Honda Malaysia launches the Stream RSZ

Honda Stream RSZ

Honda Malaysia today introduced the Stream RSZ, and the vehicle replaces the current bog-standard version that was launched in Nov 2007.

Mechanically, everything's all but the same in the 1.8 i-VTEC-powered seven-seater, but the updated variant - which has been selling in Singapore for a good bit now - features more in the way of bling, with a full bodykit, a redesigned RSZ front grille and new 17-inch alloys wheels leading the way.

Elsewhere, the front end lights get a reworking too, and the new lamps are auto HID (high intensity discharge) units with smoke-finish covers. Also new, the fog lamps, and let's not forget the inclusion of a sunroof on this one.

Inside, you now have a more refined interior in the way of material, paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a seat-side armrest for the driver and for added convenience, a passenger seat under-seat storage tray as new items on the list.

Atsushi Fujimoto, managing director and chief executive officer of Honda Malaysia said that ''the refinements accomplished in the Stream RSZ show that we are on the pulse of the current lifestyle trend, where style and practicality in an automobile are expected to come hand in hand.''

The Stream RSZ comes in four colours - besides the Premium White Pearl, Honda Malaysia is introducing three new colours with the vehicle, and they are Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and New Red Pearl.

The outgoing standard Stream managed to sell just over 1,600 units up until Jan from the time it was launched, but Honda Malaysia is being a little more conservative with this one, given the market conditions - the company has targeted a modest sales figure of 350 units for the vehicle this year.

The Stream RSZ is priced at RM155,980, on-the-road, with insurance. Oh, and before you rush out to the showrooms, you might want to know that the Stream RSZ will be available at all authorised Honda showrooms nationwide only from Feb 26 onwards.

Honda Stream RSZ [Read more!]

Proton Packs More Performance in the New Satria Neo CPS

PROTON today unveiled an improved and sportier Satria Neo hatchback fitted with a Campro CPS (Cam Profile Switching) engine, which promises enhanced performance and style. This new variant (2nd Generation Satria) is now powered by a Campro CPS DOHC 16V engine which packs more power and offers better responsiveness for drivers desiring performance.

The Satria Neo, introduced in 2006, has won many hearts both locally and internationally and has been given accolades such as the “coolest” car to be produced by PROTON.

“The Satria Neo is known as a performance-driven car. What we have done is to enhance the Neo by making it more powerful, responsive and attractive by giving it an improved engine and a sportier look," said PROTON Holdings Berhad Managing Director, Dato' Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir during the launch held today at the Asian Pacific Auction Centre in Subang.

This new Satria Neo CPS will run the latest engine in the Proton line-up, the 1.6 litre Campro CPS. This engine utilizes two ingenious technologies, CPS (Cam Profile Switching) and VIM (Variable Intake Manifold technology), to give higher power outputs and rapid response, whilst maintaining a fuel efficient delivery. These two technologies give the best of both worlds by combining the characteristics of two different engines in one compact package. The usual reduction in torque caused by high-lift cams is offset by the long intake runner, whilst the short runner works by helping the engine generate more power at higher speeds. All this technology translates to 120PS at 6,500 rpm, and 150Nm at 4500 rpm, giving the Satria Neo CPS, one of the most powerful engines in its segment. This power increase doesn’t come at the expense of the environment as this new engine meets the latest European emission regulations.

On the inside, the Satria Neo CPS features a Lotus Motorsport inspired minimalist Interior Design now enhanced with a sporty red and black leather upholstery and door inserts. The interior finishing is further enhanced by a new leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.

The built-in dash mounted Blaupunkt CD Radio player can also handle MP3 music, which is perfect for entertaining the driver and passengers played through a 4 speaker stereo system.

The high performance nature of this vehicle continues on the outside with a newly designed front bumper that gives the Neo a lower and more aggressive stance. Inside those Gti inspired flared arches sit low profile continental tyres on new 16” rims specially designed for the Satria
Neo CPS.

