Hyundai's first full-EV: 'BLUEON'

Hyundai Motor Co. today unveiled the company’s and Korea’s - first Full Speed Electric Vehicle (FSEV) named ‘BlueOn,’ opening a new era in eco-friendly technology. We are proud to introduce the world to BlueOn, which was fully developed in Korea and displays Hyundai’s latest technological advancements,” said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice Chairman at Hyundai’s Corporate R&D Center. “Consumers’ interests and demand for eco-friendly cars are rising and securing such advanced technology is critical in becoming an industry leader. Hyundai is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and satisfying market needs.” 
Hyundai unveiled the car at the Blue House yesterday, in the presence of Korean President Lee Myung-Bak and Ministers from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and Ministry of Environment. During the unveiling ceremony, President Lee and Hyundai’s Vice Chairman Lee test-drove one of the new vehicles together on the Blue House premises. 


Test Fleets 



Hyundai invested a total of about 40 billion won over a one-year period to create BlueOn, which is based on Hyundai’s small hatchback, i10. The electric version of i10 was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009. 
Beginning with today’s ceremony, Hyundai is planning to provide 30 BlueOn vehicles as test fleets to various government organizations in Korea by October. These vehicles will be mainly used to help develop and test charging infrastructures for about two years, until August 2012. Furthermore, these cars will be used for promotional purposes, starting with the upcoming G20 summit, to boost Korea’s eco-friendly image. 
The name ‘BlueOn’ derives from Hyundai’s Blue Drive strategy, which encompasses the company’s eco-friendly products and technologies. The word ‘On’ symbolizes “switch on.” 


Innovative LiPoly Batteries, Virtual Sound


BlueOn has a compact body with an overall length of 3,585 mm, overall width of 1,595 mm and overall height of 1,540 mm. It is equipped with a highly efficient electric motor powered by an innovative 16.4 kWh LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. BlueOn boasts a maximum power of 81ps(61kW) and maximum torque of 21.4kg/m(210Nm).
As pure electric vehicles operate only with the battery and electric motor, the battery’s lifespan and storage capacity determines the vehicle’s performance. Hyundai chose LiPoly batteries because compared with previous nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH), LiPoly delivers the same power with 30 percent less weight and 40 percent less volume, boosting efficiency and leaving more interior space for passengers.
Furthermore, the car has been designed to prevent overcharging and collision-related safety issues. Hyundai also conducted hundreds of thousands of kilometers’ worth of endurance testing to secure safety. BlueOn boasts a maximum speed of 130km/h and 0-100 km/h is achieved in 13.1 seconds, better than some gasoline models in the same class.
BlueOn also features a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), which creates an artificial sound for the safety of pedestrians, as electric vehicles make little to no sound when driving at low speeds.


Recharging


BlueOn can travel as much as 140 km on a single charge. It also accommodates dual recharging methods: a 220V household power and a 380V industrial-strength power, which promises quick recharging speeds. Under the household power, the battery will be fully recharged within six hours. Under the quick charge method, the battery can be recharged to about 80 percent of its capacity within 25 minutes. Hyundai will collaborate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other government agencies to build recharging facilities.
In addition, the engine-driven components were electrified so that the electric motor-driven power steering, electric water pump and regenerative brake system could be adapted to BlueOn. Furthermore, for the driver’s convenience, an advanced telematics system showing the charge status and location of recharging stations is installed. A 4.2-inch TFT LCD Supervision Cluster that provides voice guidance has also been installed.
Hyundai plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities for BlueOn next year, carrying out test productions and making about 2,500 units by the end of 2012.

NST-Maybank Car of The Year 2010: COTY 2U CARnival

A COTY 2U CARnival will be one of the highlights of the New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year Awards 2010.

This was announced by New Straits Times Sdn Bhd Group Editor Datuk Syed Nadzri Syed Harun at the media launch of the New Straits Times/Maybank “Car of the Year” (COTY) 2010 held at the Peugeot Blue Box Showroom in Glenmarie recently.

