All New Mitsubushi MIRAGE 1.2 Litre, Prices start at RM56,000

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has officially launched the all-new Mitsubishi Mirage for malaysian market. Buyers and fans who are interested can already place their bookings now at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer nationwide.

Three versions will be offered with a choice of manual transmission or CVT (INVECS-III). The Mitsubishi Mirage equipped with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder MIVEC engine which is can produce about 77hp and 100Nm of torque. The car is a lightweight car which is the weight is about 850 kg and has a claimed fuel consumption about 21 km/litre measured in the New European Driving Cycle(NEDC).

Standard features that come with both variants include ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, Bright View instrument cluster, leather wrapped steering wheel and a 2-DIN touchscreen audio system with USB and iPod interface. The CVT gets a Smart Key with Push Start button and fully digitized automatic air conditioning system which the manual variant lacks.

The car is available in five colour options – Lemonade Yellow Metallic, Eisen Gray Mica, Red Metallic, White Pearl and Cool Silver Metallic. Prices start at RM56,000 for the 1.2 M/T to RM64,000 for the 1.2 CVT on the road without insurance. Additionally, the first 500 individuals who book the Mirage will receive a mystery gift.

“I am confident that Malaysians will like this compact and complete car. With outstanding fuel economy and attributes that make it a perfect urban runabout, the Mirage is set to be a big player in the small car segment,” said Tetsuya Oda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

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All-New Prius C Launched For Malaysia Market

Not too long after the Toyota Prius C (known as ‘Aqua’ in Japan) went on sale in Japan, this particular model has begin rolling out to other regional market gradually. According to Toyota Japan, the introduction of the Prius C is aimed to make the Toyota hybrid cars more affordable. Precisely, to be even more reasonably priced than the Honda Insight 1.3 IMA. Prior the launch, we are shocked to see the price is higher than its rival in Malaysia.

Now, we are glad to know the price of the new Prius C was essentially positioned correctly after the launch @ RM 97,000 on-the-road. Indeed, the estimated price was previously announced @ RM 103,990 earlier before the launch by UMW.

The Prius C is powered by a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-litre (1,496 cc – Engine Model: 1NZ-FXE) Toyota hybrid system with reduction gear. It comes with a selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor. The maximum output @ 73kW from the hybrid powerplant.

The aerodynamic styling provides a comfortable interior in a compact body. The hybrid battery (Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)) has been placed under the rear seat for maximum occupant and luggage space. The hybrid unit and engine are positioned to create a low centre of gravity for easy manoeuvring. Somehow, the overall package is feature-rich (from performance to safety aspect) and attractively priced.

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Upgraded Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI

An enhanced version of the Polo 1.2 TSI is in Volkswagen showrooms from today. Equipped with more value added features, the most significant are the fitment of 7Jx17 ‘Boavista’ alloy wheels and the double RCD 310 audio system with a CD player, USB adapter cable and MEDIA-IN mobile device interface. Other new features include foglights and a centre front armrest.

Engine specifications are unchanged but then again, the 1.2-litre 105 ps/175 Nm turbocharged engine is already quite a powerhouse and, together with the 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), its performance is already pretty impressive – claimed 9.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and top speed of 190 km/h.

The Polo 1.2 TSI is also economical – up to 18.9 kms/litre is claimed – but we often hear owners saying they can’t get it. However, they also realize it’s not a false claim by Volkswagen as it is their inability to resist enjoying the exhilarating performance that the car offers!

Colours available for the latest version are Candy White, Flash Red, Sea Blue, Hot Orange, Pepper Grey, Reflex Silver, Shadow Blue and Deep Black.

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Perodua Myvi 1.5 SE and Myvi 1.5 Extreme Launched




Myvi 1.5 Extreme

 Perodua has launched two 1.5-litre variants, Myvi SE and Myvi Extreme, which promise a combination of style, comfort and power, are expected to be well received by the Malaysian public. The two variants are available with manual and automatic transmissions.

The SE or Special Edition comes in five colours; solid Majestic Yellow, solid Ivory white, Metallic Mystical Purple, Metallic Ebony Black and Metallic Glittering Silver. But the Extreme body colours are limited to a choice of three: solid Majestic Yellow, Solid Ivory White and Metallic Ebony Black.

The engine, which is the same one as that in the Alza MPV, is the star attraction. The 1.5-litre DOHC, 16V DVVT powerplant produces 102bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 136Nm at 4,400rpm. With more power under the bonnet, the latest manual variants can accelerate from 0-100kph in 9.98 seconds compared with the previous Myvi SE’s performance of 12.49 seconds.

Both variants are equipped with anti-lock braking system and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for enhanced safety. The SE and Extreme are equipped with bodykit and interior specifications to look sporty with the Extreme version having a styling that looks even more aggressive than the SE.

