Automotive Tech Bulletin

Lighter, faster, nimblerAudi A5 Coupe

2009-10-07T07:54:00.001+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Well, not quite in the mainstream production model. The weight loss is with an one-off prototype with an aluminium body that weights over 100kg less than the production version.

Nothing like shaving off those pounds, really. Audi has developed a lightweight Audi A5 Coupe prototype that weighs more than 100kg less than the series production model.

This has been accomplished by swapping steel for advanced aluminium and carbon fibre construction in the interest of fuel economy, emissions reduction and handling agility.

Taking an existing steel-bodied production car as its basis, the A5 project car showcases the workings of the aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) concept the company pioneered to a T - the prototype weighs in at 1,310kg versus the 1,420kg for the steel-bodied production model.

Lighter, faster, nimbler. And it saves on the gas too.

Thanks to the significant weight loss, achieved by mounting aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics onto the aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF), the A5 prototype is able to use a four-cylinder engine with its attendant economy and emissions advantages to deliver the performance of a higher output V6.

Powered by the same 2.0l, 208bhp Turbo FSI engine, the aluminium prototype achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 159bhp per tonne. In comparison, the A5 3.2 FSI V6 Quattro with 261bhp, which tips the scales at 1,540kg, shades it only by a fraction at 170bhp per tonne.

The lightweight design of the test car not only enables a smaller engine to supplement a larger one, with no impact on performance and gains in economy and emissions, but also has a knock-on effect on ancillaries such as the brakes and transmission, which can also be reduced in size and weight. It also enables the car to change direction noticeably more keenly and nimbly and, thanks to the reduction in unsprung weight, to ride with even more refinement.

Mercedes-Benz ML350 enters Malaysia

2009-10-01T00:42:00.004+08:00

Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is the choice of those who like recreational activities, tough but comfortable.

More recently, Mercedes-Benz (M) Sdn Bhd introduces luxury SUV model, ML350 version in 2009 that outdoorsy Depkominfo and luxury inside.

Opportunity to test drive this model SUV makes writers wondered whether buyers are willing melanyak more valuable machinery and a half million dollars to face this mud?

External corner ML350 well-sasa wind oscillation and flexible making it appear to each side masculine.

See the front grill which is decorated with three large corner star logo reflects that the machinery is still prioritize luxury.

HID projector lighting technology while in the host system LED rear lights to help vision more clearly at night.

Match twin exhaust makes it more sporty and fierce and decorative roof solar look more stylish.

ML350 supplied pulse cylinder 18-valve six-cylinder 3.498 cc bersesaran combined four-wheel drive transmission with seven speeds (7G-TRONIC).

This luxury SUV is able to offer maximum power 272hp other tooth and 350Nm torque at 2.400 to 5,000 rpm.

Most interesting is supplied with the ML350 system Airmatic suspension uses a four-wheel controls to control the air rocking body weight is 2.8 tonnes.

Airmatic has three different modes that can lower or raise this machinery.

For example, when drivers want to check or through the shrubs, elevated SUV for more space relieved the earth, but if you want to accelerate at highway speed, the system will automatically lower body.

In fact, the system DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) system and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) for four-wheel drive luxury SUV allows this discharge his duties with excellence in hilly or slippery path.

DSR set the appropriate speed when descending a steep slope while ESP helps the driver lost control when the wheels slipped.

Help alloy wheels with 19 inch rim with air pressure detector allows ML350 controlled more easily.

Menerjah to cabin space clearly shows it is not arbitrary SUV.

Image of luxury reflected in every angle, including wrapping the skin soft aluminum and chrome finish but is used to generate a masculine image.

Screen Command APS system for digital dashboard dominate the middle.

Audio system can switch to activate the phone with Bluetooth technology.

Drivers only need to press the button on the steering to answer the call.

Comand APS and Linguatronic technology allows audio system, navigation, mobile phone and CD players using voice control.

This system is standard for all models from a German luxury vehicle.

I do not have time to test in the 'off-road', but the media officer of Mercedes-Benz ML350 is able to acknowledge along slopes and in the expedition lopak day period.

For this test drive units, rear passengers can enjoy entertainment compact digital video disk (DVD) with 'headphone' without wires located behind both the driver's seat forward.

At high speeds exceeding 200 km / h, ML350 direct beroleng not, but remain stable and strong umpama a regular sedan.

Sound problems between tire and wind that often haunt most SUVs because height does not happen. Turns taken easily captured in a fast, no wobble from the front or tail.

In fact, when tried to take corners during hard braking, ESP systems kick in and control the vehicle so as not remove.

Clearly, Mercedes always satisfy the impressive quality. Quite safe, quite convincing.

Clearly succeeded in producing Mercedes-Benz vehicle that really can explore the forest Depkominfo, but at the same time still coated with true luxury.

Costing RM548, 888 per unit, model test driving a Mercedes-Benz ML350 time Sports Package is the upgraded version, but have the same price as previous models.

SPECIFICATIONS

Mercedes-Benz ML350

Engine: Six-cylinder 18-valve 3.498 cc

Maximum power: 272hp at 6,000 rpm

Maximum torque: 350Nm at 2.400 to 5.000 rpm

Transmission: AWD seven-speed 7G-TRONIC

Safety features: ABS, BAS, EBD, ESP, DSR, Arcade, air bag

Price: RM548, 888.00

Tire proposed: ContiCrossContact UHP 255/50R19 103W

World's first hybrid MPV - Toyota Estima Hybrid

2009-09-29T23:12:00.008+08:00

PETALING JAYA - Naza Group of Companies, through Naza World will begin distributing a hybrid model of multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and first in Malaysia, the Toyota Estima Hybrid (Estima Hybrid).

Richard Tan, the General Manager, said in a statement, it is the first hybrid vehicle will be marketed by the company in the country.

However, the company has not made any announcement about the price of the vehicle until the launch is expected in the car this week.

Estima Hybrid is a new generation of hybrid equipped with THS II, which serves to give the MPV driving performance better and at the same time conserving the environment.

Features THS II is based on the concept of Hybrid Synergy Drive which seeks to improve the efficiency of fuel consumption, reduced smoke production vehicles, operating vehicles more quietly and overall vehicle performance is better.

The all new BMW Web TV

2009-09-29T00:13:00.002+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

BMW's revamped internet television offering called www.bmw.tv is now online. The site replaces the previous offering, which achieved a combined total of more than 70mil video views.

In addition to the English version, twelve additional languages are scheduled to go online in the course of the next few months. The website will continue to focus on the fields of motoring, innovation, lifestyle and sports.

In the future, visitors of BMW TV can access full-video content in HD quality or use the clickable videos. Embedded into these videos are so-called hotspots that enable users to call up information on cars and other products through the video. This system includes, for instance, a direct link to the Car Configurator.

It's all here. And if it isn't, then it doesn't matter.

The entire web presence is structured dynamically and - thanks to tagging - matches the selected video with appropriate additional content. As a special feature, the website provides a 3D media library that allows visitors to access the video offering directly. Other integrated features include standard web 2.0 applications such as a tag cloud generator or rating and dispatch functions.

Users can subscribe to the BMW TV program preview newsletter and RSS feeds, and all reports are available for download and linked to social bookmarking services.

Range Rover in smaller size

2009-09-27T13:01:00.003+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Land Rover has announced it will be turning its LRX concept vehicle into a reality - the design will be the basis of a production version which will debut next year and join the Range Rover line-up in 2011.

Set to be the smallest RR when it arrives.

No details of the vehicle, which will be built at the plant in Halewood in the UK, have yet been released, but the company says that it will be true to the concept and have many recognisable Range Rover design cues, including the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance.

Smart Volvo

2009-09-19T08:35:00.005+08:00

A time ago, people often served Western film that shows a car capable of moving itself without the need for drivers.

A time ago, people often served Western film that shows a car capable of moving itself without the need for drivers.

Now, the matter becomes more reality when Sweden's largest vehicle manufacturer, Volvo introduced its latest model Crossover, XC60.

Opportunity to test drive the machinery brought in Volvo Car Malaysia is indeed recognized the unique vehicles, high-tech and smart.

This is because, XC60 can be stopped automatically detect when the vehicle in front stops, especially when facing traffic congestion.

In fact, the machinery is also able to detect objects in the blind spot and inform the line level sensitivity driver whether good or declined.

All the technology further strengthens the brand Volvo among the safest vehicles in the world.

At first glance, the physical XC60 slightly smaller than his brother, the XC90 can accommodate seven passengers.

Scandinavian engineering staff to make XC60 Volvo logo looks fierce with a larger grill than its original identity as a transverse crossed.

Match lighting extends to the roof with the very latest style and attention to the identity of the latest Volvo models will come.

Flexible aerodynamic lines include panoramic roof made XC60 Crossover is a stylish look than other models.

Menerjah to inner space, the dashboard design updates and matching dark skin makes it look sporty.

Analog meters display the latest addition screen vehicle information display makes driving more relaxed.

Audio system with six-disc changer with 12 speakers, offers satisfaction halwa ear like in the studio.

In fact, rear passengers do not like listening to songs selected driver, front line only 'ear phone' on the central console and listen to their favorite songs.

Volvo Navigation System (VNS) application that uses GPS and map from MapKing facilitate the driver finding a shortcut other than touch screen display that also functions as a camera or postpone the driver when parking.

As a family-oriented machinery, rear-seat child-friendly.

Floor seats can be folded into a high position in order to avoid seat belt wrapped around your neck of the other children make children more comfortable and see the scenery through the window.

XC60 supplied with pulse turbocharged 3.0L six cylinder (T6) making machinery that never disappoints.

The engine produces 285 hp at 5.600 rpm power and torque as high as 400 Nm at 1.500 up to 4.800 rpm.

All power is divided smoothly through all wheel drive (AWD) with six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.

Privileges on the XC60 is technology such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

LDW will produce the sound 'beep' when the vehicle exceeds the white road lines.

Although the sound somewhat disturbing, it teaches drivers use turn signals when I change orientation.

At the bottom of the side mirror, there is a detector to inform if the presence of vehicles at the edge of the vehicle.

Indicator system blind spot or Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will be released kerlipan small red lights notify authors are moving objects on the left or right vehicle.

Technology Driver Alert Control (DAC) will display the icon 'cup of coffee' after driving for long periods of time rather than decrease the level of sensitivity eggs.

Icon with sound 'beep' that seems to advise the driver to stop short recess before continuing.

Another security feature is the main or City Safety City Safety braking when the XC60 will automatically when there are obstacles in front.

However, according to its use in the city, it only works when moving at speeds below 15 km / h.

Security features such as two-stage air bags, SIPS, WHIPS, ABS, EBD, HBA, Wed, DSTC dna RSC is standard.

XC60 makes a safe vehicle when driving quickly or slowly in the city, highway or path is not paved.

Units for driving test, offering Volvo XC60 LE version which is priced at a premium and RM360, 200 without insurance.

SPECIFICATIONS

VOLVO XC60 3.0L

ENGINE: Six cylinder 2.953 cc Turbo (T6)

MAXIMUM POWER: 285 hp at 5.600 rpm

MAXIMUM torque: 400 Nm at 1.500 up to 4.800 rpm

Transmission: six-speed automatic with Geartronic

SAFETY FEATURES: Safety City, ACC, LDW, BLIS, DAC, Two Stage Air Bags, SIPS, WHIPS, ABS, EBD, HBA, Wed, DSTC and RSC

PRICE: RM360, 200 without insurance

Tire proposed: ContiCrossContact UHP 235/60 R18 103V

Reworked Volvo C30

2009-09-10T09:38:00.003+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Volvo C30 will unveil its redesigned at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the car, which should begin production in November, has a new front and rear design, the introduction of a new sports suspension, style New accessory kit and a range of options, colors and bold accessories.

New face. Everyone does it.

At the front, the car gets a new look bolder and more expressive, courtesy of changes to the body panel which include those wings and bonnet, which aligns the design language to the S60 Concept and recently announced new C70.

In the grid - there is a pattern honeycomb new - is the new, larger brand iron as seen in the rest of the Volvo range. The air intake has also been expanded and looks for acceptance in the XC60.

Cabin strikes a familiar pose.

Updates to the rear includes a new color-coded rear skirt is available in body color or to add a dramatic touch in a contrasting color.

Other new features include the external introduction of a dynamic metallic orange flame, exhaust outlets visible in the T5 and D5 models, two new wheel options, including an alternative striking white wheel and a choice of five colors different on the lower part of the new base C30 Color Contrast Collection, as Cassis, Java and blue shadow.

Elsewhere, a new styling kit accessory has been introduced to give the C30 look even sportier. The kit includes a decorative fog lamp, a front skidplate, scuff plates and side skidplate back with a look of aluminum. For the D5 and T5 variants, two exhaust pipes of 90mm polished stainless steel are added to highlight the powerful engine.

Very little change to the rear, really.

In the meantime, it is given a set of new options, led by a new combination of colors called Espresso / Blond, consisting of an upper and a dark brown blonde gray / beige color on the lower side door. This gives customers the ability to specify new accent colors that include bright orange, green and blue fabrics, and a new color cranberry leather upholstered furniture.

Handling wise, there is a new option of sports suspension, which promises to give the C30 a distinctly sharper. The changes include lowering the car 10mm in a more precise steering coutrtesy pads more rigid and lowered the steering ratio is 10% faster in response to comments flying. In addition, you get stiffer anti-roll bars and dampers and spring rate was also increased by 30%.

Veedubs a screamer

2009-09-09T09:18:00.005+08:00

Plenty to applaud, if you're into Volkswagens, because there are three new Veedubs coming to you in the next two months, and these are the Scirocco GT, Passat CC and Mk VI Golf GTI.

Clean and mean, the Scirocco GT is.

The Scirocco GT and Passat CC will come first, set for launch in Oct, and the former looks every inch a screamer. Indicative pricing for the Portuguese-assembled Scirocco GT is RM248,000, while the Passat CC's is expected to be in the RM240,000 region.

For those coupe/convertible moments.

As for the much-awaited Golf GTI, this one is due to arrive in Nov, and the South African-assembled pocket rocket will roll in at an indicative pricing of RM209,000.

And of course, the volume seller, in sixth gen form.

VW Group Malaysia offered a sneak preview of the trio last night at its corporate headquarters in Wisma UOA in Bangsar, and the samplers, which were brought in from Singapore for the preview, will be around until this weekend, so if you're interested in seeing the three new kids ahead of their market debut here, then you know where to catch them.

BMW 4x4 Crossman

2009-09-04T20:56:00.001+08:00

BMW has revealed a potential fifth body variation of its trendy nameplate that could hit showrooms in 2011 if it gets the green light

These are the first official pictures of the Mini Coupe' Concept which has the potential to become the next derivative from Mini to hit the market after the fourth variation goes on sale next year based on the 4x4 Crossman. The three versions currently on sale include the Hatch, Clubman and Convertible.

Notable design elements in the Coupe' Concept are distinctive roof with a jagged rear-quarter design, traditional three-box profile, elaborate bumpers and side skirts. It is claimed that such a package gives the lowest centre of gravity of all Minis.

The interior has only two seats (rear space and comfort was never a forte of Mini) with emphasis on shades of brown, including tan-coloured leather seats and wood panels. Such appointments could make it to other Minis currently on sale.

Powering the Coupe' Concept is the 211hp 1.6-litre turbo unit from the JCW (John Cooper Works) versions used in the Hatch, Clubman and Convertible. There's also a temporary overboost system to raise torque from 260Nm to 280. Gearbox is a six-speed manual.

Should the Coupe' Concept get the green light for production, sales could start in 2011 to rival the slightly bigger Audi TT and Peugeot RCZ 2+2s in terms of price. Such a strategy would give Mini the chance to launch a new car every year. Theoretically, the Coupe' Concept could get less powerful engines in Cooper guises.

ONE LAST THING: When the Coupe' Concept bows in Frankfurt this month, it will be joined by a Roadster Concept, possibly making it sixth Mini variation.

Volvo's City Safety

2009-09-03T11:48:00.002+08:00

How City Safety Works Best coverage of an accident is avoiding it in the first place. With Volvo City Safety, which is often possible.

City Safety is a unique technology to Volvo Cars for avoiding collisions at low speeds in city traffic and congestion.

It brakes the car automatically if the driver is on the player in a vehicle in front.

City Safety operates at speeds up to 30 km / h. If the vehicle in front brakes suddenly and City Safety determines that a collision is likely, the brakes are pre-loaded.

If the driver remains inactive, the car brakes automatically. If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 15kph then City Safety may help the driver avoid the collision entirely. Between 15kph and 30 kph, the emphasis is on reducing speed as much as possible before impact.

City Safety keeps an eye on traffic in front, with the help of a laser sensor that is built on top of the windscreen at the height of the mirror. It can detect vehicles and other objects up to 10m in front of the front bumper of the car.

City Safety also allows the owner to reduce the time consuming contacts with workshop and the insurance company. What is more, Volvo is engaged in a dialogue with insurance companies about insurance premiums for cars equipped with City Safety.

Served Up Piping Hot - BMW X6 M

2009-08-31T11:58:00.003+08:00

By LAI VOON LOONG
Photos by LAI VOON LOONG and BMW

It's not too long ago that we were in the U.S. of A to drive the X6. BMW reinforces the issue of power even higher this time. Here are the X6 M, served hot.

They say everything is big in America, including cars and BMW certainly built their biggest car in its sole U.S. plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

And to launch their major, all-wheel drive, twin turbo M BMW X6 SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) a group of automotive journalists were taken to the neighboring state of Georgia, home not only CNN and Coca-Cola but also the famous Road Atlanta race track where we could put this bit of innovative automotive engineering to the test.

Why do I say innovative? Because the X6 M something totally different out of the BMW. Most of us are aware of their coupes and sedans excellent, then came the X5 SAV and we all thought that they have lost ground.

And what do we do with the CAS X6? Nobody ever thought that BMW would release something as bizarre as this, but they did.

BMW purists have had their fair share of shock and awe when they brought the Mr. X6 They could not address the idea that M Now some cars came with turbo power and AWD.

The Division of M are the "go-fast" people to BMW when they want a little extra punch in their products. Available from BMW M Sport, they were a subsidiary of longtime BMW Group, and have been involved in motorsports since 1972.

In fact, some technological innovations come from BMW M "Division

Back in the day when the Formula 1 broadcast of turbo engines, BMW has also turned to M Division state-of-the-art turbocharged engines for several Formula 1 teams.

The engine X6 M is a marvel of engineering and looks almost artistic in its naked form.

So why the fuss over the turbocharger?

As I see it, all things must evolve and improve, if they go the way of the dinosaurs.

We saw huge paradigm shifts in design how these manufacturers make and sell cars. So do not look at it as a bad thing, just look at all that more horsepower than the supercharged V8 engine nicely done.

And an engine quite remarkable he is. Derived from the original engine X6 xDrive50i, the 4395 cc V8 puts out an impressive 555hp at 6,000 rpm, about 150 hp more than the original.

Maximum torque is also an equally impressive 608Nm and comes consistently from 1,500 rpm all the way to 5650 rpm. This power means just as fast as you can trample on the gas pedal and stay there until the needle reaches nearly three quarters of the distance on the speedometer.

This kind of performance statistics is the X6 M well in motor sport in the territory of an SUV-sized vehicle. The X6 M carries a 0-100km / h sprint in 4.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 250 km / h.

Mated to the 4.4 power unit is liter box of six-speed automatic gear with a choice of full automatic or manual via the gearshift lever or paddle shifters. Of course, big smiles, silly smiles and shouts of joy are still common when changing gears via paddle shifters.
Typical of high end Bimmers, the gearshift in the X6 M is oriented towards the driver.

Typical of the higher-end Bimmers, the gearshifter in the X6 M is oriented towards the driver.

All that electricity is produced with the help of a pair of twin scroll turbocharger that sit in the V-section between the two cylinder banks.

Conventional turbocharger systems are normally placed near the engine, which require longer pipes and exhaust manifolds that result in greater distances for exhaust gas turbochargers for travel to the resulting output delayed.

Having the twin turbos sitting in rows of cylinders to solve this problem.

The exhaust manifold is itself a marvel of modern automotive technology. This is a crossover unique configuration that is typical of BMW's patented innovation, coming straight out of Star Trek or based on some kind of advanced alien technology. It draws the exhaust of the two banks of cylinders directly into the turbocharger. It's as simple as I can explain it without drowning in a sea of jargon and marketing speak.

The more I look, the more overwhelming technology becomes. I just love the fact that it works and it has been proven on the circuit.

With a constant flow pressure exhaust gas turbines running with great efficiency, the twin turbos are able to develop a boost pressure of 1.5 bar up to create this extraordinary power and torque .

The exhaust gases then pass through a pair of straight tubes that terminate at a common silent, then a set of chrome exhaust tip quad, which is a signature of M Division vehicles.

Alien rhapsody

Oh, what I give to hear those quad exhausts supernatural sing their song again. There are few right now that can compare to the exhaust note of a motor M X6.

It begins with a rumbling low end that is common in the V8 engine and a development that is most familiar motorhead Yank. As you lead-foot off the accelerator, something changes in the characteristics of the exhaust and the familiar rumbling V8 gives rise to a vicious roar that he was not worrying, is something unheard of before . Remember what I said about alien technology?

Analyze this song, you find that it is a combination of turbocharger and twin exhaust manifolds cross. I like to think that the word American Redneck with a German accent sophisticated.

When the needle on the tachometer begins to rise, so does your sense more primitive. Just make sure to reduce gradually the windows when you hunt with the X6 M to get the full measure of listening pleasure.

What can I say about handling that BMW has not already been said?

BMW has always produced technologies to improve handling in their cars than most automakers would sell their mothers.

For all the hype that has crossed the X6, the X6 M did remarkably well weighing a hefty 2.305 kilograms.

But the X6 M has both brawn and brains. Coupled with the intelligent xDrive AWD system is a plethora of Alphabet Soup systems that prevent the vehicle on the right path. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), HDC (Hill Descent Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), ICM (Integrated Chassis Management), to name a few. All these systems and massive amounts of energy, it was easy to throw in the heavyweight X6 M as a small sport around the track at Road Atlanta.

But it's still a two and a half tonne car and you can not beat the laws of physics and gravity. A two and a half ton vehicle has a lot of inertia and he just wants to go straight, especially at high speed, no matter how you turn the steering wheel.

Fortunately for me, all security systems were activated and pulled back the reins before things become unmanageable. It was only when I underestimated the sharpness of the turn.

But in most cases, stability and traction systems to the X6 M really such a pleasure to drive.

Highly Maneouvre

Once I managed to read the lines of race law, stability of the X6 M and the traction control would only make it easier to throw around even more.

The M X6 really feel like a champion on the track.

