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SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 YO U R
B I - M O N T H LY
M OTO R I N G
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OF
(From left) Mr Ricky Tay, Mr Armin Keller, Executive Director for Volkswagen sales in ASEAN and Mr Weiming Soh with The New Beetle
Volkswagen Beetle
Is Back
AN all new 21st Century Beetle designed by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff arrives in Malaysia selling from RM139,888.00. It has a range of TSI engines but for Malaysia only the 1.2L TSI turbo-charged engine with a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) that pro-
duces 105PS and 175Nm of torque is available. This Beetle will reach 100km/h in 10.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 180km/h. It returns remarkable fuel consumption of just 5.9 litres/100km on a combined cycle. The new Beetle has been
designed with a singleminded goal of “designing a new original”. The car is 1,808mm wide (84mm wider than the model it replaces), 1,486mm tall (12mm lower) and 4,278mm long (152mm longer). In comparison with the model it replaces, the New Beetle
is significantly bigger and wider. There is additional headroom and legroom while the boot space is bigger. The design, ergonomics, user interfaces and quality helps create a new, friendly car with maximum individuality. What’s more, it is a
practical everyday car; four adults have plenty of space, even on long trips and the boot can handle up to 310 litres of luggage and with the seats folded flat, up to a maximum of 951 litres. This new Beetle comes with the “Design Line” package which consists of
16-inch alloy wheels, and matching body coloured dashboard and mirror housings. This Beetle is available in Candy White, Tornado Red, Saturn Yellow, Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Platinum Grey and Graciosa Brown. For more information visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
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FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2012
CLUTCH
THE MALAY MAIL
FIRSTGEAR
MSVCR Brings Cheer And Cash To 7 Orphanages By DANIEL FERNANDEZ clutcheditorial@gmail.com
ON 31st August 2012 morning, RM7,000 plus was collected and distributed evenly to 7 orphanages by the MSVCR Club president, Mr. Michael Sundram and his generous classic car club members. The Harley Davidson, HOGS club also gave their contribution to the cause. A drive with the children was organised to celebrate Merdeka and also to bring some cheer to the children. The convoy met at the Bangunan Sultan Aziz Shah car park in Petaling Jaya where the orphans and their minders were treated to breakfast as the cars came in and lined up for photo taking opportunity and nonstop admiration from the large attending crowd. After breakfast the convoy with the escort services from 16 Harley Davidson owners made their way to Klang with the orphans packed into the glorious rides from the past. The slow moving convoy attracted a lot of attention along the Federal Highway and at some points even created a trafďŹ c crawl as other car driver’s passed alongside snapping away pictures with their camera phones. It was truly a celebration of 55 years of Independence for all. The
convoy reached the lunch venue, the Selangor Coast Club (Klang) in one hour escorted by PDRM outriders into Klang town. More pictures and refreshments, the classic car owners showed off their beauties and the children were entertained. The 7 orphanages were presented with their individual cheques of RM1,000 and a great lunch hosted by the club was enjoyed by all. The event was jointly organised by the Community Support Network Association (CSN). The orphans were entertained at the Selangor Coast Club by a clown and his antics
PICTURES BY DANIEL FERNANDEZ
THE MALAY MAIL
FRIDAY 14 september 2012
CLUTCH
III
testdrive
PICTURES BY Daniel Fernandez
Why Buy A Lexus GS250 When You Have This New Camry By Daniel Fernandez clutcheditorial@gmail.com
This all new Toyota Camry has come at a very competitive time. Options are plentiful for the segment consumer and the European brands are making a strong case. However, Toyota’s big boss, Toyoda made a promise some years ago that all future Toyota's will come with better quality, driver dynamics and features. Toyoda has kept his promise with this Camry 2.5 as it has us quite convinced that it’s a very close cousin to the Lexus GS250 which
costs much more. However Toyoda needs to relook the 2-liter Camry which only comes with a new shiny body and interior and nothing else. Taking its design cues from the new Lexus GS, this Camry styling updates won't be obvious from across a parking lot, but noticeable in detail at a closer range. The Camry's front bumper and grille sits between angular, jewel-like light clusters. The effect is a slightly more pronounced snout than before. In back, the lip of the boot lid and the taillights have been tweaked for a crisper, even more substantial look.
Camry Cabin This Camry cabin is spacious, light and airy, with a thoughtful layout and plenty of elbow room. Everything you touch feels right for the price. Everything you need seems to be where you want it, and everyone on board will be comfortable. The leather is high quality and perfectly tailored, and the driver's seat has multiple power adjustments. There is good support for the long drive, but the seats are easy to slide in and out of during around-town errands. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel provides a good range of adjustment
and compliments the driver's seat movement, so people of every size can find a good driving position. Controls for audio and climate are of higher quality and feel like they were shared with the Lexus GS. Rear-seat passengers will have few complaints. Six-footers can sit comfortably, even with one in the back seat behind one in the front seat. The centre seat is well padded, and as such it loses a bit of headroom to the outer seats. Vibration and engine buzz are minimal with the 2L engine and even less on the new 2.5L engine so both Camry’s come across as very quiet.
