Clutch 8 June 2012

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JUNE 8, 2012 YO U R

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Ssangyong Actyon Sport The Actyon pickup returns with sharper looks and better fuel efficiency

PICTURES BY ASWAN YAP

MOST discerning pick-up truck owners nowadays don’t view the pick-up as merely a tool for hauling equipment and materials from point A to B, but as a daily driver too. As a result of this, most companies have

begun to provide more liveable specifications for their pick-ups, including things like a proper entertainment unit, cruise control, electronic stability and more urbanoriented transmissions.

Ssangyong is no excep-

tion. With the launch of the new face-lifted Actyon Sport, Competitive Supreme plans to offer the highest level of specification possible for their models. Our test unit for the day was the 4x2 variant, which was purely

rear wheel drive. Apart from this, the specification and trim levels are the same as the 4x4 variant, which will be priced at just under RM 95,000.

The Actyon Sport bears the Actyon name, but in real-

ity the two cars only share the updated fascia and the same 152 horsepower, 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine. The Actyon Sport features a ladder frame chassis (body on frame), so it isn’t as poised or accurate as its SUV cousin.

Steering the pickup around corners requires a fair bit of effort due to the low steering ratio, lending a slightly vague and over-assisted feeling. Then again, pick-ups weren’t made to win races, so it’s not a huge issue.

 MORE ON PAGEII

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FRIDAY 8 june 2012

CLUTCH

THE MALAY MAIL

testdrive Truck Market Gets Hotter With This Actyon Sports PICTURES BY Aswan Yap

By Aswan Yap

This is the only pickup truck in the market with a 2-liter diesel engine This relates to lower yearly road tax costs and savings at the pump

The diesel engine has been tuned for EURO 3 diesel fuel, as opposed to the EURO 5 standard of the previous model, so there is higher compatibility with our EURO 2 diesel fuel in Malaysia. Torque is delivered smoothly throughout the very short rev range, and the 6-speed automatic transmission does a decent job of picking the right gear for the job although there is the option to shift sequentially if you so desire via a small toggle switch on the gear selector.

The ride height of the Actyon Sport isn’t exceptionally high, but there is enough ground clearance for riding over kerbs and most rough terrain. The lowered stance is owed in part to the small 16-inch wheels and road tyre combination, which is

a saving on the owner’s part in the long run.

The Actyon Sport is a double cab design, so a second row is available if you need to carry people besides whatever cargo you’re hauling around. This two-wheel drive model is expected to be priced at just under RM90,000.

Ssangyong has maintained a very SUV like cabin for this new Actyon pickup which is family friendly

Ssangyong Actyon Sport SPECIFICATIONS Capacity: 1991cc Engine: 4-Cylinder, DOHC Turbo Horsepower: 152 hp @ 4000 rpm Max Torque: 360 Nm @

Transmission: 6-speed automatic 0-100km/h: 14.1 seconds Top Speed: 163 km/h Price: Just under RM90,000

1500-2800 rpm

(price not fixed yet)

Sizzling Manual Driven Citroen DS4

By Aswan Yap

If there are two things Citroen have already been good at when it comes to cars, it would be their suspension design and manual transmissions. The Citroen DS4 comes with a turbocharged 1.6 litre engine, available in two different states of tune and packaged with two different transmissions. The THP200 is the higher tuned of the two, outputting 197 bhp at 5800 rpm. Torque is also increased to 275 Nm from the standard 240 Nm. In terms of kit, the THP200 variant gets 19-inch alloys instead of the standard 18-inch, and, most importantly, a full 6-speed manual gearbox.

Citroen DS4 THP 200 SPECIFICATIONS Capacity: 1598cc Engine: 4-Cylinder, DOHC Turbo Horsepower: 197 hp @ 5800 rpm Max Torque: 275 Nm @ 1700 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual 0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds Top Speed: 235 km/h Price: RM 155,000

(OTR w/o insurance)

From a performance point of view the THP200 does the century sprint in a leisurely (quoted) 8.5 seconds. This comes as a result of the first three gear ratios being incredibly close (you get up to 100 in third gear). The flip side to this is that it is very easy to stay in the power band, regardless of speed as it’s only a downshift

or two away. The gearstick feels slightly notchy, yet precise and solid when you need to row through the gears.

