Two Final Cars - The Lamborghini Gallardo and the Mini Mk2

Recently Lamborghini produced its final Lamborghini Gallardo. The car, a Rosso Mars coloured Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante rolled off the production line ending the production for this Italian supercar. The Gallardo was first introduced in 2003 and it has been ten years in production with a total production figure of over 14,000 units of the car in various guises.

The Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost at KLIMS'13 - This isn't the actual Fiesta we'd be getting.

The Ford Fiesta that wad displayed at the recent KL motor show is not the actual car we Malaysians will be getting. And this is a good thing. Surprised? Those that have been taking extra attention would know what I'm harping on about.

Citroen DS3 to be launched early 2014 in Malaysia

Citroen will be launching the DS3 by the first quarter of 2014 here in Malaysia. The Citroen DS3 is a premium 3 door supermini sized hatchback that was officially launched in January 2010. It has taken this long to arrive in Malaysia as during 2010-2011 the brand was technically in limbo here in Malaysia with Naza Euro Motors appointed as Citroen's local distributor, bringing both PSA group brands under one roof (the other being Peugeot).

Nissan Almera NISMO Package - Why I suggest you should save your money instead.

Oooo....check out the photo...three men standing under a sign that shows 'male'

Currently the best selling non-national car in the market simply because it is fresh and new (before the launch of the all-new Vios. Nissan has a NISMO package for the car and you can buy it together with the Almera or separately. In short you can upgrade any Almera that had been purchased prior to the launch of the Nissan Almera NISMO packages.

All-New 4th Generation Honda City launched over in India. Gee.... didn't we just have a motorshow for Honda to launch something like this?

Honda has just launched the 4th Generation Honda City in India and the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 has just finished. What does this tell you? Whilst we are important enough to get the all-new Honda Odyssey two weeks after its Japan launch we aren't important enough to launch Honda's B-segment car. But then again, what's a high tax, price controlled market like Malaysia compared to a market with a billion people like India? Pretty obvious isn't it.

Subaru keeps hoodwinking us all.

Take a look at the slightly overexposed photo of a Legacy and an Australian spec Toyota Camry 2.5 Atisse above. Try to guess which is the Scooby and which is the ultimate uncle-mobile before reading the next paragraph below.

And here's a mega 'up yours' to older cars being unsafe - A 1987 Mercedes Benz 190e 2.3 8v

I just drove this car a few days and God, it was comfortable and surprisingly nimble. It also felt as solid or even better than newer cars costing RM80,000. The car in question is a 1987 190e 2.3 8valve with a 2.3-16 bodykit with a front AMG bumper. The wheels are original 8.75in x 17 Mercedes Evo 2 wheels plucked from the utterly mad 190e 2.5-16 Evo 2. It makes 134hp and 205Nm in stock form.

The paradox in car names..beginning with the latest all-new Large Mini

My friend recently commented on my post regarding the All-new 2014-2015 Mini. He considers the large Mini an Oxymoron. I have to agree with him. Large Mini.

Now that the MINI is actually a brand name instead of actually meaning something small and petite unlike the original Austin Mini, it is the biggest automotive oxymoron around. To those that aren't aware of what 'oxymoron' means it is a figure of speech that juxtaposes contradictory elements. The MINI is definitely an oxymoron as it isn't truly small. We have cars like the Smart ForTwo and those Japanese Kei Cars which are much smaller than BMW's Mini.

2015 Subaru WRX makes its debut at the LA Auto Show - Thoughts about it.

Subaru has just launched the 2015 Subaru WRX at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. According to the Press Release it gets the following:

• New platform offers a stiffer, more agile chassis for Subaru global performance icon
• New torque-vectoring system reduces understeer
• New 268-hp 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER engine
• New standard 6-speed manual transmission
• New Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual modes

KLIMS'13 - Hyundai I40 sedan and i40 wagon Launched at KLIMS'13

2014 Hyundai i40 Wagon

So what the heck is a Hyundai i40? It is a full sized D segment sedan much like the Hyundai Sonata (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Kia Optima etc) except Hyundai says that the i40 is a luxury D segment vehicle. Hyundai has decided to keep selling the cheaper Sonata while launching the i40 for the Malaysian market. We are getting spoilt for choices in this segment people.

