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Concepts for the young: Chevrolet Code 130R, Tru 140S

January 10, 2012 at 11:31 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet, International News

Chevrolet has two interesting concepts for the Detroit show – Code 130R and Tru 140S – catered to the young. According to US census data, there are 80 million American consumers approaching 30, representing 40% of today’s potential car-buying public and a combined $1 trillion in purchasing power. So it all makes sense.

Over the past year, Chevy has conversed with young consumers across America. The young say they want sedan-sized functionality in performance coupe form that seats four passengers, interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display, 40 MPG with a 1.4L Ecotec turbo with around 150 hp, and a price range in the low $20,000s.

In response, they came up with these two coupe concepts. Code 130R is the red one, a four-seat coupe with a simple upright profile. Code 130R features “heritage performance-inspired styling” and rear-wheel drive. There’s also the Chevy crossflag emblem on the fender. Small RWD coupe playing on the word “heritage”, sounds a bit like an American Toyota GT 86!

The Tru 140S is a front-wheel-drive “affordable exotic” four-seat sporty coupe. Shown in an all-new matte white with chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems, Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. Tru 140S is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze.

Which do you prefer, the “baby muscle car” or the “baby supercar”?

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Hyundai Elantra and Range Rover Evoque win 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards

January 10, 2012 at 8:45 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, International News, Koreans, Land Rover

The new Hyundai Elantra is the 2012 North American Car of the Year, while the Range Rover Evoque is the 2012 North American Truck of the Year. Both victorious models were revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show at Detroit.

The winners were chosen by a jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. Instead of being given by a single media outlet, they are awarded by a coalition of automotive journalists from the both countries who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and websites.

The awards are designed to recognise the most outstanding new vehicles of the year, benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, comfort, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar, according to the organisers.

The Elantra MD, which will be launched next month in Malaysia, scored 174 points. It beat the Volkswagen Passat (161) and Ford Focus (155). “The Hyundai Elantra is sporty, yet sensible. Luxurious, yet affordable. Spunky, but safe. The Elantra is a series of paradoxes and every one is another argument for the latest, impressive entry in the Hyundai lineup,” wrote Jayne O’Donnell, a member of the jury from USA Today. This is the second North American COTY award for Hyundai, which came up tops in 2009 with the Genesis.

In the truck category, which includes SUVs, the Range Rover Evoque scored 254 points, way ahead of the Honda CR-V’s 142 and the BMW X3′s 94. This is the first win for the British marque. “Range Rover successfully charts a new direction for the venerable SUV trailblazer with a fresh design and advanced thinking about environmental issues,” said another juror, Alex Taylor of Fortune magazine.

This is the 19th year of the awards, which was inspired by the “Car of the Year” in Europe. Last year, the Chevrolet Volt won for cars and the Ford Explorer won for trucks, but none of the Detroit carmakers made it into the top three in either category this year. Congratulations Hyundai and Land Rover!

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Peugeot 208 introduces new 3-cylinder petrol engines

January 9, 2012 at 10:05 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Peugeot

Peugeot has introduced a new family of 3-cylinder engines with its latest B-segment segment contender, the 208 hatch. The new 3-cylinder engines come in two capacities – 1.0 litre and 1.2 litre, and are built at the firm’s Trémery factory in France.

The 1.0 litre 3-pot lump makes 68 hp and a peak torque of 95 Nm from as low as 3,000 rpm, which is a sign of good VVT tuning as it is a surprisingly low RPM for an engine that doesn’t make use of any funky (and potentially expensive) tech like direct injection. The 1.2 litre does even better – it does 82 hp and its peak torque of 118 Nm comes in from as low as 2,750 rpm. We hear a turbocharged version of the 1.2 liter 3-cylinder will be produced at the Douvrin plant later this year.

