Spotted for sale: Would RM5,000 buy you luxury? Yup. A 1994 Volvo 940GL

Check out this advert on mudah.my dated today (7 April 2015). RM4,200 gets you a very usable looking Volvo 940 GL automatic from 1994. Located in Temerloh, Pahang. It seems to have a super clean interior and even the seats (which look re-upholstered) are immaculate.

MITI states in Parliment that Proton is on par with luxury brands like BMW, Toyota and Volvo

Today at the Malaysian Parliment, in a written reply answering whether national car manufacturer Proton has what it takes to compete with its rivals, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) replied that the beleaguered manufacturer has what it takes. The answer given was that Proton has the "advanced technology, high quality and performance". Proton also has many safety measures on par with other international competitors and that it has international acclaim due to some of its cars being awarded 5 star ratings in the Australian and Asean NCAP ratings. Proton also had good ride and handling by Lotus too.

My first thought was what medication the person who drafted the written reply was taking.  It must be so potent that it actually stated that Proton is on similar standing to BMW, Toyota and Volvo. But then I read it properly and noted that the statement actually stressed that Proton had the same statutory safety requirements and the normal standard of comfort and performance of cars within its class with the exception of supposedly remarkable ride and handling courtesy of subsidiary Lotus.

When we start nitpicking a Proton, we find that whilst the cars they make indeed have the latest safety features and stuff like the latest creature comforts like internet and navigation it is also wise to know that every other competitior of Proton has the same list of stuff stated. You say Proton has traction control? Every other car sold worldwide has a version with  traction control on them. It may not be sold here with traction control due to no required regulation for them to do so. 

Remember the rear seat belt requirement made quite recently? Every car manufacturer started fixing rear seats after that. Then the airbag requirement came. Manufacturers had to fix that too in all cars sold in Malaysia. It isn't something that manufacturers can get away with. They have to provide these items. So Proton has equipment and safety that are on par with industry standards and these standards are up to a certain level of quality too. 

But does all these equipment mean that Proton has what it takes to compete with its international rivals? Having the same equipment as a BMW or having the same safety rating as a Volvo in ANCAP does not mean that the car is in the same league as a BMW or a Volvo. This brings me to the subject of 'high quality'

The 'high quality' part is suspect however. Note that when you talk about quality in terms of luxury cars it isn't just by adding in pieces of leather to the interior. It isn't just adding of normal items like ABS, EBD, ISOFIX or just ride and handling from Lotus. It is all about tactility of the controls, weighting, types of material and a lot more. Luxury is more than just parts bolted on to the cars. It is about quality execution on the smallest details. And you have to add heritage and fine craftsmanship too. So in this case, I have to say that it is not 'high quality' but a certain standard of quality that would need be legally adhered to. And of course Proton must provide this industry average standard for it to be selling cars everywhere. if not, they won't be allowed to sell anywhere.

I don't really blame Proton here. The chaps there are good people working with one hand tied behind their backs at times. The actual question is how can MITI officials actually think that people will believe what they are saying. They are not painting a true picture of what's happening. Why embarrass the Minister lah replying the question.

And this actually brings us full circle. I really have to ask what medication are they on and where can I get some of that. I want to feel as if the Mercedes Benz I am driving feels like a Bugatti Veyron as it has the same features of added value as a Veyron. 

Taken from the Malay Mail:-

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — Malaysia’s Proton is on par with other premium vehicle brands like BMW, Putrajaya insisted to Parliament when asked if the national carmaker has what it takes to compete with its international rivals.

In a written reply to Batu Gajah MP V. Sivakumar’s question last Thursday, the International Trade and Industry Ministry said many of Proton’s newer models display “advanced technology, high quality and performance”.

“Some Proton models even offer features of added value in terms of comfort and safety of passengers,” the ministry said in its reply.

As examples, the ministry said models like the Proton Exora, Preve, Suprima S and Iriz come complete with safety technology such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control System and the Electronic Stability Control.

The models also boast other features such as “whiplash protection headrests”, six airbags, safety belts and ISOFIX fittings for the installation of child safety seats, among other features that are typically offered in premium imported cars, the ministry said.

It said these characteristics, when combined with features of the “Lotus Ride and Handling”, has helped improve the standard of Proton vehicles.

It noted that the national carmaker gained international acclaim when it earned five stars from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) and Asean NCAP.

“This rating puts the Proton car models on par with other popular car makes like BMW, Volvo, Toyota and Honda,” the ministry said.

