15th May 2009: Honda Insight's more Compact IMA System

Many of us are smitten by the new Insight's exciting exterior design. But how much do we actually know about the new IMA system that is installed in it. Not much I think.

The arrangement of the motor system is still very much Honda's series hybrid system where the electric motor is sandwiched between its gearbox and the engine.

The petrol engine is still very much the same unit that you will find in the 2009 Honda Civic hybrid.

Engine Specifications

ENGINE 1.3 SOHC i-VTEC 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x stroke mm 73 x 80
Capacity cc 1339
Compression ratio 10.8
Max. power (Engine) kW/PS 65/88 @ rpm 5800
Max. torque (Engine) Nm 121@ rpm 4500

This is where there is a big difference. The electric motor has lesser power and produces lesser torque than the one used in the Civic hybrid.

Insight's Electric Motor Specifications

Max. Power (Electric Motor) kW/PS 10.3/14 @ rpm 1500
Max. torque (Electric Motor) Nm 78.5 @ rpm 1000

2009 Civic hybrid Motor Specifications

Max. Power (Electric Motor) kW/PS 15/20 @ rpm 2000

Max. torque (Electric Motor) Nm 103 @ rpm 0-1160

2009-05-13 Shockingly low OMV for new VW Golf

Low might be an understatement as I stared at the Average OMV that has just been published in the LTA website.

Golf 122 TSi - $21,472
Golf GT 160 TSi - $24,645

My wife got the Golf 122 TSi at the prelaunch price of $73,800 and her COE was successful at $7090. At this price and COE, VGS made a staggering gross profit of $18,000. Well, I am sure there are some hidden costs that I have not factored in - salesman commission, PDi charges, marketing charges etc....

At $73,800, she could have bought a new Honda Civic 1.8L. It average OMV is a lot more interesting at $27113. The agent would have made a gross profit of $5900.

That would have made more sense does it? But I suppose at the end of the day less than 16million couples have made love in a Honda Civic. And for that, we have to pay VGS $12,000 more for the previlege!

2009-05-13 The new and familiar Golf Mk6

Launch pricing of the new Golf at $73,800 has thrown this traditionally "premium" Continental model into the turf of Japanese heavyweights such the Honda Civic. And if you were to consider the current price of the most expensive Honda Jazz, it is quite clear what the Germans are intending with this new and yet familiar Golf.

I have never been a big fan of the Mk5. Its cute front and outrageously flamboyant big bottom rear design has never gone well with me.

To cut the story short, this "new" Mk6 Golf is definitely a better cup of tea.

The design changes to the front and rear end has not only made the car more sleek, it has certainly added a low profile and dynamic feel to it side profile. The familiar 2-box shape is still Golf but the changes has effected a difference in my perception of the car's design. At 4.199m, the size is also car park friendly and looks a good match in Singapore's urban landscape.

This Golf is much easier on the eye, and I can't help admiring the Candy White example in the VW showroom each time I drive pass Alexandra Road.

Takes some getting used to......

This face is not going to be pleasant to look at when it comes up in your rear view mirror, but it is the face you are going to get used to. Especially if you don't drive one. This makes driving this car a good proposition, for one you will get lots of gawking attention, for two you don't get to look at it in the rear view mirror! It will be quite hard to find enough on the road to have one following you!

The rear design of the hatch however looks spot on!