motoring - 13 march 2016

sunday star, 13 March 2016

special

Fuel-efficient future

Motoring

Smart sustainable savingsWHILE fuel price is now at an all-time low, the truth is that it will likely not last for long.

Malaysians are becoming more prudent with their spending and when it comes to cars, efficient fuel consumption is an important feature that car buyers will always consider seriously.

Government has been active in promoting fuel-efficient vehicles. In the latest National Automotive Policy (NAP), Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), the think tank of International Trade and Industry Ministry for the automotive industry, has announced a new classification of vehicles that will receive certain incentives.

Energy-efficient vehicles or EEVs have been introduced and MAI defines them as vehicles that meet a set of defined specifications in terms of carbon emission level and fuel consumption.

EEV includes hybrid, electric vehicles (EV), alternatively fuelled vehicles such as those using compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and fuel cell, as well as fuel-efficient vehicles using updated internal combustion engines.

Here are some fuel-efficient cars that you might like to consider:

Mitsubishi MirageThe Mirage gives a 4.76L/100km

fuel consumption figure (manufacturer’s claim), which is amazing given that the engine is still pretty punchy.

The 1.2-litre 12-valve in-line three DOHC Mivec engine gives 76.4hp, which is good given its low fuel consumption figures.

What Mitsubishi has done is create an aerodynamic body (0.30cd), an INVECS-III CVT gearbox that focuses more on fuel economy and a lightweight body.

The Mirage is laden with modern features and it is far from being a humdrum mode of transportation.

With basic safety features that are sufficient for your everyday drive, such as dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution, the Mirage is a good investment for any pocket.

Nissan Serena S-HybridThe Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

gives a good fuel consumption figure – 6.6L/100km according to the Japanese JC08 mode (a test cycle unique to Japan).

Not many vehicles achieve that, as many get a fuel consumption of around 8L/100km, which is a low figure for an MPV with an engine that can churn out 145hp and 210Nm of torque and seats eight adults comfortably.

The Serena is considered a super mild hybrid because its secondary battery helps run some of the auxiliary items while the MPV is idling, thanks to its start-stop idling system.

The Eco mode also proves helpful, especially when driving around town.

The biggest secret to its efficient fuel consumption is its MR20DD engine that has direct injection technology, a powerful yet frugal powerplant.

Being an MPV, the Serena

S-Hybrid offers a bit more by including a DVD player with an attached rear LCD screen hung from the roof, powered sliding doors on both sides

There are also many other features, including a start-stop button, touchscreen with satellite navigation as well as seats that can be arranged in various ways for maximum usage of space.

In addition, its boot storage will surely draw your attention. Suitable for large amounts of cargo, it will allow you to carry items for those long family trips.

Isuzu D-MaxThis pickup truck has always

been known for its super-efficient engine and while the current one is larger, roomier and heavier, it still provides one of the best fuel consumption figures in its category.

To get improved ride comfort, many are using twincab pickup trucks such as the D-Max as a recreational or family vehicle.

The 2.5-litre engine gives you 135hp with 320Nm of torque, and offers good fuel consumption as well.

No official figures have been released by Isuzu but when company officials performed a drive from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, the D-Max covered all 1,809km with a bit of fuel to spare.

This showed that the D-Max could run that far on a tankful of diesel (76 litres).

Offering power with durability and a low fuel consumption, this should be a good investment for anyone.

Toyota Camry 2.5 HybridIf a D-segment sedan is your cup

of tea, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a good package to consider.

With a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.2L/100km, this Camry sizzles with performance figures.

The Atkinson Cycle engine offers 158hp and 213Nm, while the two electric motors kick out an additional 142hp and 270Nm, giving a combination of 204hp.

Being a Toyota, the interior is spacious and contains interesting touches.

The Camry Hybrid does not feel lethargic and offers one of the best performances ever produced by the Japanese manufacture.

The Hybrid also comes with seven airbags and a host of modern electronics to ensure occupants remain safe during a crash.

Depending on your personal preferences, safety requirements and expectations of performance, you can always find a fuel-efficient car that suits your needs and lifestyle.

One does not need to look far with the various choices available.

