New Peugeot Blue Box in Malaysia

Peugeot’s new franchise holder and distributor in Malaysia, NASIM Sdn Bhd has officially opened its new flagship Blue Box in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Malaysia. Renovated at a cost of more than RM2 million, it has 11 service bays, manned by 11 highly trained technicians. The latest state-of-the-art and online Peugeot Planet System (PPS) diagnostic equipment is used to service all Peugeots that come in. Up to RM3 million worth of spare parts are stocked at any one time. There are another 21 service centres nationwide to complement the servicing and repair of Peugeot vehicles, as well as the rebadged Naza 206 Bestari.

In conjuction with the launch of the new Peugeot Blue Box, Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin said that Nasim Sdn Bhd has already reduced parts prices for Peugeot by up to 20%. It was also revealed that a locally assembled Peugeot 407 will be available soon.

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class loses peanut-shaped (ameboid) headlamps

Here is another facelift Mercedes-Benz model (dubbed ‘new generation’ in Merc speak) that loses its peanut-shaped headlamps, following a trend spearheaded by the W204 C-Class in 2006/07 and recently the ‘new’ C-Class coupe aka CLC-Class.


The new SL-Class will be unveiled at Geneva 2008 this March. This premium sports roadster is claimed to deliver even more athletic performance, thanks to the new direct-steer system and improved fuel efficiency. As an example, the SL350 is powered by a newly developed, extremely high-revving sports engine boasting an impressive output of 316 hp yet returns a fuel consumption figure that is 0.4litre per 100 kilometres lower than that of its predecessor.


Mercedes-Benz SL range will now feature two six-cylinder models in the guise of the SL350 and the new SL280 (170 kW/231 hp), as well as the familiar SL500 with a V8 engine. At the top-end is the SL600 with a V12 powerplant.

Passive safety kit counts include bi-xenon headlamps incorporating the Intelligent Light System whose light functions are designed specifically for typical driving situations. Further new features on board include AIRSCARF neck-level heating. This system - invented by Mercedes-Benz and available as an optional extra - enhances comfort when driving with the roof down in those cold climates. SL passengers are kept informed and entertained by the standard-fit COMAND multimedia system, which has also been fully redeveloped and features additional functions e.g. Sat-Nav.

The new-generation SL caps a glorious history of Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954 with the introduction of the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing", followed in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the Stuttgart manufacturer has produced a total of over 630,000 SL sports cars.

Renault Twingo RS

Renault is set to unveil its new Twingo RS at Geneva 2008, featuring a new 1.6L engine good for 133hp, along with the obligatory RS-spec bodykit, alloys and other sports addendum. The hot-hatch will slot into the RenaultsSport (RS) hierarchy, below both the Clio RS and Megane RS.

2009 Lancia Delta

Click on images to enlargeThese are official images of the all-new Delta from Lancia that will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. Based on a modified Fiat Bravo’s platform, the new Lancia Delta will however be longer, taller and wider than its Fiat cousin. In essence, it is the production version of the Delta HPE Concept, last showcased at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. The new Lancia Delta will be powered by a range of turbocharged (Fiat-sourced) 1.4L and 1.6L engines (both petrol and diesel) with output figures ranging from 120hp to 200hp, depending on state of tune and boost level.

New Hyundai Elantra X20 for RM93,888

Kah Bintang, one of the two Hyundai passenger cars distributors in Malaysia, is offering the new 2008 Hyundai Elantra X20 CVVT for RM93,888 (on-the-road with insurance). Seeing a couple of these new Hyundais on the road over Chinese New Year recently, it makes me wonder what the ‘X’ prefix was all about. The slanty badge looked pretty much after-market, even more so an after-thought! On the flipside, the rear end design and execution appeared to me as being refined, sleek and modern. In fact, it was somewhat akin to the few Singapore registered Nissan Bluebird Slyphy spotted, I reckoned.

The 2008 Elantra is only available in 4-speed A/T guise, driven by a 2.0L DOHC CVVT motor, capable of 143ps at 6,000rpm and 186Nm of torque at 4,600rpm. For safety, it comes fitted with dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with EBD and front seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiter. It is also claimed to have scored a 5-star crash test rating for the US NHTSA front impact test. Steering is now an electric-powered item, which is said to improve fuel economy (a claimed 746km every tankful of petrol!) and is tilt as well telescopically adjustable. Conventional McPherson struts spring up the front, while the rear axle features multi link suspension. Disc brakes are standard issue all around, peering out of 16” alloys. Electronic climate control is also standard along with leather-upholstered seats, for a higher level of in-cabin comfort and convenience.

You may want to read this:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/07/nissan-bluebird-sylphy-coming-soon.html

2008 Toyota Corolla Altis on sale now in Thailand

Story and Pictures by: Peter Lee

Click on images to enlargeOnce again, another new Toyota model has been launched in Thailand, way ahead of Malaysia. I had the opportunity to view the all-new Toyota Altis 1.8E in a Toyota showroom in Rangsit, Thailand. Surprisingly, after taking about a dozen shots on my camera, I was barred from snapping further. Maybe they were paranoid that these images could be going online soon, to the detriment of other ASEAN countries where the new Altis has yet been launched. Buggers! Whatever the reason(s) may be, I found it absolutely ludicrous in this ICT age of broadband and internet.






