Best Car Singapore Issue 5 Preview

28

スクープ

BESTSCOOP6 SLEEK AND SPORTY

Meet Toyota and Subaru’s new FT-86II

12 2011~2011 AUTO CALENDARBest Car lists all the Japanese cars retailing over the next two years.

イベント

BESTEVENTS18 TOKYO AUTO SALON!

The Tokyo Auto Salon dazzled and dazzled.

6

If you have a story to tell, or would like to contribute to Best Car, drop us an email at [email protected].

We Are Looking...

対決

BESTSHOWDOWN51 STOP PRIUS!

Toyota Prius has topped the bestseller list for far too long, and its competitors are ready to strike.

特集

BESTFEATURE62 HYUNDAI’S SUCCESS STORY

Twenty years ago, Hyundai assembled cars for Ford. But times have changed.

67 THE HISTORY OF JAPANESE GTS, VOL. IIWe continue our exploration of the Japanese GT scene, this time from the last two decades of the 20th Century to the first decade of the 21st.

目次

CONTENTSTABL

E OF

目次

62

51

デビュー

BESTDEBUTANT28 THE WAIT IS OVER!

Suzuki welcomed the New Year with the highly anticipated new MR Wagon and Solio.

32 THE CHOSEN ONESMazda Demio and Mitsubishi Global Small are the lucky models that will receive their automakers’ most innovative technologies.

レポート

BESTREPORT-O!36 BIG THINGS COME IN

SMALL PACKAGESBest Car explores this year’s compact car scene, and ranks the best models in their respective categories.

40 THE 21ST CENTURY’S 10 BEST CARSBest Car presents 21st century automotive industry’s greatest hits!

36

ファッション

BESTRUNWAY100 GREEN DAY OUT

Rachel and Stella relax in the lush gardens of Hotel Fort Canning.

106 NAUTICAL AND NICEWho says that comfort cannot mesh with style?

ライフスタイル

BESTLIFESTYLE108 HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The Park Regis Experience.

グルメ

BESTGOUMET110 A TRIAL BY FIRE

Enjoy the earthy flavours of traditional Japanese Yakimono at En Grill and Bar.

ギフト

BESTGIFTS112 FREEBIES R US

You Like, we give, you take.

We Are Looking...

ガジェット：車

BESTWHIZBANGS: CARS94 HKS GARAGE R:

YOUR DRIVE, THEIR PASSIONArmed with a winning motto, HKS Garage R goes beyond the call of automotive duty.

ガジェット：ライフスタイル

BESTWHIZBANGS: LIFESTYLE96 BEYOND PAPER AND INK

eBook readers introduce an entirely novel reading experience.

98 HOT REELSApril is all about laughter, so tickle your funny bone with these cinematic delights.

99 BEST PLAYLISTThis month, we up the ante with some head-banging hits.

キーパーソン

BESTA-LIST79 GAMBATTE!

On 17 March, Over 150 local and Japanese artists converge for a cause at Blu Jaz Cafe.

82 KARTING FOR LADIES ONLYLadies’ Night @KartRight gets the girls into the karting game. Are you ready for this?

85 FUN CAR LABORATORY VOL. 5Terry Itoh wishes he was born French after test-driving Renault’s Kangoo Be Bop.

88 SUPER CARLIFE VOL. 3Koji “Prince” Aoyama revs up KTM X-Bow.

ファン

BESTFANS91 “A JAPANESE ROLLS-ROYCE”

Creative couple Phylia Poh and Fan Dong Kai speak with us about the elements of style and their Mitsuoka Galue III.

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96

SLEEK AND SPORTY

F T - 8 6 I IBEST SCOOP1

On 26 January, Toyota Europe released a photo of “FT-86II”, which was officially rubber-stamped on 1 March at the Geneva Auto Show. It resembles a lighter FT-86, which launched at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. It is indicative of the design sensibilities Toyota is adopting, so FT-86II can be safely considered a production model. The final design was determined at Geneva, though its official launch will be at next year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. Its commercial launch will be in May 2012.

