Gong Xi Fa Cai

Advertisement

Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI with 160 PS – RM188,888

August 9, 2010 at 12:37 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

If you really really like the looks of the Scirocco but can’t afford to pay the RM243,888 price tag, Volkswagen will soon be making available a 160 PS version of the car for RM188,888 which is cheaper than both the current Scirocco and the Golf GTI models.

The 160 PS Scirocco is powered by the award-winning 1.4 litre TSI engine, which is twincharged. It basically means both a supercharger and a turbocharger is used to wring out the most horsepower and torque out of the 1.4 litre engine – its displacement may be small but it makes 160 PS and 240Nm of torque – that’s just 40Nm of torque less than the 2.0 litre TSI Scirocco, which has now been renamed the Scirocco Sport.

The new Scirocco model also gets a new dry clutch DSG gearbox with 7 gears instead of the 6-speed wet clutch model in the Scirocco Sport. 0 to 100km/h is reached in 8 seconds, which is about 1.1 seconds slower than the 210 PS model’s 6.9 second figure.

Of course the engine and transmission is not just the only differentiator between the two cars – the cheaper model is missing some features that’s available on the Scirocco Sport such as adaptive chassis control DCC which allows the changing of Comfort, Normal or Sport suspension settings. The 2.0 model also gets the RCD 510 touch screen radio while the 1.4 TSI gets the RCD 310 unit without a CD changer, but both audio systems feature 8 speakers. The interior of the 1.4 model also features Merlin fabric instead of the Vienna leather, and wheels are smaller at 17 inch compared to the 2.0′s 18 inch wheels.

I’ve embedded a PDF brochure and price list after the jump so you can view in detail what the differences are between the Scirocco 1.4 and the Scirocco Sport 2.0 – anyone here booked the 1.4 model yet?
[Read more...]

63 Comments      

Hyundai i10 1.25 Kappa – Test Drive Review

August 6, 2010 at 10:51 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Koreans, Test Drive Reviews

The Hyundai i10 is one of those talented but overlooked cars in the market. When I first tested the car back in 2008, i was truly surprised at how sophisticated it drove compared to Perodua’s Viva and Myvi. Those who have driven an Atoz before will surely not believe that this is a car in the same segment by the same manufacturer – they are aeons apart!

So it was good to revisit the i10, now with a bigger engine to remedy one of the very few issues this writer had with the car – the leisurely pick up. In comes the 1.25-litre Kappa engine, which has 11 bhp and 20 Nm more than the Epsilon 1.1-litre, which will continue to be sold by Hyundai-Sime Darby. Will this new engine make the i10 the undisputed best small car out there and earn it a bit more attention? We find out.

Continue reading the report after the jump.
[Read more...]

275 Comments      


Ford Escape gets another minor facelift and new 4X2 model

August 6, 2010 at 5:15 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Ford, Local News

It’s been just over a year since the Ford Escape got its last refresh in June 2009 which saw the SUV getting a trademark Ford three-bar chrome grille.

With this latest refresh (latest in a list of many!), Ford has replaced the chrome grille with a black mesh grille together with a new front bumper design.

There are now two variants of the Ford Escape. The 4X4 model continues to be priced at RM139,888 OTR with insurance but there is now a new Ford Escape 2.3L 2WD XLS model priced at just RM118,888 OTR with insurance – that’s an SUV with a price that’s cheaper than a Ford Focus TDCi.

Other than the 4X4 system being omitted in the XLS model, it also comes with only two front airbags instead of four airbags in the 4X4 Escape XLT. It is also missing the cruise control found in the 4X4. The sound system in the 4X2 is also less specced – only 4 speakers versus 6 speakers and a single CD slot instead of a 6-CD changer. Seats are fabric in the 4X2 compared to leather in the 4X4.

Both models use a 2.3 litre inline-4 engine making 157 PS at 6,000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4,000rpm – this is up from the 146 PS and 196Nm found in the 2009 model. But it’s still rather weak numbers for a 2.3 litre engine, must be a very non-aggressive tune.

Both models are CBU from the Philippines and come with a 3 year warranty as well as a 3 year free maintenance package. Look after the jump for an embedded PDF brochure.
[Read more...]

35 Comments      

Mansory has a go at the Bugatti Veyron 16.4

August 6, 2010 at 5:09 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Bugatti, Cars, International News

Mansory is probably a name synonymous for outrages designs like the previously featured Porsche Panamera, but unusually they’ve gone for a more reserved look (as reserved as they can get) with the Mansory Bugatti Veyron 16.4 LINEA Vincero d’Oro.

If you’ve been paying attention to our brief Italian lessons with the JDM Alfa Romeo GT Quadrifoglio d’ Oro special edition, d’Oro means gold, and there’s lots of it on this particular reiteration of the VW hypercar.

