28 September 2012

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Ford Focus ST Now In Malaysia FORD brings to Malaysia the all new Focus ST powered by a 250 PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine. It delivers acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 248 km/h using a 6-speed manual gearbox. It will also return 7.2 l/100 km and deliver a broad, flat curve peaking at 360 Nm. Ford sound engineers have given the engine a fantastic note by reworking the famed sound symposer that has the

engine emitting a distinctive soundtrack, engineered to be appreciated regardless whether heard from inside or outside the car.

The Ford Focus ST is equipped with a tuned version of the Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). The TVC applies brake torque to the inner wheel through a corner to reduce understeer.

Upgraded shock absorbers and springs lower the ST chassis by 10mm compared

to other Focus models, giving the performance car a more aggressive stance while the centre of gravity is brought closer to the road, which aids precise cornering. The rear uprated suspension knuckles and an all-new anti-roll bar design provide outstanding feedback and control.

The performance theme from the exterior is echoed inside the all-new Ford Focus with a very bold high-

contrast sport cockpit featuring a specially-designed steering wheel, gearshift and pedals. The darker headlining and trim on the pillars, an integral part of the ST’s design DNA, adds to the performance driving feel. Lowered Recaro® seats available in partial leather offer exclusive premium features including length adjustment, a segment-first and cushion tilt.

The Focus ST comes with

250bhp 360Nm 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds

Ford’s Extended Service Plan (ESP) which offers a free maintenance programme that covers parts and labour for up to three years or 60,000km. In addition to free routine inspection and maintenance services, Ford’s ESP covers free replacements for normal wear-and-tear items and only original manufacturer (OEM) parts are used.

The Focus ST comes with Ford’s standard three-year

or 100,000km bumper-tobumper new-vehicle warranty. The all-new Ford Focus ST 5-door hatchback sells at RM208,888 (on-the-road with insurance for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration only). Available colours include Tangerine Scream, Race Red, Spirit Blue and Panther Black.

For more information on the all-new Ford Focus ST, visit www.ford.net.my or www.facebook.com/FordFocusMY.

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FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2012

CLUTCH

THE MALAY MAIL

TESTDRIVE Mercedes Benz B-Class 'Your First Benz' Review by ASWAN YAP and Pictures by DANIEL FERNANDEZ

The B-Class has never been a very popular model in Mercedes’ lineup. It is left as an alternative for Mercedes owners: those who want to buy another Mercedes, but don’t have the need for a CClass or E-Class. Something compact that can still move people around. But with the new B-Class, Mercedes hopes to change said image.

As a hatchback, the B-Class can be said to be on the large end of the spectrum. The boot space is ample compared to your run-ofthe-mill compact cars, though still not as extreme as one would find in a wagon. The interior is wide and roomy, which contrasts the regular hatchbacks in the sense that it doesn’t seem like the designers added rear seats for the fun of it. The reality is the car was meant to be a mini-MPV, although the lack of a third row of seats disqualifies such notions. Still, one can’t argue on t h e

practi-

MERCEDES B200 BLUEEFFICIENCY SPECIFICATIONS 1595cc 4-Cylinder, DOHC, turbocharged HORSEPOWER: 156 hp @ 5300 rpm TORQUE: 250 Nm @ 1250-4000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7G-DCT (Dual Clutch) 0-100KM/H: 8.4 seconds TOP SPEED: 220 km/h PRICE; RM 220,888 (excl

cality of such a car.

There are plenty of new things to shout about in this B-Class.

Where the previous generation that was imported to Malaysia was a real bare-bones car, this new B-Class comes loaded with a decent amount of features.

The variant that Mercedes Benz Malaysia (MBM) will be bringing in is the B200. It runs on a turbocharged, 1.6 litre CGI powerplant.

Gone is the old conventional automatic gearbox: in its place sits a 7G-DCT gearbox which is Mercedes’ version of a dual clutch transmission. But for those who think this is a hot hatch in disguise, I urge you to reconsider: the engine isn’t particularly punchy, nor is the gearbox rapid in any sense. The power-

train setup is aimed and producing smooth, refined acceleration with minimal losses in efficiency, so the century sprint is completed in a leisurely 8.4 seconds. It’s not underpowered by most standards, but it’s not the kind of car you would use if you needed to go somewhere quickly.

Mercedes decided to use a column-mounted electronic gear shifter for the new B-Class, like their M-Class and S-Class models. Sequential mode is accessed via two steering-mounted pedals, although there is still the standard E-S-M transmission mode feature which adjusts the transmission characteristics. In order to access full ‘Manual’ mode, the transmission must be set to “M”, and you are given full control of the gearing.