MEET TOYOTA

AND SUBARU’S

NEW FT-86II

市販型公開!!!

6 BEST CAR ISSUE 05

BODY SIZES COMPARED

FT-86 AE86 (Levin) 1983Overall length 4160mm 4180mm

Overall width 1760mm 1625mm

Overall height 1260mm 1335mm

Wheel base 2570mm 2440mm

Vehicle weight 1300kg 900kg

スクープ

Launched in 1983, the renowned AE86 Levin was a compact and comfortable FR

sports coupe. And it will be revived!

ONLY ONE PHOTOOF THE FT-86II’S

RETAIL MODEL HASBEEN RELEASED.ITS NOSE LOOKS

SHARPER AND SPORTIER.

APRIL 2011 7

BEST EVENTS

イベント

“Nürburgring” is stamped on the speedometer.

iQ has a large blister fender and expanded tread width. Besides its large air intake its travel performance is also a selling point. Not to mention those LED lights.

Held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan, from 14~16 January, Tokyo Auto Salon dazzled and dazzled.

東京オートサロン

TOKYO AUTO SALON!

18 BEST CAR ISSUE 05

TOYOTA G’S PRIUS

G Sport’s first product was the Noah/Voxy family car, which retailed in June 2010. Com-pared to the speed-obsessed GRMN team, G Sports prioritises practicality, and targets drivers who are not inclined to race but would like a fun drive.

Nobody was surprised when G’s Prius became 2010’s bestselling car. The rear tyre cover—designed by Takuo Yuryo—was modi-fied and will be equipped in the new produc-tion line. The chassis and power system are

identical to Noah/Voxy, although aero-parts and some interior detailing (seat-stitching, among other things) have been enhanced. It is expected to cost ¥300,000* more than the base model.

With the 3-row Prius α (Alpha) retailing in March, the G Sports variant is expected to receive additional enhance-ments. It will also make its way into show-rooms by April, and will hopefully boost the division’s image.

TOYOTA IQ GRMN RACING CONCEPT

During the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota held a press conference to discuss its G Sports and GRMN divisions. A year later, both divisions have made major moves.

Toyota’s main showing at last year’s Salon was supposed to be the MR-S-based Hybrid Sports Concept, which was commis-sioned by the late Hiromu Naruse, and was said to be “the most anticipated car under development”. However, the supercharged

“Racing Concept” iQ was launched in its stead.

300 iQ GRMNs were sold within a week of its launch in August 2009. It was built as a racing model, complete with supercharged engine, roll-cage, and massive blister fender. Development of the Racing variant continues, and rumour has it that a special enhancement has just been completed. In fact, a limited edition should retail by July. We cannot wait!

The Racing variant’s rear features a movable rear wing and bumper, which were not available with the base model.

G’s Prius has a special shift-knob and red-stitched seats.

G’s Prius’ sporty bumper makes up for the lack of rear tyre hoods.

TOYOTA IQ GRMN RACING CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS**

Overall length x overall width x overall height

3150mm x 1740mm x 1450mm

Wheel base 2000mm

Engine Inline-4 DOHC with Supercharger

Total displacement 1329cc

Maximum power/Maximum torque

126hp/18kgm

Seating capacity Two

Drive layout FF

Transmission 6-MT

TOYOTA G’S PRIUS CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS**

Overall length x overall width x overall height

4505mm x 1745mm x 1475mm

Wheel base 2700mm

Engine Inline-4 DOHC + Electric Motor

Total displacement 1797cc

Base model S Touring Selection

Seating capacity Five

Drive layout FF

Transmission CVT

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships. ** Specifications of available models may vary. For more information, please contact the relevant dealerships.

