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[extract] On Monday, the 25th of February 2013, the annual Budget statement was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam. He announced a lot of stuff to what people call 'Robin Hood' budget, taxing the more affluent people to aid the poor. Among the announcements, one was regarding the tiered ARF structure
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[extract] Motor loans will be capped to a five year loan period in a new ruling by the MAS. Moreover, the loan-to value amount will be dependent on the OMV of a vehicle and could range between 50
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[extract] Motor loans will be capped to a five year loan period in a new ruling by the MAS. Moreover, the loan-to value amount will be dependent on the OMV of a vehicle and could range between 50
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[extract] The 2013 Mazda6 was previously reported to arrive before Christmas of 2012 but it did not happen. However, the wait is over. I happened to take a bus along Eunos Link and saw a batch of spanking new Mazda6 saloons in Trans Eurokars showroom at Ubi Close. A visit to Mazda Singapore
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Kenny Gee is a Singaporean final year student doing his Masters in Film at NYU Tisch Asia in Singapore Watch the video to find out more. Worth every minute! Watch Kenny Gee's short. The ending will shock you (= And visit FOR A GOOD CAUSE! once you are done!
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I have something against the Start-stop or Stop-start System in cars these days. As most of us are aware, this system automatically shuts down and restarts a vehicle's engine when it idles longer than a specific period of time. This allows the car to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. According to car manufacturers this sort of system is advantageous for vehicles that spend significant amounts of time waiting at traffic lights or frequently come to a stop in traffic jams. While this is a supposedly a good thing for the environment and to one's fuel bill I actually despise it. I am quite familiar in cars with this function and I do not hate it because it may eat up battery life or the starter motor of the car. I hate it for something else. I recently test drove a Honda Insight, a Honda CRZ and a BlueEfficiency Mercedes Benz C-class. I find them equally irritating when you drive with the system operating in rush hour traffic. Less irritating in the Mercedes but then again, the Mercedes is a whole lot more refined than the other cars mentioned. In traffic jams that are long, tiresome and located in tropical countries like where we live we love air-conditioning in our cars. This is because the weather is hot and extremely humid most of the time and I personally use air-conditioning 99% of the time. The only time I do not run air-conditioning is when I am in Fraser's Hill. I keep the air-conditioning on even if I am in Genting or Cameron Highlands as it isn't that cold these days. And if any of you have driven cars with Stop-start systems, you'd notice that most of the time the system shuts down the air-conditioning compressor and only the blowers are running. Not very nice in our climate. Even for a few seconds. I am sorry, but I am one of those truly spoiled people who enjoy the comforts of an air-condition compressor running when it needs to and not when the car feels that it needs to save some fuel. I also do not like the fact that when a car restarts and then stops after a short period of time. It is actually quite irritating. When a car restarts itself things vibrate a whole lot more than when it is idling with its engine running. In a Honda Insight, which probably has some normal rubber mounted engine mounts it is felt quite a bit. In a Mercedes C-class, which most probably has fluid filled engine mounts it is less irritating but still takes away some refinement. Imagine if the engine mounts are worn out is a car which is more than a few years old. It would be extremely irritating. This is why every time I end up in a BlueEfficiency Mercedes I end up switching off the Stop-start system in the car everytime I start driving it. I suppose the only reason most car manufacturers have such a feature in their car is that the car in question may emit slightly less carbon emissions on paper. This is so that they can sell the car in a lower tax bracket in countries that base their road taxes on carbon emissions. Call it a necessity and not something truly environmentally friendly. Of course, like the electrically assisted power steering which has basically taken over from hydraulic systems in order to gain that extra 3% fuel savings, Stop-start Systems are here to stay. But that doesn't mean that I like it. I don't.