The M version of the X6 is less than 10 mm and has stiffer springs, which means that the ride is a little stiffer than usual.

Inside the X6 M is a luxury that is typical of all vehicles of category M. Sweet, soft Merino leather seat cover of substantial size. I found that the seats had the right amount of grip strengthening and that you kept your seat because the car had its high-speed cornering.

BMW IDrive improved control most vehicle systems and speed Heads Up Display projects and indices navigation directly on the windshield. The pilot and three passengers have now each have their own climate zone, the front and in back.

So the question you should ask yourself is why I want one?

Well, if you've always wanted a hard charging and fast sports coupe, but noted that you could not really much in it, or how it rode so low, then the M X6 is for you.

Not only that, you also get all the performance and power to push around the size SUV X6 M, as you would a sports coupe.

No price has yet been announced for Malaysia because it is not launched here yet

A fine Italian - Alfa Romeo 159

2009-08-31T10:37:00.005+08:00

Story and photos by LAI VOON LOONG

Fine Italian car is now just around the corner, taking the shape of the Alfa 159.

I never thought I'd see the day when a European luxury sedan would cost less than RM200, 000. But here the Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS Selespeed, which is less than RM190, 000!

Less than an entry level BMW 3 Series or equivalent Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Alfa 159 is an exceptional vehicle for fans to get into excellent European, especially Italian car.

Lovely: The 159’s styling cues are more similar to that of sport coupes than saloon cars.

And owning and driving a fine Italian car that probably means you have more than a passing interest in driving.

Renowned automotive columnist Jeremy Clarkson, once quipped that you could not really call yourself a petrol head until you actually owned an Alfa Romeo.

Well, actually I drive a Fiat, which in turn owns Alfa Romeo, so I guess that must count for something.

If you have any qualms about owning an Italian car, I could not really blame you because Fiat and Alfa Romeo have a history rather spotty at best.

In the days before, they had a reputation as garbage and stories of unreliability affect even years later.

No more, because this is the new Alfa Romeo and they have promised greater reliability, innovation and as much fun as their previous products.

The 159 is a product truly 21st century, Alfa Romeo, having been launched in 2006. And you can tell they really went all do to regain the confidence of buyers who have forgotten the Italian car was really about.

Quality and editing inside and outside have greatly improved.

This is an Alfa that would probably impress your father, even your grandfather.

Other car manufacturers seem to make significant changes of paradigm to breathe new life into their products that sometimes alienate their biggest fans and enthusiasts.

But while the Alfa Romeo is sharp in its way, it is easily identifiable by Alfistes most hardened fans or Alfa Romeo.

It helps that the 159 is designed by world famous design house Giugiaro, who was Penning some of the most beautiful cars from Alfa Romeo through the years as the Alfasud, the Alfetta GTV and 156, which replaces the 159 .

I like how the rear lines of the 159 echoes that of the 156, especially along the C pillar and the boot line. But that's where the similarities end. The 159 and its siblings are as different from their ancestors of the 20th century as chalk and cheese.

Put out an impressive 185bhp at 6,500 rpm, the 2198 cc JTS line four-cylinder engine at no time to feel breathless.

A maximum torque of 230Nm healthy at 4500 rpm allows the 159 to breeze through most road conditions. These figures are quite impressive especially for a four-cylinder engine and is an improvement over the 156's engine TwinSpark.

Incidentally, the 156 was one of the Alfas first to receive JTS engine but that is a model 2.0-liter, while the larger capacity of 159 also adds to increased performance.

JTS or Jet Thrust stoichiometric is Alfa-speak for direct injection engine fuel at high pressure which is injected directly into the combustion chamber. The JTS engine is also designed to run lean when the peak power is not needed, reducing fuel consumption.

Mated to the powerplant JTS is a gearbox six-speed Selespeed. Think of it as a manual transmission robot. He still has a clutch to engage and disengage the gears, except that in a Selespeed gearbox hydraulic system is used to activate the clutch, rather than your left foot pressing a clutch pedal. Everything is controlled by electronics which also take into account the position of the accelerator, engine speed and other factors. So just imagine a robotic leg that weighs on the clutch, somewhere deep in the bowels of the engine bay to do the work for you so that you can enjoy driving the car.

The Selespeed gearbox is operating in automatic mode where the computer selects the gear changes or the manual mode, where you do not select yourself on the gear lever in "up-down shift pattern or the via a pair of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

In a rather short and a half days and I had the car, I fed a variety of roads winding roads and of course, the suburban roads. It was brilliant 159 on the road and I can easily say that the 159, it is like a great interstate cruiser. The 159 performs very well on suburban roads while the performance of biased suspension may seem a little steep on the speed bumps and rough roads.

Favorite times are around toll plazas where the shot 159 of doors as a thoroughbred on speed, while the twin chrome-tipped exhaust pipes sang an Italian air that seem to emerge from a much larger engine. The sounds are undeniably Alfa and it starts with a silent roar that ends in a screaming crescendo somewhere around 7000 rpm that just penetrates your senses.

The 159 is also a feast for the eyes and I see style indices that are more akin to sport coupes that cars sedan. There is something about Italian cars, cars especially the Italian designed by Giugiaro, which simply ooze sex appeal.

What makes it even more attractive the 159 is its price of RM188, 888.00. This is the price to pay for a ticket into the world of Italian car.

Sonic Bombardment

2009-08-29T12:41:00.004+08:00

By HOMER ASHBURN

Audio assault or pure pleasure on wheels? It depends on who you ask about the world of boom boom audio.

DURING World War II, the Germans apparently designed a sound cannon, which created a sonic shockwave that was beyond a man’s ability to withstand the impact to his body.

No body armour could protect the poor soldier from the sonic bombardment and, it was believed that, at certain distances, those waves could kill.

Wide open field: For purveyors of boom boom, there are no shortage of hardware to cater to every whim and fancy.

Nowadays, we experience such sonic weapons for fun … welcome to weird and wonderful world of boom boom audio, competition sounds and dB drag racing or the art of turning your car/van/truck/SUV into a boom box on wheels. Some do it for the kicks, some simply like it loud, others do it to compete and, some, strangely enough, do it for charity. More on that later.

Boom boom audio was a term coined by a friend of mine to describe what is the norm rather than the exception here - cars kitted out to the max with audio equipment so powerful that you can hear their output two to three kilometres away … and then hear those sounds getting progressively louder and louder as those kitted-out cars get closer and closer.

For purveyors of boom boom, there are no shortage of accessory shops nationwide that can cater to every single permutation. Want a car boot full of bass bins and amps? That can be done. Think you need a 12-speaker surround system?

That can be done. Need to completely remove the backseat to make space for your killer boom boom system? That can be done. All it takes is a touch of madness, the will to be moved by such madness and plenty of ringgit to fuel the madness.

For the boom boom mavens, the tools of the trade are off-the-shelf speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers, which are readily available. Popular brands like Sony, Blaupunkt and Kenwood do manufacture and sell systems for those who like it loud and there are brands like Kicker and Rockford Fosgate that have made their names specialising in such systems.

For many boom boom lovers, this is as high as it gets. For others, it’s merely the stepping stone to the next level, competition sound. For this, we probably have to blame the International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA), a worldwide association that promotes car audio championships.

Since 1987, IASCA has promoted the sale of mobile electronics through its car audio competitions, or soundoffs as they like to call it. Soundoffs, although amateurs and rookies do have competition segments reserved for them, are where the big boys play. This is where the manufacturers, the custom outfitters and the serious players strut their stuff and show what they have.

IASCA and non-IASCA-certified competitions are essentially split into two formats, sound quality and SPL (sound pressure level). Each format has its own subdivisions, with each subdivision divided into segments for the amateurs and the pros.

Sound quality means exactly that, how powerful the system can throw out without distorting, in practice not an easy balance to achieve as judges look for such technicalities like spectral balance, tonal accuracy, staging, imaging, linearity and absence of noise as well as well as system safety, integration, craftsmanship and the like.

It’s the next category, though, that has the uber boom boom boys and girls frothing at the mouth. This is what IASCA calls its db or decibel League or what observers and the media in the United States have started calling as dB drag racing. SPL is defined as the local pressure deviant from the ambient or, simply put, how loud can you go.

dB drag racing is probably as close as anyone is going to get to recreating those German experiments from over 60 years ago.

According to a CNN/Popular Science article from a couple of years ago, a young chap plonked down US$80,000 worth of audio equipment into a Dodge Caravan. The system comprised 72 amps, 36 16-volt batteries and nine 15-inch subwoofers and was capable of putting out 130,000 watts of power.

Of course, Irving’s Dodge was undrivable. There was no space for a driver let alone passengers and, besides, with the amount of dB SPLs being cranked out, people inside the Dodge would have literally died. What the sport’s enthusiasts go for, however, was being able to see whose system could go the loudest.

According to the report, which was written in 2002, the record back then was 177.6 dB. For comparison’s sake, a 747 aeroplane’s engine’s noise prior to take-off is about 140 dB and, it has been said, that if sound were to go beyond 120 dB, it would seriously hurt any human that happens to be near-by. Even kill them. Nice.

In fact, it’s advised that SPLs between 85 dB and 140 dB, if heard over a prolonged period, will make you deaf and some communities in the United States have taken action.

According to reports from that side of the world, residents have been urging their city councils to enact noise ordinances that would make it an offence for cars to have such loud systems driving around such communities.

Still, not everyone’s against loud sounds. Apparently, this month saw a charity competition sound event held in the United States where proceeds go to a children’s hospital and where contestants and the public alike were asked to bring toys to donate to the hospital. Nice one.

Fastest Jag in town

2009-08-28T14:50:00.002+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

It's hailed as the fastest Jaguar ever built, a prime rival to the BMW M5, and it's finally in town. Yes, folks, the stonking XFR has arrived, all 510bhp of it.

Muscular doesn't begin to describe the brute, but the grand thing about it is that it doesn't look over the top visually - there's a definite finesse to the styling cues that lend the saloon the R suffix.

The new sleeper vehicle - the XFR.

The front end is that bit more aggressive, with a revised bumper, bonnet louvres and lower air intakes, topped off by a black mesh grille. The 'R' Performance Aerodynamic pack also includes sill extensions, 20-inch Nevis alloys, quad exhaust tips and a boot spoiler. Inside, to make sure you know you're in a XFR, there are 'R' badges, aluminium and mesh accents as well as custom leather sports seats, with electrically adjustable side bolsters, no less.

Of course, the right ticker here is the AJ-V8 GEN IIIR supercharged 5.0l block, which turns out the magic figure above. There's 461Nm of torque as well, and with the attendant six-speed auto tranny, the car goes the 0-100kmh dash in 4.9secs and goes to a speed-limited 250kmh.

If you

Handling is assured, with the inclusion of such electronic niceties such as Adaptive Dynamics and Active Differential Control. The XFR is priced at RM888,888, while the XF 5.0L normally-aspirated goes for RM698,888.

It isn't the only big cat to arrive in town - Sisma Auto also launched the revised XKR in Pavilion, KL, last night alongside the XFR. The stunning coupe has the same V8 pot and numbers as the latter, though it is slightly quicker off the bat at 4.8secs for the century dash.

Ditto the drive-assist electronics on call. Elsewhere, the car features a centre console-mounted seven-inch touchscreen and finally gets the Jaguar Drive Selector, and to keep the 'R' theme going, the real wood veneers on this one include the likes of Dark Oak and Dark Mesh Aluminium.

The XKR 5.0L Supercharged is available in both coupe and convertible guise, and prices for these are RM1,088,888 and RM1,158,888 respectively. If you're not inclined to all that power, then the normally-aspirated XK 5.0l can be had, RM928,888 for the coupe and RM998,888 for the convertible.

Fight fire with Nissan GT-R

2009-08-27T02:14:00.004+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Nothing like getting to a place in the fastest time, especially if you happen to be in the firefighting business. Well, how about a Nissan GT-R then, as a firefighting vehicle?

That's precisely what the Nürburgring boys have now - Nissan has presented a specially redesigned GT-R as a gift to the curcuit operator, Nürburgring GmbH, and the zippy machine will provide the fastest possible response to emergency calls at the Nordschleife circuit.

How's this for quick, eh?

Equipped with a fire extinguishing system with water and foam on board attached to a hose pipe accessed via the sizeable boot, this GT-R is designed to get to the scene of a blaze in the quickest possible time. In standard road-car form, the GT-R is capable of lapping the famous Nordschleife in only 7min 26secs, and though this one has an extra 200kg of fire-fighting equipment on board, it can still lap the challenging circuit in less than 8mins.

The fire-fighting conversion was carried out by M&M Automotive, a Bonn-based specialist for car development and motor sports. The GT-R’s two standard backseats were taken out and replaced with a 50l water tank, which was secured with a roll cage.

This firebrand will put out fires.

There is a medium-pressure extinguisher system (20 bars) as well as a winding device for the hose. The only other differences between this Nissan GT-R and one straight from the factory is the additional radio communication system, the new Recaro sports seats and the roll bar. With a foam reach of around 18m and a 20m hose, the unit will be able to fight fire for around two minutes on one tank.

Making waves in Malaysia

2009-08-18T02:26:00.001+08:00

Story and photos by ANTHONY LIM

Like it or not, this is not something you'd be ignorant about. This take on Toyota's green wonder, the Prius. Since his arrival on the scene 12 years ago, the vehicle has certainly been making waves, and offering very polarizing viewpoints while she.

Albeit the shade, not feeling the least bit blue ...

There are those who see the electric / gasoline hybrid - in all its incarnations - as a form of self-aggrandizement in this regard to be environmentally conscious, something to make you feel good about yourself ( probably for some environments, without actually doing anything clever, economically), while in a vehicle without a soul, cajoling and offering a hard plasticky uninspired. "This is not a real car," is a remark often heard from his detractors.

Inside the JDM-spec interior.

Those who sit in the camp pro utter a contrary view, that of a vehicle that has been and continues to be at the bottom of a novel technical perspective - and not just a means of transportation, but makes you save fuel, to move things and, especially, puts out less harmful emissions while him. Doing his part to make the world a cleaner place is probably the flag, and a Prius, you fly fairly well.

Centre console is well-laid out, and the visual standout in the interior.

Self-aggrandizement? Well, maybe you can not escape the problem completely, but whatever the case, it is undeniable that enough people believe in having a just cause, because the success of the vehicle speaks volume terms, quite literally -- of more than 1.8 million Toyota hybrids sold worldwide, 1.3 million of them were Prius.

Indeed, the Prius has become a landmark car, a vehicle that embodies his nickname to a T, as a harbinger, an omen of great things to come.

Sharper back, although some may find the design of the tail lamp of a little contentious.

If we were never in the loop around one and two, well now we will be able to see what it is all hands on first, because from next week, the Prius -- in its new 3rd generation ZVW30 form - will be available on the Malaysian market when UMW Toyota launches the My next vehicle.

The new Prius, which was launched in Japan on May 18 with a target expected monthly sales of 10,000 units, was nothing less than a rousing success - 180,000 orders only in the first month means that Toyota is scrambling to respond to demand, a delay in delivery that has stretched to four months.

New and old do the posing bit.

NWH20 the 2nd generation Prius, launched in 2003, had a lot of new technology in this regard, although the new takes things much further. Improvements abound, as it should, with great emphasis on improving the conduct and environmental performance (fuel consumption high and low emissions) and tranquility.

The new form, more aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.25, does the new Prius a good car much more abrupt than its predecessor, but if you look closely you will see that the triangular shape was maintained, and many of ECO -iconic design cues seen in the latter can be found, improved as they are throughout the body monoform, retain the unique identity goes.

The 1.8l 2ZR-FXE pot.

Mainly, the most significant stumbling NWH20 is in the areas of powertrain and running gear, the block of Atkinson-cycle changes from 1NZ-FXE 1.5L to 1.8L to a displacement unit, in this case 2ZR-FXE 16 - valve DOHC with VVT-I, giving 98bhp at 5,200 rpm and 142Nm at 4000 rpm, with a continuously variable transmission in attendance.

Starting to accommodate four medium-sized luggage bags. Or three sets of golf clubs.

The series hybrid system of parallel continues, although more than 90% of the elements of Toyota Hybrid System II have been recently developed. There is now an integrated gear reduction electric motor, and the size and weight of components, including the generator, were reduced.

With power supplied by a 168-Cell, 28 module sealed Ni-MH battery - offering the production of 27 kW max - the 650V (from 500V) 3JM synchronous motor permanent magnet develops 80bhp and 207Nm (546nm state ritonavir) production, and together with the engine, resulting in a nett maximum power output of 134bhp, 111bhp against the 1.5l block.

Where all this is ...

Poke in use, there is much more about the news of the get-go, as was evident from the vehicle last month in Japan on the Tokachi International Speedway in Obihiro. Although the time spent driving the vehicle was short and the controlled conditions are not fully reflective of how the Prius would really like to use by time of day, it showed how much more refined, he was in the whole over the previous model.

In addition to improving and accelerating the pace down mid-band, there is more than just an improvement in ride and handling. There is still a fresh wave of feeling how it manages its business, almost dull at points, but a return to lead her back against the 2nd gen unit revealed that it is tighter and cleaner in response to comments.

Logo if the contour has a blue shade, then it is a hybrid.

In test conditions, it was even possible to approach the figures of the claimed fuel consumption of 38km / l on a Japanese 10-15 cycle and above the 50mpg combined figure from the United States, which corresponds to just over 21km / l. My co-pilot and I returned a 31.2 kilometers / L reading on a course 10 km on the track.

In the real world, however, with different conditions of surface charge and distance in a totally urban cycle, a figure more fully achievable would range from 4.5-5l per 100 km, equivalent to about 20 -22km per liter, if you don 't push the car hard.

Impressive, but not really real world ...

Do during the second half of the test Tokachi, where we were absolutely hammered in the sample performance characteristics of the car, returned a 12.3 km / l reading, better than many vehicles in comparison my nine years, Focus 1.8 manual returns an average of 11.5 kilometers fully sampled / l in daily use.

While the mechanical and exterior that attracts the most attention, the interior showcases how he came along too. Some design elements - and modes of dress - seen in the old model will continue to be found here, but the dashboard has been redesigned to offer a very modern aesthetic form. The center console that extends to the arm, is the standout visually.

We don't get the LCD ...

The size of the car has not changed much, but the cabin is slightly larger (115cu.ft to 112cu.ft the old volume) and feels decidedly more spacious.

New items make their way here, among them the addition of Power and Power Save mode switches to electric EV only they were before. Power Mode enhances the response to the throttle, while Eco mode limits production in response to pressure on the accelerator, and removes the system air conditioning, improving fuel economy.

Have fun with...

Other new inclusions touch-wheel plotter (which now offers both tilt and reach adjustment) switches Showing items used or touched by the finger on the meter center, a Heads Up Display, remote keyless entry and ignition as a Bluetooth mobile phone link.

A Tokachi, there was even a chance to enjoy the highest of the three national variants, a G-Grade Spec Touring version, replete with 17-inch alloys and leather seats.

Testing the solar panel at the assembly plant. This is one omission that may be sorely missed.

The version we will be most goodies (with the standard 15-inch wheels and cloth seats), except the solar photovoltaic roof option, which generates electricity that powers a fan cabin vent to cool the inside (an omission that should have been given the power of our time).

Sharper back, but many elements of the design language of the 2nd-generation are here.

Excluded is the LCD / HDD / Navigation System seen in the JDM version in its place in the local model sits a radio with integrated telephone support via Bluetooth. And unique to the Malaysian version is reverse sensors, such as JDM Prius features a reverse camera integrated into the Navi-system disk drive.

Sampling of short duration of the vehicle, it is easy to see why there's this huge interest in the Prius. This is an intelligently designed car, the one that fits superbly with the requirements of the day. Opponents will doubtless still be impassive, but surely there is no stopping the concept, or it, grow from strength to strength in the markets sophisticated.

Green goes merrily, it does ...

Here, however, regarding the adoption, it remains to be seen how much impact - and a breakthrough - the Prius will do. Questions will certainly put on the battery life (and its replacement cost), although Toyota is quick to emphasize that it should last the life of the vehicle or in figures, at least a good 10 years, and the cost of purchasing the car itself.

With the price for being in the region of RM170k, it will be interesting to see how to choose the Prius tastes say a 2.4L Camry. The eco-conscious, of course, the will, but the question must surely ask, just how many of you there - assuming you can do, of course - are ready to put your money where you your mouth? Saving the planet is a pretty easy call to make, but the definition of this thought into action would be treated fairly harder than its intended meaning, when money comes into the equation.

Mazda CX-7 at Frankfurt Motor Show

2009-08-18T02:02:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Mazda will be premiering the facelifted CX-7 crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, and the revised vehicle will feature the company's new ‘family face’ as seen on Mazda6 and Mazda3.

New face, and a new block for Europe.

The European market model being presented will be in diesel form, featuring a MZR-CD 2.2l turbodiesel engine, and the revised CX-7 will debut as the first Japanese passenger car to have a diesel engine fitted with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, which cuts NOx emissions by 40%. This technology will be offered exclusively to European customers when the model goes on sale in Oct.

Anything that can cut NOx down by 40% is surely good.

The SCR system doesn't eat into space, and the updated CX-7 will offer the same 455l of luggage space as found on the previous gasoline engine version; refills of the system's AdBlue liquid are required only during scheduled maintenance.

Peugeot 308 VTi new tone

2009-07-27T23:29:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Two new colours are now available for the Peugeot 308 VTi - Babylon Red (which is also a colour option for the 308 GT and 308 Turbo) and Ocean Blue.

The new colours - which join Nera Black, Aluminium and Thorium Grey - were added due to strong demand from customers, and replace Tauranga Blue and Lunar Mist in the shade line-up.

All that’s missing is the white to complete le tricolouer, non?

Nasim has also announced some other goodies for the VTi; buy one, and get a free Solar Gard tint voucher as well as a Peugeot Lion Save package, which entitles customers to a 70% discount on scheduled service maintenance charges for the first 60,000km or 36 months, whichever comes first.

The Lion Save and tint package will be available until further notice.

Latest Perodua Viva variant - the Elite

2009-07-26T22:37:00.000+08:00

Perodua today unveiled its latest ViVa variant, the Elite, and the premium 1.0l model features some upgraded exterior styling cues and a number of other enhancements to differentiate it from the rest of the ViVa family.

The revisions to the exterior are a new bonnet, replete with protruding centre hood, and front grille, as well as a new complete bodykit. The front bumper features fog lamps, the rear bumper comes with reflectors, and there’s of course corresponding side skirts.

Can’t miss the bonnet.

Elsewhere, the external dress up kit adds on chrome door handles and new 14-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels. Also new to the version is all-round UV-cut glass.

