CARS BLOG - BLOG KERETA

Proton Persona Elegance facelift - FULL DETAILS!

2010-03-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the launch of the facelifted Proton Persona, which is officially called the Proton Persona Elegance. Available in three trim levels – Base Line, Medium Line and High Line – the Persona Elegance is powered by the familiar 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with 110 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 148 Nm of torque from 4000 rpm. Buyers can choose between a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, but the High Line model only comes with the auto ‘box.

Although output remains, the Campro IAFM in the Persona Elegance comes with a new 32 bit ECU from Continental, which also supplied the previous 16 bit version. According to a Proton source, the new 32 bit ECU has more capabilities compared to the older 16 bit version – capable of more inputs, you can configure more parameters, and it can also interconnect with more systems such as “talking” to a Body Control Module such as the one in the Exora.

It is more of a future-proofing and cost-effectiveness move. Torque and power output remains the same as before. Firstly, Siemens VDO have been moving their global ECU manufacturing to 32 bit being the minimum, so it is not feasible for Proton to continue ordering 16 bit ECUs when the 32 bit version can be had at a far more competitive price. This move is also in preparation for the new Project Phoenix engine that we will soon see in Protons, which will require the capabilities of the new ECU.

UPDATE: Since we first published this article we’ve received more information on the new Persona Elegance. The changes go beyond just an aesthetic make-over. We already know there’s a new bodykit, front grille, bumpers and new LED tail lamps. But beyond that, here’s what’s different:

•The seat backrest angle has been changed to offer better comfort.

•Extra soundproofing material has been added to pillars to improve interior NVH.

•Despite power output and torque being the same, a source has indicated that the engine should feel livelier and more responsive. We’ll try to get an initial impression from the showrooms over this weekend.

The original story continues below…

There are a couple of changes to the exterior. As all of you already know from our previous reveals, the Persona Elegance comes with a new rear lamp cluster, now with LED brake lights. The nine LEDs are arranged in two rows – four up and five down. All trims except for the Base Line come with a bodykit, slim rear spoiler and foglamps, although the turning lamps on the side mirrors (illuminates in a cool light bar form) and chrome door handles are standard across the board.

Up front, the facelifted Persona uses the same nose as the Gen 2 CPS along with its “black out” headlamp housing, but with a different grille design. The Proton logo and its “wings” is pushed up to the top of the grille while the Gen 2 CPS has a central emblem. The 15-inch rim design is also new, although the 195/60 size of the tyres are unchanged. As before, the Base Line makes do with steel rims and hubcaps.

Inside, the most apparent change is the replacement of the previous custom designed audio head unit for a conventional single-DIN unit, once again by Blaupunkt. The USB compatible unit should be easier to operate than before with minimal and large buttons, and all trims but the Base Line get steering wheel controls. The meter cluster graphics are also new, now with white numbering and red needles plus a red inner ring, much more “premium looking” than the plain orange dials used before. Proton also says that the angle of rear seat has been changed for improved comfort.

Medium and High Line cars get a GPS navigation set stuck on the windscreen, driver’s seat height adjuster and electric side mirrors. Only the High Line gets leather seats and trim (Base and Medium Line sports a new fabric material), cruise control and remote release for the trunk.

Safety kit wise, the High Line comes with ABS and EBD, two airbags and two pre-tensioner seatblets. Out of this, the Medium Line only gets a driver’s airbag and pre-tensioner seatbelt, while the Base Line gets none of the above.

Here is the price list for the Persona Elegance:

Base Line (M) RM46,499
Base Line (A) RM49,499
Medium Line (M) RM52,999
Medium Line (A) RM55,999
High Line (A) RM59,499

Proton’s latest is available in two new colours – Chiffon Green and Bronze Garnet – in addition to silver and black. Brilliant Red is a colour exclusive to the High Line. Now in showrooms and ready for booking, the Persona Elegance comes with a 2-year/50,000 km manufacturer’s warranty plus a 3-year/125,000 km extended warranty programme – that’s a total of 5 years.

Spoon and Mugen toy with the Honda CR-Z

2010-03-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Honda CR-Z has all the basics to look like a hot compact coupe, but seeing the production car for the first time in Geneva, I thought that it looked very tame. The hi-tech feel, driver centered dashboard gets our thumbs up, though. But there’s nothing a good tuner can’t fix, especially for a brand like Honda with top notch outfits like Mugen and Spoon in the wings.

The picture above is of a lowered, kitted and mildly modded CR-Z by Spoon. The more purposeful stance comes from a front coilover kit and rear spring/shock kit that lowers ride height by a substantial 50 mm. Other parts being tested are the N1 exhaust, ECU, and “twin-block” calliper and slit rotor brake upgrade. There’s also an attention grabbing set of Spoon CR93 alloys in blue. Working on the ECU and brakes will have to take into account that these are vital components in the CR-Z’s hybrid drivetrain, though.

And this is Mugen’s idea of how the CR-Z should look like. Full bodykit (lower front bumper reminds us of the Modulo kit for the Honda Accord), dramatic rear spoiler and diffuser, Mugen GP wheels in bronze and LEDs on the front grille are added. The suspension, exhaust system and air filter have been uprated too, while the cabin gets a unique gear knob, extra gauges and floor mats with logos.