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KlearKarbon aims to utilise hydrogen cleaning technology for powertrains
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] KlearKarbon is a new start up and it -
http://i49.tinypic.com/6proz8.jpg
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30 premium pre-owned car dealers have been awarded the 'Premium Dealer 2012' award by sgCarMart - a first in its 8 year long history. The Premium Dealer award - while new - is only awarded to the top five percent of car dealers in Singapore among a healthy used automotive industry. The award is aimed to be a recognition for their excellent service and track records. The prestigious award is conferred based on a set of strict criteria. Besides a strong emphasis on working habits towards its clients and working partners - the car dealers must have been in this competitive industry no less than five years, while also cultivating high sales volumes. Abiding to the advertising standards and guidelines set by sgCarMart was also considered under the judging criteria. sgCarMart congratulates all 30 pre-owned car dealers for their excellently services rendered, and wishes them the best for their future endeavours. For more information on the award please visit: http://www.sgcarmart.com/ads/premium_dealers/index.php
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HjspOSt0Zc Until recently, Singapore buyers looking for a premium mid-sized sedan with a capacity of 2.0-litre or below would probably shortlist the BMW 520i, Mercedes E250 CGI or the Audi A6 2.0-litre TFSI. Now there is one more contender to the fight and its British. The Jaguar XF has just thrown its hat into the current three-corner fight with the introduction of the 2.0-litre petrol turbocharged variant here. The 2.0-litre XF is powered by a 240bhp engine akin to the unit in the Ford Mondeo. However, unlike the Mondeo which uses a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the XF is equipped with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The entry-level XF sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds, and boasts a higher horsepower figure than its three German rivals. With reference to sgCarMart, the 2.0-litre Jaguar XF is priced at S$275,000 without COE. The introduction of a new base model for the XF might snatch some buyers away from 'the big German three' 520i, E250 and A6 2.0-litre TFSI.
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The last time we had a 1.6-litre BMW 3 Series on sale in Singapore was in the 1990s during the E36 era. The wait is finally over as the above electronic poster which is downloaded from BMW Asia Insider Facebook signals the imminent arrival of the 2013 BMW 316i. Just like the latest 116i, the 316i is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that pushes 136bhp and 220Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. According to BMW, the 316i sprints from 0 to 100km/h is 9.2 seconds which is only 0.1 second slower than the 116i. The 156bhp Mercedes C180 CGI BlueEfficiency reaches the century mark at a much quicker 8.5 seconds. However, BMW fans need not be disappointed as a more powerful 318i, which borrows the 170bhp 1.6-litre unit from the 118i, is said to be in the pipeline. The EU combined cycle fuel consumption for the 316i is claimed to range between 5.8 and 5.9L/ 100km.
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It was a long time coming, but after 22-years since the introduction of COE vehicle quota system, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew has hinted the system might undergo a review amidst sharply rising COE prices. According to The Straits Times, one possible area industry players are hoping for change is the way cars are classified. Currently cars are classified under three categories: Category A is for cars up to 1,600cc, Category B for cars above 1,600cc and an open category. Mr Lui commented the Transport Ministry together with LTA are studying the several feedback provided by the public regarding the issue. Under numerous occasions the public have commented that car classification should be altered to be based on emissions levels or power output - even through sgCarMart
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Tan Chong Motor will be bringing in the Note mini MPV to join Nissan's current lineup in Singapore. In its second generation, the Note was unveiled on 16 July 2012 and is the production version of the Invitation concept that was presented at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Measuring 4100mm (L) x 1,695mm (B) x 1,525mm (H), the car is larger than the Nissan March but slightly smaller than the Freed, a parallel-imported mini MPV from Honda. Perhaps, the interesting part about the note lies underneath the bonnet. It is powered by Nissan's new supercharged 1.2-litre DR12DDR engine. The forced-fed lump features technologies such as direct injection and Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS). Power is transmitted to the front wheel via a CVT transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 25.2km/L based on the JC08 cycle, a Japanese fuel consumption test. If you are looking for a mini MPV or hatchback, do take note of the latest offering from Nissan.
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Hi guys! Any1 here can recommend me a good and affordable local delivery company. Just need to sent a some carton of shoes from point A to B within Singapore. Appreciate your help peeps!
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Borneo Motors has announced its intention to bring in the 1.6-litre Toyota Auris hatchback. In its second generation, the Auris was first displayed publicly at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September. Shortly after, it went on sale in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. A hatchback body style has been missing from Toyota's lineup in Singapore for a long time. So, the arrival of the Auris will certainly freshen up the Toyota showroom here. Measuring 4,275mm (L) x 1,760mm (W) x 1,460 mm (H), the Auris is slightly shorter in the X,Y and Z directions than one of its main rival, the Hyundai i30. The 1.6-litre Auris features Toyota's Valvematic technology. Valvematic is a further development of the Dual VVT-I system by adding lift and duration control to the inlet valve variable timing. The engine is mated to a MultiDrive transmission, which is Toyota's fancy language for CVT. With 132bhp and 160Nm on hand, the Auris sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 11.1 seconds. This is slightly faster than the i30's 11.5 seconds performance. The arrival of the Auris should not raise any cause for concern for Singapore's favorite hatchback, the VW Golf. Still, the Auris is an important model for Toyota Singapore as it ushers in the new face of the brand with its all-new frontal design.