APRIL 2011 19

The diesel SKYACTIV variant, SKYACTIV-D, has a 14:1 compres-sion ratio, which is low for a diesel engine. Whereas a conventional diesel engine maintains high torque between 1800~3500rpm and starts reducing its power at the 4000~5000rpm range, SKYACTIV-D’s power continues to rise until well over 5000rpm; without a torque limiter installed, it reaches and goes beyond 6000rpm. This level of torque is similar to that of a conventional gasoline engine.

BEST DEBUTANT

デビュー

Chosen

TheOnes

Mazda Demio and Mitsubishi Global Small are the lucky models that will receive their automakers’ most innovative technologies.

The SKYACTIV prototype’s body resembles Atenza’s, but conceals Mazda’s revolutionary technology under its hood. We tested gasoline and diesel-powered automatic and manual variants.

MAZDA DEMIO マツダニューテクノロジースカイアクティブ

Driving a 2ℓ inline-4 SKYACTIV engine feels entirely different from its conventional gasoline counterpart. Torque is superb even at low acceleration, and its 14:1 compression ratio is rare in a commercial model. In fact, the 2ℓ SKYACTIV runs just like a conventional 2.5ℓ.

A light tap of the accelerator gives the driver a full torque experi-ence, and results in massive fuel savings. One expects to have that amount of power and torque only when the accelerator pedal is pressed all the way down, but this is not the case with the 2ℓ SKYAC-TIV engine.

An understanding of the principles of the reciprocating engine makes it easier to understand how the SKYACTIV engines work, and how they are able to produce a high level of torque. Most engines have compression ratios that do not knock at full acceleration. There-fore, at a low acceleration rate, even high-octane specifications with high compression ratios do not result in knocking during regular use.

Despite a high compression ratio of 14:1, combustion efficiency is high even at slight acceleration. While this also depends on the rpm and acceleration conditions, it is around 15~20 percent higher than that of an engine with a 10:1 or 11:1 compression ratio. Mazda’s Head of Development disclosed that SKYACTIV’s efficiency can be im-proved by 9 percent simply by raising the compression rate. Equipped with standard specifications, the new Demio—launching in June—will have a 1.3ℓ SKYACTIV engine and 14:1 compression ratio.


The gasoline SKYACTIV engine raises its

compression ratio to obtain more power. However, this

results in engine knocking, which is resolved either by adopting a

4-2-1 exhaust system or a combustion chamber with

piston cavities.

In the diesel SKYACTIV engine, lowering the compression ratio enhances efficiency and prevents various losses. Torque is improved and exhaust is cleaner.

The new Demio will be equipped with Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G engine, which clocks an eyebrow-raising 30km/ℓ. SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission arrives with a lock-up function that suppresses noises from the torque converter. A weight reduction and enhanced body rigidity also contribute to Demio’s overall efficiency.

The manual SKYACTIV variant is 16 percent lighter than before, and improves fuel efficiency by one percent.

The automatic SKYACTIV has smooth, powerful performance and a comfortable ride.

The test car is shaped like Atenza, but its body, platform, and suspension system are newly designed.

1

2

3

SKYACTIV-D is also environment-friendly: it passed the stringent Japanese and American emission standards without an NOx catalyst, which is the most expensive diesel emission regulation device because it is made chiefly of platinum. Without the added expense of the catalyst, SKYACTIV-D’s price may rival its gasoline counterpart’s.

While SKYACTIV-G—the gasoline SKY-ACTIV variant—behaves like a regular diesel engine at high compression ratios, its diesel counterpart acts like a conventional gasoline engine at low compression ratios. The real test will come on retail day, but if the quality of the test model is carried over into the showroom, Mazda should not encounter any problems.

Mazda is also developing SKYACTIV-based transmission and body designs. These will not only improve fuel economy, but will enhance overall performance. Look out for the 6-speed automatic variant, which shares many diesel engine characteristics without compromising torque.


