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Citroën C4 launched, RM126k – DS4 coming Feb 2012

Brooklands Motors has officially launched the second-generation Citroën C4 in Malaysia – the five-door hatch was unveiled last night at the company’s new 3S centre and HQ in Petaling Jaya. The night also saw the introduction of the DS4, which will arrive in February next year.

The C4 is available in a single engine form, the familiar THP156 1.6 litre turbo mill, with 156 hp and 240 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed EGS auto gearbox. Performance specs for the car are a 212 km/h top speed and 0-100 km/h sprint time of 9.6 seconds.

The RM125,990 car comes in a single trim line, this being Exclusive, and standard to the level are 17-inch Phoenix alloys and 225/45 series tyres as well as seats finished in Mistral ‘Saint Cyr’ cloth. A RM7,000 optional accessories package bags 18-inch Newport wheels – and 225/40 rubbers – and Mistral ‘Claudia’ leather seats, which come with a built-in massage function. The package also adds dynamic bi-xenon headlamps into the equation.

Among the standard kit are a dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, blind spot monitoring system, front fog lamps, Denon audio system, USB connectivity and an adjustable colour meter cluster, as well as four distinct polyphonic sound themes for driver alerts.

There’s a choice of nine external colour shades, these being Babylon Red, Polar White, Fluid Grey, Motivoire Beige, Bourrasque Blue, Arctic Steel, Shark Grey, Hickory Brown and Perla Nera Black.

Meanwhile, two Prince engine choices are to be had for the upcoming DS4, the THP 156 and THP 200, the EP6CDTX offering 200 hp and 275 Nm for numbers. Two transmission options abound, the THP 156 with the six-speed EGS and the THP 200 with a six-speed manual.

Fitted kit includes a blind spot monitoring system, cruise control and panoramic sunroof, and plenty of customisable options for the interior, which features a lot of chrome detailing – there’s a choice of five leather combinations, including two-tone options, and range-topping models are also equipped with high quality leather complete with a ‘Bracelet’ design on the seats, much like the links of a watch strap.

As standard, the DS4 wears 18-inch wheels, but there’s a 19-inch option. The DS4 is expected to be priced from RM150,000 onwards – for the THP 156 – when it goes on sale in February.

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Volvo V60: Wicked wagon wheels in this coming January

First, there was Naughty. And now comes Wicked. Volvo’s S60 won’t be the only mischievous Swede in town come next month, because the V60 wagon is set to join the fray. On January 11, specifically. A teaser image of the car in partial silhouette form is to be found on Volvo Car Malaysia’s Facebook page, highlighting the arrival date.

No details as yet on the estate, which made its debut last year, so it’ll have to wait until launch time to see if it starts off as a CBU or directly as a CKD, in 180 hp 1.6 litre T4 or 240 hp 2.0 litre T5 form, or both. Then, we’ll find out just exactly how wicked Wicked is.

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OFFICIAL DETAILS: Proton Exora Bold Premium & Prime


UPDATE: Read our first impression Proton Exora Bold Test Drive Review!

The refreshed Proton Exora has been the most talked about car of late, with spyshots, unmasked units being transported and leaked brochures all out in the open. With this as background, Proton has finally released official details of the facelifted MPV, confirming much of the details we already know.

The long-awaited Campro Charge Fuel Efficiency (CFE) engine powers the Exora Bold Premium and the range-topping Exora Prime. This CFE engine puts out 138 hp at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm from 1.6 litres. Paired to a CVT gearbox, top speed is 185 km/h and 0-100 km/h is done in 13.3 seconds. Claimed fuel consumption is 7.8 litres per 100 km.

As our eagle-eyed Anthony spotted, the CFE isn’t just a Campro with a turbo bolted on. The stroke of the engine has been shortened from 88 mm to 86 mm, resulting in a smaller displacement of 1,561 cc vs the Campro CPS’ 1,597 cc.

“Boosted with the more efficient 1.6L engine, customers will experience powerful performance which is comparable to a 2.0L engine, with much lower fuel consumption. The additional power kicks in to provide more pulling power when accelerating or overtaking. In short, it’s what you can aptly describe as a ‘pay-as-you-go’ engine, which gives you more ‘vroom’ for every litre of petrol used,” says Proton Group MD Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin.

Besides the two CFE+CVT variants, the Exora is also being offered in Bold Executive trim (1.6L Campro CPS with manual or torque converter auto) and non-Bold Standard trim, which is only available as a manual.

Spec-wise, the Bold Premium CVT gets leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering, front fog lamps, rear spoiler, electric foldable wing mirrors, cruise control and reverse camera with rear view mirror LCD. The latter is similar to the system seen in the Kia Forte 6-Speed.

What then is the Exora Prime, you ask. The Prime is the highest spec Exora, sitting above the Bold range. It’s a six-seater with the centre row made up of two Captain Seats. On top of all the Bold Premium features, the Prime gets walnut finishing on the centre panel, gear panel bezel and air con vents (all these are in a sportier “liquid silver” finish in the Bold Premium), metallic beige door switch covers and inner door handles. Also included are head rest monitors and satellite navigation.

