Disqus - Latest Comments for terrywang

Re: BYD says Australia is ready for a prestige Chinese brand

terrywang — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:01:41 -0000

Sorry, I am not ready.

Re: 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio review

terrywang — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 02:46:49 -0000

Cylinder Deactivation on a performance car (especially a Ferrari F154 trimmed down engine), a formula for disaster.

Re: Mazda Australia fined $11.5 million for misleading conduct by Federal Court

terrywang — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 02:20:40 -0000

Must be the diesel engine from Mazda. As long you avoid Skyactiv-D you'll be fine with pretty much any Mazda models.

Re: Mazda Australia admits “some overlap” in offering four similar luxury-priced SUVs

terrywang — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 23:23:53 -0000

Instead of offering such a confusing line-up, simply remove two, and build new generation Mazda6 (Atenza) based on the same platform (chassis). Even if it doesn't sell as good as any CX models, it represents Mazda's most refined flagship medium Sedan/Hatch/Wagon that drivers way better than the CXs.

Re: ‘Everything just fails’: The cars that break down the most

terrywang — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:00:36 -0000

Pretty much all BMW N55 or similar, 100% their plastic charge pipes cracks and pop off. Valve cover gasket will leak from certain mileage, most cars are put together intentionally with flaws (for after market parts, servicing benefits), or with compromises (e.g. using plastic pipes to reduce weight but guaranteed to crack in high temperature high pressure environment...).

Surprised to hear Kia cars have head gasket problem (I'd expect that to happen for Stinger GT).

Re: 2012 Mazda 6 GH Wagon owner review

terrywang — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 21:45:23 -0000

NVH is bad (budget problem, $ spent on driving dynamics - Not many cars of that era has double-wishbone front suspension setup.), as Paul mentioned, my feeling is that once it goes over 70km/h I can't hear radio or music... lol

L5-VE 4-pod 2.5L NA lacks a bit of punch (5AT to be blamed, manually shifting can sometimes help but it's afterall a torque converter with no paddle shifter - should have gone with the Sports model...), plus in stop/start traffic it is way too thirsty (vs a straight six single turbo but lighter car...) but can't beat the drivetrain's overall reliability, no complaints.

Still own a GH Mazda 6 Hatch after 12 years?
Only 1 component ever broke, the oxygen sensor, it was about A$230 at the time and an easy 20 mins job to replace it (with proper tools). Looking back, personally I think the exterior design aged really well, even feels elegant (my other car is an OG F87 - good example of nice design), it was pre-kodo design, from front sometimes I feel like it's a lurking leopard waiting to strike, nicely captured. This car did deserve a lot more love over Camry of the same era...

Will keep owning it until it falls apart. It's a shame that Mazda did not continue to make hatchback version of the 3rd gen, the 4th gen, allegedly to have a straight six with RWD (RWD based AWD), looks appealing but the price tag would be close to a BMW 3-Series, I'd really consider buying if the new Mazda inline 6 stands the test (in CX-60, CX-80, CX-90, etc.).

Re: Automatic Toyota GR Yaris will be a “game changer”, says Akio Toyoda – report

terrywang — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 01:24:48 -0000

Nah, it's gonna be Game Over instead of Game changer with non manual transmission...

Re: 2023 Mazda CX-90 launch review

terrywang — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 03:40:30 -0000

Personally I prefer the CX-60 exterior design proportion / size, price (later on) may also be the sweet spot for a medium~large SUV with inline 6 + 8AT + AWD (RWD biased) setup. CX-90's stance is really good from front but the rear, OMG, I instantly reflect X7 and Discovery 5 for some reason, the proportion and lines are definitely not right.

The new inline 6 are complicated, just like BMW's B58, with timing system at the back of the engine, in case maintenance / repair is required, engine has to be disconnected with transmission and taken out -_-z Not sure the decision making behind this, can't understand. I'd be interested to see how these Mazda inline 6 engines go in the next 3 ~ 5 years, in comparison with BMW's N55 successor B58.

Re: 2023 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid video review

terrywang — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 23:18:18 -0000

Just noticed that, could be a good option as there is no hope for Toyota UK to ship Corolla Touring Sport to down under...

Re: 2023 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid video review

terrywang — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 23:17:32 -0000

The wagon form will be much more appealing due to boot space and its usability. It is available in UK market (in addition to JDM), in UK you also have the option for THSII M20A based 2.0L (196hp).

Re: 2023 BMW M2 review: International first drive

terrywang — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:01:58 -0000

No doubt it's a good car based on F87's success. However, the look, completely failed plastic surgery from an OG F87 owner's (previous long time 1 Series M Coupe driver - not the owner though) point of view... hurts my eyes.

