Monday, August 31, 2015

Happy Merdeka Day!


It's 31st August again. Our National Day! We, Malaysia achieved independence on the 31st of August 1957 (with Malaysia as a whole forming a little bit later on 16th September 1963). We've indeed come a long way. In 1985 Proton was born. Caused a whole lot of national pride when first conceived. Has been causing some controversy ever since too. But in some ways I am proud of Proton. 

I will write about my favourite Proton cars one of these days. Most probably soon. It is interesting to me. I usually write about things that get me all worked up or things that are mildly interesting. Maybe being over forty has made me less angry about the things around me. I still am. But not as psychotically angry like I used to be. Maybe some cars still tick me off. Can you guess what car or cars?

Anyway, happy holidays all!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Spy photos of the upcoming all new Hyundai Elantra


This is the soon to the launched all new Hyundai Avante Elantra. Avante in Korea and most probably Elantra in Malaysia and everywhere else (as usual). Someone sneaked a photo of it out from the Hyundai factory in Korea and I must say that it looks good. 

The car looks like a shrunken down Hyundai Sonata as well as the usual Audi-esque design cues you see everywhere in Hyundai and Kia these days. Especially at the front end of the car. In fact, the overall design looks better than most Audi cars these days. I blame this good fortune on Peter Schreyer, the ex-Audi designer who has made both Hyundai and Kia vehicles look extremely good these past few years.

Industry News: 58 of Volkswagen's sales consultants get the Volkswagen International Basic Training certification


Volkswagen Malaysia had announced that 58 of its sales consultants graduated from the International Basic Training (IBT) certification. Held for the third year, the IBT included 15 days of classroom training designed to develop sales competence and to provide knowledge of brand and history, and Volkswagen’s technology. What this basically means is that these people would actually be able to get a sales job with Volkswagen sales outlets any where around the world due to its global certification.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Spotted for Sale: 1989 Suzuki Swift / Cultus GTI - A pocket rocket in the truest sense


This is another interesting car that has recently been put for sale recently over at mudah.my, the favourite place for Yours Truly to trawl the want ads and dream a little. This is a gem of a car, the original Suzuki Swift GTI. Also known as the Suzuki Cultus GTI (as it is called in Japan), it is one of those cars that garnered a reputation for those of us who started dabbling with cars from the mid-1980s and throughout the 1990s. 

BUS & TRUCK NEWS: VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 21-22 OCTOBER 2015, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA


There will be a Vehicle Maintenance Management conference this 21st and 22nd of October 2015 in Kuala Lumpur. To those interested, the Trueventus Vehicle Maintenance Management conference gives an opportunity to learn and gain information with regards to managing your heavy, commercial fleet and/or government fleet. 

Maintenance costs have decreased across the board with the primary factor being increased overall vehicle quality in this day and age. Vehicle quality continues to improve, reducing failures for ­fleets and their drivers. While the new technologies on today’s vehicles can be expensive to repair, their failure rates are fewer and the impact is minimised. So the question are whether the vehicles require high-maintenance and whether it is costing precious Ringgit. Especially at a time like this.

According to the organisers (which isn't me - remember, I don't sell stuff here in case you folks forget):-
• Recognising the importance of vehicle maintenance and adequate servicing to driver safety in
maximising safe driving
• Gaining access to fl­eet solutions for next gen mobility models
• Assessing platforms and service providers within a single fl­eet management hub
• Maintaining efficiency in fuel management
• Maximising asset utilisation: Looking at new approach in asset utilisation
• Maintaining ­fleet operation within the context of a company’s overall goals and objectives

For more event information, click on the link below:

http://www.globalcongresskl.com/CONTRAMKTG/MF05_VEHICLEFLEET_FLEETASIA.pdf

Only limited seats are allocated for this event.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Spotted on the streets: One padlock is not enough....


