The best cars of 2016
19 Dec 2016|20,467 views
On most days, our morning cups of tea don't quite hit the spot. On other days, we desperately try to fight writer's block at 10:53pm while our friends are out enjoying a cold pint, or two. And, every once in awhile, we stare at our laptops, weary and uninspired, asking ourselves, "Why are we doing this?"
The answer is quite simple actually. Cars. We put ourselves through tedious days because when they end, we find ourselves in the driver's seat of something nice, something magical, or just downright technologically impressive. The love for cars can only be understood by those who have experienced it and whether it's a short drive home or a long one across the Causeway, driving is what keeps us driven.
So, as an expression of gratitude to these marvelous machines that have made our 2016 so much easier to bear, we've decided to compile 10, which have really left their mark in our hearts this year. Here they are:
Audi RS3 Sportback
Audi had to make a statement with its second generation RS3 Sportback because it goes up against the Mercedes-AMG A 45, which holds the title of most powerful and fastest hot hatch.
However, the latest RS3 is more than just a firecracker five-banger, which produces seductive exhaust notes, as most people imagine. It's also strangely practical, very easy to live with and even easier to drive fast thanks to heavily improved dynamics. The car doesn't hold back on delivering outstanding cornering pace and grip. What's not to love?
Audi had to make a statement with its second generation RS3 Sportback because it goes up against the Mercedes-AMG A 45, which holds the title of most powerful and fastest hot hatch.
However, the latest RS3 is more than just a firecracker five-banger, which produces seductive exhaust notes, as most people imagine. It's also strangely practical, very easy to live with and even easier to drive fast thanks to heavily improved dynamics. The car doesn't hold back on delivering outstanding cornering pace and grip. What's not to love?
BMW M2 Coupe
With its hearty performance and driving spirit, the BMW M2 proves to be a worthy successor to the BMW 1M Coupe.
It's loaded with a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six powerplant that sends 370bhp and a massive 465Nm of torque to the rear wheels. But, don't let its pint-size body and large power figures scare you. Everything about it - from the talkative steering and the progressive accelerator to the sonorous soundtrack and the immense grip - makes you feel like you've known this car for a long time.
With its hearty performance and driving spirit, the BMW M2 proves to be a worthy successor to the BMW 1M Coupe.
It's loaded with a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six powerplant that sends 370bhp and a massive 465Nm of torque to the rear wheels. But, don't let its pint-size body and large power figures scare you. Everything about it - from the talkative steering and the progressive accelerator to the sonorous soundtrack and the immense grip - makes you feel like you've known this car for a long time.
Ferrari 488 GTB
The 488 GTB steps into a role that's a clear evolution from the 458, although definitely a bit more racing-influenced in styling and design on the outside.
While turbochargers have been associated with lag as well as limited low revolutions per minute of torque, Ferrari has incorporated a wide range of technologies to give the 488 a broad, flat torque band. Its new, twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine dominates the driving experience, thanks to a monstrous 660bhp and thumping 760Nm of twisting force.
The 488 GTB steps into a role that's a clear evolution from the 458, although definitely a bit more racing-influenced in styling and design on the outside.
While turbochargers have been associated with lag as well as limited low revolutions per minute of torque, Ferrari has incorporated a wide range of technologies to give the 488 a broad, flat torque band. Its new, twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine dominates the driving experience, thanks to a monstrous 660bhp and thumping 760Nm of twisting force.
Honda Civic Turbo
The new Honda Civic gets a powerful, new turbocharged VTEC engine and is a huge step up from before, ready to right the wrongs of the previous car. It promises to bring the Japanese marque's A-game back with a turbocharged 1.5-litre producing 170bhp and 220Nm of torque and class leading dynamics.
Inside, cabin design is modern and minimalistic, finished in high-quality materials. Seating space, front and rear, are aplenty for a mid-sized sedan. In fact, the space you get is comparable to cars a size larger.
The new Honda Civic gets a powerful, new turbocharged VTEC engine and is a huge step up from before, ready to right the wrongs of the previous car. It promises to bring the Japanese marque's A-game back with a turbocharged 1.5-litre producing 170bhp and 220Nm of torque and class leading dynamics.
Inside, cabin design is modern and minimalistic, finished in high-quality materials. Seating space, front and rear, are aplenty for a mid-sized sedan. In fact, the space you get is comparable to cars a size larger.
Jaguar F-Pace
Jaguar may be late for the sport utility vehicle party, but the F-PACE proves it is well worth the wait.