APRIL 2011 33

HYUNDAI’S SUCCESS STORY

In 1988, Best Car, Japan’s editorial team bought a second generation Pony XL, a 5-door hatchback equipped with the same engine as Mitsubishi’s Mirage. (At the time, 150 Limited Editions were sold by Mitsubishi to commemorate the Seoul Olympics). Pony was a popular model in the US because of its low price, and we needed it to study the Korean auto market. But its design was shabby, its suspension creaked, and its interior smelled of glue. And it broke down after only six months. But times have changed.

TEXT • KEIICHI YAMAGUCHI

HYUNDAI’S RAPID GLOBAL EXPANSION

Established in 1967, Hyundai earned its spurs by providing knock-down assembly for Ford. It then signed a technical coopera-tion agreement with Mitsubishi Motors and launched the first Korean car, Pony. Two de-cades on, Hyundai is the world’s fifth-largest automaker.

At last September’s Toyota assessment meeting, Hyundai’s influence was down-played. But in an interview later in the year, Honda President Takeshi Ito noted that the Korean automaker is a serious competitor. Though Volkswagen is still the Japanese automotive industry’s main rival, Hyundai’s recent performance now merits increasing concern.

In 2000, Hyundai sold 2.02 million cars worldwide, making it the ninth-largest automaker. When 3.33 million units were sold in 2004, its rank

rose to sixth, before it bagged the fifth spot in 2007. Last year, its global sales amounted to 5.74 million units, a 24 percent on-year rise. In fact, this number is expected to rise to 6.33 million this year.

This retail surge is partly due to the sale of 500,000 Sonatas in the US, a 52.3 percent increase from the 196,623 units sold the previous year. Elantra also enjoyed a 27.7 percent sales surge, amounting to 132,246 units. Among a sample of 13 international automakers, Hyundai enjoyed the highest annual growth—23.7 percent.

Its retail streak was also evident in Europe, where the Hyundai-Kia Group sold

620,911 cars last year—20,000 units more than Toyota-Lexus. This was partially due to Toyota’s major recalls, which led to a 16.3 percent drop in vehicle sales. But Hyundai’s low prices and improved quality also drove this trend.

Hyundai’s Asian sales has also sky-rocketed. In India, it was second only to Suzuki, and its i20 and i10 were among the country’s bestselling models. In China, its sedan sales outdid Nissan and Honda’s from January~November 2010. Even in Japan, Hyundai was only outdone by the “big two”: Volkswagen and General Motors.

But it was not always smooth sailing. Following Pony’s 1986

launch, Hyundai began

TWO DECADES AGO…

HYUNDAI TODAY.

BEST FEATURE

特集

今こそヒュンダイ研究


to export to the US and broke records during the first year of Excel’s sale. It confidently built a manufacturing plant in Canada, but this folded up four years later because of quality issues—in fact, the mod-els produced became a standing talk show joke.

But Hyundai President Dae Moon-kyu refused to be deterred, and resolved to rank first on the US-based J.D. Power Quality Survey. The automaker finally achieved this in 2009, overtaking both Toyota and Honda. This was its first step towards success.

Hyundai’s second advantage is the strength of its power trains; it is one of the few automakers to design its own drive systems. It equips its smaller models with 6-speed automatic transmission, while larger cars with FR layouts receive 8-speed automatic transmission. The automaker also develops its own Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), as well as Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The power train strategy is spearheaded by Hyun-soon Lee, Vice-Chair and Head of the Research and Development division. A former power train engineer employed by Hyundai’s founder, Lee has worked with a variety of vehicles, from 1ℓ compacts to 13ℓ trucks. He aims to develop cars with stellar performance, improved fuel efficiency, negligible engine noise, and winning stability. He also plans to reduce vehicle sizes and develop direct injection and turbo technologies, and hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs), and battery-powered cars.

Honda’s third advantage involves design. “The time for inexpen-sive and mediocre cars has passed,” quipped EVP for Design, Suk-geun Oh. “Now Hyundai has to focus on improving its cars’ characters and designs.”

