Advertisement

Peugeot 508 1.6 litre 156 THP launched – RM170k OTR

October 18, 2011 at 11:53 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot

Nasim launched the Peugeot 508 sedan earlier tonight in a single variant form, this being the 1.6 litre 156 THP. More than 100 pre-launch bookings have already been taken for the car, which rolls in at RM169,888, on-the-road with insurance.

Output figures for the EP6CDT Prince twin-scroll turbocharged mill are the by-now familiar 156 hp at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm at 1,400 rpm, and the partnering transmission of choice is the AT6 six-speed auto gearbox, with steering mounted paddle shifters part of the package.

Performance figures for the variant include a 220 km/h top speed, a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 9.2 seconds and a combined drive cycle consumption figure of 7.1 litres per 100 km.

The kit list for the 1.6 156 THP includes just about everything as seen on the European spec’d model that we tested in Spain earlier this year – bi-Xenon headlamps with headlight washers and auto height adjusters, LED daytime running lights, leather seats, colour head-up display, eight-way electric-powered seats for the driver / passenger and push-start ignition.

Other standard issue items are six airbags, a 7-inch HD World in Peugeot multi-function colour screen (with USB and Bluetooth connectivity), four-zone air conditioning, an Intuitive Control Unit in the centre console, automatic electronic parking brake as well as steering-mounted radio/volume control and cruise control switches.

Also to be found, a Smart Beam function for the headlamps, where an intelligent camera – positioned at the back of the rearview mirror – analyses the driving conditions (vehicle being passed, lit urban areas sorta thing) and automatically switches the headlamps to high beam if the situation demands it, and reverting back to the standard beam if there’s on-coming traffic.

Elsewhere, there’s ESP, ABS, EBD, emergency brake assist, anti-skid regulation and DSC, as well as a Hill Assist system, front and rear parking assist (displayed on the 7-inch screen) and an Available Space Measurement (ASM) system, which aids the driver in parallel parking.

The 508 here also features the 10-speaker, 10-channel 500 watt amplifier JBL audio system with Arkamys audio processing that’s optional in Europe as standard fitment, and gets up-sized wheels to boot, in this case 18-inch twin five-spoke alloys, wearing 235/45 series tyres.

Four external shades are available for the 508, these being Pearl White, Bourrasque Blue, Aluminium and Haria Grey.

Oh, and the car actually has a navigation system, but it’s effectively dormant for now because there’s no Malaysian map as yet – owners will have to wait until next year before they can use it, when the map becomes available and retrofit loading is carried out. There are maps of France and Russia in the system right now, though it’s unlikely that an owner will want to drive his 508 that far just to utilise the GPS ….

374 Comments      

Naza World brings in Indian Motorcycles – not from India!

October 18, 2011 at 10:17 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Bikes, Local News

There’s a new bike brand in town, and it’s Indian Motorcycles. Funny name, but think American Indian instead of India. Indian Motorcycles is an American brand focusing on easy riders and has a 110-year history of making two wheelers and was once the best selling brand with introduction of the first V-twin motorcycle in 1907. Currently, it’s more niche than mass and produces limited numbers from North Carolina, USA.

Harmony Fabulous Sdn Bhd (HFSB), a company under Naza World, launched the brand at last weekend’s Bikepalooza 2011. HFSB is the sole distributor of Indian Motorcycles for both Malaysia and Singapore markets. Dato’ Razali Ibrahim, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports officiated the launch.

HFSB is introducing four Indians locally, and they are the Chief Blackhawk and Chief Blackhawk Dark (Special Edition), Chief Vintage, Chief Classic and Chief Dark Horse. The Indian Chiefs are powered by a 1,721 cc air cooled pushrod PowerPlus engine with electronic fuel injection, linked to a six-speed transmission.

The Indian Chief models are priced from RM225,000 to RM285,000, inclusive of three years free maintenance. A dedicated Indian Motorcycles showroom next to Naza Automall PJ is in the works and due for completion by February 2012. In the meantime, the bikes will be on display at Naza World PJ.