The DS4 is a little taller and slightly less track oriented than its little brother, the DS3.

That being said though, it handles the rough stuff exceptionally well. Citroen swapped the regular electric power steering unit for a quicker electrohydraulic system, so there’s plenty of positive feedback to tell you when the tyres are gripping (or not). The suspension soaks up the imperfections of a trunk road with good pliancy, while during hard cornering the car remains composed and relatively level. When put to the test on a loose surface with continuous provocation, the DS4 lost grip in a very progressive, predictable and

PICTURES BY Aswan Yap

controllable fashion- the mark of a good chassis and suspension setup.

Looking around the interior, you are greeted with a sea of dark plastics. The dashboard

is treated with a nice textured soft-touch material that sets it apart from most other hot hatches. The instrument cluster is a nice mix of digital and analogue, with a big speed

A manual 6-speed gearbox returns better driver feel. Only vehicle in the segment to offer a manual.......real drivers please test drive this DS4

display in the middle of the speedometer. The tachometer will flash a bright red when you reach the appropriate shift point.

Brookland Motors has said that more customers prefer the C4 to the DS4 models, mostly for the extra interior space and for the most part this is true as there isn’t that much rear legroom to play with in the DS4. But pitted against its rivals, the DS4 doesn’t fare that much worse in terms of real estate, and it is priced at a very reasonable RM 155,000; significantly lower than the next closest rival. But the main question is why the THP200 over the THP EGS? Well, it’s less for the power and more for the gearbox. There’s no substitute for 3 pedals.

THE MALAY MAIL

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FRIDAY 8 june 2012

LOCALNEWS

Alex and Marchy Final Lap Drama In Audi R8 LMS Cup Race Adderly Fong with KLM Racing scored his 2nd Audi R8 LMS Cup victory following a dramatic last-lap coming together between then-race leaders Marchy Lee of Audi Ultra and Audi GQ driver Alex Yoong at the Zhuhai International Circuit.

Fong was lying a distant 3rd before inheriting the lead after Yoong’s attempted overtaking maneuver resulted in heavy contact between the Malaysian and Lee of Hong Kong. Jeffrey Lee won his 2nd straight Amateur Cup victory and finished 2nd overall, with Yoong 3rd.

Marchy Lee finished 13th.

Starting from pole, Marchy

Lee got away cleanly and quickly began to create a gap. Fong, who had started 2nd, fell down the order to 4th, with Team Erdos Xinan driver Sun Zheng and Yoong ahead of him. As Marchy Lee pushed, Yoong worked to get by Sun, eventually overtaking the young Chinese driver on the 5th lap.

Yoong then set his sights on Lee, who, by Lap 7 had nearly a 5-second lead. Fong continued to pile on the pressure on Sun, who, on Lap 10, dropped down to 7th after spinning on Turn 4, eventually finishing 6th.

The 2nd half of the race saw Yoong close the gap on Marchy

Lee, whose tyres had started to affect his pace, while Jeffrey Lee zeroed in on Fong as the Pauian Archiland J-Fly Racing driver fought for the final podium position.

The drama started on the penultimate lap, with Yoong getting by Marchy Lee to take the race lead. However, seconds later, on Turn 1 of the final lap, Marchy Lee grabbed an opportunity and took back the lead.

A determined Yoong, however, kept up the fight and on Turn 4 came alongside his rival and the two made contact.

Although Yoong went into the

Adderly Fong in the centre with Jeffrey Lee on his right and Malaysian Alex Yoong on his left

gravel, he recovered to finish third. The damage on Marchy Lee’s car meant that the Round 3 winner could not finish the race.

Fong took advantage of the contact between the two front-runners and although he had been a distant 3rd,

quickly found himself promoted to the top of the podium.

Team Audi R8 LMS Cup driver Aaron Kwok did not start Round 4 due to the damage to his Audi R8 LMS Cup car during a racing incident in Round 3.

