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Daihatsu Mira e:S launched in Japan – 30km/l on this one

September 22, 2011 at 1:06 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Daihatsu, International News

Daihatsu has thrown its latest Kei car contender into the fray, with the introduction of the Mira e:S in Japan. The minicar, which reinterpretates the three-door e:S Concept of two years ago into a five-door form, is available in both two- and four-wheel drive guise domestically, with four level variants (G, X, L and D) for the former and two (Gf and Xf) for the latter.

All versions wear the same KF transverse three-cylinder twin-cam 658 cc mill, offering 52 PS at 6,800 rpm and 60 Nm at 5,200 rpm, mated to a CVT transmission. The company is touting the car’s fuel economy as its biggest selling point – claimed figures for the 2WD version on the new JC08 mode test cycle is a healthy 30km per litre (and on the older 10-15 mode, 32 km per litre), close to hybrid territory.

Features on the 730 kg vehicle (790 kg for the 4WD versions), which is 60 kg lighter than the old Mira, include a pre-stop idle reduction system, and all the models wear 14-inch wheels and 155/65 profile rubbers; there are optional Sporty and Premium interior/exterior dress-up packs available for the car, as well as what is tagged an “earth colour interior.”

Domestically, Daihatsu is ambitiously aiming at moving 10,000 units of the Mira e:S per month in the first year, according to reports, and says that it will apply the technology used for the e:S to other models and vehicles produced overseas, including that in Indonesia, which was where the Daihatsu A-Concept was introduced in July, at the IIMS.
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Toyota Hilux facelift launched: 5 variants, RM73k to 107k

September 21, 2011 at 7:40 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota

UMW Toyota launched the facelifted Toyota Hilux this afternoon. The refreshed Hilux first made an appearance in Australia two months ago, before showing up at the 2011 Indonesia International Motor Show in July alongside refreshed IMV stablemates Innova and Fortuner. Check out our IIMS Hilux coverage here.

In Malaysia, five variants are offered – the Single Cab 2.5 M/T, the Double Cab 2.5 STD M/T, Double Cab 2.5G M/T and A/T as well as the range topping Double Cab 3.0G A/T. Prices are as follows:


Click to enlarge price list

As for the changes, the front end is all new, and looks more premium than before. There’s a new chrome bordered radiator grille with a raised centre section for a “3D look”. This section is connected to the flowing lines of the bonnet. The headlamps are new, as is the bumper. For the Hilux 3.0G, the bonnet air scoop has been redesigned with a wider opening.

From the side, look out for the wing mirrors with turn signals, which can be electrically folded in the 3.0G. The overfenders might not look any different, but they’re actually chunkier, and arch higher than before. 2.5G and 3.0G variants receive newly designed alloy rims. Nothing major for the rear, just new combination lamps. Another improvement is the adoption of the short pole antenna in place of the old school pillar antenna.

Inside, the facelifted Hilux comes with a revised dashboard design that clearly divides it into upper and lower zones. The interior colour is now darker, too. A main change is the use of the Camry style four-spoke steering wheel for the 2.5G and 3.0G, the latter getting buttons for the multi info display and stereo.

Speaking of that, the 2-DIN head unit (with USB and AUX input) introduced in the pre facelift 3.0G is now in both the 3.0 and 2.5G. Toyota’s DVD-Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system with a 6.1-inch colour screen and reverse camera (as shown in our pics) is on the options list, along with a sports bar and solar film.

Also, the 2.5G auto now gets a shift position indicator on the dials, which are Optitron only for the 3.0 (with added amber highlights). There’s also a new flush type overhead sunglass holder.

No difference in the drivetrain department. The Hilux 3.0 is powered by the 1KD-FTV D-4D commonrail diesel with 163 PS and 343 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 3,200 rpm. This engine comes with Variable Nozzle Turbo, VNT.

All 2.5-litre variants are powered by the carried over diesel engine with 102 PS and 260 Nm of twist from 1,600 to 2,400 rpm. Both are matched to a four-speed ECT automatic. 2.5G buyers can opt for a five-speed manual, which is standard on the Standard and Single Cab.

As usual, the Hilux comes with part time 4X4 with shift on the fly. From the default 2WD mode, 4X4 High Range can be selected at speeds of up to 80 km/h. To get into low range, one must be below 8 km/h.

Live images from the launch event is after the jump. Forgot how the old one looks like? Click here.
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Porsche Panamera Turbo S and S Hybrid launched – the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 and Boxster Spyder also unveiled

September 21, 2011 at 7:37 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Porsche

Sime Darby Auto Performance today introduced two new Panamera variants in the country, with the launch of the S Hybrid and Turbo S at the Porsche Centre Bukit Bintang.

Rolling in as the top model in the company’s Gran Turismo lineup, the Turbo S is powered by a 4.8 litre, V8 biturbo mill delivering 550 hp, which is 50 hp more than that offered by the Panamera Turbo, which is mated to a seven-speed PDK gearbox.

Maximum torque is also up to 750 Nm, from 700 Nm; in the Sport and Sport Plus mode of the standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo – which is standard on this one – and during kick-down in normal mode, this goes to 800 Nm with the overboost function. Performance specs include a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a 306 km/h top speed.