Audi A8 Hybrid - the limo that won't cost the earth

2010-03-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

The Audi A8 is the newest limo on the block and this is the A8 hybrid which aims to be the greenest in the segment. Shown at the Geneva show for the first time, the A8 hybrid’s drivetrain consists of two propulsion units – a 2.0 TFSI internal combustion engine and an electric motor – that develop a total output of 245 bhp and 480 Nm of torque. This enables a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time and a top speed of 235 km/h, done in Transporter style coolness.

A hydraulically operated wet clutch links the TFSI with the electric motor (with 45 bhp and 211 Nm), which makes available its grunt from standstill. In the boot lies the Audi’s lithium-ion battery pack, which still leaves 400 litres of luggage space. Subsystems that operate on engine power in a regular car have been modified to run entirely on electric power in the A8 hybrid, such as the air-con compressor, electromechanical steering system and brake booster, all managed by a “pulse control inverter” system. All these will appear in the Audi Q5 hybrid, to be introduced later this year.

This A8 is capable of fully electric-powered driving up to 65 km/h and for a distance “exceeding 2 km”. Normally, both work in tandem but above 65 km/h, the combustion engine propels the car alone, while the electric motor supplies ancillaries and recharges the battery. The TFSI is disconnected from the drivetrain when the driver chooses to coast. The e-motor also functions as a generator to recoup energy from braking and replenish the battery.

Green credentials? The A8 hybrid’s average fuel consumption is 16.1 km/l while CO2 emissions is 144 grams per km. These figures compare very well with the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, which does 12.7 km/l and 186 g/km. Launched last year, the car from Stuttgart pairs a V6 with electric motors for a combined 299 bhp/385 Nm, and was the first production hybrid to use lithium ion batteries.

BMW 325i with full BMW Performance kit!

2010-03-09T03:52:00.000-08:00

Now this is a sight that you seriously won’t see often – an E90 Sedan with almost the full range of BMW Performance add-ons installed. And I say this because the total cost of the full kit clocks in at RM103,300, which is what you’ll have to pay over what it costs to buy a 325i in the first place, which is over RM300k.

So that’s over RM400k, which is actually still not enough for a 335i since that twin-turbo baby in BMW Individual trim goes for over half a million bucks.

Here’s what went into this car, all from BMW Performance:

•Carbon fiber mirror caps
•Carbon fiber diffuser for M Aerodynamic kit
•Carbon fiber front splitter for M Aerodynamic kit
•Carbon fiber rear spoiler
•Carbon fiber suspension cross-brace
•Double spoke style 269 alloy wheels
•BMW Performance brakes (with the yellow calipers)
•BMW Performance air intake
•Carbon finer interior trim
•Illuminated door entry strips
•Sports steering wheel with shift indicator

When I say almost the full range – it’s because it looks like the BMW Performance front bumper is installed but not the BMW Performance rear bumper which has a different design. However both M Aerodynamic rear bumper and BMW Performance rear bumper have carbon fiber diffusers available.

These parts are all seriously expensive for stuff that don’t really add any performance to you car. The wheels alone cost RM15,888 for the style 269 19 inchers while the style 313 costs more at RM16,888. They come with staggered run-flat tyres – 225/35R19 in front and 255/30R19 at the rear.

The interior trim package costs RM7,888, the carbon fiber exterior bits package costs RM10,888 and the BMW Performance front and rear bumper and skirts cost RM8,888. And these are just the parts that come with ‘package prices’ . I don’t have the prices for stuff like the upgraded brakes and sports steering wheel with shift lights. But BMW says everything that’s on the car you see in this post cost RM103,300!

Hyundai Tucson and Sonata local specs confirmed!

2010-03-09T03:42:00.000-08:00

Hyundai Sime Darby held a media preview this morning where the specs and variants for the new Tucson and Sonata were confirmed. What’s not confirmed is the pricing of the cars, which are still in the process of being approved by the authorities. The planned launch for the duo is in late April or early May, and we’ll be one of the earliest markets in Asia Pacific to receive right-hand drive cars. As previously revealed by this blog, both the Tucson and Sonata are imported CBU from Korea and will come in 2.0-litre Standard, 2.0-litre High Spec and 2.4-litre variants.

Both cars use the Theta II family of engines with DOHC and Dual CVVT. The 2.0-litre produces 164 bhp and 197 Nm of torque, which compares favourably to the Honda CR-V’s 148 bhp/190 Nm or the Accord’s 154 bhp/189 Nm.

Hyundai’s 175 bhp/227 Nm 2.4-litre beats Camry 2.4 figures and Honda K24A torque ratings, although it’s just shy of the Honda’s 178 bhp (which is made at a high 6,500 rpm). No diesels though, our Euro 2M standards are still not convincing enough for HMC.

All models will come with a six-speed automatic gearbox with tiptronic function. Developed in-house by Hyundai, this gearbox is said to be maintainence free. To back up the claim, Hyundai ran the gearbox for one and a half months, 24 hours a day, cycling through all six ratios. In that situation, the transmission lasted 300,000 km, so we can presume that it’ll last even longer with normal use.

For “harsh conditions” (the example given for “harsh” was up and down Genting Highlands full bore every day), you can send it in for service after 100,000 km. It was also mentioned that the A/T is “serviceable”, meaning that a faulty component can be replaced, rather than chucking the whole unit away. Anyhow, a five-year or 300,000 km warranty covers the gearbox, so it should be truly worry-free.

