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Kia Forte 1.6 Test Drive Review

February 27, 2010 at 6:07 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans, Test Drive Reviews

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.
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Images of the all new Kia Optima leaked ahead of reveal

February 27, 2010 at 5:00 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans

Kia is scheduled to introduce the all new Optima mid-sized sedan at the upcoming motor show in New York. However before the company can officially reveal the car, two images have been leaked onto the Internet. These two images shows us close-up views of various parts of the car.

We can look things like the headlights, the Schreyer grille, fog lamps with daytime LED running lights, the wrap-around taillights as well as the wheel. Kia promises that the new Optima is “bold” and has “sporty visual energy”. The Optima which will be known as the K5 in Korea is expected to be offered with a 2.0 litre CVVT and a 198hp 2.4 litre GDI 4-pot with direct injection. I have not seen the entire car in the flesh but I am expecting something that is very pleasing to the eye.

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Lexus reveals CT 200h hatchback ahead of Geneva

February 27, 2010 at 11:27 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, International News, Lexus

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.

To see what this car might have been, click here to see the LF-Ch. More pics of the CT 200h after the jump.
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Lotus finishes 2nd test day in Barcelona ahead of Virgin Racing

February 27, 2010 at 11:15 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Italian Jarno Trulli took over testing duties from Lotus Racing’s test and reserve driver Fairuz Fauzy for the team’s second test day at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Trulli who is best known for his one-lap wonders finished the session after completing 70 laps. A best time of 1:25.524 was set and it was the 10th quickest time. It was also almost half a second quicker than the time set by Timo Glock in his Virgin Racing contender.

“It was a productive day in terms of set up direction with Jarno. We were able to identify some problems with the set up in the car and establish clear direction to improve it. We still have a long way to go, and a lot of time to come from the car,” said chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne. “We had a couple of minor hydraulics issues which stopped the car on track, but nothing major so all in all it was a productive day and we’re aiming to continue in the same vein tomorrow,” he added.

The fastest driver of the day was Williams’ Nico Hulkenberg with a 1:20.614 lap time closely followed by Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari with 1:20.637. The Spaniard clocked in a total of 134 laps. Pedro de la Rosa and his Sauber racer was third with 1:20.973.

7-times World Champion Michael Schumacher who makes a sensational come back with the Mercedes GP Petronas team was seventh fastest with a time of 1:21.689. The German also expressed that he does not believe the team will be able to score victories at the beginning of the season. He said the team’s main aim is not to be too far off from the top-running teams. However lets wait for the season-opening race in Bahrain.

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BMW previews the 5 Series ActiveHybrid

February 27, 2010 at 10:46 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

It has been slightly over 3 months since BMW launched the all new 5 Series mid-sized sedan. The sedan variant will be joined by the touring as well as the tarmac-cracking M5 versions. Apart from these two BMW will also add an ActiveHybrid variant, like the ActiveHybrid 7 and X6.

What you see above is the conceptual version of the 5 Series ActiveHybrid that will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The company has revealed that the concept is powered by a 6-cylinder petrol engine fitted with BMW’s TwinPower force-induction system. The engine is paired with a 40kW electric motor and an 8-speed gearbox. Those wheels remind me of the design on the E34 M5.

You can probably expect the concept to produce about 400hp and up to 600Nm of torque which is lower than the power output offered by the ActiveHybrid 7. The X6 variant makes 480hp and 779Nm of torque but that vehicle has two electric motors. As with with most hybrid vehicles, the concept also has an engine start/stop system and brake energy regeneration. A production version is expected to show up in about a year.

Look after the jump for some high-res images as well as a video.
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2011 BMW X5 M Sport package: Details and photos

February 26, 2010 at 2:24 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars

BMW has revealed an M Sport package for the facelifted X5 SUV. The package will be available from spring and includes a retuned chassis, 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design, special tailpipes for the exhaust system, BMW Individual Exterior Line side window frames finished in satin-finish aluminum as well as BMW Individual roof rails in satin-finish chrome.

