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Sunday, January 27, 2013

CLOSE UP: Hyundai Sonata Facelift

Two weeks ago, Hyundai quietly refreshed the New Sonata.  The Sonata now comes with New 2.0 Nu Dual CVVT Engine (identical as the Optima K5), New 17" sport rims design (18" rims for 2.4), New design taillights, LUCAS Blackbox Car Video recorder (more on this later), New Grille, bonnet and foglights design.

Price wise, the 2.0 gets RM500 hike across the board from RM137,888 for Standard, RM145,888 for Executive, RM149,388 for Executive Plus to RM151,888 for 2.0 Sport.


The difference?
Please visit me in my Showroom and I'll show you.

The 2.4 Gets RM6,000 price hike.  But it's better spec'ced with 6 Airbags (previously 2), Dual Zone Auto Air Cond, Paddle shifter, Xenon HID with DRL, 18" rims.

Rating: 7/10 for 2.0 (looks bare compare to Kia K5) BUT 8.5/10 for 2.4 (FULLY EQUIPPED CBU Korea yet RM7,000 cheaper than KOSONG New Camry 2.5.  Let's see, 2 more Airbags, Advanced Traction Control, Paddle shift, Electric tilt and slide panoramic Sunroof, Xenon HID with DRL, 18" rims and the lists goes on! 

Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words.  Here are the photos:
Above: Redesigned bonnet and grille.  Below: Refreshed Rear LED Lights.

Below: New Design Gear lever.


New design side mirror with signal light!


Above and below: LUCAS Blackbox Car Video Recorder



Above: New design front fog lights, below: Chilled Glovebox


Above: New 17" Alloy rims for 2.0 and 18" alloy rims for 2.4.





Above: Panoramic Sunroof.  Below: View from outside the opened Sunroof facing inside


Above: NEW "NU" 2.0 Dual CVVT Engine.  Max power reduced by 1ps while torque reduced by 4Nm.  But overall slightly more powerful and quieter due to lighter engine.


If you want to buy this car, please call Jeff at 012-6852-718 (me) OR 012-601-8038 (MJ Su) for no obligation test drive and enquiries.  Location: Damansara Perdana.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

CLOSE UP: New Chevrolet Sonic 1.4LTZ

“Fun Ride, Now” – that’s the tagline of the new Chevrolet Sonic which was launched by the brand’s sole distributor in Malaysia, Naza Quest. The target market's younger generation such as young-upcoming executives and first-time-workers.  The new Sonic comes with fresh styling, agile driving dynamics and a spirited engine – all within a competitive price tag.





Ok, we are not too sure about the quoted statement… but, that’s what Naza Quest promises.

The new Chevrolet Sonic is available in two different variants: five-door hatchback and four-door sedan.  Both versions are powered by 1.4-litre Ecotec D-CVCP engine with a maximum output of 99hp and 130Nm of torque that is coupled together with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic and toggle switch. The car’s suspension has been also been given what the company referred to as “Euro-Ride Tuning” treatment that promises smoother drive and better handling on the road.  Claimed Maximum Speed's 175km/h and claimed 0-100km/h's 12.9 sec - PATHETIC RIGHT? 

In terms of design, the most eye-catching parts of the new Chevrolet Sonic is its unique quad-bezel headlamp and chrome finished tail lamps. Interior wise, the Chevrolet Sonic is equipped with two-tone dashboard and features a motorcycle-inspired dash meter complete with analogue rev meter and digital speedometer.

The In-car-entertainment's integrated radio, CD and MP3 player that is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and USB port along with audio control in the steering wheel.  There’s also the quintessential (in my book) 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Dual airbags and rear boot space of 466-litre for the sedan variant as well as 253-litre for hatchback.

Available in five shades of colours – Black, Gray, Oceanic Blue, Silver and Solid White – the asking price for the New Chevrolet Sonic's RM 76,888 for the sedan and RM 78,888 for hatchback.  For  more information, please visit Chevrolet Malaysia’s official website at www.chevrolet.com.my.  

Sadly, test drive unit's unavailable during my Visit to Naza Quest TTDI Showroom and I don't recommend any salesperson.  If you have OUTSTANDING Salesperson, do recommend to me.

Well there's a saying a photo's worth 1000 words, please enjoy the following photos:


 Above 466litres boot space.  Below: Motorcycle inspired rev meter.