The Tucson is available in 2WD and 4WD, but the latter is only for the 2.4-litre. It’s a torque on demand system that automatically sends drive (maximum of 50%) to the rear wheels if slip is detected, and there’s a button on the centre console that locks it at 50:50. High spec 2.0 and 2.4 models are fitted with ESP, Hill Start Assist and Downhill Brake Control – the latter takes over braking duties from your foot in steep off road descents.

They also get keyless entry and start (with start button), a full length panaromic sunroof, semi-leather seats and driver’s powered seat. The only feature on the 2.4 that’s missing from the high spec 2.0 is auto climate control with ionizer.

The spec spread is pretty similar for the Sonata, which high spec 2.0 and 2.4 also get the glass roof and keyless entry/start, but adds on HID headlamps. Curiously, the panaromic roof on the sedan has a one-touch function that’s missing from the Tucson. Wheels of up to 18 inches are available for the two, but Hyundai Sime Darby has opted for 17s to avoid expensive tyre replacement costs. Both cars are yet to be officially crash tested, but Hyundai expects no less than full five stars for both cars in Euro NCAP and North America’s IIHS test after in-house simulations.

Now, all that’s left is the pricing. HSD is not having it easy on this matter; although this new breed of Hyundais meet and exceed class standards, the typical Malaysian customer still wants a substantially lower price than an equivalent Honda or Toyota, so we’ll see!

Production Hyundai i-flow planned for 2011; showcar previews diesel hybrid system and new eco ideas

2010-03-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

The Hyundai i-flow is one of the significant concept cars at Geneva, not just because it looks dramatic, but because under that heavily sculpted skin is a range of latest tech that could appear in Hyundai’s next generation of cars. Powering the i-flow is the company’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain consisting of a U2 1.7-litre oil burner with two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s lithium ion-polymer battery. Coupled to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is capable of 33.3 km/l and a low CO2 output of 85g/km.

The i-flow is also a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from a flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator developed in partnership with leading chemical company BASF. One such idea is thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly by retaining heat when the car is idle. Hyundai says that this translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5% during summer and up to 9% in winter. The thermo-electric generator meanwhile recaptures energy from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Designed at Hyundai’s European studio in Russelsheim, the i-flow sports the firm’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. With an overall length of 4,780 mm and a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the i-flow is a Honda Accord sized D-segment contender that is set to hit the market in 2011. It remains to be seen how much of the i-flow’s styling is retained for production, but things look promising with the recent Korean realisation that advanced design is as important as making competent cars.

Citroen DS3 Racing - anti retro Mini Cooper S rival!

2010-03-07T23:54:00.000-08:00

The first ad I noticed once touching down at the Geneva airport was one for the Citroen DS3, which had the headline “anti-retro”. We all know that the DS3 is pitched as a rival to BMW’s Mini, and the ad is clearly a jibe in the direction of the bug-eyed car. I understand the DS3’s appeal for those who either don’t “get” the Mini’s retro looks or simply look at it as a fashion fad. With creative design typical of Citroen and a modern, classy cabin, we reckon that it will do very well in Europe.

At the Geneva show, Citroen Racing (Citroen’s STi/RalliArt) paraded the DS3 Racing that’s set to go on sale in the second half of 2010. Limited to 1,000 units, the DS3R comes with plenty of carbon trim – on the front bumper, lower body trim, wing extensions, door side mouldings and spoiler, to be exact. The grey showcar was nicely contrasted with orange on the roof, wing mirrors, grille and rims (18-inch, looks really wicked) and wore some funky decals. Orange and carbon are also repeated in the cabin, which has a high-quality feel to it.

Citroen took the 1.6 THP engine (as found in our Peugeot 308 Turbo) and boosted output to 200 bhp, while torque is up from 240 Nm to 275 Nm. The gains were achieved by “optimising powertrain components”, modifying the turbo, remapping the ECU and adding a sports exhaust system. With these figures, the DS3R will outpace a Mini Cooper S, but will it outpoint the Brit in the bends?

For starters, the standard front and rear tracks have been widened by 30 mm and the DS3R sits lower by 15 mm. Stiffer springs, retuned shock absorbers and “specific steering mapping” for a more precise helm have been added as well. To cope with the added grunt, Racing spec brakes have been installed – four-piston calipers up front and drilled discs for the back. Also, the switchable ESP system has been tuned for “extra vitality, sportiness and driving pleasure” – in other words, it’s less restrictive.

We’re bound to see more of the DS3 in the sports pages, as it will replace the C4 as Citroen’s WRC machine – the French brand is a five-time WRC champion and is defending both driver and constructor crowns with rally king Sebastien Loeb.

RUF RGT-8: a 911 without a boxer engine?

2010-03-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you but RUF is the first name that comes to my mind when I think of a souped up Porsche. They have a few cars in their line-up, even one based on the Cayenne, but while other Porsche models like the Cayenne gets taglines like ‘an SUV lover’s Porsche’, or the ‘poor man’s Porsche’ for the Boxster (not here in Malaysia of course), it is the 911 that is considered THE Porsche. And the first RUF RGT was based on a 911 – the type 996 to be exact. But those first incarnations of the RGT used engines based on what was originally found in the car – 6-pot boxers, souped up to produce more power than Porsche originally intended. The first RGT used the 996 GT3’s 3.6 liter engine as a base, but used the crankcase from the air-cooled version of the 3.6 liter engine.

