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New Honda Civic facelift launched in Malaysia!

March 19, 2009 at 3:20 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Local News

Honda Civic Facelift

After its initial launch in March 2006, the Honda Civic has been facelifted in Malaysia. It continues as a locally assembled model from Honda’s Pegoh plant and is available in two variants, the Civic 2.0S and Civic 1.8S.

There are not much changes to the car really, it’s only an aesthetics update. It could be a case of overengineering with the first edition with the aim for it to be so far ahead of its rivals, with not much budget or reason to change left for the facelift. Or a recession “facelift”. There is a new front bumper that is reminiscent of the Civic Type R’s, as well as a new larger grille. The headlamps are now smoked.

Civic Facelift

Minimal changes on the rear, only with a minor change in the tail lamp design where it uses a diamond-shaped design instead of a round one now. The alloy wheels for the 17 inch model have also been updated to the 10-spoke design you see above, and they look quite chrome-ish shiny instead of matte in real life.

Civic FabricOn the interior, only the Civic 1.8 gets updated with a new design for the fabric seats. The colour remains similiar to the outgoing pre-facelift version but there is now a pattern, so no more bathroom towel interior (photo left, click to enlarge).

The Civic is available in Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Sparkle Gray Pearl and Bold Beige Metallic. As I understand there will be a new shade of blue coming later. As for pricing – RM 129,980.00 OTR with insurance for the Honda Civic 2.0S and RM 114,980.00 OTR with insurance for the Civic 1.8S. Warranty is a total of 3 years or 100,000km and there is also a 6 months or 10,000km free service package. The battery is warrantied for 2 years or 40,000km.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the Civic.
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Proton Exora set for 15th April 2009 launch!

March 18, 2009 at 10:49 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Exora - Proton MPV 2009

Proton Exora

Proton’s first 7-seater MPV the Proton Exora will be launched on the 15th of April 2009, if everything goes well. That is very close, less than a month from now!

Proton has pulled many unexpected but welcome and pleasant moves with the launch of this MPV. The first is of course letting a few journalists try the MPV out. Another is actually letting customers who have taken the leap of faith and placed a RM1,000 deposit for the MPV without even seeing it yet, actually see it!

all seats
seat-folding
aircond color
airbags

Yes, a few customers who have placed bookings were invited to Proton’s test track sometime ago for them to sample the MPV that they will soon own. One such customer had a very amusing reason for buying the MPV, as can be read in Business Times interview with some of the buyers:

“I originally wanted to buy a Proton Satria Neo CPS for my wife, who likes driving fast. But to curb her interest for her own good, I decided to get her an Exora. She doesn’t know that I’m buying her the car. If she doesn’t like it, I may have to buy her the Neo CPS,” said T.K. How from Puchong.

Anyway you can check out the rest of the comments here.

Related Posts:
Proton Exora Prototype Test Drive Experience
Proton Exora MPV: Body Control Module and more juicy details
Proton Exora features list teaser scan
Proton Exora MPV meter panel and dashboard textures in high resolution
Proton Exora MPV teaser scans: flat-folding seats
Proton Exora 7-seater MPV interior details revealed

313 Comments      


Proton Exora MPV: BCM and a few more juicy details from the prototype test drive

March 16, 2009 at 12:07 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Exora - Proton MPV 2009

Proton Exora

Now that we’ve covered the initial driving experience with the upcoming 7-seater Proton Exora MPV, let’s get down to some technical details such as the chassis, dimensions, specifications and equipment level of the people mover.

Have a look after the jump for the juicy details.
[Read more...]

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Proton Exora Prototype Test Drive Experience!

March 15, 2009 at 12:42 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Exora - Proton MPV 2009, Test Drive Reviews

Proton Exora

It was a day of many firsts for me, the day Proton corporate communications invited some of us to test drive a prototype of the new Proton Exora MPV. Yup, we got to drive a pair of Exoras, both the same colour but taped up in the typical black disguise that you’ve seen countless of times on the spyshots featured on this site.

We drove 2 prototype units, one with a manual transmission and one with an automatic transmission, from Proton’s plant in Shah Alam along the KESAS highway, then onto the MRR2, Karak Highway, and then the East Coast Expressway, where we made a U-turn at the Lanchang exit and on back to the Proton plant (we stopped at Karak town for awhile). The first half of my journey was in the manual model while the 2nd half was in the automatic model.

