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Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Happy New Year 2013 dear readers and subscribers. Sorry for posting less frequent compared 
To last year. Tied down to my current job. Less free time to blog. I still owe the following blog
Posts.  Coming very very soon. 

1. Mirage review
2. Veloster review
3. Suzuki Kizashi close up
4. Elantra 1.8 comprehensive review
5. Grand finale / wrapping up of Myvi 1.5se longtermer. Due 20 oct but drag till now. That car just reached the magical 20,000km. 
6. My take on the Used car industries. Dealers margin exposed.
7. Chevrolet Sonic close up!
8. Covering of Mazda 6 launch (round the corner)
9. Covering of Kia Rio launch (round the corner)

Stay tuned. Jan will be more updates. I would like to end with this graph! Jeff Lin signing off. Typed this from my new Iphone 5 so no fancy graphics.

 Above, overall top 10 posts from 2008 May till today, Below: Monthly stats.  Note the upward trend.
Once again, thank you for your continuous support,

Sunday, December 23, 2012

LONGTERMER #3, Vol 11: Proton Waja 1.6 4G18(A)

In this blog entry, I'm updating my daily ride, Proton Waja 4G18 (A) 2001. This is the 11th update  and happened to be my 17th month owning this car.  Sorry for late update, I added my recent trip to Ipoh 2 weeks ago and my Waja 1st time broke down story.
On Mid October, the Waja Driver side Power window jammed. Costs RM260 to repair the motor. I drove from Putrajaya to PJ with the window down.  Half wet as a result. 

On Mid Nov the Waja cannot start.  Tow to Ah Choy in Section 17.  "Camshaft Sensor" problem. RM340 poorer.  Changed the Spark Plugs too.  

On November 29, I drove the Waja to Ipoh.  The car consumed only RM67.05 of fuel to and fro Ipoh, ie. 12.7km/l.  This means that the Waja 4G18 is a Long distance cruiser.  Check out the Huge Boot (photo below):

My average speed was 110km/h.  Fastest I driven was 130km/h.  I fetched a couple and a baby (baby seat fitted facing rearward at back).  Also, I followed another car.

Without further ado, let's proceed to Logbook:

Mileage September (last update): 140,830km

Mileage October: 141,900km
Mileage Sept to oct: 1070km

Mileage November: 142,696km
Mileage Oct to Nov: 796km

Mileage December: 144,222km
Mileage Nov to Dec: 1526km

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

ALL TIME:
BEST: 12.8km/l. 100% highway driving (to Penang). 700km per full tank.
WORST: 6.7km/l 100% City driving.  Mere 332km per full tank.


LAST 2 months:

Best: 12.7km/l (100% highway, Ipoh trip 2/12/12)

Worst: 6.7km/l (My Garmin GPS Recordings).  100% city driving

Average: 8.1km/l (Garmin GPS recording)

Performance:
0-100km/h 12.9 secs (slight downhill and 13.3 secs flat road before ECU Reflash. 11.1 secs (after reflash)

EXPENSES:
October:
Fuel: RM240
Parking: RM30
Power window motor: RM260
Car wash: RM8
Reload Touch and Go: RM30

November:
Fuel: RM180
Parking: RM30
Camshaft sensor+ Spark plugs: RM340
Car Wash: RM10

December:
Fuel: RM267.05
Parking: RM40
Toll: RM10
Before I go, here's some parting shots:




That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry, an original Jeff Lim's production.  Not to be copied without credits or links.  COPY LIKE A MAN.  Don't plagiarise.  See you on 15 Feb for the next update (Vol 12).



Thursday, December 20, 2012

Autocar ASEAN Car of the Year Awards 2012 Results

Autocar ASEAN Car of the Year Awards 2012 – Honda CR-Z wins overall title



The automotive awards season continues with our friends at Autocar ASEAN being the latest in announcing their selection of what they deem as 2012′s best cars. Judged by a four-man panel comprising of the local Autocar ASEAN and Motor Trader editorial team, theAutocar ASEAN Car of the Year Awards 2012 covered 20 vehicle categories with a further two special mention awards for the most prominent industry newcomers and the company that most actively promote environmental awareness.

