Tested: Peugeot 208 GTI - A car worthy of its GTI Badge

These days if you want performance and handling for a certain price it would have to be the hot hatchback. These hot hatches were basically souped up versions of compact and supermini sized hatchbacks in either 3 or 5 door variants with added on bodykits, larger wheels and a more powerful engine. Gone were the days where affordable sportiness meant a coupe body. Ever since the first few hot hatchbacks arrived in the late 1970s and early 1980s, this was the way to go for affordable performance.

Peugeot was one of the early ones. They burst into the scene with the 205GTI in 1984. It was a stupendous car. It had a 1.6liter engine with 105hp in the beginning. This would not sound like much in current times but in those days, cars were pretty light. This was an era before airbags, side impact bars in the doors and other safety kit. So the 205GTi had around 900kgs to lug around. This still meant decent acceleration and performance. And at that point of time, 1.6liter family hatchbacks had an average of 95hp to begin with. So the 205GTI reigned supreme. It even liked to cock its inside rear wheel if one drove it vigourously in the bends. It was, a classic. Still is actually. I do wonder what happened to the few I used to see running around in the mid 1990s.

Perodua Myvi 10th Anniversary Edition

Perodua has unveiled a Myvi comemorating ten years of the Myvi. Called the Myvi 10th Anniversary Edition this Myvi is super limited in production with only ten units made available.

Thank God its only limited to ten units and not a unit more. And that.... is all I have to say about it, folks.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia organises off-road experience - So I got to try the Range Rover Sport

Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM), authorised importer and distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in Malaysia recently organised a 5 day special off-road driving experience event at Sepang to owners, potential buyers and members of the media. More than 500 Land Rover owners had the opportunity to experience first hand the features and systems featured on Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles. And there are lots of features in all of them. They also were given the opportunity to have a sneak preview of the new Land Rover Discovery Sport (below) as well as the complete range of Jaguar cars in Malaysia. This includes the very tasty and mind blowingly fantastically sounding Jaguar F-Type coupe. They were like trumpets from heaven. But, before I start dreaming of exhaust notes, let's get back to the story at hand.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia previews the Discovery Sport

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has finally previewed the 2015 Land  Rover Discovery Sport here in Malaysia. The preview was part of a four day customer and media experience event held at the Sepang F1 Circuit 4x4 track area. The Discovery Sport represents the third generation of compact SUV produced by Land Rover and effectively replaces the Freelander as Land Rover's entry level SUV.

We Malaysians will most probably be getting the 240hp 2.0liter turbocharged engine based on the Ford Ecoboost and the 2.2liter DuraTorq TDCI engine with about 190ps and a whole lot more torque than the petrol powered engine. Both will be sold with ZF's nine speed automatic transmission on a haldex type all-wheel drive setup (although there is a more efficient Active Driveline system on option but I doubt will be offered here). There is no low range transfer box with either all wheel drive system, to counter this limitation, the ZF 9-HP features a special very low ratio first gear which is only used when the vehicle is off-road or otherwise needed, for on-road use, the vehicle will normally start in second gear.

Volkswagen Malaysia and Swire Motors starts construction of Volkswagen's largest dealer facility in Malaysia

Volkswagen Malaysia has entered into a partnership with highly diversified and global group Swire Motors. The partnership was kicked off with a ground breaking ceremony to mark the construction of Volkswagen Puchong North, which will be Volkswagen's largest dealer facility in Malaysia.

This super sized 4S showroom will display up to 16 different models while the Aftersales section will have 25 service work bays to serve the southern region of Klang Valley.

The construction of Volkswagen Puchong North facility is expected to be completed in November 2015.

HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY HITS THE MALAYSIAN MARKET

Earlier today I attended the Hitachi Automotive Battery launch and dealership signing ceremony between Hitachi Chemical Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd (HCAP) and Borneo Technical Technical Co (M) Sdn Bhd to appoint the latter as the distributor for the battery in the country effective May 2015.

Trucks: UD Trucks celebrates 80th Anniversary - a new UD centre in Japan and an enhanced Quester

This year, UD Trucks turns 80 years old and in celebration, the company has opened a new 3,000 sq ft UD Experience Centre in Ageo, Japan. Meanwhile, the company has also re-affirmed its commitment to Southeast Asia with the enhanced UD Quester, specifically designed for growth markets.

