Clutch 25 May 2012 by The Clutch

MAY 25, 2012 Y OU R

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ALFA ROMEO’s New

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4L TB Multiair with a 6-speed Twin Clutch Transmission is now on sale for RM178,888 (excluding road tax and insurance). The award-winning 170 hp Multiair petrol engine is a flexible engine with a maximum torque of 250 Nm.

Its top speed is 218 km/h with just 7.7 seconds needed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. Even with this excellent performance, the fuel consumption is really low at just 5.2 litres/100 km over a combined cycle. The combination of this engine with the new

‘Compact’ platform places the Giulietta at the top of its segment both for its dynamic qualities as well as comfort and practicality during everyday use. This Giulietta comes with bi-xenon lights with AFS function, the Blue&Me system

In Town

with Bluetooth function, USB port and MP3 player, radio/ mobile phone controls on steering wheel, rear parking sensors, rain-dusk-humidity sensors, electrically folding door mirrors and an electrochromic rear-view mirror. It is a five-door hatchback featur-

ing Alfa Romeo’s unique DNA and promises great agility on the most demanding routes and comfort on everyday journeys. It has been awarded the prestigious Euro NCAP 5-star rating and an overall score of 87/100, an extraordinary result that makes it one of

the safest hatchbacks in the world. Three colour choices are available — Ghiaccio White, Alfa Red and Black. For more information on the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, please visit www.autoitalia. com.my or call 03-62536888 for a test drive.

FRIDAY 25 may 2012

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THE MALAY MAIL

testdrive

Mazda CX-5: Reaching for the Sky By Kon Wai Luen

Amidst all the hoo-haa surrounding the environmental benefits of electric and hybrid vehicles, Mazda is stepping forward to suggest that there is plenty of life left in the good old internal combustion engine. The company argues that by 2020, 90% of motor vehicles around the world will still be burning fossil fuel, and as a result, Mazda has opted to refine what’s currently being used. Rather than turning to electric power, which require batteries that run on toxic chemicals, Mazda’s approach is to completely rethink the internal combustion engine, both petrol and diesel, and push it

right to the limit, as far as efficiency is concerned. Further contributions to the cause come in the form of weight reduction of various components, and the elimination of driveline losses. This, ladies and gentlemen, is Mazda’s Skyactiv technology in a nutshell, and it debuts in Malaysia in the allnew Mazda CX-5. Some markets overseas have versions of the Mazda2 and Mazda3 with Skyactiv engines, but the CX-5 is Mazda’s first vehicle to feature the company’s full complement of Skyactiv gear, which encompasses engine, transmission, body, and chassis. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated direct injection engine under its hood sounds simple enough in description, but delve deep into it, and

lots of wonderful minor details emerge. Its compression ratio is 13:1 (14:1 in certain markets), which Mazda claims is responsible for a 15 per cent improvement in both torque and fuel economy. High compression does wonders for outputs, but they also make the engine extremely susceptible to knocking, so Mazda has employed a variety of design features such as a 4-2-1 exhaust, cavity pistons, and multi-hole injectors to ensure that your engine runs fine even on RON 95 fuel. Both versions are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission with an exceptionally wide lock-up range to improve efficiency and give a more DSG-like direct feel, but without the throttle blips.

PICTURES BY Daniel Fernandez

SKYACTIV technology from Mazda comes not only with the engine and gearbox but also the body and suspension

The two versions of the CX-5 are priced about RM10,000 apart, and all of that money is used to pay for the capacity to send drive to the rear wheels. Both versions are absolutely identical in terms of equipment, and highlights in the list include

19” alloy rims, sunroof, push-start button, reach & rake steering adjust, cruise control, and leather trim. Sound is delivered through a 9-speaker Bose setup mated to a multimedia unit with MP3, Bluetooth, and navigation functions. Knowing that both versions have identical equipment, the choice between FWD and AWD, then, is entirely a matter of preference. Both versions boast competent dynamics, but the added burden of spinning the rear wheels mean that the AWD model will have to contend with a little higher fuel consumption (11.0 l/100km in our tests vs 8.5 l/100km for the FWD model). Many modern SUVs boast of ‘car-like’ dynamics these days, and while most of them have legitimate claims, the CX-5 is by far the most convincing in that aspect among its rivals. Stability at high speeds and cornering is beyond reproach, and

Mazda CX-5 SPECIFICATIONS Engine Inline-4, DOHC, 16V Capacity X1,997cc Transmission X6 A/T, FWD/AWD Max Power 114kW @ 6,000rpm / 113kW @ 6,000rpm

Max Torque: 200Nm @ 4,000rpm / 198Nm @ 4,000rpm

Price RM159,500 – RM169,740 with Insurance

steering feel is excellent — nicely weighted with decent amounts of feedback to eliminate the need of guessing the amount of available grip. For any buyer looking at a C-segment SUV and willing to spend a little more than RM150k, the CX-5 is a compelling option. Points in its favour include its long list of features and excellent driving dynamics. The fuel savings that come with this engine, particularly in the FWD model, will gradually repay the premium it charges over its rivals.