The new RUF RGT-8 is the third generation RGT. And it no longer runs a Porsche 6-pot. RUF has junked the 6-pot (to be donated to Volkswagen Beetle dragsters somewhere across the globe?) in favor for a RUF-designed V8. It’s not the same engine as the Porsche V8s found in the Panamera and the Cayenne. Those are ‘conventional’ cross-plane crank V8s, but this RUF V8 has a 180 degree ‘flatcrank’ similiar to Ferraris. They sound much different compared to the cross-plane ‘American-ish’ rumbly sound that we typically associate with V8s. Ever hear a Ferrari ‘rumble’? No, they have high pitched superbike-like howls, sounding more like two Civic Type R engines screaming in unison rather than an American V8.

The RUF V8 is 4.5 liters in size is a high revving monster weighing less than 200kg, producing 550 horsepower at 8,500rpm and 500Nm of torque at 5,400rpm. That’s more power than what the high-revving 3.8 liter boxer in the 911 GT3 RS makes by a good 100 horses. The engine is built on an aluminum crankcase with dry sump lubrication. Each V bank has its own throttle butterfly. Waterpump, alternator and the aircond compressor are all driven directly by the engine without any belts, and are located in the lowest position possible. The engine puts power to the rear wheels only, via 6-speed manual transmission.

Toyota FT-86 concept gets a proper family portrait

2010-03-07T22:55:00.000-08:00

The Toyota FT-86 Sports Concept made its European debut in Geneva, and although it was tucked away in a corner, received plenty of attention. I observed a young boy looking at the rotating FT-86 longingly for a good 20 seconds, and wondered “there’s no reason why Toyota would not want to produce this car” especially after the great reception it got for the AE86’s spritual successor.

Compact dimensions, lightweight, boxer engine, six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive – there’s little not to like for the enthusiast, and Toyota adds to the yum factor by showing us a family portrait of the FT-86 with past masters such as the Supra, Celica GT-Four and of course, the AE86. Those cars have no decendent in today’s Toyota lineup, which has nothing to entice enthusiasts, something Akio Toyoda himself is intent of changing. I personally hope that the present troubles the company is facing won’t derail its plan to bring “fun” back into driving.

For now, enjoy the official images of the FT-86 after the jump; some of them look good as wallpapers!

Sexy Alfa Romeo Giulietta says ciao to Selespeeed!

2010-03-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

The 147 replacement Alfa Romeo Giulietta will be without doubt the most sensational looking five-door hatchback in the market when it goes on sale in Italy later this month. Making its world debut in Geneva, the first right-hand drive models will go to the UK in June. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, how about this for a 2010 Christmas present for the Malaysian market?

The Giulietta takes on Alfa’s current long headamps as seen on the Mito supermini, but with a strip of four LED driving lamps residing within them. Alfa’s famous shield grille sits inside a larger triangle while the lower bumper is very sculpted. The profile features a strong shoulder line that “disappears” in the middle before emerging again on the rear doors, which handles are hidden like the 147’s (there won’t be a three-door variant). The Giulietta’s rear end sports a distinctive LED pattern in the taillamps and a diffuser-style rear bumper with two exhaust tips. To sum it all up in one word – sexy.

Four turbo engines are available at launch, all Euro5 compliant and with Start/Stop tech: two petrols (120 bhp 1.4TB and 170 bhp 1.4TB MultiAir) and two second-gen MultiJet diesels (105 bhp 1.6 JTDM and 170 bhp 2.0 JTDM). All these powerplants come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but a dual-clutch transmission will be coming soon as the automatic option – with this, we can bid farewell to Alfa’s frustrating Selespeed ‘box. Ciao!

Also coming soon is a hot 235 bhp 1750 TBi Cloverleaf version. This engine is said to have “performance comparable to – or better than – that of many 3.0-litre engines while still delivering fuel consumption typical of a compact four cylinder unit,” says Alfa Romeo. The Italian firm also pointed out that at 134 bhp/litre, specific output is the highest ever achieved by an Alfa Romeo engine. Max torque of 340 Nm (at 1,900 rpm) is much more than what the VW Golf GTI produces, so performance should be superb, and we’re guaranteed a good soundtrack from Alfa too. We’re salivating already thinking of it!

Hear the Aston Martin One-77's V12 howl!

2010-03-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you but an Aston Martin has always seemed to be like the more refined and gentlemanly alternative to more hot blooded cars like a Ferrari. I found that appealing. But now Aston Martin has developed a limited edition car with aggressive looks. Under its hood is a monstrous 7.3 litre V12 engine with over 750 bhp. Good thing is thanks to that V12 it has the soundtrack to accompany its looks – check out the video after the jump, which shows the One-77 undergoing some tests ahead of first customer deliveries. Let us know in the comments – are you liking the One-77?

MB C230 makes way for C250 CGI in Malaysia

2010-03-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

The W204 Mercedes-Benz C230 with the 2.5 liter V6 engine has been replaced by a new more torquey C250 CGI model here in Malaysia. The new C250 CGI like its larger E250 CGI sibling is powered by a higher output version of the 1.8 liter turbocharged direct injection engine. The new C250 CGI goes for RM287,888 in Malaysia.

The new C250 CGI produces 204 horsepower at a lower 5,500rpm point as compared to the V6 model, and more torque – 310Nm between 2,000rpm to 4,300rpm. However, the 7-speed 7G-Tronic has been replaced by a 5-speed automatic, as these 4-pot turbo engines are only available with the 5-speeder while the 7-speeder is mated to the V6 and etc engines. Fuel consumption is much better at between 7.2 to 7.9 liters per 100km.

