Perodua Alza Launched!!

Perodua has lifted the veil of its much anticipated Mini MPV called ALZA which means ‘to rise’ in Spanish. Perhaps a more 'Malaysian' name will be much nicer to the ears. The ALZA is basically a redesign Toyota Passo Sette/Daihatsu Boon Luminas which is supposedly aimed at the Proton Exora. The Exora being a 'full size' MPV can accommodate 7 passengers comfortably but I doubt the ALZA can beat that hence the ALZA should be pitched against the Nissan Livina & Toyota Avanza. To be honest with you the Alza is much more of a 5+2 (the 2 person at the third row has to be tiny to be comfy :(

The Alza and Avanza actually use the same 3SZ-VE engine (DOCH,16V with DVVT Technology) though the Alza’s is transverse and the Avanza’s is longitudinal for rear wheel drive installation. Perodua claims that the 3SZ-VE engine churns out 76kW(104ps) at 6000rpm with torque values 136Nm peaking at 4400 rpm. The engine is coupled with either a 5 speed manual transmission or a 4 speed auto gear box. There are two trims of Alza both available in manual & auto transmission. The Auto Transmission is located on the instrument panel but the manual stick is located at the center console exactly like the Myvi.


Externally the premium version Alza can be differentiated from the standard version through the availability of front fog lamps & a rear spoiler. Perodua has decided to retain the stylish alloy rims throughout the whole range unlike the 2 different types of rims found on the Myvi to differentiate between the 1.0 & 1.3 liter variant.

Where the exterior of the Alza does not differ much as far as the trim is concern, the interior tells a different story of diversity. The standard version comes with amber illumination for the Optitron meter combination while the premium one gets blue illumination. The door arm rest is coated with silver paint & internal door handles are treated to chrome finish for the premium spec while the standard version has to settle for the "material colour" which is black.


Another obvious thing you will notice about the premium version is the steering wheel. The higher grade Alza features a leather-wrapped wheel with audio swithches while the lower spec version gets a bare steering wheel.

There is a difference in seat cover material between the two trims but seats from both variant remain as comfy. In fact the Alza seats provide better thigh support for the second row passenger as opposed to the Myvi.

I did not get a chance to try out the integrated audio system on the Alza. In fact when I was in the showroom, there was a lion dance troop strutting their stuff to the point that I have to shout with the sales person to communicate. I can assure you that the integrated unit on the Alza looks & feels better than the ones found on the Myvi. The buttons actually "sinks into the console" when it is pressed thus providing the user a better feedback & a sense of quality. Try the ones on the Myvi followed by the ones on the Alza to see what I mean. The unit glows with same colour as the your meter combination. While both trim's audio system supports CD & MP3/WMA files, the premium version has additional USB & bluetooth support.


The premium Alza gets dual SRS airbags, ABS, EBD & BA(Break Assist) while the standard version is devoid of any form of these passive safety equipment. A mistake worth condemning as the much cheaper Naza Forza is equipped with two airbags. A new technology used prevents you from locating the position of the airbag as the cut out piece of plastic covering the airbag compartment is missing.

The plastic used on the instrument panel may not be the best out there but it has a softer(more rubbery feel) texture compared to the ones used on the Myvi. Unfortunately that is only true for the upper half of the instrument panel. The lower half is ruined by cheapo looking grey plastics. Cargo space at the rear is extremely limited when the third row seat is up.

Finally the price list of the Perodua Alza is listed below. Frankly it should be priced lower than what it is now but given Perodua's confidence of selling the Alza like hot cakes, lowering the price is the last thing on their mind now.





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Alfa Romeo 169 Renderings

These are renderings of the upcoming Alfa Romeo's flagship saloon 169. Autoexpress claims this images to be the closest thing you can get to the real one. A 450bhp 4.7-litre V8 from the 8C Competizione supercar could find its way into a range-topping GTA variant might find its way into the 169. The 169 is squarely aimed at the bimmer % series & Mercedes E63 AMG. Here is how Autoexpress describes the car :

The 169 heralds a new styling direction for the firm. While the grill is still very much part of the Alfa family, the rear end is all-new while the overall exterior will take inspiration from the new crop of four-door coupes such as the Mercedes CLS and Audi A5 Sportback.There's even a hint of the elegant Maserati Quattroporte in its flowing profile.

Pitched as a direct 5-series rival, top-end models could even take on the likes of the larger Jaguar XJ. But in order to compete with the established players, Alfa has taken the decision to make the 169 rear wheel drive - ensuring a more dynamic driving expereince.

To achieve this Alfa could borrow the next Chrysler 300C platform - which in itself is a slightly shortened version of the Quattroporte's underpinnings - a perfect example of how the Chrysler-Fiat tie-up will save both companies piles of cash, by stretching their resources across a number of brands.

Whatever it is the Alfa Romeo 169 definitely gets a thumbs up from me (If the actual 169 stayed true to the renderings).

