My FH5 Log: Euro Trash

Would you look at that? The European Automotive update of Forza Horizon 5 is constantly littered with European junk cars out from the junkyard and into the ever-growing FH5 car roster. The cesspool of junk cars keeps on growing.

First up is the Lancia Fulvia from the Hot Season Playlist. Powered by a 1.3L V4 engine, it's the car that made Lancia win its first World Rally Championship. Not bad for a front-wheel-drive coupe that costs more than the Jaguar E-Type when it was new.

Next up is the Citroen DS 23 from the Storm Season Playlist. This is the iconic hatchback that first introduced Citroen's signature hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system which uses liquid hydraulic and gas-pressured suspension instead of springs, giving it a comfy ride on all kinds of road surfaces. It was the first to use disc brakes.

Fresh from the Dry Season Playlist is the Series 4 Lotus Esprit, the last V8-powered Lotus ever made and one of the last production cars with pop-up headlights.

The Hot Season Playlist featured a double bill of German garbage; the Volkswagen Double Cab Pick-up and the Mercedes-Benz 500 E. The Doka is basically the pickup variant of the Volkswagen Type 2 minibus while the 500 E is the V8-powered variant of the W124 E-Class made from a Porsche factory.

Let's give the quintuplet of European garbage a good dirty driving just showcase just how good these rusty beaters from the Old Continent were. Roll the tapes.

These rusty beaters proved their point but as it turned out, they were nothing compared to the worst European toxic waste of the pack; the AMG Hammer Wagon from the European Automotive DLC Pack.

The AMG Hammer Wagon is a one-off W214 wagon built for a client from the USA. Started out in life as a diesel-powered W214 wagon until the original owner commissioned AMG to convert it into a super wagon, armed with a 6.0L V8 engine producing 375hp of power while mated to a 4-speed AT. It even comes with a locking differential to help the rear axle endure the punishment from the V8 engine, among others.

Want to see how the AMG Hammer Wagon roars? You're in luck because let's get the tape rolling.

The latest batch of toxic waste dump proves that the cesspool of rusty beaters never stops growing, giving Gen Z players uncontrollable anxiety, complaining about why the Forza producers keep dumping junk cars in such a wonderful racing game.

Are we seeing more junk cars in the next FH5 series update next week? Yes, there will be junk cars next week so brace yourselves for more rusty beaters ruining your FH5 experience.

My FH5 Log: The World Standard

The Volkswagen ID.4 is the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year award, proving that Volkswagen's electrification gamble paid off with big dividends and now that it made its Forza Horizon 5 appearance, it's time to have a word with the new world standard.

Having won this electric crossover at the European Automotive Storm Season Playlist, it's time to get to know about the Volkswagen ID.4.

The ID.4 is Volkswagen's first crossover SUV from the ID range of electric vehicles. Launched in 2020, the ID.4 runs on the same mechanicals as the ID.3 hatchback. It also bears the same shape as well. Running on the MEB platform, the ID.4 is powered by a choice of three battery sizes at launch with the largest being 77kWh (delivering 204PS of power output through the rear axle) and a range of 511km driving range. Top speed is 160kph.

You may remember that in one of the ID.4's commercials in the US, Tanner Foust drives the ID.4 while chasing the Golf Mk.8 R, its benchmark car, asking if an electric car can perform like a hot hatch. To test Foust's theory, let's give the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 a quick spin around the streets of Guanajuato while up against a pack of city cars. Let's roll the tape.

Guess Tanner Foust was right, just.

From winning the 2021 World COTY award to becoming the first production EV to complete the NORRA Mexican 1000 off-road race in the Baja peninsula, the Volkswagen ID.4 truly is the new world standard for electrics. Like it or not, this crossover is the real game-changer just like the Beetle and the Golf.

I wish I would end my first impression with the ID.4 in Forza Horizon 5 but I have other plans with this crossover so...watch this space.

Škoda Superb Mk4

The flagship of the Skoda family, the Superb, is now on its fourth generation, and it promises to be the most Superb ever made.

2024 Skoda Superb Combi

2024 Skoda Superb

With prices starting at 1,035,000Kč plus additional costs, the fourth-generation Skoda Superb is offered in saloon and Combi body styles, proving that this range is not down without a proper fight with its ever-diminishing race of executive saloons.

