24 August 2012

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AUGUST 24, 2012 YO U R

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“There Is A New ‘R’ In Town” Most motoring enthusiasts know all about the VW Golf R and VW Scirocco R, high performance alternatives of the VW Golf and VW Scirocco TFSI variants that

Volkswagen is selling so well in the country. These models are the handiwork of Volkswagen R GmbH, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group tasked to offer

exclusive and individual enhancement to models of the Volkswagen brand. This week we take the Scirocco ‘R’ for a tarmac ripping test drive. Review on next page.

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THE MALAY MAIL

TESTDRIVE PICTURES BY DANIEL FERNANDEZ

Volkswagen Scirocco ‘R’ Ripped Just Raring To Go

By ASWAN YAP

JUST 3 years ago, the Golf GTI and Scirocco were Volkswagen performance benchmarks, with their just-over-200-bhp outputs and sharp handling characteristics. It was at that point that Volkswagen decided to introduce their “R” branded models, positioning them as the most extreme versions of their regular cars. These models eventually went into production and have finally made their way to our shores.

The first two models to be released were the Golf R and the Scirocco R. Both of these cars are based on the same platform, but the Scirocco R does not feature the 4Motion AWD system from the Golf R. But for the first time, I’m willing to admit that the Scirocco R feels and handles a little better

VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO R SPECIFICATIONS 1984 cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged w/ direct injection HORSEPOWER: 255 PS @ 6000 rpm MAX TORQUE: 330 Nm @ 2400-5200 rpm TRANSMISSION: 6-speed DSG with paddle shifters 0-100KM/H: 6.0 seconds TOP SPEED: 250 km/h PRICE: RM 279,888

CAPACITY: ENGINE:

despite only driving the front wheels.

It goes against convention.

In normal applications, an AWD system offers higher grip levels than both of the other drivetrains, simply because the torque is divided

amongst 4 wheels instead of just 2 (hence having more grip).

There are many different types of AWD, usually either front biased or rear biased. When an AWD system reacts to slip in a corner, the application of torque to the wheels that are still gripping can have an effect on the feel of a car and make it feel less willing to turn. In low grip situations an AWD system will dominate, but for the most part a well balanced front-wheel drive car will do just as well. The wider track and lower profile provides for better stability.

The Scirocco R feels natural in your hands. Turning into a corner, it feels like it’s turning with you rather than fighting against you. This is an important characteristic in a driver’s car as it allows for much higher cornering speeds and reduces the risk of

ABOVE: High end 'Dynaudio' system needs no upgrade at all.

NEXT: 6-Speed DSG is carried over from the previous Golf GTi but with software upgrades.

understeer. A skilled driver will be able to correct the car if the tail slips out too much and continue onwards without a large loss in speed, but a car that understeers forces the driver to slow down, effectively a buzzkill for lack of better words.

Power delivery is similar to that of the standard Scirocco, although the kick from the turbochargers reaching maximum boost is much more pronounced.

Volkswagen was clever to avoid putting too much power into the Scirocco R, allowing it to maintain grip at the front end even during hard acceleration out of a corner. To bring the Scirocco R to a halt are R-line brakes, which offer superior stopping power and better fade resistance.

While a stiff, spine shattering suspension is the defining characteristic of a performance car, having adaptable suspension allows you to save on chiropractor bills. Volkswagen’s

Dynamic Chassis Control is included in the Scirocco R, offering you three modes that adjust the ride and throttle map. In ‘Comfort’ mode the suspension will yield to potholes and bumps, but stick it in ‘Sport’ mode and you get better body control in the corners, and a sharper throttle. In the standard mode, there is a balance between the two, though ‘Comfort’ remains the best.

Much like the Golf R, the Scirocco R benefits from a few new luxuries. The seats are replaced with more figure-hugging R-line seats. The entertainment unit is swapped out for one with navigation and a 30 GB hard drive, and the Dynaudio sound system comes standard. The wheels are now 19 inches wide, with the same tyre width.

It’s arguable that you could purchase all these components on your own and have them installed in your own time, or even leave out the components you don’t want. But the Scirocco R is more than just a combination of parts; it manages to make the Scirocco feel agile and natural and far less jittery than before, even with the larger wheels. It may not be a huge engineering feat, but it is a great improvement.