Source : Autoexpress

Bufori CS Come 2010

Bufori plans to build a sports car they describe as " a pure and powerful two-door coupe with a lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar body." While details are limited, the CS will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that "delivers effortless power and an exhilarating driving experience." Other performance features include an advanced space frame chassis, unequal upper and lower control arms, and a fully-adjustable coil over suspension.

The company has also announced plans to build a racing version of the CS, called the Bufori BMS R1. Jointly-developed with Axle Motorsport, the BMS R1 will make its racing debut at the 56th Macau Grand Prix.

According to Bufori's general manager of marketing and operations, Felix Haller, "After two years of hard work in designing and developing our new sports car, the Bufori CS, we are very proud that a racing version of our car has been developed and will have its first public appearance at such a prestigious event as the Macau Grand Prix. We could not have wished for a better occasion. Our intention is to transfer the racing technology to the road version of the Bufori CS and bring in all the qualities for which Bufori is renowned".

My advice to Bufori is go back to the drawing board & redesign the whole car. It does not look attractive at all eventhough the car may handle like a Porsch.




Source : WorldCarFans

Ferrari To Consider Turbocharging

Ferrari is considering using turbocharging in future engines, but it needs to improve the forced induction technology before it will make its cars available with the set-up.

Speaking with Britain's Autocar magazine, Ferrari engine chief Jean-Jacques confirmed that the company is preparing to use turbochargers, but that it will take time to develop a new version that will mitigate the effects of turbo lag. This confirms the patent drawings that leaked out earlier this year revealing a developmental two-stage turbocharging system from Ferrari.

He went on to explain that a delay of any sort before the power arrived was unacceptable for a Ferrari engine.It’s unlikely that Ferrari will be using Multiair, the Fiat Group’s variable valve technology, any time soon, though.

He said Ferrari had tried applying the system to an F430’s V8 but couldn’t get it to work at the power outputs required.“The main benefit from Multiair comes in torque,” he said, “and it is difficult to get it to work at high revs.”The report does confirm, however, that the dual-clutch transmission launched on the California is capable of handling the power from V12 engines, suggesting that the gearbox may be implemented across the range for future models.

His also said Ferrari’s dual-clutch transmission, currently only available in V8-engined Ferraris, was suitable for V12 cars and would work up to 10,000rpm.

Source : Autocar.uk

Renault Brings Back Gordini

The first new-generation Gordini will be based on the Renaultsport Twingo 133, and be unveiled on 25 November 2009 at Renault's premier showroom on the Champs Elysees. The new car will be called the Twingo Gordini RS, and then a Clio Gordini RS will follow in spring 2010.

When & Who invented the "Gordini" name? Well back in 1964 when Amedee Gordini developed a rally car based on the Renault 8. The R8 Gordini finished 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th in the 1964 Tour of Corsica rally and two years later, the Gordini Cup one-make race series was established.

The Gordini cars will be priced above their Renaultsport siblings, but there won’t be any mechanical differences between the two brands. Both will share the same Renaultsport engines and choice of regular or Cup suspension setups.

'We’re not creating a substitute for other Renaultsport models. It’s something new. Gordini is for a chic sport clientele and not for purists,' said Eric Zuber, Renault's head of brand marketing and brand promotion. According to Zuber the Gordini cars will be 'more premium, chic and more exclusive.' There’s no indication yet about how big the price premium will be.






Source : CAR

2.0 liter Volvo S40 with Powershift Now In Malaysia

The Volvo S40 has been updated to incorporate Volvo's version of the Dual-Clutch Transmission called the Powershift. The powershift means the Volvo S40 now has a smoother ride thanks to inherent properties of Dual-Clutch Transmission which is able to up & downshift almost seamlessly.

Volvo claims that the 6-speed Powershift transmission coupled with a 2.0 liter engine results in 11% improvement of fuel efficiency over its predecessor. The 2.0 liter engine churns out a maximum power of 145hp @ 6000 rpm & 185Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. The S40 can do a century sprint in 9.8 seconds with top speed of 205km/h. Fuel efficiency is now rated at 8.1 liters per 100km.

Among the visible exterior updates on the S40 includes new alloy wheels design, bumper and front grill. On the inside we will have aluminium inlays on the floating console instead of the wooden one shown in the pictures. The new Volvo S40 goes for RM 169,950 without insurance.














s40-2.0-pricelist

Car review : 2009 Renault Sport 250

The Renault Sport 250 is arguably the hottest-ever RenaultSport Megane hatch. Two versions are available that is the Sport & Cup. The Sport costs more because of its higher standard equipment (climate control, electric leather seats, automatic lights and wipers and more), but the lighter Cup with its more aggressive chassis setup is the one for trackday regulars – and its lesser spec means it’s £1000 cheaper at £21,995.

Both variants of the Megane RS (that's short for RenaultSport) are fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 250HP at 5,500 rpm and 340Nm of peak torque at 3,000 rpm. The six-speed manual gearbox completes the drivetrain propels the RS from o-100km/h in 6.1 seconds and the 1,000-metre standing start said to be covered in 25.7 seconds.

