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Range Rover Evoque launched – RM353k to RM393k

November 2, 2011 at 6:13 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Land Rover, Local News

Land Rover Malaysia has officially launched the Range Rover Evoque – the car arrives in three variant forms, these being a 2.0 litre petrol three-door Coupe as well as two five-door examples, a 2.0 litre petrol version and a 2.2 litre diesel.

The 2.0L Petrol Coupe – specified with a Dynamic Plus package – and the 2.0L Petrol 5-Door Prestige are powered by the 240 PS and 340 Nm Si4 turbocharged engine, with twin variable valve timing. As for the 2.2L Diesel 5-Door, which is also configured in Prestige trim, it wears the 190 PS and 420 Nm version of the SD4 turbodiesel, the same mill as found in the Land Rover Freelander 2.

Both the petrol and diesel engines are matched to the latest generation AW F-21 six-speed automatic transmission with a Rotary Auto Shifter. Performance figures are a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds for the petrol versions and 8.5 seconds for the diesel, while maximum speed is 217 km/h for the petrol duo and 195 km/h for the diesel job.

Features available across the range include adaptive Xenon headlamps, push-button start, an 8-inch touchscreen with HDD and corresponding 380-watt 11-speaker Meridian audio system, 5-inch driver information full colour display, powered tailgate, rear climate control vents, paddle shifters, cruise control and electronic parking brake, among others.

A full suite of three-letter acronym traction and stability systems are also to be found, and these include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC), Gradient Release Control (GRC) and Engine Drag torque Control (EDC).

The Coupe has some stuff that’s not to be found on the five-door versions – these are Adaptive Dynamics, a fixed panoramic roof with solar attenuating glass, textured aluminium trim in the interior as well as metal-finish foot pedals.

All three versions come wearing 20-inch alloys, though the Coupe gets what is called Style 7 and the two five-door variants, Style 6 – essentially, they are both the same V-spoke designs, but in different finishes, silver sparkle for the former and shadow chrome for the latter.

The Coupe comes in three exterior shades – Fuji White, Firenze Red and Sumatra Black, with an Agility theme in the White example and a Velocity theme to be found for the latter two colours. The five-door expands the exterior colour palette by two – Orkney Grey and Indus Silver join the trio above. Each is partnered to a matching interior theme, these being called Sprint, Vibe and Element.

Pricing-wise, the CBU Evoque rolls in at RM393,888 for the 2.0L Petrol Coupe Dynamic Plus, while the 2.0L Petrol 5-Door Prestige goes for RM363,888 and the 2.2L Diesel 5-Door Prestige is priced at RM353,888, all on-the-road excluding insurance. It’s apparently going great guns for the SUV – more than 250 bookings were secured for it even before the launch, so if you want one now, be prepared to wait.

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Proton looking for clean sweep of 2011 APRC titles – Atkinson and McRae to fight it out for driver’s title in China

November 2, 2011 at 4:21 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Motorsports, Proton, Proton Satria Neo

This weekend’s China Rally will see Proton drivers Alister McRae and Chris Atkinson fighting it out for the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) driver’s title. McRae currently leads the championship with 116 points, a mere seven points ahead of Atkinson.

The APRC driver’s title is already in the bag – all that’s left is finding out which of the two Proton drivers is to be this year’s champion. McRae however said that the bigger objective in China will be to secure maximum points to give Proton the 2011 APRC manufacturer’s title. Proton currently tops the point standings with 162 points, and six points behind in second place is Mitsubishi, while a distant third is Subaru.

“China is going to be extremely competitive, given its rough and challenging terrain, the enormous number of entries and especially the high level of competition. And you can bet that the boys in Mitsubishi will be going all out to clinch the title,” said Atkinson.

“Whatever the outcome, Chris and I already have a strong reason to celebrate in that Proton has come out on top this season,” McRae added. The Satria Neo S2000 has been dominant in this year’s APRC, winning three out of five rallies so far as well as securing two second-place and two third-place finishes. McRae and Atkinson stormed to a one-two finish in the China Rally last year.

Proton will also head to China having already won a host of other titles that include the APRC co-driver’s championship, the APRC Teams Trophy, and the manufacturer’s title in the FIA APRC Rally Cup for two-wheel drive. It has also won the FIA APRC Junior Cup driver’s and co-driver’s titles as well as the FIA APRC Rally Cup driver’s and co-driver’s titles through Japanese driver Akira Bamba and Malaysian Karamjit Singh driving the 1600cc Satria Neo.

Additionally, depending on how McRae finishes, the Scottish driver also has a shot of clinching the FIA Asia Cup driver’s championship, in which he currently leads with 60 points. With sufficient points at stake this weekend, Indian driver Gaurav Gill and Japanese Katsuhiko Taguchi – currently at 37 and 35 points respectively – still have a clear shot at the title should either driver win the rally.