THE MALAY MAIL

FRIDAY 24 august 2012

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MOVINGFORWARD

Hyundai Sonata Singing the Tune of Progress NOW in its sixth model generation, the Sonata is one of Hyundai’s most important nameplates worldwide. Like the Hyundai brand itself, the Sonata lineage is one that began with relatively humble origins before soaring to the majestic heights it currently occupies. The first Sonata was launched in 1985, and when the name began to make headway amongst Malaysian consumers back in 2002, it was already in its fourth model generation.

The Sonata traditionally competes in the mid-sized D-segment market, and early models were powered by Mitsubishi four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litres in displacement. The first generation was sold for only two years, before Hyundai introduced the second generation model which was based on the Mitsubishi Galant Sigma platform. A Mitsubishi V6 engine was introduced with this new model generation, which was the first Sonata model to be sold in the United States.

The second generation model enjoyed a notably longer

The 1st Sonata

lifespan than its predecessor, lasting five years in showrooms before being replaced. Malaysian motorists would have a passing familiarity with the third generation model, as there are a number of examples currently plying our roads, although it was the fourth generation model, the EF, introduced here

in 2002, that really served to ingrain the Hyundai Sonata name into our consciousness.

Hyundai debuted the fourth generation Sonata EF worldwide in 1998, and it was a facelifted version of this model that was eventu-

ally launched in Malaysia. Local assembly enabled Hyundai to offer the Sonata to Malaysians with keen pricing and competitive specifications. Improved reliability and a distinctive design meant that Malaysians were

presented with a genuinely credible alternative to the Japanese sedans that were dominating the market.

At the time of its launch, the Sonata EF offered consumers unparallelled value for money.

Generous dimensions notwithstanding, it was also fitted with class-leading features such as double wishbone front suspension, dual airbags, ABS, EBD, all-round disc brakes, and an advanced automatic transmission with Shiftronic Sports Mode and HIVEC fuzzy logic programming. Initially offered with only a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the range was subsequently boosted with the addition of a 2.4-litre motor.

The fifth-generation Sonata NF was sold from 2004 to 2010, with a face-lifted version introduced in 2008. Malaysia welcomed this model to its shores in 2006, and never officially received the facelifted model.

Regular visitors to Singapore will find the Sonata NF a familiar sight as it is regularly used by the island republic’s taxi fleet – testament of its enduring quality. Like its predecessor, the Sonata NF offered class-leading value and equipment, and it was also among the earliest users of Hyundai’s award-winning Theta

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THE MALAY MAIL

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NEWMARKETS

All six models in the Sonata family........some you may easily recognise

engine family.

Enhanced versions of the Theta engines, dubbed Theta-II, now serve on board the currentgeneration Sonata YF in 2.0 and 2.4 litre displacements.

Recently updated to sport six variants, the Sonata YF is a game-changer for Hyundai. If the earlier Sonata EF was responsible for awakening Malaysians to the Hyundai brand, the YF has elevated it to new heights.

Continuing to offer compelling value for money like its predecessors, the Sonata YF further raises its game with stylish design and superb cabin ambiance.

Buyers of the Sonata YF

can also look forward to classleading equipment such as 6-speed automatic transmission, automatic headlights, start/stop button, leather seats, tilt & telescopic steering, cruise control, and rear air-con blowers as standard, with more kit added to the list further up the range.

The pair of highly advanced Theta-II powertrains completes what is an impressive package in the Sonata, making it one of the most compelling options in its market segment. Much like the story of the company that made it, the Sonata’s rise from being a modest value for money option to becoming a segment leader is both inspiring and heart-warming. It is testament to Hyundai’s never-ending spirit of improvement.

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THE MALAY MAIL

TESTDRIVE New Upgraded Lancer 2.0 GT comes with extra features MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA (MMM) has launched a revised Lancer 2.0 GT, offering an upgraded premium trim package.

It now includes a front body kit with integrated LED daytime running lights, rear body kit, reverse camera and LED position lights. Inside there are elegant premium Nappa leather seats and premium carpet mats.

Priced at RM 125,467.80, on the road without insurance, this Lancer GT is a Complete BuiltUp (CBU) from Japan and is sold in three colours — White Solid, Black Mica and Red Metallic.