Camry Driving Impression The Camry has gotten bigger and heavier over the years, and it shows. This Camry feels more like a luxury car on the road. On our test drive we found this Camry to be nicely mannered, polished, pleasant and steady regardless of model, engine or gearbox. Of course, the new 2.5 with the 6-speed gearbox is best. It's comfortable, and perfectly predictable. Not as mellow as the previous Camry but gentler than much of the competition, this Camry handles bad roads with aplomb and basically goes where it's pointed. Electronic stability control helps get it back in line if it's pointed
Toyota Camry 2.5 SPECIFICATIONS
Engine DOHC 16V Dual VVT-I with ACIS Power 181bhp @ 6000rpm Torque 231Nm @ 4100rpm Capacity 2494cc Transmission 6-speed Super ECT Top Speed NA 0-100km/h NA Price RM180,900.00
wrong. It stays relatively flat in the corners. It doesn't nosedive under braking, and it remains stable during leftright transitions on a winding road, or working through city clutter. Steering is light, direct, and makes quick work of a U-turn, though there isn't as much feedback about how hard the front tires are working.
CAMRY Summary This new Camry is big on efficiency, whether that means getting the most power and range from a liter of fuel, delivering the most interior space for the exterior dimensions or providing the smoothest, quietest ride. Moving four to five people comfortably or enjoying the long way home, both Camry’s are up to the task. The cabin shows the biggest improvement to the Camry with quality fitment and features
EDITORIAL NOTE
by Daniel Fernandez
|
Consultant Motoring Editor
ADVERTISING SALES
A motoring pullout is a common feature with most newspapers… but Clutch will be different. How different? Well just like the rest of the all new The Malay Mail, Clutch will be informative and true to its editorial integrity. Clutch will be a bi-monthly (every other Friday of the month) motoring pullout that will give straight-to-the-point car reviews and relevant motoring information for the Malaysian car enthusiast in a simple language. We will not confuse you or ‘smoke screen’ you with technical terms and instead offer our views on each and every test drive. In this first issue, we at Clutch hope that the car reviews presented will be able to move you to personally take a test drive of the cars reviewed at the nearest showrooms and see for yourself what we experience in each and every test drive. Your feedback is needed for us to improve in every area. Email us at clutcheditorial@gmail.com
Please watch out for our next issue on the 28th of September 2012
Joel Miranda
Lim Ee Mae
General Manager
Manager
012-2337394 joel.miranda@redberry.com.my
012-2073241 eemae@mmail.com.my
IV
CLUTCH
MOVINGFORWARD
Modern Premium - Affordable does not need to be cheap THE idea you get what you pay for is a widely accepted truism in life, be it the hiring of someone for a job or the purchase of a product. The more money you pay, the more you can then expect to get in terms of both quality and quantity. It is this mind-set which allows us to accept why someone who splashes RM300,000 on a brand new car invariably gets a faster and better-built vehicle than someone who spent half that amount. Not everybody can afford a king’s ransom for the purchase of a car, and let’s face it, most salary earners have no choice but to be constrained by a budget when financing a new set of wheels. Nevertheless, a modest budget should not be used as an excuse to settle for sub-par products. Modern
consumers of Generation Y have an impressive talent in leveraging their lifestyles, and the good life is indeed no longer exclusive to the rich and famous. The democratisation of technology allows what was previously unattainable by the masses to become common household items today. Cell phones and mobile devices are a fine illustration of this development. In the span of just one generation, we went from mobile telephones the size of a briefcase to phones compact enough to fit into our pockets and combine the function several other devices. We see the same development in cars. Although the automobile (in most cases) still operates an engine and move on four wheels, modern vehicles incorporate far more
equipment than they used to. Features that used to belong only to very exclusive models, such as power windows, airbags, and ABS, are now widely available and are usually offered as standard equipment. In fact, it was not too long ago that features such as 6-speed transmissions, auto headlights, push-button ignition, side mirror-mounted indicators, and reverse camera were regarded as premium features offered only in luxury cars. Today, the above items are commonplace in Hyundai’s range of models, including the newly launched and very competitively-priced MD Elantra. In addition to classleading specifications, Hyundai’s range of models also boast superbly-
engineered powertrains of enormous sophistication, from the clever little 1.25-litre Kappa engine of the i10, to the 2.4-litre Theta II engine of the Sonata and Tucson, and not forgetting the impressively torquey 2.2-litre ‘R’ diesel engine of the Santa Fe. Hyundai is also one of very few companies in the world to use in-house transmissions, its 6-speed automatic a particularly impressive unit that is not only smooth and efficient, but also maintenance free. In the future, we can only expect more features from the upper reaches to trickle down to the masses, and this is the thinking that fuels Hyundai’s global brand concept of ‘Modern Premium’. Despite making enormous strides in its engineering and de-
velopment capabilities, Hyundai has never forgotten its origins as a car maker that offers value to its consumers. The message behind Hyundai’s new thinking is that the premium motoring experience of today no longer involves a hefty price tag, but focusing on the delivery of high-end and high-quality values at surprisingly attainable prices. Examples of Hyundai practising the ‘Modern Premium’ concept in its products include its class-leading 5-year/300,000km warranty on all vehicles, and the debut of a stunning new generation of vehicles that incorporate the stylish lines of ‘Fluidic Sculpture’, creating affordable vehicles that owners can most certainly be proud of.
