Sunday, May 31, 2009

New bumper and grille in Honda CR-V

Here's abut new Honda CR-V.

The refreshed Honda CR-V with new bumpers and grille has been set afloat in the Italian market. Dubbed the CR-V Action Sky and CR-V Action Trend, the new variants feature nothing more than new bumpers and the fog lights pushed a little back has these two parallel plastic slabs that look like an afterthought to me.

Level of equipment has gone slightly up and the addition is worthy of mention. A new radar system mounted up front judges if the car is going to collide with an obstruction in front and brakes automatically. This system is similar to Mercedes Benz’s Distronic Plus system which has saved innumerable lives.

The debate of the automatic braking system subtracting driver involvement is beyond the scope of this blog post.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Volkswagen mini MPV

Abve about Volkswagen mini MPV.

A Volkswagen’s board member confirmed that the German automaker is working on a mini-MPV version of the 2010 Polo along with a “more macho” successor to the Beetle. Han Dieter Potsch said that a “mini-MPV is in an area we have under active consideration. In terms of downsizing, people will not stick to one type of small car or another.”

Sources told AutoCar that many brands struggle with mini-MPVs but when they are planned and executed properly, “they can be complementary.”

Potsch said that Volkswagen has been stepping up R&D efforts to make sure it is not in a troublesome position when the market starts to recover.

As for the “macho Beetle,” sources told AutoCar that the car will be a lot less feminine than before and will be more masculine so guys are interested in buying it.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Perodua has no intension of collaborating with other partner

Here' about Perodua.

KUALA LUMPUR: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has no intention of collaborating with other partners to weather the current economic downturn, says managing director Datuk Syed Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar.

“Our shareholders are cash rich and we do not need additional funds,” he told reporters on the sidelines at the second Kuala Lumpur International Automotive Conference yesterday.

According to the company’s website, Perodua’s shareholders are UMW Corp Sdn Bhd with a 38% stake, Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd (20%), MBM Resources Bhd (20%), PNB Equity Resources Corp Sdn Bhd (10%), Mitsui & Co Ltd (7%) and Daihatsu (M) Sdn Bhd (5%).

“Our shareholders are also very experienced in the automotive industry. Daihatsu is strong in the compact car segment and Toyota (for which a UMW subsidiary is the distributor) is a successful brand around the world,” said Syed Hafiz.

He also said the company had no plans to manufacture hybrid vehicles.

“We are not going to develop hybrids because it is expensive (to manufacture). Our focus is to be as fuel efficient as possible. We just want to produce cars that can give more miles to the gallon. We can’t be like the rest of the world – when fuel prices go up, they talk about hybrids. But when prices go the other way, they forget about it,” Syed Hafiz said.

On the National Automotive Policy, Syed Hafiz said he was supportive of the International Trade and Industry Ministry’s intention to review it and encourage liberalisation within the automotive industry.

“Liberalisation is inevitable but it should be implemented gradually so that local automotive players will not be put out of business overnight. Thousands of jobs and billions of investments are at stake.”

Meanwhile, Proton Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said he welcomed any party that was interested to form an alliance with the company.

“If there are interested parties, they should approach us and we will assess whether it is good for both the company and the country.

“We never said that our doors are closed and we are interested in finding a strategic partner. It could be Chery (Alado), BMW or Volkswagen, so long as it benefits Proton,” he said.

On Perodua’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which it plans to launch later this year and the impact on Proton’s Exora MPV, Syed Zainal said: “We welcome the competition because it will make us work harder.”

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Talks about Kia Ceed Plus

Above is about Kia Ceed Plus.

Kia has put the upcoming Ceed Plus MPV to work, hauling a backseat full of would-be passengers and pulling a trailer somewhere within a mountainous forest in Europe.

And here we get some of the best interior spy shots yet of this hatch-tastic-aspiring new creature. The center console seems practical and within reach of the driver, while the triple circle instrument panel gives it a little sporty-like vivaciousness.

