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special

The ideal family car

Large passenger space

Ample cargo space

High driving position

Motoring

Powerful engine

Comprehensive

safety features

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A man’s ride

YOU don’t need to be in construction or farming to enjoy the advantages of a pick-up truck such as the Isuzu D-Max and this is why men love to get their hands on one. Here are the top 10 reasons men love pick-ups.

It makes you a hero

10 You would be the go-to person for friends and

family who need help with moving large furniture and bulky items. D-Max’s longer and wider cargo area makes moving large items a cinch.

It turns heads

9 Equipped with a sleek and sporty design and enhanced

by an aerodynamic silhouette and sophisticated headlamps, the Isuzu D-Max guarantees on-road vehicular presence like no other.The limited edition D-Max Diablo further lifts your image with stylish enhancements such as a striking cosmic black mica body colour, D-LOC lid with rear aero spoiler and stunning 17-inch alloys.

No one will mess with you

8 The commanding presence of an Isuzu D-Max isn’t

something to trifle with, which is a perfect repellent to road bullies.

It makes you feel like a man

7 Nothing exudes masculinity more than a pick-up. Big,

powerful and tough, the Isuzu

D-Max gives an image of strength and confidence, which are attributes that all guys definitely want to project.

Its diesel power

6 The Isuzu D-Max sports a three-litre turbo diesel

powerplant capable of 177Ps with 380Nm of torque on tap at 1,800rpm with frugality to match, all under its hood. It is also highly efficient, being capable of offering close to 1,000km of normal driving

on a single tank of fuel. That translates to huge savings without compromise.

It can conquer all terrains

5 From rough off-road terrains to pot hole-riddled roads, the

Isuzu D-Max will have no problem getting you to your destination.

The revolutionary i-GRIP (Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform), which offers a better centre of gravity and improved ground clearance coupled with

a versatile and switchable 2WD to 4WD drivetrain, ensures no journey will be too arduous to conquer.

It makes you feel safe

4 The Isuzu D-Max comes with a number of active and passive

safety systems, including a reinforced cabin structure with energy-absorbing front section, side impact anti-intrusion bars on all doors, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution

and brake-assist, electronic stability control and traction control system.

It suits all needs

3 Like the ultimate tool, the pick-up is suited to a range of

lifestyles from being a reliable work machine to an everyday commute or weekend escape vehicle.

It is like a car, but bigger

2 Pick-ups are no longer the clunky, slow and

uncomfortable rides of yesteryear. With numerous advancements in ride and handling, the pick-up handles like (if not better than) a sedan. The pick-up features in-car entertainment and a stereo system as well as plush comfortable seats for the long drive ahead.

It gives you value for money

1 For a price under RM100,000 (on the road without

insurance), the Isuzu D-Max offers great value for money.

The proven diesel powerplant delivers bulletproof reliability and is able to withstand travel for more than 1,000,000km compared to a petrol engine that commonly withstands about 300,000 km. The lower overall service maintenance makes owning a pick-up a smart choice over the long run.

n For more information, visit www.isuzu.net.my

The Isuzu D-Max is packed with exciting features and offers great value for money.

Choosing the best fitTHE search for the perfect Malaysian family car has been a long ongoing process. Twenty years ago, the definition of a family car was very straightforward and car companies offered big sedans and station wagons designed to ferry a family.

Nowadays, almost all cars that have seats for five have features that make them family friendly and cross segmenting in the industry has resulted in many more vehicles that accommodate families.

Large families are often limited to a seven-seater MPV or SUV whereas nuclear families benefit from an extensive list of options.

These include the usual sedan, big hatchback, SUV and to a certain extent, the modern twin-cab pick-up truck, all of which are considered to be capable of being a family’s main ride.

Here are 10 features that you need to consider when getting the family a new ride:

It fits the bill

1 Know your budget, and include cost of maintenance,

fuel consumption, annual road tax and insurance into your calculations. You should not spend too much as a family car is meant for practical purposes.

Know your needs

2 Many buy a vehicle simply for looks, but they neglect

the important features that their families need. Put family needs ahead of your personal preference and ask important questions such as “Is there enough space?” or “Is there a good infotainment system?”

Safety features

3 You are ferrying your most precious cargo – your family.

Buy something you can afford that comes with the highest safety standard. Check for its Asean NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia) crash test result and also passive and active safety features.

Boot space

4 Expect your family to carry a lot of luggage on trips. The

more family members you have, the more space you need to store luggage.