How does this i40 differ from the Sonata?

All-new Mk3 Mini is larger than ever. Why?

Hot off the preview pages, the Mk3 2014/2015 Mini (above, left). Basically, its huge. 98mm longer (3,821mm), 44mm wider (1,727mm) and 7mm taller (1,414mm) than the Mk2 Mini. The wheelbase is 42mm longer at 2,495mm and it is wider too. Aside from that the top of the range Cooper S now comes with a 2.0liter turbocharged engine making 192hp. See? It even needs a larger sized engine to make it go fast.

KLIMS'13 - Volkswagen at KLIMS'13 and the launch of the CKD 2014 Polo 1.6 Hatchback

Volkswagen is another car manufacturer that decided to participate in a big way for the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS'13). The VW stand is the largest at KLIMS'13 and showcases the following:

• National premiere of the new 2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.6, 3rd locally assembled model
• Unique special ‘cut out’ model of Golf displays Volkswagen’s engineering, innovation and safety
• The iconic Beetle Fender Edition first appearance in Malaysia
• “Think Blue” – Interaction of fuel efficiency and fuel saving
• The Volkswagen comprehensive model line-up and exciting brand entertainment for all walks of life

MIROS crash tests a 23 year old Proton and declares it unsafe.....What a load of crap.

Photo:via cbt.com.my from Miros

There was, putting it bluntly, a really stupid piece of news made by the Malaysia Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) stating that cars that are more than 12 years old are not safe to be on the road. MIROS added that there is a higher risk of death in an accident because such cars could be faulty without the driver being aware of it and that most cars are designed to have a lifespan of five to twelve years. MIROS also stated that cars made more than twelve years ago were also lacking in safety features. This conclusion was derived after a car collision test at the Asean New Car Assessment Programme (ASEAN NCAP) . The test car was done on a...23 year old Proton Saga. 

KLIMS'13 - Ford at KLIMS, the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost and Ford EcoSport

Ford has chosen to participate in the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS'13) in a big way. They've decided to come up with a showcase showing its old and new cars. They've showcased a vintage Model A, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (no, this is just for show), Ford Focus Sport+ Graphite edition (above), Fiesta ST, the Fusion Hybrid saloon and two potential large sellers for them in Malaysia – the Ford EcoSport mini SUV and the Ford Fiesta 1.0l EcoBoost hatchback. Both the Ford EcoSport and EcoBoost will be launched next year with the Fiesta sometime early 2014 and the EcoSport later in the year.

KLIMS'13 - Infiniti makes its debut appearance at the Motor Show

Infiniti Q50

Infiniti has made their first appearance at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. I hope they will keep on participating in it for years to come. Their cars might be for the luxury end of the car market, but variety makes things better. And people must have hopes and dreams. 

They've displayed the luxury flagship Q70, the premium sports saloon Q50 (which has a larger 3.7liter engine compared to the 2.5liter Q70), the QX50 SUV and Sebastian Vettel's F1 car. Let's just see what Infiniti has to say - photos incorporated therein.            

(-Sometimes, the press release is the most straightforward). 

INFINITI FIRST APPEARANCE IN KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL MOTORSHOW 2013

KLIMS'13 - The Nissan Leaf is officially launched

Nissan launched the Nissan Leaf electric car at KLIMS13. RM168,000 on the road for a fully electric car. This is a car which would have limited mileage if you are hard on the throttle pedal most of the time and love air-conditioning, radio and lights on. If your commutes are reasonably short then it would be the car for you. It would actually suit eco-mentalists, housewives, aunties and uncles who would only use the car within a 30km radius to run errands and for anyone that hates filling up petrol at the pumps. All they have to do is use the supplied power cold and charge the car after each drive. 

Convenient.  And that's all I have to say about the Leaf. 

KL International Motor Show 2013 - 2014 Hyundai i30 Preview

The Hyundai i30 is a Hyundai Elantra sized hatchback. In fact if you're in America you could buy this as a Hyundai Elantra GT. The car will be sold here in Malaysia in the First Quarter of 2014 and will come with one engine spec, the 1.8liter NU MPI 4 cylinder engine which would make 150PS and178Nm torque. It will also get the 6 speed automatic transmission and will come with lots of kit. No official price has been given as yet but we're predicting it would be sold at RM110,000 to RM115,000 which is slightly higher (due to the specs given) than the previous i30 sold in Malaysia.