We’re familiar with the rest of the petrol engines – a 1.4 VTi, a 1.6 VTi and a 1.6 THP, all from the 4-cylinder BMW-PSA Prince engine family. The 1.4 does 95 hp and 136 Nm of torque, while the normally-aspirated 1.6 litre does 120 hp and 160 Nm. The top-of-the-line petrol 4 potter turbo does 156 hp and 240 Nm, with a 260Nm overboost, mated to a 6-speed transmission. The other petrol engines are mated to 5-speeders.

The 208 also comes with a range of oil burners, with the baseline being a 1.4 litre HDi FAP making 68 hp and 16 0Nm. The 1.4 litre is also available as an e-HDI engine, which means it is equipped with Peugeot’s automatic Stop & Start system.

The addition of the auto start/stop system improves the 1.4 litre’s fuel economy and emissions from 74.3 mpg and 98 g/km CO2 to 83.1 mpg and 87 g/km CO2. There’s also a 1.6 litre diesel in two tunes – 92 hp / 230 Nm as well as 115 hp / 285 Nm.

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Peugeot 208 Ice Velvet – limited edition of 650 units

January 9, 2012 at 8:44 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Peugeot

Peugeot has announced a limited edition 208 called the Ice Velvet – it’s based on a three-door version of the new hatch, which will enter the market shortly, and the edition features an exclusive paint finish and comprehensive equipment levels. Only 650 examples will be made, and released across 18 markets in Europe; France has an allocation of 208 units.

The edition’s satin paint finish gives the exclusive 208 its name, and the exterior shade is complemented by chrome detail on the bodywork – the radiator grill, fog lamps, panoramic glass roof and rear view mirrors wear dark chrome, while the exhaust pipe and window surrounds are in bright chrome. The car also gets 17-inch Technical Grey alloy wheels.

The interior is fitted with a Peugeot Techno TEP trim and high quality stitching, and features for kit a large touchscreen, satellite navigation, directional static lights, front lights with LED signature and DRL function, automatic air conditioning, blue guide lights for the panoramic glass roof and sports seats, among others.

The variant will be equipped, according to country, with either a petrol 1.6 VTi 120 engine linked to a manual five-speed gearbox or a diesel 1.6 e-HDi 115 engine, which is paired to a manual six-speed gearbox, complete with a satin chrome gear knob.

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New Ford Fusion previews next-gen Mondeo for the world

January 9, 2012 at 5:51 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Ford, International News

With the Detroit press days fast approaching, we’re seeing plenty of online reveals before the actual thing happens in Cobo Hall. Earlier, we saw the sporty Dodge Dart and the 3-Series targeting Cadillac ATS, now it’s Ford’s turn with the new Fusion, making it a trio of good looking Americans. The Fusion is a D-segment entry in the popular American “midsize” segment with the Camry, Accord, Malibu and Sonata.

It’s a big departure from the current car in the looks department. Featuring a sleek silhouette and an Aston Martin-esque nose, the all-new Fusion is the latest model to come under the Blue Oval’s “One Ford” strategy, which calls for global models to suit every market. The Fiesta and Focus are the other main pillars in the strategy. Do see this Fusion as a preview of the next gen Ford Mondeo.

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what ‘One Ford’ stands for. We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with ground breaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result,” said Derrick Kuzak, Group VP of Global Product Development.

Drivetrain choices are extensive – customers can choose from hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder turbos, a normally aspirated four-pot, an automatic start stop system, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manual six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost paired with a paddle-shift six-speed auto on the other hand, is the performance option. The latter can be had with 19-inch wheels and AWD with the ability to send additional torque to the rear.

The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – now comes with lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than the current nickel-metal hydride type, while raising max speed under electric-only power from 75 to 100 km/h.

It also features a new 2.0L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, downsized from the previous 2.5L while maintaining performance. Ford claims that fuel economy will outperform the Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

Want to go further? The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid will be launched this fall, and it’s aiming 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model, says Ford.

New tech features include Lane Keeping System, Adaptive cruise control, Active park assist, Blind Spot Information System, SYNC communications and entertainment system and the latest version of MyFord Touch.

The Mondeo is the best driver’s car in the non premium badged D-segment market, and the next one should have no problems maintaining the reputation. “This really is a driver’s car. Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations,” said John Jraiche, program manager.