Look after the jump for my experiencing with the Proton Exora, as well as some other information gathered from our session with the engineers.
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All new Lexus RX350 launched in Malaysia

March 12, 2009 at 7:41 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Lexus, Local News

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. launched the Lexus RX350 premium SUV for the Malaysian market today at its Lexus showroom in Mutiara Damansara. Although maintaining the general shape of its predecessor, this third generation RX350 features an exterior design which is inspired by the LX-Fh concept, with head lights that point downward and a new bumper up front, a side profile with a slightly curvaceous shoulder line, and new LED tail lights with a new bumper at the back.

Continue for the rest of the report and to view an image gallery.
[Read more...]

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New RM 5,000 voluntary scrapping incentive under RM 60 billion Mini Budget 2009

March 10, 2009 at 9:25 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua, Proton

Today’s new Mini Budget stimulus package announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak totaled to RM60 billion and as expected, it includes the proposed voluntary scrap scheme.

Anyone who scraps their cars which are older than 10 years will receive a RM5,000 discount to buy a new car, but only a new Proton or Perodua. Those who are looking at Nazas, Kias, Hyundais, Toyota, Honda or even a Chinese vehicle despite being CKD and have invested in Malaysia will not qualify. There is also zero incentive for those looking at a newer 2nd hand car, even if it is a Perodua or Proton.


No further details were announced – it’s best to go to your Proton or Perodua dealer to find out how you can scrap your car for the discount and whether all you’re going to get is RM 5,000 or you’ll get to keep the scrap value amount plus the RM 5,000. Scrapping your car could earn you perhaps RM 1,000 or more so that would be an extra bonus to the RM 5,000, but my guess it you won’t get any extra cash.

Proton already has a scrapping scheme running since the year 2007 called Proton XChange where old cars over 10 years old and owned by the owner for at least 6 months, registered and roadworthy can be traded in for RM 5,000 and so far up to 2,700 of such discounts have been issued. Once a car has been surrendered to Proton under the scheme it will be de-registered from the Road Transport Department and scrapped. As of now, Proton will still run its Proton XChange scheme, so essentially it will be the same thing as the government’s scrapping scheme. When I say the same, it truly is almost the same as part of the RM5k will be born by Proton and Perodua and the rest by the government, as with the Proton XChange program.

Other than the scrapping incentive scheme, the govt will also be pumping in an additional RM 200 million into the Automotive Industry Development Fund.

129 Comments      

New 1.6L entry-level Peugeot for M’sia in 2010?

March 10, 2009 at 10:18 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Naza, Peugeot

Peugeot 207

The Malaysian Reserve reports on its front page today that Naza and PSA Peugeot-Citroen are looking at introducing a 1.6 litre entry level car that will be sold in Malaysia and also assembled and exported from here to other ASEAN regions. This solidifies plans for Naza to turn Malaysia into Peugeot’s assembly hub for the region.

Naza currently already exports the 206 to various countries including Nepal. It is in line with Peugeot’s international entry level car strategy for this to be some variation of the 206 and since we already have the 206 in 1.4 litre variety, perhaps the new compact car will be the 207 Sedan which is essentially a 206 sedan with 207 aesthetics. A 1.6 litre engine will be good news. Ideally it should be priced around the new Hyundai Accent’s level, but who knows. There is also a 307 Sedan that exists.

Look after the jump for more shots of the 207 Sedan.
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Suzuki Swift now with keyless entry and start

March 8, 2009 at 6:29 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Suzuki

Suzuki Swift
Click for enlarged image

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd have updated their Suzuki Swift for the 2009 model year. The locally assembled Swift retails at RM 73,788.00 OTR with insurance and comes in 5 colours, including Bayside Blue, Silver Grey, Supreme Red and Tranquility Black as well as one new colour – Superior White.

Suzuki has basically added 2 features – a keyless entry and start system, and auto-retractable side mirrors with integrated signal indicators. The keyless entry system allows you to open the door via pressing a button on the door handle, and the keyless engine start is not unlike Latio’s where you turn an ignition knob, not as sexy as a start button but it works. Its primarily to allow you to access and start the car without having to take out the key fob from your pocket or in the case of ladies, your handbag.

The rest of the car should remain largely the same – a 1.5 litre DOHC engine with variable valve timing producing 101hp at 6,000rpm and 133Nm of torque at 4,000rpm mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, good cute but perhaps now dated looks and one of the best handling and fun factor in its class.

Look after the jump for more shots of the Swift.
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More new models from Naza’s Kia and Peugeot distributors this year

March 7, 2009 at 10:44 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Naza, Peugeot

Kia Forte

The Naza Group’s SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin has revealed that Naza Kia, Naza Corporation and Nasim Peugeot will be unveiling a few new models this year, in addition to the CKD Peugeot 308 VTi and 308 Turbo and the CKD facelifted Peugeot 407 already launched this year.

