Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Kia Magentis

Saab 9-5

By Nick Syn

SEDANS
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
WHAT’S NEW? THE S-CLASS IS arguably Mercedes-Benz’s most important car – the current model still maintains a significant presence in this segment and it can’t afford to get this new one even slightly wrong. Each new generation of the S-Class has typically showcased Mercedes’ latest technologies and this one is no exception. The new car promises astonishing levels of technical wizardry and an almost prescient active safety system.
WHEN? First quarter 2006 (estimated)

Kia Magentis
WHAT’S NEW? THE NEW KIA Magentis uses the same platform as Hyundai’s impressive Sonata. It’s therefore a lot bigger and should prove to be considerably more comfortable and refined than the current car. The car also eschews the fussy styling of its predecessor in favour of more elegant, contemporary lines. Happily, the car will be available here with a road tax-friendly 2.0-litre engine, equipped with continuously variable valve timing to improve efficiency.
WHEN? First quarter 2006

Saab 9-5
WHAT’S NEW? THE 9-5 HAS BEEN knocking about for a fair old while now but periodic facelifts help to keep things fresh. This time, Saab has given the 9-5’s looks a significant going over, incorporating styling cues from the 9-X concept car. The interior has been improved as well, with a new dashboard and improved trim. The 9-5’s aging chassis has also been subjected to mechanical tweaks to improve handling characteristics.
WHEN? First quarter 2006

COUPES/CABRIOLETS
Peugeot 407 Coupe
WHAT’S NEW? THE OLD 406 Coupe with its Pininfarina-penned lines was achingly pretty, and judging by the looks of its replacement, the Peugeot tradition of churning out effortlessly stylish, large coupes should be easily upheld. That’s if the length of the front and rear overhangs aren’t as extreme in real life as they are in the picture. The new 407 Coupe is based on the 407 sedan and should share that car’s fine ride and handling characteristics. With much of the sedan’s cabin architecture carried over, Peugeot claims that the interior will be roomy enough to provide ample accommodation for four adults.
WHEN? Second half of 2006 (estimated)

Porsche Cayman S
WHAT’S NEW? THE WORLD’S MOST profitable sportscar manufacturer is on a product diversification offensive and the Cayman S is the latest result of this. Positioned in between the Boxster and the iconic 911, the Cayman S arguably offers an alternate avenue to entry-level Porsche ownership, and should appeal to those looking for a more focused drive. The new car is heavily based on the Boxster, and uses a larger, newly-developed version of the Boxster S’ 3.2-litre flat-six engine that produces 295bhp. Also, the higher rigidity of the Cayman’s closed-roof coupe body should make for scintillating handling.
WHEN? First quarter 2006

Volvo C70
WHAT’S NEW? BASED ON THE S40 sedan, the new C70 coupe boasts a folding hard top and manages to be even better looking than its already classy predecessor. The new C70 will come with Volvo’s usual phalanx of safety features, including new curtain airbags that also provide a degree of rollover protection. The car should seat four adults and Volvo claims that it is twice as stiff as the wobbly old model, which when coupled with the S40’s inherently capable basic chassis, should make it much better to drive. A range of Volvo’s proven five cylinder engines will be available, including a 220bhp turbocharged T5 variant.
WHEN? Third quarter 2006

SMALL HATCHBACK
Fiat Grande Punto
WHAT’S NEW? THE CURRENT PUNTO still ranks as one of Europe’s top-selling small cars, with Fiat so far shifting about six million units since the car’s launch in 1993. The Punto also forms the bulk of Fiat sales in Singapore, so this all-new car should prove to be even more competitive.

The new Grande Punto was designed from the outset to be considerably larger than the class norms, hence the ‘Grande’ prefix. This means more room for both passengers and safety features. In addition, Fiat has also given its new baby much more aggressive looks, with the help of renowned styling house Italdesign-Giugario, the frontal aspect carries more than a hint of Maserati Coupe about it, which should help the new car turn heads when it arrives in local showrooms.
WHEN? First quarter 2006

SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE (SUV)
Audi Q7
WHAT’S NEW? AUDI HAS ENSURED that its late-breaking entry into the luxury SUV market comes armed to the teeth. The new Q7 boasts seven seats for one thing, a feature that amongst the current crop of luxury SUVs only the Volvo XC90 offers. The Q7 uses the same platform and basic mechanicals as the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, although the Q7 is much larger. The big Audi’s styling also sets it apart from those of its cousins, and in fact it’s pretty hard to tell that they’re related in any way.
WHEN? End 2006