Peugeot RCZ crosses the RM200k mark in Malaysia!

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia has launched the absolutely modern, bubbly, compact-and-curvaceous RCZ 2+2 coupe recently. Two variants sporting different state of tune and transmission are available.

Powered by the all-familiar 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged powerplant found in the Peugeot 308, 3008 and 5008 the 6-speed auto RCZ gets the standard combo of maximum power output of 156 bhp + 240Nm of torque. The Pearlescent White car that you see above a gets a stick shifter good for 6-forward ratios transmitting 200 bhp and 275 Nm to the front wheels. All from the same 4-pot 1.6L - albeit charged to a higher boost via a visibly larger intercooler up front - sitting just behind the bumper and a couple of seriously more robust-looking turbo hoses in the engine bay!

The manual RCZ also has larger disc brakes all around, larger alloy wheels (18") and stiffer springs to cope with the added grunt. Incidentally, the manual RCZ has a sportier (read: bassier) exhaust note to complement its higher performance positioning in the RCZ hierarchy.

Adding to visual enhancements as well as sporty performance are the double-bubble roof (which desperately needs dark tinting in our super-sunny and hot climate) and the active rear spoiler that deploys to two-stage at different higher speeds.

The in-car entertainment aspect is taken care of by a JBL hi-fi incorporating an amplifier punching 240 watts through 6-speakers. Also on offer are Bluetooth connectivity and auxiliary audio input capability.

For added safety, there is an active pyrotechnic bonnet system (at the front wing, just above and a little behind the wheel arch which "explodes" and propels forward during a forceful collision, acting somewhat like an external "airbag" to cushion and prevent intrusion of the front bulkhead into the driver's/passenger cabin.

The RCZ coupe is fully imported (CBU) from Magna Steyr's plant in Graz, Austria and retails for RM218,888 for the 6-speed auto version, while the 6-speed manual is priced at RM223,888.
For Wheels was told at the launch that some at 35 units were already called for, out of which the majority were manual versions, in a surprising reversal of trend for the Malaysian car-crazy-but-automatic-loving motorists.

Nasim hopes to deliver some 100 to 150 units of RCZ for the remaining months of 2011.
Wither the grey-imported used (reconditioned) Audi TT coupe?



*some pictures taken by Janus Mun

First Drive: Nissan R35 GT-R

Nissan has upset the pecking order of supercars since the world debut of its R35 GT-R in 2007, even without factoring in the bang-for-bucks factor. In Malaysia, a 2008 model can be had for as ‘little’ as RM600k – 650k, brand new, unused and unregistered. For the money of a Porsche Cayman S, you can have something quicker than a Porsche 911 Turbo (Tiptronic S). Of course, many will argue that the R35 is still a Nissan at the end of the day. Undeniably, the latter is nothing less than Stuttgart’s finest sportcar, an iconic 911 model at that, wearing that solid Porsche badge, rich with racing heritage et al. Well, think about being able to buy two new GT-Rs for the price of one new 911 Turbo, maybe this will put things in better perspective. But is the GT-R as engaging as a 911? Admittedly, I am not an authority on that, since the last time I drove a 997 Turbo was at the Porsche World Roadshow at Sepang F1 Circuit in 2007. Anyway, here’s my brief driving impression of the R35 GT-R at a local parallel importer recently.

Cranking up the V6 is definitely milder versus Porsche’s boxer-6. Heck! Even a 3.4L Cayman S is more melodramatic! No sense of occasion even as you prodded the gas pedal, rousing the engine from idle. Cool and calm, reminding one of a Nissan Sylphy! On the move – at crawling speed - the twin-clutch tranny was a tad jerky in a latchy kind of way but you can feel the horses underneath the front bonnet waiting to be unleashed. Once after a traffic light, all hell broke loose as it ‘teleported’ into a small spot between two cars in an overtaking manoeuvre. Yes! In a GT-R, set your mind to any small crevice in congested traffic, stoke the throttle and with small inputs at the steering, you are already away and safely tucked ahead. Believe me, it’s that easy and effortless, in that proverbial cliché: blink of an eye.

Approaching a right-hander positive gradient ram, the GT-R hit 140km/h faster than you can say “Nissan GT-R” and I was soon negotiating a sweeping corner, with no time to slow down or think for that matter. It’s amazingly planted and fuss-free around bends, what’s more with the sticky, semi-slick standard issue 20” Bridgestone Potenza RE070R. Naturally, with all that electronics-laden drivetrain and suspension trickery, it makes you want to go faster with ever increasing confidence. In other words, you do not feel the speed in an R35 GT-R. Onto a straight then on, it was blistering quick approaching JDM limiter top speed but I eased off seeing that this ‘tester’ had hardly 30km on its odometer. Still not much sound from the engine up front, with just some huff-puff from the rear mufflers, mimicking a mid-engine rumble, or is it just my clouded perception from all that warp speed? And I was nowhere near flicking switches into the more wicked “R” settings for its sportier suspension and throttle mapping. Seeing that my close associate will likely buy this test unit, we decided to turn back to the showroom and not subject it to further premature abuse.

