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This Is The 3rd Generation Ford Focus THE highly anticipated 3rd generation Focus will be in Malaysia in a few short months. Recently launched in Bangkok, this Focus will be built at Ford’s all new USD450million factory in Rayong, Thailand. This Focus will arrive in 2 variants. A Duratec 1.6-liter Ti-VCT good for 125PS and 159Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed Ford PowerShift automatic gearbox (currently used in the award winning Fiesta)
and Ford’s completely new Duratec 2.0-litre Ti-VCT GDi engine matched to a 6-speed gearbox that delivers 170PS of power and 200Nm of torque. However it is the luxury, safety and comfort features in the new Focus that impresses us. The Focus will be equipped with Ford’ next-generation driver connect technology, MyFord, which provides the driver with a state-of-theart combination of controls
and display screens to operate the key vehicle features. MyFord is complemented by a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system and Bluetooth, along with connection points for a wide variety of external devices and media players. The all-new Focus also offers an array of smart features that assist the driver, many of which are a first in the seg-
ment, with some being first in market for ASEAN like ‘Active Park Assist’, where with the touch of a button, the Focus driver can parallel park easily — totally hands-free. This system uses sensors around the Focus to help identify a feasible spot then steer the car into the space. The driver controls the accelerator, brake and gears. Also included will be ‘Active City Stop’ which is a collisionmitigation system monitors
the road ahead for stationary traffic and then brakes automatically if its sensors detect the car in front has stopped unexpectedly. Focus will also have ‘Blind Spot Information System’ which can warn the driver of impending traffic from either side of the Focus or when backing out of a parking spot with limited visibility. This Focus will also have keyless entry and exit and keyless ignition. There will be
dual-zone electronic air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, cruise control, powered sunroof and an innovative autodimming rear view mirror that automatically detects headlight glare and switches to a dimmed setting. This allnew Ford Focus will offer customers an unbeatable combination of first-in-class smart technology and best-in-class fuel economy with tremendous fun-to-drive experience.
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Honda Jazz Hybrid Explained WHEN the 2nd generation Honda Jazz was launched in 2008, it was earmarked to be sold with a hybrid powertrain in the future. Greater fuel efficiency is a key focus for vehicles in the compact car segment today and this latest Jazz provides exactly that… good fuel economy. The Jazz hybrid system is identical to that used in the Honda Insight which consists of a 10kW electric motor, a 0.6kWh nickel metal hydride battery and the power electronics.
This is called a ‘parallel hybrid configuration’, in other words, the wheels are powered by both the inter-
nal combustion engine and an electric motor. These two Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) systems feature a
PICTURE ABOVE: Pancake-type electric motor/generator located between the engine and gearbox and the power control unit
smaller petrol engine and a thin, pancake-type electric motor/generator located between the engine and gearbox. Its fuel efficient petrol engine which is a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder in the Jazz provides all the power needed for most driving situations. When additional power is needed, such as when passing heavy vehicles or climbing a hill, the integrated electric motor/generator performs in ways similar to a supercharger/turbocharger, seamlessly working immediately to supply added power. The motor/generator also functions as a high-speed starter and as a generator for battery charging during regenerative braking. To maintain the versatility of the Jazz, the battery was housed under the boot floor,
while the air duct for cooling the battery system has been installed neatly out of sight in the cabin. By packaging not only the battery but the power control unit (PCU) under the rear floor, the team of Honda engineers maintained the usable load space, including the car’s flexible rear seating, only losing the underfloor storage. The Jazz Hybrid has 883 litres of capacity, identical to that of the combustion petrol engine Jazz variant, with the rear seats folded flat. The i-VTEC petrol engine allows the lean air-fuel charge to burn more completely and cleanly for enhanced fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions. Every line of the Jazz Hybrid was sculpted to maximize aerodynamics and minimize wind drag.
