Car-nal Indulgence

Whether you swoon at Audi TTs or lurve the Love Bug, there's a car for every type of woman out there. We put our pedal to the metal to give you a girl's guide to these dream machines.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- By Wong Siew Ying

A champagne-gold Nissan Sunny was clocking 50km/hr, firmly gripping the sunburnt tarmac along Tampines on a humid Sunday afternoon. With the heat beating down on its dust-coagulated back, the Nissan driver thought, "Oh, what a beautiful day." Just then, a white Benz came from now where, very much like your enchanting knight in shiny armour, except, this was no knight. And so, Japanese brakes went a-screeching, A Continental horn blared; thankfully, no Singaporean crash followed.

The driver of the said Benz threw me a 'what's-wrong-with-you-are-you-stupid' glare and sped off. Leaving me stunned and white-knuckled, with my driving instructor's wrath (and saliva) raining down on me. I had a solid 15-minute tongue lashing, all the way from Tampines to Ubi driving centre. Can't actually blame me when he insisted on conducting the driving lessons in Hokkien-tinged Mandarin.

Okay, so I am one of those "bitches" who can't drive to save her skin, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate anything that moves on wheels. To the contrary, I adore cars, especially 2-seater convertibles. Let's put my lousy driving aside and talk about our modern-day chariots then.

Like lip colour, neckties and lingerie, cars tell a lot about you. It could be a reflection of your innermost being or your state of mind. It's not rocket science. We all know our possessions are extensions of ourselves, cars notwithstanding. So, which car matches who you are?

Trendoid

Who are you?
You're a firm believer in celebrating life and coordinating your look, right down to toenail colours and matching farmer hat. You haven't missed a defining trend for the last 5 years.

Protocol:
Maximise fun(k).

Probable Turn-ons:
Volkswagen Beetle, Honda Civic hatchback, Toyota ECHO and Ford Ka

Our vote goes to:
Who in the world can resist the bewitching cuteness of the VW Beetle? This epitome of cool juxtaposes the soul of the 80s and ergonomics of the 90s. Plus, we really could use the height-adjustable front seats and steering column, 6-speaker digital stereo radio and CD player, sunglass storage compartment, outdoor temperature gauge, cup holders, reading lights for all passengers and most importantly - illuminated vanity mirrors.

>> Official Volkswagen Site - http://www.vw.com

Miss Rough & Tough

Who are you?
Living on the edge, soaking up adventure and thrills are what you enjoy most. Your idea of getting in touch with yourself is marauding on dirt tracks and mean streets, feeling the awe of nature around you and the power of your monstrous 4WD at your feet.

Protocol:
Maximise performance.

Probable Turn-ons:
Suzuki Jimmy/Vitara, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota RAV4 and Lexus RX300

Our vote goes to:
The Vitara, because it offers the best bargain, topping an impressive feature list with a 7-position tilt steering wheel and tons of specifications, which so overwhelm me. Everyone knows a Vitara when they see one: artistry in motion. Pleasure, price, performance and precision - what more do I need to say?

>> Official Suzuki Site - http://www.suzuki.com

Cents & Sensibility Girl

Who are you?
You're not exactly a penny-pincher, more like someone who wants to get her money's worth - an economical urbanite. Practicality is the order of the day and logic takes over. What you want is a car that gets you to your destination without having to break the bank.

Protocol:
Maximise liquidity.

Probable Turn-ons:
Suzuki Swift, Renault Kangoo, Hyundai Atos and Nissan March.

Our vote goes to:
It has to be the Kangoo. The van-meets-car auto is really big on function and easy on the pocket. This unconventional vehicle features foldaway back seats for expandable storage space. The Kangoo can run on diesel, which means you save again, on fuel. Bursting with fun appeal, it makes a nifty leisure pursuit. Available in bright orange, yellow and red, these add colours to the streets.

>> Official Renault Site - http://www.renault.com

Glitzy Diva

Who are you?
Grace Kelly-wannabe zipping down Orchard Road, manoeuvering turns while turning heads. With wind in your hair and Christian Dior shades perched geometrically atop your forehead, you ooze sophistication and prosperity. You probably need a swanky car to go with those Prada mules.

Protocol:
Maximise attention.

Probable Turn-ons:
BMW Z3, Audi TT Coupe, Mercedes-Benz SLK, MGF and Mazda Miata MX5

Our vote goes to:
We love all of them (the forbidden fruit is always sweeter). These machines hug the roads with sheer control; they send hearts racing even when they're stationary. Every mile is accentuated with excitement. Bask in the praises and attention from envious eyes. Take one of these for a spin around town or tether along pub-lined roads. Witness how people gawk or drool vodka all over themselves - now that's what I call a star vehicle.

>> Official BMW Site - http://www.bmw.com
>> Official Audi Site - http://www.audi.com
>> Official Mercedes-Benz Site - http://www.mercedes-benz.com.sg
>> Official MG Site - http://www.mgcars.co.uk
>> Official Mazda Site - http://www.mazda.com

Hard-Nosed Utilitarian

Who are you?
Being the sociable and homey girl that you are, you want a vehicle that will fit in your friends and relatives, yet have some space for the picnic basket - but you really don't want to buy a mini-bus.

Protocol:
Maximise space.

Probable Turn-ons:
Honda Odyssey, Mitsubishi Mirage Sportswagon, Mitsubishi Spacewagon Chariot and Renault Scenic

Our vote goes to:
Here's a car claustrophobics wouldn't mind sitting in. The Spacewagon Chariot is a flexi-arrangement 6 or 7-seater family car. It boasts plenty of head- and leg-room, plus a special clear walk-through aisle, uncommon in most wagon vehicles. For a big car like Chariot, the IVNECS II Sports transmission enables safe control and handling.


>> Official Mitsubishi Site - http://www.mitsubishicars.com.sg

So, your car, your image, your call. Take your time, test drive as many cars as you like and buy the one that you (and your purse) are comfortable with. Finally, I would like to add that I did clear my driving test, and I am working on cruising smoothly (until a certain friend stops feeling nauseous every time I am behind the wheel).

What's your favourite car?
Do you agree with our choices?
>> Click here to start a topic now.