CAR CRAZY

It’s quite common these days that many people confuse themselves with figuring out the difference between a SUV and a 4WD vehicle. I’ve had many encounters of people distinguishing a Honda CR-V as a 4WD (4X4) vehicle or a Pajero as a SUV. Actually there are some logical differences between these two.

But over in America, It’s a norm to distinguish a four-wheel drive as a SUV. Over here in Malaysia, we rather tag the SUV (in short for Sports Utility Vehicle) as a vehicle being used for normal (bitumen) roads with a bit of off-road capabilities. 4WD’s (Four Wheel Drive) are used mainly by the off-road enthusiasts (dirt roads) where certain requirements are most needed, like a higher ground clearance level, comes with dual purpose tyres and a engine that sends equal amounts of drive to all the four wheels. Read the rest of this entry »

As mentioned in one of my earlier post regarding the launch date for the brand new Nissan Latio in Malaysia, well today the 22nd of June, 2007 a new breed of Nissan vehicles have arrived! Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (Franchise holders of Nissan vehicle sales in Malaysia) today, launched their all new Nissan Latio. The debut of Latio can be viewed at all their showrooms nationwide.

Currently the waiting period for these models are expected to be in the range of one and a half months to two months, once an order has been placed. Prices for the all new Nissan Latio is broken up into two different categories; Latio-Luxury and Latio-Comfort. If you’re wondering what are the difference between this two, here’s the list : Read the rest of this entry »

One car that puts the Toyota design right at the top, would be the Toyota Wish. The Toyota Wish which is sold in Malaysia through UMW Toyota, is fully imported from Thailand. Overall its a modern and sporty looking vehicle with great substance in driving performance, that can cater for 7 persons comfortably or the additional space when needed.

To me, the greatest characteristics found in this great vehicle would be its appealing exterior and interior design that is accepted by most car lovers. Launched first in the year 2003 in Japan and “officially” by UMW Toyota, in May of 2006 in Malaysia. This model has done tremendously well in the market. After having a test drive on the Toyota Wish, you would definitely find it to be some what an outstanding driving experience. Read the rest of this entry »

This is one sporty looking car I tell you. You can park this car in my garage, that’s for sure. But it’s sad that it’s not something that you would get to see on the roads on a regular basis. But nevertheless let me fill you in the hot scoop of this immaculate wonder, we call, the new Nissan 350Z.

Nissan is known to have some great looking concept car’s under their belt and it’s no wonder that they keep bagging awards after awards through their models. Currently on a roll with the awards, the new Nissan 350X, has just bagged the award for the Japanese performance car of the year 2007. This award comes after much competition over rivals like Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Evo IX and Mazda RX8, just to name a few. Read the rest of this entry »

To have gone through 4 years of production, this must surely be a Benz that is totally different. What could be the new gadget’s found on this marvel of a car? Well to be realistic about the whole issue, there’s about 2,000 parts, which according to the people at Mercedes-Benz, are under the skin of this new beauty.

The cosmetics, suspension and brakes on this car were all revised to keep the much loved E-Class well in competition. The only thing that the new Mercedes-Benz E200 Kompressor doesn’t have is a new drive-train if compared to it’s bigger brother’s the E230 and E280. Read the rest of this entry »

Bad news for all Nissan ‘Sentra’ lovers in Malaysia, as the particular range will be a thing of the past come June 2007. Yes, apparently Nissan in Malaysia will be phasing out their ‘Sentra’ models, but with the exception of their 1.6L manual transmission which will still remain in the market here. All this is in preparation for the launch of their all new Nissan Latio (pronounced LA - SHIO) expected on the 22nd of June, 2007.

Apparently the all new Latio in Malaysia would be their first locally assembled model in it’s class that has features of an all new keyless entry and also an engine start through the Nissan Intelligent Key System. Not only that but the Latio sport version will also be the only hatchback in it’s class. The all new Nissan Latio will be available in both sedan and five door hatchback form. What an improvement for all the Nissan lovers in Malaysia. Read the rest of this entry »

As technology moves forward, so does the demand for better quality cars. Currently the latest technology to hit the car world, would be the Hybrid technology. Toyota is definitely not left behind in this field. If there is one car-maker to have this, it would be Toyota.

In Malaysia, sadly we have not got the opportunity to enjoy this sort of mastery on it’s vehicles. But my good judgement says that Toyota in Malaysia “might” bring this in the near future, Toyota Prius, fully equipped with the Hybrid technology. Yes, it is already available in Singapore (SIN $96,000) and could be heading to our shores soon, if the demand here is great for Hybrid engine cars. Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone fancy a Coupe with a drop-top? Check out Ford’s latest newbie. From the exterior, there’s a slight resemblance to the Audi A4 Cabriolet, you be the judge. Ford unveiled this Focus Coupe-Cabriolet at the Melbourne International Motor Show, revealing a high-profile addition to Ford’s range of small cars later this year.

“The elegant new Ford Coupe-Cabriolet will focus Focus to a new group of customers, specifically, those who desire a sexy, smooth drop-top tourer,” said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s no big secret if you ask me, the whole world knows that Toyota has launched their latest third generation Vios in most parts of the world - eg. Singapore and Thailand. But in Malaysia sadly, it has yet to arrive.

For the benefit of all our Malaysian readers, here’s a sneak preview. Starting with the specifications for this new Toyota vehicle, I would say that it’s a much, much better looking car. The all-new Vios is based on the Yaris hatchback’s platform, but has a 90mm longer wheelbase. It’s also 50mm up on the current Vios’ wheelbase. Read the rest of this entry »

In the age of technology for motor vehicles, comes hybrid. To fully capitalise on this remarkable innovation, Proton Holdings Berhad together with Lotus Engineering have implemented a ready to run project that features hybrid solutions that can deliver up to 22% CO2 reduction.

At the the recent 77th Geneva Motor Show, Lotus Engineering demonstrated the EVE Hybrid (Efficient, Viable, Environmental) technology. Through a partnership like this it can show how OEM’s can lower emmissions variants without needing to develop expensive new dedicated platforms. Read the rest of this entry »