Like its famous predecessor, the Satria Gti, the Satria Neo CPS proudly features that now familiar Lotus tuned ride and handling package that makes for an exciting yet safe drive for the driving enthusiast. All round disc brakes with ABS(Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD(Electronic Brake Distribution) ensure all that performance can be reined in safely when the need arises. Twin airbags and front seat belt pre-tensioners are also standard with a 3 way collapsible steering column providing greater occupant safety. Everything is packaged within a sturdy body with liberal use of high-tensile steel for increase body rigidity and structural
crashworthiness. The Satria Neo CPS meets all European Safety standards.

The Satria Neo CPS is yet another product that underscores PROTON’s commitment to continuously deliver the right car at the right time and at the right price. The car is suitable for customers who are trendy and yearn to be different as well as those who lead an active lifestyle.
“This philosophy requires PROTON to listen closely to what customers want and continuously make every effort to change and improve our current line-up. This effort is now manifested in the new Satria Neo CPS,” continued Dato’ Syed Zainal. [Read more!]

New Proton SATRIA NEO - Review and Photos

The Campro CPS engine is finally in the Proton Satria Neo, something that many have been eagerly waiting for. The CPS is essentially a Campro engine with a few updates and a variable valve lift system called CPS as well as a variable intake manifold (VIM) system. These additions help push up power to 125 PS at 6,500rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, figures which are up from the standard Campro’s 110hp and 148Nm.

The car’s front and rear track has also been updated. While the Proton Satria Neo had a front and rear track of 1,470mm for both, the Satria Neo CPS H-Line has a narrower front track at 1,467mm and a wider rear track 1,483mm.
We didn’t managed to get hold of a Proton engineer to ask this question but we did manage to ask a member of Proton’s Race Rally Research (R3) team who said the change was made because Proton found the standard Neo suffered from slight oversteer, so this change was made to induce a slight understeer to improve handling. Anyway either way as a result of the large wheel arches, the wheels looks kind of lost inside them at certain angles.

As for aesthetics, as you can see there’s a new bodykit and more prominent flared wheel arches that are inspired from the old Satria GTI’s design. The alloy wheels are of the same 16 inch size as the M-Line but feature a different design that looks like a carbon copy of Advanti Racing’s MEDUSA design but without the two-tone design - perhaps it’s licensed or “inspired”. On the interior, the dashboard is now of a darker shade with red lighting on the various air conditioning controls and auto gear position indicators, has a different door trim design, some new trim around the gear shifter area, and leather seats in a black and red combination similiar to the GEN2 CPS.

The following are the prices for the new Proton Satria Neo CPS, available in only two colours which are unique to the CPS - solid white and tranquility black.

CPS is only available for the high line model, so the lite and M-line models retain the regular Campro. Unfortunately this is the old original Campro engine, without the new IAFM systems in the Saga, Persona and GEN2. The CPS system has also been tweaked with this version of the Campro engine, so the high lift cam profile activation point has been revised. However I’m not sure what is the purpose of activating it later.

VIM switches between a long intake manifold at low RPMs and a short intake manifold at higher RPMs. According to Proton, a longer intake manifold is used at low RPMs to achieve slower air flow; this promotes better mixing with fuel. The short intake manifold allows more air in faster. This is beneficial at high RPMs. The CPS system uses a switching tappet and a trilobe camshaft to switch between two different cam profiles, one with low valve lift and another with high valve lift.

[Read more!]

New Ford FOCUS Launched in Malaysia

Auto ConneXion has launched the facelifted Ford Focus, and the C307 gets a revised exterior and an upgraded interior, along with some new features thrown in for good measure. Both the Focus Sport hatchback and Focus Ghia sedan are now powered by the 143bhp and 185Nm 2.0l Duratec engine, which continues unrevised, as is the four-speed automatic tranny with the Sport Sequential Shift. Previously, the Ghia sedan came in 1.8l form. Externally, the revised Focus gets a complete new front end - there's a new bumper, bonnet, upper grille (replete with a larger blue oval badge) and headlamps, as well as front fenders with meatier, bolder arch bulges.