Round 4 Results NO comp no

name

class

Entrant KLM Team

time

1

68

Adderly FONG (HKG)

2

7

Jeffrey LEE (TPE)

3

8

Alex YOONG (MAL)

Audi GQ

4

9

WANG Jian Wei (CHN)

Team Betterlife

+11.481

5

6

HAN Han (CHN)

Team Zhe Jiang Aotong

+23.015

6

33

SUN Zheng (CHN)

Team Erdos Xinan

+29.090

Am

34:55.419

Paulian Archiland J-Fly Racing +0.564

Fastest Lap: Alex YOONG /Audi GQ/1:37.925/Lap 12 Audi R8 LMS Cup Official Website at: www.audir8lmscup.com

+10.058

IV

CLUTCH

MOVINGFORWARD

Hyundai Makes HYUNDAI has made a quick move up the quality ladder with its automotive products. Just a few years ago Hyundai vehicles were only considered for its reasonably priced vehicles that had little dynamics.

Their good price point kept sales going and buyers never really desired a Hyundai car.

When Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong-koo took over the company in the year 2000, high quality and great design were his priority.

Hyundai then began spending on the elements of design, materials and engineering, giving birth to the new Sonata, Tucson and the Elantra to start.

At the time in order to rebuild its reputation, Hyundai made the very difďŹ cult decision to include a 10- year or 100,000 mile warranty program in North America which was the toughest market to break into.

The program effectively increased sales by over 5% in the North American market and car consumers started taking notice

of Hyundai cars.

Hyundai had made a tremendous progress in quality and it was appreciated by its owners.

With a focus on quality, Hyundai Motor Company had set itself the task to be recognised as the worlds’ No.1 in quality.

The achievement was gained through a focus in quality and a large ďŹ nancial investment that included the implementation of activities like:

The Hyundai Tucson and Elantra continues to win awards globally

FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2012

THE MALAY MAIL

V

AHEADOFTHEREST

A Quick Shift Upwards In Quality 1. The establishment of the pilot production centre to improve quality standards 2. The enforcing of stringent quality approval system at each stage from planning 3. Establishing a supplier quality rating system to improve overall quality standards

4.

The adoption of SixSigma initiatives, a scientific product quality innovation system to enhance product quality management.

5. Implementation of “Hot

testing” of all production models in Australia’s unforgiving deserts and terrain to ensure durability and reliability.

Hyundai’s efforts have not gone unnoticed where independent quality surveys in the US and Europe reveal that an increasing number of motoring experts and consumers place Hyundai quality at or above many Japanese and German manufacturers.

Hyundai also listened to the comments of their customers, realising the areas where they needed to improve and achieved results that were beyond everyones expectations. Major areas that were looked at in improving quality were; 1. Electrical systems: After a considerable overhaul, including new designs and suppliers, Hyundai dramatically improved their electrical systems through

the introduction of leading edge materials and design.

2. Automatic transmissions: Setting world class benchmarks for performance including power transfer, fuel economy and smoothness.

3. Body integrity: They invested

heavily in improving their chassis to make their cabins quieter, brake noise reduced and they enhanced their suspension to provide better handling and a smoother ride.

Today, Hyundai’s commitment to quality has been recognised at home and across the globe

in a number of independent and prestigious quality surveys.

The Hyundai i10 compact car received the prestigious Euro NCAP rating of 4-Stars in 2008.

In subsequent years it has won 1st place in NST’s COTY and in Asian Auto’s Fuel Efficiency Awards it has taken a 1st place win 2 years

in a row for its class leading fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Tucson took a 5-Star rating with Euro NCAP in 2010 and continues to win awards in fuel efficiency, engineering and design in all markets it is launched in just like the latest Sonata and Elantra.

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FRIDAY 8 june 2012

CLUTCH

THE MALAY MAIL

MalaysianNews

Ferrari 458 Spider Launched In Malaysia The Ferrari 458 Spider has just arrived in Naza Italia’s showroom.

It comes with 570bhp and will reach 100km/h from rest in under 3.4 seconds.

It can reach a top speed of 320km/h.

All this power can be enjoyed with an open-top configuration.

Equipped with a Ferrari patented, fully retractable aluminium hard top, the 458 Spider is the world’s first sports car with this lay-out.

The 458 Spider’s innovative new hard-top is not only 25 kg lighter than a traditional folding soft-top, but is also quieter and thermally more efficient when raised.

