Audi launches four-seater coupes

AUDI is on a product offensive. On the heels of new models such as the R8 supercar and A4 sedan, the German carmaker launched the A5 (right) and S5 four-seater coupes yesterday.

The first variant of the A5 is a 3.2-litre V6 priced at $205,600. The S5, packing a 4.2-litre 354bhp V8, is going for $245,000. Both cars are quattro all-wheel-drives.

Tan Chong taking orders for Qashqai

NISSAN's authorised agent Tan Chong has started taking orders for the Qashqai crossover (right). Prices for the rugged SUV-like compact start from $79,000.

Tan Chong's version is a 2-litre two-wheel-drive regulated by a continuously variable transmission with six-speed manual mode. Intelligent key and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard fare.

Citroen C5 bookings now open

BOOKINGS are also open for the new Citroen C5 (right).

The elegant French executive liner is available as either a 3.0i V6 ($136,988) or a 2.0i inline-4 ($108,988).

Cerato variants, facelifted Sportage

BUDGET buyers are not left out. Kia agent Cycle & Carriage has introduced two new Cerato variants and a facelifted Sportage.

The Cerato Sports is a well-equipped five-door, while the Cerato VariantR is a locally modified variant with 140bhp.

The facelifted Kia Sportage, at $63,999, is one of the least expensive SUVs of its size.

Twin-clutch gearbox for Ford

FORD Motor is the latest to embrace the twin-clutch transmission technology popularised by Volkswagen. Called PowerShift, the lightweight gearbox uses the latest electronically controlled twin-clutch technology. It does away with complex and heavy sub-systems such as torque converter or planetary gears.

The six-speed PowerShift is also faster than traditional autoboxes. It will be fitted first in the Ford Focus and C-Max.

Land Rover to launch seven-seater

TATA-OWNED Land Rover will launch an all-new seven-seater in 2012. To be built on the Freelander platform, the car may be named Ventura, a reference to a county north of Los Angeles.

Engines are expected to be drawn from the Freelander family, including 2- and 2.2-litre diesels. Land Rover is launching a small five-seater called LRX in 2010.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 28 June, 2008