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Modern Family

8 min read
These four latest models boast tech features that push the boundaries from the norm.

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS: ACTIVE STABILITY CONTROL

True to its name, the Eclipse Cross is a fine combination of a smart coupe and the practicalities of an SUV. Beyond the sensibilities of this 1.5-litre city comber, the car boasts some of the best technologies that attest to Mitsubishi’s commitment to performance and safety.

The Active Stability Control (ASC) feature offers optimum road handling when negotiating corners or making a sharp turn on challenging surfaces. It allows the DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine to adjust output to help maintain control. In the meantime, sensors monitor the tyre traction and work with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to counteract slipping on wet roads.

On slippery surfaces, ASC applies braking force to the spinning wheel while distributing moving force to the wheel with greater traction. This is particularly useful when driving in adverse weather conditions or emergency situations.

Of course, ASC isn’t the only high-tech feature that the Eclipse Cross provides. Awarded the ASEAN NCAP five-star safety rating, the vehicle abounds with elements to keep the driver and passengers safe. Electric parking brake with auto hold, seven SRS airbags, 360° all-round camera, and a reinforced impact safety evolution body structure all work together to make the car one of the safest on the roads. And if these weren’t enough, the futuristic Forward Collision Mitigation system employs the car’s cameras to respond to vehicles and pedestrians ahead, reducing damage in a collision.

When driving at night, the car’s Automatic Highbeam feature turns on the high beams automatically, switching to low beam when it detects vehicles ahead. It switches back to high on its own so you won’t have to fiddle with the light switches. The Apple CarPlay-compatible touchpad with smartphone display link audio system lets you connect your phone to the system and use either the touchpad or the touchscreen audio system to change music tracks or make phone calls, among other useful functions.

These tech features blend with those in the Eclipse Cross’ interior to make this model ideal on local roads. Keyless operation, heads-up display, paddle shifters, cruise control, speed limiter, and height-adjustable, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio control, and Apple CarPlay compatibility reflect the premium touches that Mitsubishi provides.

PRICE $105,000 (ECLIPSE CROSS ELEGANCE, WITH COE)
ENGINE 1,499CC DOHC MIVEC 4-CYLINDER, 16-VALVE TURBOCHARGED 2WD
TRANSMISSION INVECS-III CVT (CONTINUOUS VARIABLE TRANSMISSION) WITH 8-SPEED SPORTS MODE
POWER 163PS @ 5,500RPM
TORQUE 250NM @ 1,800–4,500RPM
0–100KM/H 9.3 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR CYCLE & CARRIAGE AUTOMOTIVE PTE LTD
T 6473 9722

RANGE ROVER SPORT: TOUCH PRO DUO

In-car monitors have become integral to the driving experience — the new Range Rover Sport pulls out all the stops with its Touch Pro Duo, which features two 10-inch touchscreens that expand possibilities for the driver.

Touch Pro Duo is part of InControl, the Range Rover Sport’s advanced infotainment technology, and Land Rover’s foray into the future of automotive connectivity. With two screens operating independently, the in-built Intel microprocessor allows
more than one of the car’s infotainment features — such as interior lighting and the Meridian Sound System — to be accessed at any one time.

The multi-function Dynamic dials provide additional information through a display that changes according to the function you are adjusting, be it cabin temperature or selecting drive modes. This dual use not only provides access to various features at any one time, but also offers improved safety — the driver won’t have to take his hands off the wheel to toggle from one screen to another.

InControl also allows connection with your smartphone to give you access to a variety of apps to enjoy music and navigate your journey. Navigation through turn-by-turn directions and 3D maps are also on tap with this unique Land Rover feature. And the customisable 12.3-inch high-definition driver display presents all the information with pristine clarity.

The new Range Rover Sport, launched in Singapore in the middle of this year, provides an enhanced driving experience and amped-up power through its V6 (HSE Dynamic S/C) or V8 (SVR model) petrol engines. The flagship 575PS SVR model is the fastest Range Rover to date.

Beyond InControl, Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 technology (only on SVR) is a unique calibration to intelligently and precisely distribute torque from the motor to all four wheels, giving greater control during low-speed, off-road manoeuvres.

Range Rovers exude luxury, and the new Sport offers nothing but premium touches in every aspect. Semi-aniline leather oozes high-quality and stain-resistant practicality (optional on HSE Dynamic) on the 18-way adjustable seats.

