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/

13 Hot Tips For Buying A New Car

1. What is your budget/how much do you intend to spend?

To us, this should be the No.1 checklist question that should be answered honestly by you. Stick to a budget that you’re really comfortable with, because there are many who fall prey to the low monthly payment promises that often gets unsuspecting new car buyers in way over their heads. Also when you’re doing your budget for this, make sure to include your monthly and/or annual - finance charges, interests, road tax, insurance, and everything else that you will need to spend to own and drive the car.
Once you’ve settled on that right figure, you can further narrow down the potential new cars on your list.

2. Should I get a Local branded car or should I get an Imported model? How important is this and will it make a difference?

3. Should I get a Large/Medium/Small sized car? What is my actual need?

4. Should I get a car that can carry cargo? Is this totally a family car or would it be used for both, work and home?

5. Should I get a car that hits 100mph in 60 secs? Is this very important to me - performance & power?

6. What is the petrol consumption for this car? How much of mileage will I get from a full tank? Will this ultimately cost me a bomb?

7. Are parts easily available for this model? Are they costly? How much is a routine service package going for on this model?

8. Does all the technical specifications and safety aspects like - BA, air-bags, crash-tests, stability control, ABS, etc) look acceptable to me? Would I need additional fittings later on?

9. Should I get a car that has front-wheel drive, full time 4×4, rear-wheel drive, etc? Is this highly needed?

10. What is the warranty package for this car? Does it cover parts and labour? Do they give any extensions?

11. What is the trade-in/resale value for this car in the future? Will this brand hold its value better than others in the market?

12. What is current promotion offered, if any? Are there any added benefits to me if I were to trade-in my old car?

13. How long is the delivery period, once an order is placed? Is the delivery time important for me in making a decision?

New Honda City

The new Honda City is probably the most successful model marketed by Honda in the ASEAN region.

The best part of the new City VTEC is the L15A VTEC engine. This is a 16V SOHC version of the L15A engine. It is rated for 110ps and has 4 extra valves and is equipped with VTEC, using the standard 1 spark-plug per cylinder.

The City’s cabin has been designed to maximize space and there really is a lot of space inside it. The City VTEC is really very comfortable - plush and comfortable, loads of legroom and headroom. Yet the City VTEC is not perfect. On the highway, at medium to high speeds, a slight amount of wind noise can be heard inside the City’s cabin. Simple, ergonomic controls, uncluttered dashboard layout, an adjustable steering wheel, easy to read instruments make everyday life with this car as hassle-free as possible.

The engine’s selling point is its Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control mechanism. This increases the combustion efficiency and enhances the power delivery characteristics.

The City VTEC is equipped with a very slick five-speed gearbox which transfers its 101PS to the front wheels. The City VTEC won’t provide astounding performance though since it has a kerb weight of 1065 kilos, which can be hauled by the 101PS only to a limited extent. The City VTEC goes from zero to 60km/h in 5.46 seconds, from zero to 100km/h in 11.52 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 185km/h. Since it has a light clutch, really smooth gearbox and a tractable engine, driving the City VTEC over long distances leaves you relaxed and comfortable. The car also averages a very economic 17kmpl, so there is a nice mix of performance and fuel efficiency.

The City VTEC’s suspension system employs McPherson struts at front and H-type torsion beam suspension at the rear. Spring and damper rates have been tweaked and have been firmed up at both front and rear. Since it has 14-inch wheels running on 175/65 rubber, road holding is quite adequate. The VTEC gets disc brakes both in the front as well as in the rear.

The City VTEC’s weight to power ratio is better than any other car in its class. The 16 valve MPFI engine provides 100 bhp in the 1.5 litre engine model and 90 bhp for the 1.3 litre engine. Other features include internally adjustable rear view mirrors; rear centre armrest, body colour bumpers, remote fuel cap release, remote hood release, childproof rear door locks, trunk light, driver’s tray and pocket, intermittent wipers with mist plus optional alloy wheels are available as well.