....fixing the Proton Saga's boot is wayyyy more troublesome than installing this doubleproof security anti-theft system. Mister Bean would be doubly proud.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Some Tuesday night ranting - Stupid People and the fact that I don't sell anything on this website!!!!!!!


I recently got a couple of e-mails that I consider as inappropriate and slightly strange. Most of you folks out there know that motoring-malaysia.blogspot.com is a website that provides information, knowledge, opinions and reviews about all automotive related stuff. Some would also know that I test cars and write stuff for other automotive websites too (not so much anymore) but most of you can tell that I do not sell anything at all through the site. 

I mean is it stated anywhere that I am an agent or a dealer or a distributor of any automotive related product? Where? I have been managing my own website and the only things I can see that are promoting stuff are the ads on the website. Those ads do not even relate to the strange requests I get. Like this two below.

Volkswagen Malaysia celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Volkswagen Polo


Mr Armin Keller with Vincent Paul Yong

Aside from launching the Volkswagen Polo Club edition last week Volkswagen Malaysia threw a photo exhibition, a fashion show and a dance party all at once. I attended the event last friday. Only for a short while before little ol' me decided to call it a night. I suddenly felt all forty three years of my life even though the party brought me back to my twenties.  The heart was willing, but the body was dead tired (after three launch/events from morning till after the sun had set). 

Truck News: Volvo Trucks 2015 Malaysian Fuelwatch Challenge winner announced

Mats Nilsson, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia flagging off the Final round of the Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 in Shah Alam on 22 August 2015

Volvo Trucks (Volvo), which operates under Volvo Malaysia, has proudly revealed the Malaysian winner of its Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 at a Gala Dinner held at the Dorsett Grand Subang last Saturday. Volvo Trucks’ annual Fuelwatch Challenge was held as a training and competition for truck drivers and it offers the participants tons of skill knowledge and information, equipping truckers with the ability to churn out the best fuel consumption possible for their vehicles. This is achieved through a process that encompasses a comprehensive approach and setting the right ergonomics between man and machine for maximum output, with minimum fuel that leads to the best vehicle productivity and increased awareness on safety. i.e fast is not always efficient, too slow is also not efficient but a certain sweet spot. 

The top three winners of Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge 2015.

Monday, August 24, 2015

The B310 Datsun Sunny 120Y - Got my licence in one and more tales from the past


The Nissan, no, Datsun 'Sunny' 120Y B310 from 1977 to 1982 was a car that was very relevant in pre-Proton affordable car Malaysia. It sold in large numbers here in Malaysia and was the car that most people who couldn't afford running a Fiat, Ford or other entry level European cars those days

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Spotted for Sale: 1990 EF8 Honda CRX SiR - Unregistered! Malaysian JDM fans rejoice.


Now this would interest the local JDM fanboys. Someone has actually imported in a 1990 Honda CRX SiR from Japan as I have spotted on the local mudah.my website. As it is something from 1990, it is a good 25 years old and qualifies for classic car status as well as the classic car import status too. This is pure Honda VTEC folks. A holy grail aside from owning an NSX.

Volkswagen Malaysia introduces the Volkswagen Polo Club Edition in conjunction with the Polo's 40th anniversary


Volkswagen Malaysia seems to be doing a lot of innovative marketing these days. In conjunction with the Volkswagen celebrating 40 years of the Volkswagen Polo, Volkswagen Group Malaysia decided to celebtate this momentous milestone by collaborating with established fashion lifestyle photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography (VPYP) to produce a photo series that showcases the driving fun with the car.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia launches the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport - Priced from RM399,000

Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM) has officially launched the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport, in Malaysia. The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport is claimed by Jaguar Land Rover to be the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV. It is also the first member of the new Discovery family and takes a whole lot of styling cues from the larger Range Rover Sport premium SUV. 

Bermaz officially launches the all-new 2015 Mazda MX-5 in Malaysia

Bermaz, the distributor for Mazda in Malaysia has officially launched the Mazda MX-5 Skyactiv with the 2.0liter 4 cylinder engine - one engine here in Malaysia in 6 speed automatic transmission form with the 6 speed manual coming in later. 