How much?	£21,995
On sale in the UK:	Now
Engine:	1998cc 16v 4cyl turbo, 247bhp @ 5500rpm, 251lb ft @ 3000rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Performance:	1387kg/steel
How heavy / made of?	4299/1848/1435
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	6.1sec 0-62mph, 156mph, 33.6mpg, 195g/km

Here are what the experts have to say about the Car :

Channel4 : Channel4 Review of Renault Megane RS
CAR :

How does it drive?

It’s a corker. The electrically assisted steering is much nicer than the previous generation Megane's, having a more progressive build in weight away from the straight ahead, seamlessly increasing its resistance in proportion to your efforts. The gearchange, too, is much improved. It still feels fairly long of throw, but the engagement feels tighter.

The standard 250 Sport comes without the CUp's limited slip differential, but its grip and the way it powers through turns could fool you into thinking otherwise – you can get on the power stupidly early, and the more power you feed in, the more keenly it pulls through the bend.

The engine lacks character (its just a flat roar of boost), and it takes a good 2500rpm to properly get into its stride, but it is still tractable from down low and it charges to its 6500rpm with impressive eagerness. That said, this chassis could easily cope with more. Read More

Car Enthusiast :

A chasm has hitherto existed between the spongy setup of Renault's regular output and the unyielding hardness of Renaultsport's versions - but the Sport RS250 gets the blend spot on. It's firm, but there's an underlying suppleness that prevents it from smacking into potholes and thumping back to ground over crests, yet all the while the body is kept firmly under control.

However, that composure - and the fact the cabin lacks drama - almost belies the savage nature of the way the RS250 gathers speed. The engine note doesn't help either, because at the peak of the rev range the four-pot turbo sounds boisterous rather than tuneful. However, aware of that, Renault has dialled in a loud induction noise that gets more prominent with a prod of the ESP button (aka Renaultsport Dynamic Management). Switchable between on, Sport and off, the button progressively sharpens up the throttle mapping and offers peak torque (251lb.ft) slightly lower in the rev range, as well as loosening up or turning off the stability nannies.

But because it puts all those horses down without a hint of anguish (thanks partly to a torque limit of 236lb.ft in first gear) the feeling can be one of a car perhaps lacking all the visceral edge you'd want. Rapid and composed, yes, but a little too sensible for its body kit.Read More

2010 Nissan Micra Caught In The Flesh

When I saw the sketch of the new Nissan Micra/March I can't help but to feel suspicious that the actual product won't be as eye-catching as promised. These images leaked from Nissan Dongfeng factory in China reveals a boring & cheapo looking Micra which is a far cry from the current generation. The current generation Micra has a premium look & feel to because it was never intended to be a low cost vehicle. The Micra has certainly lost it.

Manual Transmision Nissan Navara Adds To Line-up In Malaysia

The Nissan Navara was given the moniker "The Mother Trucker" when it first arrived in Malaysia because it is bigger than the other trucks available here. The version that made it to our shore is the top of the line Navara that is imported from Thailand. That had cause the Navara to be priced above the 100k mark (RM 105,800 to be exact) and deterred budget conscious consumers. With the manual transmission now available in Malaysia, 400Nm of Torque seems to be more within reach.

Two versions of the 6-speeder is on sale. One is the basic Navara 2.5L 6M/T and another is the Navara 2.5L 6M/T SE. According to Nissan's press release, SE stands for Safety Edition.....perhaps Nissan is coaxing its customers into getting the 'pricier + safer version'. Anyway, This new “Safety Edition” also gets the necessary airbag software updates that resolves the bad crash test results in early 2008. The base 6M/T does not have the dual SRS front airbags, ABS brakes and EBD and the 6M/T SE model has.

The manual transmission Navara has the YD25DDTi 2.5 liter engine producing 174 PS and 403Nm of torque (identical to the automatic version). The Navara M/T also gets the Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD system as the 5A/T, which allows 2WD/4WD shifting using a dial at speeds of less than 100km/h.

For the smaller price tag Nissan has featured some downgrades for your stick shift Navara. The xenon headlamps are replaced by halogens, the seats are fabric, the rearview mirrors lose their auto-dimming function, the CD changer is replaced with a single-CD, and the 6 speaker system has been downgraded to 4 speakers (they probably removed the 2 tweeters).Some plastic bits in the interior which used to have a silver finish have been replaced by the same beige interior colour. On the outside, the door mirrors have their chrome finish replaced by body colour. The only thing I don't like about the Navara is the upright rear passenger seat. So far the most comfortable back seat is available on the Mitsubishi Triton.

Nissan Navara 2.5L 6M/T – RM89,800.00
Nissan Navara 2.5L 6M/T SE – RM94,800.00
Nissan Navara 2.5L 5A/T LE – RM105,800.00



Source : Nissan