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MalaysianNews
Chevrolet Colorado Truck In Malaysia Chevrolet have been producing pickup trucks for the longest time and now they are available in Malaysia for the 1st time. NAZA Quest (Chevrolet Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd has introduced the latest Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck. Two The range features a choice of two all-new Duramax turbodiesel engines that provide a leading combination of performance and fuel economy across three specification levels. Based on GM’s global body-on-frame, rear-drive midsize truck architecture, the all-new Colorado is designed, engineered and executed to deliver best-in-class appearance, performance, versatility and refinement. It is also among the safest vehicles in its class, having been developed to meet the highest possible safety standards wherever it is sold. Included in the Colo-
BMW New 3-Series In Malaysia NOW BMW Malaysia launches the all new 3-Series with 3 engine variants. This new 3-Series shares design cues with its larger sibling the 5-Series and it is larger than the outgoing 3-Series as it is 9mm taller, 50 mm longer and has a 37mm wider track, front and rear. Interior appointments have been moved up the quality ladder a few notches and features higher grade materials and more luxury appointments over the previous model. Malaysian buyers will get a revised 320 diesel engine with 135kW and 380Nm of torque while sipping just an impressive 4.4l/100km of diesel. There are 2 petrol variants, a 328i with BMW’s new
twin-turbo 4-cylinder 2-liter engine and the 335i which still uses BMW’s twin-scroll turbocharged straight 6-cylinder engine. All variants feature BMW’s revolutionary 8-speed auto-
matic transmission. Visit a showroom now for a test drive. The retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI)) for the new BMW 3 Series are:
models were introduced; the LT and LTZ double cab variants with a 2.5L manual transmission and a 2.8L engine in both auto and manual transmission. This Colorado is competitively priced between RM88,888.00 to RM110,000.00. rado range are features such as Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System featuring Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Traction Control, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control as well as driver and occupant airbag protection. More exciting information about Chevrolet Malaysia may be obtained at http:// chevrolet.com.my/ and http:// www.facebook.com/MYChevrolet. Follow @Chevrolet_MY for the latest updates and offerings of Chevrolet Malaysia. For more information about the new Chevrolet Colorado visit www.chevrolet.com.my
BMW 320d RM 268,800 BMW 328i RM 309,800 BMW 335i RM 488,800
Goodyear launches Eagle Efficientgrip The new Eagle EfficientGrip is Goodyear’s quietest, most comfortable tire ever. The leading tire company’s latest innovation is engineered with advanced Quiet TRED Technology to minimize road noise and help deliver a silky smooth ride, without compromising safety which is the hallmark of all EDITORIAL NOTE
show that Eagle EfficientGrip is the company’s quietest tire ever. Furthermore, based on external tests on wet-braking performance, the tire outperforms a leading competitor in its class. Goodyear Eagle EfficientGrip is set to become the new leader in premium tires for luxury passenger vehicles.
Goodyear tires. Designed for luxury car drivers in Malaysia who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban environment when they step into their cars, the new Goodyear Eagle EfficientGrip can help make the journey quieter and smoother. Goodyear’s internal tests by Daniel Fernandez
|
Consultant Motoring Editor
This new offering from Goodyear comes with leading technology and advanced features so luxury car owners can now sit back and enjoy sheer driving pleasure. Available at both Goodyear Autocare and Goodyear Servitekar outlets, the Eagle EfficientGrip is available in 15” — 18” from RM400.
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A motoring pullout is a common feature with most newspapers… but Clutch will be different. How different? Well just like the rest of the all new The Malay Mail, Clutch will be informative and true to its editorial integrity. Clutch will be a bi-monthly (every other Friday of the month) motoring pullout that will give straight-to-the-point car reviews and relevant motoring information for the Malaysian car enthusiast in a
Joel Miranda
Jenilyn Alexia
simple language. We will not confuse you or ‘smoke screen’ you with technical terms and instead offer our views on each and every test drive. In this first issue, we at Clutch hope that the car reviews presented will be
General Manager
Executive
able to move you to personally take a test drive of the cars reviewed at the nearest showrooms and see for yourself what we experience in each and every test drive. Your feedback is needed for us to improve in every area.
012-2337394 joel.miranda@redberry.com.my
016-3620331 jenilyn@mmail.com.my
Email us at clutcheditorial@gmail.com.
Please watch out for our next issue on the 27th of April 2012.
