Naza Sutera

Malaysian car makers haven't exactly set the UK market alight. Although Proton and Perodua have made inroads into the budget sector, neither has really hit the big time.

Now, there's another manufacturer with eyes on Britain - Naza. Last week, we showed you pictures of the firm's first offering, the Sutera, and here we can tell you what it's like to drive.
Imported to the UK by IM Group, the company that sells Subaru, Daihatsu and Isuzu in Britain, the Sutera is a real 'world car' - and it has been developed in double-quick time. It was styled by Italian firm Pininfarina, and the result is smart and distinctive, with instantly recognisable triangular rear light clusters.

Inside, it's bright and airy, with a central instrument pod and controls. The dash looks smart, and is practical, too, as it makes it easier for Naza to build right and left-hand-drive examples.
There's only one choice of interior colour scheme - beige and grey - although the finish is good, with soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and doors, and carbon-effect plastic parts on the instrument clusters and controls.

Firmer seats would be an improvement for UK tastes - but it's comfortable enough, with plenty of legroom for passengers in the back. The Naza has 60:40 split rear seats, too, making it a practical load carrier. In terms of running gear, the Sutera is powered by a 1.1-litre engine sourced from Daihatsu, while the suspension has been set up by Lotus Engineering.

Once on the move, it's immediately clear that the Norfolk firm has done an excellent job with the ride and handling. The back streets of Penang have more than their share of potholes and speed bumps, but the Sutera absorbs the undulations, with excellent damping and no squeaks or rattles from the cabin.

On smoother surfaces, the car corners well, with precise steering, while body roll is kept to a minimum - impressive given its tall height. The 1.1-litre unit is revvy and puts out a respectable 65bhp. It's noisy if pushed, but tuned for economy rather than performance - as a city runabout, the Sutera in its element.

Where the Naza really scores is with its generous equipment tally - 14-inch alloys, power-steering, air-conditioning, dual airbags, remote central locking and electric mirrors all come as standard.

The top-of-the-range GSi adds rear parking sensors, upgraded interior trim and extra colours, although the powertrain is the same as the GS's. Expect prices to start at less than £6,000 when the car goes on sale early next year.

2008/2009 Kia Spectra

Reliable and affordable, the 2008 2009 Kia Spectra is an awesome family car. With all the features, options, specifications, and safety standards you could possibly want, the Spectra is a little piece of luxury for a price that doesn’t break the bank. What’s more, when you consider that the Spectra offers all of the style, comfort and power you need, you just might realize that this is the perfect car no matter what your budget. New for 2008 2009, the Spectra comes in two models – the Spectra and the Spectra LS – and is available in standard Sedan and Hatchback models.

Everything about the Spectra starts under the hood, where the car relies upon a powerful engine that is both durable and reliable. A standard 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve engine and 4-wheel independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars ensure a smooth ride. The LS includes A/C, a tilt steering wheel, tachometer and available 4-wheel ABS. And with an available automatic transmission, you’ll have one hand free to wave to your admirers as you whiz by. No wonder so many Americans are buying the Kia Spectra.

Kia Spectra Specifications

Engine
1.8L displacement double overhead cam (DOHC)

inline 4 cylinder configuration gas engine

16 valves 124 hp @ 6000 rpm

119 ft-lbs. @ 4900 rpm regular unleaded fuel

DriveTrain / Suspension
5-speed manual transmission front wheel drive

four-wheel independent suspension front and

rear stabilizer bar

Exterior Features
steel rims 14 x 5.5 in. rims

P185/65R14 tires all season tires spacesaver

spare tire steel spare wheel

full wheel covers

intermittent wipers rear defogger

intermittent rear wiper

Safety Features and Ratings
ventilated front disc / rear drum brakes front seatbelt

pretensioners

rear door child safety locks child seat anchors

rear center lap belt 2 front headrests
Comfort and Convenience Features

Front Seats
5 person total seating capacity bucket front seats

cloth upholstery height adjustable driver seat

driver seat with adjustable lumbar support

Rear Seats
bench rear seat split-folding

Convenience
speed-proportional power steering remote driver and

passenger exterior mirrors

front cupholders remote trunk release

front door pockets front console with storage

overhead console with storage

Comfort
front reading lights dual vanity mirrors

cargo area light

In Car Entertainment
AM/FM in-dash single CD player stereo 4 total speakers.

Source : http://www.allautoreviews.com/

Perodua Myvi

The vision of an ideal people`s car may have been thought out by a German but I think I have found a modern version of a car that everyone wants. And it is a Perodua Myvi.

National car manufacturers may tell you that they are in business for reasons that is the same as with all other international players but actually what they are doing is thinking of ways to come up with cars that will be the car for Malaysians.