2024 Skoda Superb Combi interior

Beginning with the design, the all-new Superb dons the current signature Skoda face first debuted in the Scala while being the first production Skoda to don the updated SKODA lettering. The first of the new chapter for this Czech carmaker in this age of new normal, as they said. While the taillights look like it was stolen from Maserati's dustbin, the conservative styling remains in the new model, be it saloon or Combi. Although the new model is longer than the old one, it's got less width, height, and wheelbase compared to it, probably for parking issues.

The interior has been revamped for the new model and because Skoda is part of the Volkswagen round table, you can expect the hopeless haptic touch panels at the steering wheel as well as the 13-inch touchscreen that controls infotainment, navigation, and smartphone connectivity, climate control, the CANTON audio system with thirteen speakers, heated and ventilated seats with massage function, easy entry function, and ambient lighting, among others. Spacing aside, the new model is still as comfortable as the previous Mk3 model despite the lesser wheelbase, and with the Combi variant, you can store up to 690 liters of boot space with the rear seats present. 1920 with the rear seats folded down. That's 30 liters less than the previous Superb Combi. What a whammy.

2024 Skoda Superb

At launch, the Superb is powered by a 2.0L TDi diesel engine which produces 150ps of power and 360Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 9.3 seconds and flat-out at 222kph. Fuel economy is around 5.0L/100km and CO2 emissions at 130g/km. It will be joined by petrol-powered versions later on with the most powerful version using the 2.0 TSi engine with 265ps of power output.

Despite its questionable dimensions, the all-new Superb still drives like a luxury car, which is a fitting point for Skoda's flagship. Coupled with the new DCC Plus adaptive suspension with two independently controlled valves, faster damping adjustment, and a wide range of damping characteristics, it feels so alive on the road. Add 4x4 to the mix and it keeps on going even when wet, making it a cut-price Audi A4 if you catch my drift.

The Skoda Superb Mk4 features the latest assistance systems with new ones such as turn assist and anti-collision assist. Other systems carried over from the previous model such as assisted driving, lane change assistant, and Front Assist were updated.

Although it's now shorter compared to its predecessor, the fourth-generation Skoda Superb is proof that it's still standing in the face of the ever-diminishing race of executive saloons. Thank your Skoda overloads that they still made a saloon like this as well as the Octavia.

Photo: Skoda Auto

My FH5 Log: CODENAME R

The Volkswagen Golf R is the range-topper of the Golf range that possesses the most potent performance of any Golf in history.

This is the Mk7.5 Golf R, or should I say, the wrong Golf R I got during the early months of Forza Horizon 5. There is already an Mk8 Golf R out in the open but the producers stuck with the Mk7.5 Golf R because they've completely forgotten the memo.

After several whinings later, I got what I demanded on Forza Horizon 5; a Mk8 Golf R. The one with the new Volkswagen and R logos on it. It's part of the Super Speed Car Pack.

Served as the flagship variant of the eighth-generation Golf, the Golf R pushes the limits of Volkswagen's popular midsize hatchback to greater heights.

While featuring various ways and means to make it even more enjoyable to drive on the road and track such as the standard variable-ratio steering, retuned suspension, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, ESC, traction control, and improved braking system, among many others, the Golf R is powered by the 2.0L petrol engine which produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque.

The Performance version adds 13PS of power and while mated to a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 270kph.

North American-spec Golf R models have a 6-speed manual standard with the DSG as an available option.

The Mk8 Golf R featured in FH5 is the US-spec version with the 6-speed manual gearbox, the one Europeans didn't get. Although it feels wrong for me to have a Mk8 Golf R with a gearbox not offered in its native homeland, I'm super happy to sample what's known to be the ultimate Golf R ever made. While not bothering about its controversial interior, the performance and dynamics are all mild and menacing for a super hot hatch. It feels nearly easy to drive...all the time, and it demands more as the opportunity arises.

To see how much improvement the Mk8 Golf R has gained, I've challenged it against the Mk7.5 Golf R, the expired good I've never asked to have, and taken them for a one-lap time attack.

For a quick recap, the Mk8 Golf R's 2.0L petrol engine produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque. The main question is, does more power mean faster than the old model? Let's find out.

And now the results...

Golf Mk7.5 R - 59.743s

Golf Mk8 R - 58.876s

It's a close shave! The new Golf Mk8 R is nearly a second faster than the Mk7.5 Golf R! I'd say it's more of a scratch than a slash.

The Volkswagen Golf R is the range-topper of the Golf range that possesses the most potent performance of any Golf in history and the Mk8 Golf R pushes the limits of Volkswagen's popular midsize hatchback to greater heights. It really is the ultimate Golf R ever made but only just.