For the first time in its history, Autocar ASEAN also ran a readers’ poll with the recently-facelifted Audi A4 bagging the Readers’ Choice Award. Overall winner was the Honda CR-Z, which also won the Best Hybrid award. The full list of winners are as follows:
Small/midsized sedan: Proton Saga FLX
Compact sedan/hatchback: Volkswagen Polo Sedan
Midsize sedan/hatchback: Ford Focus
Large sedan/hatchback: Peugeot 508
Small coupe/convertible: Toyota 86
Small luxury hatchback: Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Compact luxury sedan/wagon: BMW 3 Series
Midsize luxury sedan: Lexus GS
Luxury coupe/convertible: Mercedes-Benz CLS
Ultra Luxury Car: Bentley Continental GT V8
Hybrid: Honda CR-Z
Small/midsize SUV: Mazda CX-5
Large SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe
Small luxury SUV: Range Rover Evoque
Luxury SUV: Infiniti FX
Pick-up Truck: Ford Ranger
Small/midsize MPV: Perodua Alza
Large MPV: Volkswagen Sharan
Sports/performance car: Renault Megane RS 250
Supercar: Porsche 911
Future Star Award: Green Oranges Sdn Bhd (Great Wall Motors)
Green Award: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (Nissan Leaf)
Readers’ Choice Award: Audi A4
Overall Car of the Year: Honda CR-Z
What do you think of the Autocar panel’s selection? Would you have chosen differently?

Monday, December 17, 2012

WANTED: Nissan 150Y Wagon/AD Millenium

WANTED (WTB), Nissan 150Y California Wagon OR AD Resort Millennium Edition 2000.  Budget, RM6-7k OR RM23k.  

Photos?  Sure:


OR


Prefer Mileage Below 200,000, Automatic for AD resort Millennium and less than 3 owners. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Malaysian issue of Car enters circulation

Local car magazine readers will now have another title to consider in their monthly shopping list, as the localized version of the British magazine Car hits the stands with its December launch issue. The magazine’s arrival in our shores is the product of a collaboration between Astro Publications and Bauer Consumer Media Limited, owner of the title.



A title with a history of 50 years, Car joins the ranks of TopGear Malaysia, Autocar ASEAN, and Malaysian Evo in offering readers a mixture of British and local content at affordable prices. Retail price of one issue is RM10.

Formerly known as Measat Publications, Astro Publications was previously responsible for bringing TopGear Malaysia to the market, but TGM’s now licensed to a new publisher, Astro is turning its attention to Car as a new challenge.


At the magazine’s helm are a pair of industry veterans. Former TGM editor Donald Cheah oversees operations from an upstairs role, whilst Ahmad Zulizwan, fondly known in our circles as Cimatt, has been pinched from Malaysian Evo to serve as editor.

We wish the Car best of luck in their venture, and we look forward to pick up a copy ourselves!


KON of Autoworld.com.my

Car and driver 10 Best Cars 2013

Car and Driver Magazine recently announced their Annual 10 best Cars for 2013.  Here are the winners:
There's some videos on these but it's Not available for viewing to Malaysians at the moment.


For more info surf to:
http:// www.caranddriver.com/ list-features-10best-cars 

(Note the space in between, I'm afraid DMCA will come after me again).

Happy 12.12.12 everyone!

Happy 12.12.12 everyone!
To all readers and subscribers.  Today is a Special day.  This is the last of Same sequence Dd/mm/yy of the Century.  We won't be seeing this until the next 100 years.  So enjoy your 12.12.12.  Please observe upcoming 12:12pm.  What will you be doing?

In a meantime I'll be back with the following updates in no sequence:

- Update on my Waja 15 Dec (It's been a while)
- Review on the Mitsubishi Mirage.
- Review on the Chevy Sonic
- Review on the Veloster 1.6 Premium
- Full test on the Elantra 1.8.

Starting from tomorrow till next week stay tuned...

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Nissan Note wins RJC 2013 Car of the Year Award

Nissan Note wins RJC 2013 Car of the Year Award



Nov. 15 – Yokohama – Nissan’s all-new Note only rolled off production lines this summer, but the second generation of the popular hatchback has already won its first major award.
Nissan's award-winning Note
The Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan this week crowned the car RJC 2013 Car of the Year, beating off stiff competition from Mazda’s CX-5 and Suzuki’s new Wagon-R.
The Note, with fuel economy as much as 40% higher than its predecessor, has also won plaudits for combining improved performance and styling.
Global Chief Marketing Manager for the Nissan Note, Yosuke Iwasa

“It’s a great privilege we’re honored to be awarded the RJC Car of the Year,” says Nissan Global Chief Marketing Manager Yosuke Iwasa.
“Honestly speaking, the new Note is a well-balanced car. It’s got good roominess and we offer a high level of fuel economy. I think this type of vehicle will be highly evaluated by RJC members.” 

