Driven TV

• Driven Web Series 2019: new Renault Megane RS 280 Cup vs Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf R

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Honda, Renault, Video Reviews, Videos, Volkswagen / By Hafriz Shah / 31 August 2019 12:00 am / 36 comments

  Driven Web Series is back, powered by the new Petronas Primax 95 with Pro-Drive! In this latest episode, we bring three of the hottest hot hatches on sale in Malaysia head to head to head, all on the tight and twisty Dato’ Sagor Track in Perak.

  The star of the show is the new Renault Megane RS 280 Cup, represented here in its glorious six-speed manual form (RM279,888 plus RM8,000 for the Orange Tonic paintjob). Under the hood is a 1.8 litre turbo four making 280 hp and 380 Nm of torque powering the front wheels, with 4Control all-wheel steering in tow.

  Honda’s manual-only FK8 Civic Type R is the main challenger here, coming in at a hot RM330,002. That buys you a bewinged Civic with a 2.0 litre turbo motor pushing out 310 hp and 400 Nm of torque. No fancy four-wheel steer here, just a good old track-tuned Type R chassis with adjustable suspension to boot.

  Keeping the two honest is the MK7.5 Volkswagen Golf R, here in five-door and seven-speed DSG guise (RM305,562). The venerable EA888 2.0 litre turbo engine offers 290 hp and 380 Nm here, but with a twist – all that goes to all four wheels, with fully-adjustable suspension too.

  Which of the three will be crowned our winner? Watch as Hafriz Shah, Harve Singh and Matthew Tong put them to the test – drag race, hot laps included. Enjoy!

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Renault Megane RS 280 Cup

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: FK8 Honda Civic Type R

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: MK7.5 Volkswagen Golf R

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  36 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Driven Web Series 2019: affordable seven-seaters – new Perodua Aruz vs Honda BR-V vs Toyota Sienta

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Honda, Perodua, Toyota, Video Reviews, Videos / By Matthew H Tong / 2 March 2019 2:19 am / 128 comments

  The latest episode of Driven Web Series 2019 is out, powered by the all-new Petronas Primax 95 with Pro-Drive. As you would’ve known, we’ve lined up three family cars for this in-depth comparison to see if Perodua’s new seven-seat SUV, the Aruz, has what it takes on take on the big boys.

  The Aruz, which is priced at RM77,900 for the top 1.5 AV, goes head to head against the Honda BR-V 1.5V and Toyota Sienta 1.5V here. All three cars are range-toppers, with the Honda priced at RM87,701 and Toyota at RM101,900. So if you’re planning to buy an affordable seven-seater car, this is the definitive review for you.

  Engine-wise, the trio are all powered by a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. The Aruz’s 2NR-VE engine is shared with the Perodua Myvi, featuring Dual VVT-i and Eco Idle function. It makes 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 133 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm, and a four-speed automatic transmission is tasked to send drive to the rear wheels.

  

  Unlike the BR-V and Sienta, the Aruz is built atop a less sophisticated ladder frame platform, but the plus side is it rides taller, looks better and would perform better in off-road situations.

  It’s decently equipped as well, featuring keyless entry and start, integrated SmartTAG, six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, VSC, hill start assist, hill descent control and Isofix child seat anchors on outer second-row seats. There’s also Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 suite, which includes Pre-collision Warning, Pre-collision Braking, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.

  As for the BR-V, its 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine is by far the most powerful here, producing 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. This SOHC engine is the same unit found in the Jazz and City, and it’s mated to an Earth Dreams CVT automatic, which drives the front wheels.

  

  Lastly, and clearly the more funky-looking one of the lot, is the Sienta. We know it looks misplaced in this comparison, but as a product itself the Sienta impresses on many levels.

  To start, its engine makes 107 hp at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm at 4,200 rpm, with drive channeled to the front wheels through a CVT with seven virtual ratios. Noteworthy features include automatic sliding rear doors, low entry point (easy for children and elderly people to enter and exit), as well as bi-LED headlights, acoustic windscreen, keyless entry with push-start button and Optitron instrument cluster.

