Win a Sutera Sportivo at Naza Corp outlets

Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd will be organizing a contest for buyers of the Naza Sutera where buyers can win a Sutera Sportivo. Those who buy a Sutera during the promotion period will also be able to bring home a 29 inch �Slim Fit� television set upon successful registration of their new car.

The promotion will run from 14th March 2008 to 23rd March 2008. Twenty three Naza Corporation dealers are participating in this promotion and interested buyers are advised to check out the nearest Naza Corporation dealer. Alternatively, interested customers may also call the Customer Careline at 03-2617 7777 for more information pertaining to this offer and the whereabouts of the participating dealers.

Selected dealers will also be having open houses for customers on the 14th to 16th March and 21st to 23rd March 2008.

All-new Corolla Altis in Toyota showrooms now

By Dr Long

The 10th generation Toyota Corolla has been revealed to the media today. You will no doubt get very comprehensive press releases from other online sources - websites and blogs - later tonight. For a change, here is a pictorial summary based on a showroom 'sneak' preview of the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8E. Please click on all images for larger view.

Front end is more promising than the Japanese market Corolla Axio. Note fog lamp housing/cut-out resembling new Lexus IS250. Alloys design pinched from Lexus. 16" Michelin MXV8 standard for 1.8 and 15" for 1.6.

Dash design and two-tone theme takes the safe non-opinion splitting route. Soft touch materials on top of dash top and door trim commendable. Dual SRS Airbags standard for all models. Rack assistance is electric powered now.
Proven and economical 4-pot carried over from last Altis 1.8. Max power/torque of 132ps @ 6000rpm/170Nm @ 4200rpm.

One of the best angle of the new 10th generation Corolla, imported (CBU) form Thailand this time around. Large centric T-badge carries much weight to many die-hard fans.

Things starting to look a little jaded (deja-vu) starting from here.

Sideline is very familiar though upon closer look has convex-concave surfacing especially at shoulder line of front door. Window frames appeared to be recycled as well. Wheelbase at 2600mm (and platform) same as previous Corolla Altis.
Two tiered glovebox for more storage options.
Gated gear lever with manual shifting (+/-) options. Retains 4A/T of predecessor for both 1.6 and 1.8. Climate control A/C only for 1.8 model.

Capacious boot with moulded luggage tray as standard.

Rear headlamps also mimics the IS250 wrapround kink at lateral aspects. Overall rear profile still imparts much sense of deja-vu. New model has larger presence now and design appears more convincing in the metal.

Confirmed prices for the 10th generation Corolla Altis are (on-the-road with insurance):

1.6E: RM102,900

1.8E: RM109,900

1.8E Sporty: RM112,250

1.8G: RM117,900

1.8G Sporty: RM120,250

Note: Sporty spec denotes additional bodykit and bootlip spoiler.

*Kindly cantact Peter Ho for more information, test drive appointment and booking: 012-3909688 (Peninsular Malaysia only)

Related posts:

http://autocarsp.blogspot.com/2008/03/2008-all-new-toyota-corolla-altis.html

http://autocarsp.blogspot.com/2008/02/2008-toyota-altis-on-sale-in-thailand.html

http://autocarsp.blogspot.com/2007/06/2007-all-new-toyota-corolla-sedan.html

Mercedes-Benz R280L in Malaysia now

For 2008 in Malaysia, the rather pointless R350L has given way to a new leaner R280L. The all aluminium M272 is now a 3.0 V6 capable of 231bhp and 300Nm of torque between 2500 to 5000rpm. Despite the smaller engine displacement, by driving just the rear axle (RWD instead of 4Matic), the drivetrain is still able to push this 5.16metre behemoth of an MPV (Grand Sports Tourer in Merc speak) from rest to 100km/h in 9.6secs, on the way to a top end of 220km/h.

Chief difference between the R280L and the 2006/07 R350L is the addition of a 7th seat - making it more practical now - sandwiched between two full-sized 2nd row chairs, which have given up its captain status. Apart from that, the R280L has a regular metal sunroof, in place of the costlier Panoramic - full length tinted glass - roof of the R350L (as depicted in pics above and below).

The new R280L retails for RM458,888 (on-the-road sans insurance) and is available at Mercedes-Benz dealers for booking now. Airmatic suspension, 7-G Tronic transmission and EASY-PACK (electric-powered hatch) tailgate are some standard features similar to the R350L. Shapelier and sportier AMG rear bumper is now standard with the 2008 R-Class.

Infiniti FX50

Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, has revealed their FX50 super-size SUV - replacing its predecessor FX45 - at Geneva 2008. The 2009 FX will be powered by a new 5.0L V8 capable of 390hp and 500Nm, which succeeds the 4.5L (320hp) V8 of the FX45. Also available will be an FX Sport Package that adds on Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension, Rear-Active Steer and 21-inch alloys. Infiniti claims that this option will improve chassis balance and handling.

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo gets even more power!

As if 520hp wasn't enough, Lamborghini has facelifted its desirable and successful-running Gallardo for 2009 model year. The makeover entails improved mechanicals and tuning to its 5.2L V10, bumped up to produce 560hp at a rather manic 8000rpm. Aesthetics nip and tuck include an aggressively restyled front bumper (ala Reventon) plus rear end et al, which further emphasise the 2009 Gallardo LP560-4 sporting intentions.

Under the skin, an approximate 20kg reduction in weight has been achieved, which in turn improves the power-to-weight ratio to 2.5kg per hp and hence zippiness. Claimed performance figures are 0-100km/h in 3.7secs, and this Gallardo will accelerate all the way to 325km/h on permitting open road. In tune with the times, Lamborghini also claims that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by as much as 18% despite higher performance figures.

2008 All-New Toyota Corolla Altis: Indicative pricings ahead of launch

Admittedly in media teaser ads to be due March 14th 2008 in all of UMW Toyota (and authorised dealers') showrooms, here are the estimated prices of the new all-new Corolla Altis:

1.6E : RM102,900

1.8E : RM109,900

1.8G : RM117,900

Related posts:

http://autocarsp.blogspot.com/2008/02/2008-toyota-altis-on-sale-in-thailand.html

http://autocarsp.blogspot.com/2007/06/2007-all-new-toyota-corolla-sedan.html

2009 Ford Fiesta

Click on images to enlarge
An all-new Ford Fiesta (5-door hatchback) for 2009 model year has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2008. Petrol engine options include two 1.2L in different state of tune (60ps or 80ps), a 1.4L (91ps) and a 1.6L (115ps).