So here we are again, at the end of 2013, and for our very last post of the year we'd like to continue on that begun last year - a Top Five list of the cars that dazzled us in a particular calendar year.
Last year's post was an exercise out of the ordinary, set about by the thought that it would provide you, the reader, with a better insight to the editorial team here at paultan.org - our likes and what floats our boats. You'll find that in the collective resides much individuality, as it rightly should be.
Again, we've set the marker at five, not because we have anything against going the usual route of 10, but to select five out of a host of new arrivals in any calendar year means having to be more careful and pickier about it - when first initiated, the idea was to encourage a more incisive thought process in going about the subject.
With that, here's the individual pick brief to see what each thought were the cars that got them going, and stuck in the memory well after the music stopped. As always, we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did writing it. Have a great end to the year, and we'll see you in 2014!
JONATHAN JAMES TAN
Cars. They come in all shades, shapes and sizes for every person, purse and purpose, and I absolutely adore that about them. As such, my list is rather eclectic, consisting of two sedans, two SUVs and one coupe I consider my favourites of 2013 - each for a different reason.
5. Kia Cerato 1.6
It isn't a very exhilarating drive; nor has it the most tastefully-appointed cabin, but it's so hard not to turn around and give it a second glance.
The Kia Cerato's shape has no more curves than angles, nor more kinks than straight lines - it is complexity, balance of proportion and sophistication rolled into one. And just look at the warm glow of the LED tail lamps at night.
Yes, the recurring themes here are comfort, solace and refinement - especially with the free-revving 1.6 litre Gamma engine under the bonnet. A car doesn't always have to be dynamically adept to be nice to drive - it depends on how you define "nice".
4. Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 petrol
No one's more surprised by this decision than my diesel-loving self. Fearing that the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi would spoil me with its turbo power and 436 Nm worth of shove, I tried the petrol variant first, thinking I was saving the best for last.
The diesel is indeed faster and more frugal, but the considerably higher levels of NVH and the tall body's acute reaction to all that torque made me miss the 2.4 Theta II's smooth, quiet and linear operation. The petrol's just so much more refined and gentle.
Practical, too - there's lots of space, the second-row seats slide fore and aft, and air-con vents are provided for both second and third rows.
3. Ford Kuga
It's not on my list because it makes a great family SUV, or because you can do a "Look Ma, no hands!" with the tailgate - it's here because I have not tried another crossover this year that drove more like a car, as opposed to a car on stilts.
The Ford Kuga's recipe for road-holding comprises a 1.6 litre EcoBoost engine with a healthy 180 PS and 240 Nm of twist, a smooth-shifting but alert six-speed auto, relatively firm suspension and a very taut body.
It may be over 200 mm taller and 200 kg heavier than the car on which it's based, but it certainly hasn't lost much focus.
2. Infiniti Q50
How can a steering system with no mechanical connections between the wheel in your hand and those on the tarmac not feel like something made by Logitech?
My stints with the Infiniti Q50 S 3.7, Hybrid and S Hybrid in the US were very brief, but the Direct Adaptive Steering wasn't keen on letting its talents go unnoticed. Feel, response, linearity, communication, weight - they're all there, bettering those of some electric power steering systems too.
Inspired by this pleasant revelation, I gunned the handsome compact exec round a corner. The gradual step-out of the tail was reined in equally gradually and instinctively - all with the help of electronic signals. Now how's that for a production first?
1. BMW M3 (E92)
Some strange emotions brewed in me while I was driving the BMW M3 Coupe at Sepang. I'd just stepped out of the M5 and the M6 Gran Coupe, which are technically far superior, newer, better-equipped and much faster machines, but this one spoke to me in ways the others just couldn't.
In its wonderfully linear, merciless and unadulterated high-pitched scream up to the 8,300 rpm redline, the M3 seemed to be giving the world one final blast before the sun set over it and the high-revving, free-breathing BMW V8 at its heart. I was both thrilled and sad at the same time.
Thanks to an all-turbo line-up, no one from Munich will ever sing like her again. I'm glad I made it to the farewell tour.
HAFRIZ SHAH
2013 has been a year of change for me – making the transition from the world of monthly print magazine that I've made my own to this bigger, more immediate online realm. Suddenly, news takes precedence over car testing, and in the few and far between moments of the latter, a much more thorough and comprehensive approach than before is needed.
Still, I'd be damned if I say I didn't enjoy every passing moment of it, and here are the top five cars – three large sedans with varying degrees of sportiness and two new reincarnations of all-time-greats - that made my 2013 a stellar year.
5. Mazda6
I'll start off my list with the latest Mazda6, which I clearly adore. My first article on paultan.org was a review of this very car, in which I waxed lyrical of its smooth and silky dynamic abilities and quasi-premium details.
It's one of very few everyday sedans that could take on Bukit Tinggi and not end up feeling second-rate. The otherwise-excellent Kia Cerato certainly failed that test, which explains its omission here.
