Fridae

MAZDA6 2.0 and 2.5 Sedan and Hatchbacks (top image)

The first Mazda6 single-handedly revived Mazda's fortunes back in 2002 with its driving ability and handsome looks. Now in its second incarnation, the new car has plenty to live up to. The sequel is definitely a Godfather II judging from its looks alone. The Mazda6 2.5 is now equipped with xenon headlights, an excellent Bose sound system and keyless entry. The Mazda6 is indeed a good value sporty executive car!

Fridae Auto Club's Pick: Mazda6 2.5 R 4Dr (A) S$99,988


MINI Clubman Cooper and Cooper S (middle image)

Mini has just launched a new 5-door hatchback. Yes, I did the math. 2 front doors, 1 suicide door on the right and 2 hatch doors on the rear. The looks of the Clubman will ensure your neighbours will know that you have gotten a brand new Mini. It uses a lengthened platform from a regular Mini hence offering more practicality; the longer wheelbase does translate to more legroom for the rear passengers. Access to the rear is said to be easier with the suicide door or "Club" door as insisted by the marketing people at Mini. Do not be fooled! The rear door is on the driver's side on our right hand drive cars; the Clubman's claim to any more practicality over a regular Mini is dubious. Why not simply fit in 4 normal doors since the Mini 4x4(which has 4 doors) is due in the near future?

Fridae Auto Club's Pick: No, not really, A Mini Cooper S Works (A) for the same money is so much better. S$140,000 (excludes options)

SKODA Roomster 1.6(A) (bottom)

Imagine the front of a Suzuki Swift joined into the rear end of a Renault Kangoo. The end result could resemble the newly launched Skoda Roomster. The Czech built car's unusual looks offers plenty of interior space. This quirky car offers the usual Volkswagen group's high level of fit and finish hence justifying its rather high asking price. Hyundai Matrix drivers looking for upgrades should start here.

Fridae Auto Club's Pick: There is only one! S$69,800


Next page: What's coming?

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What's coming and when*?
*All dates shown are for the Singapore market.
(Images shown are in a clockwise sequence starting with the AUDI A5 in the top left corner)

AUDI A5
What's new? Audi's first true 4-seater coupe in a while
When? 2nd quarter of 2008
Why? Tired Mercedes Benz CLK drivers and BMW 3 series coupe owners must rush to the Audi dealerships
Anything else? Audi's S-Line package is a must buy!

FIAT 500
What's new? Cinquecento! Cinquecento! The modern day interpretation of the classic Fiat 500 Nuova
When? The Italian cutesy is slated to arrive in early April 2008
Why? Biggest fashion accessory of 2008!
Anything else? Check if you and your partner could actually fit in the car TOGETHER! Yes, I am talking about the front!

JAGUAR XF
What's new? Ian Callum, the man who is responsible for the current look of Aston Martins has given the Jaguar XF a retro-modern mush giving the struggling British marque its first beautiful sports sedan for decades.
When? April 2008
Why? The interior of the XF carries interesting details as you hit the "Start" button on the dash. The air vents revolve and the gear selector rises from the centre console. Is this Jaguars last attempt to succeed in the world of Audis/BMWs/Lexus/Mercedes-Benz?

NISSAN Qashqai
What's new? This is a car that is neither a family hatchback nor a SUV; but it offers the best bits of both.
When? April 2008
Why? A huge success in Europe. Nissan's development team has created a hatchback with SUV looks and height without the environmental penalties. Whichever way you choose to look at the Qashqai or the Dualis as it is known in Japan, this car is set to be a success here.

SUBARU Forester
What's new? Third generation of the popular all terrain car using the new Impreza's mechanics.
When? June 2008
Why? The Subaru Forester - the top choice among lesbians in the US - has been a legend among suburbanites for its utter reliability and high levels of practicality while urban folks love its SUV looks tagged with its turbo charged boxer engine!

VOLKSWAGEN Golf 1.4 TSI 7-speed DSG

What's new? The 1.4 TSI engine in this car is a twincharged unit, churning out 170bhp and 240NM of torque. The coveted DSG gearbox now comes with 7 gears.
When? March 2008
Why? This car promises to deliver performance without compromising fuel efficiency with the usual Golf refinements.