The Fusion will be sold in S, SE and range-topping Titanium trim levels.

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Motor insurance rates to be gradually revised

January 9, 2012 at 5:47 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News

Effective January 16, the motor tariff premium rates in the country are set to be revised on a gradual basis, according to a Bernama report. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), which issued a statement on the matter, said that the revision will be the first to be carried out in over three decades, adding that the premium adjustment was to be in a small amount and implemented over a period of four years.

For example, third-party cover on motorcycles of 110 cc will experience a premium increase of between RM1 to RM3.50 per year over the next four years. For a private car of 1,400 cc, the premium adjustment will be between RM6 to RM34 per year over the same period.

As for commercial vehicles such as outstation taxis and buses, the impact of the premium adjustment on the passengers will be minimal, at less than 10 sen per passenger per trip.

The tariff revision is part of the New Motor Cover Framework, which addresses the structural issues within the motor insurance and takaful sector. The framework also involves an immediate implementation of critical measures to enhance efficiency in claims settlement.

The central bank said that the adjustment in the tariff is to be reviewed periodically in order to ensure that the adjusted premium rates continue to be reflective of the claims experience, and assured that the implication on the public and businesses will be marginal.

It stated that the current tariffs, which have not been revised for more than 30 years, have been a major source of difficulties faced by the public in recent years – while premiums have not been adjusted, there has been a significant increase in the level of car ownership to about 19 million to date, and with it, a corresponding accident rate and claims. The enhancements will significantly reduce the average claims settlement period to six to 18 months from the present one to five years.

The framework will pave the way for the detariffing of motor insurance premiums in 2016, in which premium rates will be further differentiated in accordance to the risk profile of individual vehicles and fairer to vehicle owners, as those with good claims experience will enjoy much better premium rates than those with a higher risk profile, BNM added.

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Toyota Prius c arriving soon – teased on UMW Toyota site

January 9, 2012 at 2:46 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Toyota

Toyota’s Prius c hybrid is arriving in Malaysia soon. The hybrid was unveiled in production model form at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show and was introduced into the Japanese market – in its Aqua domestic version form – in Dec, so its impending arrival here is pretty rapid, by any measure.

We earlier had the brochure to work on (the resolution isn’t great because it’s from Facebook, so the image has been descaled), but have now updated the story accordingly; the UMW Toyota website already has details on the car, as well as an estimated pricing – RM103,990, which will be welcome news for those looking at a cheaper alternative to the more upmarket Prius. At this price point, it’s looking very much competitively priced against the Honda Insight.

The Prius c wears a 1NZ-FXE 1.5 litre Atkinson cycle mill, which has 73 PS at 4,800 rpm and 111 Nm at 3,600-4,400 rpm for numbers, and it works alongside an electric motor/Ni-Mh battery combination offering 61 PS and 169 Nm, together offering a combined 101 PS output. The system is mated to an E-CVT drivetrain.

Features include halogen projector headlamps, front fog lamps, fabric seats, cruise control, a 3.5-inch full colour multi-information display and a 2-DIN head unit with USB and iPod compatibility. Other features on the Prius c include a four-spoke urethane steering wheel with tilt and telescoping adjustment, power retractable sideview mirrors and electric power steering.

Brakes are front discs and rear drums, and the car sits on 15-inch wheels with 185/60 series rubbers. On the safety front, there are seven airbags (front, front side, curtain and driver knee) as standard, as well as VSC, traction control, EBD and brake assist

Five colours are available for the car, these being Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Citrus Orange Mica Metallic, Super Red V and Lime White Pearl CS, the last shade adding RM800 to the total price.

On the options list is a DVD-AVN package, which consists of a 2-DIN audio unit with colour touchscreen, navigation system and reverse camera, and this one goes for RM2,990.

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Daimler-Nissan joint engine production in US begins 2014

January 9, 2012 at 1:21 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz, Nissan

Nissan and Daimler are to begin production of Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder petrol engines in the US from 2014, according to reports. The engines will be built at the Japanese automaker’s powertrain factory in Decherd, Tennessee.