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[extract] This wide and wonderful Q5 has received the ABT treatment, and we can't help but yelp about it! Sometimes you don't realise what you want until you've been given a taste of it. I hate that. Until today, I was perfectly fine with the way a stock Audi Q5 looks and performs. I
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The year is almost over. Just wondering what you consider to be the local news of the year. Below are some stuff listed alphabetically by category. Feel free to add what I left out. Accidents Oil rig topple Food Diner En Blance controversy Must pay for extra McD sauce $2 mil for roast duck recipe Incredible Tales $1000 salary can buy flat $3000 Dishwasher $7000 Taxi Driver STOMP staff claims MRT moved with doors open Law and Order Changes to death penalty SMRT bus driver strike Politics Hammer gang holds Hougang Ministerial pay cut Scandals & Corruptions Underaged hooker sabos 60+ men Alvin Tan CNB & SCDF alledged sex for contract Pastor Kong Hee alledged misue of funds Too fast too furious Woffles Wu speeding incident Ma Chi's red light beating Ferrari
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Qoros, a joint venture between Chery and Israeli investment firm Israel Corp, has released sketches of its upcoming compact sedan due to be unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor show. The European body style is clean and inoffensive but is not something that will make heads turn. Such styling theme is evident in the VW Group. The dashboard of the car adopts a minimalist approach and would not look out of place in a Skoda. Like Kia, another Asian brand, Qoros has recruited a foreign talent to head its design department. He is the former MINI design boss, Gert Volker Hildebrand. The sedan, internally known as C11, is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine mated to six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. Hybrid and electric versions are expected to follow later on. Qoros has set a goal to build all cars to achieve maximum NCAP crash ratings. The company is currently building a new production facility in China with an initial annual capacity of 150,000 units.
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Turn 10 is back with another DLC this time for its new racing game - Forza Horizon - speaking of which my copy is collecting dust somewhere in my room, hmm. Anyway, each month Turn 10 offers a variety of drool-worthy rides to add to your virtual garage. The December IGN Car pack does just that and does not dissapoint. 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Halo Edition Celebrating the release of Halo 4, another exclusive title from Microsoft, this Ford Raptor is tough enough for Master Chief himself. Finished in a custom UNSC paint job, its was designed by 343 Industries - the developers of Halo 4. 2008 Aston Martin DBS Aston Martin's Ulrich Bez sums up the DBS as "brutal, but dressed in a black tie." The new DBS - famously flipped by Bond in Casino Royale replaced the Vanquish at the time was the fastest Aston thanks to a potent 510bhp V-12. 2012 Ferrari F12berlinetta Ferrari's fastest road car ever and with 740bhp offers as much power as its F1 counterpart. Do I have to say anything more? 2006 Ford GTX1 Built specifically for the 2006 SEMA show, the Ford GTX1 was crafted by Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design. Design inspiration came from the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX roadster with a functional and innovative roof system comprised of four hard panels. The car is powered by a near 550bhp 5.4-litre supercharged V-8. 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha Open Top The Hummer H1 is probably the most dominant and capable off-road vehicle ever created - minus road practicality. Demanding attention, this 'tank on wheels' was never meant for commercial production. At 7,500 pounds, it can literary eat other cars. Despite its large frame, it could do 300bhp. 1993 McLaren F1 Conceived by Gordon Murray, the McLaren F1 translates Formula Technology in a road car. The McLaren F1 took more than 30 years to reach fruition but when it finally entered production it was the performance benchmark breaking several speed records and held to it untill the introdcution of the Bugatti Veyron. With its unique central seating and BMW sourced 6.1-litre V12 good for 627bhp. In five years of production only 107 were ever built including prototypes and special editions. 1971 AMC Javelin-AMX Some Corvette looking muscle car which is this months free sample car. Not really a muscle car fan, sorry. The Forza Horizon December IGN Car Pack will be available December 4th for 400 Microsoft points or 240 points for each car. In addition to the cars there are a brand new set of Community Rivals Mode events. The December IGN Car Pack will be automatically available to owners of the Forza Horizon Season Pass.
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In recent years, the downsizing of engines by premium brands has led to luxury cars competing for a slice of the Cat A COE, which is of 1600CC capacity and below. For instance, a 1.6-litre Volvo S80 is something unthinkable 10 years ago but it is available today. Before that, Cat A COE used to be dominated by work horses such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. With the tightening of COE supply, prices are sure to head north. As premium brands would normally command higher profit margin, it is expected of them to out-bid a Korean or Japanese brand in securing a COE. But is there a fairer way to allocate the limited resources? Perhaps, COE could be categorized by the car's Open Market Value (OMV) instead of capacity. OMV is assessed by the Singapore Customs, based on the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to the country of importation. This price includes purchase price, freight, insurance and all other charges incidental to the sale and delivery of the car to Singapore. To ensure that a middle income Singaporean is not out-priced in the COE hunt, Cat A COE could be classified as cars of OMV below S$20,000. Cars with OMV of between S$20,001 to S$35,000 could be classified under Cat B. In this scenario, a Corolla buyer would not be going after the same piece of COE as a wealthy Volvo S60 T4 buyer. Rather, this would put the 1.6-litre S60 and the 2.0-litre Camry in the same category, which I believe should make more sense. Cat E COE could be classified as cars with OMV of S$35,001 and above. Car sales dominated by luxury brands are unheard of in other countries. It is time to put things back to normal.
