Peugeot RCZ crosses the RM200k mark in Malaysia!

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia has launched the absolutely modern, bubbly, compact-and-curvaceous RCZ 2+2 coupe recently. Two variants sporting different state of tune and transmission are available.

Powered by the all-familiar 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged powerplant found in the Peugeot 308, 3008 and 5008 the 6-speed auto RCZ gets the standard combo of maximum power output of 156 bhp + 240Nm of torque. The Pearlescent White car that you see above a gets a stick shifter good for 6-forward ratios transmitting 200 bhp and 275 Nm to the front wheels. All from the same 4-pot 1.6L - albeit charged to a higher boost via a visibly larger intercooler up front - sitting just behind the bumper and a couple of seriously more robust-looking turbo hoses in the engine bay!

The manual RCZ also has larger disc brakes all around, larger alloy wheels (18") and stiffer springs to cope with the added grunt. Incidentally, the manual RCZ has a sportier (read: bassier) exhaust note to complement its higher performance positioning in the RCZ hierarchy.

Adding to visual enhancements as well as sporty performance are the double-bubble roof (which desperately needs dark tinting in our super-sunny and hot climate) and the active rear spoiler that deploys to two-stage at different higher speeds.

The in-car entertainment aspect is taken care of by a JBL hi-fi incorporating an amplifier punching 240 watts through 6-speakers. Also on offer are Bluetooth connectivity and auxiliary audio input capability.

For added safety, there is an active pyrotechnic bonnet system (at the front wing, just above and a little behind the wheel arch which "explodes" and propels forward during a forceful collision, acting somewhat like an external "airbag" to cushion and prevent intrusion of the front bulkhead into the driver's/passenger cabin.

The RCZ coupe is fully imported (CBU) from Magna Steyr's plant in Graz, Austria and retails for RM218,888 for the 6-speed auto version, while the 6-speed manual is priced at RM223,888.
For Wheels was told at the launch that some at 35 units were already called for, out of which the majority were manual versions, in a surprising reversal of trend for the Malaysian car-crazy-but-automatic-loving motorists.

Nasim hopes to deliver some 100 to 150 units of RCZ for the remaining months of 2011.
Wither the grey-imported used (reconditioned) Audi TT coupe?



*some pictures taken by Janus Mun

2011 Hyundai Elantra Makes WARD'S 10 Best Interiors List

The all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra (Avante) with its modern design and numerous luxury features, was named to Ward’s 10 Best Interiors list. This honour further demonstrates that a car achieving 40 mpg standard highway fuel economy is not only practicable but fashionable as well. In one of the most competitive years for the award, Ward’s editors evaluated 51 vehicles that were all-new or featured significantly upgraded interiors. This year’s 10 Best Interiors list represents a broad cross section of the industry, from utility vehicles and minivans to small cars and high-end premium sedans.

“Proving economy cars ‘ain’t what they used to be,’ the Hyundai Elantra Limited delivers enough flair to suggest the South Korean automaker is finding its own unique interior design language,” said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief, Ward’s AutoWorld. “The instrument panel of the Elantra displays a curvaceous sensuality, with a belt drawn tightly around the climate controls; the center console then widens as it flows down to the gear shifter.”

The 2011 Elantra represents a modern approach to the traditional compact sedan segment featuring a sleek style, advanced safety features, “class above” interior volume and standard 40 mpg highway fuel economy. Inside the Elantra, customers find Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the instruments and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats help fuel economy and the environment, being made of lightweight, environmentally friendly foam. Heated seats are available in the front and the rear, a segment first.

“The sophisticated interior of the Elantra is designed to bring new life to the compact car segment combined with the ultimate in functionality for the driver,” said Chris Zarlenga, design manger, Hyundai America Technical Center. “Being named to Ward’s 10 Best Interiors, alongside vehicles like the Audi A8 and BMW X3 xDrive35i, shows that compact cars can provide an engaging experience as well.”

Ward’s editors picked the winning interiors using the same methodology employed for the annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines program. Scoresheets are completed for each vehicle driven based on materials, ergonomics, safety, the human-machine interface, comfort, fit-and-finish, overall value and aesthetics. Following the evaluation, Ward’s editors have extensive discussions to determine the winners.

The Ward’s 10 Best Interiors competition takes the place of the Interior of the Year program that dates back well before 2005, when Ward’s acquired the Auto Interiors Conference. The 2011 interior winners will be honored in a special ceremony at this year’s conference May 17 at The Henry Ford hotel in Dearborn, Mich.

Nissan Teana 200XE tested

I thought I had resigned myself to just judging some cars for a highly notable publication's "Car of the Year (COTY) 2011 Awards" and not writing much reviews about them. Humbly, I do admit my lack of energy in penning a few paragraphs and to followers (if any few left) of my blog, my sincere apologies. Largely due to my clinical plus other domestic commitments et al. Also the Nissan Teana in 4-pot, 2.0-litre form that I sampled more than a few weekends ago didn't seem to excite my senses very much.



