Before the trip, I was recommended to try out the famous local style Pork Chop Burger at Tai Lei Loi Kei Cafe near The Venetian at Taipa, Macau.

Tai Lei Loi Kei Cafe (Near The Venetian) - http://g.co/maps/btdc4
Rua Direita Carlos Eugenio, Taipa
氹仔巴波沙前地18號

Basically, the pork chop burger has no lettuce, pickles, tomato, cheese but just a piece of pork chop and bread. Technically, the bread is different from other pork chop buns I have seen and had. It is slightly crispier and the texture was perfect.

In conclusion, my expectation was higher. Perhaps, it is over-rated by the folks in the cyber world and the price is slightly at the high side for the location and serving. But it is worth tasting it at least for once.

The 1.6 D-CVVT come with the engine that produces 130PS @ 6,300rpm with a max torque of 157Nm @ 4,850rpm. For top of the range variant, the 1.8 D-CVVT engine output 150PS @ 6,500rpm and 178Nm of max torque @ 4,700rpm. Regardless auto or manual transmission, both comes with 6-speed and powering to the front wheels.

Electric Power Steering (EPS), Head lamp with auto light control, fog lamp, 2 airbags, Anti-lock braking system (ABS), steering wheel auto control and all power windows are standard across the board. Moreover, 1.6 Auto High Spec and 1.8 Auto Premium come with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Telescopic Steering Wheel.

Except for the 1.6 manual standard, all other variants come with engine start/stop button. Of course, the 1.8 Auto Premium come with more goodies –  full auto climate control with dual zone, auto cruise, tilt & sliding sun roof, rain-sensing wipers, GPS, reverse camera, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 17-inch alloy wheels instead of 16-inch on other variants.

Inside the car, the 1.8 Auto Premium comes with Nappa leather seats while the other variants with standard leather seats.

According to the specification from Hyundai, the fuel efficiency for 1.6 manual returns 16.4 km/litre, the 1.6 automatic with 14.9 km/litre, and the 1.8 automatic with 14.1 km/litre. All thanks to the newer engine and electric power steering which help to gains fuel efficiency.

Price for Hyundai Inokom Elantra (Local Assembled – CKD)

1.6 Manual Standard – RM 86,888

1.6 Auto Standard – RM 91,888

1.6 Auto High Spec – RM 96,888

1.8 Auto Premium – RM 111,888

The prices quoted above are on-the-road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. All Hyundai cars come with 5-year/300,000km warranty. The all-new Elantra available in seven colours: Ceramic White, Sleek Silver, Hyper Silver, Clean Blue, Tomato Red, Santorini Blue and Phantom Black.

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To further gain on fuel efficiency, the Eco Assist Display and Econ Driving Mode from the hybrid models have been inherited to the new Civic across all variants. As you might know, ECON mode helps maximise fuel efficiency by adjusting the performance of the engine, transmission, heating and cooling system, and cruise control.

The Civic VTi-L come with 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with max power of 104kW @ 6500rpm and max torque of 174Nm @ 4300rpm. For the Civic Sport, 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with max power of  114kW @ 6500rpm and max torque of 190Nm @ 4300rpm. On top of that, the Sport model come with 17-inch alloy wheels instead of 16-inch on VTi-L, auto headlights, electric sunroof, front fog lights, leather-appointed seat trim and rain-sensing wipers.

For Civic Hybrid, now upgraded to 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine (from 1.3-litre) with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Now max output 82kW @ 5500rpm and 172Nm of max torque between 1000rpm-3500rpm. The Civic Hybrid comes with 15-inch alloy wheels as factory standard.

The all-new Honda Civic VTi-L manual remained using 5-speed manual transmission. The Civic VTi-L and Civic Sport automatic come with 5-speed automatic transmission. While the Civic Hybrid features continuously variable transmission (CVT). Instead of conventional hydraulic power steering on 1.8-litre variant, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is now standard across the board.

On safety aspect, all the new Civic come with 5-star ANCAP safety rating. SRS airbags on dual front, side and full-length curtain, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) + Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) are standard as well.

According to Honda Australia, the new Civic has more sound-proofing insulation around the engine, doors and wheel wells. It is claimed to be the quietest Civic yet. Based on fact figures, it seems the new Civic is now better than before in all aspects. Before I recommending, let me test drive it first. So, keep your feedback in to share further before my test report.

In Australia, the all-new 2012 Honda Civic sedan manufacturer’s list prices (excluding government and dealer charges):

- VTi-L five-speed manual – AUD 20,990

- VTi-L five-speed automatic – AUD 23,290

- Sport five-speed automatic – AUD 27,990

- Hybrid CVT – AUD 35,990

The new Honda Civic sedan is covered by a standard 3-year/100,000km warranty and the Civic Hybrid’s lithium-ion battery is protected by warranty for 8 years from Honda Australia.

Check out the Photo Gallery of the all-new 2012 Honda Civic Sedan.

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Lewis Hamilton took his first Malaysian GP pole position, his teammate – Jenson Button second, Michael Schumacher third. Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel will start from fourth and fifth respectively.

Michael Schumacher produced the best qualifying performance of his F1 comeback, while Sebastian Vettel chose to run the harder Pirelli tyre and will start fifth for Red Bull.