Oh, yes, and those jugs of liquid in the back seats shapped like an upper torso? Those are meant to simulate passengers, most likely children judging by the size, with a weighted suitcase on the floor to simulate the passenger's legs. Jugs of water don't complain and scream and fight and have to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes, so its a sensible substitute.

In these shots we still have a camouflaged front end, but we've previously seen this Kia Ceed Plus MPV without its face mask on and the little tyke bears a striking resemblance to a Ford.

The Ceed Plus MPV will be introduced with two 1.6 liter engine variants, one gasoline/petrol and one diesel, both producing a reasonable 126 hp. More engine choices will likely follow later on.

The Kia Ceed Plus MPV is expected to launch later this year or sometime in early 2010.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Toyota Passo Sette MPV

Above about the new MPV.

Toyota and Daihatsu jointly launched their new 7-seater MPV, based on the Toyota Passo / Daihatsu Sirion (Boon) hatchback. Therefore, this new MPV will be a "preview" to Perodua's new MPV that will be launched this year (I don't know when).


Passo Sette








Not bad right? I find it pretty stylish too!!! Though it seems a little narrow but I guess it's okay if the price is reasonable.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

About Toyota MPV

Here's about Toyota MPV.

The Toyota/Daihatsu will be competing with the Proton MPV as a Perodua which is actually the Perodua MPV rumours which had been around for quite some time.The Malaysian version which is the upcoming Perodua MPV will be launched in Malaysia on the third quarter of 2009 which is just around half a year after the launch of Proton MPV

Eventhough the the Toyota/Daihatsu/Perodua is smaller than the Proton MPV, it will be a tough competitor to the Proton MPV with the clever utilization of the interior which makes the interior roomy and spacious then it looks.

The MPV will be powered by a 1.5 liter 3SZ-VE engine which will drive the front wheel.For the Perodua model, the engine to be used is yet to be confirmed.Most probably it will be powered by a 1.5 DVVT engine.Minor alteration will be done to the MPV as a Perodua MPV such as the shifter location which maybe would be changed to the most common position in Malaysia’s car, between the seats.

Daihatsu Boon Ruminous 1

The TOYOTA PASSO SETTE/DAIHATSU BOON RUMINOUS will be introduced on Christmast (25 DEC 2008) and expected to be priced between 1.45-1.80 million yen (RM56,174-RM69,636)based on the current currency rates.

Toyota Passo Sette

The price for the Perodua MPV is not confirmed yet.But the price should well under RM80k for it to compete with the upcoming Proton MPV and the current hot shot the Nissan Grand Livina and the other competitor such as the Naza Kia Rondo and the Cherry Eastar.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Toyota is the best small MPV

It's about Toyota Verso that winning the title of 'Best Small MPV.

The new 2009 Toyota Verso continues the winning streak of its predecessor, taking the title of Best Small MPV at the Fleet World Honours awards for the third consecutive year.

Presented at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, Richard Balshaw, General Manager for Fleet collected the award and said, "To have retained this award for the third year running is very satisfying. The new Verso with Toyota Optimal Drive raises the quality level in the small MPV market. This is achieved with enhanced specification and safety features, plus improvements to the innovative Easy Flat-7 seating system."

Ken Rogers, Fleet World Editor said: "Based on the Auris platform, the new Verso benefits from Toyota's 'Optimal Drive' technology, a package of features which increased power output by up to 20 per cent, while at the same time achieving reductions in emissions and fuel economy of up to 12 per cent.

"Setting out to appeal to more than just the family audience, new Verso follows in the tyre-tracks of Corolla Verso in terms of seating/load-carrying versatility. And Verso is a full 7-seater. There is a clever fold-flat feature for all five rear seats which significantly boosts both convenience and load-lugging capability for bulky items.

"Important from the fleet perspective, the 2.0 D-4D 130 version hits the target for appropriate taxation/green credentials by keeping beneath the 160g/km Capital Allowance break-point."