“This inaugural event, to be held from November 20 – 21, is to present to the public the full line-up of all the 60 nominated vehicles for this year’s Car of the Year Awards."

“It is also targeted to bring Malaysian motorists, car models launched in Malaysia for Malaysian roads and car manufacturers together in a celebration of passion for motoring,” said Datuk Syed Nadzri.

“There will also be test drives, a defensive driving course, mini workshops on car safety, In-Car Entertainment (ICE) and Security Rating Awards at this fun-filled family CARnival,” Datuk Syed Nadzri said.

Maybank, Malaysia’s premier banking group and a leading player in automobile financing, is the official title sponsor for the COTY Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

“The Malaysian automotive industry is heading for a record breaking year in sales. With improved confidence of both consumers and businesses, automobile manufacturers are already experiencing greater demand for even better models in the coming year,” said Ashraf Ali Abdul Kadir, Head, Consumer Finance Maybank.

“As an automobile financier, Maybank too benefits from this growth as demand for financing will increase in tandem with the industry. This has already been obvious over the last year, in which we registered automobile loan growth of 12% for the year ended June 2010. This is the fourth consecutive year of double digit growth which incidentally parallels the period we have been title sponsor of the NST-Maybank Car of the Year Awards,” said Ashraf Ali.

Now in its ninth year, COTY is the country’s first motoring award started in 2002 by Cars, Bikes & Trucks, the motoring section of the New Sunday Times, to acknowledge achievements within the motoring industry.

A panel of 9 judges comprising of motoring journalists and other distinguished personalities will be testing over 60 new and substantially facelifted models classified into 13 categories.

New cars launched between November 2009 and October 2010 qualify for COTY.

The evaluation criteria includes styling, value for money, comfort and ergonomics, performance, driving characteristics, safety, emotional appeal and after sales service.

The highest scoring vehicle in each category wins the award for “Best in Class”. The Overall Car of the Year will then be selected from the list of 13 category winners.

The annual award is endorsed and supported by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

The COTY Gala Awards Night will be held on November 26 at The Saujana, Kuala Lumpur. More than 150 top automotive figures are expected to grace the event.

Hyundai Tucson Awarded 5-Star EURO NCAP Rating

Euro NCAP, the independent vehicle safety organization, has announced that Hyundai’s new ix35 (also known as Tucson) compact SUV has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating in its rigorous crash-test assessment program. The result places the ix35 (Tucson) as one of the safest vehicles in its class, and included a segment-best score for the ‘child occupant protection’ category.

The ix35 (Tucson) is the third Hyundai vehicle in a row to achieve a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, following on from the top ratings achieved by i20 supermini and i30 hatchback.

The C-segment SUV received a class-leading score of 88% for child occupants, scoring well in tests with both 18-month-old and three–year-old dummies. The test score for adult occupants was 90%, and the safety assist features earned a score of 71%.

Electronic stability control, which is standard on all models, and a seatbelt reminder system played a key role in the ix35’s (Tucson) score in the safety assist category. Hyundai’s focus on occupant safety was highlighted with high scores in the front and rear impact tests, with a stable compartment providing good protection in the event of a crash.

Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe said, “Receiving a five star crash test rating is testament to our commitment to providing customers with vehicles of superior quality and top-class safety. European drivers have very high demands, and our design and engineering teams at our European R&D centre have created a car, which matches such expectations.

Special Hari Raya Service Promotion for Hyundai car owners in Malaysia

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd (HSDM) is offering its customers a “Special Hari Raya Service Promotion” in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. This service promotion is available at participating Hyundai service centers from 20^th August to 9^th September, 2010.

With an emphasis on “safety first” for the ‘balik kampung’ rush this Hari Raya festivity, Hyundai wants to ensure Hyundai car owners a peace of mind during their long drive home. The promotion is also part of Hyundai’s commitment in providing value for money after-sales service to its valued customers. Customers can enjoy up to 20% discount on selected parts with 10% to 15% discount on labour depending on amount spent on parts purchase.