The increased performance, compared with the Panamera Turbo, is the result of two main enhancements, the first being improved turbochargers, with titanium-aluminium turbine wheels helping to reduce the weight of the turbine and compressor wheel, resulting in a lower moment of inertia and thus improved and more agile engine responsiveness, and the second being modified engine control.

Meanwhile, the Panamera S Hybrid, touted as the most economical Porsche of all time by the company, is driven by the same engine combination as seen on the Cayenne S Hybrid – a 3.0 litre V6 compressor engine offering 333 hp supplanted by a 47 hp electric motor, offering a total power output of 380 hp at 5,500 rpm. The last is available to the driver during what is termed “boosting,” in which the combustion engine and electric motor’s drive torques are overlaid and added together.

In terms of torque, the combustion engine develops its maximum 440 Nm at 3,000 to 5,250 rpm, while the electric motor is able to implement its full torque of up to 300 Nm for propulsion from a standing start. In all, the S Hybrid’s combined torque of 580 Nm is available from just 1,000 rpm.

The range in purely electric mode is approximately two kilometres, with electric driving possible up to 85 km/h, depending on the driving situation. Performance specs for the parallel full hybrid vehicle are a 0-100 km/h time of 6.0 seconds and a 270 km/h top speed, and elsewhere, a consumption figure of 6.8 litres per 100 km is also bandied by the company.

The basic price of the Panamera S Hybrid and the Panamera Turbo S are RM910,000 and RM1,360,000 respectively, and the cars come with a four-year warranty and four-year free service and maintenance.

The event also saw the surprise unveiling of the limited-edition 911 GT3 RS 4.0 and the Boxster Spyder, the latter of which will be rather exclusive, because only one unit is being brought into the country, the example seen at the launch.

As for the GT3 RS 4.0, the 500 hp and 460 Nm on call is enough to get the 1,360 kg beast to do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.9 secs and get to a 310 km/h top speed.

Gallery of all four models at the launch after the jump.
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Hyundai Eon launching soon in India, sits below i10

September 21, 2011 at 1:06 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, India, International News, Koreans

Hyundai is ready to roll out a small car in India that sits below the i10. Called Eon, the affordable five-door hatch will be Hyundai’s weapon against India’s best seller, the Maruti Alto (not to be confused with our Suzuki Alto, which is called A-Star there) as well as high spec versions of the Tata Nano.

These sketches show that although the Hyundai Eon will be a bargain basement model, design is still very much on the agenda. We can see the company’s Fluidic Sculpture design in full play here – familiar cues include Hyundai’s hexagon grille, long headlamps and wavy surfacing on the profile.

The rear end is also unmistakably Hyundai with those long vertical lamps. With such sophisticated design, this is a cheap car that doesn’t look cheap.

The same goes for the interior, which is dual toned and equally curvy. The design, which directs one’s eyes to the centre console, is also in line with Hyundai’s latest products.

Reports from India are speculating that the Eon, codenamed HA, sits on a new platform that’s not shared with the i10. Apparently, it will be powered by a 814 cc SOHC 3-cylinder petrol engine with 56 PS and 75 Nm. The speculated ex-showroom price is 2.5 to 3 lakh rupees, which is roughly equivalent to RM16.2k to RM19.5k.

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Test Drive Kia on Tour goes to Johor Bahru this weekend

September 21, 2011 at 11:38 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans, Local News

Naza Kia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, will take its Test Drive Kia on Tour 2011 roadshow to Johor Bahru this weekend. The three-day roadshow will be held from Sept 23 to 25 at the KSL City Mall in JB.

The activities actually start today with a 13-car Kia convoy that will be flagged off at Menara Naza, KL. The journey south will include stops at Seremban and Melaka. Driven by Naza Kia personnel, the motorcade includes Kia models such as the Forte, Forte Koup and new Sportage.

In Seremban, the convoy will have brief stops at Tesco Seremban and Dataran Seremban while in Melaka, it will stop at the Melaka Mall, Dataran Pahlawan, Aeon Bandaraya and Mydin Melaka. They will spend an hour at each of these locations, distribute pamphlets and freebies. On Sept 22, the group will have stops at JB’s Sutera Mall, Perling Mall, Plaza Pelangi and Pelangi Leisure Mall before anchoring at KSL City Mall.

This is the third leg of Naza Kia’s Test Drive Kia on Tour 2011, which started in May at 1Utama PJ before moving to Penang in August. After JB, the roadshow will end with one more Klang Valley event in October.

Those who test drive any Kia at one of these roadshows will be in the running to win a Forte 1.6EX. The lucky winner will be announced when the roadshow ends in October. In JB, Naza Kia is giving mystery gifts for customers who test drive or sign up to be a Kia Malaysia fan on Facebook on the spot.

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Honda City facelift brochure leaked ahead of Thai launch

September 21, 2011 at 3:21 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, International News, Spyshots

It seems like Honda is ready to roll out a facelifted City soon! These brochure scans recently appeared on Indian Autos Blog, and were said to have been sent to them from Thailand. The scans show a Thai brochure featuring a red hero car with the tagline “Always Ahead”.