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

MPV 2012 for Hyunday

This is about Hyunday 'Ballena"

Inspired by the gigantic hydrodynamic form of a whale, 'Ballena' offers Minivan like visibility, and cargo carrying capability of a truck, all while providing a comfortable interior arrangement, comparable to ones found in four-door sedans.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The new Toyota MPV

Here's about Toyota MPV

SMART drivers definitely won’t need a high IQ to get the point of Toyota’s tiniest tot, the smallest of the company’s four newest models.

The IQ is similar to the Smart in so many ways and yet so much smarter where it matters; four(ish) seats to the Smart’s two, a better Euro NCAP safety rating and blessed with the cheeky Pokémon styling.

Admittedly it’s not going to give you hot-hatch style thrills along the country lanes of North Wales, but it’s still fun to drive, mainly because it’s so easy to hustle through town centre’s and because of how its engine sounds.

Toyota say it has a 1.0 litre petrol engine but – sounding like an F1 car when you push it and eerily quiet when you don’t – this particular powerplant is one which will delight most drivers.

Anyone who expects MPV levels of space is going to be disappointed, the boot is practically non-existent, and it’s not cheap in the way the Aygo, Toyota’s other baby offering, is.

But what it does do is answer age-old questions about how to fit four people into a very small amount of space very intelligently, and its styling is cool in a uniquely Japanese sort of way.

It’s not perfect but you can’t help loving it.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Diesel engine with 2-stroke in Mazda MPV

Above is about 2-stroke engine in Mazda MPV

As the name suggests, these engines work on reciprocating actions of pistons. One stroke means one linear motion of the piston in one direction. When the piston moves in the opposite direction, that is counted as another stroke.

For a 2-stroke engine, the piston has to move up, and then down to complete one cycle of the engine. In those 2 strokes of the piston, the crankshaft will have turned 1 revolution.

The 2 strokes of the piston is to complete 4 stages of the combustion cycle - air intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. As you might have known, in order for a fire (or explosion) to occur to power the engine, we need a fuel, a heat source, and oxygen coming together at the same time.

Remember how the crankshaft and the piston moves in a cylinder? The reciprocating movement of the piston is converted to rotary motion by means of a crankshaft. The piston reciprocates between Top Dead Center and Bottom Dead Center inside the cylinder liner.

One of the most prominent feature of a 2-stroke engine is the presence of air intake ports on the cylinder liner that will enable fresh air to be led in for combustion.

These air inlet ports are cut into the cylinder liner somewhere at the lower end of the latter. In a typical design, the air inlet port are located about 35 degrees from the Bottom Dead Center (BDC).

In many designs, the fresh air that is introduced into the cylinder is also used to drive out the spent exhaust gases inside it. Many designs make use of scavenging air fans like electric blowers or turbochargers to slightly pressurize the intake air before the latter is introduced into the cylinder.

In order to allow the exhaust gases to be expelled from the cylinder, exhaust ports are often cut into the cylinder just like the air intake ports. A typical design will have the exhaust port located about 50 degrees from Bottom Dead Center.

So, let's describe our engine stages at the combustion space between the piston top and the cylinder head.

From Bottom Dead Center (BDC), the piston, full of fresh air, moves up the cylinder liner until it covers up the air intake port. The air intake process stops.

The piston moves further up. It then covers up the exhaust port on the cylinder liner. The exhaust process stops.

The piston moves further up. The air inside the combustion space is compressed and becomes hot. The piston has nearly reached Top Dead Center at this point.

Highly atomized fuel is then injected into the combustion space. The fuel burns rapidly causing an explosion inside the combustion space. The explosion causes a tremendous rise in pressure and the piston is pushed down towards BDC.

As the piston moves down, the exhaust ports uncover about 50 degrees from BDC. Exhaust gases are thus led out from the cylinder. The pressure inside the cylinder drops immediately.

