28 Dec 2012

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DECEMBER 28, 2012 YO U R

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CHEVROLET ORLANDO MPV Arrives In Malaysia At RM118,888.00 NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd has just given MPV segment buyers a better choice a bold and remarkably striking seven-seater MPV, the Chevrolet Orlando.

The Orlando is a MPV with 7-seater ‘theatre-style’ seating arrangement for the three rows of seats and offers one of the most voluminous ca-

pacities in the monocab MPV class. With both the second and third rows of seats folded down the capacity of the Orlando is a cavernous 1499 litres. Loaded to the window line the capacity is 856 litres.

The Orlando is fitted with two airbags and has ISOFIX points for child seats and baby bassi-

nets at the second row of the seats.

The Orlando is powered by a 1.8 litre fuel-efficient, 16-valve petrol engine with multi-point fuel injection. This engine produces maximum power of 141hp @ 6200rpm and peak torque of 176 Nm @ 3800 rpm. Drive is via a 6-speed

automatic transmission. This engine delivers fuel economy measured by GM engineers of 7.9liter/100 km for combined cycle operation.

Standard items include 17” alloy wheels; power steering; height and depth adjustable steering wheel; air conditioner; power side mirrors; rear

park assist; cruise control; a full suite of electronic driver aids including ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, Traction Control, and Brake Assist.

The Orlando sells from RM 118,888.00 with warranty for 5 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first) and engine oil change at every 15,000km

interval - only with GM Tech Dexos Oil at any Chevrolet authorized service centre.

More information may be obtained at www.chevrolet. com.my and http://www.facebook.com/MYChevrolet.

Follow @Chevrolet_MY for the latest updates and offerings of Chevrolet Malaysia.

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FRIDAY 28 december 2012

CLUTCH

THE MALAY MAIL

Testdrive

Ford Focus ST….Not Just Fun, Loads Of FUN!

By Aswan Yap clutcheditorial@gmail.com

The Focus ST sits quite low in the hot hatchback price range at just over RM200k.

The kit list reads about the same as that of the regular Focus Sport+ variant, though the self parking is omitted in favour of a sunroof. The dashboard is hardly changed from that of the regular Focus models save for a new binnacle of oil temperature, oil pressure and boost pressure gauges sitting at the top. While most owners have no need for such a feature, it does lend a slight edge to the Focus ST that makes it feel a little less mass produced and a little more purpose built. Recaro sourced seats are standard for both front and rear, offering excellent body hugging though the colour matching is a questionable styling choice.

The exterior has been changed in less subtle ways in order to differentiate the ST variant. The front bumper is completely different, featuring a larger opening to let more air into the engine bay and the rear bumper is chunkier and more aggressive, placing the exhaust tip at the centre. An ST specific rear spoiler is mounted as well, helping to change the overall profile.

So while the exterior and interior have gotten their fair share of attention, has any work gone into making the The race ready cabin is an eyeful.

Recaro seats hold you in place under hard cornering

ST’s bite match it’s bark?

There have been plenty of changes made, so much so that at times it’s difficult to tell that the ST is cut from the same cloth as the regular Sport model. The steering feel has been vastly improved.

Part of this is owed to the larger, fatter tyres that the ST is equipped with. Another part is better tuning of the electric steering system, which is usually conservative erring on the side of over-assistance for regular Focus models.

The engine is nothing new: it’s a direct injection, turbocharged 2-litre unit that can also be found in the Ford SMax and Mondeo, albeit with a more aggressive tune. The engine is incredibly smooth and linear with power delivery. All 340 Nm of torque is available from a mere 1750 rpm, pulling all the way to 250 PS at 5500 rpm. Exhaust

note is also improved, but the most important difference is that this engine is paired with a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox. It’s no secret that we’re fans of nearly anything with 3 pedals and an H-pattern, but this particular gearbox is slick and accurate in operation, and hardly ever feels like it gets in the way.

The clutch is slightly heavy yet progressive so jams are easily negotiated, and the brakes are more than adequate for bringing the ST to a prompt stop when required.

But the most impressive aspect of a hot hatch should lie in its handling ability, and the Focus ST definitely shines.