PRICE $369,999 (HSE DYNAMIC 3.0 V6 C/S, WITH COE)
ENGINE 2,995CC V6 PETROL
TRANSMISSION AUTOMATIC 8-SPEED WITH PADDLE SHIFT
POWER 340PS @ 6,500RPM
TORQUE 450NM @ 3,500–5,000RPM
0–100KM/H 7.2 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR WEARNES AUTOMOTIVE PTE LTD
T 6378 2626

AUDI Q5: PERSONAL ROUTE ASSIST

We’ve become more and more dependent on apps to get us from point A to B. Audi just made it a whole lot easier with their new navigation system, which they refer to as Personal Route Assist. This clever navigation system learns the routes and destinations that the driver regularly selects, and associates this information to the parked position and time of day.

When turned on, the system ‘learns’ from the driver’s behaviour and can suggest optimised routes for the next trip — even when navigation is inactive! The system comes up with the three most likely destinations, taking into consideration both the arrival time and current traffic. And it can suggest that the customer activate navigation to find out about alternative routes. If the function is deactivated, the system does not store the destinations and does not consider deleted destinations or the routes driven.

Getting to your destination is all the more pleasurable with Audi’s new quattro drivetrain with ‘ultra technology’ found in the latest rendition of the Q5. To help with fuel efficiency without reducing traction or driving dynamics, the quattro system disengages the rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed; if necessary, it can proactively re-engage it.

Wheel-selective torque control is standard for the Singapore-specific Audi Q5; with the aid of the intelligent software solution, it helps to deliver a dynamic, precise and controllable driving experience.

The Q5 addresses the common concern that SUVs do not provide the ride stability of sedans. The new five five-link suspensions and electromechanical power steering system work in tandem to provide a drive that is both sporty and comfortable. As an option, dynamic steering varies its gear ratio according to the driving speed and steering angle.

You can choose from two extension stages of springs and damping: the chassis with damper control, which is standard for Singapore, offers a very wide spread between comfort and dynamics; the new optional adaptive air suspension can be used to vary the ride height of the car body over five stages. You can thus select the ride mode that suits your driving style.

PRICE $229,080 (2.0 TFSI S TRONIC SPORT, WITH COE)
ENGINE 1,984CC 4-CYLINDER INLINE, EXHAUST TURBOCHARGED WITH AUDI VALVELIFT
TRANSMISSION 7-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH
POWER 252HP @ 5,000–6,000RPM
TORQUE 370NM @ 1,600–4,500RPM
0–100KM/H 6.3 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR AUDI SINGAPORE
T 6836 2223

ALL-NEW BMW 3 SERIES: DRIVING ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL

It has been a bit of a wait, but the all-new BMW 3 Series is here. One of the best-selling models in the BMW line-up over the last 40 years, the new version of this popular mid-sized sedan promises technology that points to the future of the automobile industry.

One of the highlights of the all-new 3 Series is the Driving Assistant Professional, a harbinger of the advent of driverless technology. This complete comfort- and safety-enhancing package includes a variety of features to assure safety on the roads. The system includes Steering and Lane Control Assistant, which helps drivers keep the vehicle in the detected lane through narrow channels. Lane Keeping Assistant further provides active side collision protection and evasion aid.

Parking is now significantly easier. Park Distance Control works with the rear-view camera to help drivers manoeuvre into and out of parking spaces. Also available is Parking Assistant, which takes command of steering, acceleration, braking and gear changes with the Steptronic transmission when driving into and out of a lot. Furthermore, Reversing Assistant hints at the future of driving — or non-driving, as the case may be! — and can reverse the vehicle for up to 50m, steering it along exactly the same line it has just taken when moving forward.

These aren’t the only futuristic features of the car. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant makes its debut with the all-new BMW 3 Series, and can be voice-activated by saying, “Hey, BMW.” Drivers can find out about their car by merely talking to it (you can even give the system a name). “Is the oil level okay?” “What warning messages do I have?” “How does the High Beam Assistant work?” All these may be answered without you ever needing to take your hands off the wheel, or your eyes off the road.

The all-new BMW 3 Series comes in several iterations to suit your taste and budget. The Advantage, Sport, and Luxury lines provide targeted individualisation, while the M Sport equipment line is the ultimate choice when performance is paramount.

PRICE UNAVAILABLE AT TIME OF PUBLISHED
ENGINE 1,998CC 4-CYLINDER, 16-VALVE INLINE TWINPOWER TURBOCHARGED (330I MODEL)
TRANSMISSION 8-SPEED STEPTRONIC
POWER 258BHP @ 5,000–6,500RPMS
TORQUE 400NM @ 1,550–4,400RPMS
0–100KM/H 5.8 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR PERFORMANCE MOTORS LTD
T 6319 0100