Inside, the new list is led by new seat fabric in both colour/material, as well as new matching door trim fabric, and a painted centre cluster. The car also features a revised stereo head unit that is MP3/WMA-ready.

New fabric and cosmetic enhancement to be found inside.

Other items include an instrument meter cluster with chrome rings, a front passenger side underseat tray, front seat rear back pockets, retractable side mirrors with fully-illuminated side repeaters integrated into the unit (only on the EZi version). Speaking of which, the EZi also gets a rear spoiler as standard.

Five colours are available, the Ivory White, Ebony Black and Glittering Silver found across the entire model range, as well as Pearl Jade and a new shade unique to the Elite called Midnight Blue.

Spoiler is new, as is the colour too.

The car comes in three versions - Elite manual (RM37,900), Elite automatic (RM40,900) and the range-topping Elite EZi auto (RM44,900; all prices on-the-road with insurance, Peninsular Malaysia).

With the introduction of the Elite, the current ViVa line-up is made up of five models, the four other versions being 1.0, 850, 660EX and the 660BX entry-level unit, which was launched on Mon. The model replaces the Kancil, which has been discontinued (read story here).

A business class Alphard

2009-07-23T22:29:00.000+08:00

TOYOTA ALPHARD 3.5 V

The wait is over for a highly comfort-oriented people-carrier aimed at buyers with moderately fat wallets

Writer: RICHARD LEUIt surely took ages for Toyota Motor Thailand to realise that the Alphard is a highly sought-after vehicle, thanks to its spacious and comfy package.

But Toyota had its reasons, though, because ever since the first model – when it was known as Granvia – the specifications and emission standards were set with the sole purpose of serving the Japanese market.

In Thailand, loopholes in the excise tax regime were quickly exploited by the grey market, with Toyota watching helplessly from the sidelines because it didn’t want to get its hands dirtied.

So for at least three generations, local independent importers enjoyed brisk sales and helped popularise the large-sized people-carrier for the Toyota distributor in the country.

It was only late last year that Toyota began official import of the latest iteration. And to make it look grand, Toyota started by selling the range-topping 3.5-litre version at B3.649m for V spec and B4.489m for Q variation.

Later this year, Toyota is planning to offer an entry-level variant powered by a smaller 2.4-litre engine currently being promoted by the grey market.

Toyota executives confirmed to Motoring that the 2.4 petrol unit will be tweaked to meet Thai emission standards; the one sold by the grey market doesn’t for it’s Japanese homologation.

Don’t expect a petrol/electric hybrid version as seen in the previous Alphard because Toyota wants to focus this eco-friendly unit in the smaller Estima mid-sized MPV, which may sound a little disappointing for Alphard fans.

But that shouldn’t necessarily be bad news, since the Alphard is attracting MPV users with heavy wallets who are most unlikely to be concerned by fuel costs especially with the 3.5 model.

Handling is unsurprisingly soggy.

And don’t you brand the 3.5 is an outright fuel-gulper. By tipping the scales around two tonnes, the Alphard is a heavy vehicle and needs a considerably large engine to perform effectively.

When Motoring first drove the Alphard in Vellfire (two-tier headlight design) form last year, it was noted that the 2.4-litre inline-four engine proved somewhat underpowered for a proper drive upcountry.

The 3.5 immediately rectifies this problem. With a healthy 275hp on tap, the Alphard rarely, if ever, feels sluggish right up to its governed top speed. In the city, the V6 just feels effortless. Apply more than half-throttle and the front wheels spin – even with the traction control on. That’s how much power there is in the Alphard.

It’s such a huge improvement over the outgoing 3.0-litre V6 of the previous generation that had a far less 220hp, yet it was required to cope with a body equally heavy as today’s model.

V6 is powerful and refined.

Better too is the new six-speed automatic to enhance mid-range responsiveness and fuel economy. We managed to achieve 9.5kpl on the average and 4kpl less in heavy traffic which isn’t that bad for an engine and car of this size.

While all vehicle information in English suggests that it can only run on unleaded 95, the driver’s manual in the Thai version says that E10 gasohol can be used as well.

Rounding off the V6 credential is refinement at all engine speeds. In fact, this entire powertrain is also used in the Camry 3.5 and Lexus RX350 and is one of the best things about the Alphard.

Now less good news. Since the Alphard has been conceived as an ultra-spacious MPV with proportions nearly matching those of a van, the driving characteristics aren’t that car-like.

Even though the steering is light and generally direct under most circumstances, it doesn’t feel accurate in cornering. As well, the limits of the chassis are quite shallow with tyres screeching much earlier than you’d expect if you happen to be acquainted to driving only saloons.

Cabin quality on par with those of cars.

There’s also pronounced roll and vertical body movement over low speed bumps, bridgenecks and high-speed undulations. However, there seems to be fractionally better body control than in the grey version we drove.

In a straight line, the Alphard displays sufficient roadholding. And the only thing that’s really going to disconcert comfort at high speeds is wind-buffeting noise and some tyre harshness.

But on the other hand, the Alphard rides and handles better than in vans like the Volkswagen Caravelle and Mercedes-Benz Vito. In other words, the Alphard stands between a car and van in this particular department.

Of more concern, undoubtedly, would be the cabin itself which is actually the other highlight of the Alphard, aside engine performance.

There are three rows of seats inside that easily take full-sized adults in comfort with easy entry and exit. With the exception of the centre seat of the third row, all chairs are pleasingly comfortable to sit in. You won’t easily find this in either smaller MPVs or larger vans.

Better even are seats in the middle row: two armchairs that can slide and recline come with extra-large headrests and stowable footrests and can massage your back.

Second and third row seats are comfy.

Since the Alphard is more a people-carrier than MPV, the seats can’t be stowed away to make way for cargo space like in mid-sized MPVs, for example the Estima or Mitsubishi Space Wagon.

But even when the last row of seats are in use, there is enough area at the back to take some luggage and more of it as the bench can slide forward.

For those needing sheer comfort, there are First Class-style middle-row seats in Q specification costing B4.489m that also comes with sunroof and electric front seats with memory. The one tested here is the V, priced at a substantially lower B3.649m.

Whether that price difference sounds justified depends on your requirements, although it’s quite compelling to complain that electric seats shouldn’t have been an option at all.

It would have been a different story if we were talking about the cheaper 2.4 that would attract those merely wanting the Alphard’s big package and not necessarily the gimmicks.

Rear bench can slide, but can’t fold away.

But the 3.5 V is still sufficiently opulent inside. The plastics and leather feel car-like all-round and won’t be associated to vans. A cool touch is night-time ambience lighting on the cabin’s ceiling.

Other luxuries include multi-media for rear passengers and driving aids like sat-nav, cruise control, head lights that turn in corners and stability control. Another surprising omission is steering-mounted controls for the fine-sounding audio system.

Since the Alphard is basically without a direct rival in Thailand – those in contention include Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysion that’s sold in the grey market – it’s difficult to tell whether Toyota has priced it competitively.

But it certainly seems so when you take in consideration those price tags found in the grey market. One thing’s for sure, though: buyers are now treated with more peace of mind as the Alphard is now an official import with proper warranty and servicing.

Alphard’s prices beat those of grey market.

As we see it, the 2.4 may sell more because urbanites would go for it, but even so the 3.5 is the better choice when you consider it yields good balance between fuel economy and performance when used in the role of a large family vehicle suited for upcountry travel.

The Alphard is destined to become an important vehicle in Toyota’s inventory, as the grey market has already helped prove. So don’t be surprised if Honda and Nissan follow suit.

And who’s going to be first with locally assembly? Let the game begin.

Peugeot WebTV: the latest news and events from Peugeot

2009-03-12T00:33:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Peugeot WebTV has celebrated its first anniversary, and with over 2,000,000 viewings of its videos it has certainly been a busy place indeed.

Now, the site has been refreshed into Peugeot WebTV version 2.0, with new and improved elements. A new console is in place, with six channels: news, range, concept cars, innovation, sport and an events channel.

More to see at WebTV ...

With optimised navigation using the same codes as the best-known community sites, it allows higher quality viewing, with new functionalities such as full screen or a high-definition option.

Currently, the Geneva 2009 events channel offers Pug news from the show, such as the global debut of the 3008 crossover vehicle, and you can view the 308 CC and even take a tour of the stand. Head on over to www.tv.peugeot.com

Lexus RX 450h featured in Geneva Motor Show 2009

2009-03-09T08:04:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Lexus will be presenting the new RX 450h crossover at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

Big, but effiecient, that's the go with this one.

Powered by a series/parallel hybrid system employing a 3.5l V6 petrol block and two powerful electric motors working in tandem to provide the juice for the four-wheel drive vehicle, the RX 450h will have 295bhp on call, a top speed of 200kmh and a 7.8sec 0-100kmh acceleration time for basic figures.

Meaty, in every sense of the word.

The other initial figures for the vehicle are in the areas of efficiency; the revised Lexus Hybrid Drive system in use here offers a significantly lower CO2 emissions level of 148g/km, a figure that bests the competition in the premium crossover class, including the best-performing diesels.

As for fuel efficiency, it offers a 28% improvement in combined cycle consumption compared to the RX 400h.

Ferrari 599XX unveiled at Geneva motor show 2009

2009-03-08T22:04:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Ferrari will be giving its 599XX its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The vehicle, which will be finished in a colour matching the F2008, is essentially a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients much like the FXX was, and will incorporate technological solutions being used for the first time and developed exclusively for the car.

Now with more letters - the 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE.

The show will also premiere the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) Package for the 599 GTB Fiorano, and items in the HGTE pack are stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, a retuned exhaust system as well as new 20-inch wheels and a new front grille. The promise here is of course a sportier, more dynamic drive experience, and the vehicle on display at the show will feature a new three-layer metallic Rosso shade.

Maserati cars in Malaysia

2009-02-28T18:03:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Naza Italia has been apppointed the sole importer and distributor for Maserati cars in Malaysia, and the official announcement was made yesterday at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

The Four Door, to give it the English version of things.

The company, which will base its Maserati operations at the Naza Italia showroom - set to be completed next month - located next to the Naza Auto Mall in Petaling Jaya, will have the complete Quattroporte and GranTurismo model lineup available as choice.

These are of course the facelifted 400bhp classic V8-equipped Quattroporte 4.2 and the 430bhp 4.7l V8 Quattroporte S, which were unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show. There's also the new Quattroporte GT S in the foor-door mix, naturally.

Inside the GranTurismo.

The other range, of course, is made up of the GranTurismo and GranTurismo S models. The latter has stonking performance figures - a 4.9 sec 0-100kmh sprint time and a 295kmh top speed, the highest ever reached by a standard production Maserati.

Plenty for the Maserati buyer to choose from, and the best part is the level of customisation available. The personalisation programme offers a combination of choices for the exterior and interior - outside, besides the range of body colours and wheels to pick from, you can even specify the colour of the brake calipers.

And outside ...

Inside is where the fun is though, what with a host of varied options to pick from - leather, wood and lacquer finishes, stitching, roof linings and carpets, among other things. It's all pretty much made-to-measure.

The Naza Italia showroom will be home to a fully-equipped 4S (sales, service, spare parts and system) centre, so that's pretty much all the bases covered where the trident is concerned. Oh, and if you need to know how much one of these babies cost - the starting price rolls in at RM1mil, and goes naturally upwards depending on the level of specification. A small price to pay for sheer artistry, no?

Proton MPV bookings went well

2009-02-22T08:21:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: There were several hundred blind bookings nationwide for Proton’s first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Proton Exora, when it officially opened for sale yesterday.

Although Proton has not released official pictures of the first national MPV, it did not work against the sales.

“When I first heard that Malaysia was going to have its first MPV, I knew that I must have it,” said Saaiden Latah, 41, who will only pick up his car after the official launch in April.

“It has always been my dream to own a Malaysian-made MPV. I feel proud to be one of the first owners of the Proton Exora,” added the TNB executive.

Another of the first owners, Hasbullah Mustafa, 41, said he called the Exora a ‘friends car’ because he could carry more friends on outings.

“I still don’t know what it looks like. I’m eager to find out more about the Exora when I have my test drive in a few days,” he added.

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir was confident that the Proton Exora, priced at below RM80,000, would excite the MPV market at its launch in April.

“The timing to introduce the Exora is good.

“People think everything looks gloomy with the current economy situation but we’re taking the opportunity to create an excitement in the market and also for our company,” he said.

“In a depressed market like this, we are happy to offer an alternative for the public to choose a more affordable car,” he added.

Syed Zainal said it was their strategy to offer a car that was competitive in price, in that it was value for money rather than cheap.

The Proton Exora will be exported to Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore in July.

“We hope to target about 4,000 to 5,000 bookings before the launch,” said Syed Zainal.

By end of this year, he said that the Exora would be exported to countries in West Asia.

The seven-seater MPV comes in five colours and is powered by the Campro 1.6 CPS engine.

Goodyear to cut jobs

2009-02-20T09:40:00.000+08:00

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, the biggest US tyre maker, said it plans to cut nearly 5,000 jobs this year after a sharp drop in sales led to a loss of US$330mil in the fourth quarter.

The Akron-based company said demand for new tyres is weak as auto sales slump and the market for replacement tyres is also down because people are driving less.

The job cuts equal almost 7% of the company's work force and follow the elimination of about 4,000 jobs in the second half of last year.

The company said the global economy depressed the number of tyres sold in the recent quarter by 19%. The company plans to reduce its global tire capacity by 15mil and 25mil tyres over two years, while seeking ways to improve cash flow this year.

As a strategy to boost sales in the US, Goodyear said it will step up new product offerings. These include its Assurance Fuel Max tire, which was introduced earlier this month and will go on General Motors' new Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. - AP

Proton MPV cost less than RM80,000

2009-02-18T15:56:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Bookings for Proton's maiden multi-purpose vehicle, Proton Exora, starts on Saturday.
The seven-seater MPV, which costs less than RM80,000, comes in five choice colours and is powered by a 1.6-litre CamPro engine.

Proton Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said the launch has been set for April, while the export drive would start in July, with Indonesia and Thailand as the initial destinations.

He said this yesterday after the official announcement of the MPV's name here and the winner of the contest to name the vehicle, which was held a few months ago.

Also present was Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.
Syed Zainal said Proton had planned a monthly production of 3,000 to 3,500 units, and full production would start next month.

"We have already started the preliminary production," he said, adding that it cost the company some RM450 million to develop Exora, which included between RM60-70 million for the production line at Proton's plant in Shah Alam.

Nadzmi was confident Exora would be a hit in the market, although an MPV from Proton was a bit later than its competitors.

"It's better late than never. There is a trend to have a big vehicle for a family," he said.

On the price, Nadzmi said it was because Proton wanted a big volume.

Meanwhile, Norsholihan Abd Eanich, a 29-year-old teacher from Changlun in Kedah, was the grand prize winner of the contest to name the MPV.

Norsholihan's entry was among 39 entries that gave the "Exora" name but with different original taglines.

She won herself an Exora, taken from the word "ixora", a type of tropical flower.

The month-long contest attracted 251,763 entries.

Porsche offered 2.8b euros to Scania

2009-01-19T18:27:00.000+08:00

Porsche makes 2.8b euros offer for Scania

STOCKHOLM: Germany's Porsche Automobil Holding SE announced on Monday its mandatory offer in Sweden for Scania AB for 31.6bil kronor (about 2.8bil euros).

Porsche said under a mandatory bid triggered by its takeover of Volkswagen, Porsche had offered 68.52 kronor for each Scania A share and 67.10 kronor for each B share.

"However, Porsche has no strategic interest in acquiring Scania share and is therefore offering only the minimum prices required by law,” it said in a statement posted on its website.

News reports said Porsche would not acquire any Scania shares outside the offer.

Under Swedish takeover regulations, Porsche was required to make a bid for Scania after it earlier this month raised its stake in the truck maker's main shareholder, Volkswagen, above 50%, giving it indirect control of Scania.

Porsche had already said earlier in January it had no strategic interest in the truck maker and was not interested in buying Scania shares, a position it reiterated on Monday.

The company added on Monday it believed its offer would not have any effect on the Sweden-based truck maker's business, employees or management.

Nissan's new GT-R SpecV

2009-01-16T00:03:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Nissan has announced a new limited-production GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on Feb 2.

If you like black, and just love carbon fibre, well, here's your dish.

The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle - the new SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications.

These include new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in an Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour.

More carbon fibre inside, of course.

Inside, the SpecV's unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine's twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes.

The Ultimate Black Opal does lend it more menace, yes.

The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since Sept last year.

3rd-gen Toyota Prius introduced

2009-01-14T14:31:00.000+08:00

Toyota unveils 50mpg, 3rd-gen Prius

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Toyota sleeker, more fuel-efficient update to its iconic Prius, which was introduced at the NAIAS, goes on sale this spring in a US market growing more crowded with competing hybrids and battered by the global financial crisis.

And the magic number is 50.

But the Japanese automaker's executives are confident that the third-generation gas-electric Prius, which promises a city-highway average of 50 miles to the gallon, will maintain its spot as the top-selling hybrid in the US.

The highly-anticipated 2010 Prius boasts a 4mpg improvement over the current model, which already is the most fuel-efficient vehicle ranked by the Environmental Protection Agency. When the Prius first was sold in the US in 2000, it got 41mpg. The 2010 version shown in Detroit will be sold in 80 countries.

The new Prius debuted a day after Honda unveiled its next-generation hybrid, the 2010 Insight, which will arrive in US showrooms this Apr and is expected to compete head-on with the Prius.

Honda said the Insight will have a lower price than the Civic Hybrid, which has a base price of US$23,650. Toyota says pricing for the 2010 Prius be released shortly before it goes on sale. The 2009 version of the Prius starts at US$22,000.

Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for the Edmunds automotive website, said the Insight represents a big competitor for Toyota in the hybrid car market that likely will undercut the Prius on price. How Toyota prices the Prius and compares it to the Insight, he said, will be key.

"The new Insight is a direct competitor for Prius," Toprak said. "Toyota used to have a monopoly in the marketplace."

Sleek on the inside too.

Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, said before the unveiling that he expects the Insight will appeal to buyers focused on its low price, but Prius will draw drivers looking for a slightly larger vehicle and Toyota's technology.

"It's going to be a very good car," Lentz said of the Insight. But, he added: "I think they're very different vehicles."

Prius sales fell 45% in Dec, but Toyota says the new Prius will help increase demand for the car - including by current owners who want to upgrade.

Last month, Toyota said it was shelving its plans to build the Prius in Mississippi amid the industrywide downturn. Toyota's plant under construction in Blue Springs, Mississippi, was scheduled to begin production in 2010, marking the first time the Prius would be built outside of Japan and China.

Toyota had invested US$300mil in the plant before saying it was delaying production there indefinitely. Lentz said that Toyota plans to finish the shell of the plant, but there's no update on whether production of the Prius or another Toyota vehicle will take place in Blue Springs.

Sharper looking than the old, but that's not where the draw is.

The new Prius has a more aerodynamic design, but its exterior is easily recognizable as a Prius. It has a larger and more powerful 1.8l four-cylinder engine, which Toyota says helps improve fuel economy on the highway.

Toyota also will offer options such as a moonroof with solar panels to power the ventilation system. The system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that doesn't need the engine to work. It prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked.

The ventilation system also can be remotely operated, so drivers can adjust the interior temperature before getting inside. Toyota says this remote air conditioning system is an industry first. - AP

2009 Malaysia's sales of vehicles to drop by 8.1 per cent

2009-01-06T18:42:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Tue.:

International consultant Frost & Sullivan expects sales of vehicles in Malaysia to drop by 8.1 per cent this year, to 501,500 units, due to the economic slowdown and limited new model launches.

The firm’s partner and head of the automotive and transportation practice for Asia Pacific, Kavan Mukhtyar, said that sales of passenger vehicles, including sport utility vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and cars will drop by 6.8 per cent as consumers will be more cautious in taking up new loans.

“The commercial vehicle segment will see the biggest drop by 20.9 per cent as many companies are freezing their new asset purchases,” he said during a media briefing on the Malaysian Automotive Outlook here today.

This is due to weakening consumer spending owing to the global economic slowdown, a lack of new mass market car models and a marginal increase in unemployement rates, Mukhtyar said.

He expected vehicle sales in 2008 to end 12 per cent higher at 545,440 units or 4.7 per cent higher than its earlier forecast of 521,200 units.

“The higher sales in 2008 are attributed to new model launches and car sales momentum from 2007,” he said.

Earlier, Mukhtyar said a drop by 8.1 per cent in 2009 would still be a reasonable level, and it would be higher than the 487,000 units sold in 2007 and 490,000 units in 2006.

He said the young population would drive sales growth in the future, adding that 180,000 new graduates would enter the job market this year.

Besides that, marginally lower interest rates, continued demand from replacement car buyers, lower inflation rate, sustained economic growth from the government’s stimulus package and new launches in the MPV segment would support sales.

According to Mukhtyar, the MPV segment would be the only segment which will grow at 7.2 per cent or 57,000 units this year with new models to be launched by Proton in the first quarter and Perodua in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Mukhtyar said Proton’s market share is estimated to have gone up to 28.7 per cent last year from 26.6 per cent in 2007 while Perodua’s share is estimated at 33.8 per cent.

In the non-national car segment, Toyota continues to be the leader with an estimated market share of 17.4 per cent last year while Nissan’s market share increased to 4.4 per cent from 2.5 per cent in 2007.

Porsche acquired more than 50 percent of Volkswagen shares

2009-01-06T18:35:00.000+08:00

FRANKFURT, Tue.:

German luxury sportscar maker Porsche has announced its takeover of Volkswagen, the biggest European car maker, by purchasing more than 50 per cent of its shares.

Porsche said in a brief statement that by buying new VW shares, it “will thus increase its participation to 50.76 per cent “of the group’s capital, compared with 42 per cent before.

As a result, Porsche is now obliged by Swedish law to make an offer for outstanding shares in the heavy truck maker Scania, in which VW is the dominant shareholder.

But the German sportscar company will offer a minimum price for Scania shares, and has no “strategic interest” in the company, the statement said.

Porsche had initially planned to acquire more than 50 per cent of VW’s stock last year but was forced to delay the operation after the value of the shares soared amid frantic stock market speculation.

At one point, they traded for more than 1,000 euros (RM480,000) per share, making VW briefly the biggest company in the world by stock market valuation.

Yesterday, VW shares closed at 254.74 euros, close to the range Porsche had set for itself of between 200-250 euros.

Porsche, which makes the 911 sports car and Cayenne sports utility vehicle, plans to raise its stake in VW to more than 75 per cent this year, which would give it total control over the group. - AFP

Toyota Crown and Reiz luxury sedans recalled

2008-12-26T17:50:00.000+08:00

Toyota recalls more than 120,000 cars in China

BEIJING (AP) - Toyota Motor Corp. has issued a recall for more than 120,000 cars in China to fix a problem that could result in loss of steering control, China's quality watchdog said Thursday in the latest piece of bad news for the Japanese automaker.

Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., a joint venture between Toyota and China's FAW Group, will recall 121,930 vehicles beginning Friday, according to a notice on the Web site of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The notice said the recalled models include Crown and Reiz luxury sedans produced between 2005 and 2006, and Lexus cars produced between 2004 and 2006.

The agency said that manufacturing defects could cause the electric power steering systems to fail.

It was not clear if the same models would be recalled in other countries. Toyota officials in Japan could not immediately be reached for comment late on Thursday.

Toyota will contact owners of the affected vehicles, conduct checks and replace defective parts without charge, the Chinese agency said.

The notice did not say if any accidents have resulted from the defects.

The recall announcement was the latest in a string of bad news for Japan's No. 1 automaker. On Monday, the company said it was sinking into its first operating loss in seven decades. Then Wednesday, Toyota reported that global vehicles sales had plunged 21.8 percent in November - its biggest drop in eight years.-AP

Toyota first loss in 70 years

2008-12-23T21:32:00.000+08:00

NAGOYA, Japan (AP): Toyota has hit a speedbump.

The Japanese auto giant is forecasting its first operating loss in 70 years, more fallout from the severe slump in vehicle sales that has nearly claimed two Detroit automakers and raised questions over when the U.S. market, Toyota's largest, will hit bottom.

Despite the setback, the automaker is still poised to pull ahead of its main U.S. rival, General Motors Corp., to become the No. 1 world carmaker in 2008, industry watchers said. Toyota reported it sold 7.05 million cars worldwide during the first nine months of the year, compared with 6.66 million for GM for the same period.

"They're going to grow and outstrip General Motors, there's no way around that,'' said George Magliano, analyst with IHS Global Insight.

Toyota Motor Corp., which is committed to zero layoffs, will continue cutting production to weather the downturn. The automaker also lowered its global vehicle sales forecast for the second time this year and said it was putting ambitious expansion plans on hold, in large part because of a precipitous drop in demand in the U.S.

"The tough times are hitting us far faster, wider and deeper than expected,'' Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe told a gloomy news conference Monday at the company's Nagoya, Japan, headquarters. "This is an unprecedented crisis requiring urgent action.''

The Asahi newspaper reported Tuesday that Akio Toyoda, the son of former Toyota President Shoichiro Toyoda and the grandson of the company's founder, will replace Watanabe. The report did not give sourcing. Toyota said Tuesday that no decision had been.

For years, Toyoda has been seen as a top candidate for the post. But on Monday Watanabe said the timing was not right to change leadership as Toyota tries to turn itself around.

Toyota had reported strong growth in recent years, boosted by heavy demand for its fuel-efficient models like the Camry sedan and Prius gas-electric hybrid.

But Watanabe said a severe drop in demand, especially in North America, which accounts for one-third of vehicle sales, and profit erosion from a surging yen were too much for Japan's No. 1 automaker. Overall U.S. auto sales fell to their lowest level in 26 years last month.

"The change that has hit the world economy is of a critical scale that comes once in 100 years,'' Watanabe said.

Toyota said it expects an operating loss of 150 billion yen ($1.66 billion) for the fiscal year ending in March, compared with an operating profit of 2.27 trillion yen ($25.2 billion) a year earlier.

Toyota said it would still post a small net profit of 50 billion yen ($555 million), thanks to outside dividend income, down from year-earlier earnings of 1.7 trillion yen ($18.89 billion). But operating income is seen as the best reflection of its core business.

The announcement Monday reflected a dramatic change of fortune for the iconic company, which in recent years had outlined ambitious expansion plans and weathered an industry slowdown much better than its U.S. rivals.

Toyota, which started in business as a loom maker, began making trucks and passenger cars in 1937. Its first and only operating loss came the following year, before it started reporting formal results in 1941.

In its forecast Monday, Toyota lowered the number of vehicles it expects to sell globally this calendar year to 8.96 million, down 4 percent from last year. Earlier this year, Toyota had projected worldwide sales of 9.5 million vehicles.

Tsuyoshi Mochimaru, auto analyst for Barclays Capital in Tokyo, warned worse may be ahead.

U.S. auto sales aren't expected to start recovering until late 2009, and the dollar -- already at a 13-year low against the yen -- could lag further, he said. A strong yen hurts results because overseas profits must be converted into the Japanese currency. "The problem is next year,'' said Mochimaru. "It's unmistakable that things are extremely tough for Toyota.''

Watanabe and other Toyota executives repeated a recent announcement that expansion plans will be on hold, including a new plant in Mississippi and projects in India.

Toyota is a relatively old-style Japanese company that offers lifetime employment, and only in recent years has hired and let go of temporary workers to adjust production. It said it was reviewing overseas jobs but had not reached a decision.

The company said it plans to cut the number of temporary workers at its Japanese plants in half to about 3,000, although there were no plans to lay off any full-time employees. In the U.S., Toyota said it had no intention of drifting from its practice of avoiding layoffs for full-time employees either globally or for its 14 U.S. factories located in the South and Midwest.

This practice has helped the automaker resist unionization at its factories, saving it from the high labor costs plagued its U.S. counterparts, said Erich Merkle, auto analyst with Crowe Horwath LP. That makes any U.S. layoffs in the near future unlikely, he said.

"I think they'll try to ride this thing out the best they can,'' Merkle said. "You'll see more reduction in terms of plant output and production.''

Watanabe vowed Toyota would grow so lean it would realize profitability even if its worldwide sales fall as low as 7 million vehicles.

"We must change to become more slim, muscular and flexible,'' he said.

The automaker will focus on hybrids and small cars, and invest in environmentally-friendly technology to prepare for long-term growth, officials said.

While Japan's automakers are in far better financial shape than their cash-strapped American counterparts, the global slowdown is hitting them hard. Last week, Japan's No. 2 automaker, Honda Motor Co., also lowered profit and sales forecasts and declined to give a vehicle sales goal for 2009.

Monday marks the second time Toyota reduced its earnings forecast. Initially, it had projected net profit of 1.25 trillion yen ($13.9 billion) for the fiscal year, but last month lowered that to 550 billion yen ($6.1 billion).

Also Monday, it lowered its revenue forecast to 21.5 trillion yen ($239 billion), down about 18 percent from a year earlier.

Toyota's U.S. sales plunged by a third over 2007 in November, when overall sales fell to their lowest level in more than 26 years. And there is little hope for a quick fix as consumers hold back big purchases amid a credit crunch, rising unemployment and fears about the future.

The company's stock fell 5 yen, or 0.17 percent, to 2,895 yen in Tokyo. The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average rose 1.5 percent.

Saves you even more with The All-New Honda City

2008-12-19T12:05:00.000+08:00

I bet you will save more driving this car. Even my Perodua Kelisa won't even come close in terms of fuel efficiency. That's what I learned from a used car salesman.

Honda Malaysia today unveiled the third-generation Honda City compact sedan in Kuala Lumpur.

The all-new City comes with numerous firsts in its class, combining style, performance and practicality, but more on that as you read on.

Not just the regular City car for the ladies here

There are two variants available, these being tagged Grade E and Grade S. The Grade E comes with additional paddle shifters, rear reclining seats with an underseat tray and 16-inch sport alloy wheels.

Exterior style-wise, the City adopts what Honda calls an ‘Arrowshot Form’ design outlook from end-to-end. Strikingly, the front end resembles a transformable robot from an animated movie, whilst the tail lamps look very much like those found on the BMW 3-Series.

The i-DSI block is history, so the new City goes about its business with a single powerplant choice, this being a newly-developed four-cylinder 1.5l i-VTEC engine which pushes out 120bhp at 6,000rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Compliant with Euro 4 level emission standards, the City is deemed the most powerful compact sedan in the market to date.

The advanced i-VTEC engine is now mated with a five-speed automatic transmission with Shift Hold Control and is the first in its class. Gone too is the CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) gearbox, an omission brought about by the rougher style of driving encountered here, according to surveys carried out by Honda Japan’s R&D division.

Compensating for the absence of a manual transmission gearbox (a five-speed manual is available in both Thailand and Singapore) are the paddle shifters in the Grade E, which provides the driver with a sportier means of changing gears.

Functional minus the clutter, and it brings out a gutsy feeling in you

The steering wheel is now of the tilt and telescopic type, and the footrest is now wider as the accelerator and brake pedals have been shifted more to the right. The car comes with EPS (Electric Power Steering), and safety comes in the form of dual SRS airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Stopping power is reinforced with ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), while BA (Brake Assist) amplifies the driver’s foot force with minimal pedal input.

Entertainment for the occupants inside the City is provided by an advanced audio system that is compatible with MP3 players, iPod, USB memory or a mobile hard disk drive. In the Grade E variant, you get a six-speaker system with steering wheel audio controls, while the Grade S makes do with a four-speaker arrangement.

The all-new City does not compromise in rear passenger convenience with a fold-down armrest that also houses integrated cup holders.

Another first in its class, the City’s rear trunk is able to contain a whopping 506l of cargo, which is equivalent to being able to store four nine-inch-wide golf bags.

As mentioned, the Grade E’s rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split configuration for extended luggage carrying capacity, and is fitted with an underseat tray to stow away wet umbrellas or footwear.

There are a total of five colours to choose from – Alabaster Silver Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, and new colours Crystal Black Pearl and Deep Lapis Blue Metallic. Unfortunately, a striking signature colour called Habanero Red Pearl, as well as a very pretty Tafetta White, is not available.

The Honda City is manufactured in Malaysia, with 30% of the parts sourced locally, including the seats and instrument panel, while the rest are from Japan.

Get into the City and it makes you happy

According to Atsushi Fujimoto, managing director of Honda Malaysia, the previous City was still doing quite well into the end of its run, having registered a total sales volume of 8,000 units from Jan to Nov this year. With the arrival of the new one, Honda Malaysia is targeting to sell about 1,500 units of the new City on a monthly basis, and pre-launch bookings have been brisk, with more than 1,500 orders to date - as of launch time, the waiting period is a month, though that is surely to change if more orders come about.

The City rolls in at RM84,980 for the Grade S and RM89,980 for the Grade E (both on the road, with insurance) and comes with a three-year warranty or 100,000km and six months free service or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

A Modulo accessories package is available to spruce up the City’s exterior, and this consists of front, side, rear and trunk spoilers, all for an additional RM4,750.

Proton signed development agreement with Mitsubishi

2008-12-05T17:56:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd has signed a development agreement with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to develop a new vehicle model for Proton.

Proton told Bursa on Friday the agreement would work out the details of work, target specifications, job sharing and time schedule as determined by both parties.

The parties also signed a licence agreement where MMC grants Proton a non-exclusive license to use technical assistance and patents solely for utilising technical information.

The information would be used for restyling, modification and improvement work, manufacturing of local parts, assembling, selling and after sales services / support of the licensed product to be sold under Proton's trademark and styling.

Under the engineering services agreement, MMC would provide the work and services for Proton’s manufacturing of the licensed product

No more Honda in 2009 F1

2008-12-05T17:49:00.000+08:00

TOKYO: Japanese automaker Honda has pulled out of Formula One, citing a slowdown in the global economy.

”We have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation,’’ Honda CEO Takeo Fukui told a news conference Friday.

Fukui said the deteriorating world economic conditions led to the decision. ”This difficult decision was made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry brought on by the sub-prime problem in the United States, the deepening credit crises and the sudden contraction of the world economies.’’

He said the company would be willing to sell the team. ”We will enter into consultation with the associates of the Honda racing team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale.’’

A pullout by one of the world’s biggest car manufacturers will send shock waves through F1, which could start the season with only 18 cars on the grid. Japanese team Super Aguri, which was backed by Honda, pulled out of F1 this year. The season opens at the Australian Grand Prix on March 29. - AP

2008 Car of The Year is...

2008-12-04T18:00:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Mazda roared into the automotive limelight when its Mazda6 2.5-litre won the New Straits Times/Maybank "Overall Car of the Year 2008" award.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop (fourth from left) presenting the Automotive Man of the Year award to Proton Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir (right) yesterday. With them are (from left) New Straits Times Press group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun, NSTP chief executive officer Datuk Anthony Firdauz Bujang, Maybank CEO Datuk Abdul Wahid Omar and NSTP chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Jawhar Hassan.

The Mazda6 also came out tops in the Executive Car (below RM200,000) category.

Mazda added another feather to its cap when its roomy seven-seater, Mazda CX9, won the "Best in Class" in the Premium SUV category.

Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, the managing director of Proton Holdings Bhd, was awarded the "Automotive Man of the Year 2008" Award in recognition of his leadership in Proton and turning around an ailing domestic giant into a genuine global challenger.

The winners of the New Straits Times/Maybank 2008 Awards were announced at a gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, hosted by the New Straits Times and Maybank Bhd.

The guest-of-honour for the night was Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Also present was Datuk Aishah Ahmad, president of the Automotive Association of Malaysia.

The judging panel, comprising 12 senior Malaysian motoring journalists, unanimously agreed to award the coveted prize to Mazda6 for having a next to perfect balance between performance and comfort, two factors demanded by executive car buyers.

This year also saw the addition of five Special Mention Awards.

The winner of the Safety Award is the Jaguar XF, also the top choice in the Premium Executive Car (above RM200,000) category.

One of its primary winning points is the pedestrian airbag that sets new standards for automotive safety.

The Innovation Award went to Honda Civic Hybrid.

It is the first hybrid vehicle in the market to spur a path towards a more environment-friendly automotive sector.

The Volvo C30 received the Good Design Award for "leaving a lasting impression and emotional attachment, while having all the sophistication without the complications to the end-user".

Malaysia's Top Selling Car 2006-2008 Award was won by Perodua Myvi, which saw sales of 277,993 units since its launch in 2005.

Malaysia's Top Selling Non-national Car 2005-2008 Award was given to Toyota Avanza.

The Car of the Year Awards was first organised in 2002 by Cars, Bikes & Trucks, the motoring section of the New Straits Times.

It serves to recognise the efforts of all car manufacturers and serve as a guide to car buyers. The event is endorsed by the Malaysian Automotive Association.

Mitsubishi i MIEV destine for Malaysia

2008-12-03T02:15:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will be showcasing the i MIEV electric car at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) from Dec 3-5 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Soon, in KL.

The IPTC is considered to be be one of the foremost technical conferences globally for the energy industry, and issues tackled are in the areas of energy conservation, climate change and alternative energy. Over 4,000 participants from around the world are expected to attend the conference.

MMM hopes that through the showcase of the i MIEV plug-in electric vehicle, it will promote greater appreciation for the superior practicality and environmental viability of such vehicles. The i MiEV’s lithium-ion pack will also be on display.

The battery, which takes about approximately seven hours to be charged using 200V current, gives the i MiEV a 160km range and a top speed of 130kmh.

How it works, in a nutshell.

The i MiEV is slated to be launched in Japan next year; presently, Mitsubishi is conducting fleet tests in cooperation with several Japanese electric power companies.

For exclusive passes to the Mitsubishi i MiEV showcase at the IPCT, please contact Shermaine / Sarah at 03-7680 6688 (admission is only for those aged 15 and above, and on a first come, first served basis).

The Blue Thunder H3020 GPS System

2008-11-27T17:37:00.000+08:00

Thunder rolls in

By STEFAN NAIDU

There is another contender in the growing GPS market.

HAVING researched the main companies that offered portable GPS systems before I had bought my own, I was surprised that I had not come across one from Blue Thunder before this review.

Sometimes these small companies amaze you with surprisingly high quality products, however they usually do not.

The H3020 did surprise me, but not always in a good way.

Looks matter

The H3020 has a very basic rectangular design. It is reasonably slim and is quite convenient to carry around.

I like the fact that it has plastic port covers on the sides to prevent any dust or unwanted substances from entering it. And the speakers and the stylus pen are well integrated into the exterior of this machine.

However, this model curiously has two power switches. One main sliding power switch at the back and another one at the top.

Also, there is a reset button that can only be pushed with the stylus or something similarly sharp.

Interface trauma

From the moment I turned on this model I was disappointed with the user interface.

It was confusing and it took me a good few minutes to find the address search option.

Once I got there, I found the Qwerty touch pad terribly difficult to get used to. I could not remember the last time I had to push so many buttons I did not intend to.

COMPACT: The main menu of the H3020.

Although, to be fair, it is much easier to navigate the buttons with the stylus.

Finding addresses is also not easy. The H3020 seems to find certain roads but not others. (I still cannot find my own street on it).

The POI (places of interest) list is also badly incomplete as I was unable to find many places around my area which I knew were there and could be found on other maps.

Trying to go back is also difficult because in some areas you have to find a back key and in others you merely have to tap anywhere on the screen.

This is an unnecessary inconvenience that could have been easily avoided.

Navigation inspection

The actual navigation was pretty decent. It shows you with an arrow where you are and what roads are coming up ahead.

However the 2D and 3D map graphics are not easy on the eyes and it takes some getting used to.

Still, for those who are not looking for anything glamorous and just want to get from point A to B, this model achieves that purpose.

Getting a satellite lock takes longer than it should especially in residential areas where there are no large buildings blocking the line of sight.

Speaker woes

The sound system on the H3020 is quite bad.

The speakers are grainy and screechy which starts to get frustrating after some time.

The language selection is also quite bad as some languages are softer than others and the recordings are not very professionally done in terms of pronunciation and clarity.

Conclusion

This GPS system is by no means top-of-the-line. It is hard to get used to, I found.

However, once you get it going it gets you to where you need to go.

Pros: Quite slim; lightweight; port covers; durable exterior; good navigation.

Cons: Hard to use; bad user interface; bad speakers; maps incomplete.

GPS H3020

(Blue Thunder)

GPS

MAP: Mapking

CPU: Centrality Atlas III 372MHz/396MHz

DISPLAY: 3.5in touchscreen

OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows CE.NET 5.0

BATTERY: Rechargeable lithium-ion

EXPANSION SLOT: SD, MMC

OTHER FEATURES: Car charger and mount

PRICE: RM680

Review unit courtesy of Blue Thunder, (04) 644-4666

Another fuel price cut?

2008-11-21T17:33:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs:

The government will decide whether to cut the petrol price again during the National Economic Council meeting on Dec 1, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said today.

According to him, there is a possibility for another round of petrol price cut after the meeting and the main issue to deliberate is whether to have a managed float or floor price for petrol.

“Currently, we are adjusting the price every two weeks according to market prices,” Shahrir told reporters at the Parliament lobby here.

He said since this month, the government has stopped subsidising the petrol price at service stations.

“The current petrol price at RM2 a litre is higher than market prices,” he added.

Shahrir said for the months of August, September and October, the petrol pump retail prices at petrol stations were lower than the market prices.

“In August, the petrol pump price was RM2.55 per litre while the market price was RM2.83. For September, the petrol pump price was RM2.45 per litre while the market price was RM2.77 and for October, the petrol pump price was RM2.15 per litre while the market price was RM2.26,” he said.

On service station operators, Shahrir said among the conditions was that they must be Malaysian citizens.

On controlling the prices of goods, he said the government has the power to control prices through the issuance of licences to suppliers. - BERNAMA

Tyre-shredding luxury Lexus IS F

2008-11-19T17:51:00.000+08:00

By HONG BOON HOW

When Lexus came into the picture some two decades ago, all it wanted was a piece of the premium action. Now that the tyre-shredding luxury Lexus IS F is rolling off the production line, it’s time for their Continental rivals to watch out.

IT’S the home to the first Japanese GP in 1976 but after a tragic accident a year later, Fuji Speedway stopped holding GP races.

That was until last year — an absence of three decades — that the Japanese GP is back at the speedway.

Take a stroll around Fuji Speedway, now owned by Toyota after extensive refurbishment.

The pit buildings and main grandstand strike an uncanny resemblance to our own Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Of course, the giveaways are that the advertisements are in Japanese and the snow-capped Mount Fuji is just over the horizon.

With a 4.5km track that has a long straight and 16 turns, some of them rather tricky, suffice to say that this speedway is an ideal location to test the mettle of any performance car.

Well, we managed to get on the race track behind the wheel of the Lexus IS F, the muscled version of Lexus IS series of luxury four-door sports sedans.

While local enthusiasts are well acquainted with the IS 250 variant, sporting a 2.5-litre V6 engine, the IS F is just much brawnier, tipping the scales with a 5.0-litre V8 block.

Although it was not fully explained what the letter “F” in IS F stood for, the entire Lexus project started out some 20 years ago cloaked in secrecy and codenamed F1 or Flagship One.

At that time, the aim was to develop a large flagship sedan that matched the best continental offerings in luxury, ride and performance.

This resulted in the creation of the first Lexus — the LS 400.

Now, that “F” sits alongside the IS F’s moniker to indicate a flagship status and something to elbow BMW’s M or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG cars.

The IS F cabin (right) looks the part of a luxurious high performance car.

Incidentally, the “F” logo on the IS F badge is said to be inspired by the shape of its home circuit, Fuji Speedway’s Turn One.

Although similar to the standard IS variants, the IS F cuts a more aggressive stance with its low-slung appearance, larger bonnet bulge to hold in the bigger engine and oversized custom-designed BBS 19-inch wheels.

Both upper and lower grilles get a wire mesh pattern with a much bigger grille area for better cooling.

That’s not all.

The rearward facing portions of the front wheel arches are fitted with air vents to dissipate heat build-up.

A trunk spoiler, four exhaust pipes and a prominently-sized “F” logo adorn the rear.

Inside, the dark dashboard fascia is similar to those in the regular IS.

The sporty touches extend to front seats with side bolsters to keep you in tucked in, a speedometer calibrated to 300kph (up from the IS 250’s 260kph) and rubber-studded aluminium pedals.

Essentially, the IS F’s engine is a LS 460 limousine’s 4.6-litre V8 block with 380bhp that has been tweaked and transformed by Yamaha into a 416bhp race-tuned state.

It features new technologies that are exclusive to this engine, among them a dual air intake system, engine oil coolers for high-speed performance and a cylinder head scavenge oil pump that forces oil back into the sump pan for lubrication even at cornering manoeuvres in excess of one G.

While most muscle cars emit a low rumble at idle, the IS F’s exhaust note was near silent in the polished fashion of its LS or GS siblings.

The engine shown above is from an LS 460 limousine that has been uprated to a race-tuned state.

Taking off from the pit lane in a leisurely drive on our first lap, the IS F is quiet with silky smooth gear changes, courtesy of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It was only in the following lap that we were told to max out the IS F to get acquainted with its alter ego — a fiery sports car in a luxury sedan body.

The media drive was made possible by local Toyota and Lexus vehicle distributor UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd.

