http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wekaZaExvmY/SNAkdBlbz3I/AAAAAAAAAkI/taq2ogYAY3Q/s320/ProtonMPV2.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wekaZaExvmY/SNAkglxHKGI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/KKruQnRvC1o/s320/ProtonMPV3.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wekaZaExvmY/SNAkZvfVmtI/AAAAAAAAAkA/IohcnuXmNBM/s320/protonmpv1.jpg

this is awful
______________________________________

What is awful? IF u mean the forte,u have to be kidding becuase it’s stunning design wise and techincally.Check it on this respected blog or over the net.It is beautifully put together.My opinion and the opinion of hundreds of thousands of ppl buying KIA Motors products around the globe expcially in the middle east and europe.KIA is the worlds most growing manufactuer.I hope with PROTON’s new management and plans they would become let’s say in the TOP 15 ranks.I know there is now TOP 15.Only TOP 10 & TOP 5 but if production reaches 600000 by 2010 and 800000 by 2012 accompanied by like 20000 of lotus vehciles every year starting 2012.It will make it a worthy competitor in ASEAN,Middle east and Europe.I see North America is shifting to cheaper more compact makes so Proton got a chance,small chance cus U.S.A is collapsing economically and the market is over saturated.The hope is in ASEAN,INDIA,CHINA,BRAZIL,RUSSIA,MIDDLE EAST(ARAB WORLD-22 countires).Good luck.THE MPV IS ultimate move for your national automaker.days will tell.

HOPE THIS HELPS!!!

One more thing la Tokmoh…I don’t think most the cars that I suggested is pure performance class and none are comfortable especially all the brand new models that I suggested. If you want to say that the recon is more gear to performance…then that’s true la but still I’ve driven the BMW 3 series, Mazda RX8 accept the Mini Cooper and these cars are well comfort to be driven long distance. Still, thanks for the Ford Focus suggestion though…hope Alvin take that as a consideration too!

Hey, thanks man for the Ford Focus suggestion! Ya la, I’m totally forgot about it. Yup, it is another well built car that Alvin should consider to purchase especially it is more reliable than some of the French and Italian made! Thanks a lot tokmoh. Happy motoring!

You’re missing another grossly underrated car: Ford Focus.

alvin_chan88 sounds like he’s goin for a Continental car, well, the Focus is (it’s built with German engineering n European styling). It is one of Britain’s best-seller, that speaks for itself of how great this car is.

Even Jeremy Clarkson used to own a Focus 1st generation (the ones sold now is 2nd generation) n he once quoted that for 7 years of owning it, it is simply the most dependable car he’s ever owned. Reliability-wise then, it can put even the Japs into shame. The great news is, the 2nd generation is improved in almost every aspect.

The problem with most of the cars u suggested is……they’re geared for performance, not comfort. The Focus has a reputation of being the best handling car in its class, but its not as hardcore as those models, hey, it’s built to be used on a day-to-day basis. It certainly can take corners or riding speedbumps or bracing through rough roads with potholes (common in Msia) better than any Japmobile.

It is CBU, so u can be assured of its quality. If you’ve been reading this blog for a loooong time, u’ll notice in the past that occasionally, there are Ford Focus owners who comment that they have absolutely no regret purchasing it, n lament how underrated this car is. Trust me, the Focus, may seem too good to be true, well, it is. It’s just that Msians are too kiasu to buy anything else aside from boring Japmobile. I’d say screw 2nd hand value, bcuz trust me, the Ford Focus is a car so good you wouldn’t want to sell. The pleasure of driving it is unparallel, coupled with spacious cabin n boot space, it makes a practical car to fulfill all ur shopping needs n baggage for a family trip, n the best news? It’s value for money, the 1.8L saloon costs rm113,922.90, which is cheaper than Altis 1.8G, Civic 1.8 (ok lah, actually Civic is cheaper by rm122.90, but do remember Civic is CKD, n I’ve heard lots of nasty QC problems with Civic, so in a sense, Focus is more value for money compared to Civic), all Mazda3 variants, Mitsu Lancer, n God knows what other car. It also comes with 2.0 hatchback variant for RM124k, which is also very competitive for a non-national car with 2.0L engine, but even if its a hatchback, it still has a spacious boot.

Did I also mention it has 5-star Euro NCAP crash test like the Peug 407? This is a car I’ve always mention when I’m arguing with someone who think Msian govt doesn’t value safety bcuz Japanese cars, which they think are very safe cars are friggin expensive, but what you have here is something that’s cheaper than most of the Japmobile, n a lot safer. I mean, Euro NCAP is the world’s toughest crash test, to get a maximum 5-star rating is to be given the best assurance in safety as far as the car is concerned.