The piston moves further down. At 35 degrees from BDC, it uncovers the air intake port. Fresh air is then led into the cylinder.

The piston then reaches BDC. Because of the momentum created from the force of the explosion, the piston reverses in direction and moves upwards towards Top Dead Center (TDC).

The process then repeats itself.

In some designs, the exhaust gases are removed through an exhaust valve, located at the cylinder head and very similar to the 4-stroke engines. This type of scavenging is called uniflow scavenging. The timing of the valve opening and closing will be controlled by a camshaft, push rods, rocker arms or other similar devices.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Concept of KIA no3

Above is about Kia concept.

The all-new, Kia No3 concept car, which made its world premiere at the 79th Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva, redefines the small MPV genre by creating a spacious, functional car that is also beautiful and fun-to-drive. The concept features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the evolving 'face of Kia' which displays the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation.

The 4045 mm long concept, which is finished in matt Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents, stands out from the crowd with its powerful proportions, dynamic lines, a modern, sophisticated interior and generous cabin space for flexible use. It delivers urban utility with a sporty touch.

The car brings all the features and strengths of a highly versatile multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) into the urban compact class, combining up-to-date mobility with individual style. Kia No3 excels in particular through its unique design language characterised by refreshing clarity and modern, youthful sportiness.

Presenting a concept car of this calibre, Kia Motors Corporation is taking another step in its transition to being a globally oriented, design-focused carmaker. Kia No3 was created with the European market in mind, by Chief Designer Gregory Guillaume at the Kia Design Centre in Frankfurt (Germany) under the guidance of Kia's Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. The concept demonstrates Kia's newly created design language in the treatment of surfaces and the flow of lines as well as the evolving 'face of Kia' which is destined to appear on all future Kia models.


Compact sportiness combined with versatility and spaciousness creates a unique interaction and a truly innovative style in Kia No3. The new concept car establishes the image of the brand and Kia's new design philosophy that will extend beyond the segment of compact cars. The fresh 'face' of the brand is clearly characterised by the proportions of three crucial elements and the relationship between them — the new radiator grille, the extra-large headlights, and the brand logo placed precisely on the centre-line, create a new 'constellation' that will also be highlighted on Kia's future models.

Extremely short overhangs accentuate the compact exterior dimensions of the car, powerfully contoured bumpers and large wheel arches as well as extra-large diameter wheels, bring out the sporty character of Kia No3. The concept clearly boasts a dynamic wedge shape characterised in particular by the window graphics and the lines rising up to the rear. The rear light clusters are wrapped distinctly around the side panels.

Nineteen-inch light-alloy wheels running on all-weather high-speed tyres, provide a clear hint at the car's sporting performance. The wheel rims, painted black on the outside and finished in glossy chrome on the inside, exude a strong feeling of power.

Kia No3's long wheelbase (2615 mm) and short overhangs front and rear, together with generous height (1600 mm) and width (1760 mm), provide all the features and qualities typical of an MPV. Extra comfort and space, plus the economic use of the available space are ensured by the ergonomically ideal, slightly elevated seating position. The split rear seats are adjustable independently, with sliding and folding functions.

An extra-large panorama glass roof extends directly out of the windscreen and stretches all the way to the rear spoiler. The result is not only excellent all-round visibility, but also a truly generous feeling of interior space. A diagonally arranged roofbar barely breaks the elegant, seemingly uninterrupted flow of the tinted glass surface.

The highlights of the car's exterior design — modern style, individual character, sporty performance, and unparalleled diversity — also characterise the interior, taking up and repeating the contrast of high-gloss white and black surfaces. Kia No3 clearly demonstrates the highlights of Kia's future in interior design, with the focus on sophisticated materials, top-quality finish, stylish features, and the most advanced IT technology — all combined with a contemporary lifestyle feeling.

Kia No3 is the forerunner of future production model which will combine compact B-segment exterior dimensions with the interior spaciousness and versatility that is more typical of a C-segment car. The concept's name 'Kia No3' is related to the production car's position (third in terms of size after Picanto and Rio) in the future Kia model line-up.