Friday, August 21, 2015

Upgraded and facelifted Renault Megane RS 265 Cup launched officially in Malaysia


TC Euro Cars, distributors of Renault in Malaysia have the upgraded 'normal' Megane RS 265 Cup on sale already. It may be 10hp less than the RS 275 Trophy R, but the point is that you could actually go buy one tomorrow if you wanted one as the Trophy R cars that were allocated for Malaysia are gone, sold, finished. Long before the official launch. 

Renault launches the limited edition Megane RS 275 Trophy R in Malaysia - And they're all SOLD OUT!!!!


Three Renault cars were officially previewed to the media yesterday evening - the limited edition Megane RS 275 Trophy R, the upgraded Megane RS 265 Cup and the electric Twizy. But let's talk about the limited ed RS 275 here.

The limited edition Megane R.S 275 Trophy R is almost 100 kg lighter than the Megane R.S. This radical special edition boasts enhanced dynamism and efficiency, aside from fixed seatback RECARO seats the car features new equipment developed in cooperation with prestigious partners: Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, Öhlins Road&Track adjustable dampers, Allevard composite springs and MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. It managed a sub 8 minute time at the Nurburgring recently. One of the the fastest laps recorded by a front wheel drive production car.



The Malaysian specced Trophy R also comes with the “Nürburgring Pack”, comprising the “Performance” braking kit, lithium-ion battery, two Sabelt safety harnesses, four spare wheel covers and a retaining strap.

TC Euro Cars, official distributors of Renault here in Malaysia recently made available only 10 units of the limited-edition Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R, priced at RM300,000 on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual registration only. I believe all have been sold out. Amazing isn't it?

What this car to me is the ultimate embodiment of a hot hatch. Pure and unadulterated fun. The Megane RS cars and the VW Scirocco are actually quite nice to look at as they are more low slung than the usual hatchbacks. More coupe-like and defintely better looking because of this. Now add Trophy R bits and pieces, it becomes close to a mini Porsche 911 GT3 RS in some ways. No wonder they're sold out.



Press Release
renault megane r.s. 275 trophy-R: powerful and exclusive

Very special edition takes advantage of technology upgrades gained by the Megane R.S. 275 Trophy to push the limits of high performance

Renault Sport’s wide-ranging work on weight reduction and new state-of-the-art equipment contribute to ensure the behaviour of the Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R rivals that of a real racing car


Kuala Lumpur, 20 August 2015 – Designed for track driving enthusiasts, the Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R takes advantage of the latest upgrades to the Renault Sport 2.0T engine to push the limits of high performance.

To meet targets for performance, ride and handling, engineers tracked down every last superfluous kilo. Almost 100 kg lighter than the Megane R.S., this radical special edition boasts enhanced dynamism and efficiency, featuring new equipment developed in cooperation with prestigious partners: Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, Öhlins Road&Track adjustable dampers, Allevard composite springs and MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

The exceptional level of performance achieved was illustrated by its performance at the Nürburgring Nordschleife – often considered the most demanding circuit in the world. The Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R covered the 20.832 km in just less than eight minutes, an impressive time for a front-wheel drive production model. 

“Renault and Renault Sport, in particular, are unwavering in their commitment to see new challenges as the driving force for fine-tuning the overall performance Renault Sport vehicles. The Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R, which has become the flag bearer of the brand’s sporting range, is a great example, delivering performance worthy of an exclusive race-ready sports car,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd. 

Technical upgrades for an R.S. thoroughbred with even sharper performance
The Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R comes standard in the Cup chassis with limited slip differential, which is widely acclaimed both for its on-road performance and when driven round circuits.

To allow customers to benefit more fully from the car’s dynamic qualities, engineers have worked extensively on the  powerplant to extract an extra 10 horsepower from the Renault Sport 2.0L turbo-charged engine. As a result, the Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R is capable of delivering peak power of 275hp at 5,500 rpm. Maximum torque of 360 Nm is available across a broad rev-band, from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. 