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Moving Upwards In More Ways Than One FROM its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of compact value-driven cars, Hyundai has since grown to become one of the most desirable brands in the market. Modern Hyundai vehicles feature dynamic styling, impressive performance and solid build quality. Most importantly, they remain just as good value for money as their predecessors were. This unparallelled combination of desirability and value is embodied in the recently launched all-new MD Elantra. Available with a choice of 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines, the allnew MD Elantra offers specifications and technology that rivals can only dream of — 6-speed gearboxes, rain sensor, sunroof, auto cruise control, engine start/stop button, and 10-way driver power seat just to name a very few of its class-leading features. Little wonder then, that the MD Elantra has already garnered countless awards around the globe - 2012 North American Car of the Year, Car of the Year 2012 by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists, 2012 Canadian Car of the Year by AJAC, 2012 Autobest COTY (Europe), 5-star Safety Rating by Australasia NCAP 2011, 2011 Middle East Motor Awards by MEMA, 2011 Car of the Year Turkey by Otohaber Magazine, and many more. The MD Elantra is not the only winner in Hyundai’s starstudded line-up. Consumer Guide editors recently named
five Hyundai models in the 2012 Consumer Guid Automotive Best Buy and Recommended Awards. The Sonata, Tucson, and all-new Accent were named ‘Best Buy’ in their respective categories, while the Genesis and Elantra earned the ‘Recommended’ stamp of approval. Meanwhile, four Hyundai models, Accent, Elantra, Genesis Coupe, and Tucson earned the distinction of ‘Best Value in America’ for 2012 from Vincentric, an automotive data compilation and analysis firm. Vincentric measures cost-ofownership using eight different cost factors: depreciation, fuel, insurance, opportunity cost, financing, maintenance, taxes and state fees, and repairs. Using a statistical model, the company identified its Best Value in America winners by measuring which vehicles had a lower than expected ownership costs given their market segment and price. More feathers in Hyundai’s increasingly crowded cap came courtesy of The Car Book’s 2012 ‘Best Bets’ awards. Three Hyundai models, Accent, Sonata and Tucson, earned the distinction of “BEST BETS” from author Jack Gillis and the Center for Auto Safety, America’s leading auto safety advocacy group. The Car Book analyses new vehicles each year, rating them in nine key Car Book categories: crash tests, safety features, rollover, preventative maintenance, repair costs, warranty,
fuel economy, complaints and insurance, with the heaviest emphasis on safety. Looking to the future, Hyundai is also making great strides in researching alternative energy solutions. The Hyundai ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) was selected by the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) as a demonstration vehicle to test and promote hydrogen fuel cell technology in a real-world environment. Until last month, Members of the European Parliament, Commissioners, EU officials
and other policymakers were given the opportunity to test the ix35 FCEV themselves. Debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, the ix35 FCEV features important innovations over previous-generation Hyundai FCEVs, including a 55 percent improvement in driving range and an 80 percent reduction in manufacturing costs. Hyundai has become a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology since the introduction of the Santa Fe FCEV in 2000, operating a dedicated fuel cell research division at its Eco
Technology Research Institute in Korea. The company plans to have hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles commercialised by 2015. Closer to home, the prospect of owning a Hyundai vehicle has never been easier or more attractive. Following recent openings of new 3S centres in Setapak and Shah Alam, local distributors Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has announced that it plans
to have a total of 22 3S centres nationwide by the end of 2012 and another four by 2013. HSDM offers a 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty on all its new passenger
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vehicles. Hyundai’s extended warranty is in accordance to its manufacturing warranty. A 24-hour road assist service is also now available to new and existing Hyundai vehicles. Hyundai’s ‘modern premi-
um’ concept is based on the idea that high quality does not necessarily require a high acquisition price. Hyundai now offers high-end, high quality and efficient cars at an accessible price. This is not limited to just the product, but also Hyundai’s entire business, operations and services.
MD ELANTRA: Now on sale at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide.
HYUNDAI 3S Centre Opened by SUTERA GEMILANG AUTO SUTERA GEMILANG AUTO SDN BHD (Sutera Gemilang Auto), a dealer under HyundaiSime Darby Motors (HSDM), celebrated the opening of its 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) centre in Shah Alam. Mr Zoon Kim, Deputy General Manager, Asia & Pacific Regional Headquarters, Hyundai Motor Company and Mr Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd were present to grace the grand opening of Sutera Gemilang Auto’s Hyundai 3S Centre. The official opening of this 3S centre also coincides with the nationwide launch of
the MD Elantra. Visitors at the centre not only get to view the all-new MD Elantra but also an opportunity to test-drive the highly acclaimed car and other models. The 31,500 sq ft Sutera Gemilang Auto 3S centre has a total of 9 service bays. It is targeting to service approximately 32 vehicles a day. It also carries the same features as all Hyundai 3S centres, which includes a premium Wi Fi lounge, kids corner and free flow of beverages to provide greater comfort and convenience for its customers. It also offers Quick Service and
a 24-Hour Key Drop facility. Other services include free hourly shuttle service to Citta Mall (and anywhere within the radius of 15km). Sutera Gemilang Auto invested close to RM3 Million in setting up this 3S centre and it is all set to service Hyundai/ Inokom vehicles in the Shah Alam area. With 20 years of experience in the auto industry, Sutera Gemilang is confident of providing a professional and an efficient service to all its customers. This 3S centre is also built in compliance with the Hyundai Dealer Enhancement Programme (DEP). The
DEP is introduced by Hyundai Motor Company to reinforce Hyundai’s brand presence by aligning it with Hyundai’s global corporate image. This 3S centre is open 7 days a week including public holidays. It is situated at Lot 7960, Jalan Batu 3 (Off Jalan Subang) 40100 Shah Alam. Customers who would like to find out more about the services offered by this 3S centre can call (03) 78324333 (General Line) and (03) 78324888 (Sales). HSDM plans to have a total of 22 3S centres nationwide by the end of 2012 and another 4 more in 2013.