Proton Gen-2

Perusahaan Otomobile Nasional Berhad, or PROTON, was incorporated on the 7th May 1983. Proton made a major step in upgrading its engineering capabilities when it acquired a share in Lotus Group International in October 1996 - this stake was increased to a 100% share in 2003.

The Proton GEN-2 as a replacement for the Proton Wira.

The GEN-2 is a 5-door hatchback which has been developed in conjunction with the Norfolk based sports car manufacturer Lotus.

A review on Perodua VIVA

By AUDREY EDWARDS

audee@thestar.com.my

There were definitely pangs of sadness when Sophie - my faithful Perodua Kelisa - and I parted more than a year back.

Although I did not shed any tears, the thought of ending a four-year relationship still leaves me sad.

Especially when I think of all the good and bad times we went through together before I sold her off.

Bad included the many bangs that she endured in the time I owned her and good was when she brought me everywhere in great time.

Sophie was one good car to zip around city streets and highways on.

Yes, I was laughed at many times when I gushed about Sophie (’it’s only a Kelisa’ was the main comeback line from friends) but to me, she was comfortable enough to bring places.

Whether it was a short drive to pick friends up or going all the way to Johor Baru for an assignment, she was always up to the task.

Besides, of course, the joys of parking her easily in cramped spaces.

And yes, it could fit five adults and one child. Whether it was comfortable or not, it always kept mom quiet about the air-conditioning.

Besides, the baby was a fuel sipper. An important point in this day and age when prices are up.

And now, Perodua has gone one step forward. My dear Sophie is being replaced with the Viva by the powers that be at the manufacturers known to churn out compact and affordable cars.

So, I was naturally very excited when given the chance to check out the new Perodua model.

The Perodua brand has been a mainstay in my family seeing how my parents have Jack (that’s the Kancil) and now there is Ding-Ding (that would be my few months old Myvi).

Now, while Sophie had me feeling wicked and mischievous most of the times I drove her, Ding-Ding somehow has me subconsciously driving at a slightly slower pace.

Plus, it does not help that my new car simply cannot rev it up the way the old Kelisa could.
Anyway, it was the 1,000cc auto version of the Viva that I got acquainted with.

At first glance, the Viva clearly has the Myvi DNA but as Peroduas go, this is more like the diet version of that car.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. As with all things that are smaller, it sips less fuel.

But what I felt, I liked. It was zippy and brought out the impish glee I felt every time I drove my old Kelisa.

And it felt more stable and assured, even at speeds of 130kph.


more review from

New Corolla Altis, 10th Generation

It’s been a busy weekend for the people at UMW Toyota, but nevertheless I’m pretty sure no one there is complaining, why would they anyway, as the car which the entire market has been waiting in anticipation for, the 10th Generation - all New Toyota Corolla Altis (301L), has finally reached our shores! This particular model will be sold as a CBU - from Thailand.

The earlier local assembled generation Corolla Altis 1.8 was without a doubt, a market leader from 2001 - 2005, doing on average of 33% market share and after selling a whopping 32,000 units since its first release back in 2001, the all New Corolla Altis is now back and is all set in Raising The Standards.

One look at the exterior of the all New Corolla Altis and you will immediately notice its lower and wider body characteristics present. This we know for a fact, provides a sense of increased stability and presents the overall vehicle with a more bold and advanced look - if shape is an issue for you.

Points such as - Sweep Cut Pillars and Deeply Contoured Design defines the uniqueness of the all New Corolla Altis. We at Car Crazy, find the exterior of the Corolla Altis to be :

• Beautiful, natural form, created with smooth flowing lines from front to rear .
• Simple, yet intricate appearance with blending sweep cuts.

Inside, the interior of the all New Corolla Altis is no short of class, where one can indulge in its plush and modern design with flowing curve elements. The interior also has a spacious cabin that will give both driver and passenger a more comfortable ride and the feel of luxury ever so present. The wide and spacious interior cabin is evident due to the fact of the smaller engine room allotted. Furthermore, the front and rear pillars for the all New Corolla Altis have been moved outward for a balanced design, thus giving more space.