At the back on the hatch, a revised, larger windscreen translates into a more pronounced horizontal contour line, and the Ford badge is now positioned lower and is incorporated into a liftgate moulding. Also new, a body coloured roof spoiler, rear bumper and long, clear tail lamps.

Elsewhere, the exterior door mirrors have been enlarged, and the side mirror housings now feature integrated side indicators.

Mechanically, the rear track is now slightly wider, the result of a new range of alloy wheels with additional offset developed specifically for the facelift. Here, both sedan and hatch run 16-inch wheels, with 205/55 R16 rubbers.

Inside, the emphasis on revisions have been on improving the quality of materials and enhancing comfort levels. The evidence is clear to see and feel. Either in black or dark dusk grey, the soft-touch dash pad as well as soft-touch upper door trims contrast beautifully against a tan-coloured inner roof lining to lighten the interior visually.

The driver now sees large-face tachometer and speedometer set deeply into individual binnacles, and positioned above are small-face water temperature and fuel gauges, each surrounded by a silver bezel.

A revised centre stack and redesigned window and mirror switches accompany new intuitive controls for air-conditioning, heater and ventilation system. At night, the centre stack controls are illuminated in soft red light, which is more soothing compared to the stark white of the first generation C307.

A new premium centre console has been designed with an emphasis on improved comfort and function. It features a moveable soft armrest which slides forward 80mm, two cup holders with butterfly lids, a coin holder and a card holder.

Dual-zone air conditioning, six-way power adjustable driver's seat, a two-DIN MP3/six-disc CD changer/six speaker audio system (with an auxiliary input) and a leather interior on the Ghia sedan (fabric on the Sport hatch) round off the mod con list.
Colours common to both variants are Diamond White, Panther Black and Moondust Silver, with unique shades being Racing Blue for the hatch and Infra Red and Ocean for the sedan.

The fully-imported Focus models are available at all 26 Ford showrooms nationwide, priced at RM113,897 for the five-door Sport hatchback and RM112,897 for the four-door Ghia sedan (on-the-road without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia).

[Read more!]

Proton first MPV 2009 - Spy Photos

2009 Proton MPV
It’s the new year for 2009, and seems like local car manufacturer, Proton has started their development for a new market, the MPV segment.

The photos below reveal what seems like the upcoming new MPV car from Proton, which share almost the same exterior with Taiwanese Luxgen MPV.

The new Proton MPV are rumored to be equiped with a 1.6 CamPro engine, with the price range of not exceding RM75,000, excluding road tax and insurance. This will be fitted with 15″ rim as standard, with either manual and auto transmission.

Looking at a Toyota Avanza 1.5 (A) selling at RM 75,600, Proton needs to set a competitive pricing to compete with existing MPV manufacturers.

The speed cluster looks futuristic and sporty with its red colour background.

Center console looks pretty standard with minimum buttons. Radio player comes with red/orange theme which complements the speed cluster very well.

Steering has a strong Honda Civic design in it, and volume up/down, track fwd/rwd button are well within reach. A phone button were spotted also, this might suggest the car comes with bluetooth support?

Overall this car comes with a sporty look in terms of exterior and interior, until we have more pictures and the specs, we will be able to give you a better coverage on this.

Source : MaxSpeed.us
2009 Proton MPV [Read more!]

Nissan GRAND LIVINA Get Tuned By IMPUL

Impul Grand Livina Nissan is spicing up the popular Nissan Grand Livina 7-seater MPV with this new edition that features accessories from Impul. Called the Nissan Grand Livina Tuned by Impul, it is fitted with a bodykit comprising of a new front grille, lips for the front and rear, side skirts, and an Impul rear wing spoiler.

The Impul Blast II exhaust muffler system is also available and this is made of high-quality stainless steel with a polished finish. It is said to improve engine response and emits a sporty note which should delight the driver.

Like the Impul Latio, the Impul Grand Livina can also be ordered with Impul alloy wheels (Aura SX-10) with locally-sourced Dunlop Formula D1 205/45R17 tyres. Mr Khoo, Operations Manager for the Impul business at ETCM, said that quite a number of Impul Latio buyers opt to take the wheels as the design is quite exclusive and appealing.

