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LPGA Malaysia 2011′s BMW fleet for sale at Auto Bavaria Sg. Besi

October 21, 2011 at 10:37 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Advertorial

The 2011 round of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia ended recently, and Auto Bavaria, which played official car sponsor for the golfing event, is now offering up to eight different BMW models for sale. These carsm which have very low mileage on the clock are made up of a 323i, 325i Convertible, 523i, 528i, 730Li as well as a 740Li.

Two SUV models are also available, including the X1 sDrive18i and the X5 xDrive35i. These cars come with discounts that range between RM20,000 and RM70,000. The highest discount goes to the 740Li, with a special price tag of RM748,800.

More vehicle options from other events are also available. To find out more, feel free to visit Auto Bavaria Sg. Besi or call 03-9223 3200.

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Proton and China’s Hawtai Motor Group sign MoU

October 21, 2011 at 6:14 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Malaysian Makes, Proton

Proton and Chinese auto company Hawtai Motor Group Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to explore collaboration in product development with the aim of expanding Proton’s presence in the Chinese market.

The MoU was signed by Proton Group MD Datuk Seri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir and the Executive President of Hawtai, Hou Haijing in Nanning, China, witnessed by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mustapha Mohamed.

Under the MoU, Proton and Hawtai will evaluate the possible establishment of a Joint Venture Company (JV Co.) in China, to invest in joint new product development including joint design and development cost sharing. Both companies will spend the next three months finalising their study of the business case.

Proton says Hawtai are looking at manufacturing the Proton Exora MPV as well as the upcoming Proton P3-21A sedan in China, which by the way is set to debut in early 2012. The two companies will explore the development of new models together in later phase.

The joint venture company will also be responsible for vendor sourcing and component development work with local Chinese vendors. This will hopefully allow Proton to tap into low cost vendors in China and explore the potential of cross-supplying components from local Malaysian vendors to China and vice-versa.

Beijing-based Hawtai currently has the capacity to make about 200,000 vehicles, 300,000 engines and 300,000 automatic transmissions a year. Hawtai also has a joint venture with South Korea’s Hyundai Motors to manufacture the Chinese-market versions of the Hyundai Matrix, Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Terracan.

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2011 Toyota Innova gets updated looks in Malaysia

October 21, 2011 at 3:08 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Toyota

The Toyota Innova offered in Malaysia has been updated to the latest facelifted version which made its world debut at the Indonesia International Motor Show in July this year.

Three variants of the facelifted Innova are available in Malaysia – the 2.0E with manual transmission at RM97,500, the 2.0E automatic at RM102,500 and the top of the line 2.0G automatic at RM110,600, all prices quoted for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia with metallic paint.

Innova FL

The most obvious change is at the front where you get a new grille and bumper that reminds you of the Toyota Camry facelift and helps widen the appearance of the Innova. The photo above was snapped at the Indonesian International Motor Show (read our July story which has a huge photo gallery).

The side features revised side protection moldings and a wider chrome trip running beneath teh center line of the Innova. Toyota also says there are more prominent creases on the wheel arches and more distinctive character lines on the fenders, which help the Innova look more dynamic. There’s a new 15 inch alloy wheel design, wrapped with 205/65R15 tyres. At the rear, the biggest change are the new tail lamps.

On the interior, the dashboard has been revised to have a more “horizontal” orientation which separates the center console into an upper and lower zone. The 2.0E model has its control dials redesigned to offer easier operation. There’s also a new 4-spoke steering wheel for all models, and there’s also steering leather wrapping and dark wood trimming for the 2.0G version.

The instrument panel cluster has been redesigned with a black face for higher contrast to improve visibility in all lighting conditions. The Optitron meters have a silver-finished trim ring with turquoise blue highlights in the meter face design. For analog meters on the lower end models, there is a glossy black trim ring. Only the 2.0G gets a multi-info display which offers various info such as average fuel consumption; real-time fuel consumption; average speed on a journey; the length of time that the engine has been running; the range available on the amount of fuel in the tank; the direction the vehicle is headed in (compass), and the temperature outside the vehicle.

The engine remains the same – the 1TR-FE 2.0 litre inline-4 engine putting out 136 PS at 5,600rpm and 182Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, mated to either a 5-speed manual for the 2.0E MT model or a 4-speed automatic for the 2.0E AT and 2.0G AT.

In terms of safety, only the top of the line 2.0G model gets 2 SRS airbags for the front passengers while the two 2.0E models only have one driver airbag, which is pretty sad as there are cars like the Perodua Myvi which now have dual SRS airbags as standard for all models. All models have ABS brakes.

Look after the jump for some images of the new facelifted Innova as well as an embedded price list. You can also check out our IIMS 2011 stories for more live photos from the Innova’s global unveiling.
[Read more...]

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Mitsubishi debuts new 4J10 MIVEC engine in ASX, Lancer

October 21, 2011 at 1:40 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced a new engine. The ’4J10′ is a lightweight and compact 1.8-litre petrol engine incorporating a new version of the company’s MIVEC variable valve timing system and the latest version of Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) tech.