Just be sure to thoroughly research the car’s performance before you by to ensure you have made the right choice for you and your family.

2 motoringSUNDAY STAR, 13 MARCH 2016

The powerful Isuzu D-Max can travel long distance with a single tank of fuel.

Big families will find much joy in the spacious Nissan Serena S-Hybrid.

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a fun little package.

SUNDAY STAR, 13 MARCH 2016

motoring 3

A sporty body kit, leather seats and sophisticated infotainment system comes standard with the Rio Sedan X.

THE new Kia Rio Sedan is the perfect choice for Malaysians who are looking for a mid-sized sedan segment car.

Designed to look youthful and trendy, the Rio Sedan signifies the continued evolution of the bestselling hatchback as well as the brand’s global success.

Its popularity continues to soar to great heights as Kia Motors Corporation has sold more than two million units of the Rio around the world since its global introduction.

With European styling and generous interior accommodations, Kia Motors has given the car impressive enhancements that make it a standout vehicle.

It features a telescopic steering wheel with audio buttons, Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker audio system connected to a head-unit that plays radio, CD and MP3 with RDS and comes with AUX and USB functions.

To top it off, it also offers 800Mb of space to store your favourite tunes. Being a sedan, the boot space is 389 litres, which is 35% larger than the hatchback variant. The back seat can be further reclined at a 40:60 split, adding more space. Under the hood is Kia Motors’ Gamma 1.4-litre MPI DOHC CVVT engine, good for 109PS and 137Nm of torque. Transmission is via a four-speed automatic, proven to give trouble-free drives.

A unique feature of the new Rio Sedan is the motor-driven power

steering. Kia Motors’ engineers maintain that eliminating the hydraulic pump allows you to save fuel by 3%.

Maximum protection is assured as the Rio Sedan is encased in High strength steel and comes with four disc brakes, six airbags, vehicle stability management (VSM), hill-start assist control (HAC), anti-lock brake system (ABS), tyre pressure monitoring system and electronic

stability control (ESC), among many other class-leading safety features.

The Rio Sedan will also come in a new variant. The Rio Sedan X features a sporty body kit, leather seats and a multimedia infotainment system with reverse camera.

The multimedia infotainment system consists of mirror link function with Android and IOS, a

seven-inch LCD screen, radio/mp3/mp4/RDS/internet support, voice control function and handsfree bluetooth function.

Not only do you get a strikingly designed, feature-packed car but Naza Kia Malaysia is also offering wallet-friendly savings that will make for a worthwhile purchase.

The Rio Sedan comes with a rebate of RM2,000 and a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

The Rio Sedan X is priced at RM77,888 and comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

With so much to offer, the Rio Sedan’s price of RM72,888 is a deal that is too good to pass up. (Terms and conditions apply.)

n For more information, visit www.kia.com or call Kia Careline at 1300 888 542 (KIA).

Designed to offer more


IF you are looking for a compact urban runabout vehicle and like something that looks fresh, stylish and modern, the Peugeot 208 and 2008 models may be exactly what you’re looking for.

The Peugeot 208 is the latest generation of the popular small hatchback from this French brand.

While it looks compact on the outside, the interior is surprisingly roomy to fit four to five adults.

There are also modern hi-tech gadgets enough to make drivers and passengers happy.

It comes with a seven-inch multi function colour touchscreen and you can easily hook up your iPod or MP3 via the Peugeot Connect USB port. Alternatively, go cable-free and use the Bluetooth function.

Audio buffs will be happy with the Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers, which is easily controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.

The 1.6-litre engine with auto-adaptive transmission (sport mode and tiptronic included) gets you going within the city or out on the highways.

If you’re looking for something bigger, the Peugeot 2008 urban SUV should suit the bill.

Sitting taller than the 208, the Peugot 2008 offers a commanding view ahead and the interior is even more modern than the 208 hatchback.

Even though it runs only on its

front wheels, the grip control function uses a smart computer to ensure traction is always available, no matter what the terrain is.

The seven-inch touchscreen is on the dashboard like in the 208 but is positioned higher so the driver will find it easier to use while on the road.

The engine in the 2008 is the same as the one used in the 208, but the one in the 2008 urban SUV has been given more focus on delivering power earlier to fit its crossover image.