Let’s look at some dimension comparisons below, as we discuss further regarding its exterior and interior aspects :

EXTERIOR

Length (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 4,540 / CIVIC @ 4,540 / Previous Altis @ 4,530 (-10)

Width (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,760 / CIVIC @ 1,755 (-5) / Previous Altis @ 1,705 (-55)

Height (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,465 / CIVIC @ 1,435 (-30) / Previous Altis @ 1,480 (+15)

INTERIOR
Length (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,810 / CIVIC @ 1,890 (+80)/Previous Altis @ 1,850 (+40)

Width (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,420 / CIVIC @ 1,380 (-40)/Previous Altis @ 1,380 (-40)

Height (mm) : New Corolla Altis @ 1,200 / CIVIC @ 1,165 (-35)/Previous Altis @ 1,230 (+30)

We are quite sure that Toyota is on the right track, as they progress towards implementing positive image changes, with the launch of this 10th Generation Corolla Altis - creating a personality of its own.

Looking at the projection given by the Malaysian Automobile Association this year for the Malaysian car industry, it seems that the total vehicle sales will be between 480,000 and 510,000 units, and with the launch of the all New Corolla Altis, Toyota Motor will surely make a run ahead in its quest to better its 17.1% overall market share held from last year, to ultimately a sales growth better than the industry average!

So don’t forget to join us for Part II, as we continue our review of the all New Toyota Corolla Altis - 10th Generation model. But, if you’ve made up your mind and wanna head straight to the nearest UMW Toyota showroom around, and to make sure that this car will be in your car porch in a blink-of-an-eye, here’s a little help on working out your budget :

THE PRICE LIST (Individual Private - OTR) * All prices are Inclusive of Toyota Solar and Security Film

Altis 1.6 E (A) = RM102,900
Altis 1.8 E (A) = RM109,900
Altis 1.8 E (A) Sporty = RM112,250
Altis 1.8 G (A) = RM117,900
Altis 1.8 G (A) Sporty = RM120,250

* Peninsular Malaysia Prices

Source : cars.gidblog.com

Hyundai Matrix - 2009

Hyundai has given its Hyundai Matrix a facelift for the 2009 model year and the mini-MPV now features Hyundai’s new corporate nose, similiar to the one on the new generation Hyundai i30. There are minimal changes on the rear.

Three engine choices are available - a 103 PS 1.6 liter from the Alpha family of engines, a 128 PS 1.8 liter from the Beta family of engines, and a 1.5 liter CRDi turbodiesel putting out 110 PS. The Malaysian Inokom Matrix is only available with the petrol engines.

Naza Citra

If you are looking into buying a Kia Citra, here is some review for you. This review was from one of my cousin who has been driving this car for sometime, thanks to him!
I will rate this a 6 to 7 out of 10. Keep in mind that this is a MPV. The car is heavy and consumption is high for town driving and highway driving above speeds of 120 kph, so dont speed!

Will i recommend this car?

Definately i will recommend it to others but it depends on your budget for a MPV. Mind you this is the cheapest 2.0 litre MPV that is available in the market. If you are tight on budget and looking for an MPV, this is a very good choice as it also comes with a very easy payment scheme from local banks. If you have more money to spare than go get a Toyota Estima!

Any issue to be noticed?

So far only problem was with the radiator which Naza recalled and replaced it for free.

Service?

Service is not a issue at all, there are so many KIA service stations and also authorised service workshops all around Malaysia. All you need is to book your service schedule and send in your car. Every 10,000 km will have it’s own standard items that they will change. Any further complaints can be highlighted. Cool ha?

Monthly Cost?

Cost of service and spare parts is slightly high but manageable. They use Petronas Synthium 5000 (fully synthethic) engine oil.
So if you are thinking of buying this car, i would say go all out and buy it today!

Varsity develops wastes to hydrogen converter

By STEPHEN THEN

MIRI: A technology to convert agriculture waste, such as padi husks and oil-palm leftovers, into hydrogen gas-fuel has been successfully devised in Sarawak and is believed to be the first locally developed technology.