43 Comments      


Undisguised VW Jetta and Passat all ready for launch

October 17, 2011 at 5:55 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

Here are some pics taken by reader Ching Hong. They show some new Volkswagens – Passat and Jetta – on a car transporter, not wearing any sort of disguise, and probably heading to showrooms.

This is probably the last time you’re gonna see spy shots of the two sedans – Volkswagen Group Malaysia released teasers of three cars that will be launched on 21 October last week – and the Passat, Jetta and CrossTouran were our guesses. Two of those are seen here.

There’s nothing much to learn from these pics, other than a glimpse at the colours and wheel design of the Passat. The Passat is a D-segment sedan sharing a class with the Camry, Accord and Teana, and we’re getting the European version of the car. The American Passat has a rear end that’s a lot like the Jetta’s The Jetta is a C-segment sedan version of the Mk6 Golf.

Four more days to go!

112 Comments      

Honda CR-Z set for November introduction in Malaysia

October 17, 2011 at 2:35 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News

It’s confirmed – the photo snapped of it last week suggested its arrival was on the cards, and now Honda Malaysia has announced that the CR-Z will be introduced to the Malaysian market in early November, making us the first country in Southeast Asia to launch the vehicle. No word with regards to specs and pricing on the three-door hatch though.

The CR-Z, which is equipped with a 1.5 litre LEA i-VTEC four-cylinder mill and Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system, with 122 hp and 174 Nm for output numbers, will be the second Honda hybrid currently available here, following the Insight, which was launched at KLIMS in December last year. Until next month, then!

164 Comments      

Proton introduces ‘Power Window Lifetime Warranty’

October 17, 2011 at 12:39 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton

Mention Proton, and more often than not the “power window issue” will crop up from both detractors and those who have experienced it themselves. Proton MD Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin admits that he has been obsessed with the power window issue since he came in five years ago.

The man points out that Proton has long turned the corner in this, and current gen cars are no longer bugged with power window problems. Generally, Defects Per Unit (DPU) has dropped to 0.26 in August 2011 from 8.0 in 2006/07.

But one can only do so much to convince 28 million people, as Syed Zainal said, so Proton has come up with the Power Window Promise to put this issue to rest. The main component in this promise is the Power Window Lifetime Warranty. A very unique warranty for a very unique situation in a very unique market!

Here are the terms. The Power Window Lifetime Warranty (PWLW) is applicable for all new Proton models registered from 1 September 2011 onwards. The warranty is for 10 years from the date of registration, or 250,000 km, which Proton takes as “the lifetime” of a vehicle. Also included in this scheme are current Proton cars that were still under manufacturer’s warranty as at 1 Sept 2011.

For instance, if a Proton Waja is two years and 10 months into its three-year factory warranty at 1 Sept 2011, it will be eligible for PWLW. The 10 years will be counted from the car’s date of registration, and if it has already done 100,000 km, the warranty will last for 150k km more, whichever comes first. But the said Waja won’t be eligible if it has been serviced outside of Proton’s service network at any time in its life.

The same goes for new cars. To be eligible for the warranty, cars must be serviced at an official Proton service centre throughout the duration. I also found out that from now, cars brought in to Proton SCs for regular service will also undergo some “power window servicing” which involves silicone spray to reduce friction, among other measures. Previously optional, there’s no extra charge for this, and is part of Proton’s efforts to improve itself.

Applicable to both private and fleet owners, PWLW covers four main components in the power window mechanism, namely the PW regulator, PW motor, PW switches and PW run channel. If your case complies with the T&Cs, Proton will absorb all labour and parts costs. There’s no limit on how many claims can be made per car.

Eligible cars that are in the “still under warranty” category explained above need to claim their Power Window System Warranty Registration certificate from any Proton service centre. Take note that prior appointment must be made. This process is not necessary for Proton cars registered from 1 September 2011, since the Power Window Promise is already included in your car’s service booklet.

“Correcting this perception is a challenging but necessary task, and PWLW is one of the initiatives that is being undertaken to put to rest this particular stigma. It saddens us that our customers purchase Proton cars whilst questioning the quality of our power windows, to the point that they refuse to use it for fear of damaging it,” said Syed Zainal, recalling a story we shared with you before.