For the first time, the leather-wrapped steering wheel in both cars are fitted with audio controls and the meter cluster gets red lighting to set it apart from the 1.3-litre Myvis. A 6-inch touchscreen multimedia system with navigation is standard in the Extreme but is an option for the automatic SE.

The SE and Extrem will only be sold domestically for now and cater to young and urban executives who want a car that is sporty and premium. The new variants are expected to contribute 45% to the monthly sales of 8,000 units of the Myvi model.

Prices ranged from RM50,900 to RM61,700. The SE (manual) and SE (automatic) are RM50,900 and RM53,900 respectively. The SE (automatic) with sat-nav is RM56,000, while the Extreme (manual) and Extreme (automatic) are RM58,200 and RM61,200 respectively.

All prices quoted are for solid colour variants, with metallic colours an extra RM500.

 


Myvi 1.5 SE

 


Myvi 1.5 Extreme

 


Myvi 1.5 SE



Myvi 1.5 Extreme



Myvi 1.5 SE





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Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Engine Comes to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Now available in Malaysia with a 1.4 TFSI engine and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, the A1 is Audi’s answer to the MINI.

The chic and sophisticated compact promises a high fun to drive factor in a small package. Boasting a sporty suspension and chassis set up with good weight distribution, the car sprints from zero to 100kph in 8.9 seconds.

The dual clutch transmission promises very quick shifts and paddle shifters are an available option.

The 1.4 TFSI engine churns out 122 PS.

High- and ultra high-strength steels comprise two-thirds of the Audi A1’s body and are said to provide the basis for the precise, handling, good comfort, quiet interior and excellent passive safety.

An ESP stabilisation program with electronic limited slip differential, comes standard and is said to make the handling even more precise.

Wheels are 16-inch aluminum, while the interior sees sport seats with lumbar support, a leather steering wheel and aluminum-look trim.

Entertainment comes via a 465 watt Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers, Bluetooth and wired interfaces are available for cellular phones and external players such as the iPod.

The price on the road, with insurance is RM179,900.

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New Perodua Myvi will be launched on 16 June 2011

Perodua is set to launch the new Myvi this coming Thursday, 16th June 2011.

Debut in 2005, Perodua Myvi is the best-selling car in Malaysia for 5 consecutive years (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)

Proton, the arch rival of Perodua, through the launching of new Saga, has slowly eroding the sales of Myvi over the past 2 years. Feeling threaten, it responded in the most straightforward manner – introducing a new model to revive the buying interest.

Hypes and expectations

The new model of this highly successful car has triggered a lot of hypes and expectations from the community. Here I’ve come up my own list of questions & answers:

1. Will the new Myvi get a 1.5 liter engine ?

NO : The whole selling point of a compact car, among others, is fuel efficiency. Why go for a higher capacity engine when the 1.3 liter Myvi is powerful enough to satisfy the normal driving conditions.

YES : For those who enjoy the thrill of acceleration, 1.3 liter engine is slightly underpowered.

2. Will the new Myvi sold at a higher price ?

NO : It only makes Proton Saga looks more affordable.

YES : Malaysia is gearing up towards a high income nation, people start to appreciate “quality over cheap price”. In terms of build quality and reputation, Perodua outclass Proton by a comfortable margin.

3. Myvi continue to be the best-selling car in Malaysia in 2011, 2012, 2013 … 2020 ?

NO : The auto market in Malaysia will be liberalized further, by cutting down the import tax, soon we can buy foreign car at more competitive price...Stop dreaming ! Wake up !!!

YES : Malaysian likes to show patriotism through the act of buying local-made product. In the spirit of 1Malaysia, we will continue to support Myvi, even though the price we pay for a Myvi can buy us a Honda Civic in some countries.

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All-New Honda INSIGHT was Unveiled

Honda Insight

Against general perceptions that hybrid cars are not widely accepted or attainable due to their perceived impractical designs or expensive price tags, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd introduced the All-New Insight to the Malaysia market at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010 (KLIMS 2010). This newly launched entry hybrid model broke new grounds with its combination of appealing design and practical functions, allowing more Malaysians who desire to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle to do so effortlessly without compromising on style, practicality and the fun of driving.

The resulting concept is a compact 5-door hatchback entry hybrid model that features an aerodynamic shape exterior inspired by the Aero Athlete design concept. The sharp wedge shaped body that ends with an aero tail sparks off an athletic motion that is both exciting and functional. The overall athletic feel is further enhanced by muscular yet elegant bodylines that flex a well-defined dynamic tension. Along with an advanced and futuristic interior design, it serves well as a ride that is both fun-to-drive and practical.