This breakthrough was the result of an intensive joint-venture research carried out by the state government together with Australian scientists and biofuel experts from Curtin University of Technology Australia at the university’s branch campus in Miri City.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said yesterday the success was a milestone

“This is a very important achievement for the future of our bio-fuel industry. It means that we now have the technology to convert unwanted bio-mass and agriculture wastes like oil-palm husks and padi husks into fuel-gas such as hydrogen.

“The hydrogen will be used as an alternative to diesel fuel to power industries like oil-palm processing plants.

“This is going to enable us to greatly reduce our dependence on fossil fuel like diesel. It will help save us a lot of money as the cost of fossil fuel has greatly increased.

“This is also a big step forward in terms of finding alternative fuel to power our rural regions. If we can set up similar projects in the rural regions, we will be able to power rural settlements and rural industries using an extremely environment-friendly source of fuel,” he said.
A pilot plant for converting these unwanted bio-mass into hydrogen fuel has been set up inside Curtin Sarawak’s premises, located some 35kms north of the city, he said after a meeting with Sarawak Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Development and Communications Lee Kim Shin, Curtin vice-chancellor Prof Lance Twomey and other Curtin directors.
Prof Twomey said the pioneer project was an excellent example of good government-private sector partnership.

“The pilot plant was set up using Curtin’s own technology and design. This research on bio-fuel is part of our continuous effort to explore new grounds in engineering and science-technology.

“We had to bring in top researchers and experts in the field from Australia.

“It was an expensive route that Curtin Sarawak has taken but the development has been superb,” he said.

2008 Honda Civic

Introduction

In 1973, Honda introduced the Civic to American shores. Small, fuel-efficient and reliable, the Civic was an ideal small car solution to rising gas prices and increased environmental awareness. Now, 35 years later, Americans are faced with similar issues, and again the Civic stands at the ready.

Of course, history hasn't quite repeated itself. The 2008 Honda Civic is considerably heavier and more luxurious than its pint-sized forbear. It's not even the company's smallest car anymore -- that role is handled by the Fit. But for the average small car shopper, the Civic remains the quintessential choice. We're quite fond of the current-generation Civic -- it was last redesigned in 2006 -- and it's one of America's best-selling cars.

There are plenty of reasons to choose the Civic. First among them is the car's wide array of configurations. The Civic is one of the few small car offerings to be sold as a sedan and a sportier-looking coupe. A fixed, minimal-options trim level architecture, ranging from the budget-oriented DX to the top-level EX, makes picking a Civic a relatively straightforward affair.

There are also the specialized Civic Si, Hybrid and GX models. In Si trim, the Civic is one of the most sporting small cars available for the money, while the Hybrid, thanks to its gasoline/electric powertrain, can deliver 40-plus mpg in real-world driving. The Civic GX is truly an oddity -- it runs on natural gas and can be fueled at home via a special "Phill" hook-up. The GX is the most expensive Civic, but in return it's America's cleanest mass-production car in terms of tailpipe emissions.

A new addition this year is the Honda Civic Mugen Si sedan. Built on the foundation of the Civic Si sedan and tuned by the prestigious racing and aftermarket performance company Mugen, this model comes with a track-tuned suspension, 18-inch forged alloy lightweight wheels with special tires, a full aerodynamic body kit with an adjustable rear wing spoiler, a rear diffuser and a sport-tuned exhaust system. Only 1,000 of these models will be sold, and they're priced in the very un-Civic-like territory of $30,000.

No matter what the trim, the Civic's traditional strengths in comfort, interior design and safety are all still firmly intact. The Civic also holds its value better than many other small cars and has a reputation for above-average reliability. Though we suggest doing a bit of comparison shopping -- the sporty Mazda 3, affordable Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Rabbit/Jetta are also very good choices -- the 2008 Honda Civic remains an ideal pick for a small sedan or coupe.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2008 Honda Civic is a small car available as a sedan or coupe. For both, there are five main trim levels: DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. On the Civic sedan, Honda also offers the Hybrid, the GX and the Mugen Si. The DX is meant for those on a tight budget and offers little more than power windows, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver seat. The more popular midgrade LX comes with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary audio jack.

