More Perodua Myvi 1.3 Tuning On The Way....

Those that follow this blog via Facebook would have seen the picture above two weeks ago. So technically one should click on the 'Like' button if one wants to see new stuff slightly ahead of time.

Stay tuned people. More 1st Generation Myvi tuning coming up. Anyway, part 1 is here. Part 2 is here for those who are lazy to search through the whole blog.

On Why I Never Warmed Up To The Scirocco

It is actually an EG Honda Civic in drag. Those who played with Japanese cars in the 1990s in Kuala Lumpur would recognise the Civic with the Obermaier bodykit or whatever it was called in those days. They even had a wide arched E30 BMW 3series too. Local rock star Awie had one of those.

And because the Civic had wide arches and actually looked like the father to today's VW Scirocco. So I don't think I'll ever warm up to its still hatchback looks. I want a coupe that is a proper coupe.

Click on the link here. Posted on Myautoblog.org.

W209 Mercedes Benz CLK280 - Usable Rear Seats

I have been following my ol' pal Adlis K on a hunt for another car to replace his tiny (but very nice to drive) Mazda MX-5 Roadster. For the past few weeks we have been scouring Motor Trader and other on-line sites for a coupe with rear seats. The reason for Adlis K wanting a change is the need for rear seats. But I honestly think that he is just itchy for a new ride as he has owned a total of six cars since 2005.

The Toyota Prius C

The Lack of Articles........is caused by lots and lots of travelling throughout the last month or so. 

Things should get back to normal soon. But do not ask me when as I am unpredictable. Now isn't that a good excuse to use.

Anyway, I do have something to say about one car I recently sat inside, the Toyota Prius C. The 'C' does not stand for 'Compact'. It stands for something else. I have never sat in a car from the year 2012 that felt like it came from a Datsun 120y from the 1970s.

Yes it's a Toyota but a Toyota that's meant to save the world isn't meant to have the cheapest plastics ever to grace a modern car. There is nothing nice to touch in the car. Maybe the signal and light stalks are decent but the rest is pure crap. The steering wheel plastic. The dashboard and door panels are the same. In fact the fabric used for the seats are uninspired to look at. It does have the close fit of any Toyota but the materials used are from a Toyota of the 1970s.

I know that hybrids or eco-friendly cars must be shown to be utilizing recyclable materials and somehow must also be shown as a 'vegan'. How can a car be a vegetarian you may ask? It's simple. The Prius C is sold at RM100,000 or thereabouts. At RM100K most cars in Malaysia come with a nice leather wrapped (or faux leather) steering wheel that is nice to hold. This Prius C does not have one. It must be a vegetarian. It does not have any cow or any sort of animal anywhere in it and even its plastics look like brittle bits. A lack of 'bone density' caused by a lack of calcium. Anyway I am babbling over here. The plastics are just rubbish to the touch.

I also have to add that the car's uninspiring interior is match by its exterior. At least the full-fat Prius looks like something different. This one looks like a Perodua Alza that has been slightly shortened and added arches from the Perodua/Daihatsu Myvi/Sirion. In fact I have to add that the Myvi looks better. In fact the Myvi also has a better interior that the Prius C. This car should not be sold on the pretext that it can save the world. All that it seems to be doing is saving some production costs for Toyota.

It's rubbish. If anyone wants to save the world may I suggest the Honda CRV? It looks and feels so much better. When you sit in one you'd also want to try save the world.  It's decent for a hybrid. I should know. A few of my acquaintances have plonked their hard earned cash for it.

And oh yes, the 'C' in the Toyota Prius C stands for Cheap-as-hell-and-I-wouldn't-buy-it-even-if-the-Hounds-of-hell-are-biting-at-my-feet.