Also gunning for a second title is Atkinson, who is currently leading the FIA Pacific Cup driver’s championship with 78 points, and he’ll need to fend off Indonesian Rifat Sungkar for the title.

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2012 Mitsubishi Pajero minor facelift in Japan/Europe

November 2, 2011 at 1:30 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has given the Pajero a small facelift for the Japanese and European markets, so this updated version should be introduced in our market soon enough. The updates are not very major – just a little nip and tuck here and there, such as the slightly resculpted front bumper and the small revision to the front grille. The Pajero goes for about RM290k in Malaysia and comes with a 250 PS 3.8 litre V6 mated to a five-speed auto, in its Exceed equipment level trim.

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Proton Inspira R3 – new bodykit and 18-inch wheels?

November 2, 2011 at 1:04 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Malaysian Makes, Proton

Last night, I overheard a radio ad promoting a new Proton Inspira variant called the Proton Inspira R3. Curiously, there’s no information on such a product on Proton’s websites; however, an ad by a Proton salesperson on Mudah classifieds reveal to us a few details about this new kitted-up Inspira.

The Mudah ad details the Inspira R3 as being equipped with R3 accessories worth RM9,000, which includes a front bumper splitter, a blacked out R3 grille, sideskirts, a rear apron and a ducktail spoiler. There are also 18-inch Advanti Racing M8501 wheels in a design typical of R3′s styling, wrapped with 225/40R18 Yokohama AR01 tyres.

According to the ad, the Inspira R3 is limited to 100 units and is only available with a 1.8 litre engine manual transmission variant. We’ll bring you the full details and higher resolution images once we receive more information from Proton.

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Subaru BRZ Concept STI to premiere in LA

November 2, 2011 at 10:21 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Subaru


Click to enlarge.

Ahead of its eventual debut in Tokyo, Subaru’s BRZ gets a final run-out in a Concept STI form. The STI-badged car will premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. Features include STI 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, a large rear wing and a four-tailpipe exhaust. No mention of the powertrain on this one, so it could well be shod with the 2.0 litre NA four-pot boxer designed for the production car, which the Toyota FT-86 will wear as well.

The BRZ, Subaru’s all-new rear-wheel drive compact sports car, will be unveiled in production form at the Tokyo Motor Show two weeks after the Concept STI does the LA run. The BRZ Prologue, which set the initial tone, was seen in Frankfurt.

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Ferrari introduces free 7-year maintenance programme

November 2, 2011 at 9:53 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Ferrari, Local News

Ferrari has announced a new customer care service, where clients ordering a California, 458 Italia, FF or 458 Spider from the authorised dealership network will be entitled to a free seven-year scheduled maintenance programme.

The service, which commenced in Malaysia with Naza Italia as of November 1, will be progressively available in all Ferrari markets, covering all global authorised dealership networks.

The Genuine Maintenance programme, as it’s called, covers each individual vehicle, and thus extends to any eventual subsequent owner during the entire seven-year period. The programme covers the scheduled maintenance at standard service intervals (20,000 km, or once a year, with no restriction on total kilometres) along with the relative original spare parts, engine oil and brake fluid.

The programme is unique, Ferrari says, being the first time a car manufacturer is offering such cover – the advantage to the owner is the assurance that the vehicle will be subject to regular annual inspection by Ferrari-trained personnel, using factory-approved dedicated diagnostic equipment.

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Subaru Palm Challenge 2011: Singaporean Chong Kiat Chi wins the Impreza WRX, lasts 75 hours and 36 minutes!

November 2, 2011 at 3:28 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Subaru

We just got home from Singapore, where the MediaCorp Subaru Impreza WRX Challenge 2011 came to a close last evening. As the contest entered day four, three men were determined to be the last man standing, but it was Chong Kiat Chi who outlasted the rest to drive away a Subaru Impreza WRX MT Hatchback worth S$92800 (without COE).

Chong, a 42-year old sales manager, had his palm on the car for 75 hours and 36 minutes. Chong is an old hand at the game, having previously contested six times in this annual event.


Six-time repeat contestant Chong Kiat Chi finally strikes gold (wheels)

He beat 27-year old commercial executive Tilani Haresh Lachmandas in the final battle. Tilani, with his huge popping eyes, looked very determined, and appeared the fitter of the two. He also had a huge group of friends cheering him on, but at the 75 hour 35 minute mark, stewards disqualified him for lifting his hand off the designated palm placement.

He wasn’t pleased with the call, as anyone who had a 50:50 shot at a car would be. But with the stakes so high, mistakes can be costly. Tilani had to settle for a S$5,000 cheque.


Determined and with plenty of support, but Tilani Haresh had to settle for S$5,000

Earlier, hotly tipped 52-year old chauffeur Abdul Hamid Jonid, last year’s runner up, was eliminated at 75 hours, 8 minutes after his hand slipped off. It must be heartbreaking for “Kachang” having been so close yet so far for two years running.