Going with a Civic EX gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, six-speaker audio with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 60/40-split rear seatback with a rear armrest. This year's new Civic EX-L comes with leather upholstery and heated front seats. The Civic Si has most of the EX's features plus a high-output engine, sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, a premium audio system and special interior trim. High-performance summer tires are an option for the Si, and a navigation system is offered for the Si and EX/EX-L models. Hybrid models are equipped similarly to the EX and have automatic climate control and optional navigation. The GX has a feature list similar to the LX's.

The limited-production Civic Mugen Si sedan has a track-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels with more aggressive tires, performance exhaust and a specialized exterior body kit.

Powertrains and Performance

Civic DX, LX and EX models are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent through the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. The GX also has a 1.8-liter engine, but it's fueled by clean-burning compressed natural gas and makes 113 hp. It only has a cruising range of 200 miles, but with Honda's Phill device, you can refuel from the comfort of your own garage. For the Civic Si, Honda installs a 197-hp 2.0-liter engine and an exclusive six-speed manual transmission with a performance-enhancing limited-slip front differential.

The gasoline-fueled 1.8-liter engine delivers above-average fuel economy for the small car class; 2008 EPA estimates are 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for an automatic-equipped Civic. The GX posts 24/36 numbers. The Hybrid, meanwhile, uses a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain to maximize fuel economy. Its 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine is paired to the latest version of Honda's IMA technology and a continuously variable transmission to deliver 110 hp and 40/45 mpg ratings.

Safety

All Civics come with front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Antilock brakes are also standard; EX and Si models have four-wheel discs, while the rest have rear drums. Stability control is an exclusive standard feature on the Si trim only. In government crash testing, the 2008 Honda Civic earned a perfect five stars for its protection of occupants in frontal impacts. Side-impact tests resulted in a four-star rating for front passengers and five stars for rear passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Civic its top rating of "Good" for the car's performance in frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Civic's dash features an unusual layout. An analog tachometer is in the traditional location but the digital speedometer and gas gauge are at the base of the windshield. Though some drivers find the two-tier display distracting, others say it makes quick visual checks of speed easier. Otherwise, the Honda Civic continues to be one of the best small cars in terms of room, interior storage and refinement. Its controls are easy to operate and materials are of high quality. Regular Civic sedans have 12 cubic feet of trunk space; this drops to about 10 for the Hybrid and 6 for the GX due to the space taken up by the hardware of their respective powertrains.

Driving Impressions

The 2008 Honda Civic's suspension, steering and brakes all work together seamlessly, and even the mainstream models can be described as being somewhat sporty to drive. The Civic Hybrid and natural-gas GX are unfortunately a bit slow, but neither model is meant for supreme acceleration anyway. That task is taken up by the Civic Si. Possessing nimble handling and a delightfully fizzy engine, the Si is one of the few cars available in any price range that makes you want to drive it just for the sake of driving.

Proton Pesona

A new Malaysian flagship is being prepared for action in Australia next year.

The Proton Persona sedan, unveiled in Kuala Lumpur, is locked into a role here next year at the top of the local range.

It will slide in above the Gen.2 hatchback, which provides the Persona's mechanical and body package.

But there are more improvements in the newcomer, which is expected to create about 20 per cent more sales for the company and improve customer satisfaction.

“We have addressed concerns of customers in Australia,” Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says. “It's a fantastic car. It's very encouraging.”

The changes include a new dashboard with a glovebox, something missing from the Gen.2, and better seats with more headroom.

“Basically, it has an all-new interior. There is a new console, cupholders in the rear and the electric-window switches have been moved. It's a big change from the Gen.2,” Startari says.
Proton has been overwhelmed in Malaysia, with more than 10,000 advance orders, and this has pushed the start of local sales back to next year, he says.

