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B5 biodiesel debuts in Kuala Lumpur, at 247 stations

October 6, 2011 at 6:14 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices

The roll-out of palm oil-based B5 biodiesel for the central region continued today, with the introduction of the fuel for the Federal Territory. The event to mark the introduction was held at a BHPetrol station in Jalan Kuching this morning, and present at proceedings was Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, who officially launched the fuel at the retail level in June, as scheduled.

Kuala Lumpur is the fourth location in the central region to introduce B5; Putrajaya kicked the programme off on June 1, followed by Malacca and Negeri Sembilan. The KL roll-out is just over a month later than planned – B5 was slated to be introduced here on September 1. Selangor is the next on the list, on October 1, according to the schedule.

The B5 programme for KL will see B5 being supplied by 247 stations, and through this, 890 tonnes or 1.03 million litres of palm-oil biodiesel will be used per month, which will contribute to saving the connsumption of nearly 12.4 million litres of fossil-based diesel a year in KL.

Priced at the equivalent of petroleum diesel, at RM1.80 per litre, Dompok said that the government would continue to keep the price of B5 as such, and absorb the differences. He also said that full B5 supply nationwide would be implemented in 2013 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, BHPetrol said that B5 is available in its 35 stations in KL, and currently has around 60 stations offering the fuel in the central region.

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Perodua expects to ink agreement with Proton on strategic collaboration by year-end or early 2012

October 6, 2011 at 3:38 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Perodua, Proton

According to Bernama, Perodua says it expects to ink a collaboration agreement with Proton later this year or by early 2012. The company says it has had meetings with Proton at the highest level, and a strategic collaboration for both parties is well on the cards.

“There are a few areas that we are trying to collaborate. They are still at discussion stage. I think we are happy with the items. We will make the announcement on a memorandum of understanding this year or next year,” Perodua MD Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh was quoted as saying.

Aminar added that there was no change in Perodua’s stance on the proposed merger with Proton. “We are against the merger. We have our own plans, going forward,” he said.

In other news, Perodua will be announcing details of its new electronic automatic transmission (EAT) plant in the near future. Aminar said that the company will reveal details on the equity structure of the plant as well as its exact location when the announcement is made.

“We are setting up a joint venture. It’s still in discussion. We’ll make announcement on the equity structure of both Perodua and our Japanese partner (Daihatsu), as well as the location of the plant in the next one or two months, whether it will be in Selangor or outside Selangor,” he told reporters today.

Perodua was also mulling whether the plant will be constructed at one go, or in phases, adding that at least RM200 million is to be invested on the factory, which will produce transmissions for both the domestic and export markets.

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BMW ActiveE concept on display in Malaysia this month

October 6, 2011 at 3:05 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under BMW, Cars, Local News

BMW Malaysia is set to exhibit the BMW ActiveE concept electric vehicle, which is based on the 1 Series Coupe, in KL later this month. It’ll be on display at four locations in the Klang Valley, namely Auto Bavaria Glenmarie (Oct 13-14), Quill Auto in PJ (Oct 16-17), Pavilion KL (Oct 20-24) and Ingress Auto (Oct 26-27).

The car, which made its debut in Detroit last year, is powered by a new synchronous electric motor offering 170 hp and 250 Nm, available from standstill (0 rpm). It features a lithium-ion battery pack – jointly developed by BMW and SB LiMotive (a Bosch-Samsung joint venture) – that has a liquid-cooled temperature regulation function to help optimise battery performance.

Research and development carried out on the ActiveE provided the framework for the new BMW i sub-brand, which was unveiled in Frankfurt last month, so here’s the chance to get up close with the EfficientDynamics showcase that got the ball rolling.

Incidentally, we’re set to drive the ActiveE in Europe next week, so stay tuned for our first impressions of the car when we return!

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Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck makes debut in Thailand

October 6, 2011 at 10:31 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet, International News

The all new Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck has made its global debut in Thailand, and sales will start on October 17. Thai customers get to choose from 26 combinations of Colorado models, powertrains, cabins, and ride heights. They include LS, LT and range-topping LTZ trim levels, single, extended and crew-cab bodies in high and low-stance, wide and narrow-body options, as well as two and four-wheel-drive configurations.

The new Colorado is the product of a five-year, $2 billion program developed across five continents for customers in more than 60 markets worldwide. The development of the new Colorado was led by a team of GM engineers from Brazil who lived in Thailand during the development period, learning the highly competitive truck market and observing how Thais use their trucks and the driving conditions.