Damping is spot on for our roads, eliminating shocks in one or two compressions of the suspension. Body control is excellent, but what really stands out is the ETVC (enhanced torque vectoring

PICTURES BY Daniel Fernandez

Ford Focus ST SPECIFICATIONS Engine 4 Cylinder EcoBoost Turbo Direct Injection dual VVT-I Mid-mounted

Power 250bhp @ 5500rpm Torque 340Nm @ 1750rpm Capacity 1999cc Transmission: 6-speed manual 0-100km/h: 6.5 secs Top Speed 248km/h Price RM208,888.00

control) system, which actively brakes the left and right wheels separately when cornering, in turn allowing you to corner at much higher speeds than normally possible. Think of it as an aggressive traction control, an impossible feature to emulate regardless of how good you are as a driver. This feature was especially useful given how wet the roads have been lately, allowing a driver

to maintain incredible pace even in such low-grip situations.

The Focus ST has really earned its stripes in the hot hatch world. Build quality is as solid as any other Focus, and the added dose of practicality with a large boot and good rear legroom puts the Focus ST closer to the Mazda 3 MPS than a Megane RS. At the end of the day, you

can still choose to drive this hatchback in a sedate manner and it still manages to perform well, economically even, thanks to the Ecoboost engine. Being so well rounded, it most definitely is something to consider if you’re ever in the market for a highspeed grocery getter that can be kicked into high gear on the weekends.

Time for a test drive.

THE MALAY MAIL

FRIDAY 28 DECEMBER 2012

CLUTCH

III

LOCALNEWS

Ford Opens New 3S Service Centre in Ampang FORD Motor Company, through its partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, opened another new, worldclass 3S Centre in Ampang.

Strategically located along Jalan Ulu Kelang, this new facility is part of Ford’s expansion strategy to enhance customer service for a growing base of Ford owners in Malaysia. Operated by Trio Mantap Sdn Bhd, this new 3S Centre includes a showroom, service centre and spare parts departments.

With the opening of this facility, Ford now has 45

network points nationwide that offer both sales and service.

Customers will also enjoy Ford’s five-year warranty and Ford’s Extended Service Plan (ESP). Ford owners who take part in the Ford Service Extravaganza promotion at this new facility and enjoy free 20-point vehicle health checks as well as 10 percent discounts on spare parts. Service centre customers with a minimum spend of RM200 in a single receipt will also be eligible to participate in a contest

to win the latest gadgets including smartphones, tablets and GPS systems. The promotion ends on 28 February 2013. Customers who purchase and take delivery of the all-new Ford Focus from this new facility by 31 December will be eligible to participate in the All-New Ford Focus Challenge to win the grand prize, an all-new Ford Focus (4-door Titanium).

Mr. Lee Eu San of Sime Darby flanked by Trio Mantap directors at the launch in Ampang

MERCEDES-BENZ Invests RM200m MERCEDES-BENZ Malaysia’s (MBM) Dealer Network will invest more than RM200 million to enhance the design, ambience and functionality of its 27 dealer outlets and open more new outlets in order to augment customer comfort and satisfaction. The refurbishment program is the main thrust of the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) which aims to deliver consistent imagery of Mercedes-Benz

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dealerships worldwide while reflecting the quality of the products and services offered at the dealerships in meeting the high brand expectations of Mercedes-Benz owners.

CCB Batu Caves is the first to complete the transformation with an investment of RM11 million comprising renovation and upgrading, tools and equipment and the new MPS II which itself cost RM500,000.

CCB Batu Caves is now only

one of two outlets throughout the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Network authorised by Daimler AG to offer aluminum body repairs and body and paint service capability. MBM is continuously investing in enhancing its customer service and the German automaker is rolling out engagement conferences with its retail partners through the introduction of experiential learning and motivational conferences.

This is the only 2-liter diesel pickup in the market. This mean lower yearly road tax & fuel bills

Ssangyong Actyon Picking Up The Pace SSANGYONG has a growing reputation for building extremely competent off-road vehicles and the Actyon Sports pickup draws on this pedigree. It’s an honest, reliable and highly-capable extremely well equipped vehicle that outclasses many more expensive rivals. The Actyon has a body-on-frame construction rather than monocoque. It has double wishbone front suspension and multi-link, coil-spring rear suspension, making it feel more agile on road than typical pickup trucks.

It is sold with a 155bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. Inside the spacious cabin there is a full functioning sunroof. There is spacious accom-

modation for five adults with digital air-conditioning, USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity to provide convenience and comfort. The Actyon Sports pickup comes as standard with leather upholstery, powered driver's seat, attractive 18" alloy wheels on the 4-wheel drive version (16” alloy wheels for 2-wheel drive version), electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors, and rear parking sensors. A 6-speed automatic transmission with cruise control ensures best in class fuel economy. Safety features in Actyon Sports pickup is class best with 2-front airbags.