Using the LINEA Vincerò line, Mansory have changed the cars exterior with modified fenders, a shortened bonnet, a front apron, new front end, side skirts, new diffusers, larger air outlets at the rear and at the sides.

This was then covered with gold which can be seen on the turbine design alloy wheels, curved grill featuring the stylised “Vincerò-V”, the door handles, the rear view mirror caps the fuel tank cap, headlight washer nozzle covers, the borders around the daytime running LEDs and the decorative features on the roof.

Inside the interior hasn’t been spared the gold treatment as the car’s interior lighting has a golden hue along with trim around the car such as the door trim, around the steering wheel and the centre console. Mansory have only produced one unit, but no doubt they would gladly make another if requested.

High resolution pictures available after the jump.
[Read more...]

17 Comments      

Be Warned: South Korea uncovers explosive, flammable and corrosive automotive refrigerant from China!

August 6, 2010 at 4:17 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News

It looks like we’ll have to watch out for more than just melamine-tainted milk from China – your car’s air conditioning compressor might be dodgy as well! South Korea’s Joong Ang Daily carries a rather worrying report today – apparently a Mercedes-Benz owner complained about problems with his car’s air conditioning system after replacing his refrigerant just two months before.

Upon checking out the Mercedes-Benz’s engine bay, they found the air conditioning compressor covered with orange rust. An inspection by police later revealed that the refrigerant was dangerous and contained flammable chemicals, that could explode if it came into contact with something like a cigarette butt or something similar.

The refrigerant was found to contain chloromethane, a colorless gas which according to a South Korean police officer can cause an explosion even if it comes into contact with air. Other than the matter of the potential explosion risk, some other chemicals found in the refrigerant was found to be corrosive to iron, aluminum and rubber, a recipe for leaks.

South Korean police suspect that about 60,000 cars in South Korea contain the faulty refrigerant as it was sold in car centers in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon and Busan. Police are advising car owners who recently replaced their refrigerant between April and June this year to get their cars checked as soon as possible.

An arrest warrant has been applied for the head of the company that imported the faulty refrigerant from China. The company sold a total of 41 tons of the 50 tons they brought in so far. Police have managed to confiscate 13 tons of the 41 tons sold so far, but 28 tons are ‘missing’ – they’re likely in the 60,000 cars!

Unfortunately Joong Ang’s story doesn’t name the source of the faulty refrigerant. But they did say that they believe it costs about 40% to 60% cheaper than ‘legit’ brands. I’m sure that South Korea is not the only country that the Chinese supplier sold the refrigerant to! Please be careful when refilling your car’s refrigerant no matter where you are!

52 Comments      

16-year old Malaysian gets to drive Lotus Racing F1 car

August 6, 2010 at 3:26 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Formula 1, International News, Local News, Lotus, Motorsports

Lotus Racing announced today that they will be allowing 16 year old Malaysian karting prodigy Nabil Jeffri the chance to drive one of the Lotus Racing Formula 1 cars at an undisclosed location in the UK.

Nabil Jeffri who competes in the Formula BMW Pacific with Eurasia Motorsport is currently fifth in the championship and will be taking part in an aero test session. This has been all thanks to the AirAsia ASEAN Driver Development Program which was formed to improve the growth of motor sports in the region. Open to youths in the ASEAN region, it gives them a platform to reach their goals of becoming a professional race car driver.

As well having access to expert mentors such as Alex Yoong, the young drivers also receive Air Asia’s support for publicity and sponsorship. This being one of the key aspects and hurdles facing up and coming drivers in a money-hungry sport that is motor racing.

As you would imagine Nabil (@nabiljeffri) is quite pleased with the opportunity saying, “Driving the Lotus Racing car will definitely be a priceless exposure to the F1 driving experience, and I’m looking forward to many more similar opportunities to arise as a result of being part of the AirAsia Driver Development program.”

Team principal Tony Fernandes commented on the matter stating “being able to give bright young talent like Nabil the chance to play an integral role in the development of our team is a recognition of his burgeoning talent, and shows that there is a clear route to the top rung of the motor sport ladder, no matter how old you are or where you are racing.”

33 Comments      

Beijing Auto adds boot to Merc B-Class knock-off

August 6, 2010 at 2:18 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, China

The car you see above is the C30 Saloon from Beijing Auto, the same company that bought the previous generation Saab 9-5 platform. This is also the same company that tried and failed to buy GM Europe (Opel, Vauxhall).

They currently have JV operations in China with Mercedes-Benz, which probably explains why they decided to make a car that looks like a B-Class. Of course with the Chinese market preferring sedans rather than hatchbacks (many hatchbacks have been turned into notchbacks for China), it’s understandable why they decided to make their B-Class knock-off a notchback sedan as well!

