Honda City: Test Test...

My mum was heading back to Kelantan for the royal annual dinner via flight, so I sent her to the LCCT at about 6-ish this morning. I also took the opportunity to put my car on a performance test, just to see how did it behaved. Cruising speed wise (we're talking 100-120km/h), ride is such a breeze. The City has been very stable, noise insulation is also good for a sub 100K car, everything just feels good. I was on 120-140km/h throughout the 60km stretch to the LCCT.

On my way back, I decided to kick in another notch and pushed it harder. The iVTEC has been revving pleasantly at speeds of 100-120km/h; not much problems encountered. Going 120km/h onwards; that is another story. The engine feels a bit sluggish going to 140, and even more so to 160. Eventually I managed to hit 160, and suddenly i heard some squeaking sound. I'm not entirely sure where it came from. I've decided to slow down and try it again. Again at about 155, 160 the squeaking sound reappeared. Perhaps this is something to be brought up during the5K service. But all in all, I'm satisfied with the car's performance. It can go to 140 (which is the usual speed I drive in highways) which is OK, and the fact that it feels comfy at cruising speeds delights me even more. Pushing up to 160 is something I'll do on rare occassions (especially in a 1.5litre car!), but I think I'll need to get it checked later. I sort of have a feeling that I can push even more (given the power of VTEC), but unless I'm really sure what the problem is with the sound and it has been resolved, I'll put that on hold. Safety first people!

Anyway, today is the start of another season of Formula 1. There's a new kid on the block; Brawn GP, and at the moment, they have been performing well. Scored the pole and 2nd spot, this team is definitely worth checking out. Will it become the dark horse against the favourites of Ferrari, McLaren and Sauber? We'll see about that. I also found out about this KERS system implemented by some cars which allows extra boost power during pressing situations. Will it be practical to be used in this race, given the consideration for weight and so on? All this answers should be answered as the race kicks off. Till then , roger and out!