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With the new CEVS scheme in place, will diesel cars gain momentum here?
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Diesel powered cars are expected to be a huge draw among buyers next year when a new emission based tax system kicks in on January. The new emission based tax scheme called - Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) grants tax rebates from $5,000 to $20,000 for new cars that emits no more that 160g/km. Additionally any new car that emits more than 210g/km will be charged extra tariffs ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 from July 2013. On top of the CEVS rebates, the annual special diesel tax would be slashed to $0.40 per cubic centimetre (cc) from the current $1.25. Thanks to advanced technologies and engineering methods, diesel cars which have met the Euro V emission standards generally emit up to 30 percent lesser carbon dioxide than petrol powered counterparts - a possible reason why diesel car sales could outnumber petrol variants. In the local scene - diesel cars mainly from Jaguars and Land Rovers captured a 1.3 percent market share of new car sales in the first ten months of this year - a sharp rise from 0.2 percent two years ago. The figure is set to rise as high as 15 percent in the next few years. Even in neighbouring country Indonesia, the market share for diesel cars rose from 0 to 16 percent two years ago. The new CEVS Scheme and cleaner, possibly cheaper diesel cars set to be introduced from next year, is seen to affect buying habits of local motorists. For example the people -
Help has arrived for drivers marked as 'high risk' to obtain a insurance policy thanks to a new insurance scheme by award-winning online insurer DirectAsia.com. Drivers identified as 'high-risk' based on their past records can find it difficult or even impossible to get car insurance. Drivers are marked high-risk once they have met with two or more at-fault accidents or have made numerous claims on their insurance. Thankfully there is help now. Thanks to award winning and innovative online insurance company, DirectAsia.com, a new 'SOS Car Insurance' is recently introduced aimed for the benefit of 'high risk' motorists. DirectAsia.com prides for being an innovative insurance company especially when it comes to improving road safety. With this in mind, any driver who makes a claim on their SOS insurance will be asked to attend a Refresher Driving Course for a day. Insurance is compulsory for drivers in Singapore thus it is near impossible for 'High-risk' drivers to obtain one given their 'unsafe' history. Some drivers transfer the ownership of their car to their spouse and under circumstances can get you penalized with a 0% No Claims Discount on top of transferring all remaining loans relating to the car. DirectAsia.com believes in giving people a second chance and removes the hassle to get drivers back on the road within the shortest period of time. In a win-win situation, any 'high-risk' driver who decide to claim under DirectAsia.com will be asked to attend a Driving Refresher Course which not only benefits yourself but the rest of the driving community. If you choose not to sit through the course, DirectAsia.com may cancel your policy. Considering its only a one day refresher course, its not that difficult is it? Besides the course is not punishment but a form of assistance to help you. Simon Birch, CEO of DirectAsia.com, says, "At DirectAsia.com we understand that accidents happen and it's sometimes beyond your control. Not everyone has a perfect driving record. That's why we've come up with SOS car insurance, a policy that gets motorists back in the driving seat and back on the road in no time." "Of course, this is not only beneficial to the driver but also the rest of the driving community. We think you'll agree that as far as everyone's safety is concerned a driving refresher course makes perfect sense. And once again we're delighted to be the first insurance company in Singapore to offer this product. Another first for DirectAsia.com!"
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[extract] The headline of The Straits Times on 27 October 2012 reads,
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In this post, I would like to highlight a potential dent-inflicting situation in multi-storey car parks. The thing is that you may not notice the source of the problem until the damage is done. It is very common to find water piping running along the pillars of multi-storey car parks. They serve to drain away rain water as well as water from car wash. Sometimes, these pipings can become detached from the pillars and additional reinforcement is required in the form of bolts and nuts. In the situation that I encountered, the bolt and nut system was installed somewhere below the beltline of a normal sedan. Hence, a driver opening the door from inside would not be able to notice it. Fortunately, I did not open the door too widely and missed the bolt narrowly. A bolt has a pointed end. This would greatly increase the chance of a dent and the paintwork might chip off too. If you
