Showing posts with label Car Crazy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Car Crazy. Show all posts

Monday, July 2, 2007

BMW 3 Series Convertible - 2007

How I would like to have this Convertible parked in my garage! It's a car which evolved from a project carried out by a couple of very enthusiastic engineers who initially asked themselves the question on what the modern reiteration of a twenty year icon should be like. BMW claims that their new 2007, 3 Series Convertible to be in a league of it's own; while the ultimate driving machine is the Coupe, the Convertible seems to have a mirror image for an open driving experience and unique lifestyle motoring.

The special thing to note about the vehicle itself is because it's the first to feature a retractable hardtop. Also for the very first time, the 3 Series Convertible will feature a newly developed 6 and also 4-cylinder engine with direct gasoline injection technology. Their featured top model is the 335i Convertible, loaded with a straight-6 twin turbo (306bhp power) unit. BMW will also be featuring a 330d version, which is infact a 3.0L in line-6 turbo diesel. This will be their fourth variant in it's new 3 Series range, right after the Sedan, Touring and also their Coupe.

Their Coupe/Cabriolet (or in short, CC) roof has such an excellent concept in design. It somehow gives the car a unique dual character, with the least minimum effort placed. The car has a hardtop that fits all intents and purposes, and with a touch of a button the elements are opened, and all is bared to see. No wonder it makes owning an open-top car so much fun. It has also triggered a much wider market for car makers as they have added this variants to their line-up.

Some would say that it's not right for a CC variant to automatically join any family of cars out there, but there have been hold-outs, ever so notably with the likes of BMW. And they have also just jumped on that same bandwagon, with the release of their latest 3 Series Convertible.

Porsche alongside with BMW, have always held their policy of not compromising the dynamics and balance of their convertibles or their roadsters for that matter, which is why these cars only come added with soft and simple lightweight roofs (there's also detachable hardtops available from them, but that would be another story all-together). And finally, they have come to a conclusion that they able to present a better version, which is light, dynamic enough to handle the weight issue. They are also certain that the 3 Coupe, that this BMW 3 Series Convertible is based on, is definitely on the right platform for them to make the paradigm shift.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Peugeot 207CC and GTi

All you 'convertible top' car crazy lovers out there, get ready because the Peugeot 207CC and the GTi is here and it's bound to stay. On March 11, 2007, Peugeot decided on Melbourne, Australia for the sneak preview of their 207CC and the 207 GTi, just days ahead of the Geneva Motor Show.

The 207CC is the successor to their already best selling 206CC, of which 360,000 units were sold globally. This hatchback has a foldaway roof that is fully automatic, and it's made from high quality materials and even has strong security features and offer's a class leading dynamic experience.

Peugeot can definitely claim the honour of producing the world's first-ever convertible which has a metal folding roof with their 402 Eclipse, way back in 1937 when it made its debut at that years Paris Fair. In the modern era, again it was also the Peugeot that really brought hardtop convertible technology within reach of most, with their stylish yet affordable 206CC.

Followed by the 307CC and now the 207CC, Peugeot are once more at the forefront of the trend that they started some 70 years ago.

Another debut is that of the 207 GTi, which continues the line of sporting legends - the 206 and 205 GTi. The 207 GTi inspires a driving sensation to satisfy the enthusiast in everyone, but it's a car that can be enjoyed on an everyday basis.

The 207 GTi features the latest in engine technology, which is their 1.6L THP (Turbo High Pressure) petrol engine with turbo direct injection, that produces 171bhp and an amazing delivery of 240Nm of torque from just 1600rpm. It is the result of a collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroen and the BMW Group. The same engine powers the top-line MINI.

All seems beautiful and sporty, so I guess it's time now, to go check the price tag ..... ??

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Myvi SE - 2007

The one negative thing about the Myvi's immense popularity is, ironically, the Myvi's immense popularity. Just about everywhere you look, you see a train of Myvi's nose to tail in traffic.

Sometimes it looks like one big Myvi family. Even Perodua realised that. Solution? Why, Special Edition time, of course!

Perodua have always been adept at the 'SE' formula but they have surpassed themselves with the Myvi SE. The new variant sports an extensively designed body kit, which includes a new front bumper with chin extensions, a stylish rear bumper with sporty cut-outs, discreet side skirts and an aggressive tail spoiler.

The rest of the additions include new 5-spoke alloys, chromed tail-pipe accent and integrated front fog lamps. Inside, the SE receives the luxury dead-cow treatment, a new silver theme for the dash panel and also a Toyota inspired Optitron meter cluster.

With this model, it's obvious that Perodua is targeting a younger crowd of buyers for the Myvi SE, and the colours reflect that - Ebony Black, Mistik Red and Ivory White.

Pricing starts at RM49K for the manual and goes all the way to RM53K for the automatic, representing fairly good value over the standard Myvi on sale.

If cars are your fancy, do drop by to my other blog, where we discuss issues solely on automobiles.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Honda Civic - 2.0S


Fancy driving this beauty? Launched last year and doing very well in the Malaysian car market. The Honda Civic's current competitors are the Toyota Altis (which needs a new model soon) and the Nissan's Sentra.