There you have it, my first drive in a new Nissan GT-R. It’s very rapid, highly responsive, tenaciously grippy and absolutely awesome on the road. While the overall feedback was relatively muted somewhat, it gets an extreme boy racer’s job done, ruthlessly cold and calculated. I can’t help but feel that the GT-R is exceptionally capable to the extent of being a tad too clinical in its execution of speed, handling and tactile feedbacks. A smidgen too synthetic, you might say, a little akin to virtual driving in video games, I reckoned. However, things may be different should I get to drive this GT-R again a few months down the road, with its twin turbocharged VR38DETT lump (480 bhp/588 Nm) more run-in, going for perhaps more distant interstate jaunts and/or uphill to Bukit Tinggi or Ulu Yam. I just gotta make sure I have a stiff cup of coffee beforehand…in black preferably!

New Nissan Skyline 370GT Coupe

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. just introduced the all-new Skyline 370GT coupe in Japan, a grand tourer designed to set new benchmarks for dynamic styling and outstanding driving performance.


At the heart of the Skyline coupe's dynamic performance is the newly developed VQ37VHR engine, which responds briskly, accelerates smoothly, is fuel efficient and attains high emissions standards. The VQ37VHR represents a new generation of high-performance engines and, at 333hp, is the most powerful V6 in its class. Generating 90% of maximum torque between 2400 and 7000rpm, the engine power is light, smooth and easy to handle right up to redline of 7500rpm!

The VQ37VHR's new, advanced Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system continuously changes the angle and lift of the intake valves, depending on the degree of acceleration and speed of the engine. The fully symmetrical air intakes on right and left increase the volume of intake air and reduce pumping loss, significantly increasing responsiveness. The result is the simultaneous achievement of seemingly conflicting needs: quick acceleration response, high power, low fuel-consumption and cleaner exhaust.

The new powerplant is mated to a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission allows for quick shifting and sporty touring using a short-stroke design and triple-cone synchros for the first three gears. For ease of operation, the Skyline coupe's available full-range electronic 5-speed automatic transmission includes a standard automatic shifter plus a driver-side manual shifter. The normal "D" mode provides smooth driving, while shifting to the "DS" mode provides a sportier feel. The transmission's ASC (adaptive shift control) adds comfort by automatically selecting the best gear for cornering, downhill driving and other critical situations to suit both the driver's style and environment.




Nissan engineers maximized sturdiness and lightness in the Skyline coupe's double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension designs to enhance stability and responsiveness, as well as driver control. The dual-flow pass shock absorbers were developed through extensive review of damping force and rebound spring criteria, helping create the Skyline coupe's smooth, refreshing ride feel while maintaining high levels of manoeuvring stability.

To match braking capability to the increased engine performance, the Skyline coupe employs four-wheels aluminum-caliper opposed-piston brakes which are designed to optimize the stroke at low speed and provide secure stopping power at higher speeds. The standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) also includes Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), while Intelligent Brake Assist is available as a manufacturer option. The Skyline coupe also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and a speed-sensitive hydraulic power steering system.

Another advanced performance feature available with the new Skyline coupe is Nissan's four-wheel active steering (4WAS) system, which adjusts the steering-linked angles of front and rear wheels according to speed, making the vehicle more responsive to the driver at low and medium speeds, and stable and smooth at higher speeds. 4WAS is standard on both the SP and S versions of the 370GT.

The new Skyline coupe's interior is designed to make driving a joy. The comfortable, embracing driver's position and supportive seats combine with a parallel hand-stitched, genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and light, sturdy magnesium paddle shifters to set the stage for driving exhilaration. Its interior offers an array of advanced technology systems, including an Intelligent Key system that electronically locks the steering, immobilizes the engine and handles other jobs according to the key ID for enhanced theft prevention.

Standard safety equipment includes rigid, safe Zone Body construction, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System, SRS Curtain Air Bag System, Active Front Head Restraints and three-point ELR rear seat belts.
The Skyline coupe also offers a long list of convenience, safety and environmental features, including Bi-Xenon headlights with Active AFS (Adaptive Front lighting System), door mirror with heater, flat-blade wipers, fuel efficiency gauge and reduced levels of volatile organic compound used in the cabin, which helps create better interior air quality.

New Audi TT Coupe First Drive: Alternative view

Well, it’s been sometime now I have shared my point of view but here goes. The TT is one really cool looking car. Hands down! You would think that most coupes of this genre were only made for cruising along some boulevard. Until you realize that this little car had a new heart transplant. The now popular 2.0 liter TFSI turbo engine coupled with my favourite gearbox, the VW DSG. (Audi calls it – S-Tronic) Even in normal D mode as I was exiting the Audi hangar I was already experiencing some tire spins just before the traction control reined in the power. Gosh, this turbo unit has loads of low down torque.