The 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged unit residing under the its curvy bonnet is a gem of an engine. Sending some 335 horses and 450Nm of twisting force to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, this jungle cat is a pacesetter for cars to follow. Throw it into a couple of corners and you gain admiration for the work the Jaguar engineers have put into the car's suspension system.
Jaguar may be late for the sport utility vehicle party, but the F-PACE proves it is well worth the wait.
The 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged unit residing under the its curvy bonnet is a gem of an engine. Sending some 335 horses and 450Nm of twisting force to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, this jungle cat is a pacesetter for cars to follow. Throw it into a couple of corners and you gain admiration for the work the Jaguar engineers have put into the car's suspension system.
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Lexus GS F
The Lexus GS F is a little bit of a grand tourer and a little bit of a muscle car - engaging to drive yet easy to live with on a daily basis. It can also easily pass off as the standard GS. But, look closely and you'll identify clues to the wolf-in-sheep-clothing's racing pedigree.
Under the bonnet of this high-performance GS, you'll find a stonking 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, which delivers 471bhp and 530Nm of torque. The engine is utter petrolhead ear candy, and true to fine naturally aspirated form.
MINI Cooper S Clubman
Despite its grown-up stature, expanded dimensions and refined interior, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman is an absolute riot to drive. Under its the bonnet is an incredibly soulful engine that really grows on you. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant puts out 192bhp and 280Nm of torque, which can be briefly increased to 300Nm via an overboost function.
The car, as expected, also has an incredible chuckability that is almost appalling for something of its size and stature.
Despite its grown-up stature, expanded dimensions and refined interior, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman is an absolute riot to drive. Under its the bonnet is an incredibly soulful engine that really grows on you. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant puts out 192bhp and 280Nm of torque, which can be briefly increased to 300Nm via an overboost function.
The car, as expected, also has an incredible chuckability that is almost appalling for something of its size and stature.
Porsche 718 Boxster S
The 718 Boxster S may have lost two cylinders, but it definitely hasn't lost its confidence as a pure bred Porsche sports car. The turbocharged 718 Boxster S now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of twisting force to the hind wheels, and all seven gears from the PDK automatic transmission shift with high levels of urgency yet seamlessly and accurately.
This, of course, is accompanied by an obnoxious but pleasurable mechanical symphony coming from behind your ears. Whether you're driving it around town or on a race track, it never disappoints.
The 718 Boxster S may have lost two cylinders, but it definitely hasn't lost its confidence as a pure bred Porsche sports car. The turbocharged 718 Boxster S now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of twisting force to the hind wheels, and all seven gears from the PDK automatic transmission shift with high levels of urgency yet seamlessly and accurately.
This, of course, is accompanied by an obnoxious but pleasurable mechanical symphony coming from behind your ears. Whether you're driving it around town or on a race track, it never disappoints.
Toyota Prius
The all new Toyota Prius' combination of sleek looks, thoughtful design, engaging drive and improved fuel economy is set to revolutionise the hybrid game.
Some nip-and-tuck mean that it's now sleeker and more coupe-like, while cabin comfort has been improved. The Prius also bucks the expectation of hybrids being uninspiring machines. Power delivery is delightfully smooth, and the transition between electric and petrol power is seamless. Plus, it handles itself remarkably well on bendy roads.
The all new Toyota Prius' combination of sleek looks, thoughtful design, engaging drive and improved fuel economy is set to revolutionise the hybrid game.
Some nip-and-tuck mean that it's now sleeker and more coupe-like, while cabin comfort has been improved. The Prius also bucks the expectation of hybrids being uninspiring machines. Power delivery is delightfully smooth, and the transition between electric and petrol power is seamless. Plus, it handles itself remarkably well on bendy roads.
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line
The Volkswagen Passat gets the turbocharged 2.0-litre motor found in the Golf GTI and a suave R-Line kit, which makes the brand's family sedan more desirable than it already is.
Its 217bhp and 350Nm of torque readily sends it from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Plus, its tight and taut body means that you can utilise the power around bends and remain confident of the car's abilities to conquer them nimbly. Inside, a luxurious cabin is a display of Volkswagen's four decade-long pursuit of perfection with the Passat.
The Volkswagen Passat gets the turbocharged 2.0-litre motor found in the Golf GTI and a suave R-Line kit, which makes the brand's family sedan more desirable than it already is.
Its 217bhp and 350Nm of torque readily sends it from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Plus, its tight and taut body means that you can utilise the power around bends and remain confident of the car's abilities to conquer them nimbly. Inside, a luxurious cabin is a display of Volkswagen's four decade-long pursuit of perfection with the Passat.