At this point, I was going to end this log but like a good K-drama, there's a bonus section at the end of the episode, and with that...

Looks like Miss Ruli came out to play. Ah, idol girls, you can't resist their temptation.

With the jewel vibes on, Codename R...R as in Ruli...is off against a pack of legendary drivers gathering around a city centre on a racetrack crafted by one of Forza's number one fans. Let's roll, Miss Ruli, as most would like to call you.

Incredible. Nobody can catch her.

It's sad to say that the Mk8 Golf will be the last Golf to have ICE on it and this R is a clear reminder that it has reached its peak. Whatever the reason, It's an honor to meet what's known to be the ultimate Golf R. Although not ultimate, that will do.

Mission accomplished, Codename R.

Volkswagen ID.7

This is Volkswagen's answer to the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the first-ever, all-electric saloon called the ID.7, and it's taking the place of the now-deceased Passat saloon. So, what's it all about the first-ever Volkswagen ID saloon car?

2024 Volkswagen ID.7

2024 Volkswagen ID.7 interior

Starting at 56,995 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 is the first saloon of the ID line of electric cars and it's obviously the most dramatic one because with this, you can really kiss the Passat saloon goodbye for real.

While the styling is broadly similar to its electric family tree, the ID.7 has a longer wheelbase compared to the now-deceased Passat sedan, and having learned from Volkswagen's mistakes, the interior is packed with a 15-inch floating central infotainment screen, AR HUD, a new layout for air-con, a new Favorites buttons where users can save their configurations, an electronically dimmable panoramic sunroof, a massager, Harman Kardon sound system, and a rather annoying IDA voice command assistant. It even comes with Volkswagen's first adaptive Climatronic front seats with cooling, heating, and drying functions. Optional extra as expected.

Because of its longer wheelbase, this five-seater saloon is spacious as such and it comes with foldable rear seats that allow the ID.7 to carry up to 1600 litres of boot space. With the rear seats present, it's just 532 liters, which is more than the IONIQ 6.

Although it runs on the same MEB platform, the ID.7's electric powertrain is unlike the others. Called APP550, the electric motor powering the rear axle produces 286PS of power and 545Nm of torque. It's the most powerful single electric drive motor in the VW ID family tree. It does 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds and a Japanese-esque top speed of 180kph. As for the driving range, it's good for 621km for one full charge.

Being aerodynamic is the top trump for the ID.7, the questionable dynamics for an all-electric saloon is starting to show its worth. Despite being rear-wheel-drive, its mild driving feel is what sums up the ID.7 really well. Not as exciting as expected but it feels spartan and unique in every way, which is unheard of for a commoner's electric saloon like the ID.7. As for safety, it comes with Travel Assist that comes with assisted lane change maneuvers and assisted parking maneuvers, among others.

Although it's a stalemate compared to the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 is proof that the sedan race is not dead yet, although it killed off the Passat saloon immediately. It may be part of the ID family tree of electrics but it rather feels like an outcast because of the one electric motor that sets them apart. Still, with its familiar styling and spartan driving manners, the fully-electric ID.7 has a long way to go for Volkswagen's electrification road map.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

My FM Log: Fast as fast can be

At long last, the Volkswagen car bearing the new VW logo made its way to the world of Forza!

Not only that, this is the first new Volkswagen car in the world of Forza to don the new R badge. The R models represent high performance and this really means something extreme...

Yes, the new Volkswagen R model that made the rounds in the all-new Forza Motorsport game is none other than...

It's the Golf Mk8 R, the latest version of Volkswagen's 4WD super hot hatch that combines familiar Golf practicality with extreme levels of performance you can expect for the ultimate version.

Served as the flagship variant of the eighth-generation Golf, the Golf R pushes the limits of Volkswagen's popular midsize hatchback to greater heights.

While featuring various ways and means to make it even more enjoyable to drive on the road and track such as the standard variable-ratio steering, retuned suspension, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, ESC, traction control, and improved braking system, among many others, the Golf R is powered by the 2.0L petrol engine which produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque.

The Performance version adds 13PS of power and while mated to a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 270kph.

North American-spec Golf R models have a 6-speed manual standard with the DSG as an available option.

Having got my word on the current-generation Golf R, it's time to take it for a spin around Lime Rock Park, experiencing what's like to be in the most powerful new Golf ever sold in the U.S. After all, this is the North American version of the super hot hatchback I've been demanding to have it featured since...its predecessor came out for wrong reasons. 