The moment you find some open roads that is when the fun starts. I was being tailed by a skyline GTR which was really on my back. I floored the car and whoosh off I went leaving the skyline a little dumb founded. As I looked back to see if the GTR was following I saw the rear spoiler rising up as my car pass 120km/h. It’s not just about top end speed here but the why it was delivered. A strong pull to the redline before changing up just puts a smile on your face. This is still one of the best lag free turbo engine that I have driven. (Still waiting to try out the BMW 335i. Hint, hint BMW Malaysia)




The interior is just awesome. The air-conditioning dials, yummy. The speedometer counters just made the car felt racier. Very impressive Audi! (Now if only the other German markers can learn a thing or two here) Everything just fitted so well, right down to those hugging bucket seats. The way it grabbed your torso, and your thighs just felt right sitting in them. The term seating IN the seat and not seating ON came to mind.

Well there is no perfect car, and here is one thing that I find Audi just don’t seem to get it right. It’s all in the steering and the way the shocks are setup. The steering to me was way too light, even at high speeds which made me feel less secure driving the car fast. Don’t get me wrong, the steering was accurate but it was just lifeless and some what artificial. I guess Audi still has not gotten their electric power steering right. I found the setup on the Colt Rally Art better. What a waste cause the flat bottom steering on the TT looked so promising. All the looks, but no feel. To me this is the most important part as the steering is the main connection between you and the road.

The undulating and off camber roads didn’t help either. The suspension was working over time trying to keep the car on the road. The damper recovery was slow causing the car to oscillate more when compared to the other German cars. (Remember the GTR, it caught up and I had let it pass when we were doing about 160km/h) Come on Audi, this is supposed to be a sports car, but it just didn’t feel sporty and secure when driving fast. On top of this, what’s with the ugly 17 inch 50 series tires? It made the car look ……. pregnant. (Sorry can’t find another word to describe it)

At the end of the short first drive, I have to say that I was only half impressed. I may be biased here as I tend to like rear wheel driven cars, the front wheel drive TT was just too busy for my liking. But at the rate Audi is delivering more and more new cars to compete, the other Germans better watch out. Ok Audi, when can I try the RS5?

New BMW 1-Series Coupe

By Dr Long

BMW has given a new lease of life to its beleaguered 1-series hatchback - by adding a rump to the rear - resulting in the new 1-Series Coupe.

To be available soon in Europe, the 1-Series Coupe will wear 3 different badges:
120d, turbodiesel 2.0L 4-cylinder, with 177hp and 350Nm.
123d, 2.0L twin-turbocharged diesel, offering 204hp and 400Nm.
135i, with 306hp and 400Nm, from BMW’s award winning twin-turbo 3.0L in-line 6.

Meanwhile, the for U.S. and Canadian market, the BMW 1-series Coupe will also be offered in 128i guise (apart from the 135i), powered by naturally aspirated but detuned 3.0L magnesium-alloy straight six, capable of 230hp and 270Nm of torque. There will be no turbodiesels for the North American market.

The 120d coupe will sprint from 0 -100km/h in 7.6secs while the 123d coupe will be a little quicker at 7 secs to the century. The top-of-the-line 135i coupe will launch from standstill to 100km/h in a mere 5.3 secs, and likely zippier in real life than the similar-engined 335i due to its lighter kerb weight.

How soon will we see this better looking 1-series in Asia or even Malaysia is anybody’s guess at this point in time.

New Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic

By Dr Long

The first generation Audi TT made its debut in 1998 and became an icon in automotive design soon after. Now nine years later, the all-new TT Coupé continues with a higher engine output and a leaner body offering pure sports performance. Euromobil, franchise holder and sole distributor of Audi in Malaysia, has officially launched the 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic model on 21st June 2007.

The new TT features Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction where 69% of the materials used are aluminium with most of it found at and over the front axle. This ensures a more balanced weight distribution for a FF (front engine, front wheel drive) vehicle like the new TT coupe, thereby enabling better on-road dynamism.

“Car enthusiasts would be pleased to note that Audi has lovingly retained and stylishly enhanced the genetic code that makes up the new TT.” said Datuk Syed Wazir Syed Wahid, chairman of Euromobil. “The design concept is compact and embodies the feeling of pure design, pure performance, confidence and strengths that are shared by its owner” he added. “The new TT is utterly uncompromising, and would appeal to a select breed of individuals who want to make a statement” as the Euromobil chairman pointed out the sporty niche of the new TT coupe.

The new TT will initially be available as a 2+2-seater coupé with the superb Audi S-Tronic (Direct Shift Gearbox). It is powered by Audi’s famed and award winning 2.0 Turbo FSI, capable of 200bhp at 5100-6000 rpm and 280Nm of torque from a low 1800rpm through to 5000 rpm. Performance figures are 6.4secs from standstill to 100km/h, on the way to a top speed of 240km/h. A hidden rear spoiler deploys automatically at speed above 120km/h to increase downforce.

Price of the fully-imported new Audi TT Coupé 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic is RM368,000 and is available for viewing and booking at Euromobil and its authorised dealers. All initial 20 units have been snapped up and the response has been encouraging, according to Euromobil Audi Head, Kula Kulendran.