One thing to note though – these inline-4 CGI engines in Malaysia are a little different compared to the models you get overseas. The inline-4 engine – referred to as the M271 DEH or M271 Evolution – originally had a ‘lean burn mode’ for its direct injection system.

This is a special economy mode where the air-fuel mixture is able to be tuned for more air and less fuel, thus saving fuel and producing good amounts of power at the same time. In lean burn mode, the Piezo injectors inject fuel multiple times in one cycle.

Mercedes-Benz says that our fuel quality is not suitable for lean burn mode thus the lean burn function of the ECU has been deactivated. Our M271 engines will do direct injection but only in homogeneous mode, which uses a ratio of 14.7:1. Being a turbocharged engine, there will probably be thoughts of flashing the ECU with a performance version of the software to gain more power. These aftermarket software MIGHT (I’m not sure) re-enable lean burn and reduce the reliability of your engine. Be sure to check.

For now, the C200K continues to run the supercharged Kompressor version of the M271, but Mercedes-Benz Malaysia says a C200 CGI is coming very soon.

Little Audi A1 creates big waves at Geneva!

2010-03-07T03:58:00.000-08:00

The main star of the vast Audi stand is its smallest model – the new A1. Ingolstadt has big plans for this Mini Cooper rival that’s bound to be its main seller, and is calling it the A1 “the sportiest car in the segment” – no small claim when BMW’s Mini is your classmate! Backing this up is the A1’s low weight of 1,045 kg, wide tracks, low weight resting on the front end and electrohydraulic steering that’s tuned to be “sportily direct”.

First shown to the world as the Metroproject Quattro Concept back in Tokyo 2007, the finshed product looks remarkably similar to its inspiration, down to this car’s red colour with a silver bar outlining the glasshouse. As we’d expect from a new Audi, the A1 features striking LED daytime running lights, and the brand’s single-frame grille is has two more edges at their top ends to create a trapezoidal shape. Audi’s “tornado line” joins both front and rear lamp clusters and is a main feature of the profile, along with the arching roofline. Coefficient of drag is 0.32, which is best in class.

Inside, the dash design is simple and classy; of note are the cool old-school air-con vents (supposed to look like jet turbines, says Audi) and an infotainment system that’s claimed to set new standards in the class. The A1’s MMI navigation plus system is taken from its bigger siblings and comes with 3D navigation system, 20GB of hard disk space for music and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, all displyed on a 6.5-inch screen that emerges from the dash top. A 465-watt Bose stereo is optional.

Four engines will be available at launch – two TFSI petrols and two TDI diesels. The entry 1.2 TFSI makes 86 bhp and 160 Nm from 1500 rpm, while the 1.4 TFSI produces 122 bhp and 200 Nm at the same engine speed sustained till 4000 rpm. Paired to the seven-speed dual clutch S tronic gearbox, this range topper does 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds on to a top speed of 200 km/h. We reckon that real world cut and thrust performance will be more impressive than the raw figures suggest, as is the case with VW’s TSI/DSG cars. Equipped with start-stop tech and brake energy recuperation, fuel consumption for the 1.4 TFSI is 19.6 km/l.

Chevrolet Aveo Sedan illustration leaked!

2010-03-07T03:47:00.000-08:00

The image you see above is a leaked illustration of the new Chevrolet Aveo Sedan and I must say it looks pretty good, in some kind of Scirocco-Mazda2 hybrid kind of way. It remains an illustration for now, and being an American brand I doubt it’s going to make a debut at Geneva in the next few days.

The Aveo is Chevrolet’s B-segment competitor and right now it is sold in both hatchback and sedan form, although both models don’t really look related to each other, which is a good thing as hatch to sedan transitions don’t exactly come out good most of the time. With this new line-up, Chevrolet has kept the sedan and hatch’s design separate again, which is a good thing. You can see how the hatchback version will look like here. Imagine if they just took that and added a boot to it – it would be disaster.

But they took the other route which is this, and it’s pretty good looking. If you look after the jump you’ll also see some pix of the interior which features a big RPM meter along with a digital speedo. Not sure if these will make it to the production car. The Chevrolet franchise holder right now is Naza. We will probably get this new Aveo as the model it replaces was sold here in Malaysia, but first will come the new Chevrolet Cruze which is long due!

Honda Freed to be launched in Q2 2010

2010-03-07T03:37:00.000-08:00

I knew this MPV was coming to Malaysia the moment Honda announced that it would be building it in Honda Prospect Motor Indonesia. And Honda has just announced that the Freed is 100% coming to Malaysia, set for a launch in Q2 this year to be exact. It will come in as a CBU import from Indonesia.

“Since its official launch in Japan in 2008, Freed has been well received in the Asia region including Indonesia and Thailand. It later garnered great anticipation in Malaysia in 2009. Therefore, we are excited to inform all that Honda Malaysia will be bringing in the Freed onto Malaysian shores in the second quarter of this year,” said Mr. Toru Takahashi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

The Honda Freed is the latest and probably the longest wheelbase addition to the Global Small Platform which underpins cars such as the Honda Jazz. There are various seating configurations – a 5-seater 2-3 config as well as triple row configs such as 2-3-3, 2-2-3 with individual 2nd row seats, and 2-2-2 with individual seats for everyone. We’ll have to wait until the launch to find out what kind of seat configuration we’ll get.