  Now, how do you think the Aruz will fare in this bout? Find out in the video above. As usual, let us know your thoughts below. Happy watching, folks!

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Honda BR-V 1.5 V

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Toyota Sienta 1.5 V

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Driven Web Series 2019: New Proton SUV against rivals – Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Subaru XV

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Honda, Proton, Subaru, Video Reviews, Videos / By Gerard Lye / 25 January 2019 10:21 pm / 216 comments

  Driven Web Series returns for another instalment, powered by Petronas. For the first episode of 2019, we’re talking SUVs, and this trio is sure to pique your interest, especially since it involves the newly launched Proton X70, the popular Honda CR-V and the capable Subaru XV.

  The national carmaker’s first SUV has been the talk of the town ever since it went on sale back in December 2018. With prices starting from RM99,800, there are four variants of the X70 to pick from, all powered by a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine. This particular unit is the top-of-the-range Premium 2WD that goes for RM123,800, which packs a rather impressive amount of safety equipment.

  Of course, the X70 will have to compete against a big name in the SUV segment, the CR-V. Honda’s offering is not only the market leader but is widely regarded as the benchmark for C-segment SUVs in Malaysia. Lest we forget, the CR-V also managed to edge out the Mazda CX-5 and Peugeot 3008 in a previous episode, which you can watch below – this explains the CX-5’s absence against the X70, which many commenters have asked about.

  Well, the CR-V is back again, and the range-topping 1.5TC Premium 2WD variant makes it the costliest model in this line-up, retailing at RM163,191. Like its Proton counterpart, a turbocharged engine powers the CR-V as well, albeit a smaller-capacity one at 1.5 litres, and its Honda Sensing suite comes feature packed.

  Of course, the issue of pricing is something that car buyers are very sensitive about, and with a RM40k gap between the Honda and Proton, we thought we’d bring in something priced a little closer to the X70.

  Enter our final entrant, the Subaru XV, which in 2.0i-P guise, is priced at RM126,788, making it a legitimate alternative to the X70. The XV is a smaller car compared to others in this line-up, and it also has a significantly different skillset.

  For starters, there’s a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine instead of a turbo in-line four, and while the Proton and Honda are front-wheel drive, the Subaru packs the brand’s well-known Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

  So, what are the strengths and shortcomings of these SUVs? Well, we’ll answer them in this video and hopefully, you’ll identify which one suits your lifestyle best. Now, grab a drink, a snack, a friend, a family member, and enjoy the first episode of 2019 of Driven Web Series. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Happy watching!

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Proton X70 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Honda CR-V 1.5 TC Premium 2WD

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Subaru XV 2.0i-P AWD

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Driven 2019 Teaser: Proton X70 2WD Premium vs Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P vs Subaru XV – coming soon!

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Honda, Proton, Subaru, Video Reviews, Videos / By Matthew H Tong / 22 January 2019 5:55 pm / 58 comments

  If you’ve been following us here and on our social platforms, you’d know by now that the Driven Web Series is back. To kick things off in 2019, we’ve lined up the most anticipated SUV shootout yet, featuring Proton’s first ever SUV, the X70.

  Priced from RM99,800 to RM123,800, the C-segment Proton SUV immediately positions itself as a hard bargain to pass, significantly undercutting the Honda CR-V (segment leader by way of sales) in pricing and, depending on variant, specs.

  From a value perspective, the Subaru XV 2.0i Premium is easily one of the strongest contenders for the money, offering great handling dynamics, road holding characteristics, refinement and ride comfort, all for RM126,788.

  So, just how will the Proton X70 stack up against the CR-V (our previous top pick) and the athletic XV? Find out in the next Driven Web Series episode, which goes live this weekend. Stay tuned, folks!