A second look at it though our Driven Web Series saw it tumble against its class rivals in the back-seat department. But, I'd happily trade the new Accord's business-class accommodation and comfort for the Mazda's sleek looks and superior dynamic ability. Sex appeal sells, and the Six has plenty going for it.
4. Audi A6 hybrid
The Proton Suprima S almost made it into my list. No, seriously. For all its faults, it's a clear step forward for the local company, and it's truly a fantastic steer. But for each of its fortes, there are two or three faults that water down the experience.
Back to those that did make the list, the direct opposite holds true for the Audi A6 hybrid. As for all of its blunders - small boot, disappointing drive – a host of other fine qualities make it a noteworthy class contender, not least its incredible value for money.
Yes, it's more affordable than cheap, but it's an Audi – a proper premium marque, not a mere wannabe, i.e. Volkswagen. A quick look at oto.my reveals a few "new" units going for more than the original list price. How's that for good RV, eh?
3. BMW M6 Gran Coupe
This is the big one, and I mean it both literally and metaphorically. BMW's big and mean machine is the most powerful car I've had the pleasure of driving in 2013, and it left a big mark. All 560 hp worth of it.
Don't get me wrong though, for the M6 Gran Coupe is about so much more than just power. It's equally talented in cruising around, munching on miles around Munich than it is at bruising the twisty black stuff.
If anything, it's the cruising, not bruising, that makes it so special in my books. It's more comfortable than the BMW M5, yet is no less engaging to those who matter. It's both Mental and Multi-faceted. It's just Mega.
2. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7
Having the latest Golf GTI in this list is a no-brainer. Without any exemptions, it's the absolute best car I've driven this year. Bar none. So what's it doing in second place, then? I'll get to that in a minute.
Once again, the world's King of hot-hatches has become better. In all aspects, I must add. The electric steering is much-improved (though not quite as good as the high of the Mk5 GTI's hydraulic helm), and the way all the available power can be put to good use is beyond impressive.
More than that, it stays a perfectly usable family car that's as good as the standard Golf 1.4 TSI, and that's saying something. One small caveat – it needs the optional DCC adaptive suspension; you'd be mad to have one without it.
1. Peugeot 208 GTi
So this, then, is the highlight of my 2013. Nevermind that the Golf GTI above shades it in every measurable manner (I drove them both through the same endlessly beautiful French Riviera roads), the Peugeot 208 GTi tickled my fancy more vigorously.
You see, I fully expected the Volkswagen to be good – and great it is – but this little French Fräulein truly left me surprised. After all, the base 208 is better known for its chic looks and premium features. Its dynamic prowess, less so.
To me, the fact that this hot version managed to shatter the form books in such a resounding fashion makes it the bigger, more momentous achievement. Better yet, it's manual or nothing! Putting money where my mouth is, I've put my name down for one. 2013, I'm a big fan.
ANTHONY LIM
Quite a number of cars proved memorable this year, and some of those that didn't make the cut for me were far from slouches – the Golf GTI Mk7 and Ford Kuga, to name but two. But five is where the bump stops, and so an estate, an SUV, a sedan, a hatch and a coupe make up my selection. All have certainly been memorable, one way or another.
5. Hyundai i40 Tourer
Not since the Kia Optima (in its Oz suspension tune) has a Korean car impressed me this much. The i40 Tourer turned out to be a bit of a revelation when it came in for the Driven Web Series – I've always had a soft spot for estates, but never expected it to shape up as such an impressive drive.
The 2.0 GDI has plenty of punch, and best of all, it's not zingy when you gun it. The ride is the biggest surprise of all – it's compliant without feeling spongy, and the overall coherency impresses as you pile on the miles. These days, taking the long route home with evaluation mules is rare, but I certainly did with this one.
4. BMW ActiveHybrid 5
Be it this gen or the last, everyone usually lusts after the wild, hot M sister, but that doesn't mean there aren't equally engaging – if not so temperamental – siblings in the mix. For the E60, that happened to be the sterling 545i, and for the F10, the ActiveHybrid 5 is very much the pick of the 'standard' crop.
Plenty to love, from the oodles of accelerative push (the midband is especially winsome) to the overall balance. I really don't know about saving the planet both at this price point and when you're always going to be inclined to gun it, but I can't think of a better shade of green to be in.
3. C346 Ford Focus ST
Sure, something like the new Mk7 Golf GTI is more technically accomplished in terms of drive dynamics, but while I was gobsmacked with its scalpel-like qualities, it didn't strike a chord with me emotionally like the third-gen ST did when I saddled it in June.
Perhaps it's a sign of getting old, but the less gilt-edged feel of the ST works, and then some. Compliant, forgiving even, the softer focus (haha!) means it's the sort of car you could putter around all day in and consider as front-line everyday transport, despite its stick-shifter nature. That I'm signing on the dotted line for one says how old I've become.