THE MALAY MAIL

FRIDAY 25 may 2012

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LOCALNEWS

Ranger vs The World Nationwide Roadshow The All-New Ford Ranger nationwide ‘Ranger versus The World’ road shows in May and June will be held at key market centres around the country. Pre-bookings for the All-New Ford Ranger will be open and early bird customers will receive a special edition Casio G-Shock watch worth RM750 upon registration.

Visitors but can also try out a first-of-its-kind All-New Ranger 360° racing simulator, allowing visitors to virtually experience some of the worst travelling conditions, such as racing down a dirt track. Participants of the strength challenges and racing simulator stand to win exclusive Ford merchandise in a series of contests held dur-

ing the road shows. With a high performance engine and interior comfort to complement the tough and durable build, the All-New Ford Ranger is a perfect choice for both the urban warrior and the outdoorsman. The all new Ford Ranger is the first pickup to achieve a 5 star rating from Euro NCAP’s assessments.

This Ranger’s 81% pedestrian score is the highest score recorded for pick-ups tested by Euro NCAP so far and therefore sets a new standard in this area. This performance is the result of a softer and well-engineered front end, absorbing the impact energy and better protecting pedestrians. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Sec-

retary General, says: ‘with such pedestrian protection the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pick-up trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.’ For more information on the All-New Ford Ranger please visit www.ford. net.my or www.facebook.com/ FordRangerMY.

Ford ‘Ranger versus the World’ road show 16 - 20 May 2012 Boulevard Mall, Kuching (Centre Court)

6 - 10 June 2012 KSL Mall, Johor Bahru (Centre Court)

6 - 10 June 2012 Star Mall, Sibu (Centre Court)

20 - 24 June 2012 Queensbay Mall, Penang (Centre Court)

27 June - 1 July 2012 MidValley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur (East Entrance Atrium)

FRIDAY 25 MAY 2012

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THE MALAY MAIL

MOVINGFORWARD

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai Prai Is Now Bigger AND Better Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) has opened a larger new 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) centre in Prai. The opening of this new 3S centre was ofﬁciated by Mr Kim Hoo-Keun, Head of Asia & Paciﬁc Regional Headquarters, with the signing of a plaque. According to Mr Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd (HSDM) it was necessary for Prai to move to a bigger facility to cope with the increasing number of Hyundai vehicles. Since 2007, 1,648 units of Hyundai vehicles have been registered in Prai and this number is expected to increase with the recent introduction of the MD Elantra in April. SDAH invested close to RM-

6mil in the upgrading works of this 3S centre with a total built up of over 17,483 sq ft in Jalan Baru, Prai. This new centre also includes spraypainting facility. It has 6 service bays at this moment and can be expanded to 12 service bays when service demand increase. Apart from the regular 3S services, SDAH Prai also offers Quick Service, 24-hour key drop service and shuttle service to Megamall Pinang for customers who would like to spend time there while waiting for their vehicles to be serviced. Just like all other Hyundai 3S centres it includes a premium Wi-Fi lounge with free ﬂow of beverages for great comfort and convenience for its customers. It serves neighbouring

Hyundai Azera Earns IIHS Top Safety Honors The all-new Hyundai Azera achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest honor for 2012 as a Top Safety Pick this week. Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover and rear crashes, based on “good” ratings in Institute tests. The Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, Equus, Tucson and Santa Fe are also 2012 Top Safety Picks. The IIHS Top Safety Pick

ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer the highest level of crash protection. Azera meets the Top Safety Pick rating criteria by earning good ratings in a front and side crash test, rear impact test assessing whiplash protection and a roof strength test to measure occupant protection in rollover crashes. The Hyundai Azera is not for sale in Malaysia for now

This 3S facility in Prai had to be made bigger to cope with the increased demand for Hyundai in the region

areas such as Bukit Mertajam, Simpang Ampat, Nibong Tebal, Jawi and Butterworth. This 3S centre is also in compliance with the Hyundai Dealer Enhancement Programme (DEP). The DEP is introduced by HMC to reinforce Hyundai’s brand presence by aligning it with Hyundai’s global corporate image. This 3S centre is situated at Wisma EMC, No 972, Jalan Baru, 13700 Prai, Penang Customers who would like to ﬁnd out more about the services offered by this 3S centre can call (04) 399 7788 (Service) and (04) 399 3988 (Sales).