The best part is that Nasim Sdn Bhd, official distributor of Peugeot cars, is having a terrific offer for both models.

Nasim is offering a high trade-in plan for you to trade in your current car and get either the 208 or 2008.

Apart from its five-year warranty period, Peugeot is also throwing in a five-year free service package, meaning that you can remain worry-free about the cost of maintenance for the next five years.

Head to your nearest Peugeot showroom and check out the 208 and 2008 today.

n For more information, visit peugeot.com.my.

Fantastic offer for duoThe small Peugeot 208 hatchback has a surprisingly roomy interior.

The Peugeot 2008 offers excellent traction on various terrain.Drivers will enjoy the seven-inch touchscreen in the Peugeot 2008.


motoring 5

ONE of the most important marketing tools for car companies is the glossy colourful brochure that displays car features, among other things.

Unfortunately, information on advertising material may not be 100% correct. Car companies may not outrightly give wrong information but they are sometimes misleading.

One of the usual tricks is to display the crash test rating for the European models on brochures for the local variant of the same vehicle.

Unless the car company can prove that the model sold in Malaysia is the same one sold in Europe, crash test ratings such as Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) cannot be applied to the same model here.

The crash test might have used a variant that comes with seven airbags, traction control and a strengthened chassis but the local model sold here might have none of those features.

This is the reason a government agency called Malaysian Institute

stability control as standard equipment, which shows that cost is never really an excuse for not having a five-star safety

rating in a car.

n For more information, visit www.proton-edar.com.my.

Hence, the only way to test the strength of a car’s chassis is through a crash test. Asean NCAP has uncovered cases where a car model that received a five-star rating in the European test only received a poor one- to two-star rating for its local variants.

This proves that car companies have made different chassis for different markets. So how can you determine if the car that you want to purchase has a good and strong chassis that can act as a protection cage during an accident?

Visit Asean NCAP website at www.aseancap.org and check the list of cars that it has crash tested.

You may be surprised to find that Malaysia’s homegrown brand Proton has three of the most affordable five-star cars in Asean –Iriz, Preve and Suprima S.

Even the most basic Iriz has

Safety beyond brochures

for Road Safety (MIROS) teamed up with Euro NCAP, a non-government organisation based in Europe, to produce the Asean NCAP.

Asean NCAP has a few crash test facilities in this region with one located in Malacca. The rest use NCAP’s partners’ locations such as Japan, Australia and South Korea.

Asean NCAP randomly chooses cars from car companies and in the case where car companies refuse to give them cars, Asean NCAP gets funding from various parties to purchase the car.

Cars are not bought from Malaysia alone but from distributors in Thailand and Indonesia as well.

Crash tests and the evaluation process have been designed with the assistance of Euro NCAP and are designed to promote the use of safety aids such as airbags and the electronic stability programme.

One of the core aspects of car safety is the strength of the chassis. This is not a feature that can be added later and no amount of safety aids or electronic devices can be used to hide a weak chassis.

The Proton Iriz is one of the most affordable cars with a five-star Asean NCAP rating.

The Asean NCAP provides a more locally relevant safety standard than the European NCAP.


Setting the benchmark

THE overall concept of the HR-V came about after Honda received feedback from customers who were looking for an affordable SUV that encompasses a sense of security and status while boasting high usability.

By combining the toughness of an SUV, the personal feel of a coupe and utility of a minivan, this vehicle meets all the above expectations.

Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Roslan Abdullah says, “Despite the rapid growth of the SUV segment, there were no suitable and affordable SUVs for those who were previously from entry segments. It was missing a compact model that bridged the gap between upper SUVs and entry-level sedans.”

Taking advantage of the huge opportunity, Honda Malaysia continues to keep its commitment to excite the market with value-for-money and attractive products at affordable prices.

Three variants of the HR-V – the S, E and V – were introduced with the price tags of RM99,800, RM108,800 and RM118,800 respectively to meet the needs of the market.

This dynamic compact SUV is the ideal vehicle for Gen-Y singles, young couples and young families who value their lifestyles. It suits people who work hard, spend lots of time socialising and enjoy sports or weekend activities.