2. Range Rover Sport - second-generation
Never been a big LR/RR fan, and the older Range Rover Sport never pushed my buttons. The second-gen one does, and in a massive way – lots to like, from the nattier, modernised interior to the tauter exterior lines and impressive specification of tech and kit available.
Oh, that it drives as well as it does also has much to do with it – the new RRS has much sharper handling and is inherently more refined than the old one. The V6 petrol unit is a more engaging experience compared to the SDV6 oil burner, but the V8 is immense.
Whether you're wading door deep in the stream, climbing into modified 747s or just gliding your way down to the local for a pint, this one will be your huckleberry, and sweetly so.
1. Toyota 86
A month and a half ago, if anyone had ventured that my No 1 choice for 2013 would be that of 2012 I'd have thought him completely loony, but here it is, and all it took was just 10 minutes and a couple of hot laps at Spa Nishiura Motor Park in Gamagori to set the heart aflutter all over again.
No, it wasn't anywhere close to the full-blown Waku-Doki affair Danny had with the 86 racer, and there's still not enough power, but the outing on the short track served a strong reminder of just how alive this one is, and how much emotional appeal it has. The civilian 86 is special, and it'll always have a place in my heart.
DANNY TAN
By all accounts, 2013 wasn't a vintage motoring year for yours truly. I drove a couple of 'coming soon' cars that you will hear about in due time, but they are everyday mass-market machines that are more worthy than wacky.
Locally, many drives passed me by, but helping out in the Driven Web Series meant that I got to finally acquaint myself with some not so new cars. In the end, the pool was just about big enough to fish out a few nice catches, each memorable in its own way.
5. Hyundai i40 2.0 GDI
I had Korean cars all figured out, or so I thought. Flashy styling, bold cabins to match, lots of kit, technically great on paper, but insipid to drive. Break down the latter and you'll find detached steering, engines that aren't that smooth, and chassis tuning that fails to deliver either sport or comfort convincingly.
The Hyundai i40 bucks the trend. The debuting direct-injection 2.0 GDI engine is strong on paper and practice, strong enough to make you not miss a regular 2.4L. The cabin is very well isolated from outside noise, and ride comfort is brilliant - even Rawang's third-world roads (my ultimate test) are pummelled into submission. A soothing companion for the daily grind.
4. Honda Accord
The eighth-gen Honda Accord was quite a good drive despite its size, but it wasn't the complete D-segment sedan. Refinement is far from class leading, the dashboard manages to eschew both form and function, and there weren't many toys to distract either.
It was as if Honda heard this grouchy writer when developing the new Accord. Rolling refinement and NVH are much improved, and the new cabin is class act, with added tech. The masters of packaging have also carved out a bigger cabin from a smaller (and lighter) body, which is handsome to these eyes.
All these make for a plusher big exec, but the Accord drivetrain is still zestier than most in the class and it remains a good drive. Great all-rounder.
3. Maserati Quattroporte S
The new Quattroporte is Maserati's first missile into mainstream German premium marque territory. No longer an overgrown sports sedan, the QP is now the longest standard wheelbase limo in town. There's even a downsized V6 turbo under that shapely hood in Modena's quest to broaden appeal and sell 50,000 cars per year by 2015.
The resulting car isn't as disastrous as romantics would expect, and there's still a sports car buried within. It's not as spine-tingling as the old NA V8 aurally, but the twin-turbo V6 provides plenty of thrust, and Sport mode transforms gentleman limo to loud hooligan in a press of a button. Q4 torque vectoring provides astounding traction. Anyway you want, boss.
2. Toyota 86 6M/T 'Club Racer' @ Sepang
My top car of 2012 is like a subtle, delicate dancer in an age where forced induction rules Planet Car, and where superminis hammer out 200 hp without enthusiasts batting an eyelid. There's no package with this much fun and finesse at RM250k, or RM500k for that matter.
A Sepang trackday I attended showed a different side of the Toyota 86. My steed for the day was a Club Racer-style stripped out car with a stick shift, and we got to race each other on track like there was no tomorrow. The three things I learned were: 1) The 86 can take plenty of punishment. 2) VSC Sport is infallible, you have to be an idiot to crash 3) Buyers of the automatic 86 need help.
1. Honda CR-Z 6M/T Facelift
Like the Toyota 86, the Honda CR-Z makes a repeat appearance on my list. A year on, the coupe has gained a facelift and a new IMA battery. The lithium-ion pack is more power-dense and charge retention is better - the difference is palpable.
It still isn't very fast, but I've always believed that fun and speed are distinct and separable, and there's plenty of driving fun to be had south of 150 hp and 150 km/h. The CR-Z is that, and goes for (much) less than RM150k. And that six-speed manual is as sweet as they come.
Although this writer did state that he "won't be buying one because of that fish face, the useless rear seats and the image it brings," those words have since been swallowed.
