Road Tests

Sheesh... didn't realize that buying a car is so much Hard Work!!! Why can't it be like shopping for a dress @ the department store: all u need to think is the design and color? *bleah*
The past 2 weekends were spent at the car showrooms in the Leng Kee Rd/Alexandra Rd vicinity... many more nights staring at the .xls on the financial implications and comparison of specs.
Mazda6: Had initially wanted to buy the new 2008 version of Mazda6, coz i like the sporty hatchback look. However, the more people i asked, the more negative feedback i got -- "Ah Beng car", "Lousy engine", "fuel consumption not efficient", etc.. so many negative comments such that i ended up striking it off the "test-drive" list.
Audi A4: Was impressed with the plentitude of features in the latest A4 sedan. However, it was just a few days shy of the official Launch at Changi Exhibition Centre... so, didn't get to test drive the car unless i go to Changi during the launch period. *rollz eyes* Heard that the A4 test-drive session @ Changi was pretty interesting...
Mitsubishi Lancer EX: The Sales people were super Beng. The car feels floating even tho' it's a 2L engine. And the engine sounds noisy even from the rear passenger seats. So, this one is out.
VW Jetta1.4 TSI: Basically it's a Golf with a boot. Powerful engine, and stable feel when you drive. The size is just nice and roomy, and the Boot is generous, can fit 2 of me comfortably. :)
VW Passat1.8 TSI: I've always like VW cars, it's roomy and stable. But the new version of Passat is longer and wider than the old version that i used to drive. My key concern is the multistorey carparks. :( And i didn't like the metal color panel which reflects the afternoon sun's glare when u drive. :/
Subaru Impreza 1.5: Was totally NOT impressed by the Impreza. Equally not impressed with the customer service experience. How can tell customers that you don't have cars for test-drive when it's a relatively new model?!?! I wanted to test drive the new Legacy 2L sedan, and the Impreza 2L.. only to be informed that those 2 models not available for test drive. Then why bother putting it on your sale catalogue?!
Honda Civic 1.8L: The Honda Showroom was Very Crowded (vs the other showrooms which were relatively quiet). Waited quite a while for our turn to test drive. The Civic has a weird contouring on its overall shape which makes it look kinda awkward from the side view. The interior looks ok (for the price you're paying), except for that 'plastic looking' visors with Thai instructions on the sticker.
Honda Civic Hybrid 1.3L: Altho' it's a 1.3L, it's a mere S$500 cheaper than the 1.8L model. Primarily because it's expensive to build a hybrid car. Selling point is it's ultra low fuel consumption. It looks slightly different from the normal civic with its 'duck tail' and the antenna on the roof. When the car is stationary, the engine automatically stops & goes on electric mode. You need to get used to the electronic "tee-tee" sounds when you step on the accelerator again.
Lexus IS250: The engine is sooooooooo QUIET! The car has Cool Features too. : ) It looks Compact and Sporty. Was impressed with the test drive experience, as we get to drive the winding small road on Jervois Rd to test the traction control, and going over the humps to feel the suspension of the car. The actual price is much lower than what's listed in their website. Really value for money considering the various features and quality of car and of course the brand name.

Finally managed to find a Car website that's dedicated to Female Drivers: She Buys Auto. They even bother to explain the technical lingo in simple layman terms, so that you don't appear bimbo when talking about cars. :Pp