MBM has armed the

CAPACITY: ENGINE:

insurance)

new B-Class with plenty of kit to satisfy even the fussiest buyer.

Auto Start-Stop comes standard, although the feature can only function when the climate control is set to no less than 22 degrees, or the system keeps the engine running for the compressor’s sake. The interior is nicely laid out, though the choice of materials is a bit of a mismatch at times (textured plastics and soft plastics and hard plastics jumbled together).

But the most impressive improvement with this new B-Class lies in the ride and handling. The luxuries that come with such high end cars will change over time, with more advanced kit being almost a guarantee. Where a company’s engineering prowess will really stand out is in the chassis and car dynamics- and in

the case of the B-Class, Mercedes has outdone itself. The body feels rigid and tight, allowing for more pliant springs and shocks. Body roll is kept on a tight leash, giving the driver a fair amount of confidence in corners. It is a better car than the first B-Class as a whole, but it is not without its flaws. The suspension, while decently pliant in town, can be just a little too stiff for high speeds on the

highway.

What most buyers will want to know is not whether the B-Class can carve corners, but rather whether it can handle family duties. It’s not the kind of car you entertain clients with or pull up to the club in. It’s supposed to be a functional, practical daily driverand suffice to say the new BClass manages to live up to such expectations.

THE MALAY MAIL

FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2012

CLUTCH

III

clubdrive

Volkswagen Bug-O-Rama Now in its 7th year, Bug-O-Rama has been a yearly growing event that has captured the attention of VW owners from not only Malaysia but also Singapore, Indonesia (40 classic VW owners from Bandung) and Thailand (20 classic VW owners). The event in the past was supported by Volkswagen owners who were members of the club and die hard enthusiasts. The last two years the club was supported new Volkswagen dealers and this year, 2012 Volkswagen Group Malaysia entered into agreement with the club to officially support the club and the event.

With a strong attendance of some 270 plus classic Volkswagen's from all over Malaysia and even across the north and south border, yes there were entries from as far as Kelantan and Johor, the event was a huge success. For many of these classic VW owners it was a time to meet and catch up with old friends and compete fiercely amongst themselves in the concourse compe-

tition. Returning winners proudly displayed their past wins and last year’s 2nd and 3rd place winners worked hard to get their VW’s looking their best after the early morning drizzle. Even with dark clouds hovering, the attending spectators were undeterred.

There were sales of VW classic parts, accessories, VW t-shirts and toys and even some treasured cars from owners looking to move on to new VW projects.

The judges were ready for the concourse event early and participants came early to capture the best parking sports to place their treasured VW’s. The Beetles were lined up neatly facing each other and the Combi vans looked magnificent with their fully restored interiors and family members proudly posing inside for photographers.

The models on display included the various Beetle models – Type 3, Type 4, Baja Bugs, Rail Beetle, Roadsters, Replica Bugs, VW Vans and of course the Karman Ghia.

All models competed for prizes in

categories such as Best Restored pre-1968, Best Restored post1969, Best Custom/Modified VW Beetle and Best Classic Non VW Beetle or Van, to name a few.

Organised annually by the Kelab Volkswagen Beetle Malaysia (KVBM) since 2005, this seventh instalment of the Bug-O-Rama aims to build a stronger Volkswagen presence in Malaysia as well as be on par with Volkswagen counterparts in other countries.

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CLUTCH

MOVINGFORWARD

Hyundai Elantra - Global Award THE Hyundai Elantra, or also known in some markets as the Hyundai Avante, descends from a relatively young lineage in the motoring world. When the first generation model debuted in 1990, Japanese models such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla had already established themselves as leading players in the compact

car segment.

In the 22 years that has since lapsed, Hyundai has given us four new Elantras, with the latest fifth generation model launched worldwide in 2010 and having just debuted in Malaysia this year. With its futuristic styling, class-leading equipment, and unbeatable value, the all-new MD Elantra has be-

come an instant hit among Malaysians, with 3,000 bookings received in its first four months in the market.

Priced from RM88,888 onwards with insurance, the allnew MD Elantra comes in a four variant line-up, each model offering customers class-leading levels of equipment without the burden of a heavy price tag. By

offering such amazing value for money without being cheap, the all-new MD Elantra personifies Hyundai’s new ‘Modern Premium’ brand identity, ensuring that customers with a budget do not have to settle for mediocre alternatives.