As with the Impul Latio, the accessories for the Impul Grand Livina can be ordered at the time of purchase of a new vehicle. This means that the entire cost – RM10,500 more than a standard Grand Livina – can be included in the H-P loan. That adds a bit more to the instalment each month, of course, but would be a lot easier than having to come out with that much money as a lump sum, which is what you would have to do if you bought from an accessories shop.

IMPUL GRAND LIVINA Photos

[Read more!]

Watch your back!

FANCY seeing this in your rear view mirror?

That’s a distinct possibility now that the police have taken delivery of 25 units of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Better known as the Evo X in some markets, Mitsubishi’s World Rally Championship-inspired high-performance car is as mean as they come. With a 2.0-litre turbocharged Mivec engine pumping out 295bhp, sports suspension and a tarmac gripping all-wheel drive system, suffice to say that the Lancer Evolution has enough blistering pace and sure-footedness to pin down any throttle-happy felons.

According to the Bukit Aman public relations department, the cars will carry the police livery and be equipped with communications and siren systems, and could be deployed for high-speed pursuits or even as VIP escorts. The police version will be a five-speed manual.

Besides Malaysia, the current Evolution model is also used by the police in Japan and Australia as high-speed interceptors.

Pardon the pun but it’s a copping fast car that the Mat Keretas will have to be on the lookout for now. And it looks like the men in uniform will be having some fun. [Read more!]

GM puts Volt engine plant on hold

General Motors, anxiously conserving cash so it can keep operating into 2009, said on Wed it would halt construction of a plant tied to one of its most important projects while the automaker awaits a Washington bailout.

GM said it is putting the brakes on the construction of a factory in Flint, Michigan, set to make 1.4l engines for the Chevrolet Cruze and the Chevy Volt plug-in electric car.

It's just one more effort by GM to hold on to every penny possible as it speeds closer to the day when the 100-year-old industrial giant won't be able to pay its bills.

The company has been scaling back just about everywhere - shutting down vehicle production, ending sports sponsorships, turning off escalators and even cutting back on office supplies - to stay afloat.
GM is seeking up to US$18bil in government loans as it tries to survive the worst US auto sales environment in 26 years. It says it needs US$4bil before this year runs out.

GM board member Kent Kresa told The Associated Press last week that the company might make it into the early part of the first quarter, depending on auto sales, yet GM has several billion dollars worth of supplier payments due shortly after the first of the year, and analysts have said the company probably doesn't have the cash to pay them.

GM announced plans in Sept for the new engine plant in Flint, 50 miles northwest of Detroit, and said production would begin in 2010. But the company is delaying the purchase of big-ticket items needed to build the factory, such as structural steel, spokeswoman Sharon Basel said.

The plant's engines will extend the range of the rechargeable Volt, GM's high-profile next-generation vehicle that will be able to travel 40 miles on electricity alone. They will also power the Cruze, GM's new small car that is supposed to get around 40mpg.

Basel said Volt and Cruze development will continue as scheduled and the company still plans to bring them to showrooms in 2010. The construction delay, she said, may be temporary until the company figures out its cash situation.

"Everything that involves heavy cash outlays obviously is under review," Basel said. "Our intent is to still go forward with a new facility bringing that engine to Flint."

Meanwhile, GM has held off many large expenditures, such as the steel for the Flint plant, Basel said."Those are huge cash outlays, and we don't have the cash," she said.

Basel said there is plenty of time to build the factory, install equipment and get it up and running in time to produce engines for the two new cars. The company already makes the 1.4l engine at a plant in Austria, she said, giving it another option for engines.

"We have lots of options. The construction of the new plant is not going to interrupt our plans for the Volt or Cruze," Basel said.

Work will continue as scheduled on the Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant, which will make the Cruze starting in mid-2010, said GM spokesman Chris Lee. The company has not formally announced where the Volt will be built, although the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant was identified in the 2007 contract with the United Auto Workers. Lee said Volt production remains on schedule for later in 2010.