Conditions weren’t easy after the final ever 5-minute break at 1pm yesterday. The weather continued to toy with them, oscillating between scorching heat and heavy downpour. Winner Chong perhaps had a slightly easier time as his position was shielded from direct sun by the Ngee Ann City shadow.


Another heartbreaking nearly there moment for last year’s runner up Kachang

“I’m incredibly happy to have won. I dropped out last year due to exhaustion, but this year, with the support of my family and friends, I was able to last for as long as I did. Without them I don’t think I would have been able to do it, so I am really grateful for everything they have done,” Chong said.

Away from the trio, the best regional contestant went to Neblasca Alex Jr from the Philippines. He went home with S$5,000. As the best regional collective effort (combined hours) the Thailand team won S$10,000. The last man standing from each country took home S$1,000 each, and Malaysia’s best effort came from 30-year old sales personnel Saw Sen Chiew.

Saw lasted over 63 hours before his palm slipped off, a commendable effort. Besides the smooth surface, Saw said that the “concentration was not there” when he was eliminated.


Saw Sen Chiew was Malaysia’s longest lasting. He took home S$1,000 as country winner

Being there live at the palm challenge left me amazed at the willpower and determination shown by the participants, who endured sun and rain every single day. But I tip my cap to Adam Kamis, the one handed contestant. Good natured and ever smiling, the 32-year old joined not to boost his bank balance, but to raise funds for a semi paralysed friend to go to Germany for treatment.

However, Kamis, who lost his arm in a bike accident in 2003, was “strongly advised” by medics to retire getting severe blisters on his hand.


Adam Kamis put his only palm down to help a friend. Blisters got in the way

“My skin was stuck on the car, I peeled it off and blood just gushed out,” he told this wincing writer. “I intend to safe this arm for next year’s contest,” the man who runs at least 30 km a day added with a smile. An eye opening few days indeed.

Think you can do better? Join next year!

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Free parking for hybrid vehicles in PJ for three months

November 1, 2011 at 5:08 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News

Three months of free parking in Petaling Jaya – that’s the cheery news awaiting new hybrid vehicle owners. The Petaling Jaya City Council, or MBPJ, has announced the free parking initiative as part of its green incentives programme as tabled in its 2012 budget.

According to a report, hybrid vehicles – and that means the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius as well as the Lexus CT 200h and RX 450h (and the Honda CR-Z, when that arrives soon) – will be given a special pass to enjoy the free parking, which presumably is valid for any public parking bay in the city. The report mentions that the incentive will be for cars registered from January 1.

There’s no mention of when the free parking duration will begin though; presumably again, this should be anytime from January next year. Which also brings about the question – does the January 1 registration validity only cover vehicles registered from the start of 2012, or from this year? Questions, questions.

In other news mentioned in the report, the council will also be spending RM100,000 to install energy-efficient LED lights at residential areas, which will help brighten back lanes. The cost of installing the lights, maintenance and replacement of faulty lights will be borne by the council, states the report.

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MINI Roadster – production drop top MINI Coupe unveiled!

November 1, 2011 at 3:53 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars

This is the sixth model in the MINI range – the production MINI Roadster, which is essentially a cabriolet version of the MINI Coupe.

I like the look of this one a little more than the MINI Coupe which was launched recently in Malaysia, though the MINI Coupe probably benefits from having a fixed roof improving its chassis rigidity, so it should handle a wee bit better.

I think the MINI Roadster also looks much better than the MINI Cabriolet, but loses two seats in the progress of course. It sits 20mm lower to the ground than the Cabriolet. The windscreen is more steeply raked. Luggage space is about 240 litres. There’s an active rear spoiler extends automatically at 80 km/h.

Engine options include a range of 4 cylinder engines. The Cooper Roadster has a 122hp/160Nm normally aspirated 1.6 litre engine, while the Cooper S Roadster has 184hp/240Nm via a turbo. There’s a 211hp/260Nm tune for the JCW. For oil burner lovers, there’s the Cooper SD Roadster with 143hp/305Nm.

Look after the jump for a mega gallery of the MINI Roadster.
[Read more...]

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New parts plant for UMW Toyota’s next generation Camry

November 1, 2011 at 3:29 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Toyota

UMW Toyota today announced the official opening of the Toyota Boshoku UMW second plant. One of the reasons for the new plant being built is to accomodate the parts production required for the next- generation Toyota Camry, which will be locally assembled for the next generation, instead of the current generation Camry, which is a CBU import from Thailand.

The new plant will also allow the first plant to improve its processes. The new plant will focus on sewing and cutting operations and introduction of a new locally-produced part called the “Package Tray” which functions as the rear speaker board for the new CKD Camry.

Toyota Boshoku UMW is a joint-venture with Toyota Boshoku Corporation, Japan and UMW Toyota Motor, estalblished in 2006. TBU focuses on manufacturing and assembling seats, door trims and interior parts for Toyota Vios, Hilux, Fortuner, Innova, Hiace, and Hino commercial vehicles.

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