The exterior design is based on

the dynamic cross solid concept, reflecting the coupe-like aero cabin, strong lower body and powerful look.

The rear door handles are integrated into the side windows to further enhance its coupe-like appearance.

The HR-V also features the Exciting H Design!!! concept, where the H represents a human centre, emphasising the driver and passengers. The solid wing face and unified grille and lights create a stylish yet tough exterior.

Performance wise, the HR-V features a 1.8-litre i-VTEC SOHC engine built on a new Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology. This combination enhances the fun and

excellent performance aspect for a smooth driving experience while cruising or being stuck in a traffic jam.

The HR-V utilises Honda’s original centre tank layout to achieve class-leading boot space and spaciousness equivalent to a class above SUV.

The high-deck centre console with armrest helps achieve both personal space and usability at a high level.

Through the multi-utility cargo space, various versatile rear seat configurations from utility mode, tall mode to long mode can be adjusted to meet the needs of its drivers.

Its smart interface features include a seven-inch display audio, one-touch turn signal, touch panel

These features can be easily activated with a push of a switch and lever. To further enhance safety during collision, a high-tensile steel frame was added to the middle part of the body to improve absorption of the collision force.

The HR-V is available in five colours – modern steel metallic, taffeta white, alabaster silver metallic, crystal black pearl and ruse black metallic.

Honda Malaysia offers a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage and a service interval of 10,000km for the HR-V at all 78 dealerships nationwide.

n For more information, call 1800 882 020 or visit www.honda.com.my.

auto air conditioning, smart entry with push start button, cruise control and Econ mode for a smooth, at-your-fingertip operation while the speedometer features an illumination ring that changes colour based on the driving mode.

The All-New HR-V offers a comprehensive range of active and passive safety features such as six airbags (V variant; dual front SRS airbags, side curtain airbags and side airbags), multi-angle rearview camera (V variant), emergency stop signal (ESS), LED daytime running lights (DRL) (V variant), hill start assist (HSA), vehicle stability assist (VSA) and ISOFIX.

Advanced technology features namely the new automatic brake hold and electric parking brake are made available in all variants.

The Honda HR-V is a smart choice for buyers who value their lifestyles.


motoring 7

The Renault Captur ticks the right boxes of style, space, fuel economy and functionality.

Irresistible new offerTC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder for Renault cars in Malaysia, is running a new sales campaign on the Renault Captur urban crossover.

The chic, dynamic and fuel-efficient Renault Captur is now available for RM117,200 (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for peninsular Malaysia and private registration).

“The response from Malaysian consumers to the Captur has been increasingly encouraging. In light of this, this new special promotional price aims to further spur demand for this spirited and stylish crossover, which is currently one of Renault’s most popular models globally,” says Kuan Kim Luen, chief executive officer of TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.

Since its debut, the Captur has become one of Renault’s most in-demand models, with more than 500,000 units sold globally.

This increasingly successful compact urban crossover has also been the best-selling model in Europe’s small SUV segment since 2013.

Fashionable yet practical, the Renault Captur looks compact on the outside and is spacious and versatile on the inside. These attributes, combined with its expressive styling, high driving position and substantial ground clearance, make the Captur particularly suited for today’s modern urban drivers who seek

safe and efficient vehicles that can complement their active lifestyles.

The Renault Captur is powered by the new turbocharged TCe 120 engine that is mated to a six-speed efficient dual clutch (EDC) transmission, which not only delivers performance equivalent to a traditional 1.8-litre engine but also enables powerful acceleration from low revs.

At the same time, this spirited crossover also offers best-in-class fuel efficiency of up to 5.4L/100km (based on New European Driving Cycle (NEDC)

for combined cycle). Inside, Renault has paid a lot of

attention to detail. Refinements include attractive two-toned seat covers with stylish stitching that are also removable for easy washing, reversible boot floors with carpeting on one side and plastic on the other as well as a sliding and foldable bench seat, which splits 1/3-2/3 for increased boot space.

These useful features deliver on the Captur’s claim of being the ideal vehicle for the active and young-at-heart.