   

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• Driven Web Series 2018: best family SUVs in Malaysia – new Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 vs Peugeot 3008

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Honda, Mazda, Peugeot, Video Reviews, Videos / By Matthew H Tong / 7 June 2018 12:02 am / 114 comments

  Welcome to a new episode of Driven Web Series, powered by Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive. For many of you looking to buy your first practical family SUV, this is the episode you’ve all been waiting for. Here, we pit the ravishing Peugeot 3008 against the popular Mazda CX-5 to see if they have what it takes to give segment leader, the Honda CR-V, a run for its money.

  As far as proper family SUVs go, it’s hard to dispute the CR-V’s ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ proposition. It’s spacious and practical in all the right ways, and for the first time ever, it comes with a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine that’s more powerful and efficient at the same time. Of course, we had to pick the range-topping 1.5TC Premium 2WD with Honda Sensing, because safety mustn’t be compromised. With a price tag of RM158k (without GST), it is the costliest model in this line-up.

  The Mazda CX-5 is largely viewed as the young man’s alternative to the CR-V. Not only is it a sleek looker, it drives like a hatchback and, with this 2.2 litre turbodiesel engine, packs the biggest punch here. Being an oil burner, it’s also the most fuel efficient SUV on paper, and this 2WD model retails for RM156k. So, just how big of a fight can this second-generation model put up against the venerable CR-V?

  Last but not least, the Peugeot 3008. Yes, we could’ve gone with the Volkswagen Tiguan, but if you’re in the market for a left-field option, the French offering is definitely the most standout candidate. With a peppy 1.6 litre THP engine and a six-speed automatic, it’s certainly no slouch. At RM147k, it’s the most affordable car of the lot, but is it all style and no substance? More importantly, does it have what it takes to be the best?

  Everything you ever need to know about these three SUVs will be answered in this video. Don’t forget, with GST now being zero-rated and Raya just around the corner, there’s perhaps no better time to buy that new car. Speaking of timing, how did we do with this episode? ;)

  As usual folks, sit back, relax and enjoy this video. Also, don’t forget to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Happy weekend!

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Honda CR-V 1.5 TC Premium 2WD

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Mazda CX-5 2.2D GLS 2WD

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP Allure

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Driven Web Series 2018: family hatchbacks in Malaysia – 2018 Perodua Myvi vs Proton Iriz vs Kia Picanto!

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Kia, Malaysian Makes, Perodua, Proton, Video Reviews, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 30 March 2018 9:38 pm / 287 comments

  Driven Web Series is back again, powered by Petronas Primax! This is the episode you’ve all been waiting for, featuring the 2018 Perodua Myvi! We compare Malaysia’s best-selling car against its two closest rivals, the refined Proton Iriz and the brand new Kia Picanto.

  There’s nothing left that hasn’t already been said of the latest Myvi. It’s topping the sales chart, winning buyers over with its fresh new looks, advanced features and commendable affordability. The top-of-the-line 1.5 Advance model featured here, complete with its active safety suite, goes for RM55,300.

  Originally planned to be Proton’s answer to the Myvi, the Iriz has turned out to be a sales disappointment. It has taken the company a long three years to make it fighting fit, and now, in its Refined guise, we will see if it’s still a relevant choice next to its perennial rival. In top 1.6 Premium guise, it weighs in at RM56,950.

  Taking on the two local stalwarts is the new Kia Picanto. Yes, it’s an A-segmenter going up against two B-segment hatchbacks, but it’s the only true alternative to the Malaysian pair. Say all you want about the class mismatch, but the fact is, if you have a budget of around RM50k for a new car, these are your three options. Speaking of which, the Picanto slots in at RM49,888.

  So, which one should you buy then? We compare the three contenders’ specs, performance, ride and handling, practicality, quality and of course, fuel economy in this comprehensive group test. Enjoy!

