German cars are no more great to drive

End of 2014 does not seem to become a great favor to Germany cars to start with flourish movement towards 2015 market. It is found that, German cars are not as reliable as their reputation suggests. That's according to one warranty provider, which has studied its database to reveal the makes of cars most and least likely to have engine problems.

Warranty Direct, which with 50,000 policies on its books is the UK's leading supplier of direct consumer warranties, claims that Audis, BMWs and Volkswagens have some of the least reliable engines available.

Indeed, among the cars owned by its policy holders, the only engines to have failed more than Audis were those from the now defunct MG Group. In total 1 in 13 of MG Rover motors failed in the past year, and problems presented themselves in 1 in every 27 Audi engines. Mini was the third least reliable with a failure rate of 1 in 40, while BMW finished seventh (1 in 45) and Volkswagen ninth (1 in 52).

Ford Explorer Sport

Ford turned to Facebook last week when it came time to unveil the 2013 Explorer Sport, a bolder and more powerful interpretation of the brand's popular sport-utility. The Explorer Sport is now headed to the 2012 New York Auto Show, where it will make its first appearance outside the world of social networking. Powering the Explorer Sport is a 350-bhp twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, which comes with paddle-shifters mounted on the steering wheel. In addition to beefing up the chassis to cope with the extra power, Ford has also upgraded the brakes and fitted a quicker ratio electric power-assisted steering system.

Honda CR-Z review

Honda Malaysia earlier this evening launched the CR-Z, making Malaysia the first country in Southeast Asia to offer the three-door hybrid hatch to car enthusiasts. The third Honda hybrid to be introduced in the country is priced at RM115,000 on the dot, on-the-road with insurance (or if you will, RM111,878, without insurance).


The Honda CR-Z is the world's first production hybrid vehicle to offer a 6-speed manual transmission. These six speeds reward CR-Z drivers with the perfect gear for every driving occasion — including a high final-drive ratio for excellent fuel efficiency[1]. From the S2000 to the Civic Si, Honda has considerable experience with 6-speed manuals. So it's no surprise that the CR-Z's 6-speed gearbox is as efficient as it is entertaining. Adding to the pleasure is an easy-to-grip, ergonomically shaped shift lever, finished in aluminum and black leather in the CR-Z EX.


Of all the hybrid systems out there, Honda's IMA system is the simplest, most compact design. Instead of having a separate alternator and starter motor like traditional internal-combustion engines, the IMA system combines the two functions in one with an electric motor that starts the engine, accelerates the car, recharges the battery and provides regenerative braking.

Audi Q3 review

Audi has officially unveiled the 2012 Audi Q3, a compact SUV that sits below the Q5 and Q7 in terms of positioning and size and of course pricing. Upon launch in its German home market in June after its public debut at theShanghai Motor Show next week, the Q3 will have to compete for sales with the BMW X1 and the upcomingMercedes-Benz GLK.

Underneath the handsome sheetmetal, adorned with familiar styling cues borrowed from its two larger siblings, resides the same platform that underpins the Volkswagen Tiguan. To provide the sporty drive that Audi promises, the weight count has been kept down with the use of aluminium for the bonnet and tailgate, with ultra-high strength steel used for the rest of the body; Audi states a kerb weight as low as 1500 kg.

At 4390 mm in length, 1830 mm in width and 1600 mm in height, the Q3 is some 240 mm shorter, 50 mm narrower and 53 mm lower than the Q5, but Audi claims that the five occupants will be able to enjoy ample room that is on par with the Tiguan’s cabin, in addition to the quality expected of an Audi. Storage capacity extends from 460 litres to 1365 litres.

The Q3 will be offered with three 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, each equipped with turbocharging, direct injection and auto start-stop system: a 177 hp 2.0 TDI, a 170 hp 2.0 TFSI and a 211 hp 2.0 TFSI. Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard for all three variants. A 140 hp 2.0 TDI is set to join the engine range later on