Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
2008 Renault-Samsung QM5 SUV
I had a conversation with someone who had just bought a 42" plasma TV from Samsung. In our course of debate of plasma vs LCD large widescreen displays, he was taken aback when I told him that the noted Korean flat panel displays manufacturer has even ventured into the automobile industry. So here it is, the new Renault-Samsung QM5 SUV.
To be powered by a 2.0L turbodiesel capable of pushing out 173hp, the Renault-Samsung QM5 will go on sale as early as December 2007 in South Korea. Based on Nissan Qashqai's platform and mechanicals (4WD on demand), the QM5 will cross over to Europe badged as Renault Koleos.
To be powered by a 2.0L turbodiesel capable of pushing out 173hp, the Renault-Samsung QM5 will go on sale as early as December 2007 in South Korea. Based on Nissan Qashqai's platform and mechanicals (4WD on demand), the QM5 will cross over to Europe badged as Renault Koleos.
Will we see this as a cheaper alternative to the Nissan Qashqai (available via ETCM in 2008?), to be marketed by TC Eurocars as Renault Koleos in Malaysia?
New Chevrolet Captiva in Malaysia
Hicom-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd unveiled the new Chevrolet Captiva SUV recently, with a choice of either 2.0L turbodiesel or 2.4L petrol engine matched with different drivelines of 2WD (FWD) or 4WD.
The 2.4L petrol 4-pot produces 136hp at 5000rpm, with maximum torque of 220Nm at a low 2200rpm. The likely more saleable (better acceptance?) 2.0L turbo-diesel meanwhile, pushes out a healthy 150hp at 4000rpm plus a grunty 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Both engines – designed by Italy’s engine maker VM Motori - are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission with ‘manual’ Tiptronic function.
On the interior, the luxurious leather seatings are able to take up 7 occupants. Cargo space is a capacious 930litres with all rear seats folded down. Standard safety features includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).
First for an SUV of this price-segment is Chevrolet’s Descent Control System (DCS) for safe, smooth and controlled hill descents. In addition, Active Rollover Protection (ARP) reduces body roll of this medium-sized SUV during heavy braking by selective and variable braking pressures on different wheels.
Although essentially a rebadged Daewoo Winstorm, this Korean SUV is significantly different from its competitors being monocoque in construction, which should offer better body control, ride and handling. Also aiding towards better chassis balance and ride refinement is the MacPherson strut suspension up front and multilink suspension for the rear axle.
The all-new Chevrolet Captiva is available in four colours: Sterling Silver, Black Sapphire, Royal Gray and Tornado Red. Hicom-Chevrolet is also offering a warranty package of 3-years or 100,000 km. Prices are yet to be confirmed but it is estimated to be ranging from RM138,000 to RM155,000, for the petrol and turbodiesel versions respectively.
Indicative prices for the new Captiva are:
2.4L FWD Petrol RM139,252
2.4L 4WD Petrol RM147,252
2.0L FWD Diesel RM146,924
2.0L 4WD Diesel RM155,924
Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/04/chevrolet-captiva.html
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
TGM Drive: Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 FSI
By Dr Long
Sibling rivalry: something quite inevitable and as old as mankind itself. Ask anyone who has a brother or a sister or both, and they will likely concur with you, to some degree at the very least. So what do you do when you have an high-achieving ‘elder’ sibling like the iconic Golf GTI?
Find out whether the VW Jetta 2.0 FSI is able to hold its own fort in the shadow of the ever attention-grabbing Golf GTI Mk V...only in the December '07 issue of TopGear Malaysia!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Next Generation W212 E-Class Pictures
Here are two images (spotted at Auto-Motor-und-Sport website) of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) due sometime late 2008/early 2009.
Looking like a enlarged C-Class, the new E seem to have abandoned twin-round 'eyes' headlamps for a design that's a cross between the current Lexus GS and the new W204 C-Class.
Moving to the rear, Mercedes seem to have improvised on - and widened - the new C's butt by adding elements of the new LS460's rear lamps flanking the registration plate at the back. Resulting in a boot cover section that even reminisce Saab's 9-3 sedan to a certain extent!
Will this be the final production version of the next generation Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class?
Looking like a enlarged C-Class, the new E seem to have abandoned twin-round 'eyes' headlamps for a design that's a cross between the current Lexus GS and the new W204 C-Class.
Moving to the rear, Mercedes seem to have improvised on - and widened - the new C's butt by adding elements of the new LS460's rear lamps flanking the registration plate at the back. Resulting in a boot cover section that even reminisce Saab's 9-3 sedan to a certain extent!
Will this be the final production version of the next generation Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class?
For pictures of the estate version go here:
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Audi RS4 Quattro
Painting and Audi in a very creative way. The standard version of the Audi is almost art, so with that paint... even more.
Japan Car of The Year 2007-08: Other Categories Receipients
The Japan COTY committee also selected the following finalists for its 2007-08 COTY special awards:
Most Advanced Technology for 2007/08: Volkswagen Golf GT TSI
Best Import Car for 2007/08: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Most Fun car for 2007/08: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Most Advanced Technology for 2007/08: Volkswagen Golf GT TSI
Best Import Car for 2007/08: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Most Fun car for 2007/08: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Related post:
All-New Honda Jazz is Japan Car of The Year for 2007-08
The all-new Honda Jazz (known as Fit for Japan's domestic market) has won the 2007-2008 Japan Car of the Year Award. Incidentally, the first generation Honda Fit grabbed the same title of COTY Japan for 2001-02.