That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  With the exception of the last photo, the photos are my Original work while the text I modified from this website:

HEY, AT LEAST I'm being honest and I don't plagiarise. 

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

ALL NEW Suzuki Swift launched



NOT MY WORK!  SOURCE: CLICK ME!

NEW Generation Suzuki Swift Launched - RM77,888


Suzuki Malaysia Automobile has officially launched the third generation Suzuki Swift to our market. Coming in CBU from imported from Thailand, it is priced at RM77,888 and you can add up the bodykit for RM5,300. The CKD model will be available soon, as SMA only imported handy unit of the CBU car.

The new Suzuki Swift measures 3,850mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,510mm tall while riding on a 2,430mm wheelbase. Compared to the current car, the new Suzuki Swift is 90mm longer in total while the wheelbase is up by 50mm. It is also 5mm wider while the height is retained. While the extended wheelbase has lend a greater interior volume, Autocar UK quoted a better legroom and the rear occupants can tuck their feet underneath the front seat. While headroom is at the premium, the seats offer a good thigh support. The boot space is slightly smaller than before at 210L.

The new Swift is powered by K14B 1,372cc offering 94bhp@6,000rpm of power while torque is 130Nm@4,000rpm. The engine is 100cc smaller than before, and the output is good deal less compared to the 101hp and 133Nm available previously. The transmission is a 4-speed automatic. Suzuki said the reduction in engine power is accompanied by weight reduction and thus results in no performance lost.

Suzuki Swift retained the architecture of the previous car with its McPherson strut up front and torsion beam rear suspension. Suzuki Swift is always known for its keen handling. The new one should be the same. Autocar UK quoted it as "handles tidily, strong grip, excellent body control and balance, strong brakes, unexpectedly pliant and relaxing rides" but slightly let down by the slightly disconnected steering and prone to cross-wind interruption.

END OF SOURCE.

 Here is the official Press release by Suzuki Malaysia

All-New Suzuki Swift : The New Leading Sports CompactSwiftKUALA LUMPUR, Thursday, 10 January 2013 - Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA), today introduced the fully imported All-New Swift 1.4L VVT, to the Malaysian market. The All-New Swift is the model with which Suzuki launched its world strategy. It is sold in more than 100 countries and regions. The All-New Swift comes with dynamic performance and sport styling that have earned accolades including 63 Car of The Year awards in 19 countries since its launched including Malaysia.

Now Suzuki has realized even higher levels of All-New Swift performance and styling and combined them with superior fuel economy and environmental performance to create a sports compact that's an ideal match for today's needs. The result is the All-New Swift: The new leading sports compact.

The all new Swift was officially launched by YBhg. Dato' Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Chairman of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn. Bhd. and Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad in a press launch today. Also present at the ceremony was Mr Shuji Oishi, Chief Regional Officer, ASEAN, Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan, Dato' Abdul Harith Abdullah, Group Director, Automotive and Defence, DRB_HICOM Berhad and Mr. Keiichi Suzuki, Managing Director, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd.

In his speech, Y Bhg. Dato' Abdul Harith Abdullah said, “ At the end of the day, what we really want is a car that brings delight to our life while fitting our values. Today, more than ever, that car is the All-New Suzuki Swift. It looks original and feels sporty. When it's time to make a great escape from ordinary, be Swift. With the agility and performance, environmental compatibility, own urban rhythm and being the new leading sports, the All New Suzuki Swift offers many reason for you to become a fan”.

Having made a name for itself as a specialist in compact cars, the All- New Swift's is unmistakably an evolution of its predecessor, and it's even better in the ways that count most: It's more fun to drive thanks to exhilarating and sporty handling. And it's more fun to look at thank to the sporty, modern design with added sophistication. It's an even clearer reflection of Suzuki's desire to offer a sports compact that's perfectly suited to the lifestyle and dimension of the times.

The motto for the All-New Swift development was simply “More Swift!”. This motto encapsulated a development programme aimed at evolving the All-New Swift for more sportiness in terms of performance and handling, more dynamism in terms of styling, more excellence in terms of fit and finish and more fun” said Shuji Oishi, Chief Regional Officer, ASEAN, Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan.

The All- New Swift's usher the Malaysian consumer in a new year with a new age of driving enjoyment in compact car. It's an inspiration not only to enjoy driving but also enjoy life to the fullest.