It takes just 14 seconds to open and close the hard-top which occupies a small space when stored. This allows a

generous rear bench for luggage behind the two seats.

The 458 Spider is powered

by Ferrari’s 570 CV 4,499 cc V8, which was named International Engine of the Year 2011 for its engineering excellence in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement.

The 458 Spider features a generously-sized adjustable electric wind stop which opens to a height that guarantees efficient aerodynamics, reducing buffeting in the cockpit and enabling normal conversation to be held even at speeds over 200 km/h.

Please visit the showroom for pricing.

For more information on this Ferrari 458 Spider please contact Naza Italia at http:// kualalumpur.ferraridealers.com/

NEW Ford Ranger Provides The Best Creature Comforts New from the ground up, The Ford Ranger shares a common global electrical architecture with the current Ford Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo.

For a start, select Ranger models will have cruise control, theatre-dimming, rainsensing wipers, automatic wiper park, auto defrosting, an electrochromatic rear view mirror that is able to automatically dim to prevent glare from the lights of following vehicles, and a Thatcham-rated alarm system complete with interior motion sensors, battery backup siren and dead locks.

The list continues with automatic headlights that respond to low light conditions, puddle lights that come on when unlocking the vehicle, Follow-Me-Home safe lights which remain on for a minute after you’ve switched

Similar system found in luxury cars and MPVs

off the engine, and hazard lights that come on to warn the drivers behind if you hit the brakes suddenly.

When backing up, Ranger’s innovative ‘rear view camera system that displays the rear view video image in a section of the rear view mirror, along with overlaid marker lines to indicate the width of

the vehicle and distance to the closest object.

The new instrument cluster design offers an outstanding array of information.

Other than the vehicle system gauges, a central LCD display provides Trip Computer functions with information such as distance to empty, average fuel consumption,

instantaneous fuel consumption, average speed and outside air temperature.

Select models come with the Bluetooth® Voice Control system that allows drivers to operate their mobile phone, audio system and climate control using voice-activated commands — all wirelessly.

The voice control buttons are located on the steering wheel and are conveniently accessed when driving, leaving the drivers free to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

Voice commands are detected by a microphone housed in the cab.

The Ranger comes filled with smart technology and creature comforts previously seen only in premium passenger cars and offers a nocompromise choice for those looking for an all-in-one work and family vehicle.

Reverse camera allows easy parking & reduced rear vehicle damage It is also a great safety feature to avoid children and animals

THE MALAY MAIL

FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2012

CLUTCH

VII

LOCALNEWS

Chris Bangle in the centre

Chris Bangle Designs New Bottle & Packaging For Hennessy V.S.O.P LEGENDS are shaped over time just like when Chris Bangle penned the iconic BMW E60 5-Series, Rolls Royce Phantom and the X6 SUV. The previous design chief of BMW left his mark in future BMW models and with that in mind the house of Hennessy V.S.O.P. engaged the services of Chris Bangle for the new bottle design a year ago.

You might ask how significant the design of the bottle is when the cognac sells on its legendary taste and blend consistency.

Chris Bangle has redesigned the contours of the bottle to bring its sleek silhouette firmly into the future.

“Designing for Hennessy gave me the same sensations as working on designs for fast BMWs or a great Rolls Royce. It is that experience of a unique emotion,” said Chris Bangle. Chris accentuated the curves on the sides of the bottle; he lengthened its neck and straightened its shoulders, stretching it vertically.

Inspired by the Hennessy V.S.O.P. bottle created in

1954, Chris Bangle chose to confirm this upward movement with an enriched base resembling a pedestal to distinguish the whole with opulence while maintaining its stability.

He also worked on the box of the bottle. The box sides were refined and dramatised by photographer Adam Savitch.

Anti-counterfeiting techniques for the Hennessy V.S.O.P bottle were also developed: a laser stamp for the 35-cl, 70-cl and 3-litre bottles and a hologram of inimitable

complexity (now with horizontal lines forming a grape cluster) seal the cap, ensuring product integrity.

Yes it may sound a little farfetched getting an iconic car designer to work on packaging the best cognac in the world, but there has been no lack of compliments and praise for this new Hennessy package.

