For Wheels

Wednesday, 20 February 2008

Peugeot to launch 308 GT THP 175 at Geneva 2008

Peugeot will unveil two new 308 models at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the innovative and practical 308 SW and the dynamic 308 GT THP 175.

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This new top-of-the-range petrol-driven 308 will be powered by the 1.6L turbocharged THP 175bhp petrol engine, previously found in the 207 GTi THP 175. It is also fitted with a new 6-speed manual gearbox.

Designed in joint-venture with the BMW Group, the 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine develops a maximum power of 175bhp at 6000 rpm but is characterised mainly by its generous torque output. With a maximum torque output of 245Nm (or 265Nm with overboost!) at only 1600rpm, the engine provides excellent in-gear acceleration and levels of driveability normally associated with a larger capacity engine.

Performance figures are 0 - 100km/h in 8.3 sec, on the way to a top whack of 225km/h. Claimed fuel consumption figure is an impressive 37.1 mpg. The beauty of a modern, high performance small 4-pot with direct injection + turbocharging? Think: Fiat Bravo GT, VW Golf GT TSI and Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart :)

To match the dynamic nature of the engine, the exterior of the vehicle has undergone dynamic aesthetic changes. The lower front bumper panel has a unique appearance which is combined with a rear spoiler and a reduced overall ride height. Inside, the interior gains an aluminium gear knob and foot pedals and a new steering wheel design.

Nasim Sdn Bhd (NSB) has earlier indicated that the new Peugeot 308 will probably debut in the middle of 2008 in Malaysia. The 308 GT may be just one of the special models that are brought in to further excite the Malaysian market. Those who are interested in the new 308 may call the Peugeot Careline at 03-2617 7777 for more information.

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/08/peugeot-308-rc-z-concept.html

2008 Honda Accord: TV Ad in Thailand

Expect to see the same version here in Malaysia soon...in the meantime, enjoy this! :)

All-New Acura TSX for U.S. market (Euro Accord)

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The second-generation Acura TSX will debut at New York International Motor Show 2008. The 2009 Acura TSX is larger but is claimed to be more agile, with higher performance and more luxuriously equipped than before. Marketed as a world-class sports sedan, the new TSX has significantly evolved to offer more comfort, convenience, driving performance and safety.

Honda's all-aluminum 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder produces 201hp and 233Nm, with five percent more torque further strengthens the engine's pulling power at mid-rpm range. This allows the 2009 TSX to be more responsive off the line and out of corners, and stronger in the middle of the rpm range where the engine operates most of the time.

This newfound performance and flexibility is due in part to a higher compression ratio, revised valve timing applied to i-VTEC, and improved intake and exhaust gas flow. Two transmissions are available, both as standard equipment – a 6-speed close- ratio manual with new performance-oriented ratios for 2nd through 6th gears, and a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with a new lock-up torque converter assembly. The manual transmission features a short-throw shifter with a precise, light action that makes it highly rewarding to use, while the Sequential SportShift automatic permits fully automatic operation with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, which make driving the TSX on hilly or winding roads more enjoyable. If the driver desires, the automatic transmission can also be operated manually via new steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Monday, 18 February 2008

New Euro Honda Accord for 2008/09

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Set to debut at Geneva 2008 will be Honda’s new Euro Accord (also Accord Touring /Wagon) for 2009 model year. Interestingly, this new Honda is rebadged as the new Acura TSX over in the U.S., with shield plus mesh grille treatment - in place of the multi-louvred item - applied to Acura's new sport sedan.

The Euro Accord will have three engines options, all Euro-5 emission standards compliant. Significant to the Europen market is the second generation i-DTEC diesel producing about 148hp and a twisty 350Nm of torque at a low 2,000 rpm. The petrol motors include the carried over 2.0L i-VTEC churning out 154hp and 192Nm; with another 2.4L i-VTEC 4-pot good for about 200hp and 233Nm. Transmission options are 5 A/T or 6-speed manual ‘box.

As always, no Euro Accord ever made in to Malaysia officially, so be on a lookout at parallel importer's showroom only in 2009/2010.

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2008/01/honda-inspire-accord-modulo-concept.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/08/2008-all-new-honda-accord.html

Toyota iQ: Watch out smart fortwo!

Toyota will unveil a production-ready version of its super super-mini iQ at the upcoming Geneva 2008. Having debuted as Toyota Concept iQ at Frankfurt Show 2007, the iQ has been planned for production by Q3/Q4 2008.

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The iQ will most likely derive propulsion power from a 1.0L petrol engine featuring engine shut-down/auto-start at stop lights or in traffic jams. It remains to be seen if there will be Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive application to make it even more frugal. As with the concept, the production version spans no more than 3m (18ft) from bumper to bumper.

Ford Kuga

Based on the Iosis X Concept vehicle, the Ford Kuga crossover SUV is set to make another appearance at Geneva 2008, after its preview in Frankfurt Show 2007.

Riding on Ford's C-vehicle platform which spawned models ranging from Ford Focus, C-Max, Volvo C30, S40/V50 and even the Mazda3, the new Kuga will only be available with a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine – good for 136ps and 320Nm - mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Torque is transferred then on through a full-time Haldex intelligent AWD system or plain 4x2 (FWD). Manufactured at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany the new Kuga will begin sale in Europe by Q3 2008.

Relaunch of 2008 Peugeot 407: Registration for priority bookings open now

Following the successful launch of the new Blue Box at Glenmarie, Nasim Sdn Bhd (NSB) – franchise holder, sole importer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia - has announced that those who are interested in the soon-to-be-launched CKD (locally assembled) Peugeot 407 may register their interest in the model via the website www.peugeot.com.my. The website is open for registrations from Saturday, 16 February 2008 onwards.

NSB will officially start to collect bookings in March but those who have registered online will be able to get a head start for the car. With uprated specifications from the version previously sold under the last distributor, the new 407 sold by NSB is expected to be well received by local motorists, being the only European offering in the price range. The car is expected to retail at not more than RM135,000.

The EuroNCAP (maximum) 5 star rated 407 is among the best in vehicle safety with the following comments by EuroNCAP, “The 407 has a very strong and stable passenger safety cage. It scored close to the maximum number of available points in the frontal impact (test). The restraint systems and airbags … protected occupants and kept the driver’s chest and head away from the steering wheel.”

For more information on the 2008 edition Peugeot 407, Peugeot owners are advised to contact any of the NSB branches or call Peugeot Careline at 03-2617 7777. Those interested in Peugeot may also visit www.peugeot.com.my.

The 407 is just one of many exciting models that NSB will be introducing into Malaysia. NSB has in an earlier statement mentioned that they will also introduce several iconic Peugeot models into Malaysia to maintain interest in the Peugeot brand; the 207GTI, 207CC and other fabulous models. NSB will also progressively bring in other CKD and CBU Peugeot models to cater to the different segments of the Malaysian market.