Inside you will find electrically adjustable sports seats for the driver and front passenger, M leather steering wheel, M driver’s footrest, brushed aluminium interior trim and a BMW Individual roof liner in anthracite. The designers also optimized the front and rear aprons and the optimization did not affect the position of the sensors and cameras used by the Park Distance Control and the Side View systems hence these features still can be combined with the package.

Look for more images after the jump.
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Malaysia’s first passenger car outdoor crash test by MIROS – Perodua Alza vs trailer

February 26, 2010 at 1:40 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Local News, Videos

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, also known as MIROS conducted the country’s first passenger car outdoor crash test at the Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (MIAT) in Dengkil yesterday. The crash test is the institute’s second following a crash test that involved a motorcycle and a car conducted earlier in January. According to MIROS this test is a prelude to a full-fledged crash test facility that is being set up in Malacca and is expected to be operational by June this year.

Yesterday’s test focused on three aspects including analyzing the safety levels involving a child seated in a safety seat compared to a child wearing just the rear seat belt as well as analyzing the degree and type of casualties sustained by occupants of a vehicle involved in a rear-end collision with a parked or stationary commercial vehicle. It is NOT a crash test for the Perodua Alza, but it just so happens that they used an Alza.

The main focus was to study the effectiveness and level of damage sustained by an energy absorbing underrun protection system developed specifically for commercial vehicles. An underrun is made to absorb impact caused by a rear-end collision and it is compulsory for commercial vehicles. However many commercial vehicles out there don’t even use one and most use unspecified ones.

The guinea pigs for the test? Crash test dummies, a 6-tonne stationary trailer (including load) and a Perodua Alza. The 1.5 EZI Automatic model was used and it was occupied by five crash test dummies including two Hybrid III dummies fully equipped with various sensors, one non-instrumentation Hybrid III dummy, one P3 dummy with nominal instrumentation and a child dummy which simulates a 3-month old child.

A propulsion system featuring a 2.5L Nissan RB engine with pulleys and hydraulic tensioners, various high-speed cameras with up to 1000 frames per second recording capabilities, high-voltage lighting system, a comprehensive Data Acquisition System (DAQ) designed by MIROS as well as various sensors were also used for the test. The crash target was a stationary trailer fitted with an underrun that partially meets the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation 58 standards.

The plan was to get Alza to crash into the trailer at 35 km/h although the test was eventually carried out at 30 km/h. The crash test was a successful one while the findings are still being analyzed at the moment. Right after the crash it was evident that both the front airbags on the Alza were deployed and the damage on the MPV was limited to the fore front area of the vehicle leaving the engine’s position and vital parts of the interior including the dashboard and pedals intact.

According to a MIROS engineer, initial findings revealed that all passengers except for the 3-month old child would have survived and would only sustain minor injuries. The child would survive if a safety seat was used. This means that the underrun did its job. Although the impact occurred at 30 km/h which is a speed level most of us use while driving in a shopping mall’s parking lot, it was enough to push the 6-tonne trailer forward by at least 2 feet! Imagine that!

MIROS also revealed its plans to make Malaysia a regional hub for crash testing where auto makers can perform various crash tests for vehicles that are specific to the region. The institute also aims to gain international accreditation to serve this purpose. MIROS believes that secondary findings obtained by its foreign counterparts may not be 100% usable for local and regional markets due to the vast difference in geographical, infrastructural, political, and social environments.

The institute also awards the Malaysian Vehicle Assessment Program (MyVAP) certification to vehicles that conform to MIROS’ safety standards and the Alza became the second vehicle to obtain the MyVAP certification after the Proton Exora. Both the Malaysian-made MPVs now carry 4-star MyVAP ratings. MIROS aims to reduce fatalities on the road and setting up a crash test facility is definitely a good step towards reaching that goal however the institute also calls for the public to understand and accept change to become more safety conscious on the road.

