Vehicle: 2007 Mini Cooper S with Technology Pkg, Premium Pkg, Sport Pkg and Chrome Line Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$37790
Performance: Instead of using a blower as its predecessor, Mini decided to put a turbo into the new S. Mini claims the use of turbo would improve its much-criticized fuel economy and acceleration of its supercharged predecessor. [...]

Vehicle: 2007 Volvo S80 V8 AWD with Luxury Pkg, Security Pkg, Premium sound system with 12 Dynoaudio speakers (aux input) and aluminum inlay
Price as tested: CDN$74110
Performance: This is the second application of V8 in Volvo vehicles. The first is the XC90 SUV, the S80 is the first Volvo passenger car to receive an V8 treatment. [...]

Vehicle: 2007 Nissan March
Price as tested: HK$124800
Performance: Even though Nissan called it a 1.2L, its actually a 1240cc powerhouse. No matter what Nissan would love us to call this motor, it has nothing to write home about. Or should I said nothing good to write home about. Yes, I can understand being a low displacement [...]

Vehicle: 2007 Opel Astra 1.8 Panorama
Price as tested: HK$213000
Performance: There are many variants in the Astra range, ranging from high-performance OPC to small 1.6L version. The 1.8L is the mainstay of the family, as it bridges from the smaller 1.6L and the higher performing 2.0L turbocharged version. Interestingly, 1.8L is the 1st engine that GM [...]

Vehicle: 2007 Nissan Elgrand Highway Star
Price as tested: HK$486800
Performance: With Highway Star as flagship trim level for this upscale ppl mover, its expected to have Nissan’s legendary VQ engine performance. Even though this application of VQ35DE only has 240hp, its the torque figure that is more important given its minivan status. That’s 244 lb/ft of [...]

Vehicle: 2007 Honda Stream RSZ
Price as tested: HK$219880
Performance: Given the Stream is based on Civic underpinnings, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it also powered like one. Our uplevel trim level, is powered by the same engine as the one in Acura CSX. That powerhouse is Honda’s proven 2.0 i-VTEC SOHC 16-valver. In Stream’s [...]

Vehicle: 2007 Mazda CX-9 with Luxury Package and Nav with Bluetooth cell phone integration
Price as tested: CDN$50685
Performance: Unlike the turbocharged CX-7, CX-9 is powered by a normally aspirated V6. This 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 is good for 263 horsepower and 249 lb/ft of torque. With our loaded version coming in at around 2100kg, this engine [...]

Vehicle: 2007 VW Polo GTI 1.8T
Price as tested: HK$198000
Performance: Polo is an econocar that comes with a choices of engines. It ranges from the entry-level 1.1L to this 1.8T that we have seen in many VW and Audi’s bonnets. Unlike the heavier Mk4s and Audis, Polo’s unit comes only with 150 ponies and 148 lb/ft [...]

Vehicle: 2007 VW Golf R32
Price as tested: HK$398000
Performance: With 250 horses and 236 lb/ft of torque, latter available from 2800 to 3200 rpm. It is simply a delight to push this refined yet sporty powerplant at any rev range. When the maximum torque starts to arrive a 2800 rpm with 236 lb/ft of torque, one [...]

Vehicle: BMW 130i with Steptronic and sports package
Price as tested: HK$418000
Handling: 1-Series is the only front-engine rear-wheel drive hot hatch in the scene right now. With its close to perfect 50/50 front/rear balance, a very well-tuned suspension and rear-drive configuration, 130i is simply a blast-to-drive in any situation. The steering is typical BMW precise with [...]