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/proton-just-as-good-as-bmw-putrajaya-says#sthash.2x3KnnqV.dpuf

The Ford Fiesta ST - A hatch that makes me feel twenty again

The Ford Fiesta ST was officially launched by Ford in 2013, a good two years after the Concept ST car was first shown in 2011 and this was another three or so years since the Ford Fiesta first came out in 2008. It finally arrived in Malaysia in November 2014 which was a year since it was first showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow in 2013. I suppose you may think that the Ford Fiesta ST is based on a chassis that has been around for about five or so years. You could be right as it is based on the current, sixth generation Ford Fiesta. I finally got to drive it recently and you have to read on and see whether the car it worth its weight and worth the time its taken Ford to build it.

Post GST - Most brand new cars are cheaper. And recipe for homemade Latte

Today my family and I shopped for groceries at Jaya Grocer over at the Empire Gallery in Subang Jaya. Out of the RM100.00 we spent rm4.00 was GST (RM67.59 was GST applicable, the rest zero GST). So GST has basically cost us either half a Beijing Cabbage or almost ten raw eggs or a can of Campbell's mushroom soup. Not much, but since we usually shop for groceries at least once a week there is a slight increase in our household spending. Boo-hoo. 

Proton Perdana V8 - OBVIOUSLY an April Fools photoshop lah!

There have recently been pictures of a supposed Proton Perdana V8 circulating in Malaysian populated cyberspace. It seems to have started sometime around the first of April 2015. Or in other words April Fools day. 

Upcoming Test Drives, a review on an auction center and a farewell to a trusted friend (Subaru Impreza TS Sold!)

I've had my hands full these couple of weeks. Tested lots of cars, both from the manufacturers as well as those that belonged to people I know. So far I've already published the reviews on the Volkswagen Golf R Mk6 and the Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro C7. I've yet to publish the one on the crackingly good Ford Fiesta ST and the one on the polished, small engined Volkswagen New Beetle 1.2 TSI. The Fiesta ST is indeed one of the best supermini sized hot hatches around. It is so adjustable, so chuckable and engages you in it. The Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI shows you how iconic it is and how accomplished a tiny 1.2liter engine can haul and do things these days. I will get them published as soon as they get done.

Hyundai showcases some new cars at the Seoul Motor Show - Enduro CUV premiered for first time

The New York Motor Show is somewhat of a class A type of motorshow. Here in Asia we have the Tokyo and the ones in China (Beijing and Shanghai) that have the same prestige in terms of new launches, previews and concept cars. After this comes the 'class B' type. More regional but still entertaining nonetheless. These are like the ones held in Jakarta, Bangkok and over in Seoul, Korea. Jakarta and Bangkok are big because they cater to two of the largest, more open, market in South East Asia (note the words 'more open'). The one is Seoul is good because we have Hyundai and Kia as well as other Korean makes vying for the public's eye. This means new previews and launches. It is too bad that our local players don't do that when its time to do so at the KL motor show. 

Anyway, over at Seoul, Hyundai premiers its latest concept car and a few other cars too We have the following:-

2016 Kia Optima unveiled at the New York Motor Show - turbocharged GDI engines could come our way

Kia has just launched a new 2016 Optima over at the New York Motor Show. It basically is better equipped and features a lighter and stiffer chassis than before as it uses more high tensile steel throughout the car. It looks pretty much like the model it replaces and to me it looks more like a major facelift or revision of the previous model with extensive chassis modifications done. All the better if the driving experience is improved.

Saturday Night Teh Tarik Session Part 2: Audi A6 3.0 TFSI driven

The thing about Malaysia is that we love our al fresco dining. Though not at expensive coffee joints most of the time but mainly at our local mamak stalls or shops and certain tomyam stalls too. Of course there are those who frequent pubs, bars and bistros too but that is for other things that most petrolheads seldom do if they want to talk about cars. 

And in continuing the tale of two cars driven a few saturdays back we now leave the Volkswagen Golf R Mk6 and head over to something akin to a world class bodybuilder in a well cut suit, the Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro C7. Launched in 2011, the C7 Audi A6 is the fourth generation A6 and is Audi's mid-sized luxury car competing with the likes of the BMW 5 series and the Mercedes Benz E-class. The car in here is an early C7 A6 3.0 TFSI.

Chrome for your Mini anyone? The MINI featuring Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe

Your standard MINI not funky or attention grabbing enough? Well, MINI thinks that the Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe package for the MINI is an irresistible eye catcher. 