The 2.0 liter powerhouse uses a lightweight aluminum block for optimum performance of 150PS to take control of city streets. The Lancer has a 5.0 meter turning radius. It comes

with magnesium paddle shifters as well as INVECS-III with 6-Step Sports Mode transmission. For safety purposes the Lancer comes with Dual Stage SRS Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Break Assist (BA), pretensioners and force limiters seatbelts as well as RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body which protects occupants by employing extensive front and rear crumple zones to absorb impact.

Other standard equipment in the Mitsubishi Lancer includes 2DIN Touch Screen Entertainment System, auto rain-sensing wipers, auto lighting control and cruise control. For more information, visit www.mitsubishimotors.com.my

MMM have given the Lancer GT enough visual improvements over the years, but this is looks the best yet

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Introduces A New Sonata Sport

Honda Malaysia Introduces The Jazz S HONDA MALAYSIA SDN BHD has introduced the Honda Jazz S variant that is a Completely Build-Up (CBU) unit from Thailand. This Jazz S comes with a 15” alloy wheel and a new dynamic front and rear bumper with 3-tier tail lights. The black mesh grille maintains the stylishness while the fog lights ensure better visibility during misty conditions.

The Jazz S is also equipped with front and rear mudguards for additional protection. The Jazz S is powered by the 1.5L i-VTEC engine, mated to a 5-speed Auto Transmission for excellent drivability, performance and fuel efficiency. The Jazz S is available

in Brilliant White Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

The practical, stylish and compact Jazz S comes with an affordable on-the-road price tag of RM 99,800.00. Customers can

test drive and place their booking for the Jazz S at any authorised Honda dealers nationwide.

For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.

THE Sonata Sport is now available for booking at all Hyundai authorized showrooms. Looking much sportier and a more dashing the 2.0L Auto Sport is priced at RM151,388 (OTR) while the 2.4L Auto Sport is priced at RM169,888 (OTR). The Sonata Sport comes with a new stylish body kit and exhaust enhancements. The Sonata 2.4L Auto Sport is also equipped with a paddle shifter that makes shifting gears a lot more convenient with the control of a fingertip (also available in the 2.4L Sonata Executive). The other four variants of the Sonata are the 2.0L Elegance, 2.0L Executive, 2.0L Executive Plus, and the 2.4L Executive.

The standard features across all six Sonata variants include the auto light, engine start/stop button that comes with a smart key, and the ASD (Amplitude Selective Damper) which gives a smoother ride and an excellent handling of the car.

Another great feature of the Sonata is the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that comes with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). The ESP features an engine control unit that receives input from individual wheel speed sensors, yaw sensor and steering angle sensor. It applies the brakes on individual wheels to help make the vehicle easier to control in precarious and close situations. The HAC gives

better control when you are on a slope. It prevents slipping for up to 2 seconds when stopped on an incline. (The ESP with HAC is available in all variants except 2.0L Elegance variant.)

HSDM is also offering a special interest rate of 1.88% until 30th September 2012 for all Hyundai Sonata variants so this is definitely a good time to buy a Sonata if you are planning to get one.

THE MALAY MAIL

FRIDAY 24 AUGUST 2012

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TESTDRIVE MICHELIN Le Mans Endurance Racing Tires For Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race 2012 WITH its vast experience from fitting winning teams at 15 consecutive editions of the world renowned Le Mans 24-hour race event, Michelin will bring its endurance tires to the 13th Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race (MMER) at the Sepang Formula 1 circuit here from August 29 - September 2.

Le Mans 24-hour race presents one of the toughest tests for Michelin tyres as race teams must cover 700km at speeds between 210 and 325 km/h in a race track littered with debris, including fragments of razor sharp carbon shed by the cars. With similar demanding conditions at the 12-hour MMER 2012, race teams fitted with Michelin’s sport tyres which are known for its safety, precision handling and outstanding mileage are certain to have a clear win-

Michelin brings it endurance tires to Malaysia for the coming MMER.

ning advantage in their race to secure the podium.

Michelin’s motorsport specialist technical team will also be available at the circuit to share its technical expertise and undertake the fitment of Michelin tyres and to ensure the optimum tyre set up for the grueling endurance race.

Michelin Malaysia managing director Yves Pouliquen said Michelin’s long experience at Le Mans helped the German carmaker, Audi to claim an emphatic success in the 80th edition of the world’s most famous endurance race in June this year.