Ensure that your family has ample cargo space. Otherwise, consider options such as installing a rooftop cargo box.

Baby care

5 It is dangerous for children to sit unstrapped in a car,

whether they are sitting on a chair by themselves or on a parent’s lap. Babies and toddlers in particular require special seats for their own safety. One of the best options to consider is to have an Isofix anchorage so that you can install Isofix seats.

Fuel economy

6 Study the vehicle’s fuel consumption figures.

Manufacturers usually give claimed consumption figures, which might not be achievable. The best way to get information regarding fuel consumption is to ask a current owner of the model you are interested in or check online for what online communities have to say.

Warranty

7 Double check the warranty claim. The standard duration

is three years, but some offer less. If the warranty stretches above three years, double check the package because some are actually Extended Warranty Programmes handled by an external party – which means it is a limited warranty.

Go for a test drive

8 Take the whole family along to a showroom and go for a test

drive. Ensure that those who will be driving the car feel comfortable with its drive, driving position and have a good general feel about the car. Some buy vehicles that are too small to drive their family around while some buy vehicles that are too big and intimidating. Also, make sure that there are enough seatbelts for your entire family.

Comfort for all

9 Some cars have a sporty nature, which means they

handle well. Unfortunately, it might mean the ride can be bumpy. Get those seated at the back to comment.

Go for a test drive and check whether any of them feel car sick. Twin-cab pick-up trucks is a good example where the front passengers will feel comfortable but the ones at the back will get a bumpy and harsher ride, not to mention tight legroom and seats that are too straight up.

Performance

10 Check the engine and see if it has enough power for the

duty. If you will be ferrying your family at full capacity, performance will be hampered. If you live in a hilly area, you need more torque. A car with insufficient horsepower will result in two things – frustration and a higher fuel bill.

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Ensure that the car comes with at least the standard safety features such as sufficent airbags.

Look for a car with ample boot space.

Consider having Isofix anchorage to install Isofix seats.

Isofix seats ensure the safety of babies and toddlers.

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Outlasting generations LAST year, Jeep Malaysia brought back the legendary Jeep into the Malaysian market.

Making a grand comeback, four of Jeep’s popular models – Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Wrangler and Compass, and their respective variants – were introduced to the Malaysian market in a special media preview.

All vehicles came with a five-year/150,000km warranty. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland comes with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine of eight-speed transmission with fuel-saver technology.

Priced at RM468,889, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland comes with bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps with automatic levelling system, premium leather seats, leather-stitched instrument panel and armrest, exotic open-pore wood trim and unique exterior colour offerings.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk raises the bar of what is expected of a modern SUV.

Fitted with nine-speed automatic transmission, it offers legendary capability and superior on-road handling.

The array of advanced safety and user-friendly technology features combined with revolutionary Jeep styling and world-class craftsmanship are sure to tempt 4x4 buyers out there.

The innovative 4x4 system with rear-axle disconnect deemed the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

eight service bays to keep pace with the number of Jeep vehicles on the road.

Customers have access to a cosy waiting lounge equipped with refreshments facility and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Leveraging on a skilled team and the relentless support from Chrysler sales and support team, Jeep Malaysia delivers seamless and reliable after-sales service.

You can now attain limitless potential and unlimited freedom with the Jeep Cherokee. Jeep will be hosting the Jeep Roadshow at Publika Mall, Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy complimentary coffee when you test drive a Jeep.

There will also be entertainment and fun-filled activities at the roadshow.

There is no better way to appreciate these legendary wheels than to try them out for yourself.

n For more information, visit www.jeep.my

the most capable mid-size SUV designed to deliver premium on-road driving experience.

Clever features such as the 8.4-inch touch screen navigation media centre, the seven-inch full-colour instrument cluster display and other available features give additional value.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is priced at RM378,889.

The iconic Jeep Wrangler remains true to its heritage. The new models deliver unequalled

off-road capability with renowned four-wheel drive and are produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience.

Jeep Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles and electronic lockers.

The Jeep Wrangler is available in Wrangler Rubicon, Wrangler Unlimited Sahara and Wrangler Unlimited Sports at a price of RM338,889, RM328,889 and RM288,889 respectively.

Jeep Roadshow

Venue: Publika Mall, Kuala LumpurDates: Oct 9 to 11Time: 10am to 10pm

The distinctively styled, affordable 2014 Jeep Compass Limited combines outstanding fuel economy, performance and capability.

