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Castrol EDGE Car Club Performance Drive – 10 finalists enjoyed some twisty roads and the Gymkhana Challenge

December 2, 2011 at 10:20 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Local News

Castrol Malaysia has been actively promoting and working together with local car clubs ever since the Castrol EDGE Nurburgring Challenge was held in March earlier this year. The challenge which sent a winner to the “Green Hell” in Nurburgring was also supplemented by a contest specially designed for the car clubs.

This time around to mark the introduction of the new Castrol EDGE lubricant engineered with Titanium Fluid Strength Technology™, Castrol launched yet another contest for the local car clubs. Called the Castrol EDGE Car Club Contest, it required members of the clubs to send in creative images of themselves along with their beloved cars and a creative caption.

Contestants with the best and most creative images were then selected to take part in the Performance Drive event which was held on 12th November 2011. During the event which was participated by clubs including the NISMO Club, the Lancer GT Club, the Saga Club and so on, participants got the chance to drive along a specially designed route around the Klang Valley and Selangor.

The 4-hour drive which flagged off from the Kelab Golf Sultan Aziz Shah in Shah Alam was made up by a lot of windy roads around Jelebu and the hilly Hulu Langat area. During the drive, participants which had the new Castrol EDGE with Titanium Fluid Strength Technology™ in their engines got to experience the performance of the lubricant as they pushed their cars around the windy section at different altitudes.

This new lubricant is the most advanced and strongest from Castrol. The key ingredient to Castrol EDGE lubricant is the Titanium Fluid Strength Technology™, a new system that actively strengthens the oil. It is designed to continuously respond and adapt to the engine’s different requirements by minimizing metal-to-metal contact and maximizing engine performance.

The drive which also included some highway driving adjourned at the Tamarind Springs restaurant in Ampang for lunch. After charging up with some good food, the convoy which was led by a Nisssan Teana headed to the Shah Alam Stadium whereby a Gymkhana Challenge awaited the participants. At the challenge, participants had to drive around a set of cones as fast as possible with a manual Nissan Sentra in IMPUL trim, while trying to set the quickest time. The exercise was rather challenging and involved some reverse action too :)

As the Sun was disappearing into the horizon, members from the NISMO Club enjoyed a clean sweep of the podium with their top three quickest times. The event ended gracefully with a customary prize giving ceremony. The participants will now have to submit their respective reviews of the event and the most creative review will walk away with attractive prizes for their car clubs.

To find out more the all new Castrol EDGE with Titanium Fluid Strength Technology™, log on to the Castrol EDGE website and join their Facebook Page here. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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Proton Saga FLX SE launched – RM49,899 OTR!

November 30, 2011 at 4:06 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton

Ah, while all the action seems to be in Tokyo, along pops up something more relevant and closer to home. Proton has announced the introduction of the Saga FLX SE, which we “previewed” last week, all thanks to an erstwhile reader and a leaked brochure.

Danny’s story already carries most of the tech details, so the big news is really about the photos of the car and the price – the 1.6 litre Campro and CVT-equipped vehicle rolls in at RM49,899 (metallic) and RM49,449 (solid). There are only two shades, the Fire Red as seen in the photos (which is the metallic), and Solid White.

Priced RM2,900 above the current selling 1.6 litre automatic Saga FL, the Saga FLX SE features eight exterior and three interior changes. It’s fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, an complete factory-fitted body kit in contrasting grey, fog lamps and smoked-finished combination rear lamps.

Meanwhile, the 108 hp and 150 Nm vehicle’s interior gets a healthy dollop of leather; hide is to be found on the seats, steering wheel, door ornament as well as the parking brake and gearshift levers.

The company is hoping to shift around 500 units of the Saga FLX SE per month. Oh, and customers who have ordered a Saga and are still waiting for their car to be delivered can opt to change their booking to the FLX SE at the respective showroom in which the booking was originally made.

If you’re thinking of viewing the FLX SE, don’t rush out just yet, because the car will only be at all Proton showrooms from tomorrow, December 1.

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Proton-Mitsubishi strategic collaboration – Proton expects to ink deal by year-end to build Mitsubishi sedan models

November 30, 2011 at 6:35 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi, Proton

Following the news in September about Proton and Mitsubishi discussing a broad ranging collaboration, Bernama reports that Proton expects to seal a JV agreement with Mitsubishi Motors by year-end to build Mitsubishi sedan models at its Tanjung Malim plant.