The electronically activated four-wheel drive system uses SsangYong’s own technol-

ogy with an electro-magnetic clutch ensuring drive is sent to the rear axle when needed.

Off-road, the Actyon Sports is capable of wading across kneedeep water, up and down steep mounds as well as maintaining traction through muddy ruts.

Ssangyong is rightfully proud of the multi-link rear suspension and it certainly delivers a civilised on-road experience.

On road it has a surprising level of engine refinement and noise suppression which is absent from most pickup trucks, as well as surprisingly responsive steering and a composed ride. The SsangYong Actyon Sports comes with a 3-years or 100,000 kilometres factory backed warranty.

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CLUTCH

MOVINGFORWARD

Blue Drive - Hyundai’s pledge to THE rapid pace of progress made by the human race over the past two centuries have been damaging to our planet.

As skyscrapers reach ever higher and rain forests fall to make way for sprawling metropolises, Earth’s resources are being drained way faster than they can be replenished.

It takes millions of years for the dinosaurs to be compressed into petroleum, but it takes a lot less time for all that oil to be depleted.

Although nature has an amazing ability to recycle and self-heal, the cycles become inevitably disturbed by the presence of various toxic elements that are by-products of industrialization. Phenomenon

such as acid rain, global warming, and thinning of the ozone layer have set alarm bells ringing, and in recent years, there is growing awareness on the need for sustainable development and better management of our resources.

The need to protect our environment has become greater than ever, and all parties from individuals to governments to corporate bodies have roles to play to ensure that there is still a world

around for us to hand down to our children. The automotive industry in particular have been subject to intensive spotlight, and car makers, driven both by regulations and the desire to be responsible corporate citizens, have become increasingly driven in their quest to push the envelope in efficiency.

The last decade has seen in-

credible advances in automotive powertrain development as auto makers are motivated more than ever to extract the most energy from the least resources. The result is an increasing trend to towards fuel efficient engines, hybrids, electric vehicles, and other alternative forms of energy. The internal combustion engine

itself has gotten incredibly efficient and advanced thanks to technologies such as turbocharging, direct injection, and Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing (Dual CVVT).

Car makers with global aspirations have no option but to rise to the challenge, as failure to do so is to risk being left

FRIDAY 28 DECEMBER 2012

THE MALAY MAIL

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BLUEDRIVE

o sustainability behind and be rendered obsolete. Challenge is certainly not something that Hyundai is averse to, and the company is meeting the challenges head on with a raft of eco-friendly innovations developed under its Blue Drive umbrella of technologies such as Alternator Management System (AMS), Eco

drive indicator, and Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG). Although each technology contribute small savings individually, they add up to considerable savings, and in the new i20 Blue sold in the UK for example, emits only 84 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre travelled and consumes a best-in-class 3.2 litres per 100km.

In 2011, Hyundai launched t h e

Sonata Hybrid in the United States which mates the 2.4-litre Theta II engine tuned to operate in the Atkinson combustion cycle with an electric motor in a fully parallel hybrid system producing a net output of 206 horsepower. At start off and low speeds, the Sonata Hybrid is able to travel in full EV mode for a seamless driving experience and a frugal consumption rating of 7.2 litres per 100km.

Looking further forward, Hyundai is actively pursuing research in fuel cellpowered propulsion in hopes to become t h e

world leader in the development of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) — vehicles powered by electricity generated using hydrogen and oxygen, with water and heat the only by-products.

Serving as test bed for Hyundai’s FCEV research is the ix35, better known as the Tucson in our part of the world. Based in Europe, Hyundai reports that its ix35 FCEV has a range of up to 558km with a top speed of 160kph sprinting from zero to 100kph in an impressive 12.6 seconds. Hyundai has a fleet of ix35 FCEV undergoing various tests and pilot programmes throughout Europe, and plans are underway for mass production to commence in 2015.

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FRIDAY 28 december 2012

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THE MALAY MAIL

testdrive

Say hello to the vehicle that will make others go ‘green’ with envy

By Richard augustin Pictures By DSF

The ninth generation Civic has already arrived in Malaysia and although its available in1.8L, 2.0L variants, it has to be said, the all-new1.5L Civic Hybrid seems to be the model that offers the best value for money. With the distinct advantage of having full import and excise duty exempted, the CBU Civic Hybrid is attractively priced at just a shade under RM120, 000. Certainly not bad considering what it offers.