“Our message is simple: Should you buy a Proton car today, please know that the power windows are working, they are working well and you have our Power Window Promise to back you up,” the boss confidently added.

Need to clarify some issues or need more info? Proton i.care is waiting for you at 1300-880-888 or email them at talk2us@proton.com.

278 Comments      

Infiniti opens new KL showroom, unveils range – EX and FX crossovers, M Sedan and G Coupe, RM380k to RM435k

October 14, 2011 at 8:10 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Infiniti, Local News

The Malaysian auto market welcomes a new brand today in Infiniti. Nissan’s luxury marque is distributed here by Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) and Auto Dunia. ETCM is of course the company representing Nissan in Malaysia.

Malaysia becomes the second country in ASEAN to welcome Infiniti, the first being Indonesia. The brand, birthed in 1989 and focused on North America, is undergoing a major global expansion drive over the next two years. Infiniti cars are now sold in 15 countries. Their target is to capture 5% of Malaysia’s luxury segment by 2016.

Mr Toru Saito, Infiniti’s Corporate VP, along with ETCM bosses opened the 8,000 sq ft Infiniti Center this evening. Located at Chulan Square along Jalan Raja Chulan, the IREDI (Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative) showroom is at a high visibility junction opposite Porsche and Audi across the road. It’s hard to miss.

The brand greets Malaysia with a four-car range including two crossovers, a sedan and a coupe. The entry model is the EX crossover, priced at RM380,000. Next up is the sexy G Coupe at RM415,000, which is RM10k cheaper than the M saloon, which costs RM425,000. The range topper is of course the attention grabbing FX crossover at RM435,000. There’s a GT Premium optional pack for the EX and FX, costing RM15k and RM35k respectively.

All four models are in “37″ spec, meaning that they share the same 3.7-litre V6 engine with 320 hp and 360 Nm at 5,200 rpm. This 24-valve DOHC unit boasts low friction molybdenum coated pistons, microfinished camshafts, CVTC at both intake and exhaust and Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL).

The V6 is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control and Drive Sport mode. The manual mode has what Infiniti calls Downshift Rev Matching, DRM.

The fastest of the bunch is of course the G Coupe, which does 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Fellow rear-driven M saloon isn’t far behind at 6.2 seconds, so gung-ho Golf GTIs better not initiate traffic light GPs. Both top out at 250 km/h.

The two AWD crossovers are bulkier, and slower, but still duck under seven seconds. The EX’s figures are 6.4 seconds/240 km/h while the large FX does 6.8s and 235 km/h.

Equipment lists are very long across the board. The FX, for instance, comes with 20-inch wheels, HID with AFS, moonroof, intelligent key, powered tailgate, heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt down, scratch shield paint, quilted leather, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, 2GB Music Box, Bluetooth audio streaming, Fine Vision gauges, 7-inch colour MID, rear view monitor, tyre pressure monitor (TPMS) and magnesium shift paddles, among other kit.

Sat in the M and was surprised to find Bose speakers integrated within the front seats!

Welcome to Malaysia, Infiniti. Full gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

49 Comments      

Range Rover Evoque on the streets of KL – Nov launch!

October 14, 2011 at 6:41 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Land Rover, Local News

Looks like things are winding towards the Range Rover Evoque’s launch in Malaysia; the SUV has been spotted parked in some locations, and now on the road – reader Ken snapped this photo of the vehicle, which he says is a 2.2 diesel example, near Universiti Malaya.

The car – which was teased here in two wireframe installation displays in May – will be getting its official launch early next month, we hear. Three variants will be available, a 240 hp and 340 Nm 2.0 litre petrol three-door Coupe and five-door examples in both 2.0 litre petrol and 2.2 litre diesel guise. The diesel will be the 190 PS and 420 Nm version.

There’s a choice of four external colours – Fuji White, Sumatra Black, Orkney Grey and Indus Silver – to pick from, and the five-door gets four interior colour choices while the Coupe gets two. We also hear that the first batch of vehicles have already been snapped up!

24 Comments      

Honda CR-Z spotted in Kota Damansara – on the way in?