The agreement will see the manufacture of 60,000 Mitsubishi units annually, which is about 90% of the plant’s production capacity, Proton MD Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin said, adding that the plant is currently operating at between 56% and 58% capacity.

Syed Zainal was briefing reporters after the announcement of the company’s Q2 2011/2012 financial year results yesterday, which saw the Group recording a lower pre-tax profit of RM47.524 million for the six months ended September 30, 2011, compared to RM185.914 million made in the corresponding period last year.

The lower profit was largely attributed to higher spending by Lotus Group International Limited, mainly on capability enhancement, infrastructure development and marketing costs, in line with its five-year business transformation plan.

Meanwhile, despite a second-half downtrend forecast by the Malaysian Automotive Association, Syed Zainal said that Proton would overcome it with the introduction of its Saga FLX Special Edition in December, the report added.

He said that 2012 was set to be an exciting year for the company, with the introduction of four models, the Exora Bold and Exora Prime, Inspira R3 and the P3-21A sedan.

Syed Zainal also said that Proton is set to expand its presence in the Chinese market – under a memorandum of understanding it has signed with Hawtai Motor Group, it is slated to sell four Proton models under the Hawtai badge.

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George Town to be car-free on Sundays starting Dec 11

November 29, 2011 at 4:46 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Local News, Public Transport

It’s all set to get a bit quieter in George Town on Sundays. According to reports, Penang’s CM Lim Guan Eng has announced that selected roads in the state capital are to go car-free every Sunday starting from December 11.

Lim said the George Town Car Free Day, as the initiative is called, will be the first in the country and is aimed at shrinking the state’s carbon footprint and helping lower-income groups raise their income at the same time.

“No vehicles or motorcycles will be allowed in these Car Free Day zones, only bicycles and trishaws. This will assist trishaw riders in drawing an additional source of income,” Lim said in a media statement.

He added that the state government has been directed to increase the aid given to trishaw riders – who turn up in the heritage zone every Sunday between 7 am and 5 pm – to RM100 a month. Prior to this, trishaw riders were given the RM100 aid once every two months.

The reports add that trishaw riders who register with the Penang Tourism Department, which is headed by state executive councillor, Danny Law, are set to get a RM20 bonus when they participate in the campaign.

This follows on other reports that said that the trishaw riders had rejected the RM100 aid to be dispensed every two months, and had wanted a monthly payment of RM60 instead. Guess this new deal should cut it out fine.

What do you think? Is the Car Free Day initiative going to be a beneficial move?

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VW briefs local and ASEAN vendors at Suppliers’ Day

November 25, 2011 at 11:22 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s Regional Sourcing Office recently hosted a Suppliers’ Day, which saw the attendance of more than 300 automotive suppliers from Malaysia and throughout the ASEAN region.

The purpose was to share information with the vendors on the upcoming Volkswagen local assembly operations in Malaysia, and for them to better understand VW processes such as supplier management, logistics, quality assurance and engineering.

Among those who also attended were Government officials, current and potential suppliers, officials from DRB-HICOM and Volkswagen production officials from Wolfsburg, Germany.

Tay added that with 62 production facilities throughout the world, Volkswagen is constantly looking out for production opportunities and to build and establish a bigger network of suppliers to complement the brand’s growth in key markets.

A total of 11 speakers from various organisations presented their plans and strategies, including supplier quality awareness and logistics requirement processes, during the half-day event.

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COMING SOON! Proton Saga FLX SE 1.6L with CVT leaked

November 24, 2011 at 7:33 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Spyshots


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The ultimate Proton Saga is coming soon! Thanks to reader Ali, we have scans of a Proton brochure featuring “The new Saga FLX SE 1.6L with CVT”. Proton has thrown everything at the name, and it’s a mouthful, but all we need to know is that this upcoming variant is the range topper, the SE of the current Saga FLX range, equipped with the Campro 1.6L engine and CVT gearbox.

Currently, the Saga FLX with continuous variable transmission (CVT) is only available with a 1.3L Campro (launched in July, read our test drive report here). Proton has a 1.6-litre powered Saga – the Executive 1.6L – but that one was launched before the FLX with CVT, so it comes with a four-speed torque converter automatic ‘box.