Rev the IS F’s block over 3,600rpm and a secondary intake opens up to unleash a wild side with the exhaust note giving out a true-blue V8 throaty roar.

Put your foot down the pedal further and the IS F will respond immediately without sounding strained.

A neck-snapping sprint from 0-100kph can be clocked in 4.8 seconds with a top speed electronically governed to 270kph.

With upgraded sports suspension and a communicative steering, entering sharp corners at tyre-screeching speeds does not seem to unsettle the IS F’s handling.

Of course, the IS F still has a gamut of electronics stability systems and a limited-slip rear differential to help keep you on track.

A beeping sound alerts you the moment the VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) has kicked in, reminding you that the car has taken over control.

All-round large Brembo brakes work perfectly for fade-free and linear braking.

The paddle shifter was astonishingly fast and Lexus claims it can execute upshifts in 100 milliseconds.

Gear changes in spirited driving are accompanied by thumping clutch lock-up sensations, something that enhances the realism of performance driving.

Much of the IS F’s development was carried out at race circuits around the world including Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife, Circuit Paul Ricard in France, the Higashi-Fuji Technical Centre in Japan and of course the Fuji Speedway.

The IS F was born out of Toyota’s Lexus Development Centre chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi’s dream of creating a luxury sports sedan that could stand up to the Continental team.

While the norm was for the product planning division to tell engineers what sort of car to develop, Yaguchi, a maverick Toyota engineer, was able to convince the division of the soundness of his IS F concept.

Yaguchi has worked in Toyota for 30 years and is a car enthusiast.

Although the project was approved, it did not get enough resources and budget, leading Yaguchi to set up his own “Skunk Works” team filled with hand-picked engineers who volunteered to take part in their spare time.

Even with a lean force of between 100 and 300 people in the IS F team, compared with 1,500 to 2,000 people on a typical Lexus project, Yaguchi managed to pull it off.

At present, only 500 to 600 units of the IS F are produced monthly of which two-thirds are the right-hand drive version.

“We have a high demand for the IS F in Japan and must try to satisfy local demand first,” said Yaguchi who looks the part of a veteran rock star.

The IS F goes for 8mil yen (RM271,000) in the Land of the Rising Sun.

There are plans to offer the variant in the Asean region but this has yet to be confirmed.

But if this happens, expect the M and AMG drivers here to grudgingly make room for a new running partner.

2008 Japan Car of the Year goes to......

2008-11-18T10:01:00.000+08:00

by Anthony Lim

After bagging the grand prize at the Good Design Award domestically, the little tyke that is the Toyota iQ has won the 2008 Japan Car of the Year award, and by a landslide. The innovative iQ scored more than double the points of the second placed vehicle, receiving top marks from 39 of the 65 jurors who voted for the 41 vehicles on the list.

Smarter than smart?

The judges praised the iQ for its space efficiency and design, particularly the car's capacity for seating four people within a body less than three metres long, as well as its combination of high levels of safety and low CO2 emissions.

This incredible result, however, will not be repeated in the 2008 European Car of the Year. The reason is that sales of the car in Europe won't begin until Jan 2009, past the cut-off for the European COTY for the year.

Well, it is newer, so it should be ...

Both Japanese and European COTY competitions are run in similar ways with a wide selection of new cars appraised and voted on by motoring journalists. In Japan, each of the 65 jurors have 25 points, of which 10 have to be given to one car, and the remaining 15 points allocated to four other cars.

Results of Japan Car of the Year 2008
1. Toyota iQ - 526 points
2. Citroën C5 - 223 points
3. Nissan GT-R - 201 points
4. Audi A4/A4 Avant - 180 points
5. Jaguar XF - 115 points
6. Daihatsu Tanto - 100 points
7. Fiat 500 - 90 points
8. Honda Freed - 62 points
9. Mazda Atenza - 60 points
10. Suzuki Wagon R/Wagon R Stingray - 37 points
11. Subaru Exiga - 31 points

Volkswagen Tiguan enters Malaysia

2008-10-30T15:05:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Andy Mervin George

has launched the Tiguan 2.0 TSI compact SUV.

MD of VGM, Mr. Andreas Prinz is proud of the new Tiguan

After capturing the lead in the German SUV market, the Tiguan is making its debut in Malaysia with its full-spec Track & Field variant, one of the three variants available worldwide.

The Tiguan name comes from combining a mixture of two animal names - tiger, which reflects quickness, power and elegance, and leguan (or iguana), which indicates a capability of surviving in harsh habitats.

The Track & Field Tiguan comes equipped with a new four-cylinder 2.0l turbocharged direct injection petrol engine. Effectively, this is known as the 147TSI version in some markets, and the block kicks up a wholesome 200bhp at 5,000rpm and maximum torque of 280Nm on the initial 1,700rpm, so the compact SUV has a lot of muscles to flex, be it for city or off-road driving.

Vibrant ambience, good for crusing or offroading

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic, and drives on a 4MOTION full-time four-wheel drive system.

Among the equipment spec levels on the Tiguana are off-road mode, electronic stabilisation program (ESP), ABS with Brake Assist system, six airbags, an electronic differential lock (EDL) and traction control system (TCS), as well as 17-inch Boston alloy wheels wrapped with Michelin rubbers.

Also offered on the Tiguan is Park Assist, which as the name suggests, helps to park the car using its onboard Park Pilot function for parallel parking spots, hands-free. The driver just needs to work on the pedals to move and stop the vehicle. This feature comes as standard fitment.

It's a crossover, apparently

To keep passengers entertained, there’s an integrated 6-disc changer with touch-screen feature and a total of eight front and rear loudspeakers. Unfortunately, there is no GPS on the Tiguan for now.

Fully imported from Germany, the Tiguan is available in seven metallic colours and two solid colours. To match these colours, the Tiguan’s Vienna leather upholstery comes in two colour options – Brown or Titanium Black. The vehicle is priced at RM251,121 (on-the-road, without insurance).

RISING DEMAND FOR SMALL CARS

2008-10-27T12:48:00.000+08:00

Oil prices have dropped below US$100 a barrel recently.

Still no one can be certain when oil prices will swing up again.

One influence of the global oil price hike was on new car purchases, with hybrids and fuel-frugal vehicles of small engine displacements coming to the fore.

The scenario in Malaysia is not much different. While the effect of a significant reduction in taxes regarding hybrids has yet to noted, there is a definite slant towards fuel efficient cars, particularly those of smaller engine displacements – from 660 to 1600cc.

The July sales statistics from the Malaysian Automobile Association (MAA) clearly shows the present vehicle market sentiment.

In July, a total of 48,424 private passenger vehicles (cars, MPVs and SUVs) were sold.

However, vehicles sold with engine displacements of 1.6-litre and below accounted for 39,588 units (representing 81 percent of the combined total).

When that figure is broken down further, it can be seen that cars of 1.0-litre and below comprised 8,687 units (Perodua rules the roost here).

Vehicles with engines between 1.0 and 1.3-litre numbered 10,075 units, and this included 933 units of the Toyota Avanza while Perodua again holds the lion’s share with 8,255 units (Myvi).

The 1.3 to 1.6-litre vehicle segment saw the highest sales volume at 20,826 units.

Of this total, vehicles of 1.5-litre and below account for 13,883 units or 66.7 percent.

It is in this segment that Proton dominates with its Saga (7,355 units) and Persona (3,993), taking more than half of total sales.

Excluded are figures from the pick-up category as some of the vehicles filed accordingly are not passenger-carrying vehicles, and are more for commercial purposes.

Also, the few vehicles that fit into the fuel frugal engine displacement bracket – Proton Arena and Nissan C22 pick-ups – are purely for commercial use.

Perodua Record Sales

Perodua recorded its best sales ever with almost 17,000 units sold in July, boosting its seven-month total to 100,346.

That accounts for a monthly average of more than 14,300 units.

Its strong run is boosted by only two models, the Viva (with three engine displacement versions – 660cc, 850cc and 1.0-litre) and the Myvi (1.0 and 1.3-litre), of which and updated version was launched recently.

To maintain the momentum in demand for the Myvi, Perodua’s strategy of giving its top seller a facelift was timely.

It was freshened up with a new bonnet, front grille, new design foglights and emblem.

In the interior, the updates saw new fabric upholstery, trimmed center cluster, meter combi, as well as UV protection glass, shopping hook and seat height adjuster.

However, the Myvi remains affordable, with prices ranging from RM39,000 to RM51,000, depending on models.

These are on the road prices and include a host of accessories.

This should help Perodua maintain its market share of close to 40 percent in the passenger car segment.

The Viva may hold the honour of being one of the most frugal in fuel consumption and its July volume of above 8000 units is the highest ever, but variety in makes and models is not something that is found in the 1.0-litre and below segment.

Apart from Perodua, no other car companies are willing to come into the market with their respective sub-1.0-litre models to gauge market demand, even in these times of high petrol prices.

Malaysian car buyers are obviously more interested in making a decision among the choices available in the market, although the sales in the other two segments still see domination by a few select models from either Perodua or Proton.

The Perodua Myvi sees its fair share of competition from Hyundai/Inokom and Naza, and still comes out on top.

Proton, however, sees no real rival for its Saga 1.3 and the Persona 1.6, other than the Myvi, so it is difficult to gauge how it will fare against similarly priced models of a competitive make here.

The introduction of an entry-level Toyota Vios J may have raised some concern initially but at a little under RM70,000 for the manual model, it is still pricier than the Persona.

The combined volume of the Vios range at 3,045 units give Toyota a modest 14.6 percent share of the 1.3-1.6-litre category.

However, if you were to factor in the sales performance of the Avanza 1.5 and Rush (both filed under MPVs) – 832 and 619 units – for a total of 4,496, its share of this market segment goes up to 21.6 percent, or a fifth of the segment volume.

The 1.5-litre engine with variable valve timing-intelligent (VVT-i), in these Toyotas are known to be pretty frugal under normal driving conditions.

As such, Toyota is holding on well to its turf, especially when potential car buyers are looking at this engine option instead of bigger ones found in cars within the 1.6 to 1.8-litre segments.

Similarly, Honda is benefiting from the fuel hike with a steady demand for its City.

The July sales total of 1,064 units sold reflects the strong and consistent demand for this car although its peak during the seven-month period came in May when 1,285 units of the City were sold.

With the significant reduction in tax and duties for hybrid cars, Honda is expected to have another strong seller in its Civic Hybrid.

At the time of writing, Honda is still working on the price but a bigger batch of the imported Civic Hybrid from Japan is likely to enter the market soon enough.

UMW Toyota Motor is also expected to follow suit with its Prius Hybrid although it is expected to fetch a slightly higher price than the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The Civic Hybrid has been tested to cover the Kuala Lumpur-Penang-Kuala Lumpur run on RM100 (at RM2.52 a litre) with a quarter tank of fuel to spare at the end of the drive. That works out to more than 21km a litre under sensible driving conditions (that is, keeping to speed limits).

A readjustment of the fuel price to a lower level may come soon with the current fall in the price for a barrel of oil.

Realistically, it is not likely to go below RM2 and will remain high for most car owners. Against that scenario, the most logical choice will be to go for cars that give the best mileage figures, unless you have plenty of money to burn.

Sale of passenger vehicles according to engine displacements in July (Includes passenger cars, MPVs and SUVs/4x4s)
	July 08 (%)	YTD 08 (%)
Up to 1000cc	8687 (17.9)	48943 (16.3)
1001-1300cc	10075 (20.8)	72422 (24.1)
1301-1600cc	20826 (43.0)	128284 (42.7)
1601-2000cc	7021 (14.5)	39232 (13.0)
Above 2000cc	1815 (3.8)	11778 (3.9)
Total	48424	300659

Top Five Sellers Up to 1000cc
Perodua Viva 1000cc	3911	20772
Perodua Viva 850cc	3088	16247
Perodua Kancil 660cc	452	3581
Perodua Kenari	447	2343
Perodua Viva 660cc	441	3317

Top Five Sellers 1001-1300cc
Perodua Myvi	8255	51452
Toyota Avanza 1.3	933	6495
Proton Savvy	232	1987
Hyundai I10	215	215
Inokom Atos Prima	79	562

Top Ten Sellers 1301-1600cc
Proton Saga	7335	34866
Proton Persona	3993	25921
Toyota Vios	3045	19621
Honda City	1064	6905
Proton Waja	914	5733
Toyota Avanza 1.5	832	6887
Toyota Rush	619	4288
Nissan Grand Livina 1.6	596	3675
Suzuki Swift	358	2357
Nissan Latio 1.6	332	2234

Top Five Sellers 1601-2000cc
Honda Civic	853	5444
Toyota Camry 2.0	826	4930
Toyota Corolla	786	3360
Nissan Grand Livina 1.8	636	3256
Toyota Innova	559	3518
Honda Accord 2.0	539	2309
Nissan Sylphy	512	582
Naza Citra	478	3605
Honda CR-V	364	2673
Mercedes-Benz C200K	259	754

Top Five Sellers Above 2000cc
Toyota Camry	479	3386
Honda Accord	456	1548
Toyota Fortuner	120	940
Ssangyong Rexton	99	211
BMW 523I	53	681

Statistics: Malaysian Automotive Association

The N870 Standalone Driving GPS Unit

2008-10-25T17:50:00.000+08:00

Impressive local offering

By TAN KIT HOONG

We head back out on the road again and this time it’s to give the locally-developed K-One N870 GPS unit a test drive.

THE N870 GPS unit from K-One Technology is a Malaysian-designed product made by a Malaysian company.

However, this isn’t some cheap GPS unit — the N870 is actually a premium standalone driving GPS unit with some nifty features of its own.

What you get

Other than the GPS unit, the N870 box contains pretty much a standard set of accessories, i.e. a charger and a custom suction cup holder for your car windscreen.

The N870 itself is a nice-looking device — the glossy black design looks good and the plastic construction feels very solid in the hands.

The unit is powered by a 400MHz Samsung ARM processor and runs on a version of Windows CE.NET 5.0 with a custom interface designed by K-One.

On the hardware front, the unit comes with an FM transmitter, an SD card slot and Bluetooth wireless.

K-One does not give any information on what GPS chipset is used in the N870, but it locked on to satellites just as fast as SiRF Star III chipsets, so whatever the case, there are no complaints in this department.

The FM transmitter is not for listening to radio, but instead for you to stream the audio driving directions to your car stereo simply by tuning in to a particular station on your car radio.

The Bluetooth, on the other hand, is to allow the N870 to pair with your mobile phone and act as a car handsfree device.

Oh yes, there’s a little standard A/V connector on the bottom of the device that connects to a reverse camera which you can apparently get at most car accessory shops — once connected, the N870 can actually act as a monitor for the reverse camera. Nice, but since we weren’t provided with the camera, we couldn’t really test out this feature.

The N870 also has a couple of features not connected with navigation — namely it comes with a multimedia software player than can handle most video formats as well as MP3 audio.

In use

When I first opened the box, I was quite surprised that the car suction cup holder for the device was rather short — I have a windshield that extends pretty far forward and I was worried that the holder would sit out too far in front for comfortable viewing.

However, the holder itself can be positioned in quite a variety of angles and I found that I could position it high up, just below my rear-view mirror, for the best viewing experience without obstructing the view from my windscreen.

Turn it on and you’ll be presented with a very bright, 4.3in screen that’s easily viewable outdoors.

The GPS itself has very few buttons — most of the interface is touch-based, although there is a button on the right side to bring out the pop-up menu to access other features.

One thing I noticed with the N870 is that the audio is LOUD — I found that I didn’t have to turn the audio level all the way up to get an acceptable volume level, and in fact cranking volume all the way to the top is akin to having the unit shout REALLY loud at you!

Navigation on the device is quite a standard affair — maps are sourced from Malsingmaps.com and the navigation interface itself seems to based on the popular MapKing software.

With the kind of audio level you get with the N870, the Bluetooth handsfree function works really well when answering calls, although I’m not too sure it’s any safer to make calls with the N870’s pop-up numeric keypad.

You also get a choice of eight different types of voices — ranging from English, Bahasa Malaysia to Vietnamese.

Battery life is very good — I definitely can run it for most of the day without having to worry about charging it.

Conclusion

The price of RM1,550 may sound a little steep for a standalone GPS car navigation unit, but considering the features and that an equivalent Garmin Nuvi with Bluetooth and FM radio transmitter would cost WAY more, the price of the N870 is actually quite reasonable.

The unit itself is solid in terms of build quality and features, so there’s very little to complain about here.

If you’re looking for something a bit more feature-packed than all the sub-RM1,000 GPS navigation devices out there, the K-One N870 is worth a look.

Pros: Solid build quality; extensive connectivity options; very loud volume possible; A/V connector for reverse camera.

Cons: Nothing significant.

N870

(K-One Technology Bhd)

Standalone GPS car navigation unit

GPS chipset: Information not available

Operating System: Microsoft Windows CE.NET 5.0 Core Version

CPU: Samsung S3C2440A, 400MHz

Memory: 64MB RAM, 32MB ROM

Storage: SD expansion slot

Display: 4.3in (480 x 272pixels) TFT LCD

Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion

Software: MapKing

Other features: Bluetooth, FM transmitter, Audio-video (A/V) input, multimedia playback

Dimensions (w x h x d): 122 x 82.5 x 23.5mm

Price: RM1,550

Website: www.k-onegps.com

Review unit courtesy of K-One Technology Bhd, 1-300-88-1118

How to troubleshoot car smoke

2008-10-16T17:19:00.000+08:00

Smoke coming from the tailpipe is not good news, but does not necessarily mean the engine needs rebuilding. First, you need to determine what color of smoke is coming from the tailpipe. The three most common colors of smoke that can be emitted from the engine and billow from the tailpipe are as follows:

White smoke: White smoke is caused by water and or antifreeze entering the cylinder, and the engine trying to burn it with the fuel. The white smoke is steam. There are special gaskets (head gaskets are the primary gaskets) that keep the antifreeze from entering the cylinder area. The cylinder is where the fuel and air mixture are being compressed and burned. Any amount of antifreeze that enters this area will produce a white steam that will be present at the tailpipe area.If white smoke is present, check to see if the proper amount of antifreeze is inside the radiator and the overflow bottle. Also check to see if antifreeze has contaminated the engine oil. You can look at the engine oil dipstick, or look at the under side of the engine oil filler cap. If the oil is contaminated with antifreeze, it will have the appearance of a chocolate milkshake. Do not start the engine if the oil is contaminated with antifreeze, as serious internal engine damage can result.

How did antifreeze get in the oil or cylinder in the first place? The engine probably overheated and a head gasket failed due to excessive heat, thus allowing antifreeze to enter the cylinder (Where it is not meant to be).

Blue Smoke: Blue smoke is caused by engine oil entering the cylinder area and being burned along with the fuel air mixture. As with the white smoke, just a small drop of oil leaking into the cylinder can produce blue smoke out the tailpipe. Blue smoke is more likely in older or higher mileage vehicles than newer cars with fewer miles.

How did the engine oil get inside the cylinder in the first place? The car has many seals, gaskets, and O-rings that are designed to keep the engine oil from entering the cylinder, and one of them has failed. If too much oil leaks into the cylinder and fouls the spark plug, it will cause a misfire (engine miss) in that cylinder, and the spark plug will have to be replaced or cleaned of the oil. Using thicker weight engine oil or an oil additive designed to reduce oil leaks might help reduce the amount of oil leaking into the cylinder.

Black Smoke: Black smoke is caused by excess fuel that has entered the cylinder area and cannot be burned completely. Another term for excess fuel is "running rich." Poor fuel mileage is also a common complaint when black smoke comes out of the tailpipe. Black smoke out the tailpipe is the least cause for alarm. Excess fuel will usually effect engine performance, reduce fuel economy, and produce a fuel odor.

How did the fuel get into the cylinder in the first place? Some of the causes of excess fuel are a carburetor that is out of adjustment, a faulty fuel pump, a leaky fuel injector, or a faulty engine computer or computer sensor. If black smoke is present, check the engine oil as in the white smoke example to make sure excess fuel has not contaminated it. Do not start the engine if a heavy, raw fuel smell can be detected in the engine oil. Call your mechanic and advise him of what you have found.

Rondo for bigger families

2008-10-09T17:53:00.000+08:00

FOR big families, the new Naza Citra II Rondo would seem like quite a comfy seven-seater to be making their regular outings in.

Naza Kia calls it a “crossover utility vehicle” and the locally-assembled 2.0 litre vehicle costs just below RM90,000. It is built on the platform of the Kia Optima sedan, and promises car-like handling and ride qualities.

The Naza Citra II Rondo is built on the Kia Optima sedan.

The term crossover implies a higher-than-normal seating position with good frontal vision and this is what you get in this new contender in the line-up.

“Naza Kia has released the Rondo, positioned between the Citra and Ria, to be a serious contender in the crossover segment,” said SM Nasarudin, CEO of Naza Group of Companies, said at the launch last month.

We found the seating and legroom in the front two rows of the car ample although the third row is a little cramped.

For those planning to carry large items, the second and third-row seats can be folded flat for maximum cargo floor space.

The Rondo gets a powerful 145bhp engine with variable valve timing technology.

The transmission is a four-speed automatic with a Shiftronic manual override feature for a sportier driving mode.

Outside, the front grille and headlights take their design cues from the Optima sedan.

The four-wheel independent suspension comprising McPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, promise decent handling and ride.

Safety features include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, side-impact door beams, seatbelt pre-tensioners, an energy-absorbing steering column and a full five-star front crash rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The entry-level EX is priced at RM84,888 and the higher grade EXS, RM88,888, but gets additional features such as steering wheel-mounted remote audio control, a special roof rack, automatic climate control air conditioning system and bigger 16-inch alloy wheels.

Related post:

The Naza Citra II Rondo

City set to arrive soon

2008-10-09T17:50:00.000+08:00

By HONG BOON HOW

COME December, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd will be rolling out the latest-generation Honda City.

The new model, with a rising beltline, is slightly longer but lower compared with the current model, imparting a “well proportioned” and a shaper “arrowshot” appearance.

Honda R&D Co Ltd assistant chief engineer (department 1) styling design development division Yoshiro Tanaka (left) and Nakamura showing the new City in Ayutthaya.

It also gets flushed headlights and grille combination, which borrowed some styling cues from the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle.

Unveiled to the Malaysian media at Honda’s R&D facility in Ayutthaya, Thailand, recently, the City comes with a 120bhp 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, promising a good balance of power and fuel economy.

The powertrain system is similar to that in the recently launched Honda Jazz.

The City is equipped with electric power steering system and a steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Honda R&D Co chief engineer and Large Project Leader for the new City, Takeshi Nakamura, said while the roofline of the new City was lower, the car was getting a longer wheelbase which made for a roomier interior.