KL International Motor Show 2013 - The Concept Cars

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) is underway with public viewing beginning today. One definition of a 'motor show' is that it is a public exhibition of concept cars, model debuts, a showcase of current models as well as one which features out of production models or classics. KLIMS13 is a motor show where there are concept cars and new model debuts. We may not be in the forefront of first debuts internationally, but KLIMS13 does showcase some concept cars. We have compiled all the concept vehicles (not current production models but futuristic ideas that manufacturers are toying with) that are displayed at KLIMS13 for your viewing pleasure.

KLIMS13 - Toyota Camry Hybrid - A green Unclemobile?

The Toyota Camry Hybrid was on display at KLIMS13. You get the 2.5liter Atkinson cycle engine coupled with an electric motor powering the car like a larger, more luxurious Prius. It is supposed to be sold here in Malaysia soon but as its a 2.5 liter, it won't get any tax breaks. Its proposed pricing is predicted to cross RM180,0000. Steep for an uncle/auntie car that saves petrol. And don't think you'd get the Modelista bodykit and 19inch wheels with the price stated. That is surely optional.

KLIMS 2013- The 2014 Honda Odyssey launched in Malaysia

Honda has pulled out all stops to make its participation at the KL motor Show 2013 a success. They have decided to launch the 5^th generation Honda Odyssey two week after it was released over in Japan. This is one of the quickest automotive launches that has hit Malaysia in my opinion. The launch was officiated by Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, who must have been the force behind Honda's impressive participation at KLIMS13 - They have the Honda EV-STER concept car, the Honda CR-Z Mugen RR, the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid as well as the car mentioned above to name a few.

The 2014 Odyssey is powered by the newly developed 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC (175PS and 225NM) Earth Dreams Technology engine and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). The All-New Odyssey features a newly developed “Ultra-Low Floor Platform”, which creates a spacious cabin equivalent to large-class MPV. Oh, it has the usual ECO functions that most Hondas have these days.

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) opened today. And I have some comments. UPDATED

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) was officially launched by YB Dato’ Hasan Bin Malek, Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives & Consumerism earlier today. There are some highlights of the show below as well as the official press release for your viewing pleasure folks. (Perodua aside as I have reported about it already).

But before that, I also have to state the obvious. While KLIMS13 has quite a number of concept cars from the likes of Citroen, Hyundai, Perodua, Toyota to name a few and a few notable car launches and previews by Volkswagen (the CKD Polo 1.6 hatchback), Ford (Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost, Fusion Hybrid), as well as some others, the motorshow is lacking some big names and heavy hitters. Proton is not around. The major luxury German brands are non-existant (Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz). There are no Rolls Royces or Bentleys. There are no Mitsubishi, Suzuki or Mazda. There is also no Kia or Chevrolet. There is also no Jaguar or Land Rover. No Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati too. Sad but very true.

I have not forgotten the fact that Infiniti and Subaru are first time participants. These car manufacturers bring a slight difference to this year's motor show. But it isn't much of a compensation.

KLIMS13 - At The Perodua Stand

I thought I'd start the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) review with Perodua. The reason being the fact that motor shows aren't sales road shows but one which showcases the latest concept cars from automotive manufacturers. There isn't too many at KLIMS13, which is a sore point, but Perodua the only 'local' representative (since Proton is a no-show) has a few design and engineering concepts to show.

Perodua sedan concept at KLIMS13

Errr....stumpy looking isn't it? But don't worry, its still very much at the concept stage. Could be running a Toyota Etios or the Mvyi/ passo chassis. I don't know yet but its dumpy looking.

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 - KLIMS13 Initial report

Not bad. There may be a lack of names like BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi and, gasp, Proton (who must be the biggest spoilsports in Malaysia at this moment), but there are some concept cars worth previewing.

Perodua has a sedan concept that is still a concept car that has no production ready cues whatsoever. I cannot tell as yet whether is is based on anything as I am just typing this out whilst waiting for the official tour which starts after lunch. It looks ugly especially with that stumpy boot. Not what I'd expected.
Perodua also displayed the interior and an outline of the exterior of the upcoming Perodua Viva replacement. Looks like a shruken Myvi. This is a good thing.

