By Tessa R. Salazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer

CITY drivers who are used to driving in slow speeds eventually become unable to handle faster country driving.

Austrian Herbert Grunsteidl, BMW AG certified product trainer who recently visited the Philippines for the “Torque: A BMW Xpo Driving Experience,” told Inquirer Motoring that all over the world, this has been a problem with drivers constantly being stuck in slow-moving traffic jams, and who suddenly feel at a loss with which speed to go in the next corner where there is less traffic.

Grunsteidl explained that country driving uses a different driving mindset from city driving.

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By Andre Palma
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ONCE in a while, it is great to suspend all manner of practical thinking. Every day it seems like a necessity to pinch pennies, to think of long-term feasibility and the function of the things we use. Testing cars cannot be oblivious of this frugal frame of mind. The emphasis in media on fuel efficiency, cargo capacity and value for money deals is a clear indication of the motoring public’s clamor for ways to help reduce the cost of the way they motor.

All this focus on economy can get to be tiring in all honesty. One can only suspend their love and enthusiasm for the automobile so much. Thank heavens then for cars that are expressions of striking design, inspired engineering and passion for the open road. Thank heavens for cars like the BMW Z4 Coupé.

It was more than two years ago, at the 2005 Tokyo Motor show that the preproduction model version of this hard-topped Z4 caught my eye. Bathed in a flat gray hue that added more drama to the already theatrical flame-like Chris Bangle design, this was a car that just seemed to absorb light, process it and exude attention as the by-product.

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By Tessa R. Salazar
Inquirer

BMW’S sports activity vehicle with the “athletic Asian physique” (as we call the X5’s mini-me version) sports a new engine, a fresh interior and exterior design as well as some new high-tech stuff.

The X3 magic has not yet worn out, as it retains the nimble handling, admirable steering and braking with the touch of that stiff ride.

The new X3 2.5Si makes its debut with its in-line six-cylinder engine that features a lightweight composite magnesium/aluminum crankcase. It weighs just 165 kg and features variable Valvetronic valve control.

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