“The nose of the City is designed to be sharper than most sedans in the 1.5-litre segment for a unique powerful appearance,” he said.

The dashboard is a new design.

The dashboard is a new design with a mix of light and dark colours, with metallic effect on the centre console and interior door trim inserts.

The boot space is also larger than the previous City.

Another feature that is seldom found in small sedans is the rear seat that has a 60:40 split backrest with a two-angle adjustment.

Safety features includes dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

Honda claims the pedestrian safety feature of the City has also been enhanced.

All's not glitter and gold at the Paris Motor Show

2008-10-09T17:40:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Auto executives agree: their industry is headed into a giant storm.

The clouds of global economic turmoil cast a pall over the opening of the Paris Motor Show yesterday - although a staged display of thunder and blue lightning bolts provided a dramatic backdrop for the introduction of BMW AG's new 7 series.

General Motors Corp chief operating officer Fritz Henderson said the US hasn't seen such a slump in auto sales in two decades and predicted "chaos" if US lawmakers don't approve a US$700 billion financial bailout plan.

With a new Insight into things, Honda is hoping for better.

Ford Motor Co's CEO for Europe, John Fleming, said he is bracing for a difficult end to 2008 as declining housing markets and tightening credit take their toll.

And Carlos Ghosn, CEO of French carmaker Renault SA, said the global auto industry could remain in a funk for two years.

"We don't know if we are at the start of the end or the end of the start," he told reporters.

With rock music and clouds of dry ice, automakers unveiled smaller and more fuel-efficient cars to cater to consumers both cash-strapped and environmentally conscious. The new models are testimony that the industry is working to adapt to an era of expensive gas and mounting concerns about global warming.

Honda Motor Co unveiled a new five-door gasoline-electric hatchback to challenge rival Toyota Motor Corp's success with the hybrid Prius. Honda said its Insight would be cheaper than any other hybrid car on the market, to make the low-emission technology affordable for more consumers. The Japanese automaker aims to sell 200,000 of the cars each year, launching next spring in Japan, Europe and North America.

Renault showed off a revamped Megane compact hatchback. France's second-largest automaker, which is cutting 6,000 jobs to maintain profitability, hopes the car will make up for poor sales of the low-cost Laguna car.

Renault's new Megane Coupe.

And luxury car makers like Ferrari added their very own touch of glamour. The Italian automaker introduced its new California - a coupe-cabriolet with a retractable hard top - claiming that customers at the very top end of the market are immune for the moment.

"What is affecting Ferrari customers is not the financial times," CEO Amedeo Felisa said in an interview with The Associated Press.

The displays covered the entire range: fast to slow, luxury to economy. Renault displayed a Formula One racer. Peugeot showed a speedster for the Le Mans Series. Mercedes unveiled its latest armored limousine for VIPs, described as "luxuriously spacious and superbly comfortable."

Underscoring the need for green, some models had the amount of carbon dioxide they emit pasted in large numbers down their sides.

The two-week show opens to the public this Sat after two press days.

Citigroup expects 2008 to be the first year of volume declines since 2001 for the global car industry, and last month it lowered its outlook for this year and next after double-digit declines in new car registrations in western Europe, the US, and Japan.

Overall US auto sales plunged last month, dropping below one million for the first time in more than 15 years as some consumers struggled to get car loans and others stayed away from showrooms amid bank failures and Wall Street turmoil.

And the recession-proof Ferrari California.

Sales at every major US and foreign brand fell at least 24%from the previous year, with the exception of GM, which said it sold 16% fewer vehicles, helped by its month-long offer of employee pricing for all buyers.

GM's Henderson said the company can't rule out the need for more restructuring if the economic crisis worsens and said it was "extraordinarily important" that US lawmakers pass a financial bailout to shore up confidence.

France's car market has held up, thanks to government incentives to buyers of green vehicles. The French car manufacturer's association said on Wed that new car registrations rose 8.4% in Sept from a year earlier.

Last year, France introduced rebates and surcharges to encourage sales of more environmentally friendly vehicles. Under the system, dubbed "bonus-malus," car buyers can take money off the purchase price depending on how much CO2 the vehicle emits.

Larger rebates are awarded for cars meeting stricter emissions criteria, from 200 euros (US$287) all the way up to 5,000 euros (US$7,175) for electric vehicles putting out less than 60 grams of CO2 per km.

"The French market is resisting well for the moment. I hope it will continue," Renault's Ghosn said. - AP

Scionara as sales in the US drop

2008-09-21T09:57:00.000+08:00

A bumpy road for a slick brand

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Five years after Toyota rolled out a hip, inexpensive and fuel-efficient brand called Scion, the Japanese automaker still sees it as a tool to attract young buyers. But slowing sales of Scion's eye-catching vehicles indicate they may be losing some cachet.

Scion's August sales in the US tumbled nearly 20% from a year earlier. So far this year, sales are up 2% - a noteworthy increase given the tough auto market. But that's compared to a remarkable slump for the brand in 2007, and it pales next to the growth of Toyota's and other automakers' small cars.

The xA.

"There's real, viable opportunity for these models," said Rebecca Lindland, auto analyst with consulting firm Global Insight. "It seems a little bit strange that they wouldn't be saying, 'Hey, you know what, we've got a really big chance here, let's go for it.'"

Toyota Motor Corp launched Scion in 2003 with two models: The xA, a stout, subcompact hatchback, and the xB, a boxy, five-door wagon. It rolled out the tC, a small coupe with a sportier look, a year later. In 2007, it replaced the xA with the similar xD.

Toyota priced the cars inexpensively and made them highly customisable, with options like fancy wheel covers and an array of audio upgrades. No-haggle pricing in hip showrooms was designed to make the purchase process easier on young buyers.

Toyota executives say Scion was never meant to be a top-selling brand, but is more about appealing to Generation Y and, ultimately, hooking its members as long-term customers.

Indeed, Scion buyers are the youngest in the industry, with a median age 20 years younger than Toyota's 52, said Scion vice-president Jack Hollis. And 47% of Scion buyers later purchase either a Toyota or another Scion, according to J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network.

The xB.

"Scion is not about how many, but about who and how - meaning who we sell them to, and how we sell them," Hollis said.

Scion's marketing team worked to build a brand image that resonated with its target audience: urban-dwelling, mostly male twenty-somethings. They sent mobile billboards to roam city streets. They posted guerrilla ads on construction sites. They eschewed prime-time TV advertising in favor of late-night or niche cable shows.

"You'll never see them during 'Lost' or 'Desperate Housewives,'" Scion spokeswoman Allison Takahashi said.

The brand had drivers like Josh Keeler in mind.

Earlier this year, the 23-year-old insurance underwriter was gearing up with two friends for a marathon road trip across all 48 mainland states, as fast as they could. The ended up choosing a 2005 Scion xB.

"I knew that we needed a car that was able to hold up for the trip and would be reliable," Keeler said. "I was looking for the biggest little car I could find. One that's bigger inside than out."

He settled on the Scion after taking one for a test drive at a dealership in his hometown of Salt Lake City. He liked its roominess, its fuel economy, and its funky, boxy look. Ultimately, he bought a used maroon model with 17,000 miles for US$9,900 on eBay.

They christened it the "Scionara."

Despite the youth appeal, sales in 2007 fell 25% to 130,181 and are up just 2% so far this year. Meanwhile, US$4 gas has propelled demand for other similarly fuel-efficient models by leaps and bounds.

Sales of the Toyota Yaris, for example, are up 32% so far this year. The Honda Fit hatchback has seen a 56% rise, while Ford Focus sales are up 26%.

And the xD.

Scion's most-efficient xD model gets 33 miles per gallon on the highway, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. The Yaris gets 36, the 2008 Fit gets up to 34, and the Focus gets 35.

Hollis said the brand's 2007 sales decline can be blamed on a "production gap" before the midyear release of its second-generation xB and xD models. Toward the end of 2006, Scion pushed hard to clear out excess first-generation versions of those cars, he said, which led to lower-than-expected inventories in early 2007 and, therefore, fewer sales.

Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division in the US, said it was never the purpose to make Scion a top-selling brand.

"I know it sounds like corporate spin, but we never had a plan to take Scion to 300 or 500,000 units," Carter said. "That's not the role for the brand. The role is to bring new buyers in, and then hopefully do a nice job with them, they consider a Toyota next and then as they grow in affluence, go to Lexus."

Global Insight's Lindland said Scion may have tied its own hands by targeting young drivers and limiting its appeal.

"It's a different brand in some ways," she said. "To sell to mass market goes against the original roots of the brand, which was to supply Generation Y with their own brand."

Keeler, for his part, could not have been more satisfied with his road trip pick. Helped by synthetic motor oil and donations from family and even some sponsors, the three friends completed their 9,500-mile trip on May 7 in 106 hours and 43 minutes and documented the trip on a blog.

As for Scionara, it held up well and continues to get use, Keeler said - though during the summer months he prefers his motorcycle.

"When those cars first came out I was initially turned off by them," he said. I thought they were a little strange, but they grew on me." - AP

Honda Insight Concept

2008-09-21T08:51:00.000+08:00

Honda Insight Concept to debut in Paris

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Honda will reveal a concept version of its new small hybrid vehicle, to be named Insight, at the 2008 Paris International Auto Show next month.

The new Insight Concept shares styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and will provide an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.

A better Insight into things now.

The vehicle goes on sale in the US next spring, and is expected to enter the market at a price significantly below hybrids available today.

Evoking the innovative styling cues first seen in the FCX Clarity, the production Insight will be offered as a five-door, five-passenger hatchback, and will utilise a more cost-efficient version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology.

Sharper looking than the old one, for sure.

Numerous other technologies, including a function to assist customers in achieving more fuel efficient driving habits, will be applied to achieve a further improvement in real world fuel efficiency.

Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan, with expected annual global sales at 200,000 units per year, half of which will be in the US.

Volts up fully charged 2010

2008-09-21T08:42:00.000+08:00

Production version of Chevy Volt unveiled

Posted by: Anthony Lim

General Motors has unveiled the much-anticipated production version of its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. The design of the Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

Volt's up, you say?

Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle however endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more.

Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features expected in a four-passenger sedan, with a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a touch-sensitive infotainment center with integrated shifter will distinguish the Volt's interior from other vehicles in the market.

The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) uses electricity to move the wheels (which feature specially developed low rolling-resistance tires sitting on 17-inch forged aluminium alloys) at all times and speeds.

Spiffy interior should win friends.

For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16kWh, lithium-ion battery; more than 220 lithium-ion cells are contained within the Volt's battery pack. The electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150bhp of power and 370Nm of instant torque, and a top speed of 160kph.

When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle's battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.

Volt a lot of promise, for sure.

The Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle's intelligent charging technology enables the Volt's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted.

The Volt is expected to be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States.

Proton MPV final design!!

2008-09-11T15:07:00.000+08:00

Proton MPV first batch to roll out mid-Sept 2008.

The Proton MPV will begin on-road testing from the 12th of September
2008 onwards, so we'll be able to spot it on our local roads and hopefully
get some nice clear photos possibly from mid-September onwards. It will be
launched to the public in March 2009.

Proton sources have confirmed that the Proton MPV will initially come
with the 125 horsepower Campro CPS found in the highline GEN2 CPS facelift.

The car will ride on 15 inch wheels which should be easy on the fuel
consumption as well as tyre change bills as smaller tyres are cheaper.
125hp is far from sprinty on a heavy vehicle especially with all 7 seats
occupied, but it is still more powerful than the 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 liter
engines that almost all B-segment Japanese MPVs have to make do with.

A turbocharged Campro engine is said to be in the works but according to
inside sources if any other engine options other than the CPS engine are
to be available for the Proton MPV, next in line is more likely to be a
turbodiesel engine. In fact, Proton may have played a part in
(successfully) lobbying for the recent drop of diesel road tax rates to
the same level as petrol road tax rates.

The side is not very much to my expectation.

Proton launches MPV naming contest

2008-09-11T11:34:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM, 8 September 2008 – PROTON Holdings Berhad today launched a nationwide contest to name its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which will be introduced early next year. Describing it as the first home-grown MPV, PROTON is calling for all Malaysians to name the vehicle via an SMS and online contest starting today and ending 30th of September.

The grand prize winner will win the new Proton MPV itself while two runner-ups will each win a trip for two to Lotus UK worth RM15,000 each. To help the public come up with ideas, PROTON has described the much anticipated MPV as a comfortable vehicle for both driver and passenger with more leg room and luggage space. The new MPV will also be affordable, and for its size, it is a car designed for families.

Speaking at the contest launching event today, PROTON Managing Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir explains that the MPV is expected to be “delivered” at the end of March 2009. “This ‘bundle of joy’ is not only ours but is shared together with the rest of the country and all Malaysians. This is a historic moment for us and we would like the public to play a big part in naming the new MPV,” says Dato’ Syed Zainal.

Participants can submit their name of choice for the MPV via SMS or online at the www.proton.com website. Each entry must be supported with a rationale for the name and an original tagline. Part of the proceeds from the SMS entries will be donated to charity. The contest will be closely audited by professional auditors to ensure all processes are done with due diligence and integrity. Winners will be notified by telephone in October.

On the company’s aspiration for the new MPV, Dato Syed Zainal explains that “while it is a whole new market segment for PROTON, we are certain that the public will accept this new ‘baby’ with open arms.”

“We believe that this MPV will fit into our aspiration to build the “right car for the right market at the right price” for all Malaysians. We aim to offer the new MPV the best features for families, with its style, price and utilization,“ adds Dato Syed Zainal.
About PROTON
PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia's largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key market centers from UK and Western Europe to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences. The offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus.

PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieving the mission for the future, gearing up to achieve the promise of a marquee which build cars with passion and soul; cars which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.

Proton Appoints New ISSD Director

2008-09-11T11:29:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd Wednesday announced the appointment of Claudius Meynert as the new director of its International Sales and Services Division (ISSD).

"With Meynert at the helm, the company is now better equipped in its efforts to focus on Proton's long-term export strategy of concentrating on high growth regional markets namely Asean, China, India and the Middle East, including North Africa," said Proton's managing director, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed in a statement Wednesday.

Meynert, 44, holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Georg August University in Goettingen, Germany and was attached to German carmaker, Audi AG for 14 years.

During this time he held several significant sales and marketing management positions in Germany, China, Thailand and Singapore.

He last served Audi as managing director of the regional headquarters for Asia Pacific, before setting up Trade Asia, an automotive and parts trading company based in Bangkok in 2007.

-- BERNAMA

Shanghai Diesel Engine Company Looks To Malaysian Natural Gas Vehicle Market

2008-09-11T11:25:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- China-based natural gas and diesel engines manufacturer, Shanghai Diesel Engine Co. Ltd. (SEDC), is looking to set up an operation in Malaysia.

Its president Xiong Weiming said the company, which has supplied diesel engines to Thailand for the past two years, wants to spread its wings to Malaysia, given the increasing demand for natural gas powered vehicles in the country.

"We want to take advantage of the Malaysian government's move of encouraging vehicles to use natural gas as an alternative to petrol.

"The high demand and acceptance of our natural gas engine among many overseas customers has increased our confidence in developing the market in Malaysia," he told reporters after the third session of the World Chinese Entrepreneur Forum 2008, here Wednesday.

Xiong said the company had already received an order from a local company, Tiong Nam Logistics Holdings Bhd, to supply 10 units of natural gas engines for trucks on a trial basis.

Headquartered in Shanghai, SEDC is involved in the design, development and manufacture as well as sales of diesel engines, components and generating sets along with the natural gas engine, digital motors electronic (DME) engines and hybrid engines.

The company has a 90 percent share of China's natural gas engine market for trucks and buses.

-- BERNAMA

Citroën C6, Citroën Grand C4 Picasso into the Malaysian market

2008-09-02T13:57:00.000+08:00

Citroën C6 and Grand C4 Picasso launched

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Local Citroën importer and distributor, Brooklands Motors, unveiled the Citroën C6 luxury sedan and the Grand C4 Picasso MPV at its Brooklands Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The launch of both vehicles marks the return of Citroën vehicles into the Malaysian market after an absence of three years.

New French flair beckons ...

The C6 Exclusive, which is powered by a 3.0l V6 engine offering 215bhp at 6,000 rpm and 290Nm of torque at 3,752rpm, is certainly striking, with design lines that blends elements of coupé and saloon.

A long wheelbase and flowing, aerodynamic profile lends the RM398,000 vehicle massive presence; the windows hug the curve of the roof arch, which in turn blends smoothly into the rear pillars in a subtle nod to coupé styling, an effect that is taken one step further by the frameless doors.

The interior of the C6 creates an immediate impression of space and comfort. The pure lines of the dashboard, the choice of premium materials and comfortable, sculpted seats round up a thoroughly inviting cabin.

Exclusive. And you will be in this one.

In terms of equipment levels, the list includes ESP, ABS and EBA systems, Xenon headlamps, 18-inch alloys with 245/45 series rubbers, active suspension, a host of airbags (driver and front passenger, driver's knee protection, lateral thorax airbags and front/rear curtain airbags), an automatically-controlled three-position rear deflector that deploys dependent on vehicle speed, as well as a heads-up display.

As for the Grand C4 Picasso seven-seater MPV, this five-star Euro NCAP rated vehicle is powered by a 2.0l 16-valve VVT engine putting out 143bhp and 200Nm, with a four-speed auto tranny in tow.

Plenty of glass - and light - on this one, with large windows and panoramic windscreen and sunroof helping to make things bright and spacious. Lots of usable configurations behind as well, from the three individual second row seats and the two individual third row seats, all of which are retractable.

A moving proposition, and stylish at that.

Storage aplenty too, from the four large enclosed compartments in the dash to the tables/storage pockets on the rear of the second row seats. Other features and aids include an automatic parking brake, dual zone climate control with air vents for all three seating rows, ESP, cruise control with speed limiter and multiple airbags, all of which come as standard. Ten body colour choices abound.

The Grand C4 Picasso is priced at RM168,000, and is also the case with the C6 Exclusive, comes with a two-year or 100,000km warranty.

Citroën fans are invited to The Brooklands Centre KL's Open House on Aug 23-24, which is of course tomorrow and Sun, rfrom 10am-6pm to view and test drive the C6 Exclusive and Grand C4 Picasso. Both models are also available for viewing at Brooklands Motors’ Citroën showrooms in Juru, Penang and Plentong, Johor Bahru.

Proton Persona SE for the coming festive season...

2008-09-02T13:47:00.000+08:00

Proton launches something special

Posted by: Andy George

There’s certainly something special for car buyers this coming festive season, what with Proton announcing that a new Persona variant is to grace the streets. It’s called the Persona SE (Special Edition), and the car was unveiled on Tuesday night at Cineleisure in Petaling Jaya, exactly a year after the Persona made its debut.

Here's that something special to all of you

The numerous enhancements should have the young and young at heart drooling, because the Special Edition now packs a more premium and sportier outlook, both interior and exterior-wise.

The interior is now dressed in black leather on all seats, extending to the steering wheel, gear knob, arm rest and door panels. The car also gets a newer meter panel, which was first seen in the facelifted GEN2.

An extra-large GPS system is also included in the SE for the driver’s convenience, and is mounted on the windscreen. There’s also cruise control as standard issue on this one.

On the outside, the Persona SE is a head-turner, and the styling of the car has been refined with a matching body kit that not only offers better aerodynamics but lends the car a unique fashion statement as well.

Luxury in leather

The door handles are finished with silver matte paint, and the same hue can be found on the front grille of the car, which is flanked by new stylish head lamps with black bezels.

As with other Persona variants, the car is equipped with a 1.6l Campro IAFM engine, and you get ABS with EBD, as well as dual front airbags.

Two new colours are being offered on the SE, and they’re called Brilliant Red and Blue Haze.

Attention is what you get on this one

The premium treatment on the Persona SE, however, does not come at a premium price – for RM59,800 (on-the-road, with insurance) you get a car equipped with a high level of luxury and enhancements.

Proton is targeting sales of the Persona SE at 500 units monthly. To date, Persona bookings have totaled 52,112 units since its launch in August 2007, and the car recently won the Frost and Sullivan 2008 Best Model of the Year award.

To see more of what's new in the Persona SE, visit our Gallery.

More than 50 car models to vie for top honours

2008-08-29T09:00:00.000+08:00

(From left) Datuk Syed Nadzri Syed Harun, Terry Lim, Yamin Vong and Omar Haron at the launch of The New Straits Times/ Maybank Car of The Year 2008 Awards.

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 50 new and face-lifted motor vehicle models introduced this year will be vying for top honours at the New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year Award 2008.

The awards were first organised in 2002 by Cars, Bikes and Trucks, the motoring section of the New Sunday Times, to recognise the efforts of vehicle manufacturers and also to serve as a guide for buyers.

Last year, Mitsubishi picked up four out of 13 awards, with the Lancer 2.0 GT winning the "Overall Car of the Year" award, while Shell Malaysia chairman Datuk Saw Choo Boon was named the "Automotive Man of the Year" in recognition for his outstanding contributions to the industry.

At the launch of this year's awards at Auto Pacifica Sdn Bhd's Mitsubishi showroom in Bangsar yesterday, New Straits Times Sdn Bhd group editor Datuk Syed Nadzri Syed Harun said this year was an interesting year for the automotive industry.

"As you know cars change. In the near future, we hope to introduce categories for hybrids, electrics and perhaps even electric bikes."
NST's Cars, Bikes and Trucks editor and panel of judges chairman Yamin Vong said cars would be judged based on key factors such as exterior styling, cabin design, comfort, ergonomics, performance, safety features and quality.

"The judges will comprise motoring journalists, magazine editors, a motoring blogger and eminent personalities representing the automotive design industry."

Winners of the awards will be announced at a gala dinner hosted by the NST and Maybank in November.

Also present at the launch were Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad, Maybank's head of Mortgage and Automobile Financing in the Consumer Banking Division Terry Lim, head of Automobile Financing Hamirullah Boorhan and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia chief operating officer Omar Haron.

Mitsubishi's new Lancer Evolution arrives

2008-08-27T19:09:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia unveiled its tenth-generation Lancer Evolution yesterday, a relatively short 10 months after it made its Japanese debut.

Well, space was a premium at the launch, let's just say ...

Interestingly, the car is not tagged as the Evolution X here, instead only being called the Lancer Evolution. Supposedly, the X suffix has been dropped from overseas markets to present a different image for the vehicle. Oh well, whatever works ...

Some quick facts about the already familiar-shaped AWD vehicle. The 4B11 2.0l four-cylinder twin-cam, twin scroll turbocharged pot on this one features 291bhp (276bhp for the JDM unit at point of introduction), and 366Nm of torque. The grand news is that there is no speed limiter on this one, so expect this one to be a whole load of fun.