Compared to its predecessor, the CWM, the Quester is equipped with a bigger cab, better all-round visibility and a car-like driving experience.The highly-customizable Quester is suitable for long-haul, transportation of Dangerous Goods, distribution, construction and mining applications.


Axle configurations range from 4x2 to 8x4, and the 11-litre engine has an extra engine brake built in.

Special offer from McLaren Kuala Lumpur when you purchase a McLaren 650S

And now, you can order your McLaren 650S in Malaysia and get a personalised Meridian home audio system for your house. The McLaren 650S comes with a Meridian in-car system. Now your house can get one too. Offer is valid for the first five (5) buyers between 13th May and 14th June 2015. Of course, if you have to ask how much is a 650S.........

PRESS RELEASE

LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE HIT THE RIGHT NOTE WITH McLAREN AND MERIDIAN

Land Rovers from all eras make 1,000km journey - KL - Kuala Terengganu and Back

Speaking about Land Rovers something interesting happened on the 30th of April 2015. This was a long weekend with two public holidays. It saw 100 Land Rover enthusiasts hit the roads for a 1,000km journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu and back. Imagine a 1955 Land Rover series 1 doing that. Amazing.

Press Release
MAY DAY DRIVE TO COMMEMORATE A LAND ROVER ICON

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport spotted in PJ

The all new Land Rover Discovery Sport has been spotted at the Sime Darby office building at Oasis, Ara Damansara in Petaling Jaya earlier today.

This is the entry level Land Rover passenger vehicle and it replaces the Freelander models. The Disco Sport should be sold here soon as we are seeing these cars on the road for testing and other tests.

MIBTC 2015: Shell Lubricants launches is driveline products - Rimula, Spirax and Gadus

Displaying (L-R) Shell Rimula Brand Manager Damon Chan, Shell Rimula Global Brand Manager Seow Lee Ming and Shell Lubricants General Manager Leslie Ng at the launch of Shell Driveline lubricants

Shell Lubricants took the opportunity to launch its driveline products at the MIBTC 2015 recently. The  products include Shell Rimula heavy duty diesel engine oils; Shell Spirax axle, transmission and gear oils; as well as Shell Gadus greases. Shell, is a household name in petroleum products offers a comprehensive range of lubricants that help protect engine and drivetrain components in all types of vehicles. 

MIBTC 2015: Scania launches Marcopolo complete coach and specialist Construction Trucks

Scania Malaysia launched two products at MIBTC 2015 recently. One is the complete premium coach and the other, specialist Construction Trucks for the Malaysian market. The Scania Construction Trucks and the Scania Marcopolo complete coach were officially launched by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Syed Hamid Syed Albar, together with the Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, James Armstrong.

Prototype Kahn Design Flying Huntsman 105 Defender previewed

After teasing us with pictures of the Flying Huntsman Defender we finally get to see photographes of the real thing from Kahn Design. This coach-built monster of a Land Rover Defender 105 is unique. 15 inches is added to the standard Defender 90 (inch) wheelbase to become a 105. It also get its front lengthened by 400mm and it is wider by 150mm. I suppose you have to use both inches and metric figures as Land Rover uses inches for its wheelbase so it is straightforward and obvious stating so.

Trucking news: Volvo Trucks launches its Dynafleet web based fleetmanagement system in Malaysia

Volvo Trucks Malaysia has launched Dynafleet, Volvo Truck's web based fleet management system for fleet operators to utilise in managing their fleet operations. Dynafleet will assist in fleet operation by ensuring more fuel efficient and profitable transport operation by web based telemetry. It allows proper coordination between driver, vehicle and operations. All accessed via a simple, user friendly online application connection te driver(s) via an in-vehicle multimedia syetem, the operator's terminal and also by Volvo Trucks.

The new Dynafleet app is now available and can be downloaded free of charge from Apple iTunes and Google Play. A Dynafleet subscription however is required for it to be functional.

