined every twist and turn. The M3 had been more than just a car; it had become a conduit for emotions—each roar of its engine, each precise cornering manoeuvre resonated deeply within. In those moments, whether powering up the Hakone Turnpike, navigating the intricate bends of the Izu Skyline or powering hard into the Wangan, the M3 had transcended mere machinery. It had become a partner in an unforgettable journey, amplifying the thrill of speed with a symphony of exhaust notes and the tactile feedback of its steering wheel. As I parked the M3, its engine ticking softly as it cooled, a wave of gratitude swept over me. This experience wasn’t just about driving; it was about connecting with the essence of automotive passion. With a lingering sense of fulfilment and, nostalgia, I knew this journey would remain etched in my memory—a tribute to the enduring allure of the open road and the inseparable bond forged between driver and machine. It wasn’t just a dream revisited; it was a dream reimagined. What a drive, what a car. Truly, the ultimate driving machine and BMW at their finest. * Big thanks once again to BMW Japan for the kind loan of their press car.

Very interesting interview series. Must take a lot of courage for all of them to be willing to do this. Next one is President Tharman apparently

has anyone gone to any hybrid workshop that does battery maintenance besides HEVshop? What's the cost for cleaning hybrid fan or recharge the battery pack? My PI warranty almost ending and they have never checked the hybrid battery before that's why was hoping to get it checked outside. Thank you!

Honda's a genius in churning out state-of-the-art small cars. Here's why. The 2014 Honda Jazz is 4cm shorter but it offers 138 liters more cabin-space volume and nearly 13cm of extra rear legroom - compared to the predecessor. Here's how Honda engineers eked out extra room in a shorter car. For starters, Jazz's wheelbase has been stretched further apart by 3cm allowing its rear seat bench to move back outwardly by 7.6cm. Next, engineers made the centrally-mounted fuel tank located beneath the front seats thinner liberating more space for passengers but retains the same liter-volume as previous models. Plus, the new Jazz could be served in a hedonic shade of lemonade yellow to go with its packaging.

This thread is set up for discussions on anything technical, features or functions for the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid 2.0 It is not for the discussion on the price or cost related issues, comparison with other makes/models and similar irrelevances.

Have anyone test driven the FY24 Carnival - seems like a pretty nice MPV.

Lo and behold! sgCarMart kickstarted its very own SGCARMART REVIEWS on the 3rd of November with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA with Julian from the Editorial Department (some of you may find him familiar from MCF events) and cool kid James from Marketing. We're now on episode 2 with the Skoda Octavia RS 245! We're still new at this so don't forget to show some love! Like, subscribe and leave your comments on our Youtube channel! Let them know what cars you want them to review next. 💟