"We are honoured that the new Fit has been chosen as Car of the Year Japan for 2007-2008 from a range of models from Japan and overseas. We are happy that so many people see the Fit as the ideal small car and also appreciate the efforts of many people including the suppliers who supported our development and production. We will continue providing better satisfaction for our customers”, said Mr. Takeo Fukui, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co.
Related posts:
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Lexus ISF at LA Autoshow
This black lexus has a very aggressive look. Pretty piece at the LA Autoshow.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
2nd Generation Honda Stream 1.8 i-VTEC in Malaysia
In this age of rising fuel cost, the new Honda Stream is now beating with a 1.8 i-VTEC powerplant (downgraded from 2.0 i-VTEC DOHC previously). If this petrol motor sounds familiar to you, that’s because it is the same R18A SOHC powering the current Honda Civic 1.8S. Rated output is 140ps at 6300rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4300rpm. Electric Power Steering (EPS) together with Honda’s superb and still “first-in-class” 5-speed auto ‘box, ensures better fuel economy for this 2nd generation Stream.
As expected, the tilt and telescopically adjustable steering wheel is pinched from the Civic 1.8. The double-DIN (Kenwood) audio head-unit doesn’t allow for on-wheel control buttons/switches. For cabin comfort, there is a standard automatic climate control A/C. The meter panel is of the self-illuminating type and unlike the Civic, is a regular twin dials of speedo and tachometer. In addition, a multi-info display is available, through which the driver can call up motoring info such as current fuel consumption, remaining fuel and estimated travel range. Being a CBU unit, an electric sunroof/moonroof is standard.
Brakes are standard discs all- round, peering through 15” alloys, looking adequately sized, being ventilated items for the front axle. Suspension set-up is the cost-saving MacPherson struts up front while the rear uses a compact reactive-link double wishbone suspension. The more compact rear suspension is said to free up more third row passenger space while wheelbase lengthening by 20mm further increases legroom for 3rd row passengers. Meanwhile, ride height is now lowered by 45mm, helping improve driving stability with the resultant lower centre of gravity.
Safety features include ABS, EBD and dual SRS airbags. There is no Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) for the Stream 1.8, which is electronic stability control system in Honda-speak. According to a Honda dealer’s Sales Advisor there may be a top range Stream 2.0 i-VTEC later in 2008, pending the market’s acceptance and response to the Stream 1.8.
In the meantime, the new Honda Stream 1.8 i-VTEC is available in four colours - Premium White Pearl, Alablaster Silver Metallic, Royal Blue Pearl and Nighthawk Black Pearl. You can park one in your driveway for RM149,800 (on-the-road with insurance).
Related posts:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/11/new-honda-stream-officially-in-malaysia.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/all-new-honda-stream-due-in-november.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/coming-soon-all-new-honda-stream.html
As expected, the tilt and telescopically adjustable steering wheel is pinched from the Civic 1.8. The double-DIN (Kenwood) audio head-unit doesn’t allow for on-wheel control buttons/switches. For cabin comfort, there is a standard automatic climate control A/C. The meter panel is of the self-illuminating type and unlike the Civic, is a regular twin dials of speedo and tachometer. In addition, a multi-info display is available, through which the driver can call up motoring info such as current fuel consumption, remaining fuel and estimated travel range. Being a CBU unit, an electric sunroof/moonroof is standard.
Brakes are standard discs all- round, peering through 15” alloys, looking adequately sized, being ventilated items for the front axle. Suspension set-up is the cost-saving MacPherson struts up front while the rear uses a compact reactive-link double wishbone suspension. The more compact rear suspension is said to free up more third row passenger space while wheelbase lengthening by 20mm further increases legroom for 3rd row passengers. Meanwhile, ride height is now lowered by 45mm, helping improve driving stability with the resultant lower centre of gravity.
Safety features include ABS, EBD and dual SRS airbags. There is no Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) for the Stream 1.8, which is electronic stability control system in Honda-speak. According to a Honda dealer’s Sales Advisor there may be a top range Stream 2.0 i-VTEC later in 2008, pending the market’s acceptance and response to the Stream 1.8.In the meantime, the new Honda Stream 1.8 i-VTEC is available in four colours - Premium White Pearl, Alablaster Silver Metallic, Royal Blue Pearl and Nighthawk Black Pearl. You can park one in your driveway for RM149,800 (on-the-road with insurance).
Related posts:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/11/new-honda-stream-officially-in-malaysia.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/all-new-honda-stream-due-in-november.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/coming-soon-all-new-honda-stream.html
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
New Honda Stream officially in Malaysia now
Honda Malaysia has announced today that their new Honda Stream 1.8 is available at RM149,800 (on-the-road with insurance), effective immediately.
More details to come later...so watch this spot! ;)
Related posts:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/all-new-honda-stream-due-in-november.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/coming-soon-all-new-honda-stream.html
More details to come later...so watch this spot! ;)
Related posts:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/all-new-honda-stream-due-in-november.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/coming-soon-all-new-honda-stream.html
Monday, November 19, 2007
2008 Mitsubishi Colt Turbo Ralliart Version-R
Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R’s 1.5L MIVEC (4G15) Turbo engine has been tweaked to deliver 9 extra horses, uplifted to punch out a total of 163bhp at 6300rpm. Maximum torque remains the same at 210Nm at 3500rpm.
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