The companies are planning for a production capacity of 250,000 engines per year at the plant, with the mills set to be used in Mercedes-Benz cars as well as in Nissan’s Infiniti vehicles.

The Renault-Nissan alliance collectively holds a 3.1% stake in Daimler, and the German luxury car maker has an equivalent stake in each of its two alliance partners. The cooperation agreement signed last year between the three companies will see the development of small vehicles and engines, which will bring about cost synergy benefits.

In September last year, Nissan and Daimler had announced that Infiniti is to start production of a new compact car based on Mercedes-Benz technology in 2014; Renault is also looking into using Mercedes-Benz modules as well as it goes along.

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Cadillac ATS, compact luxury sedan targets the Germans

January 9, 2012 at 12:27 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cadillac, Cars, International News

This is the new Cadillac ATS, the GM luxury brand’s compact premium sedan challenger to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. To debut at the Detroit motor show, it will go on sale this summer in the US.

Targeting “spirited drivers”, the rear wheel drive ATS had Nürburgring as one of its key testing grounds, along with additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe. “Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac’s portfolio into a crucial global segment. More than just another new entry, the ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment,” said Don Butler, VP of marketing for Cadillac.

In the driving department, Caddy dangles nearly 50/50 weight balance, its first five-link independent rear suspension, multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabiliser bar, driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, underbody aerodynamic shields, electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF, four-channel ABS with available Brembo brakes and AWD as an option.

Engine wise, there are two four-cylinders and a V6, including an all-new 2.0L turbo four-pot rated at 270 hp/353 Nm and Cadillac’s 3.6L V6 with 318 hp/362 Nm. A diesel is in the works. The ATS will offer both six-speed manual and automatic transmission options. An aluminum hood, magnesium engine mount brackets and even lightweight, natural-fiber door trim panels, are among the weight saving measures.

ATS comes with CUE, which stands for Cadillac User Experience. CUE pairs entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customised info, voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. Caddy says that most of today’s luxury cars have around 20 buttons controlling the radio and entertainment functions. CUE has only four.

Cadillac has been using this Art & Science design language for quite awhile now, and while it’s a new model, the ATS doesn’t appear very fresh, for me at least. The sporty slant sounds good, though.

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Dodge Dart, American ‘Alfa Giulietta Sedan’ looking good

January 9, 2012 at 9:15 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Dodge, International News

Previously teased, now fully released – this is the all new 2013 Dodge Dart, the American brand’s C-segment sedan to take on the likes of the Corolla, Civic, Cruze and Elantra. To be officially unveiled at the upcoming Detroit show, the Dodge Dart shares underpinnings with the sexy Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Fiat owns both brands.

The 2013 Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based on Fiat architecture. Not just plug and play, but the Giulietta’s platform has been lengthened and widened to deliver segment-leading cabin space, according to Dodge.

The “Compact U.S. Wide” architecture underpinning the Dart comprises of 68% high-strength steel, a figure said to be segment leading. The outer skin is quite outstanding, too, featuring Dodge’s trademark split-crosshair grille and full-width LED “racetrack” tail lamps.

Inside the cabin, one can see a similar “racetrack” theme on the dash, which has a centre stack angled towards the driver, old BMW style. All displays are colourful and hi-res, and there’s a cool storage area under the front passenger seat base.

There will be three engine options at launch, a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged unit or two “Tigershark” mills – a 2.0L and a 2.4L MultiAir.

Three transmission choices will be available, a manual, a Fiat-sourced six-speed dual-clutch transmission and at a later date, a nine-speed automatic gearbox by ZF. The latter is supposed to boost fuel economy by 10 to 16% over the DCT, which is very impressive. By the way, there’s no typo, it’s NINE speed!

The Dodge Dart will be built at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. This local boy with Italian blood poses some hard questions at the Asians dominating the show – it has the tech and looks to challenge, that’s for sure.

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