Malaysia was introduced to the Elantra nameplate in 2001, with the third generation

model that was being locally assembled taking the market by storm undercutting its Japanese C-segment rivals in price, but outgunning them in equipment by offering all-round disc brakes, airbag, ABS, and EBD as standard.

It was initially available with only a Mitsubishi 1.8-litre engine for Malaysians, although

there were also 1.6 and 2.0litre variants to choose from in the international catalogue.

The 1.6 was eventually introduced here during the models mid-cycle facelift, although it won’t be until the next generation model that Malaysia finally saw a 2.0-litre Elantra. As testimony of its enduring appeal, the third generation Elantra is

FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2012

THE MALAY MAIL

V

HYUNDAIGLOBAL

Winner still manufactured and sold today in Venezuela.

The fourth generation Elantra debuted worldwide in 2006, but took a further two years to reach Malaysia in 2008.

Singing the tune of progress, Hyundai upped the Elantra’s value for money preposition by offering significant upgrades in specifications without a sub-

stantial increase in price. New features introduced with this model included automatic climate control, AUX input jack, and dual airbags.

With Hyundai having already built a sizeable portfolio of its own engines, the fourth generation model naturally dropped its predecessor’s Mitsubishi powertrains, switching to Hyun-

dai’s in-house mills. There were 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines available, although Malaysia only ever received the 2.0. Markets that favour diesel engines were even offered the choice of a 1.6-litre turbodiesel.

The all-new MD Elantra reverts back to the third generation model’s 1.6 and 1.8-litre engine line-up, though the

new mills are of course significantly more advanced. The 1.6-litre Gamma II engine features lightweight aluminium construction and technologies such as Dual CVVT to deliver optimum performance levels, while the 1.8-litre Nu engine is an all-new development featuring Variable Induction System and electronic throttle control.

Overseas markets with high specification fuels are offered with an even more advanced 1.6-litre Gamma engine with direct injection.

In its brief career, the allnew MD Elantra has raked in a whole clutch of awards. It outshone the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Passat, both excellent cars in their own right,

to win the North American Car of the Year Award at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show. It won similar awards in South Africa, Canada, and the Philippines as well. These recognitions clearly demonstrate the Elantra’s pedigree as an undisputed class leader, and the scores of happy owners on the road further reinforce the point.

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FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2012

THE MALAY MAIL

motorshow

Jakarta International Motor Show We were invited to Jakarta Indonesia for their yearly Motor Show by Motor Image Sdn. Bhd. who are the brand guardians of Subaru in Malaysia and 9 other countries in the region.

The Indonesian car market is very much different than the Malaysian and even Thai car market. Vans, MPV’s and SUV’s dominate the landscape but the middle class buyers are starting to look more at small compact cars as the city roads get more crowded and traffic worsens. Honda, Toyota and Nissan have big factories in Indonesia but it is Daihatsu that leads this fast growing automotive market. With the biggest market share, Daihatsu and its parent owner, Toyota sells the most cars, compact SUV’s and MPV’s.

At the show, Subaru launched the new XV Crossover and the BRZ sports car. The Subaru launch was unlike any other at the other stands with music; dance and excitement introducing Motor Image’s Glenn Tan for the presentation of the Subaru XV Crossover which is being assembled in Malaysia for the region. This is the 1st time a Subaru is being assembled outside of Japan for the region. With 7 important senior Japanese executives in attendance with Glenn Tan, the launch was a huge success and an indication of Motor Image’s strong push for more than 6,000 units to be sold in the region from December 2012. The XV is just one of many new Subaru’s that will be selling in large numbers in Malaysia and the region in coming months. The Impreza sedan, the Forestor and Outback are all destined for the 10 showrooms in Malaysia this 2012. Subaru has done well in the Singapore and Taiwan market but it has not had success in Malaysia and Indonesia. This will now change with the introduction of the XV Crossover with its competitive pricing as an AFTA car and with more models scheduled to be assembled in Malaysia for the region in coming years.

There were some interesting launches at the show that could see showroom introduction in Malaysia in the near future. Honda had the world premier of the face lifted CR-Z ahead of its Paris showing. This just shows how important the ASEAN car market is getting while the French auto market shrinks and gets dwarfed by

The latest Mitsubishi Mirage will be launched here soon

This cute Honda Brio compact will not come to Malaysia

This is the latest Daihatsu compact car which should be the replacement for the Perodua Viva

The hot BRZ coupe will come to Motor Image soon

dominant German, Japanese and Korean brands. Honda Indonesia has also started selling the all new CRV which was displayed at their stand.

Toyota and Daihatsu which are the 2 strongest auto brands in Indonesia showcased the Toyota Agya (the replacement Perodua Viva) and Daihatsu Alya.