The Freed is a B-segment MPV positioned below the Honda Stream but it has some unique features that most of its B-segment competitors do not have, such as automatic sliding doors on BOTH sides. The Freed also has a walkthrough cabin, which means the floor is flat from the front to the rear and you can walk from the front row to the rear row (hunched down of course) without having to exit the vehicle. Honda claims that the flat floor and high roof allows you to carry a 27 inch bicycle without taking off wheels or handle bars. Look after the jump for some Japanese market pix of the Freed.

Naza Italia's Pre-Owned Ferraris with warranty

2010-03-07T03:26:00.000-08:00

Naza Italia has introduced a Pre-Owned Program for Ferrari cars in Malaysia. Under this program, all cars undergo a 190-point check that is in line with the Ferrari Approved Vehicle Specification Sheet, Template Content Guide and Functionality Guidelines.

These checkpoints include mechanical, electrical, bodywork and interior checks, along with a full road test. Defects are repaired or replaced, using Ferrari genuine parts while a written vehicle evaluation report in presented to the future owner for a review and discussion.

These cars also come with a 12-month warranty, and road-side assistance for the same period. So while the 458 Italia may be on the way to Malaysia, those without huge budgets to blow (but still large nonetheless) may opt for a pre-owned F430, 599 GTB or a 612 Scagliette instead.

I just took a look at the classifieds and found the 360 going for under RM700k or even under RM600k for some examples – that’s cheaper than a brand new M3? Ah, all just dreams for now!

Special edition BMW M3 and X6 in Malaysia

2010-03-07T03:23:00.000-08:00

This is only for those who have excess of RM700k to spend on a car and for those who want to drool at cars that cost in excess of RM700k. First up is a new BMW X6 xDrive35i Performance Edition. You saw this model last week actually. There are only 25 units of the fully kitted up X6 here in Malaysia.

The 3.0 liter twin turbo engine of the stock xDrive35i model has been given an update that brings power up to the equivalent of the same engine’s tune in the 740i sold here in Malaysia. This means power is up to 326hp while torque gets a 50Nm boost to 450Nm – the equivalent of a 4.5 liter normally aspirated engine, while you enjoy lower fuel consumption and the cheaper road tax of a 3.0 liter. 0 to 100km/h takes just 6.5 seconds. I’d personally just call this baby the xDrive35is, since the same engine transformation turned the Z4 sDrive35i into an sDrive35is and the 335i into the 335is.

You can have your Performance Edition X6 in one of two colours – Alpine White or Titanium Silver Metallic. Mirror caps, window surrounds and exhaust tailpipes are finished in black (the window surrounds are Shadowline high gloss), contrasting with the lighter paintwork. The wheels are also Y-Spoke 20 inch alloys in black with staggered tyres. On the inside, you get Black Alcantara sports seats, Aluminium Flywheel Black interior trim, and a BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite. The finishing touch are M door sills and scuff plates as well as stainless steel pedals.

If you don’t fancy an SUV, you can always go for the screaming M3 Coupe Edition with that sweet 4.0 liter V8 that goes all the way over the 8,000rpm mark. The current generation M3 is probably going to be the only BMW to feature this sweet engine, as the next gen M3 is likely to go the way of the turbocharger. There was word that this V8 was to feature in a new Z4 M but BMW has since scrapped the Z4 M, leaving the flagship roadster to be the Z4 sDrive35i.

There are only two units of the M3 Coupe Edition here in Malaysia. One is Alpine White and the other is Monte Carlo Blue. The opening on the engine compartment lid and wing mirrors are finished in black and the BMW M3 signature kidney grille, the side gills and the dual tailpipes on the exhaust system all come in dark eloxy-plated chrome. Both the Alpine White and Monte Carlo Blue M3 Coupe Editions come with a lowered suspension (10mm drop) and 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design in black.

The interior trim of the two cars are Carbon Structure Leather with white contrasting seams. The seats are finished in Black Novillo Leather with contrasting seams and vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the leg rest. In the Alpine White unit, these features come in white whilst in the Monte Carlo Blue unit; it is matched with the car’s exterior colour. The Monte Carlo Blue unit gets armrests and door closing handles with blue contrasting seams, while the surfaces on the centre armrest, the centre console and the arm rests on the door panels are finished in White on the Alpine White unit. Both cars also showcase entry trim bars in Checkered Flag Design.

•BMW M3 Coupe Editions in Alpine White – RM748, 800
•BMW M3 Coupe Editions in Monte Carlo Blue – RM 758, 800
•BMW X6 xDrive35i Performance Edition (inclusive of a 3-years BMW Service + Repair Inclusive package) – RM718, 800

Kia Forte 1.6 Test Drive Review

2010-03-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

This is a much anticipated test drive report. Not only have we received many requests to feature the Kia Forte, but I myself have been waiting so long to get behind the Forte’s wheel. We missed the media test drive event and Naza Kia’s schedule was so full that only now do we get a sampler.

Priced at RM75,800 OTR including insurance, the entry level 1.6 EX looks to be a steal, and that’s before you realise that for RM6,000 more the SX comes with equipment unheard of in cars below RM100,000. Let’s not forget that this is a C-segment contender to the Civic, Lancer, Sylphy, and Altis, priced below Japanese branded B-segment cars. We see if this irresistible on paper appeal runs deep.

Continue reading the report after the jump.

