Sunday August 24, 2008
Shiny and new?
It’s been a busy week in the motoring scene with a flurry of new car launches. Here are some of the highlights.?
Honda Jazz
SPACE is the word with the all new Jazz and Honda says there’s now enough inside to rival an average medium sized sedan, thanks to a longer, broader, wheel base and moving the front A-pillar forward.
The Jazz’s large front windscreen extends quite some way up the roof and the feeling inside is distinctly airy.
The lines on the all-new Jazz are more fluid and the car now has a more pronounced forward form.
The all new Honda Jazz Versatility remains high, with a variety of seating-cum-cargo sharing configurations possible.
The Jazz also gets a 1.5l i-VTEC engine with 120bhp that is 10% more powerful than its predecessor. Coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission, good fuel economy is promised, along with zippy performance when you need it.
Inside, the Jazz looks more sophisticated.
Pricing is RM104.800 for the 1.5S and RM109,800 for the 1.5V, which gets paddle shifters, some extra body and interior trimmings and 16-inch alloys, among others.
Lexus LS 460 Shortwheelbase
The original long wheelbase LS 460 was a bungalow on wheels with everything to suit the needs of a taikoh in chauffeur-driven luxury. But a large centre console in the rear seat meant only two could sit at the back.
The new Lexus LS 460 shortwheelbase as seen at the launch at the Lexus centre. For the taikoh who wants to drive his family of five out in Lexus luxury, there is now the LS 460 shortwheelbase variant, which dispenses with the rear console besides costing about RM130,000 less, at RM665,000.
Rear legroom is still generous although you lose the massage chair and a few other gizmos.
But other features remain top notch, from the Mark Levinson audio system, the eight-speed automatic transmission, a host of electronic driver aids and most importantly, the superlatively smooth 4.6l, 380bhp engine.
BMW X6
A new flagship model, the X6 is. And what the company calls a Sports Activity Coupe
is described as the most sporting interpretation of the X Series, with the looks and the technical wherewithal to prove it.
There’s space for two couples and the X6 xDrive35i backs up its head turning abilities with a six-cylinder twin turbo engine that offers 306bhp and 400Nm.
Mated to a six speed automatic transmission it has a top speed of 240km/h and as well as a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds.
The new BMW X6 Though it’s based on the X5 that has been around for nine years, it really is in a segment all of its own.
BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology allows variable distribution of power between the front and rear axle.
With the new Dynamic Performance Control, that principle is now extended between the rear wheels as well in a system that enhances steering precision, traction on bends and the agility and stability of the vehicle.
The X6 xDrive35i is priced at RM698,800 and comes with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair package.
Citroen C6 and Grand C4 Picasso
The launch of the C6 and Grand C4 Picasso by sole importer and distributor Brookland Motors marks the official return of Citroen vehicles to Malaysia.
The C6 looks quite sensational in the metal and marries French style with enough stateliness to be whisking off some very important people, and very comfortably too.
That comes in part from the Hydractive 3, a combination of an electronically controlled hydraulic active suspension system with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear.
A 3.0l V6 with some 215bhp and 290Nm is coupled to a six-speed adaptive gearbox and the RM398,000 car is stacked with technical assists.
Gizmos includes a lane departure warning system that vibrates the left or right side of the seat to keep the driver from drifting of his lane to a Head-Up Display (HUD) of speed and navigation info, among many others,
The RM168,000 Grand C4 Picasso is a compact MPV with room for seven. Thanks to huge amounts of glass all around and on the roof, travelling is a panoramic experience.
The French factor is evident in the external styling as well as the interior comfort.
Powered by a 2.0l engine which delivers 143bhp and 200Nm, this MPV comes with a Euro NCAP (New car Assessment Programme) five-star safety rating.
Volvo S40
The good news about the face-lifted S40 is that its now cheaper at only RM169,500 versus the RM181,500 of its predeccessor.
The entry level sedan in the family is what Volvo hopes will lure younger drivers, wanting to upgrade from a Japanese or Asian car into a premium, luxury car.
Changes include a new front end, with a completely revised grille that sports a larger iron mark logo and a pronounced lip at the front spoiler.
The front lights are new while the rear end now has LED tail lights and there’s new leather upholstery for the interior, revised door pockets, among others.
Under the bonnet, the proven 170bhp 2.4l engine – known to deliver brisk performance – remains, along with Volvo’s safety.
Perodua Myvi
The Myvi remains the country’s top selling car and, even after over 250,000 sold since its launch in May 2005, monthly sales have been stronger than ever since July. That’s due in part to the fuel price hike and the car’s combination of spaciousness, looks, good fuel economy and value.
Besides some refreshing interior and exterior changes, the latest changes to the Myvi are aimed at enhancing customer convenience and comfort.
The Myvi gets a new front grille, hood, emblem and fog lamps and new front and rear bumpers . The 14-inch alloys are a fresh design and the rear end now sports LED combination lights
The new-look Perodua Myvi. Inside, the changes include a new interior colour scheme with a better looking fabric for the seats, a new instrument cluster with Optitron lighting.
Glass with ultra-violet protection, which helps to keep the heat out, is now included, along with a shopping hook and seat height adjuster.
The Myvi also gets digital media friendly with devices like MP3/WMA, USB port and bluetooth.
There are now two new colour choices in the line and prices – between RM39,000 and RM51,000 – are just a few hundred ringgit more than before. – ANDREW FERNANDEZ
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