BMW 320i Highline promotion

In response to the newly launched Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor (W204), BMW Malaysia is currently offering a limited edition BMW 320i Highline, which runs a production of only 88 units.

More executive-looking the even the SE variant, it features a full-chrome windows outline, more elegant 17-inch alloys, tinted rear tail lights, Burr Walnut interior trim plus beige or black Dakota leather upholstery. External paint choices are however, limited to only platinum bronze metallic or black sapphire metallic.

The 320i Highline retails for RM242,800 (OTR without insurance).

Call BMW Voice for more info at 1-800-88-3000.

Mazda5 gets facelifted for 2008

One of the most tidy-looking midi-MPV around, the Mazda5 will undergo a mid-life update to keep it fresh ahead for 2008 and beyond. The MRZ 2.0-litre petrol engine has been completely revised and now has drive-by-wire throttle and sequential variable valve timing (S-VT), much like the current (facelifted) Mazda6 2.0L. The auto �box will have an extra cog with the updating exercise making it a 5-speed torque converter. According to Mazda, the new motor uses 4 percent less fuel than the outgoing 2.0L 4-pot. The facelifted MPV also features new front dampers and a refined suspension along with a newly optimized brake booster.

The 2008 Mazda5 will continue to have bilateral power sliding rear doors that open and close in less than five seconds and stop automatically if obstructed. They can be operated via a button near the driver�s seat, by tugging the door handles or with the remote control key.

Inside, the Mazda5 facelift features a new navigation and audio systems while the interior is claimed to be quieter - and more comfortable - thanks to the new multi-resonator located around the fresh air intake duct that lowers engine noise, strengthened wheel rims and Thinsulate insulation sheeting newly added to the roof liner to reduce road noise.



The 'new' Mazda5 is expected sometime Q2 2008 in Malaysia, to be fully imported from Japan and officially distributed by Cycle and Carriage Bintang (CCB).

2008 Renault-Samsung QM5 SUV

I had a conversation with someone who had just bought a 42" plasma TV from Samsung. In our course of debate of plasma vs LCD large widescreen displays, he was taken aback when I told him that the noted Korean flat panel displays manufacturer has even ventured into the automobile industry. So here it is, the new Renault-Samsung QM5 SUV.




To be powered by a 2.0L turbodiesel capable of pushing out 173hp, the Renault-Samsung QM5 will go on sale as early as December 2007 in South Korea. Based on Nissan Qashqai's platform and mechanicals (4WD on demand), the QM5 will cross over to Europe badged as Renault Koleos.

Will we see this as a cheaper alternative to the Nissan Qashqai (available via ETCM in 2008?), to be marketed by TC Eurocars as Renault Koleos in Malaysia?

New Chevrolet Captiva in Malaysia

Hicom-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd unveiled the new Chevrolet Captiva SUV recently, with a choice of either 2.0L turbodiesel or 2.4L petrol engine matched with different drivelines of 2WD (FWD) or 4WD.

The 2.4L petrol 4-pot produces 136hp at 5000rpm, with maximum torque of 220Nm at a low 2200rpm. The likely more saleable (better acceptance?) 2.0L turbo-diesel meanwhile, pushes out a healthy 150hp at 4000rpm plus a grunty 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Both engines � designed by Italy�s engine maker VM Motori - are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission with �manual� Tiptronic function.

On the interior, the luxurious leather seatings are able to take up 7 occupants. Cargo space is a capacious 930litres with all rear seats folded down. Standard safety features includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).

First for an SUV of this price-segment is Chevrolet�s Descent Control System (DCS) for safe, smooth and controlled hill descents. In addition, Active Rollover Protection (ARP) reduces body roll of this medium-sized SUV during heavy braking by selective and variable braking pressures on different wheels.

Although essentially a rebadged Daewoo Winstorm, this Korean SUV is significantly different from its competitors being monocoque in construction, which should offer better body control, ride and handling. Also aiding towards better chassis balance and ride refinement is the MacPherson strut suspension up front and multilink suspension for the rear axle.

The all-new Chevrolet Captiva is available in four colours: Sterling Silver, Black Sapphire, Royal Gray and Tornado Red. Hicom-Chevrolet is also offering a warranty package of 3-years or 100,000 km. Prices are yet to be confirmed but it is estimated to be ranging from RM138,000 to RM155,000, for the petrol and turbodiesel versions respectively.

Indicative prices for the new Captiva are:
2.4L FWD Petrol RM139,252
2.4L 4WD Petrol RM147,252
2.0L FWD Diesel RM146,924
2.0L 4WD Diesel RM155,924


Related post:
http://autocarsp.blogspot.com/2007/04/chevrolet-captiva.html

TGM Drive: Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 FSI

By Dr Long

Sibling rivalry: something quite inevitable and as old as mankind itself. Ask anyone who has a brother or a sister or both, and they will likely concur with you, to some degree at the very least. So what do you do when you have an high-achieving �elder� sibling like the iconic Golf GTI?

Find out whether the VW Jetta 2.0 FSI is able to hold its own fort in the shadow of the ever attention-grabbing Golf GTI Mk V...only in the December '07 issue of TopGear Malaysia!

Next Generation W212 E-Class Pictures

Here are two images (spotted at Auto-Motor-und-Sport website) of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) due sometime late 2008/early 2009.

Looking like a enlarged C-Class, the new E seem to have abandoned twin-round 'eyes' headlamps for a design that's a cross between the current Lexus GS and the new W204 C-Class.
Moving to the rear, Mercedes seem to have improvised on - and widened - the new C's butt by adding elements of the new LS460's rear lamps flanking the registration plate at the back. Resulting in a boot cover section that even reminisce Saab's 9-3 sedan to a certain extent!


Will this be the final production version of the next generation Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class?

For pictures of the estate version go here:

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/fotos/foto-shows/mpsfshw_show_501910_14015.hbs?ext_index=0

Japan Car of The Year 2007-08: Other Categories Receipients

The Japan COTY committee also selected the following finalists for its 2007-08 COTY special awards:

Most Advanced Technology for 2007/08: Volkswagen Golf GT TSI

Best Import Car for 2007/08: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Most Fun car for 2007/08: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Related post:

http://autocarsp.blogspot.com/2007/11/all-new-honda-jazz-is-japan-car-of-year.html