Note’s victory follows the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which won the same award a year ago, and may be a sign of developments ahead.
On sale in Japan now, versions of the new model debut in Europe and North America next year, with Nissan banking on big recognition for the compact car globally.

Mazda CX-5 is ‘Car of the Year Japan 2012-13’

Mazda CX-5 is ‘Car of the Year Japan 2012-2013’


HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corp.’s compact crossover SUV, the CX-5 has been named the 2012-2013 “Car of the Year Japan.” The award was announced by the Japan “Car of the Year” committee last Nov. 29.

The CX-5 was the first model to adopt the full suite of Mazda’s SKYACTIV*1 technologies including the engine, transmission, body and chassis. It offers a predictable and refined driving experience together with outstanding environmental and safety performance. It is also the first model to fully embody Mazda’s new design theme: KODO-Soul of Motion. With finely honed vitality and dynamism, its styling is reminiscent of a cheetah about to pounce on its prey.

The CX-5-equipped with Mazda’s new-generation SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine boasts powerful driving comparable to a 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine vehicle thanks to 420 Nm of maximum torque. At the same time, it achieves an SUV class-topping fuel economy rating*2 of 18.6 km/l (JC08 test cycle mode with FWD model).

In approximately nine months since sales of the CX-5 started in February, Mazda has received 37,000 orders—equivalent to more than three years of sales at the anticipated volume of 1,000 units per month—with sales continuing to go strong.

All passenger vehicles with an expected annual sales volume of over 500 units, announced or launched in Japan between Nov. 1, 2011 and Oct. 31 this year are eligible for this year’s Japan Car of the Year award. The last Mazda to be named the Car of the Year Japan was the MX-5 (known as Roadster in Japan) in 2005. The CX-5 is the fourth Mazda to win the award.

Mazda executive officer Kiyoshi Fujiwara commented: “We are thrilled to have the CX-5 receive such a coveted award and appreciate the warm support and encouragement of our fans. Spurred on by this honor, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the task of crafting cars that only Mazda can, in order to continue winning the support of our fans and customers into the future.”


Monday, December 03, 2012

Ford Ranger Wins NST-Maybank COTY Overall Car Of The Year

Ford Ranger Wins NST-Maybank COTY Overall Car Of The Year

WRITTEN BY 

Cars, Bikes & Trucks presented the annual Car of the Year (COTY) Awards Night at The Saujana Kuala Lumpur in Glenmarie, Shah Alam yesterday.
For the first time in the New Straits Times-Maybank COTY Awards' 11-year history, a pick-up truck won the overall award.
Ford's game changing Ranger 2.2 XLT won the hearts of the nine COTY panel judges and was crowned the "Overall Car of the Year" award, beating 67 other nominated models.
"Now, genuinely, you can buy this truck and use it as a car," said one of the COTY judges.
The Ranger garnered the most votes from the COTY panel of nine judges, citing its ride quality and refinement, all terrain capability, value-for-money proposition and on-board features.
With prices starting from RM89,888 (on the road with insurance) and its radical revamp as an urban utility vehicle with an interior that is even more passenger friendly than some cars, the Ranger swept all the judges' votes for the overall title.
Ford's commendation didn't end with just the Ranger. The Ranger's road focused family car sibling, the Ford Focus, also picked up the "Family Car of the Year" award.
BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot each picked up double category wins in this year’s COTY competition, whereas Nissan and Proton both picked up a category win together with a Special Mention award.
BMW’s 328i was awarded the “Premium Executive (below RM300,000) Award”, while the renewed 528i with its new 2-litre turbocharged engine won the “Premium Executive (above RM300,000) Car of the Year” award.
The Mercedes-Benz B200 and SLK claimed the “Premium Compact Car of the Year” and “Coupe/Cabriolet Car of the Year” awards respectively.
The “Executive Car of the Year” award and “Station Wagon of the Year” title were swept by the Peugeot 508 in sedan and station wagon guise respectively.
Meanwhile, the Proton Exora Bold clinched the “MPV of the Year” for the local car maker and the Saga FLX was awarded with a Special Mention award as the “Best Value Compact Sedan of the Year.”
The Nissan Elgrand took home the “Premium MPV of the Year” title, while the Special Mention award of “Eco Innovation Car of the Year” was presented to the Nissan Leaf.
Honda’s CR-Z two-door hybrid was named the “Compact Car of the Year” whereas the Toyota 86 took the “Performance Car of the Year” title.
In the SUV category, the Mazda CX-5 was awarded the title of “SUV of the Year”.
The very popular Range Rover Evoque added another feather to its cap by clinching the “Premium SUV of the Year” award.
In recognition of its sleek design, the Hyundai Elantra was presented with the “Good Design” Special Mention Award.
The Kia Optima bagged the “2012 People’s Choice” Award, which was based on votes received from the NST/Maybank Car of the Year 2012 People’s Choice Contest published in the New Straits Times.
The winners were selected from 67 new or extensively facelifted or re-engineered models that were introduced to the local market between October 2011 and October 2012, and divided into 14 categories.
The winner of the “Overall Car of the Year” title was selected from the list of 14 category winners.
The automotive industry is not just about cars, but also the hardworking people behind the industry.
Datuk Samson Anand George, chief operating officer of Nasim Sdn Bhd (the sole importer and distributor of Automobiles Peugeot) was voted the “Automotive Man of the Year” for his achievements in reviving the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, which is now one of the leading mainstream European brands in the country.
The New Straits Times–Maybank 2012 COTY Awards Night was hosted by the New Straits Times and title sponsor Maybank Berhad.
The event is endorsed by the Malaysian Automotive Association.