In addition to getting a very frugal and economical car, the Civic Hybrid also offers bestin-class engineering and upto-date technological innovations. For its asking price, the Civic Hybrid is equipped with

refinements such as front and rear heat absorbing glass, smart entry with push- start button and auto start stop, cruise control, ECON mode, auto climate control as well as a six-speaker single CD audio system with WMA+MP3/ IPOD/USB compatibility.

Additionally, the Civic Hybrid also offers a two-tier odometer and speedo display with an integrated 5-inch intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID), which gifts the interior of the car, a very space-age look and feel. Best of all, and to further demonstrate the frugal nature of the vehicle, the dashboard displays offer an ambient light feature, which changes colour corresponding to how efficiently it’s driven.

Performance wise, it’s interesting to note that despite

being a Hybrid, the vehicle performs admirably with a pretty spirited drive and pickup. This is largely down to the 1.5L, I-VTEC that’s connected to a lighter, enhanced and more powerful electric motor transplanted under the hood.

Combined with Honda’s patented Drive-By-Wire technology, Integrated Motor Assist and CVT transmission, the Civic Hybrid is able to offer 110Ps of power at 5500rpm along with 172Nm of torque in between the range of 1000-3500rpm. The power to weight ratio is further enhanced by a top-of-the-range lithium ion battery that is supposedly nine kilos lighter while offering an increased output of 33% compared to the previous ‘standard’ NiMH batteries seen in other models.

Overall build and ride quality

for the Civic Hybrid is pretty good. The front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension set-up combined with features such as Vehicle Stability Assist with Motion Adaptive EPS (Electric Power Steering) and ABS to offer excellent comfort, handling and safety with minimal roll and bounce.

Inside, there’s leather upholstery, rear seat armrest with cup holders and rear adjustable headrests. The dashboard offers a commanding presence with good quality plastics used throughout. In terms of passenger safety, the Civic Hybrid sports Honda’s G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) structure with dual front airbags and side airbags as well.

However if there is one critique the Civic Hybrid seems to be afflicted with, it has to

be its rather safe and tame exterior styling cues. Granted it does strike a rather conservative approach compared to previous models, but the Civic Hybrid is still decent looking owing to the stylish oval fog lights, sporty rear duck tail trunk spoiler, roof mounted antennae and LED taillights.

To further set it apart from other variants, the Civic Hybrid boasts additional blue tinted headlights as well as clear blue lens on the front bumper and sleek-looking alloys. Colour schemes for the car include Frosty White Metallic, Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

With its long list of features, good styling cues as well as efficient drive, the Civic Hybrid does emphasis the fact that it’s a very viable purchase that

will not disappoint. Plus with the added benefit of a fiveyear warranty with unlimited mileage along with five-wear unlimited mileage for the IMA battery, this is arguably one of the better Hybrids in the market at the moment.

CIVIC HYBRID SPECIFICATIONS Engine Water-Cooled 4 Stroke SOHC i-VTEC+IMA

Power 110Ps@5500rpm Torque 172Nm@1000-3000rpm Capacity 1497cc Transmission CVT full tank capacity 50L Price RM119,980 (O.T.R with Insurance)

This new Civic hybrid will consume an average real world mileage of 14.5km/l

THE MALAY MAIL

FRIDAY 28 DECEMBER 2012

CLUTCH

VII

WORLDNEWS Honda Accord 2013 Model Tops North American Charts THE all new Honda Accord sedan has topped the North American ‘Consumer Reports’ with its class best four cylinder engine, its V-6 engine and also for its overall product. The Accord's appeal was a product of good combination of interior room, high fuel economy, ride and

handling, features and price.

Consumer Reports optimistic assessment of the 2013 Honda Accord coincides with the Japanese carmaker’s big rebound in its biggest market, the United States. In 2011, Honda’s sales in the US suffered a 6.8 percent drop due to the natural disasters in

Asia that partially maimed its output for months. For the January to November period, Honda posted a 24-percent increase in sales.

This next generation Honda Accord will arrive in Malaysia

Lexus LFA No. 500 Rolls Out Of Motomachi Plant Japan Lexus has just announced that the last LFA has rolled off the production line at the Motomachi Plant, Aichi Prefecture. A white Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package marked the end of production for company’s first supercar.

For those who don’t know, the standard version of the Lexus LFA is powered by a 4.8-liter V10 engine delivering 560 hp and 480 Nm of torque. With these numbers, the vehicle is capable to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 325 km/h.