The Proton Preve 1.6 CFE Premium Driven - And what I'd like Proton to make

Now that Proton has launched its latest 4 door sedan the question that begs to be asked is whether the Malaysian public can accept the fact that the darn thing (in its top-of-the-line 1.6 CFE spec) costs seventy two thousand of their Malaysian Ringgit. I think that this fact even outweighs all other factors including the fact that Proton has stuffed all the goodies into it and whether or not the car drives fantastically well or otherwise.

First (Non Driving) Impressions of the Proton Prevé 1.6 CFE

So, what do I think about the Proton Prevé ? Preve is another word that means 'proof'. But 'Preve' is not spelt with a 'é' and actually sounds 'preef' instead of 'pree-vay'. Is it a way to spice things up? Make a plastic crystal into a diamond? Make a loaf of bread into black forrest cake? It could actually be Proton trying a little too hard as the Prevé, let's just call it the Preve as it means the same thing and I don't have to type that 'é' over and over again, is actually a car that they have put their hopes and dreams into.

First Drive Of The 2012 Hyundai Elantra 1.8

Yes. I managed to cop a drive in one at the Hyundai Elantra pre-launch (scheduled for the 4th of April) roadshow over at the Citta Mall in Ara Damansara recently. I was there for brunch so this was a nice surprise. So brunch was postponed for this instead.

I have posted an initial write-up on it over at MyAutoBlog.org. Do click here to read what I think about the new 150ps Hyundai Elantra 1.8. Oh yes. I didn't bother to test drive the 1.6 simply because it was a 1.6. I am pretty picky yes?

At Proton's Power of 1 Event - On the P3-21A, R3, the Satria GTI & Lots of Satria Neo R3 stuff!

Before I get started I have to say this. The Proton P321A, (shown here leaving the picture because this article isn't about it) is not based on any Mitsubishi, Honda, Volkswagen, Kia or whatever brand you can think of. It is Proton's own design based on an evolution of the Proton Persona/Gen2. I have decided to state this because someone used Google and typed “what car is p3-21a based on?”. This must be one of those individuals who thinks wants it to be a Mitsubishi so that they can put the Mitsubishi badge or one of those Ralliart stickers on the car if and when he or she buys the P321A. I believe this is the only reason why someone would conduct such a search. Trust me. I think I am quite in tune with the Malaysian motoring psyche.

Proton P321A (Persona Replacement?) at Proton's Power of 1

Proton brought out the Proton P321A prototype to its Power of 1 event over at Bukit Jalil yesterday (and for the next few days). The car was in typical test car livery - i.e full of swirly stickers camouflaging the looks of the car. But one can basically tell that it is a 4 door saloon in the same mould of its supposed predecessor the Proton Persona. It looks slightly taller and slightly more contemporary.

Lamborghini Aventador J pictures - Hot from Lamborghini's press people

The ultimate toy and new wall poster for 12 year old kids everywhere. This is my opinion of the new Lamborghini Aventador J concept car. It has no roof, no windscreen. If you want to hit 300km/h in this 1,575kg 700hp roofless supercar you will need a helmet or spectacles that will not lift off that those speeds. While road legal,  it cannot be drive to the office (if you don't own the office building), or the market or any place that anyone can basically steal it. It is so single minded in its pursuit of ultimate performance that it is  basically a toy and nothing more. Lots of Arabs and Russian gangsters are going to love it if and when Lamborghini makes it.

Volkswagen Polo BlueGT - Economy and Power equals to some fascination on my part

Hello chaps. I am just too lazy to type this out in my own words so let's just let VW say it for me.