Ford Ranger 2.2 bagged the Pick-up of the Year award and Overall Car of the Year award.
List of winners
  • Compact Car of the Year - Honda CR-Z
  • Premium Compact Car of the Year - Mercedes-Benz B 200
  • Family Car of the Year - Ford Focus
  • Executive Car of the Year - Peugeot 508
  • Premium Executive Car of the Year (below RM300,000) - BMW 328i
  • Premium Executive Car of the Year (above RM300,000) - BMW 528i
  • Performance Car of the Year - Toyota 86
  • Coupe/Cabriolet of the Year - Mercedes-Benz SLK
  • Station Wagon of the Year - Peugeot 508 SW
  • SUV of the Year - Mazda CX-5
  • Premium SUV of the Year - Range Rover Evoque
  • MPV of the Year - Proton Exora Bold
  • Premium MPV of the Year - Nissan Elgrand
  • Pick-Up Truck of the Year - Ford Ranger 2.2
  • Overall Car of the Year 2012 - Ford Ranger 2.2
  • Automotive Man of the Year 2012 - Datuk Samson Anand George, Chief Operating Officer, Nasim Sdn Bhd
Special Mention Awards
  • People’s Choice Award 2012 - Kia Optima
  • Best Value Compact Sedan of the Year - Proton Saga FLX SE
  • Eco Innovation Award of the Year - Nissan Leaf
  • Good Design Award of the Year - Hyundai Elantra

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Test drive+Close up: Hyundai i10 1.25 Kappa (updated 16 Feb)

NOTE: THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL REVIEW:


In this blog entry, I'm blogging about 2012 Hyundai Inokom I10 1.25 Kappa CVVT Auto.  This is the ONLY affordable City car in Malaysia tested in EURO NCAP and achieved 4 stars.  How affordable?
1.1 Epsilon: RM51,388 and 1.25 Kappa: RM56,005.15.

For a limited time, free 3 years OR 60,000km free service which includes parts and labour and RM2,000 Cash rebate.  If you feel RICH and Don't need the Free Service, a dealer, Advant Speed Motor can convert the Free Service to CASH REBATE for WHOOPING RM6,000 RM7500 off.  Ie. RM43,888 for 1.1 Epsilon and RM48,500.15 for 1.25 Kappa.  Hurry!  OFFER VALID While stock last for booking make before 20 December 2012.  for year make 2012 only.  Update: 16 Feb, only 1.25 CVVT Left - Dune Grey (met greyish brown) and Black.  RM8,500 CASH REBATE.  RM47,500.15 OTR for 1.25 CVVT year made 2012 unregistered.  Don't worry, still "Pemasangan Tempatan - BARU" on registration card.

For year make 2013 1.1 and 1.25 CVVT available, RM45,500 and RM50,500 OTR.  COLORZ Limited edition (launched 3 weeks ago) free insurance and roadtax worth RM1700 but for 1st 500 bookings.  Ie.  RM54,300.15 nett.  