Other factors also contribute to Hyundai’s recent sales surge. Some credit its corporate structure, while others applaud its charis-matic management team and leadership style. But the automaker also has a streamlined marketing strategy, a Research and Development division, and the means to maximise resources from its suppliers. Of course, it also seeks to attract buyers with extended warranties, improved product quality, stringent manufacturing location selection, and constant innovation.

THE HYUNDAI ADVANTAGE

One has to wonder whether Honda’s sudden popularity has more to do with its sales strategy than the appeal of its cars. For example, it released a 100,000-mile power train warranty in 2010, dwarfing Honda and Toyota’s 5-year 60,000-mile offerings. Another innovative pro-gramme makes it possible for the dealership to buy back the car with-out interest should the owner be unable to pay the installments. But the most unique promotion is one that provides free gasoline, which no other automaker has attempted. These are especially tempting.

Furthermore, Hyundai’s car launches are prolific. In 2010, it launched seven models, which included its popular compact cross-over, Tucson, and the renowned Sonata, Elantra, and Genesis.

Sonata offered two engine configurations in February 2010: an inline-4 model, and a V6. This year’s model is only available with a

INTERNATIONAL NEW CAR SALES RANKING

Rank January~September 2010

New Cars Sold On-Year Change (Percentage)

1 Toyota Group 5,815,049 +11.3

2 General Motors Group 5,567,441 +10.8

3 Volkswagen Group 5,195,249 +10.1

4 Ford 3,628,139 +7.0

5 Hyundai-KIA 3,555,348 +6.9

6 Fiat Group 2,916,230 +5.7

7 Honda 2,631,348 +5.1

8 Nissan 2,564,007 +5.0

9 PSA Peugeot Citroën Group

2,218,572 +4.3

10 Suzuki 1,822,555 +3.5

11 Daimler Group 1,244,464 +2.4

12 BMW Group 931,593 +1.8

13 Mazda 907,293 +1.8

14 Mitsubishi 593,316 +1.2

Efficiency is the name of the game at Asan, Hyundai’s South Korea plant.

Suk-Geun Oh, Hyundai’s EVP for Design, said that the automaker’s current design theme is “flowing sculpture”.

APRIL 2011 63

BEST A–L ISTキーパーソン

TEXT • CHERYL TAY

PHOTOGRAPHY • HONG, TSUI AND YIM, XIN

KARTING FOR LADIES ONLY


Karting is the most basic form of motorsports because it has no gender preference, license re-quirements, and age limit. Meanwhile, women tend to find comfort in each other’s company—they go shopping, get facials, and attend yoga classes together. This is one of my motivations for starting Ladies’ Night @KartRight, a female-oriented karting course for ladies to let their

hair down and take to the track. Held at the KartRight Speedway—Singapore’s only karting facility—the inaugural event was a huge success.

Ladies’ Night @KartRight was held on the rainy afternoons of 25~26 February, and the 50 participants braved the damp surroundings and had a splashing good time. It began with an introduction to karting by Formula 3 racer Richard Bradley, who is also a prolific British karting champion. (The 19-year-old Brit is currently based in Singapore because he intends to enter this year’s All-Japan F3 Championship.) Richard enthralled his audience with testimonies on his motorsport background and racing experience, while they attempted to stay attentive despite the itch to get onto the track.

APRIL 2011 83

Carℓifeスーパー

BEST A–L ISTキーパーソン

KOJI “PRINCE” AOYAMA REVS UP KTM X-BOW

ustrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has an excellent track record in the global circuit, and has about 30 dealers in Japan. Its four-wheel vehicle is known as “X-Bow”, which is pronounced

“Cross-Bow”. The Prince of Aoyama visited the Atsugi branch of car importer Zoom, and test-drove X-Bow.

What impression does Prince have of this Spartan machine?

X-Bow appeared light and weighed only 790kg. It impressed Prince with its 3738mm x 1920mm x 1205mm body, which had a carbon shell and an attached cowl. KTM’s unique concept incorporates a motorcycle’s perfor-mance into the body of a four-wheeler. Thus it was thrilling to drive.