Friday, May 15, 2009

The new Citra from Kia Carens

This is about the new Citra from Kia Carens/Rondo

The new Citra II is adapted from the latest Kia Carens/Rondo and is a full model change. It rides on Kia’s MG platform which is also used for the latest Optima sedan and also has the 2-litre petrol engine with CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) which puts out 145 ps at 6000 rpm and 189 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine is the GEMA engine which was jointly developed by Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler. Claimed performance with the standard 4-speed electronic automatic Shiftronic transmission (manual sequential shift also possible) is 11 seconds for 0 – 100 km/h and a top speed of 190 km/h.

Sharing the platform with the Optima means it has a front suspension consisting of MacPherson struts hinged off a subframe and 2700 mm away (wheelbase), a rear suspension with a multi-link layout. Surprisingly, the wheelbase is 20 mm shorter than that for the Optima and in fact, the Citra II has a smaller ‘footprint’ than the Optima. However, its roofline is much higher, which tends to give it a somewhat bulbous profile but the explanation is that generous interior headroom was an important consideration.

Disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels and ABS +EBD is standard. There are two wheel sizes – 6Jx15 for the EX version and 6.5Jx16 for the EXS version. Locally-made Goodyear NCT5 tyres are standard rubber.

A lot of effort has gone into bringing down noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the Citra II and sources of NVH in both the bodyshell and the powertrain were directly addressed. One example: the use of a dynamic damper, continuously-variable valve and resonance chamber along the exhaust system cuts down NVH significantly. The use of a morse-type timing chain also reduces noise while providing a more durable timing chain.

Keen to make a strong impression in Europe, Kia has given a lot of attention to safety, which European customers are very concerned about. The Citra II gets all the structural features which make the bodyshell strong and both front occupants have the additional protection of airbags. All seven persons in the cabin get seatbelts and head restraints. Also rare in this class is the impact-sensing door unlock system which makes it easier for rescuers to get injured occupants out after an accident.

At RM84,888 (RM4,000 more for the EXS version), the Citra II Rondo is certainly going to challenge the Nissan Grand Livina but Naza-Kia is not looking at beating the Nissan since their target for the Citra II is around 200 units a month (the Grand Livina does about a thousand units a month). It would probably also appeal to Toyota Avanza owners who want to move up but who do not want to get a much bigger MPV like the Innova. With its passenger car platform and dynamics, it should also be an easy transition for those who are moving from a sedan to a MPV.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The new Perodua Kembara

Above is about the new Perodua Kembara

An interview with Perodua managing director Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar in The Edge Weekly has revealed some plans about Perodua this year. For one, Perodua will be undergoing a rebranding sometime in the middle of the year, which will coincide with the launch of the new Perodua Kembara. The rebranding exercise will also give Perodua a new logo, which will be more of a restyled evolution of the current one rather than something new.

The new Perodua Kembara will come with a 1.5 liter engine (likely the 3SZ-VE) and will have four-wheel drive. It will not be assembled locally by Perodua but will be a CBU import from Japan. It will be a low volume product, and the expected price tag is likely to be more than the Toyota Rush because of its higher specs (the 4WD drivetrain) and Japan sourcing. It will be targetted at the urban, upper-middle income group. Expect the new Perodua Kembara to be based on the short wheel base Daihatsu Terios with a May 2008 launch date.


Another surprise revealed in the article is Perodua’s plans for 2009. Perodua will launch a new three row 6-seater MPV in September 2009. Datuk Hafiz likened it to a Toyota Wish, but a smaller version. I wonder what could this be based on. Can’t really think of any compact 6-seaters from Daihatsu/Toyota other than the Daihatsu Gran Max, but that’s more of a Rusa-like van.