Despite the additional power, fuel consumption and emissions have been carefully contained to stand at just 7.5 litres/100km and 174g of CO2/km respectively1.

Renault Sport partnered with Akrapovic – renowned for its benchmark exhaust systems for motorcycles and high performance cars – to design a special titanium exhaust system as a standard fitment.  Besides reducing vehicle weight, this assembly also gives the Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R a deeper, more raucous sound signature that is sure to thrill engine aficionados.

An Equipment Package with a Circuit Racing Pedigree
The Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R comes with Ohlins’s new adjustable Road & Track dampers. Inspired by the world of motorsport this technological evolution allows drivers to easily adjust their dampers using the knob on a rig fitted on the damper. With 20 positions at the front and 30 at the rear, the car adapts precisely to all types of surface and all driving styles.

Drivers can also vary the body height and attitude of the Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R by adjusting the compression of the Allevard composite springs. These corrosion proof springs have a longer service life. 

Even the best chassis and engine is useless without the right tyres to connect it to the road. To enable the full potential of the Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R, Renault partnered with Michelin to incorporate the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres – typically fitted on many supercars – as a standard, for the first time, on a front-wheel drive. 

The tyres are mounted on 19” Speedline Turini wheels. This new wheel design, based directly on the world of motorsport, also helps reduce the un-sprung weight of the vehicle.

Renault’s R-Link integrated multimedia tablet also comes standard in the Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R with R.S. Monitor 2.0 and the all-new R.S. Replay function.

Exclusive Styling, Inside and Out
The looks of Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R are as uncompromising as its technical specifications. The two-toned Pearlescent White bodywork and an Etoilé black roof, combined with the bright red of the F1-style splitter, stripes and side checker flag graphics is a sure head-turner.


Inside, the Recaro Pole Position bucket seats illustrate the main purpose of Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R. These single-piece polycarbonate seats are painted glossy black and upholstered in leather and Alcantara.

Alcantara is also present on the steering wheel and hand brake gaiter, whereas leather is used for the gear lever knob.

As Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R was made for track driving, the rear seat has been removed to make it a real two-seater. A cross strut bar is provided for the luggage restraint net. Track enthusiasts will appreciate the boot layout, designed to make it easy to carry four spare wheels. 

Breaking New Ground in Performance through “Nurburgring Pack” Accessories
Renault Sport is bringing purists a range of accessories to boost the technical specifications of their Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R to the same level as those of the Nürburgring record-setting version.

Hailing from the world of motorsport, the “Performance” braking kit comprises wider discs – with a diameter of 350 mm, up from the standard 340 mm – mounted on aluminium bowls. Using aluminium reduces the un-sprung mass by 3 kg, while the use of wider discs leads to a 100°C reduction in the operating temperature. The result on circuits is greater consistency and heightened pedal feel.

Again to reduce mass, the accessories range includes a lithium-ion battery, weighing in at some 16 kg lighter. The lithium-ion battery is fitted in the same place as the original lead battery.

A “Nürburgring Pack”, comprising the “Performance” braking kit, lithium-ion battery, two Sabelt safety harnesses, four spare wheel covers and a retaining strap, is available as standard for Malaysia.

Pricing and Availability
TC Euro Cars recently made available only 10 units of the limited-edition Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R, priced at RM300,000 on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual registration only.



Five lucky first customers of the RS 275 (The guys not in the suits obviously...)