For more information on Hennessy V.S.O.P, please visit Hennessy’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HennessyMalaysia

To amuse the attending media, Chris started to sketch the bottle design on a tablet

Mercedes 437bhp C 63 AMG Coupé For RM781,888.00 THIS is theC 63 AMG Coupé, a stand-alone, high-performance car that is able to match any super car for speed, acceleration and handling. Now on sale in Malaysia officially, its AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has a maximum output of 457 hp and peak torque of 600 Nm, delivering a 0 to 100 km/h time in just 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The new Coupé variant

Instrument panel and steering is shared with the CLS63 AMG Designo leather appointments are available as an option

benefits from all the technology updates that have served the C 63 AMG Saloon and Estate models so well. Fuel consumption is reduced through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with its “Controlled Efficiency” mode as standard and a new power steering

pump: overall NEDC consumption figures for the C 63 AMG Coupé are 12.0 l/100 km.

You could also opt for the AMG Performance package for a maximum output of 487 hp (30 hp more). Available as an option, this package

improves acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h to 4.3 seconds, with technology transferred from the SLS. This MercedesBenz C 63 AMG Coupé with AMG Performance package is priced at RM 781,888.00. For more information, log on to www.mercedes-benz. com.my.

VIII CLUTCH

FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2012

THE MALAY MAIL

MALAYSIANNEWS This Toyota 86 was developed to bring back the fun-to-drive appeal that was loved in the original AE86 Levin and 2000GT which are now collector cars

All New TOYOTA CAMRY And TOYOTA 86 Launched UMW TOYOTA MOTOR has launched the All-New Toyota Camry and the much anticipated The All-New Toyota 86.

The All-New Toyota Camry is priced at RM 149,900 for the 2.0E variant, RM 157,900 for the 2.0G and the 2.5V variant, which is top-of-therange model, priced at RM 180,900.

Four color options are available –Attitude Black is a new colour, followed by the Camry ‘signature’ colour White Pearl, Silver Metallic, and Medium Silver Metallic.

The All-New Toyota Camry has come a long way since it was first launched in 1994.

Over the years, the Toyota Camry has built a strong reputation for its quality, durability, reliability, and stylish designs.

To date, UMWT have sold more than 96,000 units of Toyota Camry in Malaysia making it the best-selling model in its segment in Malaysia since 2006 with a market share of 47%.

The All-New Toyota Camry offers incredible fuel economy and power and focuses on the prestigious design with a sense of space, luxury and attention to detail as well as a touch of high tech craftsmanship.

On the move, the All-New Toyota Camry features significantly improved noise insulation that makes for

a remarkably quiet cabin that offers a conversation friendly environment.

This is something that is to be expected from a prestigious sedan like the Toyota Camry.

The much anticipated and long awaited All-New Toyota 86 was developed

by Toyota and its partners after countless requests from motoring enthusiasts all over the world to bring back the same ‘fun-to-drive’ approach that was taken in the original Toyota AE86, Toyota Sports 800 and Toyota 2000GT.

tive sports car styling and makes a personal statement with intuitive driving dynamics which anyone can appreciate.

The front-engine, rear wheel drive layout follows the popular convention of a

The All-New Toyota 86 is built primarily as a driving enthusiast’s car.

The exterior defines attrac-

Every inch of this Camry has been re-designed and improved. Best of all is its drive dynamics and handling is now much better

EDITORIAL NOTE

by Daniel Fernandez

|

Consultant Motoring Editor

‘true sports car’ drive train configuration.

Powered by a 2.0 litre boxer engine, customers have the option of a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Both options come with Traction Control (TRC) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) which has a VSC Sports function that turns off most of the driving aids to provide more control to the driver.

Other dynamic safety features include ABS, with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist).

The All-New Toyota 86 is priced at RM 243,000 for the manual transmission and RM 249,000 for the automatic transmission. Six color options are available — Satin White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Sterling Silver Metallic, Lightning Red, Galaxy Blue Silica, and Orange Metallic.

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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

Lim Ee Mae

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

Manager

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

012-2073241 eemae@mmail.com.my

Email us at clutcheditorial@gmail.com.

Please watch out for our next issue on the 22nd of June 2012.