Technically, the All-New Insight is created to cater for exceptional fuel economy. It is powered by Honda’s new generation of Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System that ingeniously recaptures and stores kinetic energy from vehicle braking and deceleration, and supplies additional power for acceleration when needed. It consists of a 65-kilowatt (88PS) 1.3liter SOHC i-VTEC engine, a 10-kilowatt (14PS) electric motor and a newly improved Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) that has been made 19% more compact and 28% lighter in size for the All-New Insight. This smaller and more compact IPU has been relocated under the floor of the cargo area to create a 400-litre trunk space that could accommodate up to 3 golf bags; and a 60:40 split backseat that can be folded down flat to give a 584-litre flat cargo load area.
Its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) has been further enhanced to provide a smoother drive with high torque for rapid performance, a fluid uphill drive, better engine braking and quieter ride.

To further guide owners to realize the full benefits of Insight, it features a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy assist technology called the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist). It combines multiple functions: a driver-activated ECON mode (stands for Effective Control) that optimizes control of the CVT, engine and related powertrain components to further improve vehicle fuel efficiency; a driver feedback function that uses an innovative speedometer display with changing background colours to provide real-time guidance to the driver on achieving higher fuel efficiency; and a unique fuel-economy scoring function using a plant-leaf graphic to provide feedback to the driver on current-trip driving efficiency and lifetime fuel-efficient driving performance.

In terms of safety standard, the All-New Insight has obtained a 6-star JNCAP safety rating for driver and 5-star JNCAP safety rating for passengers.

In Malaysia, the All-New Insight is targeted at eco-oriented individuals who believe in doing their part to protect the earth for future generations. It is also intended for independent and image conscious young professionals who are aware of eco issues, and would consider using environmentally friendly products if they offer great value with practicality and style.

The All-New Insight comes in four colours -- Premium White Pearl; Dyno Blue Pearl II; Alabaster Silver Metallic; and Crystal Black Pearl.

Honda Insight

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Perodua Viva Elite Exclusive Edition

Perodua Viva Elite Exclusive Edition

PUCHONG: Perodua today added the Viva Elite Exclusive Edition to its model line-up.

The latest variant of the Viva is pitched mainly at young urban women, sporting new features inside and out, and coming in a new body colour called classy purple. It is also available in ivory white and midnight blue.

Much of the changes are in the interior. It's equipped with custom coloured alloy wheels and an Exclusive Edition grade mark.

The cabin gets a new meter combination design and silver-painted door armrests and gearshift bezel. Leather seats come with embroidered detailing and new stitching orientation. The centre cluster has a dark purple metallic finish and the steering wheel is leather-wrapped.

Perodua aims to sell 600 units of the ViVA Elite Exclusive Edition a month.

The ViVA Elite is the best-selling variant in the model line-up.

According to Perodua managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, a monthly average of 2,400 ViVA Elite units were sold this year.

"A total of 240,000 ViVA units have been sold since it was launched in 2007 and the ViVA Elite ... consists of 41.4% or 24,000 units from a total of 58,000 units of the ViVA sold in the first 10 months of the year."

The Exclusive Edition goes on the road at RM41,600 and is RM400 more with metallic colour.

In tandem with the car launch, Perodua also opened its new service centre here which has been relocated from the old Puchong site.

"The change in venue is to make it more convenient for our customers as the (new) location is next to our sales branch, hence making it a 3S one-stop centre," said Aminar.

It has 16 bays of which 14 have hoists, and is expected to be able to service 1,500 cars a month.

Perodua Viva Elite Exclusive Edition

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Ford Fiesta 1.6 litre DOHC with 6-Speed Dual Clutch

Ford Fiesta 1.6 litre DOHC

It certainly looks like the good old days when the Ford TX3’s were kings of the road may be making a comeback to the Malaysian scene. This time, it is not the TX3, but something close to it, and it is in the form of the Ford Fiesta, dubbed by many enthusiasts as the ‘mini’ Focus.

The Ford Fiesta already has made a name for itself in Motorsport in the UK and Europe, and is a car that will appeal to driving enthusiasts. In Malaysia, the young driving enthusiasts are hungry for a sporty car that does not cost an arm and a leg, and the Fiesta is expected to fill this niche.

What is good about the Fiesta is that it is going to be affordable, yet can deliver the performance that will provide driving pleasure to sports enthusiasts. Equipped with a 1.6 litre DOHC fuel injected engine producing 120PS at 6,000 rpm and 152 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, the Fiesta is in fact more powerful than the 1.6 litre TX3 of more than two decades ago.

There are two variants to be made available – a 5-speed manual 1.4 litre model, and a 6-speed dual clutch transmission for the 1.6 litre model.

Also slated to be standard equipment is ABS, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with Traction Control (TC).