The new 4J10 engine/AS&G combination will power the Japan-market RVR (ASX to us), Galant Fortis sedan (Lancer) and Galant Fortis Sportback (Lancer Sportback). MMC says that with the 4J10, the three models show 12% improved fuel efficiency in the Japanese 10-15 mode.

MMC says that the new MIVEC system together with improved combustion stability and reduction in piston friction provide better economy without any loss in engine performance over the existing 4B10 MIVEC engine. Used in overseas Lancers and the Proton Inspira 1.8, the 4B10 is a 1.8-litre, inline-4, 16-valve engine. It has DOHC instead of the new engine’s SOHC. Compared to the 4B10, the new 4J10 has just 1kW and 5 Nm less, so it’s a good trade for the 12% better economy.

MMC first applied MIVEC in 1992, and there have been two types so far – in one, the system switches between different valve lifts and valve opening durations according to engine speed, while in the other (as in the 4B10) the system varies the valve opening timing on a continuous basis.

The new MIVEC system in the 4J10 can do what the previous two systems could do “but at the same time, all the time”. This is thanks to a single mechanism that mechanically couples intake valve lift, opening duration and timing, allowing all three parameters to be varied simultaneously and continuously. The result is ideal valve operation control and the reduction of pumping losses.

AS&G is nothing new for MMC – it’s already being used in manual cars for Europe – but this latest version has been tailored for cars running continuously variable transmissions (CVT). The addition of a new control unit means that the new AS&G is integrally controlled along with the engine, CVT, Active Stability Control (ASC) and climate control.

Other changes include the use of a more durable 12V battery and a DC/DC converter. These are to prevent breaks in audio sound and to prevent the sat nav from rebooting when the engine restarts.

These developments are part of the Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015, which targets 25% reduction in on-road CO2 emission of new vehicles compared to the 2005 global weighted average.

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BMW EfficientDynamics Showcase at Pavillion

October 20, 2011 at 8:49 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, Local News

BMW Group Malaysia today launched the BMW EfficientDynamics showcase at Pavillion, Bukit Bintang, with the centrepiece of the exhibit being the BMW Active E electric coupe that we test drove last week. Read our test drive report to find out more about the EV coupe.

“The BMW Active E is BMW’s next systematic step towards an emission-free mobility solution and demonstrates our leadership and commitment in Sustainable Innovation as facilitated through the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy,” said BMW Malaysia’s MD Geoffrey Briscoe.

The showcase intends to provide Malaysians an understanding of the various technologies that the premium automotive industry employs to improve fuel efficiency and allow for greener motoring.

“The Malaysian government’s extension of full exemption of import duty and excise duty on hybrid and electric cars until 2013 is an important first step as it also initiates the momentum towards the establishment of a roadmap for mass adoption of clean and green technology in the automotive industry. However, more can and should be done to include immediate technologies available today such as advanced petrol and diesel engines which run on lower sulphur content Euro IV specification fuel, as well as the introduction of incentives for all hybrid technology including those for hybrid vehicles above the 2 litre capacity,” said Briscoe, in reference on the recent Budget announcement.

“BMW Group Malaysia has made strong commitments to the country in its efforts to promote the use of clean and sustainable technology which has led to the introduction of advanced assembly techniques and technology to the country, first with the introduction of Advanced Diesel technology and hopefully with other sustainable drivetrains in the near future,” said Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, who officiated the showcase.

BMW has quite a few strategies for fuel efficiency and green motoring in their stables – they’ve got the EfficientDynamics diesel models, the ActiveHybrid petrol electric hybrids, and an upcoming range of plug-in charging pure electric vehicles. They also dabbled with hydrogen power in the past.

But according to Malaysia’s NAP, only hybrid and electric vehicles are able to get duty exemptions, so none of BMW’s EfficientDynamics diesel models qualify to be brought in with a tax break. And these (models like the 320d and 520d EfficientDynamics) are the only BMW models that are relatively affordable – the petrol hybrids are all expensive high end items and the EVs are not mass production ready yet.

As it stands, none of the BMW ActiveHybrid models qualify for tax breaks because of engine sizes of over 2.0 litres in displacement – Malaysia’s hybrid tax breaks only allow for engine sizes of 2.0 litres and below, which explains why the Toyota Prius can be sold here, but not the Camry Hybrid.

For some reason BMW finds the need to equip its hybrids with turbocharged inline-6 and V8 engines when they now have smaller engines at their disposal. I had hoped for the ActiveHybrid 3 to get their new 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo engine so the Lexus CT 200h will have some competition in the premium segment.

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Lexus CT 200h F-Sport: bodykit and sportier suspension

October 20, 2011 at 6:08 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Lexus

Here’s some new pix of the new Lexus CT 200h F-Sport, which is essentially a regular CT 200h equipped with sportier body styling and a sports suspension. We first featured the F-Sport CT 200h about a year ago where it premiered at the Australian International Motor Show. The Australian showcar was blue, equipped with the same kit.