As I said, most North American Golf Rs come standard with a 6-speed manual so this is worth a challenge to experience it, especially when this one runs on the MQB Evo platform. Anyway, no time for words, let's roll the tape.

I managed to lap this car around Lime Rock Park in 1m14.739s. Sure, the 4MOTION adds drama to it as well as the understeer that made it worth a struggle but, on the plus side, at least it's more addictive to drive than the "utterly invalid" Golf Mk7.5 R.

Fast as fast can be, the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 R redefines everything you think a Volkswagen can do. Gosh, I would like to tell you even more about this super VW hot hatch but let's leave it here because this is worthy enough to don the new Volkswagen badge as well as the R badge. Better late than never, they said.

Things are about to get R-rated with this one...

Second Generation Volkswagen Amarok

Germany's answer to the Toyota Hilux, the Volkswagen Amarok, is now in its second generation, and it promises to be the most advanced Amarok ever made. So, what's it all about the all-new Amarok?

2023 Volkswagen Amarok

Priced at 47,122 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Amarok is more expensive compared to the previous model but despite its bourgeois price tag, Germany's answer to the Toyota Hilux is now tougher and more technologically advanced than its predecessor. This is something worth noticing.

Beginning with the design, the all-new Amarok is tougher looking compared to the previous model. From every angle, the evolution really pays off big dividends, although there's one inescapable fact; the evolution of the Amarok happened with the help of Ford Motor Company because it runs on the same mechanicals as the...well, for search query reasons, I can't identify which Ford the all-new Amarok is based from but I will give you a clue; the latest generation of the Ford pickup truck not yet sold in the US. It starts with an R and ends with an R. Rings a bell?

2023 Volkswagen Amarok interior

Although I'm not going to tell you what that is, it's time to focus on the interior and the all-new Amarok is now more advanced compared to the old one. On the driver's side, the all-new Amarok features an ultra-tall touch screen similar to the ones you find on a Tesla. It controls not just the air-con and infotainment features but also the rest of the vehicle with a touch, and it has smartphone connectivity as well so don't ask what.

In terms of comfort, because it's offered only in a four-door double cab, the all-new Amarok is slightly more spacious compared to its predecessor. Asked about the bed space, the new model has a wider track than its predecessor, meaning you can now load a full-sized 'Euro' pallet flat in the bed. Such added dimensions really mean business and pleasure for the all-new Amarok.

Under the hood, the all-new Amarok is powered by a choice of two diesel engines such as the 2.0 TDI and the 3.0L V6 TDI engine. The 2.0L models can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed AT while the 3.0L V6 TDI engine is mated only to a 10-speed AT. The latter offered in variants such as the ProAmericana and Aventura produces 240PS of power, 600Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 8.8 seconds, a top speed of a Japan-car-beating 190kph, and 10.1L/100km of fuel economy combined.

In terms of dynamics, because it's offered only with a 4MOTION permanent four-wheel-drive system, the all-new Amarok feels bulky and obvious to drive on the city streets but it loves to flex its German muscles offroad. Because the mechanicals are from Ford, the all-new Amarok has the impression of the Leopard and the Abrams flexing its military-grade muscles. No, wait, the presence of an MMA fighter who was born in the US and raised in Germany. Physical.

Because the four-wheel-drive system is permanent rather than part-time compared to the Toyota Hilux and because of the mechanical LSD, the only way to alter its course of driving is the choice of six driving modes. Either way, it's worth fun playing with such modes, whether you're beating through the Berlin traffic or having a weekend at Hannibal's.

Because this is the most technologically advanced Amarok ever made, the new model features up to 25 assistance systems in terms of comfort and driving such as the Park Pilot, Lane Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, Active Cruise Control, Park Assist Plus, Light Assist, and more.

When the original Amarok first launched over a decade ago, the pricing would not be able to bring down the Japanese rivals but the performance is the only main advantage for the Amarok. With the second-generation Amarok, although the pricing story remains the same, the added tech and muscular design are next-level stuff, and looks like the Toyota Hilux is out of words facing this one. Despite its Ford connection, the all-new Amarok is ready to take on whatever double dare it comes through. This wolf has turned.

Photo: Volkswagen

Volkswagen ID.BUZZ

A long time ago, VW created the Sambabus and it became a cult classic favorite not just for the so-called hippie crowd but for road trippers young and old alike. Fast forward to today and the Sambabus just got an electrified remake. Welcome to the ID.BUZZ.