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2012
THE MALAY MAIL
V
MOVINGFORWARD
VI
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2012
CLUTCH
THE MALAY MAIL
JUSTLAUNCHED
SsangYong Actyon Sports Pickup Launched COMPETITIVE Supreme has launched an all new Actyon pickup that brings a new level of refinement to the market place, blending the suspension, engine and cabin finesse of a passenger car, the silhouette, space and seating for five that's typical of a double cab, and the rugged workmanlike ability of a commercial pick-up. This new Sports pickup will appeal to those who need a working vehicle, the practicality of 4 wheel-drive yet also the appointments of a family car. This is more a passenger car with pick-up versatility; consequently, it offers refinements that few of our competitors can match. This Actyon Sports pickup is powered by the latest eXDi active diesel engine. This
new 2 litre engine provides maximum power of 155PS and peak torque of 360Nm delivered between 1,500rpm and 2,800rpm providing ample performance both on and off road, whatever the task. Inside there is spacious accommodation for five adults — the rear passenger seats can even be reclined by up to 29 degrees - air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity ensure comfort and convenience. It also comes with the luxury touch of leather upholstery, powered driver's seat, and distinctive 18" alloy wheels on the 4-wheel drive version (16” alloy wheels for 2-wheel drive version), electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors, and rear parking sensors. A 6-speed automatic transmission with
cruise control is also available. A large, flat rear deck provides a 2.04m2 load area complete with load deck liner and anchor points. The Actyon Sports pickup
Giugiaro Designed SsangYong Actyon SUV Launched COMPETITIVE Supreme last week launched the all new Actyon SUV that brings an entirely fresh approach to the 4x4 crossover market merging the low running costs of a turbo diesel and dynamic abilities of a conventional luxury family hatchback with the visual appeal, adventurous spirit and rough-road capability of an SUV. With the focus on quality and desirability, the SsangYong Actyon SUV h a s
been designed and jointly developed in Europe by renowned stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro. The all-new e-XDi200 diesel engine with an automatic 6-speed transmission is at the very heart of this crossover's appeal. With a high power output of 175PS and a superb combined cycle fuel economy of 7.5 l/100km this SUV can challenge the very best of rivals. This SUV
structure to help protect occupants in the event of a collision. Accident avoidance and a sure footed performance off road are also enhanced by the electronic
stability programme (ESP) and hill start assist (HSA)- a rare feature on most pickups but standard on Actyon Sports pickup. The SsangYong Actyon Sports comes with a 3-years or 100,000 kilometres factory backed warranty. the Actyon Sports XDi 20 XVT 4×2 automatic goes for RM84,888, while the 4×4 automatic is RM89,888, both on-the-road without insurance. For more information contact Competitive Supreme Sdn Bhd at Lot 11, Jalan 219, Seksyen 51A, Federal Highway, 46100, Petaling Jaya, Selangor D.E. Malaysia. Telephone 603-1800 00 009 or visit www.ssangyong. com.my for more information.
The SsangYong Actyon Sports SUV comes with a 3-years or 100,000 kilometres factory backed warranty. The Actyon AWD e-XDI 200 XVT sells for RM128,888 on-the-road without insurance. For more information con-
tact Competitive Supreme Sdn Bhd at Lot 11, Jalan 219, Seksyen 51A, Federal Highway, 46100, Petaling Jaya, Selangor D.E. Malaysia. Telephone 603-1800 00 009 or visit www.ssangyong.com.my for more information.