Prince scrutinised X-Bow’s body, which surprisingly had no doors. When the lever beneath the dry carbon fibre driver’s seat was pulled, the accelera-tor pedal shifted instead of the seat. This was definitely not an automaker’s concept. Compared to Lotus Evora’s, X-Bow’s pedal layout was wider, mak-ing it easily controllable even without changing into racing shoes.

X-Bow’s engine contributed to its fetching design. It was installed behind

VOL. 3


* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

DRIVING THE 2000GT IS A CHALLENGE, BUT ITS PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT.

Comnistia ad minvendae quae. Nam,Accaboribus voluptur simusapis debis dolorro eum, quos




The inboard front suspension can be seen from the driver’s seat.

The mechanical design and 3-step carbon diffuser makes the rear more attractive.

The front tyres are 205/40R17, and the Brembo brakes are easily controlled.

The rear tyres are 235/40R18, and include intercooler fins.

the driver’s seat. Lifting its glass fibre cowl reveals the Audi logo stamped on the engine—the automaker clearly collaborated with KTM to develop X-Bow, and it shows.

Like Volkswagen Golf V GTI, X-Bow was equipped with Audi’s inline-4 DOHC TT Turbo engine, which generated 200hp/28.6kgm. This kind of power was particularly impressive in a car weighing less than 790kg. Clearly, we can expect many exciting things from X-Bow.

However, when the test drive began, it started to rain. The weather report said Typhoon Number 14 was approaching, and that there was no chance of the rain stopping. As there was no preparation whatsoever for the rain, we worried about the stitching, meters, etc. But Zoom said X-Bow was meant to be handled like a two-wheeler, and we went ahead with the test drive. Sorry about that, Prince!

Though the rain affected the drive, X-Bow’s handling was accurate, and it ran perfectly. Prince was especially delighted by the car’s responsiveness and speed, which was elevated because of its lightweight body. At 240hp, performance was average, but it was still fun to drive.

The movement of the suspension system could be seen from the driver’s seat, a design

KTM X-BOW SPECIFICATIONS**

Overall length 3738mm

Overall width 1920mm

Overall height 1205mm

Wheel base 2430mm

Vehicle weight 790kg

Engine Inline-4 DOHC + Intercooler Turbo 1984cc

Maximum power 240hp/5500rpm

Maximum torque 31.6kgm/2000~5000rpm

Transmission 6-MT

Seating capacity Two

Price* ¥7.8 million

The Audi-marked engine is located at the end of the engine cowl. It generates 240hp/31.6kgm, and accelerates from 0~100km in 3.9 seconds.


APRIL 2011 89

LOCATION • HOTEL FORT CANNING, 11 CANNING WALK

HONDA INSIGHT • KAH MOTOR CO.

STYLIST • KOVIT ANG

ASSISTANT • JUN HONG

PHOTOGRAPHY • KENNETH CHOO

ASSISTANT • RAYMOND LAU

HAIR AND MAKE-UP • ANGEL (USING COLOURS FROM RMK)

MODELS • RACHEL AND STELLA (ELEGANZ TALENT MANAGEMENT)

BEST RUNWAYファッション

GREEN DAY OUT


RACHEL’S CHIFFON PRINTED SHORT DRESS • MISS SELFRIDGESTELLA’S KNIT DRESS IN MUSTARD • BYSI STELLA’S SWALLOW PRINT SCARF • WAREHOUSE

A Trial By FireEnjoy the earthy flavours of traditional Japanese

Yakimono at En Gril l & Bar.

Asparagus Maki

BEST GOURMETグルメ


Most recognised for introducing Singapore’s first Japanese din-ing bar at Mohammed Sultan Road, En Grill & Bar by En Hold-ings marked the changing face of Japanese dining in Singapore in 2008. Catering to the increased sophistication of the well-travelled

and savvy diner, En Grill & Bar allows guests to experience Yakimono, Kushiyaki and Teppanyaki highlights accompanied by a fine selection of premium sake, sake cocktails, shochu, wines, and beers.

