Auto Reviews

Kia Sportage, something from the future

Kia is determined to make an indelible mark on the automotive industry, especially with their SUV line. This was most evident when the brand decided to give the previous generation Sportage a complete facelift, with a futuristic design language that is in keeping with the mantra of the company.

The Amarok Means Business

With the massive success of the VW Beetle, which was a quirky designed vehicle that was intended to be reliable and economical, you would think the company would do more experimental vehicles like this. Instead, they played it safe over the years, with winning models like the Golf, Polo and Passat.

It wasn’t until 2010, when VW decided to shake up the auto world once more by launching their first commercial pickup, the Amarok. Built in a traditional sense with a body on frame, it offered a single and double cab, which drew interest from all over.

Audi Q2 – The Fun One

The Audi Q2 is the smallest of the Q series of sport utility vehicles sold locally by ATL Automotive. In that way, it exudes that younger brother syndrome to its older and more established siblings up the model range. While they tow the company line, the Q2 is able to slip in a bit of its own personality, and be a more fun take on the SUV formula.

Audi Q3 revamps with sharper designs

The subcompact SUVs are all the craze these days, because of their ride height and storage capacity, plus, they are usually built on a car’s chassis. This greatly improves the ride comfort and manoeuvrability, while it gives them the ability to tackle challenging road conditions. This concept has been a trend from the mid ’90s, with Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V being some of the frontrunners.

It seemed as though luxury automakers were the last to catch on to the trend, as most waited until the late 2000s to manufacture these body types. In 2011, Audi entered the market with their luxury crossover, the Q3, with a dynamic 1.4L engine that promised to add power while saving gas.

Honda CR-V – Bolder Than Before

The Comfortable Runabout Vehicle or Compact Recreational Vehicle (CR-V), depending on which country you are in, has been a hit since its inception in 1995, when Honda decided to introduce their first SUV to the market. It had only one trim level, with a high ground clearance, a roomy interior and a reliable 2-litre engine. In short order, the vehicle grew in popularity and now we are at the fifth generation.

I made no qualms about my dislike of the rear design of the fourth generation, as I felt like the design language for the front and back were different. So, naturally, I was pleasantly surprised by the design of the current model.

Honda Accord Tuned for Performance

The Honda Accord, which started production in 1976, has steadily grown into the hearts of drivers over the years. In the late ‘90s, before the SUV craze, this was the vehicle for upper management, as it had the space and exuded class.

Currently, in its 10th generation, starting in 2017, the Accord is still fighting the good battle in the shrinking sedan market. This iteration is a bit broader and comes with a longer wheelbase than the previous one.

Kia Niro Shines Bright

The local hybrid market has been left largely open when it comes to new cars. The 2020 Kia Niro smartly fills that niche, a niche expected to grow as vehicles converge on the concerns of environment, fuel economy and electrification.

The Niro doesn’t scream hybrid. This is your standard small sport utility vehicle (SUV) fitted with an internal combustion engine and an onboard battery-powered electric motor. Rather than go space age, it sticks with standard visual considerations for the class, but is by no means a boring looking SUV. The Niro is a very sporty in external styling, having razor-sharp lines accentuated by muscular curves. It continues Kia’s modern design language capped off by a future-inspired rendition of their signature tiger grille.

Porsche Macan – Auto Review

Recently, I have been doing a lot of reviews on compact crossover SUVs due to the interest they have been receiving in our market. Size-wise, they fit into most spots around town, and because they are smaller than mid-size SUVs, they are usually more fuel-efficient.

A year ago, I reviewed the Porsche Cayenne, which was a monster on the road, as well as eye candy for commuters. The acceleration was instantaneous and aggressive, to the point where I felt offended whenever anyone overtook me. I remember being on the South Coast Highway and a pickup van passing me. I quickly returned the favour and stared him down, just as a gesture for him to remember his place.