While I recognise and endorse the improvement made in Korean cars throughout the past few years, to be honest, I’ve never thought of having one myself. Many Kias, Hyundais and the odd SsangYong have passed through our hands, but never have they left a deep impression. Competent? Yes. Desirable? No. Not even the pretty Hyundai Coupe (weak drivetrain), although the diesel Santa Fe SUV is quite a good package

But Kia is really working its socks off trying to change this. There seems to be an awareness from within the company that techincal competence needs to be supported by design brilliance, and the Forte represents this. The man behind Kia’s “design revolution” is Peter Schreyer, the German who previously worked with Audi. Even if we didn’t know this for a fact, my guess wouldn’t be too far off, for the Forte boasts clean, sharp looks that wouldn’t look out of place on an Audi.

Clean it may be, but the Forte is anything but plain. The front wears a distinctve “mask-like” design that reminds us of the European Honda Civic hatchback, while the scuplted bonnet and the signature crease that sprouts from beneath the A-pillar to form the shoulder line is neat. This, and the spoiler style boot edge distracts from the fact that the Forte has tall sides and a high rump. Of course, for the full effect, you’ve got to opt for the 1.6 SX, which comes with cool 17-inch wheels and low profile rubber. Still, this Kia is the looker of the C-segment – something unthinkable few years ago. Try as we may, photos don’t do it justice, so get down to a dealership and have a good look for yourself.

After hearing and reading so many good things about the Forte from fellow journos , I was expecting something special, perhaps a new class leader (although it’s priced a class lower in Malaysia, we’ll compare the Forte with the C-segment, which was what Kia intended globally), and perhaps it’s this inflated hopes, plus the fact that the Forte looks so good, that caused a slight disappointment even though I really enjoyed my time with it.

The 1.6-litre engine is entirely adequate for daily use, but there were moments where I wished for more pulling power and accleration. Perhaps the nature of the four-speed auto gearbox contributes to this impression – it’s not the most eager to kickdown when you need more go, which is not a problem in itself, but the ratios seem too long and widely spaced. Things get better once you get some momentum on board, but rivals with bigger engines are more effortless.

The 124 bhp/157 Nm Gamma engine also goes about its business without much charisma; it’s quite lively past 4000 rpm, but it also gets a little boomy at this stage. We’re not referring to Campro style resonance in case you’re wondering, but it’s not the smoothest lump in town either. Don’t get us wrong, the Forte’s drivetrain isn’t bad (some wouldn’t even bat an eyelid at what we’ve pointed out) but it’s just not positively memorable.

Here’s something more obvious. If you’re familiar with the class par, and have spent some time with the current crop of C-segment cars, you’ll easily notice that the Forte isn’t at its best at high speed, long distance cruising, and it all boils down to having only four forward ratios. At 110 km/h, the tacho points at 3000 rpm. A bit high, but all’s still well at this stage thanks to the Kia’s good cabin insulation from outside noises (which is above average, we reckon). Go beyond that to, say 140 km/h, and the buzz is loud enough for passengers to notice, and for you to “level” things by turning up the volume. Once again, rivals are more effortless.

Some of them are more fun to drive than the Kia too. I never warmed to the Forte’s steering (hydraulic for 1.6L models) throughout our time with it. While the weighting is surprisingly meaty at low speeds, it feels a little too sensitive and nervous when cornering at highway speeds – it just wasn’t very confidence inspiring for me. This was for the EX with 15-inch wheels and 65-series tyres. On the SX, which rolls on 215/45 R17 rubber, you’ll feel more of the road’s grains through the steering rim, but along with that comes significantly more tyre roar and a high pitched hum on certain surfaces.

The Forte, although not as mushy as Kia sedans of old, is still fairly softy sprung, and the body bucks and moves around quite a bit on undulations, even if it’s never unnerving. While turn in is sharp, some rivals manage to lean less and feel more composed on lumpy roads. The ride quality on the big wheeled SX is noticeably sharper edged than the EX though, so there’s a price to pay for the undeniable style it brings.

The previous five paragraphs may be of little consequence to many car buyers, who simply want a stylish, well equipped family saloon. And the Forte’s showroom appeal is simply amazing. Good looks aside, our EX tester came with all round disc brakes, ABS, dual airbags, trip computer, factory audio with iPod/AUX jacks and steering controls and electrochromic rear view mirror. If you’re impressed already, the 1.6 SX will leave you speechless. For RM81,800, you get keyless entry and start (with start/stop button), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, auto air-con, telescopic steering wheel with leather (also on gear knob), alloy pedals and those fetching 17in alloys – all for less than an S-spec Honda City. The 2.0-litre model costs RM93,800 and comes with curtain airbags and leather upholstery.

It’s not just the kit, but the cabin is faultless in terms of ergonomics and comfort, and quality is evident in the tight fitting buttons (all illuminated, even the audio jacks) and panels. The SX gets some contrasting silver painted plastic on the centre console, steering wheel and door trim, as opposed to the matt black of the EX, which also lacks the red “hood” of light on the speedometer. I found my ideal driving position with ease as the height adjustable seats have a long range of travel. And as previously mentioned, insulation from outside noise is good for its class.

In terms of rear space, there’s decent head and legroom although not as much as the Sylphy and Civic, which also has a flat floor to its advantage; the Kia’s all-black colour scheme doesn’t help in giving an imprssion of space either. One small grouse though, off the shoulder and rear visibility for the driver is limited due to the thick C-pillars and rising waistline – the rear screen gives you an upward view, which doesn’t help in parking at all.