This time I’ve to agreed with szw on mostly what he/she said. I’ve been testing the CBU Peugeot 407 even before NAZA decided to assemble it locally. It is one of those vehicle like szw said was truly built for long distance drive as it was absolutely comfortable being in it…seriously comfortable! Still, there’s so much cons than the pros dude. Again, I think you should take szw advise regarding the Peugeot 407 high maintainence, high spare part price (maybe during the CBU models), low resale value and most importantly on it’s RELIABILITY which most French cars are suffers from. To make thing worst I used to had a very BAD experience with a NAZA’s assembly cars! I’ve made my choice to NEVER purchase any CKD cars by NAZA, that’s all. I also know the specs and features that NAZA have been throwing in it that makes it’s so darn attractive to resist. Let’s not forgetting the price…hmm…nice… RM133,888 for the CKD high specs.

Now we come to the issue of DREAM CARS,

Alvin, if this is DEFINITELY your dream car, then by all means…stop listen to anyone advise and just BUY IT! It’s your freaking money, your taste, your own rights and most importantly your dream and desire. But bare with it that any problem that occur during ownership should be carry by you and you certainly can’t complain about it! Why? Because when you actually decide on what is your dream car, all of these matters should be thrown right out the window since the MOST important part is…OWNING it! Any people which eventually manage to buy their dream cars, they should never and I really mean it, NEVER concern about fuel consumption la, reliability issue la, practicality la, getting spare parts la and whatever la la la later! Owning a dream cars is all about PASSION towards the car no matter what it takes including burning a deep hole in your pocket. So Alvin, make sure you read and learn more about your dream car bro!

What would I do if I had RM135,000 or so?

Alvin, if I were single, has that kind or money to spend, have a knack for performance and looks…I’ll look at these choices bro,

Brand New Models:

1) Mazda 6 2.0 (CBU) – It just looks more handsome than the Peugeot 407 but the price is…sigh…you need extra 10 grand to spend!

2) Mazda 3 2.0 Hatchback (CBU) – One of the best looking hatchback. Nice interior, well built. Price only at RM125,000.00 so you have extra 10 grand to spend elsewhere. Still, the auto gearbox lost to the Suzuki Swift Premier smoothness which I have test drive them both!

3) Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 (CBU) – A well known name with reliability. Plus, spare parts comes easily. Oh! Let’s not forget, you could customize it to even look like the Evo X!

4) Suzuki SX4 Hatchback 1.6 (CBU) – You will be suprised on how well this car is built and the drivetrain. A very well value for money. Oh! Please, never buy the sedan version coz it’s simply ugly! It’s also cost at very attractive price of RM94,377.50 OTR with insurance if you wish to add leather seats and V-Kool tinting.

5) Honda Jazz 1.5L i-VTEC (CBU) – You might ask why I never include the Accord and the Civic? It’s too much on the road already…hahaha! Still, buying the new Jazz is like shouting to all the chicks…Hey! Look at me…I’m well stable in financial and I’ve money to spend (RM 110,000) on a merely 1.5 premium hatchback! Nonetheless, I’ve drop by the showroom to look at the car upclose and it’s far better than the previous model.

6) VW Polo GTI 1.8 Turbo (CBU) – Poor’s man Golf GTI. Best of all, it comes manual! It produces 150 horsepower at 5,800rpm and a 220Nm of torque peaking at a low 1,950rpm. Nought to 100 sprint takes 8.2 seconds. Price are slightly over the range at RM139,960 without insurance. Reliability are also well known.

7) Impul Nissan Latio Sport 1.6 ST-L (CKD) – Buying these will give you more extra cash to spend (around RM25,000). It’s also more better looking compare to the standard version. Still, it’s HR16DE engine that makes 110hp at 6,000rpm, and 153Nm at 4,000rpm is nothing to shout about.

Recon cars:

1) BMW 318 2.0 Ci (2002-2003) – Hey! You got to drive and own the ‘bagde’! Plus, it’s sporty and there’s tons of spare parts flooded our shore. Not to mention if you properly customize this car, drop in a supercharger, paint the whole car with matte black paint, shod a 18″ or 19″ DPE deep dish rims…wooo…it sure a head turner!

2) Toyota Celica SSII 1.8 VVTL-i (2002) – I currently own one and damn! money well spend. A joy to own and drive in one. Never buy the auto version as it will rob most of it’s performance! Accurately it has a 182 BHP and takes 7.2 seconds from 0-100 km/h.

3) Honda Integra Type R 2.0 (2003-2005) – Celica foe since both are FWD, NA and producing more HP above their cc without any force induction. Since the Integra have more advantage over the Celica since it has extra 200cc thus making a 220 BHP, it also has more aftermarket parts in Malaysia to improve it compare to the Celica. Please note that only the 2003 model are a bargain since it price around RM139,000.