MIBTC 2015: MAN shows New TGS truck and Total Cost of OwnershipSolutions

The MAN TGS truck is a 41-tonne payload truck comes with an automated MAN TipMatic® Offroad gearbox that provides an optional gearshift strategy for off-road operation and transmit power to the planetary tandem axles with their 22.5-inch twin tires.  A reinforced sub-frame allows loading up to the permissible maximum payload of 30 tonne and the high-torque six-cylinder in-line Euro 3 engine with up to 480 HP (353 kW) delivers powerful propulsion. It is targeted for Malaysian mining operators who seek an affordable vehicle for such heavy duty workloads. 

MAN also displayed its service programmes which aims to lower ownership costs. This includes driver training and also increased awareness on proper life cycle, fuel usage and maintenance. A package that is holistic in nature to assist fleet operators in achieving optimum usage of resources.

MIBTC 2015: Malaysia International Bus Truck and Components Expo 2015 begins today

Tan Sri Syed Hamid Syed Albar, Chairman of SPAD, in a Scania bus during his walkabout 

I attended the Malaysia International Bus Truck and Component Expo over at the MINES convention center earlier today. The three day event began today and showcases various commercial vehicle players such as Iveco, Scania, Volvo Trucks, TATA, MAN and other brands too. There is a strong presence by the Europeans and a unsurprsingly the Chinese brands which are making inroads especially on the more affordable end of the field.

Press release

Road Safety Takes Centre Stage at Malaysia International Bus, Truck and Components Expo 2015

Strong Exhibitors Showcase and Diverse Activities at South East Asia’s Largest Commercial Vehicle Expo

Fun under RM150,000. Honestly..where the heck are the Japs these days.

In Malaysia RM150,000 seems to be a the threshold when it comes to buying a slightly more premium car. This figure could be seen as a sensible figure where the price buys you something large and nice or fast and sporty without breaking the bank.

Of course, this price segment is filled with large D segment cars with a 2.0 liter engine like the Honda Accord or a Hyundai Sonata or European and Japanese C segment type cars with either a 2.0liter normally aspirated engine or a smaller 1.6liter and below turbocharged one. But when it comes to actual performance cars in this price range we have to ask...where the heck are the Japanese?

Upcoming car reviews - A classic Mercedes Benz and a modern Peugeot GTI

It has been a busy couple of days for me and today's post shall be a short one. A teaser of what's coming up.

We have a review of a classic Mercedes Benz R129 300SL-24. This pristine 1992 model is a stunning example of why classic Mercedes Benz have a following here in Malaysia. It currently belongs to a serial car buyer friend of mine and the drive in this baby is totally an experience. It may have been launched in the mid to late 1980s and feels like it was hewn from a solid block of metal but throw it round a familiar bend and you find a level of composure that is unfamiliar in this generation of modern classic Mercedes Benz.

Then comes Peugeot's most exciting GTI in recent years. The Peugeot 208GTI harks back to the days when the Peugeot GTI badging meant something. It brings things back to the good old days of the 206 and 306GTIs. To say that it is as good as a 205GTI may be pushing it but its darn close. The 200hp in such a small package also makes it a heck of an entertainer.

Stay tuned folks. We don't just review cars. We review the experience too.

Malaysia International Bus, Truck & Components Expo 2015 [MIBTC 2015] -14th to 16th May 2015

For those that are interested in commercial vehicles the Malaysia International Bus, Truck & Components Expo 2015 [MIBTC 2015] is the first ever Exhibition in Malaysia that caters specifically to the needs of the regional trucking, logistics and bus industries, serving as an exclusive platform that gathers all the best from leading manufacturers, equipment suppliers and service providers. It is the only international-scale business-to-business trade exhibition in Malaysia focusing on the commercial vehicle market and its supporting industries. Participation is open to manufacturers, buyers, and operators who are interested in selling, promoting and marketing their products at international level.

It will be held at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) at the MINES, Kuala Lumpur on 14 - 16 MAY 2015.

Buyers, purchasers and operators have the opportunity to review the latest offers in terms of trucks, buses, services and components. During the show, relevant government agencies, professional societies, and associations will join the organizer to hold technical seminars and updates on their products, services and the latest in trucking.

Besides, the latest innovations and updates from the trucking sector are closely looked into. As Malaysia’s only dedicated regional show for these industry sectors, we aim at it becoming one-stop event.