Equipped with an efficient powertrain of six-speed automatic transmission, the Jeep Compass Limited is versatile for an active lifestyle and appeals to urban dwellers and younger families as well. The 2014 Jeep Compass Limited is priced at RM248,889.

“The Malaysian market plays a very important part in our global business strategy. Bringing the Jeep brand and its legendary line-up to the Malaysian market demonstrates our strong commitment to providing our consumers and Jeep lovers here with our best-in-class products. By reintroducing Jeep vehicles to this market, we want our owners to live life to the fullest by offering them a full range of vehicles that allow them to drive with confidence,” says John Kett, general manager, head of Jeep Brand, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Asia Pacific region.

Jeep Malaysia also invested in building a state-of-the art 3S facility in Glenmarie to provide Jeep owners a single-roof service of sales, after-sales and spare parts.

Currently, the facility houses

The Jeep Grand Cherokee.

conforms to the highest levels of Subaru’s philosophy of All-Around Safety.

The combination of safety technologies and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives drivers stable control and peace of mind in all driving conditions.

In conjunction with the regional launch of the Subaru XV – STI Performance Edition, Motor Image Malaysia, the authorised distributor of Subaru in Malaysia, also officially opened its newest 3S Centre in Petaling Jaya. The new 3S Centre features a wide range of facilities for sales, service and spare parts under one roof.

Located strategically in the main hub of Petaling Jaya, the 3S Centre for Subaru boasts a contemporary concept with the objective of better serving Subaru customers and meeting the growing customers’ expectations in the country.

The Subaru XV – STI Performance Edition is available in the following markets under the Motor Image Group – Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

n For more information, visit www.subaru.asia/my

The Subaru XV – STI Performance edition will take the Subaru XV one step further, giving consumers an enhanced driving experience through improved handling and stunning visual aesthetics.

Glenn Tan

Enhanced performance MOTOR Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the region, launched the Subaru XV – STI Performance Edition in July last year.

The STI Performance Edition complements the Subaru XV through the use of Subaru Tecnica International (STI)’s engineering technologies, which achieve enhanced aesthetics and performance through improved handling, aerodynamics and weight distribution.

The Subaru XV – STI Performance edition includes the following enhancements:• Sportier exterior upgrades,

including STI front, rear and roof spoiler, side skirts, flexi-tower bar, daytime running lights and the STI performance badges

• Refined interior upgrades featuring chrome climate control dials, matte silver steering wheel control panel and side panels

• Improved handling and drivability

Glenn Tan, executive director of Tan Chong International Ltd, says, “Subaru customers are discerning and there has been growing interest for the Subaru XV in the Asean region.

“Therefore, to cater to this increasing demand for the XV, we want to be able to offer a variety of options to our customers, and the STI Performance edition is one of the projects in the pipeline.

“The Subaru XV – STI Performance Edition will take the Subaru XV one step further, giving consumers an enhanced driving experience through improved handling and stunning visual aesthetics,” he adds.

The Subaru XV – STI Performance Edition is a dynamic crossover vehicle that blends luxurious urban living with an active adventurous lifestyle.

This vehicle specifically caters to consumers who want a convenient, practical car that provides an enjoyable driving experience on any terrain.

The STI package features sportier exterior upgrades such as STI front and rear under-spoilers and side skirts, which visually enhance the Subaru XV and inspire the driver to feel confident, safe and responsive.

A smoother ride is delivered through better aerodynamics and handling. Cutting no corners, the Subaru XV – STI Performance Edition went through extensive testing undertaken by STI, using Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd’s wind

tunnel test laboratory to compare the aerodynamic effects, driving stability and manoeuvrability between the original Subaru XV and the STI Performance Edition.

The test result concluded that the vehicle’s exterior upgrades have

improved the drivability of the Subaru XV – STI Performance Edition.

Like every other Subaru vehicle, the Subaru XV – STI Performance Edition has undergone comprehensive safety testing that

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The Subaru VX-STI Performance Edition features sportier exterior upgrades compared to the base model.

The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system ensure safety

in all driving conditions.

The sleek interior of the Subaru XV-STI.

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Class of its ownTHE luxury C-segment category of cars has always been exciting, and one of the most exciting options will have to come from Audi.

The Audi A4 offers a refreshing take on the niche, with a hi-tech design that will appeal to those who are into modern aesthetics.

Featuring angular Xenon-plus headlights with adaptive function and the A4’s signature light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights, the front end of the car looks aggressive. The tail also features LED lights.