If you read this article by Xinhua News Agency posted on the 5th of March 2008. it is revealed that Toyota and Daihatsu is developing a new MPV in Indonesia. The MPV is set to be launched in 2009. This model is could be the one that the new 2009 Perodua MPV will be based on.

Anyway whatever it is, it’s something to look forward to next year. 2009 seems to be the year of the MPVs.
As Proton gears up for its Proton Exora MPV to be launched next week, our other national carmaker Perodua is also prepping up its Perodua MPV, set to be launched in Q3 this year. The new Perodua MPV is internally called the Perodua D46T codename and is expected to be priced between RM57K to RM66k, according to Perodua MD Datuk Syed Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar in Bernama.

The new Perodua D46T will be based on the Toyota Passo Sette, also known as the Daihatsu Boon Luminas. It measures 4,180mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,620mm tall, with a long 2,750mm wheelbase to maximize the interior space (2,550mm long).

It sits 6 or 7, depending on how big the people are, but the intention is 7 of course, because some of the Japanese model pix shows 3 headrests for the 2nd row. The same Bernama report also confirmed it will come with a 1.5 liter engine, likely the 3SZ-VE in transverse-mounted front wheel drive configuration.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Facts about MPV concept

This is about MPV concept from Ford

The iosis MAX, on display now at the Geneva Show, is a concept which, on the face of it, seems like a prelude to a future sporty MPV (or MAV - for multi-activity vehicle - as Ford likes to call it).

Ford iosis MAX 01.

In fact, it isn't that at all. Ford of Europe's design chief Martin Smith admits that the iosis MAX "isn't a forerunner to a specific production vehicle". Instead it represents the next step forward in Ford's "kinetic" design language, and possibly gives an idea of what future C-segment cars (the equivalent of the current Focus and its derivatives) may look like.

The concept also has more immediate relevance than that, though. It's fitted with a 1.6-litre version of the new EcoBoost petrol engine which is due to be fitted to production Fords starting early next year. It's turbocharged and produces a maximum of just under 180bhp, so straightline performance should be present in abundance, but the main point is that it's another example of the motor industry's gradual move to small, forced-induction engines which give very impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions in the official EU test, even if those figures are increasingly irrelevant to what owners will actually experience.

With the PowerBoost engine, a stop/start system (also due for introduction in 2010), an "intelligent" alternator which is used only when required and a Powershift automated manual gearbox - which we tested in a Focus a few months ago - with ratios chosen specifically for economy, the iosis MAX has a projected CO2 figure of just 125g/km. That equates to combined fuel economy of just over 50mpg, making the concept comparable to a current 1.25-litre petrol Fiesta.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Mitsubishi Grandis offers modern safety features

Here is Mitsubishi Grandis features.

Mitsubishi Grandis ticks all the boxes for those needing space, performance and economy at a value for money price.

The Japanese company was among the first to enter the MPV market 25 years ago with the Space Wagon and the benefits of this experience are applied to the Grandis.

The entry-level Equippe version I drove is powered by a state-of-the-art 2.0-litre Volkswagen-sourced diesel engine that returns an average fuel economy figure of 43mpg - not bad for a big people carrier.

The oil burner's performance married to a slick six-speed manual gearbox also helps the Grandis feel quite nippy with a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds.

Mitsubishi ensures the Grandis competes strongly on price with other seven-seat MPVs and it is also generously kitted out. All models are fitted with climate control, remote central locking, cruise control, six speaker radio/CD autochanger, leather steering wheel and gearknob, alarm and immobiliser, rear parking sensors and a natty display in the rear view mirror that shows you what is going on behind the car.

Step up to the Elegance model and alloy wheels, dual sunroof, stability and traction controls, are among the additions to the mix.

There's a decent three year/unlimited mileage warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion perforation warranty and three years pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance.

The interior of the Grandis marks a major improvement in quality for Mitsubishi. The cabin is smartly styled, with materials that feel as if they will stand up to the attentions of the little monsters in the back.