It was also revealed that UNECE R58-compliant underruns are expected to become compulsory in Malaysia by October this year, which will make the highways a safer place for us. Most of our low rider passenger cars and even some lower then usual SUVs protect us best against crashes with other vehicles of similiar height. When faced with a high object such as the rear of a trailer, the end result can be very tragic. The car will often slide under the truck, and the full impact will hit the car’s A-pillar, and not the crumple zone built into the front of the vehicle. Underruns will be able to reduce damage from these crashes and ensure the crumple zone takes the hit and not anything else that wasn’t designed for it.

Watch the crash test video below and look after the jump to view an image gallery.


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Fairuz Fauzy clocks 76 laps in Barcelona

February 26, 2010 at 1:38 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Fairuz Fauzy has added more laps to his Formula 1 portfolio this time at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. Fauzy was part 11 drivers from 11 different teams. Both USF1 and Campos have yet to be part of the test list as the former is negotiating with the FIA to enable it to miss the first few races of the season.

Fauzy managed to register a total of 76 laps and his personal best time was 1:28.002 putting him in the final position. The team revealed that it was a very productive day as the team managed to conduct some engine Lambda running tests as well as evaluated various control systems on the car.

The fastest time was set by Red Bull’s Mark Webber with 1:21.487. The Australian was ahead of Williams’ Nico Hulkenberg and Mercedes GP Petronas’ Nico Rosberg. Virgin Racing’s Lucas di Grassi finished ahead of Fauzy by almost a second. Jarno Trulli will take over the driver’s seat for the next test session later today. Continue reading to view some high-res images of the test session.
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Second generation Porsche Cayenne unveiled!

February 25, 2010 at 7:00 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Porsche

After the Cayenne image leak today and the impending arrival of the Geneva press days, it’s not unexpected that Porsche has unveiled full press information for the new second generation Porsche Cayenne today.

Porsche has trimmed the fat on this porker a little, for example the Cayenne S gets its weight down by 180kg over the outgoing model. The Cayenne platform’s wheelbase has been extended by 40mm and on the overall, the body is 48mm longer than the outgoing car. The range starts with the 3.6 litre V6 model, the cheapest entry into Cayenne ownership. Power has been upped to 300 horses, and while mated to the 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission, fuel consumption is down by 20% to 9.9 litres per 100km.

The model that spearheads the new range is apparently the Hybrid version, which is no slouch as it gets an “S” in its name. The Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid features a 333 horsepower supercharged V6 engine paired with a 34kW (47hp) electric motor. The car can run on electric power only at speeds of up to 60km/h and while cruising, the combustion engine may stay off and the car may just glide along until a maximum speed of 156km/h.

The Cayenne S Hybrid’s peak power is rated at 380hp and peak torque is a massive 580Nm at – check this out – 1,000rpm! That’s just over idle speed and you already have more (rated) torque than the Cayenne Diesel! Only a test drive will tell if these paper figures are indeed how it will feel like in real life though. The Cayenne Diesel uses a 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel making 240hp and 550Nm of torque. It’s fuel consumption has been improved by 20%, bringing it down from 9.3 litres per 100km to only 7.4 litres per 100km.

The Cayenne S’s 4.8 litre V8 gets a 23% fuel consumption improvement – it now guzzles only 10.5 litres per 100km. The new engine makes more power at 400 horses compared to the outgoing model’s 385. The monster is of course the Cayenne Turbo, making 500 horsepower. The bumper of the Cayenne Turbo is significantly different to the rest of the range – the intake grilles are far larger in order to provide sufficient cooling. While they add a dose of aggressiveness to the car, it looks kinda overdone.

German prices including 19% VAT:
Cayenne 55,431 Euro
Cayenne Diesel 59,596 Euro
Cayenne S 72,686 Euro
Cayenne S Hybrid 78,636 Euro
Cayenne Turbo 115,526 Euro

Look after the jump for some videos, a full hi-res gallery of the new Cayenne range as well as the full press release in embedded PDF format.
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Abarth bringing its 500C and Punto Evo to Geneva

February 25, 2010 at 3:39 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Fiat

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.
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