I test drove the new Porsche Panamera recently. My other experience driving the Panamera was last year during the Media Driving Academy ((MDA) hosted by Porsche Asia-Pacific at Sepang International Circuit. That model I drove was the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and of course, it was fun, accelerating like there’s no tomorrow at the Sepang International Circuit.

The one I test drove is the second generation of the Porsche Panamera. According to the press release, the new Porsche Panamera, is a sports car and luxury saloon in one. Its engines and transmission were re-engineered, the chassis perfected, the display and operating concept interpreted for the future with multitouch controls, and its design embodies core brand values even more.

Okay, I have to say I like the multitouch controls though it took me a while to figure out what’s what. But after, it’s pretty convenient and user friendly for both the driver and passenger.

First let me share with your some of the specs of the new Porsche Panamera.

Concept. Four-door sports car. The four-seat Gran Turismo concept combines the performance of a high-performance sports car with the comfort of a luxury saloon. The tailgate, folding rear seat backrests and up to 1,304 litres of luggage volume make the Panamera the most versatile model in its class. Yes, I actually put two medium size luggages with ease. I didn’t expect that it could fit.

Design and Body. New evolutionary stage of the Panamera concept. Expressively designed – with extended, dynamic proportions, flared shoulders, athletic anks and a much faster roof line. This “ flyline” which is typical of Porsche cars creates a stylistic link to the 911 design icon. Body in aluminium/steel hybrid construction: door panels, bonnet, boot lid, wings, side panels and roof all consist of aluminium.

Powertrain. A V6 Petrol engine with a displacement of 2.9 litres, delivering 243 kW (330 hp). New Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) with eight speeds and all-wheel drive for all models.

Chassis. Broad spread between performance and comfort sets standards in the luxury segment. New features include rear axle steering, three-chamber air suspension, the electromechanical roll stabilisation system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) as well as networking of all chassis systems via 4D Chassis Control.

Electrics and Electronics. New Porsche Advanced Cockpit and state-of-the-art connectivity. Black panel surfaces and interactive displays combine the visuality and intuitive operation of smartphones with the practical aspects of controlling an automobile. New LED Matrix headlights and new assistance systems such as InnoDrive and Night Vision Assist (optional). This one is a clear winner. I totally agree that it’s quite intuitive.

Other features. Standard: 19-inch (4S and 4S Diesel) and 20-inch wheels (Turbo), LED head- lights and LED headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (Turbo), LED rear lights, rain sensor, automatic boot lid, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with online navigation and Porsche Connect Plus (online services and app networking with smartphone), Bose 150-watt sound system, key- less engine starting system, part-leather seats (4S and 4S Diesel) or all-leather upholstery (Turbo).

The new Porsche Panamera, now available for test drive

Such a comfort feeling. Only thing is that I have to keep adjusting the seat to the front whenever I enter the Panamera.

How the interior looks at night

Driving down to Kuala Beliat was such a breeze in the Panamera

How I wish I could drive this for a lifetime

My thoughts. There’s something unique about the Porsche Panamera because if you look closely at the design flow of the latest Panamera, it does resembles that of the iconic Porsche 911. Speaking of 911, my favourite Porsche model is the 911 GT3. Now back to the Panamera. This is perhaps the most comfortable luxury segment saloon for both driver and passengers. Firstly it’s spacious.. Yes, very, very spacious for a space of four people. The interior itself are luxurious to say the least.

Let’s talk about the Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment. I like the fact that there is a 10-inch touchscreen located in the centre for the convenient of back seat passengers. The sound of the Rear Seat Entertainment is played back via the loudspeakers integrated into the touchscreens, the vehicle’s sound system. rear passengers can access the radio. The screens can also be used to display vehicle data and the current navigation route with related supplemental information. It is even possible to input destinations for the PCM’s navigation system via the Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment system. The functional range is also signicantly extended by giving rear passengers access to all products available at the Google® Play Store. The Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment system can be controlled by touchscreens or alternatively from the PCM.

Now the driving experience. It’s not just spacious but the new Panamera packs a power. It’s stable during roundabouts and corners even at higher speed. The transition between the gears in the Panamera’s eight-speed gearbox seemed seamless and smooth.

I took it for a spin from Bandar to Kuala Belait and I can assure if you for those who commutes from those points, you will eventually love driving back and forth. It is just simply comfortable and it’s a breeze, driving in the Panamera. Just have to be mindful to check your speedometer that you might exceed the speed limit because you won’t even feel how fast the Panamera can go.

For those interested in the new Porsche Panamera, there are many options to choose from such as optional Night Vision Assist and Innodrive. You can also opt for other models in the Panamera such as the Panamera Turbo or the Panamera 4S. You can contact Porsche Centre Brunei, QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd if you’re interested for a test drive of the new Porsche Panamera.

Such a spacious booth for a Panamera. I could fit two medium sized luggages.

The Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment

Just look at that space

I love driving in sports mode but it does eat up petrol quicker than usual

Sound system powered by Bose

This model has only been two months old in Brunei. The Mini Countryman model. It was launched early April at Mini Showroom at Mabohai Shopping Complex and I had the privilege to test drive it around to see what the Mini Countryman Cooper S has to offer to potential owners.

I have driven a Mini before but not the Countryman. Let me share the specs first on the Mini Countryman Cooper S has.

Key features and highlights.

Exterior.
• The new MINI Countryman is 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor.
• Electrical tailgate control as well as touchless opening and closing of the tailgate.