Malaysia International Bus, Truck & Components Expo 2015 [MIBTC 2015]
14 - 16 May 2015, The MINES Convention Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 10AM - 7PM daily, evening program ends at 9PM
Admission: Free Entry [for trade only & registration required]

Tech: Volkswagen squeezes 268hp from a 1.0liter engine

Aside form previewing the latest Audi 2.0liter FSI engine, the Volkswagen Group also previewed a highly strung prototype 1.0liter engine for participants to see at the Vienna Motor Symposium recently. The engine is a very, very, very high-performance version of the 1.0-liter 3-cylinder TSI based on the EA211 engine.

Trucking News: Volvo Trucks Increases Effort to Reduce Business Operating Costs with the Health Check Campaign

The Volvo ‘Health Check Campaign’ aims to preserve the working life of customers’ trucks

and to reduce costly downtime

Shah Alam, 8 May 2015 – In a continuous effort to be the partner of choice for transport and haulage companies in Malaysia, Volvo Trucks (Volvo) recently introduced a preventive vehicle ‘healthcare’ campaign to optimise engine efficiency and life span for peak business performance. This new campaign follows Volvo’s earlier launch of its ‘Fast Track Service’ and forms part of the company’s offer of total transportation solutions and aftermarket services.

Top Tip: Hyundai Elantra 1.6 and Kia Cerato 1.6 over similar priced Japanese rivals

Imagine..for the same price as the Vios, you get a stylish aerodynamic small family sedan like the Elantra

If you are looking to purchase a sedan just under RM90,000 and are looking at some Japanese marques you may be looking at the Toyota Vios, Honda City and the Mazda 2. The Vios G sells at RM87,000+, the City V at RM86,700+ and the Mazda 2 at RM88,000+. These three are B segment sized cars and are all powered by 1.5liter engines. You get a compact sized car with average performance from any of these. If you buy either the Vios or the City this means that you are conforming to the norms of society and would just blend into the crowd. Buying the Mazda is better as there would be less of you around.

Why would you want to buy a smaller car like this Vios, built to a B segment price than a larger C segment car priced similarly?

MINI launches the latest generation of MINI John Cooper Works

It does not look as aggressively styled as the previous JCW versions in my opinion. Aside from the front bumper which is full of protrusions, grilles and openings, the new JCW Cooper S still looks like it sits too high off the ground especially when viewed from the side directly. This is like other MINI R56s series ( which I think is the main problem of the current R56 MINI's styling). I do think the original new MINI JCW Cooper S (the R53) looked the part and was better proportioned. And so was the R56 too. 

Look at that chin.....

Audi previews its latest 2.0 TFSI engine

Audi previewed its latest 4 cylinder direct injection petrol engine recently. The new engine in 2.0TFSI form was shown at the Vienna Motor Symposium in a 190hp, 320Nm specification. The engine is more efficient and will be used for the first time in the upcoming Audi A4 model scheduled to launched at the end of 2015.

According to Audi, the new engine is a prime example of the Audi 'rightsizing strategy' balancing vehicle size with power, torque and efficiency of the engine and drivetrain. Whatever that means is that the new engine benefits from the fuel conserving Miller cycle combustion principles as well as utilising the current TFSI technology of direct injection, variable valve timing as well as turbocharging.

Expect this engine to form the basis of all new Audi engines after the launch of the all-new Audi A4 at the end of this year.

BMW 3 Series celebrates its 40th anniversary

Has it been a short 40 years with the BMW 3 series? The 3 series had been BMW's original entry level model that made a large impact on many motoring enthusiasts over the years. Everyone at one point of time had actually yearned one of these in their garage. Be it the entry level models and the addictive M3 models.

Happy anniversary BMW 3 series. There should be many more 3 series models to come after this I am sure. 

3 series E21 - the first of many

Kahn Design previews sketches of their custom car the 'Vengeance'

Kahn Design has finally issued sketches of their upcoming coachbuilt car called the Vengeance. it will be built on a new Aston Martin DB9 chassis but its custom built body will have the wide arch looks of the earlier Aston Martin Vanquish from 2001. 

This car will look butch like the old Vanquish and have the latest Aston Martin chassis to back up its bite. Production is scheduled to begin shortly and is set to be produced in the Midlands, UK. 