There will be 2 new Naza-badged models, one new Kia-badged model and 3 new Peugeot models launched. The Kia-badged car is very likely to be the new Kia Forte (shown above, gallery after jump), which is said to be launched in Q2 this year. The two Naza-badged models will also be based on Kia models, they could be a new facelifted Naza Suria and an all-new monocoque Naza Sorento, based on the new facelifted Suria and the upcoming Kia XM Sorento.

A report by StarBiz claims 2 of the 3 new Peugeot models to be the Peugeot 3008 and the Peugeot 207. The 207 could be the real 207 or it could also be the 207 Compact (206+), a facelifted 206 with 207 looks, which would be a repalcement for the Naza 206 Bestari. The third model could be the Peugeot 308 CC 4-seater coupe-convertible unveiled recently, which would complete the current 308 VTi, 308 Turbo and 308 GT offerings.

Read the related links below to read our past coverage on all of these cars that are expected to hit our shores by the end of the year.

Related Posts:
Peugeot 3008 Crossover: details and photos
New Peugeot 206+ entry-level car for Europe (207 Compact)
Kia unveils Kia Picanto facelift
New Kia Sorento snapped without disguise
First photos of new Kia Forte sedan
[Read more...]

58 Comments      

Proton Exora CPS MPV features list teaser scan

March 5, 2009 at 10:02 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Exora - Proton MPV 2009

Proton Exora
Click for high resolution image

Here is the latest Proton Exora teaser ad insertion scanned from today’s The Star. There are loads of more details about the MPV, so let me just list them here for those who are kinda lazy to load the full-resolution version of the photo to read the details.

  • Campro CPS Engine – Proton claims enough power to transport 7 adults with a full load of luggage while maintaining fuel efficiency. The first part of believable but I’m doubtful about the second part, you can’t have the best of both worlds, not with a regular twincam normally aspirated engine like the Campro CPS. Power output is quoted at 125hp and 150Nm of torque which is equivalent to the output in the Waja CPS, GEN2 CPS and Satria Neo CPS, but some parameters such as CPS and VIM activation points may have been changed, we’ll only find out at the launch.
  • Quiet Cabin – Proton claims a quiet cabin because of sound absorption material (they use the word technology).
  • Ride & Handling – As usual, the Lotus brand name and their involvement in tuning the suspension settings for Proton cars are being pushed as a selling point for the Exora MPV.
  • Small Turning Radius – Proton says the Exora has a turning radius of 5.3 meters. A turning radius is essentially the radius of a small circular turn, or a U-turn that the vehicle is capable of making. The smaller the number, the less space required by a vehicle to U-turn. Note that there are two types of turning radius that can be specified – curb-to-curb or wall-to-wall which is measured either by the distance travelled by the wheels or including the whole car including body overhangs and etc, with the latter being more accurate of course. Let’s compare to some other MPVs – 5.2 meters for the Toyota Passo Sette (this could be the upcoming Perodua MPV), Toyota Wish – 5.3 meters, Nissan Grand Livina – 5.2 meters, Honda Stream – 5.4 meters, Mazda 5 – 5.3 meters, Toyota Alphard – 5.7 to 5.9 meters, Toyota Rush – 5.2 meters.
  • Intelligent Electronic Body Control Programme – I’m not sure what this is. Proton calls this an integrated module which allows you to recalibrate electronic components to suit your driving needs such as wipers and signal lights. I am told that this is a central control module which communicates with various components of the car including the examples given. My source tells me this is more of something that works behind the scenes at the moment and there is not much of a user interface to control but I suspect this will allow some form of user controllability in the future such as programmable follow-me home lights and etc just by adding a user interface to it.
  • LED tail lamps and brake lights – We already know this from the spyshots.

Read our past coverage of the Proton Exora while we patiently count down to its launch, expected to be in April 2009.

Related Posts:
Proton Exora MPV meter panel and dashboard texture in high resolution
Proton Exora MPV teaser scans: flat-folding seats
Proton teases the Proton Exora MPV dashboard
Proton Exora 7-seater MPV Interior Details Revealed!
Proton Exora – the MPV Proton will launch!
HOT: Proton MPV 100% fully uncovered
Proton MPV exclusive initial details revealed!
SPYSHOT: 2009 Proton MPV sheds some of its disguise
Proton MPV design registered with UK patent office
SPYSHOT: Proton MPV next to a Nissan Grand Livina

184 Comments