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.

Want to buy a full sized luxury car? Here are some pointers......

A Jaguar XJ - like no other car....

If you had money here in Malaysia what would you go out and buy? These days I actually believe in owning luxury personally. I do get to drive nice and fancy cars some times but owning one has always been a dream. So how do you actually choose a premium car of your dreams? 

For me it is simple. Heritage, refinement and then ask yourself what Jeremy Clarkson would say about a purchase. And speaking about Jeremy Clarkson, I am sad to hear that the chap got booted out of TopGear all because of a 'fracas' with a producer. I also hear he is taking his co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond with him and they may soon have their own show without any association with BBC and of course TopGear. Well, good for them. The BBC is in some ways like our RTM. More liberal but still a little fuddy duddy as it does belong to the government of England.

This....is actually...

...this underneath it all

30 years of the Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata has come a long way. It all started in 1985 when Hyundai needed a mid sized executive car to compete with something called the Daewoo Royal over in South Korea. It was based on the Hyundai Stellar and basically took over from the Stellar from 1988 onwards. And slowly the Sonata reputation has grown into what it is today.

Trucking News: Volkswagen creates integrated commercial vehicles group - MAN, Scania & VW Commercial vehicles

For those not in the know, Volkswagen Group also owns MAN and Scania commercial vehicle brands aside from the usual car brands. So now, they are creating an integrated commercial vehicle group lumping these two familiar names together with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles too. 

Another baby dies in a car accident - Not secured in a Child Safety Seat is the reason - A bloody waste

This was taken from the Malay Tabloid Harian Metro (My comments and part translation would be below):

Bayi Maut Tercampak

Johor Bahru: Bayi perempuan sembilan bulan maut selepas tercampak dari Proton Exora dipandu bapanya yang terbabit dalam kemalangan tiga kenderaan di Kilometer 22, Lebuhraya PLUS arah selatan dekat Senai, di sini, pagi tadi.

Trucking News: Volvo Trucks Provides Platform for Truck Drivers to Raise Road Safety Issues

Mr Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director, Volvo Trucks, sharing the company’s ‘Zero Accidents’ vision and truck accident statistics at the Volvo Safety Forum.

Somehow this is good timing. The chaps at Volvo Trucks had recently organised a safety forum for companies and truck drivers to discuss and raise road safety issues. Volvo’s Sweden-based Accident Research Team had examined more than 1,500 accidents around the world and their collection of data found that 90% of traffic accidents were caused by the human factor. 

Test Drive: Facelifted Peugeot 3008 SUV

I got my hands on a facelifted Peugeot 3008 SUV recently. This car, was a car that in my opinion truly needed a facelift. When it first came out back in 2009 I have to say that it was one ugly looking crossover vehicle. It was the automotive equivalent of a hippopotamus to me. But that being said, it was successful for Peugeot and won some awards for them too. They sold over 500,000 units of the crossover that really combines a large hatchback, a mini MPV and a SUV together.

But now things are a little better. In 2014 Peugeot facelifted the 3008. It gets a new front end which now sports the current Peugeot family looks and looks more like the 508, 5008 and the new 308. The front grille is no longer an extremely large smiley grille. There are new headlights that have LED daytime running lights up front and a new LED rear light cluster too. The facelifted 3008 looks a little more sleeker and is definitely more pleasing to look at in my eyes. It still is a little dumpy looking as it has to pull out from its bag of tricks interior space, SUV height and other practical needs yet still look decent. So it does have some awkwardness if you look at it at some angles. But this facelifted 3008 is so much better than before. Less opinion dividing than the previous version. So in terms of looks, I could live with this facelifted 3008 for a while.

Guest post: Top 5 Pre-Loved Hot (and Warm) Hatchbacks under RM60,000

Today is a public holiday in Malaysia. It is therefore a day to chill and relax.  So we now have an article written by my friend and fellow petrolhead Firdaus Asri. You may remember him as the chap who wrote that eye watering article about his latest purchase (and spending), the Volkswagen Golf R Mk6. Now he gives us a list on his favourite fairly new and affordable used Hot (and warm) Hatchbacks that you can get in Malaysia. 

My Top 5 Pre-loved Hot (and Warm) Hatchbacks

I have always had a soft spot on hot hatches because I grew up in the one that kick-started the whole hot hatch genre thing, it was a 1976 VW Mk1 Golf. A short trip back to memory lane, I vividly remember that my parents bought it from my almost abnormal uncle and for years it was pretty much the only car that we had that sort of worked and worked well.

Sunday Car Porn: Light years away from the current crop of Ferrari - The 365 GTB4 'Daytona'

The Ferrari 365 GTB4 'Daytona' is my favourite Ferrari of all time. It is light years away from the current crop of Ferrari with their cutting edge technology and wind tunnel sculpted looks. This was purity of design. But in 1968 this was considered a milestone in what Ferrari claims to be 'extreme high performance front engined sports car'. It was produced from 1968 to 1973.

Parents killed with one child on DUKE highway - All because of a car club convoy and what I believe is another important reason....

This was taken from the Star:-

KUALA LUMPUR: A family of three, including a seven-month-old baby, was killed when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned after it was rammed by a speeding car at the sixth kilometre of the DUKE Highway here.

The impact of the crash resulted in 35-year-old Fairuz Nizam Husain, his wife Nova Safitri Azhari, 27, and their daughter Nur Firuza Annisa being thrown out of their Mitsubishi Pajero Sport four-wheel drive vehicle.