It also features the Hide & Seat system - a rear row of seats that can be individually folded away into the floor in a simple operation that takes seconds. This clever idea creates extra luggage capacity without the problems of folding, removing, carrying and storing heavy seats. Folding the second and third row of seats boosts luggage space from 320litres to a massive 1545litres.

Grandis offers modern safety features such as EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), driver and passenger front and side airbags plus curtain airbags for the first and second row of seats.

Get behind the wheel and the car is surprisingly relaxing to drive with a good view guaranteed by the high-up driving position. It is designed with low centre of gravity, long wheelbase and wide tracks for car-like agility and sits on a high-strength steel chassis designed to offer good levels of rigidity and excellent protection in the event of a crash. One quibble though is with the steering which feels over-powered giving little feeling for what is happening on the road.

The Grandis may be a giant but it is quite refined with noise and vibration levels reduced by extensive use of sound-absorbing materials.

Mitsubishi's people carrier rides on a revised rear suspension that has been tuned to provide good levels of passenger ride comfort and a decent drive. Yes some of the bigger bumps can make their presence felt in the cabin and cornering at pace is not one of its strengths - but by and large journeys are pretty smooth. Basically like most people carriers the Grandis is a cruiser rather than a country lane bruiser.

FAST FACTS:

Mitsubishi Grandis 2.0 DI-D Equippe

Price: £18,999

Mechanical: 134bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 121mph

0-62mph: 10.8secs

Combined mpg: 43

Insurance group: 14

CO2 emissions: 176g/km

BiK rating: 26%

Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited mileage, 6yrs anti-rust, 6yrs paint

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Honda achive the award 'Best MPV Medium'

Honda successful achieve.

Automotive Award at the 2009 event that took place on 2 May 2009, the car Hatchback are the
All New Honda Jazz successfully achieve the title of Car Of The Year in 2009 after surpass 21 other car brand has been assessed by the jury Automotive Award independently. In addition to successfully achieve the title of ‘Car Of The Year 2009′, All New Jazz category also awarded ‘Best Hatchback Low’.
Not only the All New Jazz just get the award, the production car that Honda also received other awards as the best vehicle to be marketed during the year 2008. Honda CRV successfully achieve the award ‘Best MPV Medium’, and Honda Civic also successfully achieved the award category ‘Best Medium Sedan’.
About the title ‘Car Of The Year 2009′ be the All New Jazz, Jonfis Fandy, Marketing & After sales Service PT. Honda Prospect Motor said, “The All New Jazz achieve the highest degree in any event the more prestigious award reinforces this model as the best model in its class. Beside that Toyota get sixth award at the event AUTOMOTIVE AWARD 2009 that is:
1. Toyota Vios – Best Small Sedan
2. Toyota Camry – Best Mied Sedan Premium
3. Toyota Avanza – Best Mini MPV
4. Toyota Kijang Innova – Best Medium MPV
5. Toyota Kijang Innova – Best MPV Diesel
6. Toyota Hilux – Best Budget Low SUV
Automotive Award event in the 2009 Toyota released the new list price. Toyota re-released list of all the unit price of Toyota in May 2009, valid Jakarta area. Compared to April 2009 have not changed in that unit except Land Cruiser Haga (LC). Please download the list price Official Toyota Month in May 2009. Then you scroll down to the bottom and note the price of a new LC Diesel.

Friday, May 8, 2009

New MPV features

Above is about Perodua MPV features.

Gearbox


The most unique feature that we rarely see on other car is the gear shifter position. The gear shifter in the new MPV will be placed beside the steering. Which means we can have more space in front seat perhaps even sit 3 people. Sound's great to me.

Besides that, the gearbox for new MPV will be CVT transmission. It is a type of semi auto gearbox which can be function as both manual and auto. So it will have the benefit of auto convenience and manual's fuel saving ability.