The few “could be better” points would not be much of a letdown if the Forte is a mediocre entry, for which we will just say that “it’s very very decent considering the amount you pay”, but because Kia does most things right, I personally feel that it’s a missed opportunity to jump straight to the top, which I bet the Koreans will sooner rather than later. At present, it’s not the best C-segment car you can buy, but then there are no other selling for the price of a Vios or City. Against those price rivals, it’s very hard to ignore the Forte’s appeal – it’s a much better developed and sophisticated car that also happens to look superb and packed to the brim with kit.

Lexus reveals CT 200h hatchback ahead of Geneva

2010-03-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

This is the new CT 200h, Lexus’ first hatchback which also is “the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment”. Based on the LF-Ch concept, this car is meant to lower the entry point of Lexus ownership and attract younger customers to the brand. Production will start late this year.

Designed and developed with Europe in mind, this production-ready Geneva showstar sports much toned down styling from the gold coloured concept that was unveiled in Frankfurt last year. The CT 200h should be about the size of a Golf; its 2600 mm wheelbase is 20 mm longer than the VW’s. The marque’s L-finesse design philosophy and the need for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and minimum wind noise determined the final shape. There’s some interesting detailing going on, but as a whole it looks dull to these eyes; what do you think?

If the exterior design didn’t stick true to the concept, the cabin is downright disappointing after what was promised. It looks high quality, but what happened to the bit about attracting younger customers? Anyway, the driving position is set low, with a highly supportive driver’s seat, says its maker, while in Sport mode, the hybrid indicator in the binnacle functions as a tachometer and the ambient lighting turns from blue to red. Lexus’ mouse-like Remote Touch controller makes an appearance.

The hybrid system in the CT 200h combines a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine with an electric motor. This Lexus is capable of running in fully electric, zero emissions EV mode for up to 2 km (only?) at speeds up to 45 km/h. Lexus says that the CT sits on a new platform with a dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system setup, which combines the ride comfort expected of a Lexus with superior driving involvement and handling agility.

More pics of the CT 200h below..

Abarth bringing its 500c and Punto Evo to Geneva

2010-03-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Abarth, the legendary scorpion badged tuner, will bring two new models to Geneva, based on Fiat’s latest products.

The 500C is the open-top version of Fiat’s successful retro car. It isn’t a real convertible per se, as its retractable roof slides off between fixed roof rails and the B and C-pillars of the hatchaback are retained. Abarth’s take comes with a 140 bhp 1.4-litre turbo paired to a five-speed robotised manual ‘box with shift paddles, endowing the cute little car with a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds. There are also bigger rims and brakes, sports suspension, chunkier body work and a two-tone paint scheme.

The second model is the Punto Evo, Fiat’s recently revised supermini. Abarth’s hot looking version has a 165 bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo, while there’s a 178 bhp Esseesse version for those who want more. Not quite a match for the Renaultsport Clio on paper, but still a lot of firepower for a small car.

Galleries of both cars (with some cool sketches) are after the jump.

new porsche cayenne images leaks out!

2010-03-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

The new Porsche Cayenne will only be revealed next week at Geneva, and unlike many other manufacturers Porsche hasn’t given out any pre-show preview of its fast SUV. But it looks like French L’Auto Journal has got hold of some pretty authentic looking pics of the Cayenne, and it was posted online by Le mag de l’Auto.

From the scans, we can see that the new car doesn’t depart from the tried, tested, but not very pretty looks. The smaller headlights are much like the Panamera’s and the trademark huge air intakes have a different arrangement now for a more “fierce” look. From the huge twin-spoke alloys and yellow brake calipers, we presume this is the top-dog Turbo model.

We will post up live pictures from Geneva but for the meantime, have a larger view of the scans after the jump.

hyundai i-flow is a diesel hybrid, facelifted i30 and eco-friendly models also to debut in Geneva

2010-03-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

Here’s another image of the Hyundai i-flow concept which will be unveiled at Geneva next week. The i-flow, which advances the ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language Hyundai currently uses on cars like the new Sonata and Tucson, previews a future D-segment contender, according to the Korean carmaker.

Under the sheetmetal is Hyundai’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. The package consists of a new 1.7-litre engine with two-stage turbocharging, lithium Ion-polymer batteries and a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Combined with drag coefficient of 0.25Cd, the i-flow’s CO2 output is a low 85 g/km and it only consumes three litres of fuel for every 100 km (33.3 km/l).

Hyundai says that the i-flow cabin “redefines the perception of space in a sedan bodystyle”, and this concept will use next-generation materials and technologies co-developed with top chemical company BASF. Elements such as the seats and centre console has BASF’s input for minimal weight and volume, while the cockpit’s main interface screen recognises not only touch but also “gestural inputs”. The glossy Liquid Metal eco-friendly waterborne coating developed by BASF Coatings contains special-effect pigments that give the surface a polished metal appearance, good for highlighting the car’s complex lines.

Also making their debuts will be the facelifted i30 (with cleaner powertrains and enhanced spec, production starts next month) and eco focussed Blue Drive variants for the i10, i20, i30 and ix35 (European version of the Tucson). All Blue Drive cars except the SUV produce less than 100 g/km of CO2. One step beyond the blue-badged models is the ix35 FCEV which shows Hyundai’s latest hydrogen fuel cell tech. The show car features steps to reduce cost and complexity of fuel-cell manufacturing as well as new approaches which simplify final assembly, leading to full production in 2012.