According to MINI, "the new special equipment feature will also impact on production processes at the MINI plant in Oxford, UK. The hall lights will automatically be dimmed during assembly of the new MINI 3 door with Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe. What is more, the operating speed of the conveyor belt will be reduced so as to give employees the opportunity to check their clothing and hair in the reflection of the MINI body."

Ford Announces Start of Pre-Launch Bookings for the Ford Mondeo

New 2015 Ford Mondeo will be on display from today to the 5th at Bangsar Shopping Centre and other locations later. You can place your booking if you're interested in this good looking large sedan. The estimated retail price for the Mondeo is around RM203,000+.

Volvo Trucks annual Fuelwatch Challenge is back for 2015

Volvo Trucks annual Fuelwatch Challenge is back for 2015! Truckers as well as your bosses, do take note. Volvo Trucks Malaysia will begin a nationwide roadshow and competition from 9 April to 7 June 2015 to scout for the most fuel efficient and skilled truck driver in Malaysia. After this, the best of the lot will go on to the semi finals and finals on the 14th and 15th of August 2015 respectively.

Ford advises us how to beat stress with a car's features and technology

According to Ford, we Asians spend a lot of time in our cars. 1,000 hours in total yearly and some, like those in India spend at least 12 hours in their cars every week. That's a whole lot of time. On average, I think that the average Malaysian who lives and works in the Klang Valley spends as much time too due to traffic jams. In fact, as I write this, Subang Jaya is now suffering from flash floods due to the heavy rain.

Hyundai i20 Coupe, i20 Hatchback and the Hyundai Sonata wins Red Dot Design Awards

Hyundai wins three Red Dot Design Awards with the new Hyundai i20 Coupe, the i20 5 door Hatchback and the all-new Hyundai Sonata. Another feather in the cap for Peter Schreyer, who is currently head of design for Hyundai Motor Group. After making headways with Kia, the designer has now turned his attention towards Hyundai to impressive results.

Trucking News: Volvo Trucks have a new dealership in Ipoh

 Volvo Trucks have officiated their second new dealership in Malaysia this year. The new dealership in located in Ipoh and basically charts another milestone in Volvo Trucks' Deaer Operating Standard Enhancement Programme that was first initiated three years ago.

The new dealership is located in a standalone building with a land area of 8,361 square metres and built-up area of 1,160 square metres, the new dealership is a significant upgrade in terms of space and facilities as compared to shop lot units it previously occupied.

ALL NEW McLAREN 570S COUPE UNVEILED AHEAD OF GLOBAL DEBUT IN NEW YORK

McLaren has revealed the first model in something called the Sports Series of cars. The McLaren 570S coupe is part of the sports series, and is now one of the 'entry level'  models in the McLaren product line-up. You have the Super Series and the Ultimate Series coming after that. 

Anyway, the 570S still has the usual supercar layout and numbers. 570ps and 600Nm torque, 0-100kmh in 3.2seconds and 0-200kmh in 9.5seconds. Top speed is 328kmh.

Saturday Night Teh Tarik Session Part 1: Volkswagen Golf R Mk6 driven

Last Saturday a few of us got together for our usual round of teh tarik over at Desa Sri Hartamas. This time around two of them brought their new rides. One was a newly registered grey imported Volkswagen Golf R Mk6 and the other was one of those large C7 Audi A6 3.0TFSI. The Golf most of you would know is the range topping Golf whereas the A6 is the mid-tier A6, but as you will find out, a stonking one at that. So aside from the usual banter and exchange of thoughts, it was a night of driving around in some cars too.

After a facelift, the ML Becomes the GLE - Mercedes Benz previews the GLE Class

Meercedes Benz has revised the ML series of SUV and it is now called the GLE series in the vast range of Mercedes Benz automobiles. New front and rear styling, better emissions (up to 17% better), better fuel consumption and a plug in hybrid model too. The press release is quite interesting, especially right at the end where it explains the new naming of Mercedes Benz automobiles. 

All new 2016 Jaguar XF previewed

In about a week or so, Jaguar will preview this all-new 2016 Jaguar XF at the New York Motor Show on 1st April 2015. I suppose this short article will not capture the attention of many of you readers out there as it isn't bread and butter. This is more like cake. Lovely and moist with a punch of sweetness with a price to match. This is a premium product of course and it is a Jaguar. And Jaguars are cool as a cat these days. 

Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation - BMW plays a part

Yes. Mr Ethan Hunt is back....in a BMW M3..on a BMW motorcycle too....