“We will launch the Persona at the Melbourne Motor Show in February,” Startari says.
This is not the first time Proton has had a Persona in Australia, the car was also sold as the Wira, but it is a big change in direction.

The previous model was over-priced and underdone, but Proton knows it must do better this time.

That means two models, with a starting price that should be in the low-to-mid $20,000 range.
Standard equipment is expected to include twin airbags, anti-skid brakes, airconditioning, electric windows and parking radar.

“The price will be somewhere around the present Gen.2,” Startari says.

“The Persona will give us an extra 600 cars a year. It will be our flagship and help us improve on this year's target of 3200 sales,” he says.

That should easily better the result of the Gen.2, which has struggled here after early quality problems.

Scientist claims to have cracked water-fuel secret

JOHOR BARU: A car that runs on water and petrol? That would be a breakthrough technology in these times of escalating fuel prices. And one man says it can be done.

Dr Halim Mohd Ali, 40, claims he can reduce fuel consumption by half with the Hydrogen Fuel Technology (HFT) or hydroxene.

Dr Halim, director of Hydrogen Fuel Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, said hydroxene uses water as a complementary fuel.

Water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen through high compression nano-technology before being pumped into the fuel line, he said.

“The new fuel mixture of petrol or diesel, hydrogen and oxygen is then injected into the engine where combustion takes place,” he said at the launch of hybrid cars by LM Star Autoworld Sdn Bhd here.

Dr Halim, who has a research centre in Putrajaya, said that he first patented hydroxene four years ago and would be re-filing the patent in the next two months.

He said that although he has received offers to sell the technology, some offers amounting to US$26mil (RM95.7mil), he had no intention of letting foreign parties get hold of it.
As simple as it sounds, Dr Halim is quick to add that the technology is difficult to copy, as it has a “secret recipe” which very few people know about.

“There are only 12 people in the world who know how hydroxene works and even then they only know 70% of the technology,” he said, adding that the core aspects of the technology remained with him.

Dr Halim, who has a doctorate in Physics from Birmingham University, said over RM12mil had been spent on hydroxene research and development in the last four years.

About 40% of the funding came from overseas, including Europe and the United States.
Dr Halim said the technology had been tested on some 200 Proton cars, as well as on a vehicle used by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Source : The Star

New Toyota Vios J Spec Manual and Auto

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has added the new Toyota Vios 1.5J to their model range. The new Toyota Vios 1.5J comes with both a manual and automatic transmission and costs RM69,800.00 or RM73,500.00 respectively, OTR with insurance.

Mechanically, the Vios J spec is similiar to its higher spec brethren, featuring the same 109 PS 1.5 liter VVT-i engine mated to a 4-speed Super ECT gearbox. As for equipment levels, it comes with 14 inch steel wheels wrapped with 175/65R14 tyres, manual wing mirrors, a bumper with no foglamps, dark grey fabric seats, a 1-DIN CD player, 4 speakers, and power windows for all four doors.

There are no SRS airbags in this car, but the anti-lock brakes and EBD remain, with ventilated disc brake at the front and drum brakes at the rear. For those who are interested, the 5-speed manual gearbox’s ratios are: 1st: 3.525, 2nd: 1.904, 3rd: 1.310, 4th: 0.969, 5th: 0.815, reverse: 3.250.

UMW Toyota Motor is also currently running a Merdeka Meriah promo for the Vios from the 1st of July until the 31st of August 2008 where buyers will get a downpayment rebate or a petrol card.

Toyota Vios 1.5J (Manual) - RM69,800.00

Toyota Vios 1.5J (Auto) - RM73,500.00

Proton Saga RED Concept

Here are some photos of the Proton Saga “RED” Concept by Proton Design, which will let some of you soon to be new Proton Saga owners know what modifications could be possible with the car’s aesthetics. Having a special kitted up version of each new model launch has been a tradition now, and I hope this continues.