On most days, our morning cups of tea don't quite hit the spot. On other days, we desperately try to fight writer's block at 10:53pm while our friends are out enjoying a cold pint, or two. And, every once in awhile, we stare at our laptops, weary and uninspired, asking ourselves, "Why are we doing this?"
The answer is quite simple actually. Cars. We put ourselves through tedious days because when they end, we find ourselves in the driver's seat of something nice, something magical, or just downright technologically impressive. The love for cars can only be understood by those who have experienced it and whether it's a short drive home or a long one across the Causeway, driving is what keeps us driven.
So, as an expression of gratitude to these marvelous machines that have made our 2016 so much easier to bear, we've decided to compile 10, which have really left their mark in our hearts this year. Here they are:
Audi RS3 Sportback
Audi had to make a statement with its second generation RS3 Sportback because it goes up against the Mercedes-AMG A 45, which holds the title of most powerful and fastest hot hatch.
However, the latest RS3 is more than just a firecracker five-banger, which produces seductive exhaust notes, as most people imagine. It's also strangely practical, very easy to live with and even easier to drive fast thanks to heavily improved dynamics. The car doesn't hold back on delivering outstanding cornering pace and grip. What's not to love?
Audi had to make a statement with its second generation RS3 Sportback because it goes up against the Mercedes-AMG A 45, which holds the title of most powerful and fastest hot hatch.
However, the latest RS3 is more than just a firecracker five-banger, which produces seductive exhaust notes, as most people imagine. It's also strangely practical, very easy to live with and even easier to drive fast thanks to heavily improved dynamics. The car doesn't hold back on delivering outstanding cornering pace and grip. What's not to love?
BMW M2 Coupe
With its hearty performance and driving spirit, the BMW M2 proves to be a worthy successor to the BMW 1M Coupe.
It's loaded with a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six powerplant that sends 370bhp and a massive 465Nm of torque to the rear wheels. But, don't let its pint-size body and large power figures scare you. Everything about it - from the talkative steering and the progressive accelerator to the sonorous soundtrack and the immense grip - makes you feel like you've known this car for a long time.
With its hearty performance and driving spirit, the BMW M2 proves to be a worthy successor to the BMW 1M Coupe.
It's loaded with a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six powerplant that sends 370bhp and a massive 465Nm of torque to the rear wheels. But, don't let its pint-size body and large power figures scare you. Everything about it - from the talkative steering and the progressive accelerator to the sonorous soundtrack and the immense grip - makes you feel like you've known this car for a long time.
Ferrari 488 GTB
The 488 GTB steps into a role that's a clear evolution from the 458, although definitely a bit more racing-influenced in styling and design on the outside.
While turbochargers have been associated with lag as well as limited low revolutions per minute of torque, Ferrari has incorporated a wide range of technologies to give the 488 a broad, flat torque band. Its new, twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine dominates the driving experience, thanks to a monstrous 660bhp and thumping 760Nm of twisting force.
The 488 GTB steps into a role that's a clear evolution from the 458, although definitely a bit more racing-influenced in styling and design on the outside.
While turbochargers have been associated with lag as well as limited low revolutions per minute of torque, Ferrari has incorporated a wide range of technologies to give the 488 a broad, flat torque band. Its new, twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine dominates the driving experience, thanks to a monstrous 660bhp and thumping 760Nm of twisting force.
Honda Civic Turbo
The new Honda Civic gets a powerful, new turbocharged VTEC engine and is a huge step up from before, ready to right the wrongs of the previous car. It promises to bring the Japanese marque's A-game back with a turbocharged 1.5-litre producing 170bhp and 220Nm of torque and class leading dynamics.
Inside, cabin design is modern and minimalistic, finished in high-quality materials. Seating space, front and rear, are aplenty for a mid-sized sedan. In fact, the space you get is comparable to cars a size larger.
The new Honda Civic gets a powerful, new turbocharged VTEC engine and is a huge step up from before, ready to right the wrongs of the previous car. It promises to bring the Japanese marque's A-game back with a turbocharged 1.5-litre producing 170bhp and 220Nm of torque and class leading dynamics.
Inside, cabin design is modern and minimalistic, finished in high-quality materials. Seating space, front and rear, are aplenty for a mid-sized sedan. In fact, the space you get is comparable to cars a size larger.
Jaguar F-Pace
Jaguar may be late for the sport utility vehicle party, but the F-PACE proves it is well worth the wait.