The ambience is also worth a mention. En Grill & Bar features three unique spaces: an open-concept kitchen and communal dining area, an el-egant indoor lounge and an alfresco dining area with an outdoor bar. A long communal table is set right in front of the open-concept kitchen, where din-ers are treated to direct views of the chefs skilfully grilling meat in displays of culinary showmanship, and are close enough to hear the reverberating clang of sharpening knives. The lounge is lined by gold-decorated wallpaper, and plush sofas promote the special use of space that is reminiscent of an exclu-sive club. The peek-a-boo wall along the adjacent corridor looks out at the alfresco bar, a welcome respite from the congested sprawl of the urban land-scape. Wicker sofas, candle-lit coffee tables, abundant greenery, and a profes-sional bar make this the ideal spot for corporate functions, as well as private cocktail gatherings.

When we learned that En Holdings changes their menu every year, we had to head down to En Grill to sample their latest grilled-to-perfection offerings.

The age-old tradition of Japanese grilled foods or Yakimono include skew-ered and grilled items such as Shitake Cheese (mushroom wrapped in pork belly with cheese), Bonjiri (chicken tail) and Kaki Bacon (oyster wrapped in bacon). At En Grill, an extensive grilled menu is offered alongside Teppanyaki dishes such as Wagyu Steak, Beef Tongue, Scallop and Duck Liver, and King Prawn.

We opened with Cheese Yakko, cream cheese with grated ginger, soy sauce and spring onion ($6), and Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, asparagus wrapped with thinly sliced Wagyu beef, seasoned with grated cheese and mayonnaise ($18). The lavish textures and interplay of flavours promised greater fare and En Grill delivered.

The main courses came next, and we tried two of En Grill’s dinner favou-rites, Kinoko Mushroom & Bacon Pasta ($13), and Wafu Mentaiko, Angel Hair pasta with juicy whole prawns in cod roe sauce, topped with seaweed shreds ($13). Small wonder that these are popular with the office crowd on weekdays, and families on weekends. Both were rich and creamy, and the chefs obviously paid close attention to detail: the flavours were stark, but not overpowering.

As we did not drive, realising there were 55 (count ’em!) cocktails to choose from really made our day. “At the end of the day, we want our customers to gather in comfort and ‘chill-out’ over good food and drinks. Hence replicating the Izakaya style of dining in Singapore allows them to enjoy a list of appetising Yakimono, Kushiyaki and Teppanyaki variations in conjunction with a selection of premium sakes, sake cocktails, shochu, beers, wines, champagne, as well as a variety of other unique cocktails specially concocted by our bartenders,”

said Raymond Ng, En Holdings’ Director.

Before rounding the proceedings off with Azuki Pancakes, pancakes with green tea ice cream and red beans ($9), we also tried En’s “famous skewers from the charcoal grill”—Asparagus Maki, asparagus wrapped in pork belly ($6/2 sticks), and Tsukune, minced chicken meatballs ($6/2 sticks).

Do check out the spectacular Premium Ala Carte Skewers Buffet ($38.90++). While the 22 charcoal-smoked skewers were more than enough to whet our appetite, lavish appetizers, rice, noodles, and a selection of side dishes completed our gastronomic experience!

PARKING AVAILABLE AT UE SQUARE$1.50 for the 1st hour, $0.50 for every subsequent half hour, Free parking on Sundays

Opening hours:Mondays to Thursdays, 6pm~2amSaturday, 6pm~3amSunday, closedFor reservations please call 6732 6863

Wagyu Beef Carpaccio Tsukune

Kinoko Mushroom & Bacon Pasta

APRIL 2011 111

BEST G IFTSギフト

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Anthony Hair Boutique

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Best Car Singapore Issue 5 Preview