The engines are from an all-new global family. Called Duramax, they are built at GM Thailand’s newly opened $200 million engine plant, are available in 2.8 and 2.5-litre forms. The 2.8 features a variable-geometry turbocharger and balance shaft, and is rated at 180 hp and 470 Nm of torque. The auto ‘box is a six-speeder. If you opt for the five-speed manual, max torque is 440 Nm.

The 2.5L engine is rated at 150 hp and 350 Nm. Both engines feature components designed to last for 240,000 km, says GM.

Design wise, the production car retains much of the looks previewed by the Colorado Show Truck from the 2011 Bangkok Motor Show. Highlights include a power dome in the hood, a raised cowl, higher-mounted dual projector headlamps and the Chevy dual-port grille with a “three-dimensional” grille mesh. Also, GM offers LED tail lamps on high-level models.

Inside, there’s of course the brand’s dual cockpit design and “Ice Blue” illumination. Chevrolet says that front and second-row shoulder room, headroom and seat height are segment-leading. It’s also claimed to be best in class in storage areas – the regular cab has 16 storage locations, while the extended cab has 19 and the crew cab has 30, plenty of lubang to stash away stuff. Auxiliary power, AUX plugs and USB connectivity are standard across the range.

The 2.5L model will be priced from 537,000 to 808,000 baht. Pricing of the 2.8L model will be announced later. GM is targeting a 10% share of the total pickup market in Thailand by 2013, when TIV is expected reach the one million mark, with pickups accounting for 40-45%.

The battleground is tough. Besides the ever popular Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ, challengers include recently launched relative Isuzu D-Max as well as the upcoming new Ford Ranger, which has started production already. Oh, and this time around, the Colorado WILL come to Malaysia!

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Mitsubishi ASX Special Edition – another limited run

October 5, 2011 at 7:16 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi

‘Tis the season for special editions, it seems. Joining the let’s-do-a-limited-run party is Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, which has announced the arrival of the ASX Special Edition, which will see a 50-unit run of the variant.

Launched to commemorate the ASX’s first year anniversary here, the ASX Special Edition adds on a sportier external accessory package, with items such as window visors, front under cover, a rear garnish and an exclusive body sticker being the bits.

No changes to the 2.0 litre mill and its 150 PS output, though there’s a built-in GPS system with Bluetooth functionality as well as iPhone and iPod USB connectivity on the ‘new’ list. Also on is race-inspired, redesigned leather seats, with contrasting red stitching, no less.

Available in two colours, White Pearl and Mica Black, going the SE route for the ASX will set you back RM142,980, and this is on-the-road inclusive of insurance.

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Peugeot 4008 – French Mitsu ASX, with the lion badge

October 5, 2011 at 6:56 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mitsubishi, Peugeot

Remember last week’s post on the Citroen C4 Aircross? That French take on the Mitsubishi ASX is part of a collaboration between Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen, where the former provides its models for the French to restyle and sell under their own brands. Such an arrangement is also in place for Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV electric car and Outlander SUV. This is “Peugeot’s ASX”, named 4008.

Like the Citroen C4 Aircross, the 4008 wears distinct Peugeot styling. But this isn’t the “big mouth” look of 308 era, but the sleeker look of the 508, which was first previewed by the SR1 showcar from Geneva 2010. Present are the floating grille, feline design of the lamp units and three red claws in the rear lamps.

The off roader image is emphasised by a vertical grille design and the inclusion of sill protectors and wheel arch protection trim. The almost-horizontal bonnet grooves and the ASX style line – which extends to the rear wing where it descends again crossing the lamp – are distinctive features.

Petrol engine options include a 116 hp/152 Nm 1.6L (5-speed manual) and a 2.0L engine with 150 hp and 198 Nm. The latter can be had with a CVT, from Mitsubishi. The diesels will be more popular, and there are two choices – 1.6L HDi FAP with 112 hp/ 270-280 Nm with overboost, or a 1.8L HDi FAP with 150 hp and 300 Nm. The diesels will be mated to a six-speed manual.

The 4008 will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and will go on sale from Q2 2012. Do you prefer the looks of this, the Citroen C4 Aircross or the original Mitsubishi ASX?

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Suzuki Swift GX launched – RM65,888 OTR with insurance

October 5, 2011 at 5:40 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Suzuki

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) today introduced its latest Swift 1.5 variant, the GX, which takes the ongoing second-generation hatch to a new price level, dipping well under the RM70k mark.

The arrival of the GX follows on the refreshed variant called the GLX, which was introduced in July, and the idea with this one is to bring the car to a new level of affordability, and very much aimed at specific competition. At RM65,888 on the road, with insurance, it should very well open up the Swift to a new crowd, with the idea of providing ownership that’s easy on the wallet – a monthly repayment of as low as RM550 can be had for it, going through selected loan packages.