GM said in Sept it would invest US$370mil in the new factory, which will employ 330 hourly and salaried workers and allow the company to double its global production of smaller engines by 2011. The plant will have 300 flexible work stations that will let GM build different four-cylinder engines without retooling.

The United Auto Workers union agreed that new hires for the plant would be paid US$14 per hour, about half the wages of a current UAW worker. It also agreed to a new flexible pact with GM that lets workers do multiple jobs.

The new factory brings the prospect of more jobs to an industrial city hard hit by auto job losses. GM's nearby Flint Engine North plant closed in Aug. - AP

Source : Star-motoring.com

[Read more!]

All-New City Model Set To Boost Honda Malaysia Sales Despite Economic Slowdown

2009 All New Honda City

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The All-New Honda City 1.5 sedan is expected to boost Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd sales in 2009 with 18,000 units targeted to be sold in the first year of its launch despite the current global economic slowdown.

Managing director/chief executive officer, Atsushi Fujimoto, said the company was confident of achieving the target in view of the positive growth in the local motor vehicle market.

"We are looking to sell 1,500 units a month. The market here is much better than in Europe, the US and Japan which are facing a slowdown in their car industry," he told reporters after the launch of City here on Wednesday.

Fujimoto said Malaysia's economy was not badly affected by the current crisis.

"Malaysia has a safe and stable financial system. Honda Malaysia will not call for any retrenchment and cut its operation," he said.

The All-New City model is the third generation Honda City.

It is available in two variants. The City grade S sells at RM84,980 (on-the-road price with insurance) and the grade E at RM89,980.

The grade S offers essential features of the All-New City while the grade E variant offers additional features such as paddle shift, rear reclining seat, rear underseat tray and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The City is powered by the new i-VTEC engine and is the first in the 1.5-litre sedan segment to come with the five-speed automatic gear transmission.

Honda City was first introduced in 1996 in response to the growing needs and want for cars among Asians in tandem with the economic growth in the region.

It has become a strategic model for Honda following the Civic, Accord, CR-V and Jazz, with cumulative sales passing one million units as at late May this year.

Source : BERNAMA

2009 All New Honda City [Read more!]

The all-new Honda City unveiled

Honda Malaysia today unveiled the third-generation Honda City compact sedan in Kuala Lumpur.

The all-new City comes with numerous firsts in its class, combining style, performance and practicality, but more on that as you read on.

There are two variants available, these being tagged Grade E and Grade S. The Grade E comes with additional paddle shifters, rear reclining seats with an underseat tray and 16-inch sport alloy wheels.

Exterior style-wise, the City adopts what Honda calls an ‘Arrowshot Form’ design outlook from end-to-end. Strikingly, the front end resembles a transformable robot from an animated movie, whilst the tail lamps look very much like those found on the BMW 3-Series.

The i-DSI block is history, so the new City goes about its business with a single powerplant choice, this being a newly-developed four-cylinder 1.5l i-VTEC engine which pushes out 120bhp at 6,000rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Compliant with Euro 4 level emission standards, the City is deemed the most powerful compact sedan in the market to date.
The advanced i-VTEC engine is now mated with a five-speed automatic transmission with Shift Hold Control and is the first in its class. Gone too is the CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) gearbox, an omission brought about by the rougher style of driving encountered here, according to surveys carried out by Honda Japan’s R&D division.

Compensating for the absence of a manual transmission gearbox (a five-speed manual is available in both Thailand and Singapore) are the paddle shifters in the Grade E, which provides the driver with a sportier means of changing gears.

The steering wheel is now of the tilt and telescopic type, and the footrest is now wider as the accelerator and brake pedals have been shifted more to the right. The car comes with EPS (Electric Power Steering), and safety comes in the form of dual SRS airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Stopping power is reinforced with ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), while BA (Brake Assist) amplifies the driver’s foot force with minimal pedal input.

Entertainment for the occupants inside the City is provided by an advanced audio system that is compatible with MP3 players, iPod, USB memory or a mobile hard disk drive. In the Grade E variant, you get a six-speaker system with steering wheel audio controls, while the Grade S makes do with a four-speaker arrangement.