Aside from that, Honda's small mid engined coupe roundabout looks promising. Smaller than the CRZ it is Honda Beat in size and could be one to look out for if they produce it.

Stay tuned for more updates when I get home later tonight folks. Oh, do check out our Facebook page for updates. I sometimes update photos direct to Facebook. So do click the 'Like' button there folks.

KONICA MINOLTA, INC. Launches 5th Generation KONICA MINOLTA ICE-μ™ FILM for Automotive and Building Industries In Malaysia

We attended the launch for the KONICA MINOLTA ICE-μ™ window film product and premier store launch in Temasya Glenmarie, Shah Alam, earlier today. This marks Konica Minolta's entry into the window film/tinting market for the automotive and also building industries in Malaysia. The event was officiated by Y.A.B Datuk Haj Ahmad bin Hj Maslan, Deputy Finance Minister.

This is a new venture for Konica Minolta Inc. who are known for its optical technonogies like its cameras, lenses, photocopiers and film, has moved into the business for quality window film called the KONICA MINOLTA ICE-μ™. The ICE-μ™ film boasts of a superior combination of both transparency and heat rejection.

2015 Subaru WRX teased...

Subaru have released one measly shot featuring the bonnet of the upcoming 2015 Subaru WRX.  I suppose that's all I have to say about it as one photo doesn't deserve more than two complete sentences.

Definition of 'Sports Car' in our online ads - Which brings us to this week's lesson.

Some of them Malaysian car salesmen really need help folks. And there has to be some education towards people who somehow think that a PERODUA MVYI is a 'sports car' as it came up on one of my searches for 'sports car'.

Either they do not know what a sports car actually is (think Mazda MX-5 or a Lotus Elise) OR they think super highly of their Malaysian made compact car.

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 Update- KLIMS 13 SHOW ATTRACTIONS

KLIMS 2013 is next week people. Aside from getting to look at current automobiles and concept cars, visitors would get to see and do the following:

The Malaysia International Auto Salon - Featuring at least 30 modified cars of various makes showcasing the latest trends in aftermarket tuning. There will also be a conpetition on all the cars where visitors can vote for their favourite car on display in two categories, the Open Standard and the Open Extreme (pic below).

A Quickie of a Test Drive: The 2013 Honda Accord 2.0 VTI-L

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The ninth generation Honda Accord was recently launched here in Malaysia and I managed a short drive in the 2013 Accord 2.0 Vti-L variant. This car sits in the category where it is usually bought by senior managers of companies or by the companies themselves. It is aimed squarely against other large sized Japanese and Korean sedans in the RM150,000 or thereabouts price range and this range of cars is what most Malaysians aspire to have in their driveway, front porch, garage or apartment car park.

Cars on Sale posted online - Why you should 'trust' used car salesmen

I like browsing the classifieds, namely Mudah.my which I believe is the best place for Malaysians to go car hunting whilst online. You can find the used car of your dreams here but sometimes, you can't help but wonder how genuine or trustworthy is the salesman who posted the ad over there. The ad stated herein is proof why one should always personalise their ads and not use the 'Cut and Paste' function if you really, really want to sell the car. Would you believe the advert details after looking at the photograph above? I highlighted the important parts below.

MERCEDES BENZ 260E ( A ) " W 124 " FUEL INJECTION ! 1989 ' 

Jaguar's gear knob and air vents

These days gimmicks and toys sell cars. Even normal run of the mill cars like the Hyundai Elantra or the Proton Suprima gets auto lights, auto wipers, daytime running lights, a kitchen sink, bidet and even GPS. Everyone is enamored by gadgets in the cars that they buy which is why car manufacturers throw in even more even when we don't need it.

But we'd expect all of these toys and more in our luxury cars. Take for example Mercedes Benz and its new W222 S-Class. It has everything you can think of and more. It has a forward facing radar that can read the road up front and adjust the suspension to suit. It has mood lighting inside. It has a build in air freshener. It has LED headlights. It has all that and more. But, it does not have what Jaguar has. Covered motorized air vents and a motorized flush fit gearknob. Let me show you a few photos of the items below.