Automated rain wiper

This is another unique feature provided in the new MPV that we cannot found on its same class. This feature operates by adding a sensor element so that the rain wiper can be adjusted to appropriate wiping speed according to the raining condition. It even can be switched on automatically when there is a rain. Smart feature that eliminate the need for us to control the wiper when rain provide us with more focus on the road.


Automated 2nd row and 3rd row seat folding.

Another smart feature that makes the MPV be the first of its class. This functions operate with a electric motor to fold the seat automatically with the touch of a button. This feature normally only can be seen in luxury mpv.



Coming soon: New Perodua MPV

It's about new MPV.

An interview with Perodua managing director Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar in The Edge Weekly has revealed some plans about Perodua this year. For one, Perodua will be undergoing a rebranding sometime in the middle of the year, which will coincide with the launch of the new Perodua Kembara. The rebranding exercise will also give Perodua a new logo, which will be more of a restyled evolution of the current one rather than something new.

The new Perodua Kembara will come with a 1.5 liter engine (likely the 3SZ-VE) and will have four-wheel drive. It will not be assembled locally by Perodua but will be a CBU import from Japan. It will be a low volume product, and the expected price tag is likely to be more than the Toyota Rush because of its higher specs (the 4WD drivetrain) and Japan sourcing. It will be targetted at the urban, upper-middle income group. Expect the new Perodua Kembara to be based on the short wheel base Daihatsu Terios with a May 2008 launch date.

Another surprise revealed in the article is Perodua’s plans for 2009. Perodua will launch a new three row 6-seater MPV in September 2009. Datuk Hafiz likened it to a Toyota Wish, but a smaller version. I wonder what could this be based on. Can’t really think of any compact 6-seaters from Daihatsu/Toyota other than the Daihatsu Gran Max, but that’s more of a Rusa-like van.

Anyway whatever it is, it’s something to look forward to next year. 2009 seems to be the year of the MPVs.

Prime concept of Proton Exora

This is about prime concept of Proton Exora.

Proton Design showcased two modified Proton Exora MPVs at the launch of the Exora. Some of you may have already seen these cars during the live telecast on TV1, but here is a closer look at the two vehicles. This is the white one called the Proton Exora Prime. Here’s the stuff that Proton Design added to the Exora Prime:

  • Pearl White Exterior
  • Double Fin Front Bumper Grille
  • Corporate Graphic At FR Door Trim
  • High Gloss Black Side Mirrors
  • High Glass Black Roof
  • Wrap-around Satin Galvano Foglamp Garnish
  • Customised Side Skirts
  • Customised Rear Apron with Integrated Exhaust
  • Customised Satin Galvano Glass Trim
  • Clear Rear Brake Lamps
  • Tinted Glass
  • 17 inch Wheels with 215/45R17 tyres
  • 2-DIN DVD player with integrated GPS
  • Rear view mirror with integrated LCD for reverse camera
  • 1st and 2nd row pilot seats with integrated LCD and mobile theater system
  • Cooler box for the floor console

Proton Exora Concept

Here is about Proton Exora concept.


This is the other concept Proton Exora which Proton Design whipped up in conjunction with the Exora’s launch. The Proton Exora Prestige converts the Exora into a VIP chauffeured car with a lounge behind where one can either continue to work on the move or relax on the way home after a stressful day.

There is of course a bodykit which includes a double fin front bumper grill, warp-around chrome foglamp garnish, a front lip, side skirts, rear apron with integrated quad exhausts, a rear roof spoiler, chrome glass trimming, chrome side protector moulding, a customised smoked rear brake lamp, tinted glass, and 18 inch wheels with 224/40R18 tyres.

In the interior, the first row is separated from the rest of the vehicle via a glass panel to give the boss at the back some privacy. The rear passenger can communicate with the driver via an intercom. This privacy glass panel includes a 19 inch LCD TV.

The VIP seats have electric adjustments, a massage system, and a built-in working table. Other creature comforts include a nice sound system including two 8 inch subwoofers to match the 5.1 channel DVD player, a stow-away footrest and a cooler box.

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