The all-new City does not compromise in rear passenger convenience with a fold-down armrest that also houses integrated cup holders.

Another first in its class, the City’s rear trunk is able to contain a whopping 506l of cargo, which is equivalent to being able to store four nine-inch-wide golf bags.

As mentioned, the Grade E’s rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split configuration for extended luggage carrying capacity, and is fitted with an underseat tray to stow away wet umbrellas or footwear.

There are a total of five colours to choose from – Alabaster Silver Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, and new colours Crystal Black Pearl and Deep Lapis Blue Metallic. Unfortunately, a striking signature colour called Habanero Red Pearl, as well as a very pretty Tafetta White, is not available.

The Honda City is manufactured in Malaysia, with 30% of the parts sourced locally, including the seats and instrument panel, while the rest are from Japan.

According to Atsushi Fujimoto, managing director of Honda Malaysia, the previous City was still doing quite well into the end of its run, having registered a total sales volume of 8,000 units from Jan to Nov this year. With the arrival of the new one, Honda Malaysia is targeting to sell about 1,500 units of the new City on a monthly basis, and pre-launch bookings have been brisk, with more than 1,500 orders to date - as of launch time, the waiting period is a month, though that is surely to change if more orders come about.

The City rolls in at RM84,980 for the Grade S and RM89,980 for the Grade E (both on the road, with insurance) and comes with a three-year warranty or 100,000km and six months free service or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

A Modulo accessories package is available to spruce up the City’s exterior, and this consists of front, side, rear and trunk spoilers, all for an additional RM4,750.

Source : Star-motoring.com [Read more!]

Petrol and diesel down 10 sen

PETALING JAYA: Petrol and diesel prices have been slashed by another 10 sen effective today.

The price of RON97 petrol is now RM1.80, while RON92 is selling at RM1.70 a litre.

The pump price of diesel is now RM1.70 a litre.

In a statement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the reduction was in line with the drop in global crude oil prices.

The retail prices of petrol and diesel have been gradually lowered from their highs of RM2.70 and RM2.58 respectively in June.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said the drop would hardly impact his operational costs.

“The damage is already done. The price of daily necessities and foodstuff have gone up and nobody will reduce their prices.

“Spare parts are still expensive – their prices have not gone down either. And the bulk of the diesel used for our operations is under the fleet card system, where it costs RM1.43 a litre.”

Ashfar suggested that the subsidised diesel enjoyed by bus operators could be reduced by a further 13 sen to RM1.30.

“With the lower global crude oil price, I feel the Government can afford it.”

Pan Malaysian Lorry Owners Association president Er Sui See said with cheaper diesel, lorry operators could consider maintaining transport prices.

“At RM1.70, I think we can sustain the price. Diesel accounts for 35% of our operational costs, and only about half of the operators benefit from the fleet card system.”

Source : thestar.com.my [Read more!]

Perak Govt Buying Camry To Replace Perdana V6

IPOH, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The Perak government Friday approved the purchase of 16 Toyota Camry 2.4 cars for official use by its state executive councillors and senior officers to replace its fleet of Proton Perdana V6 said to have worn out. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the decision was made because the repair and maintenance costs of the Proton Perdana cars currently in use were high as the cars were old and had frequent breakdowns.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the state executive council (exco) meeting here, he said the purchase of the new cars costing over RM2 million would be made soonest possible and the Proton Perdana cars then sold off.

The Perak government had at the state assembly sitting on Nov 13, claimed that the previous Barisan Nasional government had spent about RM1.3 million to repair and maintain the official cars of the Menteri Besar and state exco members from 2004 to March 2008.

In another development, Mohammad Nizar said the issuance of permanent land titles to residents of new villages and planned villages was expected to be made before this Dec 25.

He said many applications for the land status had been received from residents.

The state government's move to convert the 99-year leasehold of land to 999-year land ownership title became controversial as it was said to have violated the National Land Code.

The Menteri Besar also reiterated that the state government had issued a directive that all housing projects on hillslopes be stopped until confirmation from the Environmental Impact Assessment reports, Public Works Department and the Minerals and Geoscience Department that the projects were safe.

