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?
As expected, the tilt and telescopically adjustable steering wheel is pinched from the Civic 1.8. The double-DIN (Kenwood) audio head-unit doesn’t allow for on-wheel control buttons/switches. For cabin comfort, there is a standard automatic climate control A/C. The meter panel is of the self-illuminating type and unlike the Civic, is a regular twin dials of speedo and tachometer. In addition, a multi-info display is available, through which the driver can call up motoring info such as current fuel consumption, remaining fuel and estimated travel range. Being a CBU unit, an electric sunroof/moonroof is standard.
Brakes are standard discs all- round, peering through 15” alloys, looking adequately sized, being ventilated items for the front axle. Suspension set-up is the cost-saving MacPherson struts up front while the rear uses a compact reactive-link double wishbone suspension. The more compact rear suspension is said to free up more third row passenger space while wheelbase lengthening by 20mm further increases legroom for 3rd row passengers. Meanwhile, ride height is now lowered by 45mm, helping improve driving stability with the resultant lower centre of gravity.
Safety features include ABS, EBD and dual SRS airbags. There is no Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) for the Stream 1.8, which is electronic stability control system in Honda-speak. According to a Honda dealer’s Sales Advisor there may be a top range Stream 2.0 i-VTEC later in 2008, pending the market’s acceptance and response to the Stream 1.8.
Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R’s 1.5L MIVEC (4G15) Turbo engine has been tweaked to deliver 9 extra horses, uplifted to punch out a total of 163bhp at 6300rpm. Maximum torque remains the same at 210Nm at 3500rpm.
Mazda has revealed a booted version of its neat and cute Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) placing it in contention for a slice of the lucrative B-segment sedan market in China and possibly ASEAN. From these images it appeared as if the new Mazda2 sedan is a small C-segment sedan, with a huge rump to boot.
The Mazda2 sedan comes with two petrol engines option, a 1.3L with 85hp or a 1.5L capable of 102hp, mated with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Wheelbase is unchanged from the hatch at 2490mm.
Images of the new Mazda2 sedan you see here is a China market Demio sedan produced by Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. at its Nanjing plant. The 3-box version of the Demio will go on sale in China by Q2 2008.
Will we see the attractive Mazda2 sedan in Malaysia sometime 2008/09, sourced perhaps from Mazda’s new manufacturing base in Thailand?
One of the most anticipated replacement models to come from Mercedes-Benz of late is the new C-Class (W204), the compact luxury sedan that has been and will still be the bread-and-butter vehicle of this German carmaker.
Completely redesigned and larger than the W203, the first model to be available in Malaysia is the supercharged 4-cylinder C200 Kompressor. Here is how it fares on the road in and around the roads of Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya (and Cyberjaya).
Interior wise, the larger dimensions are aptly appreciated, notably up front with bigger seats and to me at least, more generous elbow rooms laterally. Cabin ergonomics are good except for the centre console and gear lever which I found set a tad too high. Similarly the surround of the horizontal centre console is of hard plastic, something which M-B probably felt could be skimped upon since most drivers would not have noticed…or is that always the case? That said, the new C200K’s overall cabin ambience is still classy, airy, and most importantly premium. All interior switches and stalks operate with crisp and firm Teutonic efficiency that spells quality. Mercedes-Benz is clearly back in the game after some misses with the W203 C-Class and prior to this, the W210 E-Class.
No review of a Mercedes is complete without a mention of its trademark smooth ride and solid, yet supple damping. The new C200K is all that with a little body roll in-built into its somewhat soft suspension setting. Perhaps the OE Pirelli P-Zero Rossos were a little on the softer side? I found the steering a tad on the lighter side, though the much publicised agility afforded by it was pretty much spot on. In fact, the rack responsiveness was so familiar that I suspected it was pinched in entirety from the facelifted E200K! Needless to say, the new C’s tracking composure and high speed stability are of no issue, as expected.
The improvised (M271) supercharged 4-pot is torquier now with a wider powerband felt above 2800rpm to near 5200rpm. However, the tougher gas pedal in the tester seemed to have taken a step backward to the days of the old Benzes. Honestly, my pre-facelift W211 E200K has a lighter throttle pedal feel. The left foot operated parking-brake lever has a quite loose springy feel, with little steps of creakiness, something not found in the W203. What’s the story here M-B? This doesn’t convey an upmarket feel, in my honest opinion. Reminds me of the VW Touareg I have tested sometime back.
Externally, the 12-spokes 17” alloys look the part, giving the Elegance-spec C200K a prestigious yet subtle elegance (pun intended). New metal sheets with side chromed door/body stripes relegated nearer to the sill level gives the impression of a larger car, with both front and rear designs in cohort to give better road presence to this junior exec. Framing shots of the car’s frontal visage, most have noticed a less-than-desirable gap at the upper border of the classic Merc radiator grille, resulting in an illusion that the bonnet wasn’t closed properly. This can be attributed to the fact that the multi-slats grille is now permanently cradled by the bumper, instead of the hood previously. Interestingly, a noted top automotive blogger/journalist has also pointed that the 335i coupe has a somewhat similar ‘defect’ here. I reckoned this may push even more C200K Elegance buyers to swap for the Avantgarde grille after taking delivery of their cars...no? (Afterall, the Avantgarde BIG-Star grille is indeed, frameless.) Incidentally, both wing mirrors appeared somewhat a little too large (and square) and seem a tad incoherent with the new C's overall taut but fluid design. 
Spotted at a local shopping complex and highlighted by an avid bargain-hunter motorist who claimed it to be a better buy than the recently launched new Toyota Vios, I was piqued with curiousity regarding this new Korean offering, even though much belated coming into the Malaysian market.
Externally, the new Accent does look impressive for its class with larger-than-segment appearance. Though the integrated dual-exhausts may be a bit of an overkill it isn't as out-of-place as the dated, highly-placed side rubbing strips on the doors/flanks.