4) Mazda RX8 1.3 Rotary (2003-2005) – This is one car you should consider to own (or dream) despite it’s a fuel guzzler! For most the 2003 models, you may had only to pay between RM120,000-RM135,000. To make things interesting is the road tax which you only pay not more than RM80.00 if I’m not mistaken. It also practical with it’s four doors! It’s one of the great sports cars to drive. Bare in mind, to look for a good condition RX8 is a bit of a hassle! When you test drive it, makes sure it revs more than 9,000 rpm since that’s is it specialty. Any RX8 which had the difficulty to revs above that, walk away since it’s rotary might have problem already! Plus, lots of people doesn’t know how to take care of the rotary engine properly. The downside of owning the car is the maintenance…you ALWAYS need to refill the engine oil every 3,000km and then the next 2,000km you already need to service it. This is to protect the rotary last longer!

5) Mini Cooper 1.6 (2003) – What can I say…it’s a chick magnet too! Spare parts a lot as well as the aftermarket parts. Price…between RM120,000-RM138,000 for this year model. Remember, it’s not the Cooper S so don’t go around and expect it to head to head with the GTI. Don’t forget…you drive a brand!

6) Nissan Silvia S15 2.0 SPEC-R (2003) – One of the most handsome sports car I’ve ever see. Price is around RM130,000. It also one of the best platform for you to play around with lots of aftermarket parts to back it up.

7) Nissan Skyline 2.5 GTT (2002-2003) – A Skyline is always a Skyline! Even though you may own the smaller bro with it’s 2.5 cc Neo engine with single turbo…it still pack a punch with 250 BHP! Price is not more than RM140,000. Oh! You’ll be the envy of all guys! How about that huh?

There’s the ‘little’ help I could give you or advise, Alvin. Be extra careful if you actually did change your mind to purchase any recon cars dude. Bring a mechanic friend if you know one! Most important, you know yourself well than anybody…so you should know what you want in your dream car.

Cheers and I do hope you will own your dream car with problem free one day!

Proton i.Mover
The Intelligent People Mover.

P.S.—>I live in Egypt btw and I’m a big fan of this brand as a brand and what it symbolized despite of the negatives.If M Gov. gives this company total freedom with minimal protection like 5 % tax on imported goods from Asean and just 15% on Overseas.also; let the company choose it’s suppliers without favors and control.U will c a giant born.ANYWAY.Some mistakes of this company that it doesn’t develop left handed as quick enough and like the facelifted Waja was just launched in Egypt although Egyptians like to buy PROTON and Persona not yet and even facelifted Gen2 not yet no Savvy.JUST OLD GEN2 and NEW WAJA with 110hp old campro.That is the problem in export markets.AT THE TIME THEY BEGIN TO SHIP THE PERSONA AND WAJA THEY WILL BE OLD AND NOT VALUABLE.FOR EX,PICANTO SELLS LIKE MCDONALDS IN EGYPT EVEN THOUGH THE SAVVY IS BETTER.but the savvy isn’t sold in egypt.some feedback please

alvin_chan88,

Dude, using a fully synthetic oil has it’s pros and cons bro. Here are some of it :

Pros:
-It flows easier in cold weather, therefore no loss of prime when the oil is cold. Also, it is highly resistant to viscosity breakdown (the ability of the oil to flow easily in all temps) from heat, friction, chemical contaminants.

-Longer change intervals: 5,000 – 7,000 milage between oil changes (compared to 3,000 – 4,000 for regular oil).

-The engine will last longer because its so slippery, synthetic makes for less engine wear and thus greater engine longevity.

Cons:

-Cost is twice as much as conventional oil per quart (expensive like hell). I in fact using a Motul 300V POWER 5W-40 for my Celica which cost me RM165 for just 2 litre of it. Now imagine that I need to purchase at least 3 bottles since my engine need at least 4.5-5 litre. However it lasts longer, so the actual cost increase is closer to 50 – 60 percent.

-Flows easily, therefore not recommend for use on HIGH MILAGE engines; nor do I would recommend using it in on NEW ENGINES during the break-in period because it is so slippery and dramatically limits the wearing of new mating parts within the engine. This initial wearing of parts is what makes for proper engine break-in, sealing of piston rings, mating of camshafts and lifters, etc.

Oh ya Alvin, my dream car is only available through the grey importer thus it’s sure gonna have some wear and tear. Believe me that when you actually purchase any re-con cars, just make sure you have at least 10-15 grand aside to spare for fixing any wear and tear that might show up later! Learn from experience bro…cheers!