The 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged unit residing under the its curvy bonnet is a gem of an engine. Sending some 335 horses and 450Nm of twisting force to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, this jungle cat is a pacesetter for cars to follow. Throw it into a couple of corners and you gain admiration for the work the Jaguar engineers have put into the car's suspension system.
Jaguar may be late for the sport utility vehicle party, but the F-PACE proves it is well worth the wait.
The 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged unit residing under the its curvy bonnet is a gem of an engine. Sending some 335 horses and 450Nm of twisting force to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, this jungle cat is a pacesetter for cars to follow. Throw it into a couple of corners and you gain admiration for the work the Jaguar engineers have put into the car's suspension system.
Lexus GS F
The Lexus GS F is a little bit of a grand tourer and a little bit of a muscle car - engaging to drive yet easy to live with on a daily basis. It can also easily pass off as the standard GS. But, look closely and you'll identify clues to the wolf-in-sheep-clothing's racing pedigree.
Under the bonnet of this high-performance GS, you'll find a stonking 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, which delivers 471bhp and 530Nm of torque. The engine is utter petrolhead ear candy, and true to fine naturally aspirated form.
MINI Cooper S Clubman
Despite its grown-up stature, expanded dimensions and refined interior, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman is an absolute riot to drive. Under its the bonnet is an incredibly soulful engine that really grows on you. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant puts out 192bhp and 280Nm of torque, which can be briefly increased to 300Nm via an overboost function.
The car, as expected, also has an incredible chuckability that is almost appalling for something of its size and stature.
Despite its grown-up stature, expanded dimensions and refined interior, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman is an absolute riot to drive. Under its the bonnet is an incredibly soulful engine that really grows on you. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant puts out 192bhp and 280Nm of torque, which can be briefly increased to 300Nm via an overboost function.
The car, as expected, also has an incredible chuckability that is almost appalling for something of its size and stature.
Porsche 718 Boxster S
The 718 Boxster S may have lost two cylinders, but it definitely hasn't lost its confidence as a pure bred Porsche sports car. The turbocharged 718 Boxster S now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of twisting force to the hind wheels, and all seven gears from the PDK automatic transmission shift with high levels of urgency yet seamlessly and accurately.
This, of course, is accompanied by an obnoxious but pleasurable mechanical symphony coming from behind your ears. Whether you're driving it around town or on a race track, it never disappoints.
The 718 Boxster S may have lost two cylinders, but it definitely hasn't lost its confidence as a pure bred Porsche sports car. The turbocharged 718 Boxster S now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of twisting force to the hind wheels, and all seven gears from the PDK automatic transmission shift with high levels of urgency yet seamlessly and accurately.
This, of course, is accompanied by an obnoxious but pleasurable mechanical symphony coming from behind your ears. Whether you're driving it around town or on a race track, it never disappoints.
Toyota Prius
The all new Toyota Prius' combination of sleek looks, thoughtful design, engaging drive and improved fuel economy is set to revolutionise the hybrid game.
Some nip-and-tuck mean that it's now sleeker and more coupe-like, while cabin comfort has been improved. The Prius also bucks the expectation of hybrids being uninspiring machines. Power delivery is delightfully smooth, and the transition between electric and petrol power is seamless. Plus, it handles itself remarkably well on bendy roads.
The all new Toyota Prius' combination of sleek looks, thoughtful design, engaging drive and improved fuel economy is set to revolutionise the hybrid game.
Some nip-and-tuck mean that it's now sleeker and more coupe-like, while cabin comfort has been improved. The Prius also bucks the expectation of hybrids being uninspiring machines. Power delivery is delightfully smooth, and the transition between electric and petrol power is seamless. Plus, it handles itself remarkably well on bendy roads.
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line
The Volkswagen Passat gets the turbocharged 2.0-litre motor found in the Golf GTI and a suave R-Line kit, which makes the brand's family sedan more desirable than it already is.
Its 217bhp and 350Nm of torque readily sends it from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Plus, its tight and taut body means that you can utilise the power around bends and remain confident of the car's abilities to conquer them nimbly. Inside, a luxurious cabin is a display of Volkswagen's four decade-long pursuit of perfection with the Passat.
The Volkswagen Passat gets the turbocharged 2.0-litre motor found in the Golf GTI and a suave R-Line kit, which makes the brand's family sedan more desirable than it already is.
Its 217bhp and 350Nm of torque readily sends it from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Plus, its tight and taut body means that you can utilise the power around bends and remain confident of the car's abilities to conquer them nimbly. Inside, a luxurious cabin is a display of Volkswagen's four decade-long pursuit of perfection with the Passat.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
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