"The new Polo BlueGT stands out in its ability to combine superior dynamic performance with extreme fuel-efficiency. The technical highlight of the progressive compact car is the cylinder deactivation system, which is being introduced for the first time in a Volkswagen – also known as active cylinder management or ACT. The system was realised with the new 1.4-litre TSI of the Polo BlueGT. The torque-strong TSI develops a power output of 103 kW / 140 PS, yet has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.7 l/100 km* (equivalent to 108 g/km* CO2). If the Polo BlueGT is ordered with the optional 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), fuel consumption drops further to 4.5 l/100 km* – and, bear in mind, this is a petrol, not a diesel (105 g/km* CO2). Nonetheless, this car, with a top speed of 210 km/h, accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. This uncommon coexistence of efficiency and dynamic performance is enabled by the systematic interplay of ACT, downsizing (reduced engine displacement plus direct injection and charging) and BlueMotion Technology (Stop/Start system, battery regeneration). As such, the Polo BlueGT closes the gap between the Polo 1.2 TSI (77 kW / 105 PS) and the Polo GTI (132 kW / 180 PS). The new car will already on the market in July."

If you took the trouble in reading the above, it basically means that this 'Green' Polo BlueGT has more power than the basic Polo 1.2TSI and less power than the Polo GTI. It however is more economical than the 1.2TSI which only makes a combined 5.3l/100km against the BlueGT's 4.5l/100km.

Imagine if you decide to boost the turbocharged engine with one of those aftermarket tuning options (ABT, REVO, Superchips) when such an option is available the BlueGT may even get you the same horsepower as the Polo GTI. And it should still be pretty economical too.

The only problem with the Polo is that ...it is a Polo. That slightly too narrow a chassis would basically mean a  slightly twitchy car and very high speeds. But then again, as if most of you VW Polo 1.2TSI owners out there actually get out of town and hit the B-roads anyways.

Another question would be whether I really care about saving so much fuel in the first place until I would end up buying one over say, a Ford Focus TDCi or a 140bhp Mazda 3 hatchback or that sort. If the VW Polo 1.2TSI costs about RM113K and the Polo GTI costs RM145K, it would mean that the BlueGT may cost RM130K or thereabouts IF VW Malaysia decides to bring it over here. Such a small car for so much money - As is the Polo GTI, which in my opinion would struggle for sales as it VW sells the same engine in the larger, albeit much softer Golf TSI.

1858kg Volkswagen Cross Coupé Concept consumes just 1.8 l/100 km - Imagine if it were lighter

I usually ignore VW Media emails as it comes in very, very, very, very, very frequently. But this is actually good news - a hybrid that weighs nearly two tons yet still makes 156.93mpg (Imperial Gallons) and can hit 220km/h. This is absolutely the case of eating cake and still losing weight. Hmm, better make that ...and not gaining much weight since it weighs 1,858kg which is pretty heavy.


This is what VW says;
"The Cross Coupé Concept is powered by an alliance of a turbodiesel direct-injection engine (TDI) and two electric motors. Its combined fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is a sensationally low of 1.8 l/100 km. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 46 g/km. Noteworthy here is the fact that the Cross Coupé is a powerful SUV with a top speed of 220 km/h, 225 kW / 306 PS of power (system power) and a kerb weight of 1,858 kg. "


But I do wish that VW would use a proper coupe body instead of one of these Crossover SUVs which I dislike. It could even go on and make 180mpg and go even faster. Furthermore that body doesn't look so interesting doesn't it? It looks slab-sided and a little dull if not for the slightly polished front end. Typical VW. Not stunning enough I must say. How about the drivetrain in a Scirocco?

Has Peter Schreyer's team at Kia run out of ideas with the new Kia k9?

Run out of ideas Kia? In both car design and in naming the car? K9 sounds so much like 'Canine' doesn't it?. It looks a little disappointing because the car looks so much like a BMW.

Click here to read more about it. Posted on myautoblog.org.

Bertone and Pininfarina Geneva concept cars aren't that fanciful

The Pininfarina Cambiano - A idea for a 612  Scaglietti rejected by Ferrari?

The Bertone Nuccio - Not a very balanced looking car

Both Pininfarina and Bertone are two companies responsible for coming out with the design of classics like the Ferrari 365GTB Daytona and the Lamborghini Miura respectively as well as a plethora of supercars, family cars and unique, one of a kind cars for individual customers. These companies also brighten up car shows with the amazing concept cars. But this time I have to say that both have come up with duds this time around. 