Imagine my awakening today when I stumbled upon my friend's blog - a hugely popular one - which featured the MMC (minimal model change) - that's facelift to you and me - new Honda Accord. I am not here to criticise the mid-cycle refreshed Honda. After all, I was quite a Honda fan owning the last-generation 2.0 Accord for a brief spell.

Well, let's just say that I am re-energised to share with you my brief flirtation with the latest D-segment offering from Nissan in Malaysia, after reading the post by another esteemed "colleague" on the new Accord.




Looks-wise, this Nissan has on-road presence, even while Honda still holds the measuring-tape champion title to being the longest, largest, widest etc in this sub-RM180K category which encompasses the Sinatra (Oops! Sonata I meant), the Camry, Mazda6 and of course the MMC (Mitsu Motor Corp?) Accord.

In a nutshell the new Teana is huge, soft-riding, comfy and looks the part of a towkay (big-boss) saloon. With its CVT drivetrain, it may be a bit disconcerting when you roll fast into corner but what the heck...it's a comfort-biased executive sedan not a BMW 5-series. The way I look at it, it's for fans of Camry's soft plush damping who don't want a Toyota and couldn't stand Accord's harder riding suspension settings. And a Mazda won't cut it because they don't want a brand that makes the world's sole rotary-powered sportscar.

Despite its bulk and size, the Teana's brakes are good and reassuring. Its interior looks and feel Infiniti-esque, though I suspect the V6s versions with more cow-leather plastered interiors and some steering control button/switches splattering would make this executive sedan feel decidedly more upmarket. It's so silent on the move that it makes you wonder whether there are low-pressure-near-vacuum-stretches on highway - almost devoid of wind noise - when you are doing, say 160 km/h.




So there you have it, another popular D-segment sedan for you to consider in Malaysia, apart from the perennial favourites of Camrys or Accords. Oh by the way, has Honda Malaysia solved the Accords (and likely Civics) brake judder issues due to premature-warping of front rotors? I hope these huge Nissans don't have such quality issues, not when it comes to brakes.




Admittedly, the Teana could do better with its instruments detailing though, because this isn't a Sunny, Latio or Sylphy for that matter. The rear end detailing, however - no need to buy Eagle-Eyes brand Taiwan-made aftermarket LED rear lights - is great though. In my strictly personal and humble opinion, the clean-design execution by Nissan here even leaves the new Mercedes-Benz W212 E-class' arse for dead. You can't win (or have) 'em all I suppose.

Lifestyle focus: Peugeot 308 CC

Many of us in the tropics and especially the equatorial hot-and-humid climate will shrug off the usability and practicality of a cabriolet - even with the advent of hardtop coupe-cabriolet in the last decade or so.

Admittedly, I was like that until I sampled a VW Eos over a weekend to the beach town of Port Dickson some three years ago. I had actually "owned" a Porsche Boxster for about a year and it was less convincing with its relatively fiddly and noisier soft-top.

Sadly, with excessive procrastination the VW Eos outing write-up didn't materialise on this blog. Which would have happened to the 308 CC launch story if some good friend of mine didn't whip my butt over this. I also tested the 207 CC sometime ago and you can read all about it here.
I am somewhat a fan of coupe-cabriolet but i am of the opinion that this will have top be your 3rd car or higher in vehicle ownership serials which is actually much an extravagance. In short, a pure lifestyle accessory in the automotive department.

With this in mind, Nasim started off their 2011 new models unveiling with the official launch of the Peugeot 308 CC, the first of four new models due for the Malaysian market this year.

A coupe-cabriolet in 2+2 guise, this topless Pug in THP 156 form, translates to a maximum output of 156 hp + 240 Nm, courtesy of BMW-Peugeot's Prince 1.6-litre complete with twin-scroll turbo and direct injection. The 308 CC comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. Peugeot claims a 212 km/h top speed and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 9.8 secs.

As with most Naza/Nasim automotive launches – the 308 CC is tagged at a rather attractive price i.e. RM186,888, on-the-road with insurance.

Some of the yummy goodies packaged together are the dynamic directional xenon headlamps with automatic height adjustment and washers, LED rear lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and a twin rear diffuser as part of the exterior parcel.

The interior of this gorgeous drop-top features dual zone air-conditioning, electric front seats (with memory settings for the driver's), cruise control, instrument dials with white backgrounds and a retractable high resolution 7-inch 16:9 LCD screen.

Safety kits which are standard include ESP, ABS, EBD, EBA, DSC and Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR) among others. Meanwhile, passive safety kit in the 5-Star Euro NCAP-rated vehicle includes a rear roll-over protection system – comprised of active extendable aluminum roll-over protection bars that pop up within 20-miliseconds in the event of a roll-over accident. Apart from these, there are six airbags, which include the world’s first side head airbags, housed in the seat and deployed laterally from the head restraint.