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.5 Advance
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2017 Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2018 Kia Picanto 1.2 EX
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  287 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Driven Web Series 2017 #1: plug-in hybrid sedans – BMW 330e vs Mercedes C350e vs VW Passat 2.0 TSI

  In BMW, Car Reviews, Cars, Mercedes-Benz, Video Reviews, Videos, Volkswagen / By Hafriz Shah / 28 July 2017 9:14 pm / 134 comments

  Yes everyone, Driven Web Series is back, powered by Petronas Primax! For the 2017 season premiere, we’re looking at the latest pair of plug-in hybrid compact execs, the F30 BMW 330e and the W205 Mercedes-Benz C 350e. To make it even more interesting, we’ve brought along what we think is a great budget alternative, the B8 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI.

  Prices range from RM200k for the Passat to just under RM300k for the C-Class, with the BMW slotting in neatly in the middle at RM250k. Can the plug-in hybrid pair justify their price premiums? Well, find out in this in-depth comparison video.

  The electrified sedans sure boast impressive numbers: 279 hp and 600 Nm for the Mercedes and 252 hp and 420 Nm for the BMW. This episode features a drag race to see just how far ahead the plug-in hybrid models are compared to the petrol-only Volkswagen, with its measly 217 hp and 350 Nm.

  Too add to that, we also race the C 350e against the 245 hp/370 Nm C 300, so see just how much extra performance electrification brings to the table. As usual, we also carry out our fuel economy test, comparing all four models.

  Everything considered, which one is the one you should buy? Spare a few minutes to watch this new episode of Driven Web Series :)

  GALLERY: F30 BMW 330e Sport

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: W205 Mercedes-Benz C 350e Avantgarde with AMG Line interior
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: B8 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  134 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Driven Web Series 2015 #7: million ringgit sports cars – BMW i8 vs Mercedes-AMG GT S vs Jaguar F-Type R

  In BMW, Car Reviews, Cars, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 9 December 2015 10:28 am / 33 comments

  And here we are, at the end of Driven Web Series 2015, powered by the new Euro 4M Petronas Primax 97 with improved Advanced Energy Formula. But as you can see, we’ve certainly saved the best for last.

  The question is, which RM1.2 million sports car should you go for – the BMW i8, the Mercedes-AMG GT S or the Jaguar F-Type R? Find out as we compare the three similarly priced sports coupes right here in Malaysia.

  They could not be more different from each other. The i8 is the future of sports cars, with a tiny 1.5 litre three-cylinder engine with powerful electric motors giving extra go. All combined, it pushes 362 hp through all four wheels, and is claimed to get to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, all the way to 250 km/h.

  

  

  Meanwhile, Mercedes went for the engine downsizing route, equipping the AMG GT S with a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8. It sends all of 510 hp to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, enough for the best 0-100 km/h time and top speed here: 3.8 seconds and 310 km/h.

  Jaguar, on the other hand, stayed with more traditional means. The F-Type R gets a good ol’ 5.0 litre supercharged V8 making 550 hp, spinning the rear tyres with an eight-speed automatic torque convertor. It does the century sprint in 4.2 seconds, and tops out at an even 300 km/h.

  So which is best? Watch the video above for Harve, Hafriz and Jon’s final verdict of 2015. How’s that for a season finale, folks? We hope you’ve enjoyed the series, and as usual, we’ll be back next year. Stay tuned!

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  BMW i8

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  Mercedes-AMG GT S

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  Jaguar F-Type R

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  33 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Driven Web Series 2015 #6: new premium crossovers – F48 BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Audi Q3

  In Audi, BMW, Car Reviews, Cars, Mercedes-Benz, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 2 December 2015 7:51 pm / 26 comments

  Another week, another new Driven Web Series 2015 episode, powered by Petronas Primax 95 with Advanced Energy Formula. This time, we’re looking at the three latest premium crossovers in the market – the F48 BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and the facelifted Audi Q3.

  The rejuvenated X1 is BMW’s second stab at this market, this time based on a front-wheel drive platform and angled more towards young families rather than driving enthusiast. It’s now bigger and more comfortable than ever, but can the new Munich SUV beat its rivals from Stuttgart and Ingolstadt?