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So with this new FLX SE variant, Proton is marrying what’s good from both cars (1.6L + CVT) and sweetens it further with the usual sporty SE add ons.

Upon closer inspection, the FLX SE’s 1.6L Campro puts out 108 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The current Executive 1.6L with 4AT makes 110 hp at 6,500 rpm and 148 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Nothing significant, except that peak power is made 750 rpm lower in the CVT equipped FLX SE. The variance seen here is probably due to the engine being retuned to match the CVT.


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The FLX SE is available in Fire Red (as seen here) or Solid White, and it wears a full bodykit that is painted grey to contrast with the red. This hue is repeated on the strip above the grille and the side skirts; although likely, we can’t confirm if the lower rear bumper is in the same colour. At the back, the lamp cluster is now in clear lense/silver style for maximum bling effect.

The SE comes with 15-inch eight-spoke alloy rims, the first time a Saga is leaving the factory wearing rims bigger than 14 ins. Along with that comes wider tyres – 195/50 compared to the current 185/60.


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Equipment wise, the Saga FLX SE gets leather seats, leather wrapped wheel, stereo with MP3/USB/AUX, dual airbags, ABS + EBD, steering audio buttons and driver’s seat height adjuster, among other kit. The meter panel now has a white backlight, no longer orange, and the centre console, door handles and air-con vents are trimmed in Satin Black.

Currently, the Saga Elegance 1.6L is priced at RM46,549. How much do you think this FLX SE 1.6L with CVT will cost? As a marker, automatic variants of Perodua’s Myvi SE 1.5 start from RM53,900, going all the way to RM61,700.

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No CKD VW Passat launch yesterday, DRB-Hicom clarifies

November 24, 2011 at 11:53 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

So November 23 came and passed, and we had no news or sight of the locally-assembled Volkswagen Passat, as reported by Bernama. It could be that the national news agency reporter at the International College of Automotive (ICAM) launch misquoted the Group MD of DRB-Hicom, Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil. We would have been surprised if it was true – no press invites were sent out for a “launch.”

What actually happened yesterday was the production roll-out of the CKD Passat at the DRB-Hicom Automotive Complex in Pekan, DRB-Hicom clarified. “Volkswagen Group Malaysia has submitted the recommended retail price of CKD Passat to the government and was awaiting approval before retailing could commence,” Mohd Khamil said, adding that to date, DRB-Hicom has assembled about 70 units of the CKD Passat 1.8.

“Volkswagen Group Malaysia will make the necessary announcements pertaining to availability of the CKD Volkswagen Passat and its recommended retail price in due course,” he added.

There you go, no CKD Passat for now. What you can have now is our first impressions of the CBU Passat – click here to read.

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Free parking for hybrid cars purchased in Petaling Jaya

November 24, 2011 at 1:24 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Lexus, Local News, Toyota

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be giving three months free parking to hybrid cars purchased in the city next year, according to a Star report. PJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman said this was one of the green initiatives that MBPJ was implementing.

“Hybrid-car buyers will be given free parking passes for three months to park anywhere in Petaling Jaya. We are extending the scheme to people who are not Petaling Jaya residents, as long as they have bought their car from a car dealer in Petaling Jaya,” the mayor explained.

While it’s a welcome, albeit temporary, benefit for would be owners of the Honda Insight, CR-Z, Toyota Prius and Lexus hybrid models, I’m sure many PJ residents and workers would agree that finding a parking spot in the first place is the more painful task.

In Budget 2012, PM Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that incentives given to hybrid cars have been extended till 31 December 2013. The incentives in question are full import duty and excise duty exemption for hybrid and electric cars and motorcycles.

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Honda-Hot Import Nights KL 2011 happens next month in Shah Alam – promises hot girls, modded cars and Awie

November 23, 2011 at 5:11 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Local News

There will be a new car show in town, billed as a mini SEMA or Tokyo Auto Salon of sorts. It’s called Honda-Hot Import Nights Kuala Lumpur 2011, and it will happen from 17-18 December at Shah Alam’s Malawati Stadium. It’s gonna be a fully indoor event that will go on rain or shine, and the entry fee will be RM20 per day. Organisers are expecting a crowd in excess of 25,000 for both days combined.