And when you want to build a people`s car, you have to make it affordable enough for the average Joe. Usually this means a low-cost car, that is, either small or using yesteryear technology but thanks to modern cost-cutting methods, this is no longer the case.

The Kancil provided the starting point for many who longs to own a car for some time now but many buyers found that despite the low price and running costs, it was simply too small for the average Malaysian family. And the car, like the rest of the range, is a bit long in the tooth, so it was time to introduce a new Perodua.


Design

Even before the car was officially launched, spy photos of the Myvi – the name was still under wraps at the time - have surfaced prematurely on the web and even in the front page of a tabloid newspaper. This sends many prospective buyers rushing to the Perodua dealerships and booking the car, because even when the specifications are sketchy, one thing`s for sure: the new Perodua is by far the largest.

Of course, the modern, almost concept car-like design is very attractive because it makes the car appear twice its price.

The grown-up look is deliberate because it is fast becoming the trend in all modern hatchbacks today. The dimensions may be restricted in terms of length and width but in terms of height, there is almost no boundaries for the designers.

This makes the Myvi to appear very large when parked next to even the Kenari because of the smaller window area and height. But most impressive about the design is the incorporation of LEDs in the rear lamp. LEDs are not only brighter than normal bulbs, they are also more robust in the long run.

In addition to the LEDs, the door mirrors also have LED signal lights as a turning signal, something previously only found in larger, expensive cars.

Amazing level of detail, more so since this is only the entry level 1.0-litre model.

Cabin

While the exterior pulls in many people due to its modern appearance, the interior is even more impressive. Not because of its design, unfortunately, because here you begin to realise where the corners were cut, if you like. Lots of plastics and seats looked thinly padded. That`s the only `letdown` because the amount of space is unbelievably vast. Another novel idea by Perodua is the availability of a long cushion (sold as an accessory) to be placed over the rear row for a flat and comfortable area for children to play.The rear row of seats can be folded to extend the cargo area from 600mm to 1320mm.

More clues of a larger, more expensive car. The dash has instrumentation that features a backlit light - LEDs - similar to one found in a Lexus or Subaru, making the dials supremely legible even under bright sunlight. The audio and air-con controls stands out with a silver panel but the finish is a little basic.

Door mirror have no toggle type adjustment, so you have to manually push the mirror to adjust. But apart form that, equipment is quite impressive.

Driving

A car such as this may have a basic brief in terms of dynamics but it is still good considering it is a tall and narrow car. It has a good rate of roll, so you can confidently turn-in without ever feeling insecure. The suspension - MacPherson struts and torsion beam rear - is quite impressive when going over bumps, that it is possible to ignore what's going on underneath and press on unperturbed. The engine for one is very zesty for a 1.0-litre or rather 989cc. Very lively between 3200rpm to 4000rpm, it probably has to do with the Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) mechanism which alters the intake valve timing. It gives the 12-valve engine 58.4bhp at 6000rpm and 88Nm of torque at 3600rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed manual 'box, which is notchy to shift and vibrates.

The brakes are particularly good, offering not only lots of feel but also a very good bite every time.

Conclusion

For an investment of RM210 million, Perodua have done a swell job on making an unbelievably impressive car. It offers plenty for so little money. Years ago, the Myvi is only a fantasy for many people wanting to own a car. It offers tremendous value that it almost defies logic. But many have known that already judging from the long queue that by now have stretched the delivery times to several months. But if you have to spend RM40k on a car, take it from us, it is worth the wait.

Source : http://www.asianauto.com/

Proton SAVVY

Value MONEY to buy Proton SAVVY, outside looks small, but inner space really comparable to a Perodua MYVI.

The SAVVY gear box origin from manual transmission, but Proton added new technologies of Auto transmission become both transmission available for end user use.

While we are driving, either we can play manual or auto transmission.

Although it is a bit not smooth while changing 1st gear to 2nd as compare to fully auto transmission, but it is still justify to choose for it.

My SAVVY

- Really provide us safe money for petrol
- Very powerful engine even the transmission already enter into final gear.
- Very stable while cornering and over taking.
- Very good handling for steering, no feel vibrate on the road drove
- Minimum maintenance fee, the service only conducted every 10,000KM usage mileage.

SAVVY really quite comfortable among small displacement cars in Malaysia.

The SAVVY that I have now is belong to my wife. Myself I own a Toyota Camry, latest model.

To me, the SAVVY worth buying as compared among small displacement car in Malaysia. Suitable for lowest income family usage.

My personal experience, SAVVY was safer as compared among small displacement car in Malaysia.

The Mazda CX-7

The Mazda CX-7 fits neatly into the zoom-zoom mold: sporty but functional; roomy but svelte; snappy but comfortable. It has a surprisingly powerful, and fairly frugal, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission, motivating a sporty-looking and sporty-handling five-passenger vehicle that will haul nearly as much stuff as it does people.