I find this somewhat exciting as sometimes, these smaller tuning houses try to shoot higher than usual. So here's to ingenuity and passion, folks. Even though it does look like you're just buying a modified DB9.

PRESS RELEASE
Origins

The practice of automotive coach-building stretches back to the early 1900s, when discerning customers would employ the services of expert craftsmen to create a custom vehicle body on a pre-manufactured chassis.

Following in this tradition, renowned British designer Afzal Kahn has announced the launch of a new coachbuilt car codenamed the Vengeance.

Built on a new Aston Martin DB9 chassis, the Vengeance is a wide body two door coupe, with a muscular, aggressive design evoking the silhouette of a sabretooth on the prowl.

Design

A supercar owner and connoisseur since his late teens, Kahn has always sought to push the boundaries of car design, developing a distinctive, aggressive design language. Inspired by the Aston Martin designs of the 1980s and 90s, the Vengeance is the culmination of Kahn’s lifelong pursuit to create the car he has always wanted to drive.

In a radical departure from contemporary design conventions, the Vengeance favours volume and flowing curves over angular surfaces. The result is a spectacular fusion of modern engineering and classic streamlined design.

Kahn’s style and personality is evident in every curve of the Vengeance, the result of a painstaking design process, working and reworking each line and surface to the point of perfection.

The most arresting features are the widened rear wings, emphasised by lines projected from the signature bonnet bulge, through the roof and along the length of the car. These visual aids work in unison to promote a more poised, meaningful stance, sweeping rearwards from the unmistakable grille centrepiece.

The polished stainless steel roof halo and window trim reinforce this balance, curving to meet at the diminished rear windows, which enhance the coupe style of the Vengeance.

The visual mass of the rear is augmented by the staggered wheels, with a 16 spoke 20" wheel at the front on 225 tyres and an 18 spoke 21" wheel on 335 tyres to the rear. The multi spoke design and inner rim takes inspiration from the classic roulette wheel, with a two tone finish juxtaposing the central section in body colour with the diamond cut outer section.


Production

Production of a limited series of vehicles will begin in 2015, and the Vengeance will be manufactured in the Midlands, in a nod to the region’s history as the heartland of the British automotive industry.

Each vehicle will be hand built by Kahn’s chosen team of craftsmen and automotive experts, and will carry an engraved plaque in the boot bearing the names of every member of the British team who worked on the car – a guarantee of the quality craftsmanship invested in each vehicle.

The limited production run is aimed at discerning collectors and investors alike. Vengeance owners will be given unique previews of future coachbuilt projects, as well as advance invitations to purchase new vehicles.

With the price of handbuilt sports cars rising, the Vengeance is likely to prove a sound investment. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to represent extremely good value for a limited edition coachbuilt car.


Statement: Afzal Kahn

"Launching the Vengeance is the realisation of a dream I’ve had since childhood, to design and produce my own car. I’ve worked in the industry my whole career, and I want to leave a legacy which I can be proud of. The design has gone through several iterations over the years and I’ve taken my time in selecting the right partners to prototype and manufacture the car, ensuring it represents the pinnacle of quality and perfection."

"I’ve kept every aspect of the underlying car from the crash structures to airbags - mechanically it’s unaltered - why change perfection? This is coachbuilding in its traditional sense - taking a tried and tested product and working solely on the aesthetic."

"The Vengeance underlines Kahn Design’s expertise in design and coach-building. With a team of over 25 designers in house we’re involved in all aspects of product design from automotive to timepieces, interiors, retail space, clothing and accessories."

"Aston Martin has always been an inspiration, in particular the early Vanquish and the V600 Vantage wide bodies, and I’m grateful for their agreement, and for wishing us success on this project. The Vengeance pays homage to those classic designs while using modern engineering to create something unique and original which reflects my own style."

Volkswagen Jetta Club and Sport Limited Editions on sale from RM122,888

Volkswagen Malaysia has made available 500 units of the Jetta Club Edition and Jetta Sport Edition are available while stock lasts starting from May 2015. Malaysian customers can book this model, available in Candy White, Reflex Silver, Platinum Grey and Deep Black at the price starting from RM122,888 at selected Volkswagen authorized dealerships in the Klang Valley.