Re: 2023 BMW M2 leaked again ahead of next month’s reveal

terrywang — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 06:59:29 -0000

OMG, it really hurts my eyes (as an OG F87 LBB onwer). It looks like some cheap plastic toy with the colour, the rear end look so weird (may be related to the angle of shot). Come on, it's suppose to be the successor of one of the most successful entry level ///M cars (after 1 series M Coupe), mechanically it may be even better than the M2c, but there is no trace of the timeless design and aesthetics.

Re: 2023 Toyota GR Supra revealed with six-speed manual gearbox

terrywang — Mon, 02 May 2022 02:00:14 -0000

Not for handbrake turn but for emergency, when you need handbrake in addition to hard braking, I know how the mechanic handbrake will response / work and it always works (predictable), saved me from severe accident a couple of times. I’ve driven several cars with electronic parking brake, I haven’t tried pulling the button while the car is stilling mobilising. At occasions I accidentally pulled the button while the car was not stationary, it didn’t trigger the action (F25 F15 X series and others). Even if it did work, I’ll probably break that mechanism :-(

Re: 2023 Toyota GR Supra revealed with six-speed manual gearbox

terrywang — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 22:29:41 -0000

I believe VW started it. First saw the manual + electronic parking brake combo on MK7 Golf R or something similar, and later on those hardcore 911 manuals and Cayman GT4, made me wonder, why didn't those German engineers behind the cars oppose and resist? Look at Toyota's GR (except the Bimmer Supra), sigh...

Re: 2023 Toyota GR Supra revealed with six-speed manual gearbox

terrywang — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 22:22:00 -0000

Fair point. Electronic parking brakes (often comes with auto-hold) are good and useful for daily drive cars but the GR Supra manual is NOT designed for daily commute from A to B although it can be used for that with no prob.

Re: 2023 Toyota GR Supra revealed with six-speed manual gearbox

terrywang — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 02:20:48 -0000

Was a bit excited when seeing the title, but again frustrated when seeing another manual with electronic parking brakes.

Re: 2021 Mercedes-Benz G400d review

terrywang — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:37:42 -0000

I'd rather take the Defender P400 (inline 6 turbocharged petrol) - for less than half the price tag, and put the surplus into some other assets that grow in value.

Re: 2021 Tesla Model 3 prices hit new low in Australia, now from $59,900 plus on-road costs

terrywang — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 21:58:28 -0000

I still remember several German cars assembled in USA, the details really surprise you, unless that's within one's expectation.

Re: 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe revealed: New compact coupe retains rear-wheel drive, straight-six power

terrywang — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 07:01:26 -0000

Ah, still think the original F87 M2 looks the best for its class.

Proportion wise, I believe the new RWD 2-series will look better than the M3. I feel some Godzilla GT-R muscular lines from the side look? At least BMW still offer straight six with RWD, hopefully a manual (in EU and US)?

Just don't get the point why BMW moved away from the round day running light (AKA angle eyes). Now it looks like dead fish eyes.

Re: 2021 Hyundai i30 N price and specs: Facelifted hot hatch here in July from $44,500 plus on-road costs

terrywang — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 07:33:44 -0000

Am I the only one who thinks the original i30 N front design looks better?
The new front bumper makes the whole front end looks very busy, like a bug... sigh...
And, it looks so similar to Focus...

Re: 2021 Hyundai i30 N price and specs: Facelifted hot hatch here in July from $44,500 plus on-road costs

terrywang — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 07:30:07 -0000

Didn't expect Fiesta ST to be that good. I'll definitely try it (used ones, can be previous generation). Personally I like the Ford Focus XR5 Turbo ;-)

The original i30 N has been attractive to me (colour, sound and price point combo), then COVID hit, spending behaviours change, no more car spending (already have 2).

Re: Another nail in the coffin for manual gearboxes: Toyota Corolla manual deleted

terrywang — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 08:15:18 -0000

I'd buy 1 of those TNGA Corolla manual, only if Toyota offers highest trim with the manual gearbox, unfortunately not. With manual, you can only get the base trim (Ascent Sport?), sigh. R.I.P. manual on Corolla.

Re: 2021 Kia Picanto GT review

terrywang — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 01:33:34 -0000

I've seen many regular Picanto around the neighbourhood, the exterior does caught my eye (white + red) and I did the homework to see what it is.

Sounds like an appealing package for those who wants a small but manual / fun to drive car, for about 20k, I can't think of anything (of the same size, categorised as small hot hatch) that can offer better bang for the buck.

Re: 2021 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport hatch petrol review

terrywang — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 06:00:56 -0000

Same ask, last time I did the homework, I was told that the Wagon version was produced in the UK plant, same RHD but the shipping cost and production volume... no idea.

It's a shame that Toyota Australia doesn't seem to care about the hybrid wagon in this interesting segment.

Re: 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Prototype review

terrywang — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:58:56 -0000

Isn't this a Wagon? Unless they call electric Wagon SUV...