The F-Sport kit for the CT 200h includes 17-inch dark-finish alloys, a larger rear spoiler, flared side skirts, a mesh front grille and new aero-styled bumpers front and rear. In the cabin the distinguishing features include an F-Sport steering wheel with a flat bottom section and aluminium pedals and scuff plates. The suspension has also had its coil spring rates revised and the standard Showa shocks replaced with ones supplied by Kayaba, all for a sportier setting.

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New BMW M3 Sedan Rendering by Theophilus Chin

October 20, 2011 at 4:43 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars

Pretty good looking renderings by Theophilus Chin, although it would probably be closer to hitting the mark if the bumper was inverted like the M5, the X5 M and X6 M. This bumper shape is usually used by the M-Sport cars.

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Driven/BCMY: We’re Hiring a Designer/Customer Support

October 20, 2011 at 4:28 pm By benjamin Filed Under Advertorial

Dear all, one of our subsidiaries, BCMY Printing Sdn Bhd which specializes in online printing is currently looking for a full-time designer / customer support.

Job Description:

  • Responsible in supporting our customers and making sure that their enquiries are answered.
  • Process printing orders and artworks to ensure that they are compliant with our printing specifications.
  • Design business cards, flyers, brochures etc, based on customers’ requirements.
  • May also be involved in designing for some of our internal web projects under Driven Communications Sdn Bhd.
  • This is a full-time position, based in our youthful and fun office at Jaya One, Petaling Jaya.
  • RM 2,000 to RM 2,500 a month.

Requirements:

  • Must be fluent in English.
  • Must be excellent with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Prior experience in the printing / design industry will be an added advantage.
  • Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply.

Apply Now:
To apply, please email your resume as well as samples of your work to benjamin@driven.com.my.

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The Grand Prize of Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011 goes to Mohd Ismail Ibrahim – he drives home a Forte 1.6 EX!

October 20, 2011 at 1:27 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans, Local News

By now many would have already heard of, or participated in the Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011 campaign, a roadshow organised by Naza Kia. Test Drive Kia On Tour started in May at 1Utama PJ before heading to Penang and Johor Bahru, stopping over in Seremban and Melaka. The final leg was recently held at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara.

Those who went got to check out and test drive Naza Kia’s products such as the Forte, new Sportage and Sorento SUV. The company is happy with the response – a total of 600 bookings were collected throughout, from a total of 3,144 test drives conducted.

A big pull was that those who went and test drove stood a chance to win a Forte, besides mystery gifts for those who signed up as fans of Kia Malaysia’s Facebook page. Some 4,896 people “liked” Naza Kia and 9,000 entries were received for the grand prize draw.

This morning, it was announced at Menara Naza Kg Baru that Mohd Ismail Ibrahim from Kuala Lumpur has won the grand prize. The 38-year old baker received the keys to his new Forte from SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group.

Interestingly, the Forte winner (who currently drives a Myvi) test drove a Forte at The Curve, so he’s getting what he was interested in!

The team is already planning for next year. “Next year, we will take the Test Drive Kia On Tour roadshow to more destinations in the country,” said Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, COO of Naza Kia, adding that there should be six legs including locations in East Coast and East Malaysia.

Instead of trying to lure people to showrooms, Naza Kia is bringing its showroom to the people, which is a clever move.

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Petronas Motosports Carnival going on from now till Sunday @ KLCC – MotoGP rider Ben Spies dropped by!

October 19, 2011 at 11:31 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Bikes, Local News

This is the MotoGP week, where the world’s finest riders make their annual visit to Malaysia. And in conjunction with the race this Sunday at Sepang, Petronas, sponsor of Yamaha Factory Racing, has something special in the city. The Petronas Motorsports Carnival is happening in the open area between the KLCC mall and the fountain, near Chinoz and Dome.

We braved the big jam caused by the rain to pay the carnival a visit. Reaching at 5.30pm, I already saw a long line for the autograph session with Yamaha rider Ben Spies, who would appear half an hour later. Unfortunately, the 27-year old American rider’s star teammate Jorge Lorenzo couldn’t make it to Malaysia.

The 2010 champ crashed in warm up in Australia and had to undergo surgery. Fortunately, the surgeon was able to save the nerves and tendons of Jorge’s injured fourth finger, as a result no functionality will be lost in either the finger or the hand. A get well soon book was at the signing session – before everyone got Spies’ signature, they put theirs in for Jorge. Sweet. Petronas will make sure that the book reaches the recovering rider.

While waiting for the star to appear, I killed time by browsing the booths of Petronas (plenty of nice merchandise for sale) and Yamaha. Tried out the Augmented Reality game as well, and realised that I was completely hopeless at it. Petronas Motorsports has an online version as well – click here to play.

The Petronas Motorsports Carnival happens till this Sunday, and besides the Augmented Reality game, activities include a trial bike showcase, fashion and dance shows and daily trivia. The bikes of Spies #11 and Lorenzo #1 are also on display. Here are some pics from our visit.

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