The Renault Captur is also the

only crossover in the Malaysian market to offer four in-vogue two-toned exterior colouring that are not only trendy but offer fresh looks to drivers who want to make a statement with a vehicle that is quirky and unique. The four colour combinations available are: l Arizona orange (body)/diamond black (roof) l Pacific blue (body)/ivory (roof) l Beige/diamond black (roof) l Ivory (body)/diamond black (roof)

It also comes with a five year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, which is fully backed by

Renault for enhanced ease of ownership as there are fewer complications with terms and conditions.

Full line-up at roadshow Today is the last day for TCEC’s

roadshow at Lower Ground, Oval, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Selangor, to showcase the complete line-up of Renault Captur vehicles.

In addition to the Captur zone, the roadshow features three additional zones displaying other Renault models, including the sporty and trendy Clio GT Line hot hatch as well as an EV section showcasing the Renault Twizy and Zoe electric cars.

Visitors to the roadshow will also get the chance to test drive the Captur and receive exclusive merchandise.

“It is with great pleasure that we invite all Malaysian consumers to this roadshow to test drive the Renault Captur to get a taste of its capabilities and pragmatic pleasures and subsequently benefit from the promotional offer,” says Kuan.

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


With the launch of the Nissan Leaf, Nissan is an undisputed leader in zero-emission future mobility.

SINCE its launch of the Nissan Leaf in 2010, Nissan remains the undisputed leader in mass electric vehicle (EV) technology.

As mentioned by Nissan president and chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn at the Tokyo Motor Show, “Nissan’s forthcoming technologies will revolutionise the relationship between car and driver, and future mobility.”

With more than 185,000 current Leaf owners around the world, this EV is undoubtedly a popular and successful electric vehicle.

As more and more car manufacturers have entered the EV market, it seems that Nissan’s decision to embark on introducing EVs has borne fruit.

Since the first Nissan Leaf rolled off the assembly line, it has been continually celebrated around the world, garnering more than 92 awards, including being named Car of the Year in Japan and Europe, not to mention winning the prestigious World Car of the Year award in 2011.

Nissan continues to innovate and improve on its EV technology. Nissan believes that the shift towards cleaner, more efficient zero-emission vehicles will contribute greatly in improving air quality and lowering noise levels.

Nissan’s optimised electric motor features excellent energy efficiency that minimises energy loss.

Efficiency is further improved by a regeneration system that recovers kinetic energy from

Charging up for the future

braking as electric energy. Originally developed to reduce

energy loss, the highly responsive inverter instantly converts stored power from the battery to electricity, immediately responding at the press of the accelerator pedal.

To ensure reliability, the Leaf’s large-capacity lithium-ion battery uses a readily plentiful resource that has a stable crystal structure.

The battery cells are structurally

laminated, optimised and modularised to improve cooling effect, creating a roomier cabin space and affording excellent manoeuvring stability – giving you a phenomenal driving range of 195km per charge (based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC)).

Besides that, the Leaf comes with a comprehensive range of accessories and safety features, making it a desirable car that gives

you a trouble- and guilt-free drive. In Malaysia, Nissan’s sole

distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) is one of the distributors that embarked on introducing the Nissan Leaf.

ETCM has also embraced the zero-emission mobility technology. Since the car’s first launch in 2013, ETCM has sold 23 Leaf in Malaysia to not only private individuals but also to commercial companies, which indicates that Malaysia has

good potential to develop a strong EV market.

On a separate note, ETCM has also augmented the EV market with another alternative-energy vehicle via Nissan Serena Hybrid, the first hybrid MPV in Malaysia.

The Tan Chong Group is also supported by First Energy Networks (FEN), a subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings. It is one of the pioneers of EV charging infrastructure, which has been set up across Malaysia and is critical to the success of promoting EVs in Malaysia.

Currently, there are charging stations available at Suria KLCC, Lot 10, The Curve, Setia City Mall, Jaya One, a few Petronas stations and soon, in more locations throughout the country.

FEN is also working together with GreenTech Malaysia, an agency under the Government that looks into the growth of energy-efficient vehicles and EVs.

By combining Nissan’s pioneering EV technologies and other intelligence and innovations, Nissan is indeed a leader in zero-emission future mobility.

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

motoring - 13 march 2016

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