The Proton Saga “RED” Concept features a nice metallic red paintwork, a black roof, nice light grey grill surrounds, and large wheels, complete with a minimal tyre to fender gap. The interior gets a two-tone black and grey design, with red door trim, red seats and a grey-red trimmed steering wheel.

Source : Paultan.org

Nissan Grand Livina 1.8 Automatic

Seven seater multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) is a popular segment of automobiles in Malaysia, more so the sub-RM100k ones. So much so, Malaysians seem to lap up practically all of the affordable MPV models being dished out to them.

This brings us to Nissan’s answer to Toyota’s low cost Avanza, and to a certain extent the Innova. However, unlike the Avanza, the Latio-based Grand Livina is more akin to the Honda Stream 1.8 and the Toyota Wish 2.0, possibly just a few inches shorter but returns some RM50k in spare change!

At the time of writing, the Nissan Grand Livina waiting period is an average 4 to 6 months down the road (depending upon variants), with 16,000 customers logged by Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) since launch in December last year.

So what makes the Grand Livina so desirable and worth waiting for? Ask any buyer out there the answers will invariably be its 7-seating capacity and its sub-100k pricing. The purposeful lower slung, sedan-like or more appropriately station wagon (SW) stance has enhanced its aesthetics appeal over its competitors.

Truth be told, the Livina’s dashboard is also better looking than the Latio’s, and better made (multi grade textured plastics et al) the other van-type budget MPVs out there. Though not a fan of fake wood inserts in a car’s cabin, Nissan’s non-glossy items are pretty convincing and somehow nicely accentuating the Grand Livina’s 1.8 interior.

In addition, utilising Latio’s monocoque platform did lend some credibility towards better ride pliancy, lower centre of gravity and therefore more responsive handling. Driving the Grand Livina is a light and easy affair, with the Renault-Nissan’s MR18DE a peppy little 4-pot paired with a feathery and responsive throttle. The MPV can breach highway speed limits easily, with cruising a calm and serene affair at triple digits speed.

On full load, the Grand Livina 1.8 did not disappoint with its load hauling ability. For figure heads (no pun intended) who are turned on by numbers, Nissan’s 1798cc block with CVTC churns out 126ps at 5,200rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Incidentally this is exactly the same engine specs as the Latio 1.8.

Though softly sprung, throwing this Nissan into corners is met with good confidence i.e. progressive roll and understeer as you become more ambitious around bends. Typical of any electric powered steering (EPS) system, the Livina’s rack is light and easy to manouvre, albeit a little vague at times. Braking is never an issue with its disc-drum combo for the front and rear axles respectively.

The leather seats are reasonably comfy for short drive (perhaps to destinations within an hour or so), with the arch for lumbar support a little lacking and the seat bottom a tad too flat. Passengers comfort may be compromised on those long interstate jaunts. There are also no ISOFIX points for child seats at the 2nd row.

Source : Paultan.org

Run Your Car on Half Water, Half Gas - Save Fuel Costs!

By Jay Blouin

With the fuel prices going out of this world, it makes me hate filling up, especially when it takes nearly 26 gallons to fill up my truck. It used to cost me over $100 to fill up each and every time! It's completely and utterly ridiculous! No one in there right mind should have to pay those prices that we're being charged. But with the gas prices continuing to rise and with no end in sight we have to look for a solution.

What about the concept of running your vehicle on water & gas? You may ask yourself is it actually possible to run your car, truck, or SUV off a combination of both gas and water? Running a vehicle 'COMPLETELY' off water is impossible, but with the mix of gasoline and water it is completely possible.

The "Half Water Half Gas" Guide, explains exactly what you need in order to run your car off water and gasoline. Inside the guide you will find step by step instructions with full diagrams to help you build the system. All the parts can even be found at your local hardware store. It can be totally assembled in very little time and with very little money. Besides saving a boat load of money on fuel costs, you also are promoting a nice, clean environment. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the system I have in my truck is cutting my fuel costs by 62%. On average with this system installed in your vehicle, you are able to cut fuel costs anywhere between 50% to 60%. That's huge isn't it?