Monday, February 29, 2016

TEST DRIVE: VOLVO V40 T4 1.6 - Tested the high specification V40 T5 Cross Country, so how does this entry level V40 fare?

I was handed the keys to a Volvo V40 T4 1.6 automatic recently. The V40 T4 is a C segment sized hatchback that sits on the premium end of what you'd pay for a small family hatchback. It costs from around RM175,888 and actually sits in a spot which could get you a Honda Accord 2.4, an Audi A3, a Hyundai Santa Fe and a lot of cars that come from various categories within this technically higher priced vehicle segment. It however is Volvo's entry level product here in Malaysia and as it is a Volvo, it is premium automotive brand. Hence the entry price.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Hyundai IONIQ will be launched at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show - Details


Hyundai Motor is introducing the All-New Hyundai IONIQ at the Geneva Motor Show 2016. The line-up will consist of the: IONIQ Hybrid, IONIQ Electric and IONIQ Plug-in. As the world’s first model offering three electrified powertrains, the IONIQ is an attempt to make low-to zero-emission mobility accessible to everyone but it will also try to deliver an uncompromised design and driving experience. This is a very ambitious goal if I may say so.

Volkswagen Cares Programme launched - A Free Car Workshop for VW Owners


Volkswagen Malaysia has launched the Volkswagen Cares Programme recently. This is a series of free car workshops exclusively for Volkswagen owners. The first Volkswagen Cares programme was conducted at Volkswagen Wearnes Sg Besi where a total of 12 Volkswagen owners attended this inaugural session.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Mitsubishi Outlander launched in Malaysia....buy this over a Pajero Sport if you do not go off road!!!!!


Whilst I was busy having coffee with the Missus over at Citta Mall earlier this evening, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia launched the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander for the Malaysian market. The 2.4liter petrol powered Outlander comes fully imported from Japan, and for units booked before 31st May 2016, it is priced at RM166,720 on-the-road excluding insurance. Holy crap! It magically falls between the Nissan X-Trail 2.5 and the Honda CRV 2.4! How did they ever manage a feat like that?

Great Wall Malaysia is now HAVAL Malaysia and HAVAL launches the full spec M4 ELITE AMT too!


Some quick bits. Great Wall Motors (GWM) Malaysia is now called HAVAL Malaysia. HAVAL is the name which the Great Wall Motors company wishes to market all of its products globally. HAVAL is short for 'Have All'. Makes sense doesn't it?

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Thoughts on cool Volvo cars (Not their SUVs)- The 850 T5R and the newest cool Volvo - the S90 & V90


Recently Volvo unveiled the wagon version of the also recently launched S90. The V90 is a beautiful, beautiful station wagon that is what I remember Volvo cars were like, big, boxy and full of presence. And they were basically cars. There were no SUVs back then, we had family saloons and wagons basically. Both the S90 and V90 are stunning but they are actually very much a three box design with its edges rounded off. This is actually much like the Volvos of the 1990s. An era where Volvos were still popular everywhere in the world including here in Malaysia. 

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Mercedes Benz celebrates 130! Years of Innovation at the newly renovated Cycle & Carriage Bintang Georgetown Autohaus


Mercedes Benz Malaysia celebrated 130 years of Innovation over in Georgetown earlier today. The celebration pays tribute to the brand's heritage and history, especially the invention of the automobile (by Mercedes Benz) in 1886. It was held over at the newly renovated Cycle & Carriage Bintang Georgetown Autohaus over in Penang. 

SUPERCAR NEWS: A new exhibition is unveiled at the Enzo Ferrari Museum


In celebration of Enzo Ferrari's birthday (il Commedatore would be 118 if he were alive today), a new exhibition will be unveiled at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in the Ferrari capital of Modena. The theme of the new exhibition is titled ' Red Carpet and as per the name, it is a tribute to Ferrari on the silver screen and Hollywood. 

Volkswagen Passat B7 to be the official car for Le Tour De Langkawi 2016

L – R : Mr Emir Abdul Jalal, CEO of Le Tour De Langkawi and Mr Roland Ooi, Sales Director of Volkswagen Malaysia.

The official car for the upcoming Le Tour De Langkawi will be the Volkswagen Passat . A total of 190 units of this large sedan will be used for Malaysia's premier cycling event. It will be used throughout the race by the riders and their team personnel, safety marshals and also the police. 

Monday, February 22, 2016

Cars We Still Adore: The Honda Prelude, especially the third generation BA series


One car that I wish Honda would bring back is the Prelude. The Honda Prelude is a two door coupe that was produced by Honda from 1978 until 2001. The two-door coupe was developed from the Honda Accord and spanned five generations.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Motorsports: RED BULL RACING & PUMA REVEAL NEW TEAM LOOK


Look closely at the shoes, race overalls, shirts and t-shirts in the photos herein. All are PUMA. Then take a look at the new Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car. New colour scheme. New team look. 

Note that this year there would be no more Infiniti as a main sponsor.

Ford Everest Achieves ASEAN NCAP’s 5-Star Safety Rating


I have written about the Ford Everest's perormance in the ASEAN NCAP earlier when it was announced by MIROS, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety, together with a few other cars (the Hyundai i10, Toyota Innova, Nissan Grand Livina  and a few others). Now we have a video from Ford explaining how the Ford Everest can achieve the 5 star rating a little further.