Renault Twizy electric car launched in Malaysia


Renault's local distributors TC Eurocars launched the fully electric Renault Twizy recently. The zero emissions fully electric urban roundabout. A highly drivable car, uniquely easy to use, with zero emissions and zero pollution, the Renault Twizy is particularly well-suited to new forms of urban mobility and business use such as car sharing, fleet, tourism or private use, new urban development products and even last-mile deliveries. It is priced from RM71,888 onwards. I drove this car and I have written on the drive experience here. Do read it as the car is surprisingly interesting to punt around.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Short Drive: Renault Twizy Urban during its Malaysian launch


I had a short drive in the fully electric Renault Twizy and I must say that it does feel  enjoyable for such a small package. The car is fully electric and is only slightly larger than a quad-bike. It is really compact and could be the ultimate city car where commutes are totally within the suburbs or the city center. To the market and back. To the children's school and back. Or to the golf club and back.


At just 2.34meters long and 1.23 meters wide the 450kg fully electric car is super compact. it is essentially a quad bike with a roof and scissor doors. The interior is sparse and built to keep its weight low. The dashboard is kept simple and everything is easy to reach and use. Hard plastics everywhere except for the steering wheel. You could hose off everything if you wanted to by the looks of it (but don't).

INDUSTRY NEWS: Volvo Trucks advances talent development with Technical Education Programme (TEP) for TAFE College

Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia and Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo, Chief Executive Officer, TAFE College, Seremban signing the collaboration.

One of the most important things in nation building is the development of human capital. I sometimes think that this is very rarely done in this country. You can tell this from the fact that over the last fifteen or so years there have been no real technological or innovative breakthroughs here. You could put the blame on various factors including the lack of a proper education vision by the government as well as the lack of private institutions and individuals who have the monetary strength but somehow are so 'kedekut' or stingy to help develop others. 

If a fish was the inspiration for a car's design....

....don't ever, ever use the Parrot Fish.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Beetle CLUB Now Available in Malaysia at RM152,888


I was at the launch of the limited to 50 units Volkswagen Beetle Club yesterday. The car is priced from RM152,888 and quite like the previous limited run Beetle 'Bug' Edition, it gets basically a cosmetic touch up only and no extra performance enhancing items like a sports exhaust, larger turbo for it's 1.2liter TSI engine, machine guns, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns.

Shell Confirmed as Title Sponsor of Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix


Something to take note  folks... its the 2015 SHELL MALAYSIA MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX. .....

PRESS RELEASE
Shell is pleased to confirm it has renewed its title sponsorship of the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, having reached an agreement with Dorna Sports, the MotoGP™ rights holder, to support the FIM MotoGP World Championship and the Sepang International Circuit’s hosting of the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix for the 2015 and 2016 championship seasons.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Volkwagen Malaysia collaborates with Alia Bastamam at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015


Every year, there is something called the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week. Of course not every motorhead or petrolhead is aware of this or truly bothers about this as they are usually in love with their cars instead of clothes. But anyway, the Fashion Week happens every year and it showcases Malaysian fashion. Not many cars involved usually but this year, Volkswagen has decided to connect directly into the fashion crowd by collaborating with homegrown couturier Alia Bastamam at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015 (KLFW RTW 2015). 



NEW LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT OPEN DAY AT 1 UTAMA SHOPPING CENTRE - 22nd & 23rd August 2015


The all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV, and the first member of the new Discovery family, is officially here in Malaysia. This 22nd and 23rd of August, 2015, Land Rover will preview it at the One Utama Shopping Centre for all to see.

Friday, August 14, 2015

All-New Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe photos previewed


The official global launch (somewhere in Europe most probably) will be in September 2015.The all-new 2017 (model year) Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is modern luxury manifested. Its soulful design echoes the agile driving dynamics made possible by advanced lightweight construction and standard sport suspension. The new C-Class Coupe will hit European and U.S. dealerships by spring of 2016.

SCANIA MALAYSIA HOSTS TOP TEAMS FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA IN PREPARATION FOR REGIONAL CHALLENGE IN CHINA 4


A few weeks ago, Scania Malaysia hosted the Southeast Asian leg of the Top Technical Team Competition. This is in preparation for the regional challenge which will take place in Guangzhou, China on 19th September 2015.


The Electrical Station of Scania Southeast Asia Top Team being worked on by the best team of Scania Malaysia