As we said, the last LFA to roll off the production line is a Nurburgring Package. Limited to just 50 units, the Nurburgring Package includes a sporttuned suspension, new black mesh-type wheels wrapped in high performance tires, a larger front spoiler and a fixed rear wing for improved high speed down force.

This is not the last 'halo' sports car from Lexus. A new model is in the pipeline.

Lotus Introduces The Evora Sports Racer JUST out of the oven, this is the Lotus Evora Sports Racer. The Sports Racer will be sold with an aspirated or supercharged engine. The Sports Racer will come with gloss black accents on the roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and side sills. There’s added black detailing on the badges, door mirror housings and the gloss black forged wheels. The brake calipers This new Evora variant can be ordered today from you local Lotus dealer.

are finished with either black or red. There are four paint finishes offered for the Sports Racer: Aspen White, Carbon Grey, Nightfall Blue and Ardent Red. A 2+2 seating option is available as standard. The dashboard has a gunmetal grey finish while the seats use black leather upholstered in black leather with contrasting red stitching and piping.

Red leather with black stitching is available as an option.

The Evora Sports Racer is offered with plenty of optional

extras as standard. This broad range includes a Sports Pack, which offers a switchable Sports mode with more throttle response and increased rev limit. The Sports Racer also gets a sports diffuser and cross-drilled brake discs.

In addition, it comes with a Tech Pack, which includes an upgraded stereo, DVD player, seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, tyre pressure monitor, cruise control and rear parking sensors. It even gets power fold mirrors and a reversing camera.

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THE MALAY MAIL

nextyear The New And Exciting Vehicles For 2013 11-months of test drive reports, automotive news and motorsports news. This is what Clutch has been providing our readers every 2nd and 4th week of the month from February right thru to today, the 28th December 2012.

With more than 30 test drive reports, we have made a clear statement to bring to you only the car reviews that matter the most in making your final car purchase deci-

sion an easy and rewarding one.

Clutch is not about automotive dreams. It is all about the real value buys and automotive information on vehicles that cater to the general motoring public. We offered our readers insightful information in a clear simple lay language which was easy to digest by even the most uninterested motoring consumer who needs basic transportation to

and fro work.

So what is in store for Clutch in 2013? More honest test drive reports. More automotive technology information and more motorsports news from our team of pure enthusiastic reviewers who give a clear picture to our readers.

2013 will offer Malaysian motoring consumers even more choices starting with greener vehicles, better prices and higher safety features.

Ford will introduce even more Ecoboost powered models starting with the Ford Kuga SUV. Mazda will launch the all new stylish Mazda6 sedan using Skyactiv technology.

Honda will bring in even more hybrid options and some full electric driven vehicles. Honda will also create a real stir in the SUV segment with the all new CRV SUV. Maserati will launch a new super sedan.

Alfa will bring to the market

a new hot hatch. Ssangyong will introduce a new people carrier. Subaru will introduce the new Forester. Volvo’s new V40 will come and Mercedes will challenge the V40 with its new A Class. Volkswagen will enter the pickup truck market and Hyundai will show us it’s all new Santa Fe SUV. BMW will introduce an all new car and Jaguar will launch a new roadster. Porsche will expand its SUV offering and

Land Rover will compete with its all new Range Rover. Renault will start its electric sedan sale and Nissan will sell its electric Leaf side by side.

Downsizing with better power and lower emissions will continue with the next generation VW Golf Mk7 and a few other established brands will make a statement with their new products. It is going to be a good 2013 for the Malaysian motoring consumer.

Top: Honda CR-V Clockwise: Mazda6, BMW 4-Series, Volvo V40, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Golf Mk7, Mercedes A-Class and Ford Kuga EcoBoost.

EDITORIAL NOTE

by Daniel Fernandez

|

Consultant Motoring Editor

ADVERTISING SALES

A motoring pullout is a common feature with most newspapers… but Clutch has been different. How different? Well just like the rest of the all new The Malay Mail, Clutch has been informative and true to its editorial integrity. Clutch is a bi-monthly (every other Friday of the month) motoring pullout that provides straight-to-the-point car reviews and relevant motoring information for the Malaysian car enthusiast in a simple language. We have not confused you or given you a ‘smoke screen’ using technical terms and instead offered our views on each and every test drive. We at Clutch hope that the car reviews presented will be 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.

Email us at clutcheditorial@gmail.com

Please watch out for our next issue on the 11th of January 2013

Joel Miranda

Lim Ee Mae

General Manager

Manager

012-2337394 joel.miranda@redberry.com.my

012-2073241 eemae@mmail.com.my