For in-car entertainment, there’s a CD player/MP3 head unit with Bluetooth connectivity, JBL Hi-Fi audio system with 10 speakers and a 240 watt amplifier. As for the two-piece electrically retractable hard-top roof, this one folds up and down within 20 seconds. For the occasional or avid golfer looking forward to driving to a Golf & Country Club, boot space volume is 465 litres with the top up, and 266 litres with the roof retracted and stowed away in boot.

Tested: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

Some cars have tendencies to look fast even when standing still. They can also set your pulse racing just by staring at them through your slightly dilated pupils. A result of simply being awed, just like a primary school kid lost in a mega toy store. A Lamborghini is one of those sportscar - especially in the louder shades of orange, yellow or green. Think of the Miura, Countach and Diablo from the yesteryears. Imagine the latest Murcielago and you will get an inkling of the fascinating sportscars heritage of Lamborghini.

Back in 1963, Ferrucio Lamborghini actually established his very own breakaway brand after leaving the folds of Ferrari. Since then, Automobili Lamborghini has taken a more passionate and ever sporting stance, as we were told at the Shanghai International Circuit recently. One of the offspring of the luxury automotive ‘cult’ from Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy that professes fascinating design, technological capability and supreme driving dynamics is the Lamborghini Gallardo.

On that exciting morning, a combination of cold, misty and rainy weather resulted in a wet track. Along with the high-powered V10 driving just the rear axle, we had fun in the Lamborghini Gallardos the way the friendly guys from Automobili Lamborghini intended it to be. The track day event saw some 50 members of the media from nine countries including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Australia get behind the wheel and experience the raging bull that is the LP550-2.

In Lamborghini speak, LP is ‘sexy’ Italian lingo for Longitudinale Posteriore, i.e. mid-mounted engine sitting longitudinally just in front of the rear axle. While the numerical ‘550’ refers to the power output in hp and the suffix ‘2’ means two-wheel drive, in this case both the rear wheels. A look at the cars we have lined up for us to sample beggars the belief that the Gallardo model has been around since 2003, yet still looking sharp, very sporty and refreshingly sleek after some mild bodywork restyling (Reventon-style front air-intakes) in 2008.

Lead by Lamborghini drive instructors, we were allowed three laps to test the car hard and fast around the rather slippery circuit. Prior to this, we were given a demo lap around the track. Although the solo sessions were seemingly brief with the LP550-2, it cannot be denied that this Lamborghini is a very involving super sportscar. On the Shanghai International Circuit, the glorious and sonorous howl of its 5.2-litre V10 rumbled menacingly down the main straight. So much so it sounded intimidating to us as spectators who were waiting for our turn to drive at the paddock section. Getting into the driver’s seat of the LP550-2 offered a different perspective altogether.

After flooring the throttle on the straight, a quick succession of hard braking and downshifts is executed to negotiate the right-handed turn 1. Repeated rituals were obligatory for turn 2 and so forth on the circuit. Getting impatient with the throttle while going out of a bend with an off-cambered gradient, we easily got the rear stepping out.

We learnt that it pays to be especially smooth and easy on the throttle as well as the steering of the LP550-2 in order to gain pace as we made progress around the track.

The e-gear of the Gallardo handled downshifts brilliantly despite being a manu-matic single-clutch set up. We were doing upshifts as well – manually via the steering paddle shifters - without ever lifting off the throttle just like our professional instructor did. In no manner did the transmission protested. Brilliant. The interior looked and felt decidedly upmarket, yet snug and conducive for hard driving. Alas, if only we have more than the 3 laps accorded to be able to connect deeper to this purer rear-wheel drive version of the Gallardo range. It is also heartening to note that the LP550-2 has as standard equipment, a rear axle differential - with a locking effect of up to 45 percent limited slip - that ensures better transition of torque between both rear wheels.

The purity conveyed by its steering – unclouded by engine power driving the front axle - serves to synergise with the chassis balance that is just simply brilliant. Body control was taut mostly with nary a hint of pitching or body roll despite the constant load changes as we gunned the LP550-2 around the circuit. However, it certainly requires a higher level of skill, as well as more commitment to return the driving satisfaction that you may be looking for. But yet there is no tantrums, it is much forgiving with traction control (which can be switched off in CORSA mode), limited slip differential and vehicle stability systems (ESP et al) lurking in the background. In essence, the sports coupe exudes a competence that inspires you to try driving harder – with more speed and finesse. To sum it up, this more ‘basic’ Gallardo presented us with an eye-opening track experience. It demonstrated that less could indeed be more in those looking for undiluted dynamics of having 550 naturally-aspirated horses – and 540 Nm - all to the rear wheels of an undyingly passionate Italian masterpiece.

Mitsubishi Lancer vs Proton Inspira

The images below have ended up in my mailbox recently.
Enjoy them in a lighter vein...thanks and regards to fellow blogger Damien!

Peugeot 207 Sedan Extreme Test

Peugeot via Nasim has done a promo footage for its new 207 sedan for the Malaysian market.
You will probably never see it being driven this hard on private and public roads in the near- or distant-future...so enjoy the video clips below!