Let’s go straight to my personal views of the car. If you are thinking that the new Altis will look like a junior CAMRY in the metal, you will be dead disappointed. In fact, there is no WOW-factor or drool-inducing aesthetics about the new ALTIS, unlike the Camry.
The side profile and rear looked much like the previous Altis while the front is much like a broader VIOS replica, albeit with slimmer headlamps. I do admit the interior and dashboard design/layout is better now (with Camry’s steering wheel et al) but I still hate the FAKE-wood trims, much like varnished coffins wood actually. For the record, I hate all the wood (pseudo or otherwise) inserts used in both Toyota and Lexus.


Which begs the question now: “Would I buy the new Corolla Altis?”
My family has owned 3 generations of Corollas. My wife currently uses a Toyota Wish for daily commute. I also owned both generations of Toyota Harriers aka Lexus RX. My company car in Bangkok office is a new Vios G. With such proven 'track records', I would likely be parking another new Corolla in one of my driveways, right? Sadly, the answer is...NO.

Because there is totally NO driver involvement. No positive feedback. No sense of excitement. In short, what you get is, more often than not, a detached driving experience. To sum it nicely, it’s just a reliable passenger carrier. Not much depth beyond that often much-treasured TOYOTA emblem/badge. Well, perhaps the all-new Supra coupe (ala LH-A concept) would change my perception but alas, that’s a super coupe with a possibly Continental-level premium price.


Back to reality, for the price that I may be paying (estimated circa RM115k) for the new Altis 1.8 come March 2008 in Malaysia, I would rather have a 2nd look at the SSS model or ML sedan - both Japanese imports (CBU). At least these are more exciting to be chucked around, relatively speaking of course.


Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/06/2007-all-new-toyota-corolla-sedan.html

Classic Drive: TD2000 Silverstone Mk2

Here is a lifestyle statement and an automotive status symbol of a different kind, both rolled into one retro classic package. It tells people that you have indeed arrived, since this would probably be a 3rd or even 4th car that you would drive, just for those special occasions or outings. It isn’t your usual three pointed star, blue propeller or quadruple-conjoined rings…

We are talking about a car based on MG-T series from the late 1940s-1950s, heck…from an era when I wasn’t even born yet! Built by Tdesire Sdn Bhd and named TD2000 Silverstone MkII, this topless retro –classic roadster strikes me as a misfit in our sea of ‘cocooned’, air-conditioned and windows-wound-up automobiles. Don’t get me wrong, the TD2000 has got an A/C but most of the time it isn’t very effective due to its topless, semi-topless and enclosed-but-leaky nature (to air turbulence that is!).

First impression as I took the TD2000 on to the highway was seeing how rushed our society has become. With the top down, you can hear all vehicles whisking by as if you’re standstill – I was actually leisurely doing strolling pace getting accustomed to the steering, brakes and mind-mapping the front and rear overhangs. It will be very charming for those Sunday drives, more so if you’re living in Awana Genting, Cameron Highlands or some other up-the-hills enclave with cool, crisp air - as I reckoned then. Reality was that I had this loaned tester during the year-end monsoon weather when it was either gloomy with rain clouds or started to drizzle. So, I had to admit that I had the roof up mostly, sans the window covers. When I had the roof down, it was like playing Russian roulette - driving on most occassions under grey cast sky!

Contributing to the old charm must be the intricately finished wooden steering by Moto Lita. The two-tone paint (cream + dark blue) helped further, as was the optional wires-spoked wheels. The seats are low slung, semi bucket items and your feet are deep into a narrow footwell. Cranking the ignition brings forth to life a Toyota 2.0L 4-pot sourced form an old Camry model, mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Modern automobile convenience and reliability married to a classic design. In practice, 130bhp is a very decent amount of power to propel this 940kg vehicle. The TD2000 mostly felt sprightly on the go with perhaps just that occasional scuttle shake should you get too enthusiastic with your drive. Its rear live axle can be a little hopping experience, suspended on leaf springs but tracking of corners were taken pretty accurately. Steering of the TD2000 is non-powered assisted item which can be tad stiff for parallel parking. On the flipside, it was a boon to those higher cruising speed on motorways. Stopping power are assuring enough, afforded by all round discs, with the front pairs being crossed drilled items!

Retro-yet-elegant design and authentic classic looks may be the main reason hundreds of TD2000 have found homes. Stopping at traffic junctions most will stare in amazement and delight or could it be its rarity value? With an exhaust note that is rather throaty and more direct-feel steering and chassis versus the ‘insulated’ modern cars, the TD2000 is one roadster that has to be experienced to be appreciated. It takes about RM180k (depending on customisation level) to park one in your driveway, so owning one is definitely for the society’s elite and those with extra cash – and an additional parking lot - to spare.