Click here to read the rest of the article. Posted over at Myautoblog.org

The New 2012 BMW M6 coupe & cabriolet

I am not very keen on another M powered BMW even though I know they are fast, handle brilliantly and would be more than sufficient to put a Porsche or a Ferrari to shame. This is simply because they have decided not to make one of these super cars into a real SUPERCAR like the late, great BMW M1. The M6 isn't enough if you get what I mean.

Anyway, you can read more about it here. Posted over at MyAutoblog.org.

The Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI Test Drive and Delusions of Grandeur

The one major problem I see that is caused by the artificial and slightly high car prices in Malaysia is that people think the car they bought is manna from heaven or as I stated earlier their car is a golden chalice from heaven. Some also think that their RM100,000 to160,000 car is a super-duper luxurious status symbol of a car. I see this problem in many owners of cars that cost a tad bit more than the usual below RM100,000 bread and butter models. Yes they work hard to pay their monthly car installments and all that but it is the fact that we are paying so much duty and excise tax that we think we actually bought gems in the first place. One should actually keep a level perspective in the first place and not think like what I will say in the next paragraph.

Car Mods: 1st Gen Perodua Myvi Mod Tips Part II

And to start off the month of February we take another look at what can be done to one of the most common car in Malaysia - the Perodua Myvi. Note that if you owned one or intend to own one, you would be similar to a whole lot of Malaysians who own different variants of it (probably hundreds of thousand people including yours truly) and there is nothing really unique about it even if you spend thousands of Ringgit on it. So what you need to do is make it more drive-able instead of focusing too much on cosmetics. That's what I would do to a car that is really common - a nice compact supermini, with decent packaging and ample poke for the highways (but again I state, its no sports car).

Tech Talk: The Nissan GT-R - Japanese, but not as we know it

What we have over here folks is a Nissan GT-R. This is actually one, if not the fastest point to point cars that has ever been built and we all know about its Porsche 911 Turbo eating capabilities. We also know that its 3.8liter V6 engine makes around 520bhp in stock tune and this figure is actually some figure that was cooked up by Nissan for its brochures as almost everyone who's driven one thinks it has about 50bhp more.

The Impreza 1.6TS after almost 7 years and a Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI

It has been almost 7 years since I bought the little Scooby and right now it is acting its age. It had a whole lot of stuff done to it. Some maintenance (a top overhaul and a radiator change) and some modifications (shocks, pulleys, wheels, exhaust etc.). Whatever it is the car has performed admirably although it is currently in need of some new spark plug cables - it is misfiring currently and not surprisingly the official importer does not keep stock of the part. Singapore is the closest source and I therefore would be driving around with a stuttering car.

Anyway, some of you may ask how fast is a 1.6liter normally aspirated Subaru with 5 speed manual All-Wheel drive? 0-100km/h in about 8 seconds and about 200km/h. Most normal 1.6TS would do it in 12.5seconds and max out at about 175km/h. So it is an improvement nonetheless. NOT 0-100km/h in 5seconds like a WRX STI but note the standard car weighs 1,250kg (1,390kg STI) and mine has a lightened flywheel, crank pulley and it is 70kg lighter too. So it is a decent B-road blaster in my not so humble opinion.

Anyway, I recently drove a Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI recently and I am not really impressed. UNLESS your intention is buying an affordable German hatchback and not a GTI. Stay tuned folks.

Proton Wira 1.6XLi Important mods - Phenolic Spacers, Metal Gaskets & Aluminium Crankshaft Pulleys

I recently fixed up a dark purple 1998 Proton Wira 1.6XLi automatic that belonged to my late father. It basically needed some TLC after being left under-utillized (since his passing). It was leaking engine oil as its fiber based cylinder head gasket deteriorated over the years. The only mods done to it was a set of 15inch wheels and 195/50/15 tyres.