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TESTDRIVE
Suzuki KIZASHI For The Sporty Executive POPULAR compact car and SUV manufacturer Suzuki has decided to enter the executive segment with a brand new offering, the Kizashi. Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA) has introduced the fully imported Suzuki Kizashi 2.4L SDLX/ SPORT from Japan. This Kizashi sedan signifies Suzuki’s entrance into the Dsegment. The Suzuki Kizashi 2.4L was officially launched by Mr. Shinya Yokokawa, Deputy Managing Director of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn. Bhd. ‘Kizashi’ comes from a
Japanese word which means “a sign of great things to come”. Available in both Standard (SDLX) and Sport; the Kizashi
encompasses Japanese craftsmanship quality with European styling, sporty and elegance Interiors, superior 2.4-litre DOHC inline-4 petrol
engine performance, fuel efficiency, outstanding range of safety technologies, which will all offers exceptional driving convenience and experience that reflects Suzuki’s exuberant brand spirit that delivers a high level of excitement to everyone who drives it. Equipped with active safety standard equipment, including ABS (Anti-lock braking system), EBD (Electronic Braking force Distribution), six airbags and an ESP®* (Electronic Stability Programme) with traction control that promotes stability during
cornering manoeuvres, acceleration, emergency manoeuvres and on slippery roads, the Kizashi’s is crafted with great safety in mind.
The Kizashi 2.4L is sold in 2 variants. Its pricing starts at 147,888.00 for the SDLX model and RM158,188.00 for the Sport.
The interior of the A4 has also been refined. Fine Nappa leather upholstery replaces Valcona leather. The interior of the S-line sport package comes in black, refined with high-quality applications. There are new 18-inch wheels or the optional 19-inch wheels, whilst Audi exclusive and Audi exclusive line offer further individualised options.
The A4 now gets the latest TFSI 1.8-liter engine with increased power from the previous 160 hp to 170 hp and an even more significant torque hike from 250Nm to 320Nm whilst still sipping just 5.8 litres per 100km. The 1.8 TFSI comes with Audi symphony radio with 10-speakers and the 2.0 TFSI features Audi Symphony with a 14-speakers of 505 watts. Prices start from RM235,000 for the A4 1.8 TFSI and RM309,800 for the 2.0 TFSI quattro.
Audi A4 Next Generation From RM235,000 NEW 2012 Audi A4 is now in Malaysia with prices starting from RM235,000. Visually, the latest A4 has a reworked bumper with new look angled air inlets and flat fog lights with a revised single frame trapezoidal grille, tapered upper edges and redesigned cross ribs. Flanked by restyled headlights, the grille flows into a re-sculpted bonnet, fringed by updated LED daytime running lights that form a narrow, continuous strip. The tail lights reflect the shape of the headlights and the bumper with its diffuser insert has also been redesigned.
The last model of the Audi A4 came to Malaysia and took the market by storm, now comes a new A4 that is sure to capture a larger audience with its good looks and hard to resist selling price from just RM235,000. Call Audi Glenmarie (Euromobil) at 03-7688 7688 for a test drive
There is a selection of 15 paint finishes, including four new tones. Euromobil also offers the Sline exterior package at an additional RM25,000 for a sportier identity. The modifications in the new A4 have changed the dimensions only by a few millimeters. The A4 sedan is 4.70 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.81 meters and a width of 1.83 meters standing at 1.43 meters tall.