Up front, there are slight changes to the grille design (bigger gaps in the side sections), which remains instantly recognisable as a City. The whole bumper is new, changing from the current U shape to an X shape. This trick was also used in the current facelifted Camry.

The seven double spoke design wheels seen here are also new. However, it is for the Thai SV spec (highest), although both V and S grades also get freshly designed rims.

At the back, the City’s unique tail lamps come in a new design featuring two clear stripes, and there’s a new lower bumper incorporating a diffuser style insert painted in black, with reflectors on each side. Inside, everything looks the same, except for the dials, which looks to be accented in blue. The current dials are lit in orange.

The current gen Honda City was launched here back in early 2009, so it’ll be three years old soon. Time for a refresher, so perhaps we could be looking at a Malaysian launch of this facelifted version late this year or early 2012.

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Volkswagen to invest more than US$85 billion up to 2016

September 20, 2011 at 1:59 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Volkswagen

It’s the largest-ever investment package in Volkswagen’s history for new models, environmentally friendly technologies and production facilities – the VW Group is set to invest more than US$85 billion (62 billion euro) in its automotive division into 2016 as it continues its march towards becoming the world’s leading automaker.

Investments in property, plant and equipment will account for around US$68 billion, with 57% of this in in Germany alone. Of the amount, US$44 billion will be used on modernising and extending the product range for all its brands. The main focus will be on new vehicles and successor models in almost all vehicle classes, allowing the company to systematically continue its model rollout with a view to tapping new markets and segments, though powertrain movement is also on the cards, with new generations of engines – offering additional enhancements to performance, fuel consumption and emission levels – set to come about. In particular, development of hybrid and electric engines is a focal point.

The joint ventures in China are not consolidated, and are separate to the above figures. In China, the Group is set to invest US$19 billion through 2016. The investment includes spending for a batch of new models and two new assembly plants that have already been announced.

There may yet be a need to add to those two factories being built, according to reports – currently, VW already has 11 plants in China, yet with 1.9 million units sold in the country last year and a solid projection that sales could climb to 2.4 million units this year, additional plants may be needed to keep up with the ever-increasing demand.

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Volkswagen takeover of Suzuki is unlikely to happen

September 20, 2011 at 12:46 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Suzuki, Volkswagen

The Volkswagen-Suzuki relationship may be heading south, but the rumour mill continues to run unabated. Now, a report speculates that VW is mulling a full takeover of Suzuki, even as the Japanese automaker is seeking a complete separation from the partnership.

German mag Der Spiegel reported that a senior manager at VW was quoted as saying that he didn’t rule out a full takeover of Suzuki. Other reports, however, have come out stating that this is highly unlikely to happen, given that Suzuki would have to want to sell, and without the willingness on the part of company chairman and CEO Osamu Suzuki in any bid would ultimately fall through.

Earlier reports said that Suzuki is looking to end its two-year relationship, following a fall-out that began when VW accused Suzuki of violating the agreement of the partnership by looking at Fiat for an engine deal. Suzuki has reportedly offered to buy back VW’s 19.9% stake, but VW has said it is happy with the investment and has no intention of selling.

While VW is unable to raise its stake in the Japanese company without the latter’s consent as long as the alliance is still in place, it can begin to do so if Suzuki cancels the partnership, the report adds. The takeover attempt is probably not going to get very far, given that the Japanese will likely adopt a protectionist attitude towards what would be correctly regarded as a hostile foreign bid.

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Tata GoldPlus Nano finally debuts – clad in 80 kg of gold, 15 kg of silver and 10,000 semi-precious gems

September 20, 2011 at 11:10 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, India, International News, Tata, Tata Nano

The edition was announced some time back, but now it has finally made its official debut – the Tata GoldPlus Nano, all Rs 220 million (US$4.6 million) worth of compact car, was unveiled in Mumbai yesterday.

Working on the idea that nothing succeeds like excess, the one-off Nano’s exterior is completely covered by 80 kg of 22-karat gold, 15 kg of silver as well as 10,000 semi-precious stones and gems. It’s all good enough to make the US$220,000 D.C. Design Nano a poor man’s choice. And let’s not even bother to count how many basic Nano‘s you could get for the price of this one.

Unfortunately, all that glitter can’t be bought – the car is to be used for branding and promotional purposes by GoldPlus Jewellery, which happens to be part of Titan Industries, which is a Tata Group company. GoldPlus happens to be the largest jewellery retail chain in Tamil Nadu.

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The Dynamic Duo: Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 and Directional 5 Ultra High Peformance tyres sampled!

September 20, 2011 at 1:41 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Feature Stories

Goodyear Malaysia recently launched two new tyres in the Ultra High Performance (UHP) segment. They are the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 and Eagle F1 Directional 5, successors to the original EF1 Asymmetric and the iconic EF1 GS-D3, respectively.

The local launch was held at Proton’s test track in Shah Alam, but we attended the earlier regional launch of the dynamic duo in Hua Hin, Thailand. Here’s an in detail look at Goodyear’s new entrants to the UHP scene and what we think of them.

Continue reading after the jump.
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