65 Comments      

Petronas Syntium Team admits difficulty in defending MME title; Audi works team plays down favourite tag

August 6, 2010 at 1:57 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, BMW, Local News, Motorsports

The 11th edition of the Merdeka Millennium Endurance race happens this weekend at Sepang (flag off on Saturday midnight), and the competition is getting tougher. Petronas Syntium Team (PST) is the defending champion following a 1-2 finish at last year’s race, but it won’t be easy for the Super Taikyu series pacesetters (four wins out of four so far) to retain their “home race” title.

“The quality of the participants will definitely add to the level of competition we will be up against. This year, we are returning to take on the challenge in the new GT-Class with the two BMW Z4M Coupes. Looking at the level of competition in the class, it will be difficult to expect a repeat of the fantastic feat we achieved here last year. Notwithstanding, everyone on the team has been working hard preparing for this race and we are optimistic that we can be competitive,” said David Wong, PST Team Principal.

PST’s challenge will be spearheaded by 27-year old Malaysian Fariqe Hairuman who will be joined by young Malaysian Melvin Moh Chun-Ho in his MME debut. Also driving car No. 1 is experienced Japanese Tatsuya Kataoka. In car No. 28 Masataka Yanagida and Nobuteru Taniguchi will drive with Malaysian rookie Imran Zaharias Shaharom.

They should be up against a strong team in Audi Race Experience Team Joest, which will bring their Le Mans winning Audi R8 LMS here for its Asian debut. This Audi works team will also boast two former LeMans winners in drivers Frank Biela and Marco Werner. They will be joined by former MME and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia champion Daryl O’ Young.

“Yes, we have some big names. Frank won it (Le Mans) 5 times as a driver and I did it 3 times. Everyone says we are the leader in the race, but I see ourselves as a beginner,” said Werner. “The circuit is new for us, not only for the drivers, but also for the team. I’m new to the GT class. I did only 5 or 6 races with the R8, mostly on the Nurburgring, but there is a huge difference when compared to racing on an F1 Grand Prix circuit like this one here in Sepang,” he added.

Partner Biela shared the same tone. “When you come here it looks pretty easy, but when we went out there, we discovered that finding a good rhythm is not as easy as it seems when you’re looking at it for the first time,” he said.

It should be a good fight, stay tuned for updates!

13 Comments      

Maruti Suzuki to make cars for Volkswagen?

August 6, 2010 at 1:38 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Suzuki, Volkswagen

Maruti Suzuki may manufacture cars for Volkswagen’s global market on a contract basis, according to reports by three publications which included the Economic Times and Hindu Business Line newspaper.

“The talks with Volkswagen are going on at a global level and there is still no clear picture. There is a possibility of an OEM (original equipment manufacturing) supply contract with them, like we have with Nissan,” said Maruti Suzuki managing director Shinzo Nakanishi to Indian newspaper HBL.

The Economic Times also reported Nakanishi as saying that there was definitely no possibility of platform sharing due to Volkswagen’s production and product development costs being too high. This wouldn’t work for Maruti who would like to produce an end product that’s much more affordable to its target market.

Volkswagen AG bought a 20 percent stake in Suzuki in January in the amount of $2.5 billion. The fact that Maruti has done such a deal before with Nissan (which doesn’t hold a stake in Suzuki) will be more reason for the deal to be plausible.

Maruti Suzuki have a three year contract to supply Suzuki A-Star hatchbacks which are rebadged as Nissan Pixo’s for the European market. This contract exports a minimum of 35,000 units a year and is due to expire in 2011.

3 Comments      

200hp Skoda Octavia VRS spotted in Glenmarie!

August 6, 2010 at 1:27 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Skoda


Click for enlarged image

This is something quite interesting indeed. Reader Shaikh was at Bermaz Glenmarie getting his car services when he spotted this car, completely uncovered with its bumper protectors still stuck on. It’s a Skoda Octavia VRS, which is basically the Czech marque’s take on the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Like the Golf GTI, the Octavia VRS is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged direct injection engine. The VRS engine makes 200 bhp and 280Nm of torque, which is about the same power levels as the Mk5 Golf GTI. Unlike the Golf, the Octavia has a boot. It still has a hatch though, making it something like a Wira Aeroback type of body.

2 transmissions are available – a manual or a DSG, both 6-speeders. The picture above is the only photo we’ve got right now so we don’t know if this is a stick shift or a twin clutch. I’m wondering if this is a one-off import or are there plans to make this a model for sale here in Malaysia. Currently the highest spec Octavia on sale here that we know of is the 200FSi, which uses a normally aspirated direct injection 2.0 litre engine. We’ve had no communication with AutoPrahar in the recent years.

62 Comments