Lexus GS350-250 - Luxurious Comfort with Old School Styling

Lexus has been described by BMW as a real contender for the luxury car segment. That was indeed high praise. With quality and design that rivalled leading European marques, it was not surprising for Lexus to be viewed as such.

Today, Lexus continues to produce high quality luxury cars that are remarkable, such that no one would ever doubt the status of its owner as a high income earner with a taste for high quality, if we see a Lexus like the GS350/250 driving by.

But then, one can't help but ask, "Can't he or she do better?" This is not simply a question of affordability. People who are rich enough to buy a Lexus can buy just about any other luxury make.

It's a question of contemporary design. Compared to other makes/models in its class, the Lexus GS350/250 is a little behind or "old school" - save for the Autobot-looking front bonnet and grills.

Of course, there is really nothing wrong with old-school, unless you put the Lexus GS350/250 side-by-side with, for example, the new Mazda 6.

Then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Someone who prefers the Lexus GS350/250 would probably think that the new Mazda 6's Shinari Design is a little too funky.

Personally, I prefer the new Mazda 6, but I've always been a Mazda fan. So, I'm a little biased...

Hyundai Elantra - Just Gets Better with Time

When I first saw the concept car for Hyundai's Elantra, I almost regretted buying the Kia Forte. As much as I love my Forte to bits, I must admit, the Elantra looks better.

And the thing is, the more I look at the Elantra, the better it seems to look - like it grows on you.

Also called the Avante, the new Elantra looks good in all colours, and despite its mid-range price bracket, the car looks grand.

Just buy and drive. No need to put in bigger rims or tyres. No need to add more bling.

Just buy and drive - proudly.

Thumbs up to Hyundai for getting things right with the Elantra.

New Kia Forte - Leading by Design

Kia makes good cars, but for the longest time, it lagged behind its competitors because of its "so-so" Korean design approach.

Then, it decided to do something radical. It hired Audi's former Chief Designer to design a new Kia that would take the world by storm.

Out came the Kia Forte, the first ever Kia designed to compete against European marquees in terms of good looks but still carry a price tag of an average Korean car.

The result was instant success worldwide.

2013 is just around the corner. What has Kia done for the Forte? Make it look even better but without detracting from the current Forte, such that Forte owners old and new can still take pride the good looks of their favourite Kia.

Well done, again, Kia. Well done, indeed.