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FRIDAY 25 MAY 2012

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AHEADOFTHEREST

Hyundai Provides Vehicles for UEFA EURO 2012™ Hyundai Motor will provide 366 of its most exciting vehicles for use by UEFA EURO 2012™ ofﬁcials, guests and others during the matches next month in Poland and Ukraine. During the handover ceremony at Poland’s National Stadium in Warsaw, the company unveiled the ofﬁcial national team buses, each one wrapped with a fancreated slogan cheering on the teams of the 16 participating nations. Hyundai’s “Be There With Hyundai” contest allowed fans to submit slogans to adorn

the national team buses. Fans began submitting slogans in December and the 16 winners were announced on May 7. To support the UEFA EURO 2012™ matches this June, Hyundai will hand over the following models: Equus, Genesis, ix55, Santa Fe, ix35, i40, Sonata, Elantra and the newgeneration i30. In addition, Hyundai will provide more than 200 H1 vans. Highlighting the handover were Hyundai’s luxury vehicles and the top performers of its

European i-series, cars designed in Europe for European motorists. The UEFA EURO 2012™ kicks off on June 8 and concludes on July 1. Hyundai is an ofﬁcial automotive sponsor of UEFA EURO 2012™ and has sponsored the UEFA EURO™ tournament since 2000. TEAM HYUNDAI

Hyundai is proud to present ﬁve top football players as brand ambassadors for the UEFA EURO 2012™: Iker

Casillas (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Giuseppe Rossi (Italy), Karim Benzema (France) and Daniel Sturridge (England). MAKE A PLEDGE

By entering the dedicated application on Hyundai’s global Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/Hyundaiworldwide), football fans are encouraged to make their pledge. For each pledge, Hyundai will donate €1, and Hyundai’s to-

tal donation of €250,000 will be made to support the gamechangers of the future.

visit the EURO 2012 section on the Hyundai global Web page. (euro2012.hyundai.com)

BE THERE WITH HYUNDAI

HYUNDAI PREDICTOR

The slogan contest program, “Be There With Hyundai,” has enjoyed increasing popularity since its introduction at EURO 2004. As a prize, the winner from each country will be invited to Hyundai’s hospitality program, held in Gdansk, Poland, during the quarterﬁnal match. For more information, please

Fans can enter their results of each EURO 2012 match to guess which teams will advance to the last eight, ﬁnal four and all the way to the ﬁnal on UEFA.com. Hyundai offers fans the chance to win exciting prizes, including autographed jerseys of Team Hyundai players.

New Elantra Takes In 3,300 Bookings

3,300 bookings for the MD Elantra to date

EDITORIAL NOTE

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) Inokom MD Elantra (a licensed product from Hyundai Motor Company) has taken the Malaysian C-segment compact sedan market by storm with over 3,300 bookings to date in Malaysia. With its new sleek sporty design, class-leading performance and impressive fuel efﬁciency its sales num-

The MD Elantra comes in 7 colours, namely Ceramic White, Sleek Silver, Hyper Silver, Clean Blue, Tomato Red, Santorini Blue and Phantom Black. Prices start at RM91,888.00 for the 1.6L to RM111,888.00 for the 1.8L Premium. HSDM offers a 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes

bers are set to soar even higher. The MD Elantra has dynamic design, premium touch, high fuel efﬁciency, spaciousness, low maintenance cost and all these at an accessible price. To date this car has won a total of 42 awards and accolades globally and most importantly, it has won the 2012 North America Car of The Year. by Daniel Fernandez

Consultant Motoring Editor

ﬁrst) extended warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. Hyundai’s extended warranty is in accordance to its manufacturing warranty. A 24-hour road assist service is also now available to new and existing Hyundai vehicles. Please call its Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 for more information.

ADVERTISING SALES

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 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 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 8th of June 2012

Joel Miranda

Jenilyn Alexia

General Manager

Executive

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

016-3620331 jenilyn@mmail.com.my

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