The Fiesta will be fully imported from Thailand, from the Rayong production facility that also makes the Mazda 2. Both the fiesta and the Mazda 2 are built on the same platform, and like the Mazda 2, the Fiesta will be available in both sedan and hatchback form.

The Ford Fiesta is due to be here in the fourth quarter 2010, and prices are expected to range from RM75k to RM85k.

Ford Fiesta 1.6 litre DOHC

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Volkswagen Polo 1.2L TSI - A Smart Car

Volkswagen Polo 1.2L TSI

Whoever said size matters obviously never met the Polo's innovative 1.2L TSI turbocharged direct petrol injection engine. With a class leading 175Nm of torque from as low as 1550rpm, you are definitely in for a fun ride. After all that you will still have a clear conscience and a hefty wallet thanks to its low CO2 emissions and frugal use of only 5.3l of petrol per 100km.

Whether you want the convenience of an automatic or the performance and efficiency of a manual, you no longer need to compromise. The revolutionary 7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG offers you the best of both worlds. Essentially a manual gearbox with dual electronically automated clutches, it is capable of unrivalled sporty up-shifts within hundredths of a second while still as easy to drive as a conventional automatic gearbox.

The sleek front grille is accentuated by horizontal bars emphasising the width and confident stance of the Polo. Uninterrupted lines extend from the top of the headlamps rearwards along the flanks of the car, joining up with the muscular shoulders over the rear wheels. Inside you are welcomed by restrained elegance, subdued styling and intuitive ergonomics – hallmarks of timeless design.

The Polo has been subjected to the latest stringent Euro NCAP crash tests and received the best possible score of five stars. Class leading safety features include 4 airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, optimised body structure, and driver-assist systems making the Polo the safest compact car in the world*.

Every Volkswagen comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. All this, to ensure your peace of mind when you're driving the Polo.

More information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my

Volkswagen Polo 1.2L TSI

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New Perodua Myvi in April 2011 - Includes 1.5 Liter Version?

Perodua Myvi

Perodua’s new MD Aminar Rashid Salleh unveiled to Utusan Malaysia that we can expect a new Perodua Myvi somewhere around April 2011, with a Myvi SE to be launched a couple of months later around June 2011. He also revealed that a new 1.5 liter variant of the Myvi is in the works. This makes sense since they are already making the transverse-install front wheel drive 1.5 liter 3SZ-VE engine for the Alza, why not put it in the Myvi?

Apparently the new Myvi will have a new look. It’s actually about time for the Myvi to be refreshed, so Perodua is pretty much on schedule for a typical 5 year lifecycle with a facelift in the middle. The Myvi was launched in May 2005 and after 5 years, time for a replacement in the first half of 2011. If you remember, in mid-February we saw the Myvi’s Japanese cousin refreshed with a new look. Frankly, I don’t expect the Myvi to look 100% like that model as with each new rebadge product, Perodua has been moving away further and further from the JDM model’s exterior and interior.

I feel Toyota/Daihatsu has been slowly moving their JDM models to target specific niche markets with very tailor-made products. They have so many little cars based on the same platform over there in Japan, and from the marketing material of the new Passo/Boon, it’s quite obvious that the car is now targeted towards young ladies. In Malaysia, the Myvi is a unisex mass market car, so I’m expecting both exterior and interior styling to differ significantly in the details, while generally keeping the same shape.

Source: paultan.org

Perodua Myvi

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2010 Suzuki ALTO Launched in Malaysia Market

2010 Suzuki ALTO

One of these Suzuki models is the Alto which was officially launched today in Malaysia. It’s the first Japanese model in a long time to be priced so low – under RM50,000 – and it comes in completely built-up (CBU) form India.

Powered by a 996cc three-cylinder engine, the lightweight Alto (880 kg for the manual, 915 kg for the auto) is pushed on by 67 bhp and 90 Nm of torque. For comparison, the Viva EZi weighs 810 kg and has 60 bhp/90 Nm from its 989cc triple. The Alto’s K10B engine is paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The latter features a gated shifter, just like in big brother Swift.

The Alto can be ordered with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, the latter made in Japan. The final drive ratios were not provided but a look at the individual ratios shows that the manual transmission has its two gears are overdrive ratios while the top gear of the automatic is 0.698:1. That should drop the revs down for maximum fuel economy at cruising speeds.

The super basic RM44,888 (OTR without insurance) GA manual variant has a folding rear bench, dual airbags and a pollen filter, but misses out on the automatic GLX model’s fog lamps, coloured wing mirror caps, tachometer, front power windows, 50:50 split folding rear seats and ABS/EBD. The GLX costs RM49,888. There’s also a RM54,888 GXS spec that adds window tint, leather seats, door visors and a bodykit.

Source: motortrader.com.my and paultan.org

2010 Suzuki ALTO

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