GT Asia Series Round 8 Sees Porsche’s Dominance

Audi R8 LMS Cup in Ordos Has Marchy Lee On Podium HONG KONG’S Marchy Lee with Audi Ultra scored a perfect weekend at the Inner Mongolian Ordos International Circuit, earning pole position and scoring victories in both Rounds 5&6 of the Audi R8 LMS Cup. Lee, who also drove the fastest laps in each race, did not put a foot wrong all weekend in his Audi R8 LMS Cup car and his

results have vaulted him into first in the fight for the championship, two points ahead of rising star Adderly Fong with KLM Team in his first season of sportscar racing.

Former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong with Audi GQ is third in the championship a further 23 points behind . While Yoong finished second in Round 5, the Malaysian was forced to retire early in Round 6. Yoong spun and his restart resulted in a gearbox

problem.

This weekend the Audi R8 LMS Cup introduced a new tyre with partner Michelin, the S9LL (long life). Exclusive to the Audi R8 LMS Cup, the new tyre has been designed to last for an entire weekend of racing, from free practice to the chequered flag. The series will next return to the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai for Rounds 7&8 from September 1416, before November’s highly anticipated season finale.

Marchy Lee takes the podium with an easy win......posting best lap times over and over

It was another outstanding day at the Suzuka Circuit where the Porsche’s showed their dominance, leading the race from the start but penalties changed the order of the winning 997 GT3R, leaving China’s Peter Li Zhi Cong to claim the win for Asia Racing Team. The Series is in Japan as part of the Autobacs Su-

per GT Round 5, 41st International Pokka 100km race. At the start it was Hisao Shigeta that had the best start, taking the lead from the pole Ferrari 458 GT3 of Mok Weng Sun. Mok was also passed

by Hisamori Hayashi while Dilantha Malagamuwa in the Lamborghini LP560 GT3 dropped to fourth and Li pro-

pelled himself to fourth from eighth.

The GT Asia Series will continue with Rounds 9 & 10 held at the Autopolis International Circuit on 28-30 September before heading to be a part of the Macau GP at the Guia International Circuit for the Series’ Season Finale on 16-18 November.

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FRIDAY 24 AUGUST 2012

THE MALAY MAIL

MALAYSIANNEWS

Nexus Racing To Take 2012 MMER Podium This month’s endurance race, the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race 2012 will see Nexus Racing embarking on a brand new challenge, when it begins its assault to win the race. The team enters the series, having won the class’ title in 2011 in 1st position and a 7th place overall with a clear 1.5-hour lead over its closest competitor.

With one of the most competitive cars available, the Aston Martin GT4, Nexus Racing goes into the race at the top-level of sports car racing and will be up against internationally and local Malaysian factory works teams challenging for overall honours. And, as well as acquiring a car that has the potential to win, Nexus Racing has three equally capable drivers: Datuk Adrian Henry D’Silva, Daniel Bilski and Fahrizal Hasan.

Having driven for Nexus Racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Series (PCCA), Datuk Adrian continues for a second season and brings with him a sports car and enduranceracing heritage that spans 6 years of experience. As well as PCCA, his experience includes seasons in Honda Integra Cup, Asian Touring Car Series and the GT4 Asia Series.

The Aston Martin GT4 race car has been at the team’s technical facility since the last

EDITORIAL NOTE

LEFT: Datuk Adrian D’Silva (driver and team owner) RIGHT: Fahrizal Hasan

race with the time spent building and preparing the car in readiness for this endurance race. The three drivers will get their first taste behind the wheel this weekend in pre trials. Therefore, the team aims to make the most of the preevent test sessions.

Nexus Racing is proud to be sponsored for the 2nd time by Jaeger-LeCoultre who is the official luxury timepiece for Aston

Martin. Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin, Sharing common values of integrity, the pursuit of excellence and avant-garde spirit, came together to renew historic ties. Watch Nexus Racing at this years MMER in Sepang. The race starts at 12.00 noon on the 1st of September 2012. Get your tickets and come support the Aston Martin GT4 race car which is a 100% Malaysian racing team.

The Aston Martin GT4 during a fast pitstop at Sepang

by Daniel Fernandez

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Consultant Motoring Editor

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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

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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

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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.

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Please watch out for our next issue on the 14th of September 2012.