Honda in Malaysia is anticipating a launch of an enhanced version in the coming weeks. Currently the enhanced version of the 8th generation Civic 2.0 is even more sporty and exciting with new 17" alloy wheels, complete with it's upgraded high performance Michelin Pilot Preceda tyres.

Besides the new wheels, the new Honda Civic 2.0S comes with the option of a spanking new colour: Sparkle Gray Pearl.

The new Civic 2.0S will be made available for bookings at all Honda dealers nationwide from April 16, 2007. The on-the-road price for Peninsula Malaysia, inclusive of road tax and insurance is RM128,800

Friday, May 4, 2007

Lexus RX 350

The Lexus badge was launched in December last year in Malaysia. Thus far it has brought in tremendous response, with their earlier launches ; LS 460L and GS 300. And the anticipation is that the newly launched Lexus RX 350 is expected to draw strong interest from luxury vehicle buyers. The all new Lexus RX 350 is the second generation RX, representing the pinnacle of their brands.

Apparently when Lexus 300 was introduced to the American market in 1998, it was the first ever SUV crossover, creating and defining an entirely new category of automobile. Nowadays it's becoming a trendsetter around the globe. If you look into the statistics, SUV crossovers are one of the industry's most popular and dynamic segments.Technically, the RX 350 comes with a - 3.5 litre, 24 valve DOHC V6 engine, delivering 272hp.

Feature's included - Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i). Power reaches the 18-inch alloy wheels via a five speed Super ECT sequential transmission, allowing for fully automatic or manual managed gear changes. There is also a AWD (All Wheel Drive) system, coupled with McPherson struts at each corner, providing good road holding and superior grip. Other fantastic features found on this beauty ; Power management and braking technology such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution(EBD) and also Brake Assist (BA).

The interiors features automatic dual climate control and an air-filtration system for cooler drives. The multi-panel wide opening moon-roof, which is 1.5 times wider than conventional units, offers panoramic views. To make things extra special for the driver, the electro-luminescent meter instrumentation in the control panel is displayed in a stylish three-pod layout and is complemented by a three-spoke steering wheel with intergrated audio switches.

I like this the most, Lexus RX 350 has got a Mark Levinson sound system complete with 11 speakers, thus creating impeccable sonic reproduction! Currently enjoying incredible success in the United States, thanks to it's unrivalled build quality, improved performance added with luxury fittings. I seriously feel that the Lexus RX 350 would definitely be in the top of everyone's wish list.

As with all Lexus models thus far, the RX 350 also comes with a 3 year warranty or 100,000km (whichever comes first). The next big question on your mind's, how much will it cost you to bring this baby back??? Well, in Malaysia, it would cost you RM373,000 (Individual Private Registrations) and RM373,200(Company Private) but take note that the prices stated here are without insurance. For this price, Lexus RX 350 is bound to make waves and take it's place at the top. If cars are what you like, please CLICK HERE and visit my Cars Blog.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

New Toyota Camry - 2007


The Malaysian, New Toyota Camry was recently launched into the market, fully imported from Thailand. The New Model looks bolder, sophisticated and much more aggressive than its predecessors. This time around it doesn't look that conservative in the eyes of the users. Currently its taking the bulk of the market share amongst it's competitors.

I personally feel, the New Camry is a class above the rest. It combines both modern elements and high end finishing. After years of being in the Motor Industry, i can safely say that the New Camry is a vehicle that sets a new global standard.

The first thing you would notice in this sixth generation Camry would be it's stylish and balanced design. Interiors are covered with leather and wood grain trims gives you the sense of prestige(2.0G & 2.4V). Seating inside one of this units will give anyone the feeling of 'spaciousness' due to its long cabin. Feedback from the people I've met also say that they are happy that the New Camry features an all new, plasma cluster air-conditioning system (provides refreshing ions, reduces airborne micro organisms, contaminants and odour particles) with Dual control ability (one temperature for the driver and another temperature for the front passenger) & what more, they get to control all this together with the Audio and Multi Info Display (MID) all at the touch of a button on the steering wheel. Now that is what we call, Innovations of the future.

Even during the earlier models, Camry's usually do very well, in terms of their sale. I would think it's mainly due to it's reliable engines. The New Camry currently comes with two engines, the first one being the 2.0 litre 1AZ-FE and the other being the 2.4 litre 2AZ-FE. Both are 4 cylinder DOHC 16valve engines. It also features the ever so popular Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence which gives the car that vroom power. It is also noted that power and torque for both the engines are amongst the best in its class.

Driving this 'dream machine' is such a pleasurable experience. Currently the New 2.4V Camry comes fitted with a new 5 speed Super ECT automatic transmission, it also gives the driver the option of manual sequential shifts when required. However the 2.0E & G has only a 4 speed Super ECT automatic transmission in them.

Needless to say about Toyota's safety standards, this car comes fitted with the highest level of Active and Passive safety needed in a car.

So try not to be the average Joe when you buy that new car, the accessory shop is where they would go. Remember when you go out shopping for all those extra accessory gadgets, check your warranty first, as not to infringe them. All Toyota vehicles as I know, come with a 3 year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

Driving this car around town will definitely get you the looks, if you know what i mean...

Parting words from me, if money is not an obstacle, get this Baby!