Calling themselves the “world’s largest touring automotive lifestyle show” Hot Import Nights (HIN) was founded in 1996 in Australia by a group of uni students. It has grown since then, and Jakarta, Indonesia held its first HIN in 2001. Today, HIN is an annual event in USA, Australia, Indonesia, and if it takes off, Malaysia. Honda Malaysia is the title sponsor for the HIN KL 2011.

There will be plenty of sexy ladies and modded cars of all sorts (HIN is expecting over 100 show cars), and the cars will vie for the many trophies up for grabs. Among the titles are Too Damn Low, Best Custom Bodykit, The Killer Colour, Hottest Engine Bay, Best JDM Look, Best VIP, Hottest ICE, Cinema on Wheels and “Best” titles for various brands, from Audi to Proton. There will be three King Nominees that will fight for the main award – The King.

Also, there will be a Dynowars contest, which will have trophies (top 3) for the most powerful RWD, FWD, AWD, NA, Turbo, VTEC, 4G63 and Campro, among other categories. For the ICE fans, there are a couple of awards, too.

The judges are experienced blokes. For the modded cars, HIN has secured Randy Ly, Tommy Ha and Mitchell Mark, all ex-NCCA judges from America. The man in charge of Dynowars is Todd Lewis from Mainline Dynamometer Australia.

I’ve been to some of these events before, and there are more photographers mobbing the (lady) models than those who actually appreciate the cars, so if you belong to that category, HIN KL will be organising a Car & Model Autophotography contest. The ladies you’re shooting are also competing, but for the Miss Honda-Hot Import Nights KL 2011 title. RC and PS3 fans will have contests of their own. Finally, some international DJs are performing and there’s a concert by rocker Awie on 18 Dec.

For Honda owners, Honda Malaysia will be picking four cars to be displayed in their booth at HIN KL. If you think you have the ride to impress, email a pic of your car and details to hondahin@honda.com.my.

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Perodua’s Twitter-based Tweckbot safety check team is back, now serving Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh and JB

November 22, 2011 at 3:43 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua

Perodua is re-introducing Tweckbot, its unique Twitter-based free safety check team, in time for the upcoming year-end and Chinese New Year festive period. And this time, apart from the Klang Valley, Perodua will extend the service to Penang, Ipoh and Johor Bahru for the four-weekend campaign, which kicks off this Friday.

The teams will carry out a 20-point check that includes an engine check, transmission check, coolant system (coolant level, fan, temperature), brake system check (brake fluid, brake pad wear), power steering system check, clutch system check, tyre check, suspension system check, electrical system check (battery, lights, wiper) and engine diagnosis.

Tweckbot will be in Penang from 25-27 November, Ipoh from 2-4 December, Johor Bahru from 9-11 December and the Klang Valley from 16-18 December. Perodua will allocate between three to five mobile teams each weekend.

In Penang, the areas covered are Greenlane, Batu Lanchang and Island Glades (25 Nov); Pulau Tikus and Island Park (26 Nov); Bukit Mertajam, Simpang Ampat and Bukit Tambun (27 Nov).

In Ipoh, they will go to Ipoh Garden, Canning Garden and Kampung Simee (2 Dec); Bercham, Pasir Puteh and Bandar Baru Tambun (3 Dec) and Taman Happy, Taman Mayfair, Taman Bunga Raya and Taman Sin Far (4 Dec).

Perodua owners in JB can find Tweckbot teams at Taman Sri Tebrau, Taman Serene, Taman Pelangi and Pasir Pelangi (9 Dec); Taman Perling, Taman Sutera and Taman Permata (10 Dec) and Taman Sri Skudai, Taman Skudai, Taman Harmoni 1 and Taman Nesa (11 Dec).

In the Klang Valley, the teams will visit Taman Maluri, Taman Connaught, Taman Muda and Taman Len Sen (16 Dec); Kepong Lama, Jinjang Utara and Selatan and Jalan Ipoh (17 Dec) and SS2 Petaling Jaya, Bandar Utama, Damansara Jaya, Taman Mayang and Taman Megah (18 Dec).

P2 customers whose vehicles need repairs or service will be offered a 15% discount on selected parts at Perodua Service branches. To secure an appointment, Perodua customers need to have a Twitter account and follow the Perodua team on @MYPerodua to know where and when the Tweckbot team will be in their neighbourhood.

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