Mitsubishi Japanese execu-

tives were in attendance for the launch of the Mirage compact car with 9 variations on 1 large stage.

Ford showcased the all new Focus sedan and hatchback together with its award winning Ranger truck.

General Motors showed us the Trailblazer SUV, but it was the new Sonic (Aveo) sedan and Spin compact 7-seater

MPV that caught the attention of the Indonesian and Malaysian media. All three models will be launched in Malaysia before the end of this year.

Hyundai had the all new Santa Fe SUV on its stand together with the award winning Elantra and Tucson SUV. Suzuki launched the Ertiga compact MPV which is a direct competitor to the Avanza. The

Ertiga should be coming to Malaysia.

The Indonesian Motor Show is a sales driven show where you can clearly see banks and

insurance companies working with the car companies at the show to sell cars right to the public during the show open days.

THE MALAY MAIL

FRIDAY 28 SEPYEMBER 2012

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VII

motorshow

at the JI Expo

Hyundai showed it latest Santa Fe which will come to Malaysia soon

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FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2012

THE MALAY MAIL

LOCALNEWS

Lubetech Clinches Lube deal with Perodua UMW Holdings Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lubetech Sdn Bhd, has been appointed as lubricant supplier to Perodua with a sales potential worth RM60 million over a 5-year period. The deal will see Lubetech officially supplying automatic transmission fluid, gear oil, brake fluid, radiator coolant and battery water to Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd, which is responsible for the distribu-

tion, sales and after sales services of Perodua vehicles. Perodua has appointed Lubetech as the sub-supplier beginning April this year. From April to August, Lubetech has supplied approximately 500,000 litres of products to Perodua Sales worth RM4 million. A total of 1.2 million vehicles patron Perodua’s service centres for the first 8 months of the year up 9% from 1.1 million vehicles

the same period last year. For 2012, Perodua targets to receive some 1.77 million intake from 1.71 million intake recorded for 2011. Perodua has sold over 2.2 million vehicles in its 19-year history; of which 1.4 million units are on the road.

Approximately 53% of the 1.4 million Perodua current customers returned to its service centres for maintenance, purchase parts and accessories.

BMW Malaysia Introduces Another BMW 320i Variant BMW Malaysia has just introduced a variant of the 3-Series just months after the cars official launch. Both the new BMW 320i Luxury and Sport Line now feature the new BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0

litre-inline-four-cylinder petrol engine. Combined with twinscroll turbocharger, Valvetronic, Double VANOS, High Precision Injection and equipped with the 8-speed automatic Steptronic transmission, the

engine produces 184hp and does the 0-100km/h dash in 7.6 seconds.

This BMW 320i also features the latest BMW EfficientDynamics innovations such as Brake Energy Regen-

TeleServices as a standard feature which are accessed through a 6.5” free-standing LCD panel and central BMW iDrive controller. BMW ConnectedDrive is included complete USB and Bluetooth

eration, Auto Start/Stop as well as the ECO PRO. These fuel saving features produce an impressive average fuel consumption of only 6.0 litres per 100km. Both versions feature BMW Live and BMW

connectivity to expand functionality for mobile phones and portable music players, on-board mobile office applications and on-board internet. The selling price starts from RM238,800.00.

Karamjit Wins APRC Rally Hokkaido 2012 and a half minutes. Pushing hard in his 2WD Proton Satria Neo Group N rally car, Karamjit clawed his way back into the lead to take victory and maximum points to extend his 2WD Championship lead.

Karamjit’s Japanese teammate Akira Bamba had much to celebrate also, clinching his second consecutive APRC Junior Championship title after finishing first in the APRC Junior Category and second

IT was a great outing for the Proton R3 CUSCO Rally Team in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) round of Rally Hokkaido 2012 as the team finished first, second and third in the 2WD category. Malaysian Rally legend and threetime previous overall winner of the APRC, Karamjit Singh continued his dominance in the 2WD category by winning it outright despite a puncture which lost him almost one

EDITORIAL NOTE

by Daniel Fernandez

|

Consultant Motoring Editor

in 2WD after his closest rival Michael Young from New Zealand crashed out in Leg 1. Malaysian Junior driver Kenneth Koh rounded of the perfect weekend for the team by finishing second in the Junior category and 3rd 2WD competitor. Overall, it turned out to be a fantastic weekend for PROTON despite the retirement of both Proton Satria Neo S2000 cars driven by Alister McRae and Juha Salo.

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in a 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. We at Clutch hope that the car reviews presented will be able to

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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 12th of October 2012.