__________________________________________________________________________
Torque:
Thanks for your advice. I would like to ask you for 1 more favour, which is I am intending to buy my dream car too… A Peugeot 407. Since it is my 1st time encountering with a French car, So are there anything that I should be aware off and are there anymore things that I have to do to take care of the care IF I have the opportunity to have 1? Whatabout you all guys? Can help me? I wouldn’t want to make another wrongful decision again… Sorry Paul, I used your website to seek advice.

That’s a rather fair comments! And I agree with you and the rest that if Proton do decide to release Dato SZA in favour of the selfish vendor/cronies, Proton or should I say the ‘top people’ just prove themselves nothing more than a dumb@$$!

Dude, using a fully synthetic oil has it’s pros and cons bro. Here are some of it :

Pros:
-It flows easier in cold weather, therefore no loss of prime when the oil is cold. Also, it is highly resistant to viscosity breakdown (the ability of the oil to flow easily in all temps) from heat, friction, chemical contaminants.

-Longer change intervals: 5,000 – 7,000 milage between oil changes (compared to 3,000 – 4,000 for regular oil).

-The engine will last longer because its so slippery, synthetic makes for less engine wear and thus greater engine longevity.

Cons:

-Cost is twice as much as conventional oil per quart (expensive like hell). I in fact using a Motul 300V POWER 5W-40 for my Celica which cost me RM165 for just 2 litre of it. Now imagine that I need to purchase at least 3 bottles since my engine need at least 4.5-5 litre. However it lasts longer, so the actual cost increase is closer to 50 – 60 percent.

-Flows easily, therefore not recommend for use on HIGH MILAGE engines; nor do I would recommend using it in on NEW ENGINES during the break-in period because it is so slippery and dramatically limits the wearing of new mating parts within the engine. This initial wearing of parts is what makes for proper engine break-in, sealing of piston rings, mating of camshafts and lifters, etc.

Oh ya Alvin, my dream car is only available through the grey importer thus it’s sure gonna have some wear and tear. Believe me that when you actually purchase any re-con cars, just make sure you have at least 10-15 grand aside to spare for fixing any wear and tear that might show up later! Learn from experience bro…cheers!

I also hope that Syed Zainal Abidin will given renewal contract for at least another 5 years and more since currently we can see the positive sign in Proton. I will be mad if his contract can not be renewed.

Happy motoring and keep safe during on the road…. wherever you are.

Proton i.Mover
The Intelligent People Mover.

P.S.—>I live in Egypt btw and I’m a big fan of this brand as a brand and what it symbolized despite of the negatives.If M Gov. gives this company total freedom with minimal protection like 5 % tax on imported goods from Asean and just 15% on Overseas.also; let the company choose it’s suppliers without favors and control.U will c a giant born.ANYWAY.Some mistakes of this company that it doesn’t develop left handed as quick enough and like the facelifted Waja was just launched in Egypt although Egyptians like to buy PROTON and Persona not yet and even facelifted Gen2 not yet no Savvy.JUST OLD GEN2 and NEW WAJA with 110hp old campro.That is the problem in export markets.AT THE TIME THEY BEGIN TO SHIP THE PERSONA AND WAJA THEY WILL BE OLD AND NOT VALUABLE.FOR EX,PICANTO SELLS LIKE MCDONALDS IN EGYPT EVEN THOUGH THE SAVVY IS BETTER.

While I’ve been called “Protonian”, “Proton arse-licker” etc, I’m not blind enuf to advise ppl to avoid buying Protons made during Tengku Mahaleel’s time. Sadly, ur Gen2 is one. U rly shud’ve listen to ur dad!! Terribly sorry, but IMHO, yes, you’re to blame for having bad experience wit that particular model. Take responsibility of the choice u made.

Though I’d say, Proton today is definitely improved compared to TM’s time, I’ve even read of Syed Zainal Abidin’s contract might not be renewed bcuz he’s a very, very strict man when it comes to quality, thus vendors always grumble they’re not making profits as easy as they used to. Pray that this will NOT happen, cuz losing SZA would be Proton’s biggest lost since TM’s “contract ended” (more like fired to me).

Sure, newer Proton still has problems, but please look at the glass as half full. If TM is still Proton’s CEO, they would’ve gulung tikar edi…and I might still be a proton basher. Have faith that Proton is constantly improving themselves under the helm of SZA. Rome wasn’t built overnight, so as long as you can see Proton keep improving, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Happy motoring. peace

PAKAURAK !

HAHAHAHA

FIRST MPV WILL BE NAME ANVAR !

MPV ANVAR ! GETS PEOPLE MOVIN!