Fitted with a 2-liter turbo diesel engine, this lifestyle pickup is very economical whilst offering good power
comes with 2-front airbags. Constructed on a separate frame chassis, the mark of a serious off-roader, the new SsangYong Actyon Sports pickup offers a very rigid
This is the only compact SUV in the market with a powerful 2-liter turbodiesel engine
offers superb cabin comfort and interior ergonomics with dual front airbags fitted as standard. It has ESP (Electronic Stability Program), antirollover protection, brake assist, hill start assist and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal). Other standard safety features include first row active head restraints and ISOFIX points. The Acyton Sports SUV has a ground clearance of 180mm and a roll over angle of over 40 per cent and a wading depth of 300mm. This Actyon SUV offers the practicality required
of a family car. Its wide interior offers the practicality of an SUV with the proportions and running costs of a conventional compact family hatchback, making it perfect transport for both everyday use and leisure activities.
THE MALAY MAIL
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2012
CLUTCH
VII
TESTDRIVE Ford Focus Is World ’s Best Selling Vehicle FORD Motor Company is celebrating a significant milestone in the company’s history with the production of its 350 millionth vehicle. The historic vehicle, an all-new global Ford Focus has been named as the best-selling vehicle in the world. Ford celebrated this production milestone at its newest global manufacturing facility located in Rayong, Thailand, about 200 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.
Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant, a $450 million facility, opened in May 2012 to produce the global Ford Focus and is able to produce up to six different vehicles simultaneously. This all new Ford Focus is now on sale at all Ford showrooms nationwide.
This all new Focus has just been launched in Malaysia this week. Visit a showroom to test drive the 1.6L and 2L
New MINI John Cooper Works GP This 'hot' Mini will be in Malaysian showrooms in a few months
7Th Generation Volkswagen Golf Unveiled THE all-new Volkswagen Golf has been unveiled in Berlin, 36 years after the original model redefined the small family car. The seventh generation Golf builds on the success of its predecessors, of which over 29 million have been sold, bringing new levels of comfort, practicality, safety and efficiency to the class. This new Golf is up to 100 kg lighter and up to 23 per cent more efficient than before and has a raft of standard and optional passive and active safety systems. Inside here is the new generation of touchscreen infotainment system with a 5.8-inch
colour display, DAB digital radio, auxiliary inputs (including USB), Bluetooth telephone preparation and access to vehicle trip information. For the first time, the Golf is also available with driver profile selection, which allows the driver to choose from four modes — Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual; with a DSG gearbox a fifth option — Comfort — is also offered. Each of these modes alters the throttle mapping and engine management (among other parameters) to the chosen style, so in Eco mode, for example, the engine management, air conditioning and
This new Golf looks sleeker and wider......a test drive review will be coming in a few months
ancillary systems are controlled to achieve maximum fuel consumption. Powering the Golf is a new range of petrol engines, all of which incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems. At launch, the petrol engines are a 1.2-litre TSI 85 PS unit returning 4.9 l/100 km (around 57.6 mpg and 113 g/km), and a 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS unit with Active Cylinder Technology, which can deactivate two of the cylinders, and achieves up to 4.8 l/100 km (58.9 mpg and 112 g/km). Further details on the new Golf will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show.
THIS is the MINI John Cooper Works GP which will be built in a limited edition of just 2,000 units (how many will be in right hand drive for the Commonwealth market), each powered by a modified 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine delivering 160 kW/ 218 hp, a maximum torque of 260 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 280 Nm from 2,000 rpm with a press of a button. This is capable to push the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 242 km/h. The car features an extra-powerful sports brake system and model-specific alloy wheels wrapped in high perfor-
mance sports tyres in order to offer superb handling and outstanding driving enjoyment. The front discs are 330 millimetres in diameter and 25 millimetres thick, with 280 x 10 mm discs at the rear. These are hidden behind the 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 17-inch
alloy wheels. The car features a new body kit consisting of a new front apron with side air intakes, a new front hood featuring a big air intake for the engine, new side sills, a new rear roof spoiler and a new rear apron featuring a two-pipe exhaust in the centre. The same sporty theme is continued at the interior, where the car features Recaro sport seats with GP stitching, a John Cooper Works thick-rimmed leather steering wheel and a gearshift knob with chrome ring and red shift diagram. The interior features an anthracite roof liner, piano black interior surfaces and door grips.
VIII
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2012
THE MALAY MAIL
Saluting the real SUV
We have been making 4X4 vehicles since 1954. The tradition of making high quality cars continues to this day.
2.0 e-XDI Turbo Diesel. 6 Speed Automatic. 175PS/4,000rpm and 360Nm of torque from 2,000rpm. Road Tax : RM439.20 (private). Net Selling Price : RM128,888.00
CARRINGTON SUPREME SDN BHD PETALING JAYA [T: 03 7960 3633] JOHOR BAHRU [T: 07 352 0052] PENANG [T: 04 501 3633] MELAKA [T: 06 282 2422] dealer IPOH [T: 05 255 7188] dealer KUANTAN [T: 09 516 2228] dealer
Malay Mail Fullpage Full Colour | Ssangyong Actyon SUV Ad | 14 Sept 2012
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