  In Mercedes-Benz’s corner stands the GLA 250 4Matic, available here in Malaysia in AMG Line guise. This one is perhaps the direct opposite of the X1, directing its focus on dynamism over comfort. In the middle sits the Audi Q3, in its latest facelifted form. So, which German crossover is best? Find out our verdict in the video above.

  Driven Web Series 2015 will come to an end next week, but fret not, as we will be ending the season with a big bang. Curious to find out how the RM1.2 million BMW i8 would fare against the similarly-priced Mercedes-AMG GT S and the Jaguar F-Type R, right here in Malaysia? Stay tuned for our explosive season finale on December 9!

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  F48 BMW X1 sDrive20i

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  26 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Driven Web Series 2015 #5: best pick-ups in Malaysia – Nissan Navara vs Ford Ranger vs Mitsubishi Triton

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 25 November 2015 6:49 pm / 70 comments

  And we’re back! Here’s a brand new episode of Driven Web Series 2015, this time powered by Petronas Dynamic Diesel. As promised, we’re looking at Malaysia’s rejuvenated pick-up truck market.

  Present are three of the latest and greatest trucks in the market: the all-new Nissan Navara, the facelifted Ford Ranger and the second-generation Mitsubishi Triton – all represented here in range-topping forms. So which one should you put your hard-earned money on?

  Newest here is the Nissan NP300 Navara, which will be officially launched very soon. The top-spec VL here has an estimated price tag of RM125,000 with insurance (final prices will be announced tomorrow), and comes with a 190 PS/450 Nm 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine mated to a seven-speed auto.

  Just given a facelift a few months ago, we’ve included the Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak, with its class-leading 200 PS/470 Nm five-cylinder engine. It also asks for a lot, RM132,188 without insurance. The third contender is the Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure, relatively cheap here at RM110,218 without insurance.

  Do enjoy the episode, and make a date with us next week as we pit the brand new F48 BMW X1 against its two prime rivals, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and Audi Q3.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  Nissan NP300 Navara 2.5 VL

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 VGT Adventure

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  70 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Driven Web Series 2015 will be back next Wednesday, November 25 – here’s a taste of what’s to come!

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 20 November 2015 3:24 pm / 25 comments

  

  As promised, Driven Web Series 2015 will be back next week, on November 25. We’ve taken the time off to gather the very latest models, including the new Nissan NP300 Navara you see here. And yes, yours truly, Hafriz will be back too.

  Next week, we’ll be taking a look at the three latest pick-up trucks in the Malaysian market. The new Navara sure looks fresh, but is it any better than the newly refreshed Ford Ranger and the Mitsubishi Triton? Find out our verdict next week.

  Past that, Driven Web Series will be going further upmarket. We’ll soon check out the premium compact crossover segment, pitting three German players against each other. After that will be our biggest, greatest season finale yet. You would not want to miss that one.

  Till next week, do take a look at the first four episodes of the season. Enjoy.

  Episode 1 – Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG vs CLA 45 AMG vs GLA 45 AMG
  

  Episode 2 – Honda HR-V 1.8V vs Mazda CX-5 2.0 GL vs Kia Sportage 2WD
  

  Episode 3 – Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Ford Mondeo vs Peugeot 508 GT
  

  Episode 4 – Perodua Axia 1.0 SE vs Proton Iriz 1.3 vs Kia Picanto 1.2
  

   

  25 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Driven Web Series 2015: we’ll be back on November 25 – tell us what you think of the season so far

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 5 November 2015 9:51 pm / 43 comments

  

  Hey folks, Driven Web Series 2015 is on a mid-season break at the moment, as we plan to feature newer, recently launched and yet-to-be-launched models in the second half of the series. Don’t fret, we’ve got a great line-up for the last three episodes of the year.

  We will be back with a brand new episode on November 25. Want a hint? Let’s just say we will pick up where we left off, and assess one of the most popular vehicle categories in Malaysia.

  In the meantime, do watch the first four episodes of Driven Web Series 2015, and tell what you think so far.