On the outside, the Prime is set apart by 16-inch gold-finished alloys and a new Absolute Brown colour. Take note that the featured images here are of the Bold Premium, NOT the Prime.

There will be a “Proton 4 U Day” from December 16-18 (this weekend) at all Proton sales outlets nationwide, with door gifts for those who test drive the Exora Bold. The Exora Prime however, will not be available for test drive, and can only be viewed at selected Crystal Showrooms in Juru (Penang), Plentong (Johor) and Mutiara Damansara (PJ).

Last but not least, prices. Proton has officially released a tentative OTR price list, where the 1.6 Standard MT retails for RM59,998, the Bold 1.6 Executive MT for RM70,998, the Bold 1.6 Executive AT for RM74,998 and the Bold 1.6 Premium CVT for RM79,998. The Exora Prime is priced at RM88,998.

Click here to view the high res official brochure with full specifications.

Proton Exora Bold Premium


Proton Exora Prime
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Auto Bavaria ends 2011 with special Christmas deals for the E90 3-Series and F10 5-Series

We are just a few weeks away from the start of a brand new year and Auto Bavaria has geared to end 2011 with special Christmas deals for the E90 3-Series and F10 5-Series range. This special deal is made up by attractive discounts for pre-registered units of the 3er and brand new ones for the 5er.

All in all, a total of 30 specially-priced units are up for grabs. This offer is valid till 31st December and you can visit any Auto Bavaria branch for more information, including the Sungai Besi outlet with Christmas caroling performances this Saturday at 1.00pm and Sunday at 2.00pm.

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Proton Exora Bold – brochure scans reveal all!

Yet more on the almost-here Proton Exora Bold. Reader DewaSemut has kindly sent in hi-res scans of the latest Exora brochure, and there are plenty of details about the vehicle. Externally, the Exora Bold features a new radiator grille (for that “fierce” look, the brochure says!), rear smoked combi-lamps as well as reworked bumpers and side skirts.

The Bold 1.6 range actually encompasses three models, the Executive AT and MT CPS-equipped versions as well as the Premium CVT, which is the eagerly-awaited turbocharged CFE model. That’s a total of three different gearboxes available with the Exora Bold.

The Premium CVT, as previously announced, has 138 hp at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm at 2,000 to 4,000 rpm for output numbers from its 1.6 litre CFE mill, which is partnered with a CVT gearbox, and adding to those numbers are a 185 km/h top speed, a 0-100 km/h time of 13.3 seconds and a fuel consumption of 7.8 litres per 100 km.

Interestingly, the specs table reveals that the new CFE engine is not merely the regular Campro engine with a turbo bolted on. The stroke of the engine has actually been shortened from 88 mm to 86 mm, thus resulting in a smaller overall displacement of 1,561 cc versus the Campro CPS 1.6′s 1,597 cc displacement. We’re looking forward to having a chat with the engineers to find out why exactly this change has been made.

The 1,486 kg MPV features all-round brake discs and rides on 16-inch wheels and 205/55 series rubbers, compared to the disc/drum and 15-inch, 195/65 tyres combi found on the CPS variants.

In terms of features, specific to the Premium CVT are leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, electric foldable wing mirrors, cruise control, a reverse camera and rear view mirror with LCD viewer.

Meanwhile, the Premium CVT’s centre console trim comes in a chrome-like polished finish called Checked Cubic, and its air condition vents are done in Liquid Silver (the CPS models’ are in Tempest Grey). Lastly, the Bold range comes in five external colours, these being Cocoa Grey, Elegant Brown, Plum Red, Genetic Silver and Solid White.

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Century introduces high performance, long warranty Ultramax battery and 24-Hour Battery Assist service

It may not be a century old, but the over 50-year old Century battery brand needs no introduction. The company introduced two of its new products to the media today at the KL Performing Arts Centre in Sentul, along with its new slogan “More Life. Less Worries”. One new product is the high performance Ultramax battery and the other is actually a service – Century Battery Assist.

Let’s start with the physical product. Ultramax is positioned higher than the brand’s current Marathoner car battery range. It is touted as Malaysia’s longest warranty battery, with Sirim certification. The 1-for-1 warranty is 21 months long, which means that should your Ultramax go flat within the warranty period, Century will replace it with a brand new unit.

Upon closer inspection, the 21-month warranty is only for private petrol powered vehicles. Private diesel vehicles, commercial use vehicles and taxis get a six-month warranty, possibly due to expected heavy duty use. The Ultramax, which trounces the Marathoner (itself not a bad product) in about every category, is priced from RM250 to RM290.

Warranty claims can be done via selected dealers that are already trained by Century. When asked about potential disagreements with the dealer, Century bosses say that if the case is legitimate (no improper use) and the battery is proven to be dead (not because of other failures such as the alternator) users should have no problem with the claim. The policy is “no questions asked”.