The Mazda CX-7 offers seating for five people, decent cargo space, a comprehensive set of standard safety features and distinctive looks. We found it fun to drive, with responsive handling and good high-speed stability.


Mazda introduced the CX-7 for 2007 as a totally new crossover utility vehicle to compete against the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, among others. Crossovers, as they're called, have become the hottest segment in the auto industry. They combine the high seating position and cargo capacity of a truck-based sport utility vehicle with the agility, smoothness and fuel economy of a car. And many folks who find a minivan or station wagon just to ego-bruising seem okay with a crossover.



As the CX-7 was all-new for 2007, very little has changed for the 2008 model year. There has been some fiddling with the option list and, thanks to some reprogramming of the engine management, premium fuel is now recommended rather than required, so it will run on regular gas. The CX-7 still starts at less than $24,000 for the front-wheel-drive version. A well-equipped, nicely featured, all-wheel-drive model goes for less than $30,000; and the top model with every option box checked comes in just around $35,000. Though a bit pricier than the prime opposition, the CX-7 excels in ride and handling.

Pricing information of the All new Perodua Nautica 1.5L EZ Automatic

You can get the all new Perodua Nautica 1.5L EZ Automatic for RM 57,382.80 provided you live in Langkawi and only about RM 2,300 more if you live in Labuan

Pricing of the All New Perodua Nautica 1.5L EZ Automatic Peninsular

Peninsular RM 89,900.00
Langkawi RM 57,382.80

Sarawak

Kuching RM 91,612.00
Miri RM 92,012.00
Bintulu RM 92,012.00
Sibu RM 92,012.00

Sabah

Tawau RM 92,300.00
Lahad Datu RM 92,300.00
Kota Kinabalu RM 91,800.00
Labuan RM 59,635.20
Sandakan RM 92,200.00
Keningau RM 92,112.00

All-New Toyota RUSH – Something For the Younger Set

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 By YS Khong

Subang Jaya, 28 January 2008 – UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd launched the Toyota Rush at their newly opened Subang Jaya showroom tonight. The Toyota Rush is a mini-SUV designed for the younger set, with a modern and exciting shape that appeals to the young.

Three variants are available, and they are priced from RM85,888 for the lowest grade to RM94,888 for the full works model (prices are on-the-road without insurance). Customers have a choice of a manual transmission or an automatic.

Built in Indonesia, and imported as a CBU into Malaysia, the Toyota Rush is built on a modified Avanza platform, and basically shares the same 1.5 litre VVTi engine, drive train and suspension system as the Avanza, although there are some mods put in to give it a higher ride height and to adjust for the larger 16-inch SUV type wheels. Think of it as a much nicer-looking Avanza. Brakes are noticeably larger, but we note that they are solid discs in the front and large drums at the rear.

Overall, the Rush is a nicer looking vehicle than the Avanza, younger in character, and more up-market in styling. Ground clearance is 200mm, which makes the Rush very suitable for rough road conditions. There is a 4WD version of the Rush available, but according to UMW Toyota, their studies indicate that there is a greater demand here for the two wheel drive version, in this case, rear wheel drive. Looking under the Rush, you will see that the bottom end is very similar to that of the Avanza.

The lowest grade variant, the 1.5G comes with a choice of a 5-speed manual(RM85,888) or a 4-speed automatic (RM88,888). The up-market 1.5S comes in auto form, projector lights, and ABS, plus a body kit for RM95,888. The pricing with the triple eight at the end is an attempt to make the price a little more auspicious for the Chinese buyers, a ploy used by many organizations here in Malaysia.

Inside, the trim is similar to that of the Avanza, with three rows of seats, giving the Rush a seating capacity of seven. The centre row seats split, fold and tumble forward for easy ingress and egress for the third row seat, which is a folding bench type. Seat material is fabric, and the texture is similar, if not the same as that in the Avanza. Interestingly, the automatic gear shifter is of the ‘gated’ type, giving the Rush a more sporty character.

The 1.5 litre engine has an output of 109PS, and maximum torque of 141 Nm. With a kerb weight of 1220kg, and a final drive ratio that gives an approximate speed of 100 km/h at 3,500 rpm, we would expect the fuel consumption to be close to what the Avanza 1.5 gets, although we shall have to wait for a road test to check this out.

The Rush will achieve UMW Toyota’s target of 600 units a month for 2008. The new SUV-like lines and overall shape will appeal to many, and the ones who buy will be the ones willing to pay that little premium over the price of an Avanza. In the end, it is still a Toyota, and comes with the reassuring Toyota reliability.

Source : http://www.autoworld.com.my/