For the price, SMA has kept all bits deemed necessary, with nothing omitted in the safety department – the GX has dual SRS airbags, and ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist have been retained.

Essentially, it’s very much the same car as the GLX, sans the new front bumper grille, rear combination lamp, side skirts and rear spoiler. Also, you don’t get the retractable side mirrors with indicator light found on the GLX, and there are no rear headrests on the GX, though SMA says you can buy them as an optional item.

Elsewhere, out go the digital information display and keyless go, and the GLX’s six-speaker radio/CD system is replaced by a Blaupunkt single-DIN head unit with USB connectivity and a two-speaker system, the idea being that owners are more likely than not to up the audio system to something tastier.

Otherwise, you get the same 15-inch alloys, reverse sensors and alarm system with immobiliser as on the GLX. The same five colours available for the GLX – Bayside Blue, Serene Silver, Supreme Red, Superior White and Tranquility Black – are also to be had for the GX.

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Alfa Romeo developing 1.8L turbo engine with 300 hp!

October 5, 2011 at 4:33 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars

Good news for the alfisti. According to reports from Italy, Alfa Romeo is planning a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a whopping 300 hp! This translates to an amazing 167 hp per litre. And knowing Alfa, it should sound the part too, making this a much anticipated motor.

Designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation, the all-aluminium engine will have high-pressure (200 bar) fuel injection and is predicted to use Fiat’s unique Multiair variable valve timing system. The company says that this new engine will meet the super-strict European EU6 and US Tier2Bin5 emission standards.

This 1.8L turbo is expected to debut in the new Giulia sedan, the replacement for the 159, in early 2014. Reviving a famous name from the 1960s, the new Giulia will be Alfa’s rival to the upcoming F30 BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class. The planned 4C sports car should be another recipient.

Autocar UK points out that since this engine can be mounted longitudinally, it should also make it into Alfa Romeo’s planned rear driven big flagship saloon. The last big Alfa was the 166 that was discontinued in 2007.

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Peugeot 508 – new Lion to roar its way in later this month!

October 5, 2011 at 3:39 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot


Click to enlarge.

Finally arriving on our shores, the Peugeot 508 sedan is – Nasim is set to launch the much anticipated Pug in Malaysia later this month.

The 508 we’ll be getting is arriving in just a single drivetrain form – that with a 1.6 litre turbocharged Prince engine, with the usual 156 hp and 240 Nm for numbers, mated to a six-speed auto tranny. No, there’s no 2.2 HDi FAP diesel, as intoxicatingly inviting as that one sounds.

The complete equipment level that’s available on the model hasn’t been disclosed, but the kit list will include quad-zone air conditioning, premium leather, a colour heads-up display (HUD) and an adaptive high beam system connected to directional bi-Xenon headlamps.


Click to enlarge.

Additionally, the car will come with paddle shifters and a 10-speaker JBL hi-fi system with a 500 watt surround sound amplifier, replete with Arkamys audio processing. No indicative pricing as of yet too, so we’ll just have to wait for the cheery news.

The launch coincides with yet another milestone recently recorded by Nasim. As at end September 30, Pug sales surpassed the 4,000 mark in Malaysia for the first time. “As at end-Sept, we have sold over 4,000 units, which is a new record for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia. This is double our sales in the same period in 2010, and surpasses our all-time record of 3,773 units in 2009,” said Nasim CEO SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.

“The all-new 508 will further increase our sales volume this year. This premium luxury sedan will be targeted at executives and professionals that want a car with class, character and panache,” he added.

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Honda City Special Edition launched – limited to 500 units

October 5, 2011 at 12:14 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Local News

We guessed so last month, and now Honda Malaysia has launched a special edition Honda City, the “2011 Honda City 3rd Generation Special Edition”, to give it its full name as per press release. Just 500 units of this City SE will be made available.

No mechanical changes, just aesthetics. The SE gets a full Modulo aero kit set that includes a front under spoiler, side under spoiler, rear under spoiler and duck tail spoiler. Besides those, SE owners get to choose a special number between 001 to 500 for their car. This number is then engraved on the door sill plate (side step), like ‘City SE 001’ for example. SE numbers will be obtained upon registration of the car.

Additionally, City SEs will come with “advanced nanotechnology solar control film” for all screens and windows. Available only in Polished Metal or Tafetta White, the City Special Edition is priced at RM92,890, which is RM2,500 more than the standard car. Honda Malaysia points out that the add-ons are worth over RM6,000, so you’re getting a good deal.

You can check out the City SE at any Honda dealer from now.

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