As for Century Battery Assist, think of it as an AAM-style 24-hour auto assist, but focusing on batteries. So if your car has a flat battery, call 1-800-2288379 (or for easier memory 1-800-BATTERY) and the operator will ask you a few questions to confirm that it’s a battery related problem. A technician on a motorcycle will then arrive within 45 minutes to replace your battery, with a new Century unit, of course.

Century promises call pickup in 15 seconds, callback on completion and a service rating SMS. They also assure that the uniformed riders will look pleasant, not intimidating, which is an important factor in emergency scenarios. By the way, the rescued party pays only for the battery – the assistance and installation is free.

At present this service is limited to the Klang Valley, but Century is looking at nationwide expansion once they have good experience running it. Also, Battery Assist will carry the Marathoner range for now, as it is more comprehensive in terms of sizes. The Ultramax will be carried when its size range expands.

This is a useful service, especially when one is stranded with a flat battery in ungodly hours. Now, you don’t have to abandon your ride till the next morning or scratch you head thinking who to ask for help. Take it down, 1-800-2288379.

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Hyundai Elantra to be launched by February next year – fifth-generation MD set to be locally-assembled

Some news on the anticipated Hyundai Elantra – it’s coming early 2012. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has announced that it plans to launch the fifth-generation vehicle here by February, at the latest. The MD will sport an Inokom prefix, and the car is set to be locally-assembled.

The sedan, which is also known as the Avante in Korea and other markets (yep, the photos are of Korean M16 GDI Avantes), will be available here in two engine variant forms, these being the 1.8 litre Nu MPI and 1.6 litre Gamma MPI.

Both D-CVVT engines will be mated to a six-speed transmission, built in-house by Hyundai. In terms of output figures, the 1.8 litre Nu four-pot will offer 150 PS at 6,500 rpm, while the 1.6 litre Gamma mill puts out 130 PS at 6,300 rpm.

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Proton Exora Bold spotted on transporter on the NSE

The official introduction of the Proton Exora Bold is imminent, by the looks of it, what with stocks of the turbocharged MPV making their way to showrooms across the country. Reader Ian snapped some photos earlier today of a transporter carrying a batch load of Bolds on the North-South Expressway, heading north.

In the past week, we’ve seen leaked shots of the supposed Prime variant as well as what are rough draws of a slide presentation offering some details on the CFE mill, and shots such as these of the vehicle. All that’s left is to have the final product arrive on the scene, and that should be very, very soon.

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Perodua organises mass circumcision event for 50 boys

A constant stream of news flows past us everyday, from the mouth watering to the bizarre, and here’s one that jumped out to catch attention. Perodua recently organised and sponsored a majlis berkhatan beramai-ramai (mass circumcision ceremony) for boys in the Kampung Sg Choh area. P2 is headquartered in Sg Choh, north of Rawang.

Organised by Badan Agama Islam Perodua (BAIP) together with Masjid Nurul Islamiah Sg Choh and Hospital Selayang, the mass circumcision ceremony, timed to fit in the year end school holidays, saw the participation of 50 boys ranging from six to 12 years old.

Among the brave kiddos were sons of Perodua staff and students from schools around the Sg Choh area. BAIP Chairman Tuan Haji Noor Hashiman Sulaiman officiated the event.

The Myvi maker sponsored RM80 of the RM150 cost for each boy. A majlis Aqiqah was also held, with seven Perodua staff combining funds to sponsor a cow. Perodua chipped in with RM3,000.

Here’s to a speedy recovery for the 50 lads in sarongs!

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Kia Optima K5 coming – launch set for end-December

Naza Kia Malaysia is set to launch the Kia Optima K5 on December 27. The car will be launched at NKM’s first Kia Red Cube outlet in Malaysia, which is located in Petaling Jaya alongside the Federal Highway.

The sedan – spotted during JPJ homologation testing in October and last month, stockpiled in Port Klang – will be the fourth Kia model to be introduced locally this year, following the launch of the Sportage, Forte 6-Speed and Forte Koup. It will come in a single engine variant form, this being the 2.0 litre Theta II offering 165 PS and 198 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Features include auto-levelling HID xenon headlamps, LED daytime running headlights, dual-zone auto air-conditioner, a plush leather interior, a panoramic sun roof, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, auto cruise control, ESP, 18-inch alloy wheels and six airbags. In effect, the kit list should have most of that found on the 2.4 GDI variant driven in Australia earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, the Kia Red Cube outlet, with a built-up size of 24,350 sq ft, will be Naza Kia Malaysia’s flagship showroom in the Klang Valley and will incorporate Kia Motors’ new Global Space Identity. The 3S (Sales, Spare parts, Service) facility features a modern and stylish design, all meant to give customers a greater experience when purchasing a Kia or sending their existing Kias for service. More when launch time arrives.

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