  Episode 1 – Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG vs CLA 45 AMG vs GLA 45 AMG
  

  Episode 2 – Honda HR-V 1.8V vs Mazda CX-5 2.0 GL vs Kia Sportage 2WD
  

  Episode 3 – Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Ford Mondeo vs Peugeot 508 GT
  

  Episode 4 – Perodua Axia 1.0 SE vs Proton Iriz 1.3 vs Kia Picanto 1.2
  

   

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• Driven Web Series 2015 #4: Malaysia’s cheapest cars – Perodua Axia 1.0 vs Proton Iriz 1.3 vs Kia Picanto 1.2

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Kia, Perodua, Proton, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 28 October 2015 9:33 pm / 137 comments

  We’re back with a new episode of Driven Web Series, powered by Petronas Primax 95 with Advanced Energy Formula. As promised, we’re looking at Malaysia’s most affordable cars this week. Whether you’re looking to buy your very first car, or thinking of getting one for your kids, this episode is for you.

  Yes, these are not actually the three cheapest cars available in Malaysia. But, we at paultan.org decided to ignore models without ABS for this episode; for obvious reasons, really. You shouldn’t be looking at vehicles without that basic safety equipment, just plain and simple. So out went the Perodua Axia Standard variants and the Proton Saga. The cheaper Myvis too, actually.

  What we’re left with are the Axia SE 1.0, Iriz 1.3 and Kia Picanto, all in their cheaper manual transmission forms. So, which one of these cars should you buy? Watch the video above to find out our clear verdict.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Driven Web Series 2015 #3: Battle of the powertrains – Camry Hybrid vs Ford Mondeo vs Peugeot 508 GT

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Ford, Peugeot, Toyota, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 21 October 2015 5:24 pm / 46 comments

  As promised, Driven Web Series 2015 is back, and so is Harve! Powered by Petronas Primax 95 with Advanced Energy Formula, we’re setting up the battle of the powertrains, comparing hybrid, petrol, diesel and all-electric technologies to find out which one’s ideal for you.

  Taking up the challenge are the petrol-electric Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Mondeo Ecoboost petrol turbo and the Peugeot 508 GT turbodiesel. See how they stack up against each other (on paper) on CarBase.my.

  All three D-segment sedans have over 200 hp, but with wildly varying torque figures – 213 Nm (engine) + 270 Nm (electric motor) for the Camry, 345 Nm for the Mondeo and 450 Nm for 508 GT. How would these numbers feel from behind the wheel, and how economical would each car be?

  Find out in the video above. Stay tuned next week as we look at Malaysia’s most affordable cars. The Perodua Axia is a given, of course, but what other cars would we compare it to? Find out for yourself next Wednesday, October 28.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Driven Web Series 2015 #2: Choosing the right SUV – Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-5 GL vs Kia Sportage 2WD

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 7 October 2015 9:00 pm / 92 comments

  We’re back with a new episode of Driven Web Series 2015, powered by Petronas Primax 95 with Advanced Energy Formula. This week, we’re looking at Honda Malaysia’s latest sales phenomenon, the HR-V.

  It absolutely dominated the sales chart, racking up as many as 18,000 bookings in just five months. Amazing, considering that the B-segment SUV class was virtually non-existent before it came about. Such a success it was, that other brands decided to introduce cheaper versions of their C-segment SUVs to go against it.

  Mazda was first to bite, with a cut-price GL version of its CX-5, sold at just under RM126,000 – not far off the top-spec RM115k HR-V 1.8 V (on-the-road without insurance prices). Kia followed suit with the Sportage 2WD, also priced at RM115k – a near-RM19k drop compared to the 4WD model.

  Question is, should you still buy the HR-V, or look at these bigger, now more competitively-priced alternatives? Watch the episode above to find out. For a closer look at the cars’ specification, compare the three on CarBase.my.

  On a side note, there won’t be a new episode of Driven next week, as our air date coincides with Awal Muharram. The season will continue the following week, on October 21. In the meantime, tell us what you think of the season so far in the comments section below.

   

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