Source : Bernama [Read more!]

Avanza gets cosmetic changes

HAVING become the most popular multi-purpose vehicle in Malaysia since its launch in 2004, the Toyota Avanza (right) has been given a fresh new look. In addition, the Avanza also comes in two new automatic variants – the 1.5S and 1.5E to broaden its appeal.

The 1.5S variant comes with an exclusive front grille and bumper design with integrated fog lights.

The side skirts visually make the car look lower than it is to project a sporty appearance.

The interior upholstery of the Avanza has been changed from beige to a mixed colour known as Greige (mixture of grey and beige).

Prices start from RM62,000 for the 1.3-litre variant and RM69,900 for the 1.5-litre version.

Article source : star-motoring.com [Read more!]

Mitsubishi-based model for Proton confirmed

Proton has announced (through a filing with Bursa Malaysia) that it has signed a Development Agreement to develop a new model with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), its old partner who helped start up the company and provided the first model platforms. Complementary agreements have also been signed relating to the restyling and modification of the new model as well as manufacturing activities for it.

This confirms rumours that a Mitsubishi-based model is likely to feature among Proton’s future products although the Australian-market Mitsubishi 380 that had been identified earlier, supposedly to replace the Perdana, is definitely not the model. It was deemed too big, especially the powerplant, for this market and was also a failure in Australia.

Instead, the strongest rumours are that the Lancer platform is the one which will be the basis of the new Proton model as it seems to be the only one in the Mitsubishi range which would be suited as a Perdana replacement, if not the Waja. However, it is the 14-year old Perdana that needs a brand new replacement more urgently (the earlier hope of cloning a VW was dashed after the Proton-VW talks ended abruptly) whereas the Waja platform could be re-engineered for a second generation. The flagship Chancellor, a long-wheelbase Waja, which is mainly used by government officials is rather dated too.

If it is a Lancer, then it might be a long wheelbase version although the Licensing Agreement with MMC does stipulate that it will be non-exclusive which means that while the design can be exclusive to Proton, MMC could also use the same jointly-developed model for itself. In fact, this type of collaboration is something which was already being explored 8 years ago with the ill-fated Juara. At that time, the expectation was that Proton would initially clone the mini-MPV model and then progressively re-engineer it into a new generation, whereupon MMC would then buy units manufactured by Proton and put the Mitsubishi badge on them. However, the failure of the Juara in the market ended that venture. Interestingly, MMC did later take a small MPV from another manufacturer; in Indonesia, it buys the Suzuki APV and sells it under its own brand.

The choice of a Lancer could have implications for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), which is a subsidiary of MMC. While the Lancer is not its bread-and-butter model (the Triton is), the availability of a Proton variant - which would be much cheaper - could reduce demand for the Lancer in future. Thus, it seems more likely that a long-wheelbase variant will be a better move for both manufacturers as the Lancer can continue to be sold by MMM and the longer-wheelbase variant sold as a Perdana by Proton.

No time-frame has been mentioned for the new model launch but given that it would be a ‘cloning exercise’ on a ready-made platform, the development period could be very fast as it would involve mainly bodyshell design. It could turn out to be something similar looking to the Lancer (or whatever model is chosen), the way the original Saga looked like the 1984 Mitsubishi Lancer or it could look very different, like the Waja which is known to sit on a platform that was used for the 1995 Mitsubishi Carisma/Volvo S40.


MMC is certainly keen to collaborate with Proton as it wants to move beyond a CBU-only business in Malaysia. Its past relationship was certainly a successful one, at least till Proton decided it was big enough to stand on its own and ‘suggested’ to MMC that its presence was no longer needed in 2004.

Commenting on the relationship between MMC and Proton during an informal dinner with Malaysian journalists in KL on Thursday night, MMC President Osamu Masuko said that there is a long history between the two companies and Proton engineers are very familiar with Mitsubishi’s philosophy, approach and engineering so there is a good basis to work together. He said there are also close business ties since MMC supplies many parts, transmissions and V6 engines to Proton and the Japanese carmaker is keen to explore further avenues of collaboration.