“Hyundai cars will be serviced by certified Hyundai technicians who use the latest diagnostic and service equipment. They also have immediate access to up-to-date technical and repair information which allows quicker diagnosis and repairs to any problem,” said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd.

He added that all certified Hyundai service outlets use only genuine parts manufactured according to Hyundai specifications. This is to ensure top performance and a maximum life span of Hyundai cars.

“Hyundai car owners should take advantage of this promotion as it does not only mean savings on selected parts and labour, but also a better and safer drive home,” said Mr Ho.

Customers who participate in this campaign will also receive free mystery gifts. For their own convenience, customers are advised to make prior appointments with the respective service centers or dealers.

All-new Porsche Cayenne previewed: price starts from RM550k in Malaysia!

This is the first new Porsche model to be unveiled under Porsche's new distributor in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Performance. Indeed, it has been quite a stellar performance under this new franchise holder's helmship, as reflected in its price tags, which have been revised to the tune of RM100,000 to RM150,000 downwards across the model range.

In a sneak preview of Porsche's all-new Cayenne for Porsche Club Malaysia (PCM) members, the 2nd generation Cayenne has been revealed to be priced as follows:

Cayenne 3.6 V6 - RM550,000
Cayenne S 4.8 V8 - RM680,000
Cayenne S Hybrid - RM720,000
Cayenne Turbo - RM940,000

All models come with 4-years free service + 4-years warranty.
Still want that BMW X5, X6 or even the Audi Q7?

All-new Peugeot 508

The all-new Peugeot 508 - successor to both Peugeot 407 and 607 - looks rather breathtakingly Germanic. Not to be undone by its brethren camp's Citroen C5, the body lines and contours are very teutonic versus its predecessors.

As the numbering nomenclature suggests, the new 507 will be bigger than the outgoing 407 in all dimensions. No engine sizes are confirmed at this moment but there will be a 200 hp-capable hybrid in the mix, available in both sedan and station-wagon (SW) guise. Expect a good range of turbodiesels and petrol units as the singular (fuel) power options.

The new 508 will go on sale sometime Q1 2011 in European markets, following a debut at the Paris Motor Show 2010 this October.

BMW 320d Sports

If the BMW 320d that you see above epitomizes the dawn of the modern turbo-diesel passenger cars in Malaysia, it is very promising indeed. Promising because it sips a maximum of only 8.1l/100km even with my persistent ('DS' mode) and absolutely maniacal highway blasts - with a power delivery that is absolutely intoxicating albeit churned out from a narrower powerband than a petrol motor. Even more promising is that it will beat the petrol-powered 320i hands down and renders it irrelevant. Most promising when the newer 'facelift' 320d will boast even higher outputs come year end (?) versus the current stock state-of-tune's 177 bhp + 350 Nm combo.




Needless to say, the E90's handling dynamics and steering's ability to convey agility/confident feel/feedback are one of the best in business. However, this is one selfish car. It will make the driver very happy, but less so the other occupants. Okay, perhaps the babe (or as the case may be: guy) riding along side will still be quite alright. Unlike the Mercedes W204 C-Class the rear seats are quite useless. They are cramped - with high central transmission tunnel not helping things and awkward curving side bolsters at the lateral shoulder level - ouch!

On rough and bad road surfaces, it just gets too jarring for the rear occupants . This sports suspension equipped E90 will easily induce car-sickness for back passengers, especially on B-roads as attested by my young ones. The other turn-off - for me at least least - is the gruffy idling (read: loud) and the incessant idling vibrations transmitted through the steering column, seat bottom and door trim which makes the 320d rather unbecoming for a premium Conti junior executive.

So in conclusion, if you love the drive of say, a Mk6 Golf GTI but would like something with a proper boot, a 'classier' badge and something that returns way higher kilometers to the litre of fuel, this should be top in your list. There is no other diesel-powered saloon like this at this price point, with such engaging and sporting intent. Just make sure you are a single yuppie - and loving it - or if you are married (without kids) you have a mother-in-law whom you would like to shake off from following you on roadtrips!











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