2023 Volkswagen ID.BUZZ

2023 Volkswagen ID.BUZZ

A concept turned reality, the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ is the electrified remake of the ancient Sambabus that is now catering to the Gen Z crowd in the way the Sambabus caters to the boomers. Which generation is the people on, the ID.BUZZ is fit for all generations of life.

There are two kinds of ID.BUZZ available such as the business-friendly ID.BUZZ Cargo, which is priced at 54,431 Euros plus additional costs, and the fun-for-all ID.BUZZ Pro, which starts at 64,581 Euros plus additional costs. Although they're as pricey as a luxury car, these modernized Sambabuses are ready for a new kind of samba.

2023 Volkswagen ID.BUZZ interior

While the styling draws inspiration from the concept, which is a sigh of relief for motoring observers, the interior is nothing but basic. Unlike the ancient Sambabus, the ID.BUZZ Pro can seat up to five people while the ID.BUZZ Cargo is good for two because the back is where the most important cargo goes. Apart from the minimalist interior layout, the extensive use of vegan and recycled materials showcased its guilt-free commitment as an eco-friendly electric MPV.

Powering the ID.BUZZ's electric propulsion system is a single-drive motor bolted to a 77kWh Li-ion battery located under the van. In the Pro version, it produces 204PS of power, 310Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 10.2 seconds, a 145kph of top speed, and up to 423km of driving range. The Cargo's good for 425km per full charge. As for charging times, it will take half an hour to reach from 5% to 80% charge while plugged into a 170kW outlet.

Although not a fun car to drive by yourself, the ID.BUZZ feels soothing to drive even on open roads. In the case of family trips, you can really find some sweet spot while into it unless child seats took over the second row. As for safety, the ID.BUZZ is packed with Car-2-X local warning system, front assist, lane keeping assist, and the available Travel Assist.

The Sambabus remake known as the ID.BUZZ... Although it's got fewer seats than the ancient Sambabus, the ID.BUZZ is all about capability in the midst of the new normal. As a concept turned reality, there's so much to know about this electrified Sambabus remake but it's best to leave it here.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen ID.5

Following the success of the first-ever ID.3 hatchback and the World Car of the Year award-winning ID.4 crossover, a coupe crossover version of the said VW electrics has arrived and it's ready to snatch some profits out of the Tesla Model Y. Welcome to the first-ever ID.5.

2022 Volkswagen ID.5

2022 Volkswagen ID.5 GTX

With prices starting at 46,515 Euros plus additional costs, the ID.5 is basically a coupe crossover version of its relatives.

At first glance, it looks identical to the ID.4 crossover as well as its minimalist interior that is not friendly for speedo boys behind the wheel and seating for up to five people as usual, but because being the coupe crossover version of the ID.4, the ID.5 features a sloping roofline which is a very German thing to do since the first-generation BMW X6. 

When it comes to boot space, the ID.5 is slightly more compared to the ID.4 with the rear seats present but with the rear seats folded down, that's 14L less than the ID.4. Fair enough for a coupe crossover with a sloping roofline but it's still more than enough to tackle everyday needs.

In its rear-wheel-drive configuration, which feels like an old Porsche 911 when you handle it precisely like a pro, making it a mild coupe crossover to drive on a daily basis, the Pro Performance variant's 204ps 77kWh battery pack allows the ID.5 to sprint from 0-100kph in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 160kph, which is 20kph slower than Japanese cars. Range? It's good for 516km based on WLTP standards and when plugged into a public charging outlet, it will reach 80% capacity in almost half an hour.

The high-performance GTX variant adds another electric motor to the front axles, making it a four-wheel-drive electric crossover that produces 299PS of power and 310Nm of torque, capable of hitting a 0-100kph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 180kph, which makes it feel like a Japanese car as expected. The driving range is good for 491km and when plugged into a public charging outlet, it will reach 80% capacity in less than 40 minutes, which is longer than the normal rear-wheel-drive ID.5 but with the GTX, it's a capable crossover than can tackle through all kinds of conditions despite retaining its mild driving feel from its normal equivalent.

The ID.5 and the ID.5 GTX are packed with the most advanced safety features Volkswagen ever thought of ranging from Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, multi-collision brake and Lane Assist, Side Assist lane change system, Park Assist, Park Distance Control, and so on.

With the addition of the coupe crossover derivative to Volkswagen's ID line of electric vehicles, looks like the road to electrification is still going on strong, like it or not. Although not as good as the Tesla Model Y, its pricing is worth owning it, and looks like the Germans are on the roll with this one.

Photo: Volkswagen