On top of that, this City car's WON 40+ Awards worldwide.  In Malaysia alone, it won Autocar Asean Car of the year 2010, NST Maybank Car of the year: Best Compact car for 2009, 2010 and 2011 (ie. 3 years in a row).  There must be something special in this car to Win this AWARD 3 years in a row.  NST Maybank explained it here:


Let me tell you what's the "Something Special".
Firstly, it's the Amazing Fuel Consumption as tested by ASIAN AUTO MUDAH Fuel Efficiency award 2009 and 2010.  It Ranked NO.1 in Fuel efficiency comparison at 5.0l/100km FOR MIXED DRIVING.  The 2nd best, Viva's 5.2l/100km and 3rd best, MYVI 1.3's 5.6l/100km.  Note that this's tested on i10 1.25 Kappa CVVT Auto.

Secondly, it's the Safety features, besides EURO NCAP 4 stars, it comes with Rigid safety structure, Dual Airbags and ABS+EBD and 14" Alloy rims (NOT Steel ones).  Other highlights are Electric Power Steering with turning radius of 4.75m, Reverse Sensor, ICE player with Radio/MP3/USB/Aux and remote control, under-seat tray, Multi-info centre with Digital gear indicator and fuel gauge.

ENGINE, FUEL CONSUMPTION and SUSPENSION:

In this review, I'm going to put aside the timing belt driven 1.1 Epsilon and sampled the Timing chain driven 1.25 Kappa CVVT Auto as it's the NEWER and more fuel efficient of the two.

 The 1248cc High spec came with Kappa CVVT engine which generates  max power 87ps@6000rpm and torque of 120Nm@4000rpm.  Hey, that figures MATCHED Proton Wira 1.5.   Not bad for a 1248cc city car. 

 Fuel tank is mere 35 litres.  But City driving gets you as AT LEAST 500km (14.3km/l) and 700 km (20km/l) on highway driving.  Suspension wise, it's old school Front MacPherson struts and rear Torsion Beam Axle (photo below)


DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 1.1 Epsilon and 1.25 Kappa:

1) Front fog lights (the former don't have)
2) Smaller rear spoiler

3) Different design alloy rims.
Above 1.25 Kappa, Below: 1.1 Epsilon.

4) No ABS and EBD.
5) No Dual layer boot tray.  Only 1 layer.
6) Timing Belt vs Timing Chain.
7) 4 colours VS 3 colours. (Call me for colour availability).
- 1.1: Stone beige, Stone Black, White and ice Silver.
- 1.25: Ice Silver (photo below), White (photo below) and Oyster grey (photo below).
  Above: TWICE Already, MYVI placed either beside (Putrajaya Roadshow) or Opposite (Giant Roadshow) i10.

DRIVE TIME:

Thanks to the Acoustic Shield, the Sound proofing's EXCELLENT for its segment.  Puts MYVI to shame.  So does the Ride and handling and high speed stability.  You might ask what's the top speed?  
Well it's tested 170km/h.  At that speed, only tyres and wind noise be heard, car's NOT SCARY at that speed Unlike MYVI.  My sister's MYVI 1.5SE on a recent trip to KLIA, I sat behind and it feels BUMPY and unstable at speed above 120km/h.  Ie. it feels like floating.

In addition, you can take throw hairpin corner with this baby at 80km/h without under-steering it.  Door opening and closing felt heavier than MYVI, so does the Boot lid.  In short, this car's a Safe (EURO NCAP 4 stars remember), Economical and lastly FUN TO DRIVE.  

A prospect took this car to Kg Sungai Penchala 20 degree angle Steep slope and this i10 1.25 tackle it with GUSTO.  No down-shift required and NOT Underpowered.  

Don't take my word for it, come to my showroom for test drive to experienced it yourself.

MAINTENENCE:

Rest assured, this car Comes with 5 years and 300,000km warranty on the Engine and gearbox, 24/7 roadside assist and 3 years OR 60,000km free service.  Come to my showroom, I'll show you how low is it to maintain this car.  

THE DRAWBACKS?

Let's face it, there's no PERFECT car in this world.  For this car, the drawback's plasticky dashboards  and door panels (expected for a RM50,000+/- car), skinny tyres (165/60R14) - can be changed, Poor boot space at 225 litres.


  But it can be expanded by split folding 60:40 the rear seats OR by installing THULE(TM) Roof box.  NOTE THAT ALL THESE drawbacks's NOT MAJOR.

RATING: 8.5/10.

Well there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words, here are the photos:

INTERIOR:




















EXTERIOR:









There you have it, a NOT OVER THE TOP review on the Hyundai Inokom I10.  If you want to buy this car, call me, Jeff at 012-6852-718.  My showroom is Advant Speed Motors at Damansara Perdana, PJ.

An original Jeff Lim production.  My original work.  Do give credit or links if you want to copy.  Copy like a man, don't plagiarise.