Mr Masuko confirmed that the earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2006 had expired last year but the two companies still remained in contact to see what else could be done to work together and presumably, this new development is the result of those extended discussions. It also seems that some elements of the earlier MoU have been retained in a new MoU regarding MMC’s assistance to ‘improve both build and component quality for Proton vehicles’.

In Proton’s filing with Bursa, there is also mention of ‘contract assembly’ on which both companies will conduct feasibility studies over the next 3 months. Mr Masuko told journalists that MMC will start Lancer assembly to ASEAN and suggested that this could be done in Thailand but it is entirely possible that the model could also be assembled here at Proton’s Tg. Malim plant which has lots of spare capacity.
Having MMC as a strategic partner suits Proton well since the Malaysian carmaker has been resisting having equity participation by other carmakers, and from Mr Masuko’s remarks, MMC also has no strong desire to get into equity participation. It was in serious financial difficulties in 2005 after Daimler-Chrysler withdrew from its partnership (‘divorced!’, Mr Masuko quickly corrected when this writer tried to use the ‘diplomatic’ phrase) and nearly had to close down its biggest plant. But today, it is much healthier and has an optimistic growth plan charted up till 2010. So it would be happy to work with its old friend in Malaysia in what can be a win-win situation without corporate entanglements.

Article source : Motortrader.com.my [Read more!]

Police get Lancer Evo

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has acquired 25 units of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (with manual transmission) which will be used alongside the Proton Wajas and Iswaras as patrolcars. The purchase was rumoured for some time but the PDRM did not officially comment on it and it was thought that the cars might be used for undercover purposes.

High-performance models are nothing new to the PDRM and even as far back as the 1970s, the force had a fleet of 2-litre Alfa Romeo Alfettas, the first police force outside Italy to use the Italian cars. Marketed by City Motors at that time, they were assembled at the Swedish Motor Assemblies plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Later on, during the 1980s, the police also purchased a small fleet of Ford TX3s which were used for undercover operations. The cars were unmarked and little was known about them other than that they existed. Around that time, other government agencies like the Customs also used models like the Citroen BX and BMW 318i in order to pursue criminals who had fast machines.

In the 1990s, the Highway Patrol got the powerful Volvo 850 T5 stationwagons which were ideal for use on the North-South Highway. The stationwagons served for some time but today, the Highway Patrol uses Mitsubishi Pajeros, Nissan X-Trails and some Proton Satria GTIs.

The PDRM will be sending its Evo drivers for special training courses so that they will be able to make full use of the car’s performance so illegal racers had better think twice before trying to accelerate away when they see flashing blue lights behind them. The police also say that the cars may have other roles that require high-speed escorts.

As these are government vehicles, the cost would be about half the showroom price of RM324,000 since they are purchased tax-free. Also, the Evo's 295 bhp engine is a thirsty powerplant but since the police also get tax-free petrol, that should not be a worry either!

Article Source : Motor Trader

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Proton PERDANA Replacement Model (PRM)

Words are spreading around about the new Perdana replacement model. Most likely the new perdana will be based on the Australian made Mitsubishi 380.

The mitsubishi 380 based perdana will be most likely to be a replacement to the current Perdana which is based on the Mitsubishi Eterna. However the Mitsubishi 380,as the name implies, uses a 3.8 liter v6 engine. This is a big no no for malaysian market. With fuel prices shooting up like rockets, it is most likely to be replaced with a smaller engine.

The current perdana uses a 6a12 v6 engine from mitsubishi which produces around 150hp which is suitable for platform which weight only 1300kg. But this engine is not suitable for the new perdana as it weight over 1600kg. Expect a 2.2 or 2.4 with at least 160hp engine to be fitted on this 380 based platform.

However this new model can be quite dissapointing for proton fans as proton start to do rebadging again despite of the few successful,proton made model such as the gen 2,satria neo,persona and the new blm.

Whatever it is,lets cross our finger and hope to see an outstanding new perdana which can outperform most of its competitor such as the Mitsubishi Lancer GT and Honda Civic.

Source : Kereta.info
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