MMM is not offering the vehicle in its five-speed, close ratio manual option form, so the only drivetrain type is the Twin Clutch SST six-speed automated manual transmission, which puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each with its own clutch.

The system allows the driver to choose between Autoshift fully automatic shifting and Manual Shift, where the driver can change gears as with a manual transmission. A toggle switch located at the base of the shift selector allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Super Sport modes for the optimum shift scheduling.

So here's a better, cleaner and clearer take on things.

For electronic aids, there's S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced vehicle dynamics control system which integrates the management of the ACD (Active Centre Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control), ASC (Active Stability Control) and Sport ABS component systems.

While continuing on the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement used on previous models in the series, this one features a revamped suspension layout with wider tracks.

The factory-fit equipment list includes Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs, as seen on the Evo IX MR. It also includes Brembo two-piece ventilated disc brakes, lighter by 1.3kg per piece over standard Brembo discs, and 18-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels.

Other standard issue items include a 7-Airbag System (driver and front passenger SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags and driver knee airbag), ELR seatbelt with pretensioner and force limiter and HID headlamps with AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System).

And ditto for the interior as well.

To complete the premium offering, the new Evolution also comes with Recaro full bucket front seats, multi-mode information display, genuine leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with mounted audio controls and cruise control buttons and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate Premium Sound System. Other functional features include a keyless operating system and sunroof.

MMM is aiming to sell 50 units of the type till the end of the year; so far, there have been 30 bookings for the car.

The new Lancer Evolution is priced at RM315,436 (on the road, without insurance), and the car comes with a one-year or 20,000km warranty. Three colours are available, these being Red Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl and White Solid.

Perodua introduces facelifted Myvi

2008-08-27T19:06:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Perodua today introduced its facelifted Myvi, and the freshened up hatchback features a decent number of revisions and refinements, all of which should help to keep the quarter-million volume seller a winner.

New face - it's a meatier front.

Exterior-wise, the car gets a minor style reworking - at the front, there's a new, beefier looking nose section courtesy of a new hood, with corresponding grille, logo and front bumper in tow.

At the rear, there's a new, wider bumper and the styling of the two reflectors on it have been revised. Also, the rear lamp assembly now features the use of LEDs. The car also features the use of new glass, which offer improved ultraviolet rejection, with up to 91% reduction.

Inside, while the cabin layout remains pretty much unchanged, the updated vehicle features a new interior colour as well as new seat fabric upholstery, and a new colour Optitron instrument cluster, which features three instrument meters as opposed to the two on the previous version.

Can you spell Optitron?

Oh, and there's a new entertaiment system to boot - this one is M3/WMA-capable, has a USB port and offers Bluetooth connectability.

What else? Well, on the Premium version, you get a shopping hook on the backrest of the front passenger seat, perfect for carrying takeaways, as well as a seat height adjuster.

The choice of 1.3l and 1.0l twin-cam DVVT powertrains and auto/manual drivetrains continue as before, but two new body colours have been added, these being Medallion Grey and Caribbean Blue, and join Glittering Silver, Klasik Gold, Ebony Black, Pearl White, Mistik Red and Ivory White in the entire 1.3L variant lineup (the 1.0SR model has all but the special metallic Pearl White as a colour choice).

And what the rear looks like.

Prices for the five variant lineup (on the road, with insurance and road tax, in Peninsular Malaysia) are:

1.0 SR (five-speed manual only) - RM38,924 (solid), RM39,447 (metallic)

1.3 SX (five-speed manual) - RM43,400 (solid), RM43,900 (metallic)

1.3 EZ (four-speed auto) - RM46,400 (solid), RM46,900 (metallic)

1.3 SXi (five-speed manual) - RM46,200 (solid), RM46,700 (metallic)

1.3 EZi (four-speed auto) - RM49,200 (solid), RM49,700 (metallic)

The Swedes take a stab at the youth market

2008-08-18T09:00:00.000+08:00

Out of the box

By PATSY KAM

The Swedes take a stab at the youth market. The C30 is a result of the experimentation. Here’s what we think of it.

LIFE was simpler when cars came in blue, white, green or some other predictable shade. Nowadays, the names of colours are a lot more fun but disappointment rides high if the excitement stops right after the name.

You have imaginative labels like curious yellow (I kid you not), moulin rouge, switchblade silver and cosmic white.

Sense of style: The Volvo C30 is not derivative at all.

Yup, cosmic white was the colour of the Volvo C30 given to me for test though it looked closer to silver to me. The question is: does the performance rate as far out as the colour?

Youthful appeal

As far as aesthetics are concerned, the C30 is quite a looker. It sports a little “shark’s fin” (the aerial) and overall, the styling is young, funky and hip. As a small two-door version featuring a large glass hatch, it’s thumbs-up for its abundant rear visibility as well.

The C30 carries similar family traits to Volvo’s current crop of sedans and wagons, specifically, the S40 and V50, with which it shares a platform. The front fenders are raised slightly at the wheels, and the unique tail lights trace the rear shoulder shape.

What’s appealing is that much thought has been put into the design of its sporty body shape which is entirely all its own, and not a cut-off version of a sedan.

Back seats are individualised and meant for two only.

Legroom is lacking but the chairs for the back passengers are comfy with enough headroom for even six-footers. Takes forever to get the front seats out of the way when getting into the back though.

Makes me appreciate the cheaper non-electrical versions where I can just fold the seat or yank it up by pulling a lever.

The front seats can go forward, higher, lower or tilt slightly back by just pressing a couple of buttons. Plus it remembers your seating position so even if another driver shifts things around, you can easily revert.

The slim centre console provides simple ergonomics and looks downright cool. Because it’s just a thin piece, there’s even space to store stuff behind it.

There are so many buttons to play with, thanks to the intuitive controls for infotainment and climate controls that one may get sidetracked where performance is concerned.

The glove compartment is the deepest I’ve come across - enough to fit an A4 size press kit.

There’s a multifunctional centre armrest for storage with an AUX input to connect an MP3 and strangely, even a netting on the left passenger side near the floor - to store an additional pair of shoes perhaps?

Driving the little one

The turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder C30 packs 227hp and 320 Nm. Acceleration is quick, and despite its heavy body and 2.5-litre engine, fuel economy is commendable at 10km per litre (town driving), coming off much better than my 2.0-litre Japanese MPV.

The turbocharged engine takes off like a sports car somewhat, but then, it’s no “hot wheels”.

Somehow, it falls short of the standards set by other sport hatchbacks – you don’t get the same excitement levels like when you’re zipping around in say, a MINI Cooper S. It licks the corners pretty sharply and is firm on the suspension but it trades outright handling for ride comfort.

Shortcomings

Cargo space at 365 litres is limited, especially when compared to the rest of the class. It is after all, a hatchback – although the backseats can be folded to make more space, it’s basically not meant as a cargo carrier. There are four bucket seats and there’s no way you can really seat a fifth person at the back. Unless you’re thinking of sitting on the armrest!

The dashboard/control panel of the C30 looks appealing enough.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, a 50/50-split rear seat, full power accessories, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel and a CD audio system, with Dynaudio Dolby Pro Logic II Surround sound speakers and R-Design sports body kit options.

What’s mind-blowing is the list of customisation options: cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, a blind-spot warning system, power-retractable side mirrors, sunroof, park distance control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power front seats, keyless ignition and a navigation system.

Safety standards include antilock brakes, stability control, Dynamic Stability Traction Control, Intelligent Driver Information System.

One reviewer goes as far as to say the C30 is the sharpest tool in Volvo’s shed but I reckon Volvo can actually do even better.

Fully imported, it costs a lot at RM215,500 on-the-road without insurance.

All-new Suzuki Alto hatchback

2008-08-17T09:00:00.000+08:00

New Suzuki Alto for Paris

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Suzuki Motor Corporation will be giving its all-new Alto hatchback its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in Oct.

Should this be contr-Alto?

No technical details have been released on the seventh-generation vehicle, which has its design based on the company's A-Star Concept, but stats should be coming in due time closer to the show.

Oh alright, specific part, so it's the Alto.

Replacing the sixth-generation HA24 that was launched in 2002, Suzuki says that though the new global compact will be lighter and downsized than its predecessor, it will still offer ample interior roominess and comfort.

Naza 206 Premium

2008-08-16T09:00:00.000+08:00

And now, the Naza 206 goes Premium

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Naza Corporation has introduced a premium version of its Naza 206 Bestari five-door hatchback, aptly called the Naza 206 Premium.

Colourfully clad, this one,

No changes to the 1.4l powertrain and four-speed auto tranny, but there are plenty of cosmetic enhancements, all designed to provide the little Pug a more upmarket and luxurious feel.

And prim with trim.

Externally, there are Peugeot sill plates, a hood insulator, reverse sensor, door visors, as well as body coloured door handles, side protector strips, bumpers and rear spoiler. Rounding off the exterior work are newly-designed 14-inch sport wheels with Peugeot hub caps and, to tell the world what it is exactly you have, 206 “Premium” badging.

No shortage of cheer in the interior.

Inside, you get two-tone leather seats, with a Peugeot logo on the front seat backs, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather interior trim and three rear head restraints. The front seats now get seat back pockets, and the audio system has two more rear speakers, making it six in all on this one.

The limited edition 206 Premium is priced at RM71,888 (on-the-road), and is available in four colours, these being Quick Silver, Aegean Blue, Svelte Grey and Onyx Black.

The Assurance from Goodyear

2008-08-15T09:00:00.000+08:00

Two-week, risk-free trial for Assurance

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Goodyear Malaysia has announced that it is offering a two-week risk-free trial to consumers who purchase its recently-introduced Assurance tyres.

The Assurance, which is aimed at the mid-size passenger car segment, features ArmorGrip Technology, incorporating elements such as an advanced silica-based tread compound and a layer of Kevlar as a ply to offer a rubber with superior grip and durability.

Assured, and even more so now,

As an added assurance to the safety attributes found in the new black donut and as a testament to the company’s technological breakthrough, Goodyear is now offering a two-week risk-free trial, or up to 500km usage warranty to consumers.

Consumers who purchase a set of four Assurance tyres can have them exchanged within two weeks or before 500km usage with a set of similar quality, fresh Goodyear rubbers, if they are not satisfied with the handling and performance of the Assurance.

Drivers can purchase a set of four Assurance tyres at any authorised Goodyear Servitekar, Autocare or outlets to enjoy this risk-free trial. Returns are to be made at the same dealership where the tyres were purchased.

Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2

2008-08-14T09:00:00.000+08:00

A Boxster S in white

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Porsche has certainly been busy. It isn't just the Cayman S Sport that has come about - the company also has the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 on call as a new item.

White knight?

The Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 plays up the white business to the max - besides the Carrara White production colour for the bodywork, the side air intakes, the centre console and the dials on the three round instruments are also finished in white.

Shame the rest of the interior isn't in white.

Sporting grey stripes extending lengthwise along the body accentuate the brilliant white finish of the car in the same sophisticated style as the red rear lights. The looks is rounded off with the fitment of 19-inch SportDesign star-spoke wheels finished in, yes, white.

Perfect for a white wedding ...

A unique accessory coming with the car is an homage to the white rev counter and speedometer - the Porsche Design Edition 2 Chronograph men’s wristwatch from the Dashboard Collection features a white face and was developed especially for this very special Boxster.

Pininfarina CEO dies in motor accident

2008-08-13T11:35:00.000+08:00

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Andrea Pininfarina, chairman and chief executive officer of the Italian automotive design firm Pininfarina, passed away on Thursday morning in a motor accident in Turin, Italy, in which a car collided with the Vespa motorcycle scooter he was riding.

Andrea Pininfarina.

Pininfarina, 51, was the grandson of company founder Battista "Pinin" Farina. He graduated in mechanical engineering in 1981 at the Polytechnic of Turin, and he began his career in the United States with Freuehauf Corp in 1982.

In 1983, he joined Industrie Pininfarina S.p.A., first as coordinator and then as program manager of the Cadillac Allante' project; he became managing director of Indsutrie Pininfarina in 1994.

He was appointed the CEO of Pininfarina S.p.A in 2001, and became the chairman of the Board of Directors in 2006.

His death has prompted speculation that a change in ownership of the family-owned company, which has been posting losses, will hasten. The Pininfarina family currently holds a 55% stake in the company.

Mk I MINI Convertible

2008-08-13T09:32:00.000+08:00

Roof closes on the MkI MINI Convertible

Posted by: Anthony Lim

After 164,000 examples, time has finally been called on the Mk I MINI Convertible. The very last drop-top of the R52 variant - which was available in MINI One, Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works guise - rolled off the Plant Oxford line recently.

Fashionably famous, for sure.

The last model of the generation was a Cooper S Cabrio Sidewalk, finished in metallic White Silver, and bound for the US. Its replacement, the R57 Mk II variant, is due out next year.

As it goes into the history books, here are some little facts and figures about the car, which was launched in 2004.

The United Kingdom was the largest market for the type, followed by the United States. Rounding off the top five markets are Germany, Italy and Japan. The car was also a hit in Australia and Canada; both rank among the model’s top ten markets.

And not just for the summer, it would seem.

It hasn't just been a car for sunny skies. Funnily enough, in chilly Scandinavia almost twice as many people purchased the Convertible as fair-weathered Greece; in Austria, there are at least five-times as many Convertible drivers as in sunny Portugal.

In terms of absolute numbers, the Cooper version accounted for 79,500 of total sales, with the Cooper S (and John Cooper Works versions) doing around 56,500 units, the remainder being of the One variety.

The last of the genre gets a rousing send off.

From an art and fashion point of view, the car proved to be a wonderful specimen for creative thinking. At the sales launch of the car, designers of the Italian lifestyle label Bisazza came up with the idea to enrobe the Convertible in a dress of tesserae. More than 30,000 glass stones were used to clothe the vehicle in a mosaic of glitter, the result being radiant and unique design specimens.

The Auto ConneXion Rewards campaign

2008-08-13T09:06:00.000+08:00

Calling all Ford, Land Rover and Alfa owners

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Yes, that's right, you. There are deals for you lot. Sime Darby Auto Connexion, which of course handles the three marques here, has launched an unprecedented five-month, inflation-busting aftersales campaign aimed at bringing real value to you.

The Auto ConneXion Rewards campaign, which runs from Aug 8 till Dec 31, 2008, offers savings of up to RM200 on standard engine oil service on any Ford, Land Rover and Alfa Romeo vehicle, regardless of age and model, at the respective branches and participating authorised dealers.

They'll be happy to see you.

Owners who bring in their cars during the campaign will enjoy a complimentary car health check, free oil filter and labour for the standard engine oil service, as well as attractive discounts of up to 30% on the engine oil of their choice.You can also purchase selected spare parts at discounts of up to 80%, and there is a limited quantity of special accessories packages on offer at very attractive discounts.

The highlight of the Auto ConneXion Rewards campaign is a chance to win five monthly Grand Prizes of one tonne of fuel. Other attractive prizes to be won each month include free use of rental car from Hertz for four days, an iPod Nano, a shopping voucher worth RM500 and an exclusive merchandise pack worth RM300.

For more information on the Auto ConneXion Rewards campaign, please call Auto ConneXion Voice at 1-800-88 3181.

The Toyota Ractis

2008-08-04T15:59:00.000+08:00

These are pictures of the Toyota Ractis which I received through e-mail. If the price of it is true, the Perodua Myvi or Honda Jazz will have a hard time competing.

Maybe to launch in Malaysia after Chinese New Year

Toyota Ractis 1.3VVT-i / 1.5VVT-I (RM55,800 ~ RM69,200)

Proton to collaborate with SAIPA of Iran

2008-08-02T19:08:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM, Sat.:

Bernama

Proton Holdings Bhd has teamed up with SAIPA Co of Iran to explore the possibility of collaborating in areas of engine manufacturing, model development and research and development (R&D) activities.
Its chairman, Datuk Mohammed Azlan Hashim, said the agreement will pave the way for Proton to capitalise on its R&D capabilities and technogical advancements.

He said the national car manufacturer in the past one year has entered into several strategic collaborations to enhance its export of cars.

Proton today signed a strategic collaborative agreement with SAIPA in conjunction with the launch of its third millionth car by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, here.

The agreement was signed by Proton’s managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir while SAIPA was represented by its president, Mehrdad Bazrpash. The event was witnessed by Abdullah and International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

SAIPA, which was established in 1966, is one of the two main automobile manufacturers in Iran and has four assembly plants, 47 subsidiary companies, as well as alliances with Citroen, Renault and Kia.

To date, Proton has invested over RM3.3 billion in its R&D activities, Mohammed Azlan said in his speech here today.

According to him, its R&D facility at the Shah Alam factory was one of the few international standard automotive facilities with its own virtual reality laboratory.

“The focus of our R&D is to provide customers with a better driving experience. Improving technology through in-depth R&D helps Proton achieve that goal,” he said.

He said the new SAGA, which was launched in January this year is a showcase of Proton’s development and progression as an automotive manufacturer as well as a testament of the company’s leadership in automotive R&D and engineering design.

Proton also plans to replicate the success of the Persona and Saga with its first Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), which is to be launched early next year.

To date, Proton has received over 73,000 bookings for its SAGA and over 50,000 bookings for the Persona. Persona was launched in August last year.

Make way for MINI Sapura 4S centre

2008-08-01T17:25:00.000+08:00

Sapura Auto opens MINI 4S centre

Sapura Auto today opened its new MINI Sapura 4S centre in Kuala Lumpur. The new facility encompasses an entire one and a half floors of Sapura Auto’s 60,000 sq ft, four-storey BMW 4S centre in Jalan Tun Razak.

From the cars ...

It is the first integrated sales, service, system and spare parts MINI outlet in the Klang Valley. The service section will utilise that of the BMW service area, but there will be a dedicated MINI bay at all times.

... to the accessories collection ...

The concept and architecture of the facility reflects the essence of the MINI brand and complies with its stringent international-class specifications.

... to vehicle accessories, it's all here.

Apart from the showroom, the new MINI Sapura has a special events corner, lifestyle and accessories display area, a designated counter to purchase parts and accessories and a capacity to display six cars with furnished communication panels at one time.

Lots to view, including external colour choices.

As for cars, the new MINI Sapura 4S centre will carry models in the existing range, including the Cooper and Cooper S as well as the recently introduced Cooper Clubman and Cooper Clubman S.

- Posted by Anthony Lim

RM2 mil for a Lamborghini

2008-07-31T18:07:00.000+08:00

Wednesday July 30, 2008

Lamborghini LP560-4 launched locally

Four months after its launch at the Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini's new Gallardo LP560-4 has made its local debut. The car was launched on Monday by local distributor Lamborgini Kuala Lumpur.

In the flesh, here.

The new bull, replete with permanent four-wheel drive as its '4' suffix states and a new 5.2l V10 direct-fuel injection-equipped block, offers a neat 552bhp at 8,000rpm and 540Nm at 6,500rpm.

New block on the kid.

Figuratively speaking, the LP560-4 offers more for less - 40 horses more on a car that weighs 20kg less - at 1,410kg - than the bog standard Gallardo.

New tail to tell too.

A number of external revisions have come into play on this one - at the front, the most obvious are the enlarged and clearly accentuated cooling intakes. Over at the rear, you get new rear lights, air cooling vents, bumper and diffuser.

The last is more efficient with respect to its predecessor and, together with the smooth underbody, contributes to a 31% aerodynamic efficiency increase with regards to output over than its predecessor.

Y do you like it? Let us count the ways ...

Other notable changes include new headlights, which feature ‘daytime’ running lights (15 diode LEDs arranged in a Y-shaped structure) sitting in the headlamp assembly.

New programs to keep you happy and entertained.

The structure is also to be found on the rear lamps. The stop and brake lights have been inspired by the Miura Concept, the Murciélago LP640 and the Reventón, and display the Y form three times over.

Chef needed.

Also new is the suspension system, which improves the car’s handling, driving comfort and high-speed directional stability.

Among the revisions include new rubber-metal bearings and an additional track rod on the rear axle, while the aluminium double wishbones feature newly-designed kinematics.

To always remind you what it is.

The e.gear tranny has also been redesigned and lightened; this one offers five different driving and shift programs - Normal, Automatic, Sport, Corsa and a Thrust Mode for those times when you need to make quick getaways. It's faster as well - change times have been reduced by 40% in Corsa mode.

If you can ever forget whilst inside this, that is.

As for braking, you get eight-pot Brembo callipers working 365mm discs at the front, while four-pot units do the stopping act with 356mm discs. If you so choose, you can opt for the Carbon Ceramic Brakes system, which offer improved performance and are lighter at that.

The car sits on 19-inch alloys shod with Pirelli P Zero 235/35 fronts and 295/30 rears.

Stick it to them with this one, you will.

And how much do you have to fork out to get this zany lady sitting in your porch .. sorry, garage? For a mere RM2mil. Three customers have pre-ordered the car; lucky devils they are.

- Posted by Anthony Lim

Care for your Porsche

2008-07-31T09:00:00.000+08:00

Porsche Auto Fair this weekend

If you're thinking of buying a Porsche, well, this coming weekend's Porsche Auto Fair 2008 is just the place you want to be.

Free service ...

The fair, organised by Auto Eurokars, happens this Aug 1-3 at the Porsche Centre Glenmarie, and opening times are 10am-6pm daily.

Many model types, in an assortment of colour choices and options will be on display. Special packages await the new Porsche buyer at the fair, four in all. You'll have to decide which it is you want more, because each vehicular purchase gets you one package.

Or free luggage ...

The choices are a free two-year or 40,000km (whichever first) service package; a vehicle accessories package; a Porsche Travel System luggage system package; and two SIDRA driving courses (The SIDRA Experience and The Advance Course).

Or driver's training courses, choose from these ...

Generally, the packages - much of it concentrating on the Cayman and Cayenne - are pretty comprehensive and spread out evenly cost-wise, and worth anywhere from RM8,000 to RM12,900.

With test drives, light food and beverage as well as music on hand during the event, it's really where you want to be if you're thinking of buying a new Porsche. Absolutely.

For more info, call Auto Eurokars at 03-5032 9911.

- Posted by Anthony Lim

Get Smart

2008-07-29T18:30:00.000+08:00

A Smart driving experience

By KEN THOMAS

Sometimes, I guess, timing is everything. When DaimlerChrysler AG announced in 2006 that it planned to bring the Smart fortwo micro car to the United States after nearly a decade in Europe, gas prices had reached about US$2.80 a gallon.

Now, Americans are paying more than US$4 a gallon at the pump, SUV sales are plummeting and consumers are hungry for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The car that could.

The little Smart has been riding a wave of consumer interest, attracting thousands of car shoppers willing to put down US$99 and wait about nine months for the two-seater. So when I sat in the driver's seat of a blue Smart fortwo last week, turned, and touched the back window with my finger tips, I had to wonder: Do Americans really want to go this small?