With two turbocharged engines that produce healthy firepower, the 1.8 TFSI and the 2.0 TFSI guarantee a spirited experience each time you go for a drive in the car.

The 2.0 TFSI has a 1,984cc unit with direct injection and Audi valve lift system, teamed up with a turbocharging system and directing power to all four wheels via the seven-speed S-tronic transmission system.

Power is rated at 225hp and 350Nm, allowing you a 6.4-second sprint to the century mark.

The 1.8 TFSI is a 1,798cc with the same turbocharging technology, direct fuel injection and Audi valve lift system, good for 170hp and 320Nm.

Power is via front wheels only, through an eight-speed Multitronic transmission. It goes from 0kph to 100kph in 8.3 seconds.

The A4 is fitted with a list of

safety features, including an eight-airbag system, electronic stability programme, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

The cabin does a good play of the materials used. With brushed aluminium, smooth-surfaced alloy, high-grain leather and mirror finish polymer material, you will not want to leave this interior.

Audi A4 is certainly in a class of its own.

n For more information, visit www.audi.com.my

Angular Xenon-plus headlights give the Audi A4 an aggresive look.

The tail features LED lights. Experience the Audi A4’s power from

the wheel.

The cabin of the A4 sports high-class finishing.

ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia) has announced its latest study finding – Malaysian consumers put price ahead of anything else when they want to shop for a new vehicle.

Announced during a conference held in Bandung, Indonesia, recently, Asean NCAP’s study showed that 27% of Malaysians ranked price as the most important factor when buying a new vehicle.

Safety ranks second at 19%, followed by fuel economy at 17%

WITH the weakening of the ringgit, car companies have no other option but to increase the prices of cars.

Two biggest players, Perodua and Toyota, have announced a price increase. It is reported that Perodua increased the price for its entry-level Axia model by RM990 earlier this month.

However, the company is putting effort into cushioning the impact by providing every buyer with a service voucher worth RM500.

The Axia is Perodua’s most popular model now, taking over the spot from its bigger brother, Myvi.

UMW Toyota has announced a price increase that will take effect in January next year. Citing the weakening of the currency as the reason, UMW Toyota plans to increase the prices by 4% to 16% for its Toyota and Lexus models. Other car companies are expected to follow the trend as the two giants are leaders in this market.

Many companies have to cut their profit margins by a big chunk to absorb the 20% depreciation of the ringgit against the US dollar.

Even if banks are still giving out loans, industry insiders are not confident that the sales figures will not encounter a big dip.

However, the price increase will not affect the buyers too drastically if they take up a seven- or nine-year loan.

As opting for less spec variants will also help maintain the affordability of cars, you might see car companies offering bare-bones

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Price hike expected

models now to lower the prices.The impact of foreign exchange

market losses can also be seen on the aftersales side, where prices of parts are slowly increasing.

As most of the parts are imported, this will have an impact on prices.

Currently, many companies are still running on existing stock,

which means they can maintain the old pricing. New stock might see an increase in prices.

The car industry has just recovered from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) issue where car companies had to choose to either absorb or increase prices due to GST. The current scenario will be another blow to the industry.

Boosting safety on the roadand comfort at 14%.

Brand, interior, boot space, second-hand value and warranty package were not considered as crucial as the above four areas.

“Safety awareness has increased from 15.5% to 32%, based on the 2014 study,” says Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim, general secretary for Asean NCAP.

Asean NCAP was established four years ago as a collaboration between Global NCAP and Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research.

The objective is to elevate the safety of vehicles sold in this region.

It has partners from each of the Asean countries and receives

funding from private sectors. Asean NCAP has released its

latest crash test result on popular cars in the Asean region. The result is available on its website, www.aseancap.org.

The conference in Bandung also revealed the industry trend towards elevating the safety of Asean road users.

One of the initiatives is to introduce anti-lock braking system (ABS) for motorcycles.

India seems to be the leader in this as it has decided to make it standard to have all new motorcycles with engines 150cc and above incorporate ABS by 2017.

As motorcycles are the most popular mode of transportation in Asean countries, more attention should be given to increasing the standard of safety for motorcycles.

Above: Asean NCAP has released crash test result for popular cars in the Asean region.

Left: Safety should be the most important factor when buying a new vehicle.

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Earlier this month, Perodua

increased the price of the Axia.

Buyers can expect a price increase for cars this coming months.