“Today went a bit better than we thought in terms of pace,” Webber said. “We’re still not quick enough to challenge for the pole position, yet. There are areas where we need to improve – straight-line speed and a few things like that – but in general we had a better showing here today and I think we’ll be better in the race tomorrow.

“Our short run performances yesterday: we had a very poor balance, on lower and medium speed to high speed the car was very disconnected,” he added. “Today we managed to pull that together a lot better on low fuel and we have experience that on Sundays the car balances a bit better when we put the fuel in.”

I am looking forward for tomorrow’s race and wishes best of luck to Red Bull Racing – Webber and Vettel.

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In Australia, Toyota Camry Hybrid now has more equipment and enhanced styling, aerodynamics, interior space, safety, ride comfort, handling and luggage space. The starting price for the Camry Hybrid starts from AUD 34,990 (H Grade) to AUD 41,490 (HL Grade).

New Camry Hybrid incorporates several measures to improve fuel economy and lower emissions, including a new EV (electric vehicle) drive mode.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the new Camry Hybrid demonstrated the benefits of Toyota’s long history with petrol-electric hybrid vehicles. “New Camry Hybrid is a leap forward in performance, refinement and efficiency,” Mr Callachor said.

Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and a high-torque electric motor which combined output to 151kW, the previous model was 140kW instead.

The fuel consumption reduced approximately 17.4 % further in the city to just 5.7 litres/100km (from 6.9 litres/100km). On the highway, fuel use drops approximately half a litre to 4.9 litres/100km (down from 5.4 litres/100km) while the combined fuel-economy figure improves to 5.2 litres/100km (down from 6.0 litres/100km).

Exclusive exterior and interior designs and badges differentiate the Camry Hybrid from other Camry models. The front of the Camry Hybrid has a “hybrid blue” Toyota badge is flanked by headlights with blue-accented extensions. The rear design expresses a solid stance and a wide feel, featuring the hybrid blue Toyota badge and, for the HL grade, a bootlid spoiler and chrome garnish.

Interior wise, there are refined touches with attention to detail, including soft-touch padding, quality stitching and a three-dial Optitron instrument panel with chrome-accented outer rings and metallic-blue meter gradations.

A comprehensive safety package includes stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, 7 airbags and a reversing camera with the image displayed on a 6.1-inch touch-screen.

Compared with the current model, the Camry HL variant also gains a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system with a 7-inch touch-screen display, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, digital radio, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric rear sunshade, exterior mirrors that dip when reversing and memory settings for the electric driver’s seat.

Moreover, the new Camry Hybrid is covered by Toyota Service Advantage in Australia with the cost of services capped at AUD130 for each of up to 5 services in the first 4 years or 75,000km (whichever comes first).

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According to Honda, the facelift model has a series of technical enhancements to improve its efficiency and comfortability. From its engine tuning, CVT transmission, IMA system, air-conditioning system and revised suspension settings.

After my inspection to the new 2012 Honda Insight, I found the exterior styling on the bumpers are bolder than before. The front (including the front grille, fog lamp) and rear facades (added a silver tailgate garnish) are noticeably restyled. After the facelift, the rear visibility is now improved with larger glass area and longer rear wipers. Though, the alloy wheels remained the same design as the 2011 cars.

There are no major changes for the interior except improved insulation materials to further reduce NVH. However, the fabrics used for the seats and door panel are revised. The instruments cluster is also changed compared to the 2011 models. In addition, the ‘wave key’ has also been changed to a more compact ‘jack-knife’ key to make it easier to keep in the pocket.There are 4 colour choices are available – Super Platinum Aqua Metallic, Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic.

The Honda Insight comes standard with 3 years or 100,000km warranty plus 5 years or 140,000km warranty on hybrid battery pack. Not to forget, it also includes 3x free service in first 6 months or 10,000km.

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Even the Lion is trying to get in a Civic Type R, it must be a very auspicious year of dragon!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy watching and I wish everyone a Happy (x3) Chinese New Year and 龍年吉祥.

C-Class Coupe in Malaysia

C180 BlueEFFICIENCY – RM 305,888.00

C250 BlueEFFICIENCY  - RM 388,888.00

C350 BlueEFFICIENCY (By Special Order) – Upon Request*

SLK in Malaysia

SLK200 BlueEFFICIENCY – RM 460,888.00

SLK250 BlueEFFICIENCY (By Special Order) – Upon Request*

SLK350 BlueEFFICIENCY (By Special Order) – Upon Request*

CLS in Malaysia

CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY – RM 760,888.00

CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY (By Special Order) – Upon Request*

* The specifications can be highly customisable based on customer liking.

The ‘Test Drive & Win’ Round-2 campaign was run from 1^st August 2011 to 30^th November 2011.  The lucky winner, Tengku Norul Karlina Binti Tengku Yunus from Kuala Lumpur drive away a new Nissan Sylphy with Impul aerokit with her family members.

For now to stand a chance for you to win a brand new Nissan Teana or 370Z in Round-3, you can participate the contest by test driving any Nissan vehicles at any ETCM showrooms between 1^st December 2011 to 31^st March 2012. Good luck to all of us!