 FURTHER READINGS:


1) http://www.zerotohundred.com/2013/auto-features/suzuki-unveils-all-new-1-4l-swift-rm77888-otr-ins/

2)  http://paultan.org/2013/01/10/suzuki-swift-third-gen-launched-rm78k-rm83k/

3)  http://www.autoworld.com.my/v2/news/nb_details.asp?awReviewId=4149&awCatId=RT.ATC.CAR.PV









































 

First Lotus showroom in Malaysia opens

First Lotus showroom in Malaysia opens, two models launched

SOURCE: Click me!

PETALING JAYA, 8 Jan 2013: DRB-Hicom cemented its commitment to the Lotus brand with a flagship showroom  that was opened today in Sungai Penchala, Kuala Lumpur.

The latest Exige S and Elise S were launched in conjunction with the official opening of the RM7mil showroom by Proton advisor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

This is the first Lotus showroom in Malaysia, occupying 10,520 sq m of land and offers a complete Lotus experience with a showroom, a customer interactive block and a service/parts centre that can cater for up to 20 cars a day and 480 cars a month.


LotusCars_2013-(2)_copy.jpg

The showroom spans 1,060 sq m and comprises sales areas for new and pre-owned Lotus cars.

Proton executive chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil said it would take two years to revitalise Lotus.

He also said Lotus is expected to sell locally between 100 and 200 cars a year. It delivered 12 cars to customers at the showroom opening today out of 20 orders received to date.

Lotus' biggest markets are China, Japan and US, said Mohd Khamil, adding that Lotus aims to sell up to 4,000 cars on the global front.

Proton deputy chief executive officer Datuk Lukman Ibrahim, meanwhile, said there were plans to set up 3S service centres in Penang and Johor Baru within the next two years and expanding the Lotus support network to Sabah and Sarawak was a possibility after that.

Both the Exige S and Elise S use Toyota-sourced engines that have been adapted to Lotus requirements.

The Exige S has a mid-mounted transverse 3.5l V6 engine fitted with a Harrop HTV 132- supercharger  that gives the car a top speed of 274kph. It has peak torque of 400Nm at 4,500rpm and 345hp at 7,000rpm.

On the other hand, the lighter Elise S uses a 1.8l inline 4-cylinder engine with Magnuson R900 supercharger  in the same engine layout, conferring upon it a top speed of 234kph. It has peak power of 217hp at 6,800rpm and 250Nm of torque at 4,600rpm.
LotusCars_2013-(8)_copy.jpg
Here's how the Exige S and Elise S Coupe (below) cabins look like. The Exige S uses a conventional key to start the engine while the Elise S uses a start/stop button as seen just below the right-most air-cond vent.
LotusCars_2013-(12)_copy.jpg


Both models use a 6-speed manual gearbox with sports ratios

The Exige S is longer and wider than the Elise S and is available in two bodystyles - a RM452,030 Roadster version and the RM462,230 Coupe version.  The new Elise S Coupe is priced from RM332,300.

The prices are inclusive of three year or 100,000km manufacturer's warranty, whichever comes first.

Typical of Lotus sports cars are the high sills and low bucket seats that make getting in easier than getting out.

The interior of both models are relatively spartan, another Lotus trademark, but Lotus officials said the interior is actually an improvement over the predecessors'.

The Exige S is offered with a choice of two tyres: the all-weather Pirelli Zero Corse or P Zero Trofeo meant for track use with lower wet performance than the Zero Corse.

Proton is majority-controlled by DRB-Hicom Bhd after the latter acquired a 42.74 per cent stake from government investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

DRB-Hicom is a heavyweight automotive player with considerable experience of 28 years.

As the only player in Malaysia with a fully-integrated automotive business, encompassing component manufacturing, import and assembly of vehicles to distribution and after-sales activities, DRB-Hicom is in a position to re-shape Proton and its Lotus division so as to enhance quality, cut costs and drive up profits.
 

LotusCars_2013_copy.jpg
LotusCars_2013-(9)_copy.jpg LotusCars_2013-(8)_copy-(1).jpg
LotusCars_2013-(8)2_copy.JPG
The Elise S.

Exige S Specifications

Elise Specifications

NOTE: NOT MY WORK.  Sourced from The Star Motoring!