Interior.
• Five fully-fledged seats, clear increase in space and versatility.
• MINI Picnic Bench: fold-out load loading sill cushion as a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid and for general outdoor use.

Assistance (Optional).
• Central instrument with touchscreen function for the first time.
• MINI Country Timer measures driving fun over demanding terrain.

The new MINI Cooper S Countryman Specifications.
Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI Twin Power Turbo Technology (turbocharging, direct injection, VALVETRONIC).
Capacity: 1,998 cc.
Max output: 192 hp at 5,000 rpm.
Max torque: 280 Nm from 1,350–4,600 rpm.
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.
Top speed: 222 km/h.
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.0 l/100 km.
Combined CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 141 g/km.

The Mini Connect. Love this 😀

Love the handling

How it looks at night

The Mini Countryman Cooper S is such a beauty

Five seats in the interior, two on the Picnic Bench.
An electric tailgate control is available as an option. This makes touchless opening and closing of the tailgate possible in conjunction with Comfort Access. The optional storage package comprises not only a variable load floor, lashing eyes and tension straps but also a stainless steel insert on the loading sill. One unique option is the Picnic Bench – a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and provides seating for two people.

Powerful proportions, matured character.
The latest generation of the MINI Countryman goes even further in terms of the model’s versatility, agility and premium character. Thanks to its powerful proportions, the new MINI Countryman has a particularly distinctive presence. Its unmistakable aura is defined by an extended ground clearance and raised seating position, further emphasised by the MINI ALL4 exterior look (for Cooper S variant only) and high roof rails. The new MINI Countryman features design elements that are typical of the brand, including the clear three-way structure of the side view – broken down into roof, glass section and main corpus – as well as the short overhangs, large wheel arches and downward increase in width.

Precise contours on the generous surfaces create an attractive play of light and shade that underscores the car‘s athletic shaping and the vertical orientation of the body. The selection of body finishes includes the variants Island Blue metallic and Chestnut, which are now available for a MINI for the first time. Numerous model-specific design elements such as the striking helmet roof, the upright rear lights, the hexagonal radiator grille and the large headlamps have undergone evolutionary development. The side turn indicator surrounds known as side scuttles exhibit a new arrow-like shape. The roof rails in satin-finished aluminium are combined with silver-coloured side sill tops, thereby lending greater visual emphasis to the car’s height. Horizontal lines dominate at the rear, with the vertically arranged light units providing an appealing contrast.

LED headlamps with peripheral daytime driving light ring for the first time.
The striking profile of the headlamp units deviates from the circular shape that is otherwise typical of the brand. Their distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contour goes together with the radiator grille to produce an unmistakable front view. The parking lights integrated in the air inlets are used for the daytime driving light as standard. In conjunction with the optional LED headlamps, the latter is generated for the first time by a band of light running entirely around each headlamp.

Distinctive cockpit design.
With a clear horizontal structure, stretched lines and generously sized surfaces, the distinctively designed cockpit emphasises the solid character of the new MINI Countryman. The profile of the air vents echoes the vertical orientation of the exterior design elements. In addition to the high-quality materials and precise finish, the modern, ergonomically optimised controls contribute to the car’s exclusive ambience. The hallmark central instrument is integrated in the instrument panel and is surrounded by an LED ring that provides a lighting display in response to driving situations by way of control feedback. This forms part of the MINI Excitement Package, which also comprises the LED ambient lighting and a projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when opening and closing the car.

I drove it for a few days and I love it.

Ok, maybe I’m too “sakai” over this. This happens whenever I unlock the car.

Do visit the Mini Showroom to see other models or my highly recommended car – Countryman Cooper S

My thoughts after test driving: I am sold (If I only have enough resources). There is so much to love about the Mini Countryman Cooper S. It feels quirky, high quality or should I say a premium feel. The cockpit design does win my heart and loving how the colours are portrayed within the surroundings, making my driving experience a little more cheerful and colourful. It definitely lifts up my mood subconsciously.

Practically wise, this ranks quite high. Why? It’s pretty spacious for a Mini. The side bin compartment (by the door) are spacious even and I’m a person that brings many small things along with me. You should have seen my actual car (Just too many things but little places to put). Even the back is quite spacious. I can safely put my bag pack and my tennis bag and still have more room to play with. Ah, ideal when you are heading for a family picnic.

Now the driving experience. This could be the buying factor for potential Mini owners. It has power, speed, stability and most of all, comfort. Sometimes I have to remind myself to drive within the speed limit because once you’re in the “comfort” zone, you can’t even feel that you are driving that fast. I played around with different driving mode from Green (economical) to Sport and you can feel the difference on how the Countryman responds when you press on the accelerator. The Countryman handles cornering pretty good too (better than other continental cars I tell you) and it must be the progressive steering mechanism.

One thing I that annoys me is that the ergonomic seating and spacing make it tougher for me to place my phone. I know it’s a bad habit to even touch with your phone while driving but in the Mini, my phone has a mind of its own to fall into the gaps *lol* Most of the time, the driver (me) will have a tough time even reaching my phone through the gap. So I will give up instead and keep driving to my destination.

The price tag might also make you think twice about the Mini Countryman Cooper S. However, once you test drive the Countryman, you will understand why one person will be investing in this unique model. I will definitely be a proud owner if I have the resources and would be my priority. It’s so much fun and inspires me simply drive out for no reason.

You want to check out more, do visit their showroom at Mabohai Shopping Complex or visit their website www.mini.com.bn or their IG @mini_brunei for updates.