October 14, 2011 at 2:39 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Honda, Local News, Spyshots

Might it be that the Honda CR-Z three-door hybrid hatch is set to make its way into the market here soon? The example seen in the pix intimates so – reader Daryl spotted the trade-plated vehicle parked somewhere in Kota Damansara, and snapped a photo of it for us. The car made an appearance last year at KLIMS, but no word then on when it was due in.

The car, which wears a 1.5 litre LEA i-VTEC four-cylinder mill and Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system offering 122 hp and 174 Nm, will of course benefit from the continued import and excise duty exemption for hybrids that runs until Dec 31, 2013 announced in Budget 2012.

Of interest is whether the car, when it comes, will be equipped with the six-speed manual transmission that’s general issue or wear the optional continuously variable transmission as standard fare here. Guess we’ll find out when someone snaps a photo of the interior!

93 Comments      

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI gets more kit, price up by RM5k

October 13, 2011 at 6:44 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

When we test drove the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI late last year, we liked the car’s solid build and great drivetrain, but were slightly disappointed at the low spec appearance that wasn’t “as advertised”. One year on, things have been rectified and Volkswagen Group Malaysia is now offering an enhanced Polo that looks better and has more kit.

The main ingredients at play here are the addition of the 17-inch ‘Boavista’ alloys and fog lamps for the exterior, which means that the actual car now looks like the one in the ads.

Comfort equipment have been added too, including a centre front armrest and the RCD 310 audio system with CD player, USB adapter cable and MEDIA-IN mobile device interface. The latter is an upgrade from the basic RCD 210 set given previously.

With that, the Polo’s price is now RM113,888, which is RM5,000 costlier than before. Read our take on the Polo 1.2 TSI here. For those looking for more performance, VGM recently launched the 180 PS Polo GTI, available in both three- and five-door form.

70 Comments      

Bufori expands to China, first batch of Malaysian hand built cars fly MASkargo to Shanghai today

October 13, 2011 at 4:47 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Bufori, Cars, Local News

Today marks a major milestone for Bufori Motor Car, as the company flies its first batch of cars to China, an important market in the brand’s plans. Three units – two units of the La Joya and one MK II – are now over two hours into their journey to Pudong on board MASkargo flight MH6162. We were there to send them off, giving yours truly a chance to step in a cargo plane for the first time :)

The 120-tonne capacity Boeing 747-400F freighter is scheduled to touch down at 1905 local time, and the cars will be then sent to Bufori’s new dealership located in Shanghai’s posh Xintiandi district. The Malaysian based company, which hand builds cars at its Kepong factory, has been working very long and hard to seal the deal with the Chinese importer and distributor, so today is a sweet day for Bufori boss Gerry Khouri.

It’s an emotional day for Khouri, too, since he will be parting with the first ever Bufori MK II that was produced in Malaysia – it’s the black car with MME stickers you see in the pics. Apparently, one Chinese customer saw the car in Malaysia, and wanted no other but that unit itself. On the other hand, the two La Joyas you see here are the freshest, most recent cars that rolled out from the factory. The lucky cars get nice “front row seats” with plenty of legroom!

It’s crucial that the cars get first class treatment, as they will be on show at Top Marques Shanghai 2011, a luxury show parading toys for big boys such as yachts, supercars, private jets, antiques and fine watches, among other things millionaires like. Bufori is the official car of the show. Participating in such a show is a smart move for Bufori – the rich in China like to show off and stand out, and few other cars get you as many stares as a Bufori. I can already imagine it cruising down the Bund!

The gold La Joya you see here is an example of how every Bufori is unique. The owner, a wealthy lady, gave Bufori her own pearl to be encrusted into the gear knob, and her signature is engraved in the cabin as well, so anything is possible.

Currently, there’s a waiting list of half a year for a hand made Bufori, which sells 50 to 60 cars per year. They have a target capacity of 300 units per annum though, which is only limited by capital. With sales from China, this should be taken care of, providing funds for more projects and models. By the way, the Geneva limo that was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show has garnered six orders so far. Click here to read all about it.

Their cars may not be for everyone, but the perseverance, passion and spirit behind Bufori deserves the support of everyone. Good luck guys!

53 Comments