Without question, the pint-sized, whimsical Smart makes a statement.

At a traffic light near the Washington Monument, a group of school kids clad in blue T-shirts cheered when they walked past the car. One boy whipped out his digital camera. When I drove up 14th Street, a young girl screamed, "Nice car. Woo-hoo!" Near a construction site, a group of workers in green hard hats and reflective vests huddled around the car to take a closer look.

"They're making the space age come real quick!" exclaimed another man, who pulled over in his SUV to ask me about the pod-shaped car.

Friends and colleagues had their doubts and wondered how I would handle the highway. No car can repeal the laws of physics, and at 1,800 pounds, they said the Smart would be no match for a big truck.

The fortwo received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top rating in front- and side-impact testing, and it's equipped with standard side air bags, anti-rollover technology and a reinforced steel cage structure, but the car is dwarfed by the competition. So when I merged onto the Washington Beltway at the tail end of rush hour, I saw their point - in the form of a massive tractor trailer bearing down on me.

No more lawnmower jokes, we presume?

I hit the brakes and stayed in the merge lane as the truck blew past me and then steadily (the fortwo does 0-to-60mph in 12.8secs) drove into suburban Maryland. Even when I surpassed 70mph at times, I felt comfortable.

This is not a car built for a quick getaway, however. I can't imagine Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron outrunning the bad guys in a fleet of Smarts, like they did aboard Mini Coopers in the 2003 remake of The Italian Job.

And the 70bhp, 1.0l, three-cylinder engine felt somewhat lacking as I was left in the dust, simultaneously, by a Honda Civic on my left and a Saturn SL on my right.

But most car shoppers want to use the Smart's size to their advantage. In a town where finding a parking spot can turn into a 30-minute Tour de DuPont Circle, the Smart offered instant attraction.

The vehicle is so tiny - its length of 8 feet, 10 inches is about three feet shorter than a Mini Cooper - that it could easily fit tight parking spots. The sight of a fortwo parked in a space marked for "compact only" vehicles evokes laughter.

I could even turn into the curb at a right angle and not worry about the back sticking out into the street.

It gets good gas mileage, about 33mpg in the city and 41mpg on the highway. While it lags behind hybrids such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid, it gets better gas mileage than larger compact competitors like the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit, but not by much.

Doing Route 66.

I found the transmission could be sluggish and halting at times, sometimes jerking the car forward as it shifted between gears. It occasionally struggled to muster up the strength to climb hills, and even with its suspension, I could feel practically every bump on the road.

The Smart does have a surprising amount of interior space. I'm about six feet tall and had plenty of head and legroom. It sits higher on the road than most passenger cars and the sunroof gave me the feeling of a larger interior.

Even without a national advertising campaign, Smart has sold 11,399 vehicles in the US through June and helped boost Daimler's US sales last month. The fortwo is within the reach of most car shoppers. A basic version will cost more than US$12,000. A convertible costs more than US$17,000.

The company says it has more than 30,000 customers on a waiting list and about 80% are buying when they reach the front of the line.

This is not a family car or the best set of wheels for a weekend trip to Home Depot or Sam's Club. But for people wanting a fuel-efficient second or third car, empty-nesters who no longer need to haul around children or city dwellers, it's worth a look.

If nothing else, you'll certainly spark conversations - and maybe more.

When I pulled out of a downtown garage one afternoon, a young man paused to admire the car with his girlfriend. She tilted her head, looked at the Smart like it was a puppy and smiled. As I drove off, she grabbed her boyfriend's hand, planted a kiss on his cheek and they walked off arm-in-arm.

A car that's a prelude to a kiss. I mean, did the Yugo ever have this kind of effect on people? - AP

Project Eagle @ Lotus Evora

2008-07-28T05:33:00.000+08:00

Lotus Evora makes world debut

The Lotus Evora was unveiled at the British International Motor Show in London earlier today.

The vehicle, known as Project Eagle before its official launch, is a mid-engined 2+2 sports car that is powered by a Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5l V6 DOHC VVTi block, running with Lotus' own T6e engine management software, offering 276bhp@6,400rpm and 342Nm@4,700rpm.

The show car in the flesh at BIMS.

Transmission is a manual six-speed gearbox, also Toyota-sourced, though a close-ratio version of this gearbox is currently undergoing development for the 1,350kg car.

The vehicle features a modular lightweight bonded aluminium structure chassis, an evolution of the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept vehicle previously showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. While offering exceptional stiffness of 26,000Nm per degree, the complete chassis (and modules) is light, weighing in at just 200kg.

The interior features bespoke switchgear offering a high level of tactile quality; for example, every metallic-looking component is actually made of metal. There is extensive use of handcrafted, premium leather, with a range of leather colours available for customisation. Even the entry-level versions of the Evora will feature leather-upholstered seats, upper door trim panels and fascia.

Contemporary technology also features in the Evora’s cabin; the car has a newly-developed Alpine multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen and removable hard drive-based satnav.

When it was known as Project Eagle ...

The Evora will use Bilstein high performance dampers and Eibach springs with unique dual path top mounts for optimised vehicle refinement, while brakes are AP Racing 4-pot callipers tuned by Lotus; the vented and cross-drilled discs measure in at 350mm in front, and 332mm at the rear. ABS is standard on all models, as is Lotus Traction Control (LTC).

The car will also feature tyres developed specifically for it; it will ride on 225/40 ZR18 front and 255/35 ZR19 rear Yokohama rubbers that has a carcass construction and a rubber compound unique to Lotus, and which will be identified by the letters ‘LTS’ on the sidewalls.

The Evora will be built on a dedicated new assembly line within the Lotus facility at Hethel, with capacity limitations restricting production to approximately 2000 cars a year.

The Evora is expected to reach showrooms in spring 2009, though order book is now open in Britain and Europe. Final specifications, options and prices of the production Evora will be published closer to the sale date.

- Posted by Anthony Lim

Brand new Suzuki SX4 in town

2008-07-27T14:04:00.000+08:00

Suzuki SX4 sedan launched

Story and photos by ANDY MERVIN GEORGE

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) unveiled its latest model, the SX4 sedan, today at Sunway Pyramid.

Now with a tail.

After being well accepted in countries like India and Hungary, SMA is confident the SX 4 sedan will continue on that success here by providing a stylish and very competitive alternative in the compact sedan market.

The SX4 is not a newcomer in this country - it was launched last year in its hatchback crossover form.

Front looks familiar.

The fully-imported SX4 is equipped with a M16A VVT DOHC 16-valve engine, the same powerplant also fitted in its sibling, the SX4 crossover. Mated with a four-speed automatic gearbox, the engine puts out 102bhp at 5,600rpm and maximum torque of 140Nm at 4,000 rpm.

The car is visually appealing on the whole, especially in its front profile. The rear end, with a thick and imposing bumper assembly, does bear some resemblance to the likes of the Proton Saga and the Nissan Latio, but bulk aside, the boot offers a healthy 515l of cargo space.

But the rear won't. Well, maybe some cues are.

The SX4 offers an impressive 190mm ground clearance, which stands it in good stead in terms of light wading ability as well as clearance over speed bumps. The height also provides excellent front visibility, especially for petite drivers.

To further illustrate the feministic traits of the SX4, the steering wheel offers the lightest load when turning the wheel in a stationary position. This means that parking the SX4 will be a walk in the park; it feels light and responsive, and is claimed to be the lightest among its competitors.

Much the same as that found on the crossover.

Mothers will find the SX4 very useful if they have toddlers to bring around. The rear passenger seats are fitted with anchorage points, the first in its segment, for mounting child seats.

There was a chance to get to grips with the car out on the road during a recent media test drive from KL to Penang, and while the general outlook and feel is that of a vehicle catered for women, the SX4 sedan is certainly no slump on highways, considering the size and capacity of the car. There was no issue in ferrying four full-grown men around at speed, and in very good comfort, along the way.

Pot's similar too.

In comparison with its hatchback sibling, the sedan’s engine felt like it packed more muscle on this one. Storming through the North-South Highway at an average speed of 160kmh, and sometimes up to 180kmh, the sedan was ever willing to be pushed harder. For a 1.6l engine, with a full load of four and at such speeds, the SX4 provided quite a peaceful ride.

Interior space for this compact sedan is as its brief suggests - compact, but there was sufficient head and legroom thanks to its high-roof design. Front seats provided body-hugging support, but none for the lower part of the body; generally, I thought the seats could have been firmer.

Hatch crossover or sedan, the choice is yours.

The only thing that baffled all of us in the car was the feedback coming off the steering wheel – it felt wobbly at speeds after the 110kmh mark. Certainly, not the kind of feel expected with an electric-controlled power steering (EPS) but then, it was only at higher speeds that this quirky sensation could be felt.

SMA targets a humble sales volume of between 100-150 units per month for the vehicle. The sedan is available in five colour choices – Nocturne Blue Pearl, Black Pearl, Silky Silver, Pearl White and Azure Grey.

Two variants are available - the standard version is priced at RM88,888 (on the road, without insurance), and if you would like a sportier version, which includes items such as 17-inch wheels, leather seats, door visors and full body kit, you’ll have to fork out an additional RM5,000.

- Posted by Anthony Lim

Don’t insult Proton as an excuse to buy a more expensive car

2008-07-25T10:03:00.000+08:00

Impossible to have cost so much to maintain the Perdana Executive V6, say Proton dealers
By : NST NEWSDESK
KUALA LUMPUR:

It is impossible that it costs more than RM100,000 annually to maintain the Perdana Executive V6, say Proton dealers.

Proton Edar Dealers’ Association Malaysia (PEDA) said this in response to Terengganu state government’s decision to replace the Proton Perdana Executive V6 with Mercedes Benzes as official cars, citing high cost of maintenance and faulty gear boxes.

Association president Wan Ahmad Sepwan Wan Abd Rahman claimed there could be “something fishy” about the bills.

MB Datuk Ahmad Said had previously said that it had cost the state government RM1.175 million to maintain their fleet of 16 Perdana cars over a span of four years.

PEDA, which represents more than 180 dealers, said new Proton models are given full warranty for the first two years.

“We hope that there is a thorough investigation to ensure that the repairs were made by honest parties, and that the state government was not over-charged.

“Whatever it is, don’t insult Proton as an excuse to buy a more expensive car,” he said in a statement.

Lasers, infrared sensors and a camera on a winshield

2008-07-19T15:42:00.000+08:00

GM working on high-tech windshield

When Coke bottle glasses just won't cut it for safe driving, a futuristic windshield might do the trick.

General Motors Corp researchers are working on a windshield that combines lasers, infrared sensors and a camera to take what's happening on the road and enhance it, so aging drivers with vision problems are able to see a little more clearly.

Though it's only in the research stage now, the technology soon will be more useful than ever. The 65 and older population in the US will nearly double in about 20 years, meaning more people will be struggling to see the road like they used to.

GM's new windshield won't improve their vision, but it will make objects stand out that could otherwise go unnoticed by an aged eye.

At the same time, the developers say the technology won't cause drivers to plow into trees. It is enhancing just a few objects that are already in a driver's view, not splashing distracting information onto the glass.

For example, during a foggy drive, a laser projects a blue line onto the windshield that follows the edge of the road. Or if infrared sensors detect a person or animal in the driver's path during a night drive, its outline is projected on the windshield to highlight its location.

Yes, imagine a futuristic windshield that combines lasers, infrared sensors and a camera to take what's happening on the road and enhance it is shown. Sound nice? - AP Photo

It's possible because of a transparent coating on the windshield that lights up when struck by ultraviolet light.

Of course, much more goes into it than that. Sensors have to determine the position of the car in relation to the road, while other devices track the driver's head and eye movement to make sure the image on the windshield isn't skewed. The technological issues mean it probably will be a while before the view through the windshield of a Buick looks anything like a pilot's head-up display in an F-16.

"You can see the difficulty of implementing technology like this," GM researcher Thomas Seder said in a recent interview.

It's also been a bit of a struggle to get skeptics to see how helpful the windshield could be, he said.

"They say, `That would be very frustrating or confusing, to have things on my windshield. I need to see the world,'" Seder said. "I'm enhancing the world. I'll take a feature that should be important to you, like the edge of the road, and paint a line over the real edge."

The windshield is designed specifically for older drivers, who have vision problems at a much higher rate than other age groups. Currently, 12.4% of the population is 65 or older, but by 2030, that percentage is projected to jump to 20%, or 71.5mil people, according to the US Census Bureau.

"They're not only the fastest growing group of drivers on the road in the US, but they are driving more miles per year than previous generations," said Cynthia Owsley, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. "This has enormous implications for road safety in our country," said Owsley, who has worked with Seder on the high-tech windshield's design.

Chrysler LLC spokesman Nick Cappa said the company is also working on such windshield technologies, but he declined to provide details. Ford Motor Co spokesman Alan Hall said that automaker didn't have any similar plans.

Some cars already feature head-down displays, small screens in the dashboard that show an enhanced view of what is in front of the car.

Head-up displays, so called because a driver doesn't have to look down to see the information, also are available. But the technology is limited - the head-up display in a Cadillac STS features information such as the speed or radio station projected onto a small area of the windshield.

Seder's system seeks to solve at least one problem with a normal head-up display - it can only be seen if the driver's head is in a certain position.

"What's novel here is it's the entire windshield - no little headbox I have to have my head in. Here, you can see the image from any position," he said.

Head-down displays can be helpful, but a common vision problem in older drivers is a difficulty adjusting to different visual planes - looking down at something close and then back up and out to the road ahead.

"If I can keep their eyes out of the vehicle, so they're not looking down as much, that's a really good assistive technology," Seder said.

Some features would be helpful to drivers of all ages. If a driver is speeding, a pink box frames an approaching speed limit sign to draw the driver's attention.

Another feature solves what Seder calls the problem of the last 50 yards in Global Positioning System navigation.

"The GPS got me on some road. What building is it? Point, there it is," Seder said.

But the windshield mainly is geared to assist older drivers.

Seder said he wants to provide technology that helps them, but at the same time isn't distracting or overwhelming.

AARP spokeswoman Nancy Thompson said she believes drivers heading toward old age will embrace the technology.

"The boomer population has grown up with technology and is comfortable with technology," Thompson said. "Our research shows a willingness to adopt technology to make life easier. It seems like a logical extension of the boomer lifestyle to include technology that makes them safer on the road."

Owsley, who has researched vision in drivers for 15 years, is running focus groups to interview aging drivers about the issues they face, but said there's a common theme among the drivers.

"Older adults are like adults of all ages," she said. "They want to drive." - AP

The Land Rover Expedition

2008-07-19T15:24:00.000+08:00

Land Rover GO 60 expedition coming

The Land Rover GO 60: Sharing Our World expedition, currently in Laos after having encountered unforeseen delays in China, is scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on July 24 before setting off for the last 400km journey to Singapore the next day to complete an amazing 27,653-kilometre overland journey that started in Solihull, England on May 4.

The expedition, undertaken by The Land Rover Club for Land Rover Employees, is a re-creation of the amazing First Overland Expedition undertaken by six Oxford and Cambridge University students in 1956.

GO is come. Soon.

This time around, the journey is being made by a team of 10 employees and enthusiasts in three Land Rover Discovery 3s and two Land Rover Defenders, the iconic workhorse that is also celebrating its 60th year of existence.

Subject to further confirmation and no further unexpected delays, the GO 60 expedition team will participate at a celebratory event at the Land Rover Malaysia showroom at Section 13, Petaling Jaya on the day of their arrival.

Pristine, aren't they? Wonder if they are now.

The team, comprising eight men and two women, is led by 44-year old Steve Fallon, a purchase manager for transportation at Land Rover, who has been with the company for 18 years.

For more information on the Land Rover GO 60 event, please call the Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Voice hotline at 1 800 88 3181.

- Posted by Anthony Lim

Merdeka Meriah Carnival

2008-07-18T23:06:00.000+08:00

It's the UMW Toyota Merdeka carnival

UMW Toyota Motor's Merdeka Meriah promotion campaign, which began on July 1, offers attractive sales packages with exciting deals for customers who purchase selected Toyota models during the month of July and August.

The promotion centres around the Karnival Merdeka Meriah, which kicked off in the Klang Valley last weekend.

There's this ...

The next location for the event is Penang on July 25–27 at the South Zone Outdoor Car Park of Queensbay Mall, and then it will head on to Dataran Linear Park, Desa Tebrau in Johor Bahru, on Aug 8–10. The carnival opens from 10am to 9pm daily.

The carnival showcases selected Toyota models, as well as a TopMark corner for assistance on vehicle evaluation. Highlight of the carnival is the new Vios 1.5J that comes in both automatic and manual transmission form.

And this ...

Besides test-drives, there are many fun and exciting activities lined-up such as carnival games, clowns, stilt-walkers and street magicians plus mystery gifts during the event.

Apart from the carnival lined-up at all three venues, all Toyota showrooms will also run the promotion campaign throughout the next two months.

For more information on the packages offered, visit the nearest Toyota showroom or log on to
www.toyota.com.my.

- Posted by Anthony Lim

Fuel Saving Polo BlueMotion

2008-07-18T22:52:00.000+08:00

Polo BlueMotion for fuel economy

2008/07/15

The Polo BlueMotion offers the best fuel economy in its class.

WITH an average fuel consumption of 3.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, the Polo BlueMotion from Volkswagen is the most economical five-seater in Europe.

The reduction in fuel consumption was achieved by longer gear ratios, aero dynamic refinement and internal modifications to the engine.

The new Polo has a five-speed manual transmission.

With a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard equipment, the Polo BlueMotion offers agile driving performance.

Its three-cylinder direct injection turbodiesel reaches a maximum torque of 195 Newton-Meters at a low 1,800rpm due to an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.
This maximum torque remains constant up to 2,200rpm — more than enough to provide for a commanding emergence from the lower rpm cellar.

Driving performance and visual appearance of the modified body emphasise that the Polo BlueMotion is taking a more dynamic position than the world champion of economy, the Lupo 3L TDI with its 45 kW / 61 hp that was produced at the end of 2005.

Of significance is the second word in “Polo BlueMotion”.

Blue — the Volkswagen colour — suggests elements of water and air. Motion embodies mobility that is looking forward into the future.

The objective is to advance BlueMotion to be the bearer of a quality seal that stands for economy without compromising driving fun.

Within the Polo model series, BlueMotion marks the most recent highlight in a marketing campaign in the small car market segment.

Volkswagen started this campaign in 2005 with a technically and visually improved generation of Polo cars.

This was followed by the introduction of the dynamic Polo GTI at the end of 2005 and the introduction of the spirited and robust CrossPolo design in early 2006.

Johoreans don't miss The Stream roadshow

2008-07-15T19:31:00.000+08:00

Honda Stream roadshow in Johor

Right, if you live in Johor Baru, and just think the Honda Stream is absolutely dandy, then you'll want to be keeping some time free next week.

That's because the stylish and practical MPV is on a roadshow in the city on July 15–20, at the Ground Floor, South Court of Tebrau City.

Stream along to this one, if you're down south.

As usual, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the MPV and learn more about its concept and performance via an audio-visual presentation.

There'll also be qualified personnel ready to provide information and answer your queries on the vehicle as well as available Honda Stream accessories, parts and services.

For more information, please call the Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to Honda Malaysia’s website at
www.honda.com.my.

- Posted by Anthony Lim

Automotive Tech Bulletin

Lighter, faster, nimblerAudi A5 Coupe

Mercedes-Benz ML350 enters Malaysia

World's first hybrid MPV - Toyota Estima Hybrid

The all new BMW Web TV

Range Rover in smaller size

Smart Volvo

Reworked Volvo C30

Veedubs a screamer

BMW 4x4 Crossman

BMW has revealed a potential fifth body variation of its trendy nameplate that could hit showrooms in 2011 if it gets the green light

Volvo's City Safety

Served Up Piping Hot - BMW X6 M

By LAI VOON LOONGPhotos by LAI VOON LOONG and BMW

A fine Italian - Alfa Romeo 159

Story and photos by LAI VOON LOONG

Sonic Bombardment

By HOMER ASHBURN

Fastest Jag in town

Fight fire with Nissan GT-R

Making waves in Malaysia

Mazda CX-7 at Frankfurt Motor Show

Peugeot 308 VTi new tone

Latest Perodua Viva variant - the Elite

A business class Alphard

The wait is over for a highly comfort-oriented people-carrier aimed at buyers with moderately fat wallets

Peugeot WebTV: the latest news and events from Peugeot

Lexus RX 450h featured in Geneva Motor Show 2009

Ferrari 599XX unveiled at Geneva motor show 2009

Maserati cars in Malaysia

Proton MPV bookings went well

Goodyear to cut jobs

Proton MPV cost less than RM80,000

Porsche offered 2.8b euros to Scania

Nissan's new GT-R SpecV

3rd-gen Toyota Prius introduced

2009 Malaysia's sales of vehicles to drop by 8.1 per cent

Porsche acquired more than 50 percent of Volkswagen shares

Toyota Crown and Reiz luxury sedans recalled

Toyota first loss in 70 years

Saves you even more with The All-New Honda City

Proton signed development agreement with Mitsubishi

No more Honda in 2009 F1

2008 Car of The Year is...

Mitsubishi i MIEV destine for Malaysia

The Blue Thunder H3020 GPS System

Another fuel price cut?

Tyre-shredding luxury Lexus IS F

2008 Japan Car of the Year goes to......

Volkswagen Tiguan enters Malaysia

RISING DEMAND FOR SMALL CARS

The N870 Standalone Driving GPS Unit

How to troubleshoot car smoke

Rondo for bigger families

City set to arrive soon

All's not glitter and gold at the Paris Motor Show

Scionara as sales in the US drop

Honda Insight Concept

Volts up fully charged 2010

Proton MPV final design!!

Proton launches MPV naming contest

Proton Appoints New ISSD Director

Shanghai Diesel Engine Company Looks To Malaysian Natural Gas Vehicle Market

Citroën C6, Citroën Grand C4 Picasso into the Malaysian market

Proton Persona SE for the coming festive season...

More than 50 car models to vie for top honours

Mitsubishi's new Lancer Evolution arrives

Perodua introduces facelifted Myvi

The Swedes take a stab at the youth market

All-new Suzuki Alto hatchback

Naza 206 Premium

The Assurance from Goodyear

Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2

Pininfarina CEO dies in motor accident

Mk I MINI Convertible

The Auto ConneXion Rewards campaign

The Toyota Ractis

Proton to collaborate with SAIPA of Iran

Make way for MINI Sapura 4S centre

RM2 mil for a Lamborghini

By LAI VOON LOONG
Photos by LAI VOON LOONG and BMW