祝你們新年快樂! Happy Chinese New Year!

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

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the new C-Class Coupe, SLK and CLS models in Kuala Lumpur on 16 Jan 2012. All the models are niche models and fully imported. All the models are styled with styling with daylight LEDs. More importantly, all three models come in new engines (CGI) with direct injection and seven-speed automatic transmission. For more details, please visit http://www.mercedes-benz.com.my/

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.

Today, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) gives away a brand new Nissan Sylphy during the ‘Test Drive & Win’ Round-2 prize presentation ceremony at ETCM Jalan Raja Laut Showroom. I was there to witness it personally.

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!

From the Volvo XC60, to the all-new S60 sedan and now the new V60 Sportswagon.

Volvo Car Malaysia introduces the all-new V60 in 2 locally assembled variants, namely the T4 and the T5, which are priced at RM230,000 (T4) and RM269,000 (T5), both prices on-the-road, without insurance.

Both the T4 and T5 feature a Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDi) engine which represents Volvo’s very latest direct injection technology. The GTDi was developed to offer really low fuel consumption without compromising on performance or driving pleasure.

The T5 is a 2.0-litre petrol engine which pumps out a blistering 240 hp and 320 Nm of torque, available from 1800 to 5000 revs a minute, taking you from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds flat, and pushes you to a top speed of 230km/h.

The new T4 is a 1.6-litre, 180 hp petrol engine, delivering a massive torque of 240 Nm from just 1600 and all the way up to 5000 revs a minute. An on-demand overboost function further increases torque to a massive 270Nm. And with its fuel efficient dual-clutch Powershift transmission, the result is excellent pulling power across the entire speed range, providing a particularly comfortable driving experience yet consuming only 7.5 litres per 100km for a combined driving cycle in cities and highways.

“This puts the T4 among the most powerful 1.6-litre engines in Malaysia currently,” said Mr. Peter Johnson, Volvo Car’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Asia Region, adding that "small, high-performance GTDi engines combined with our fuel efficient dual-clutch Powershift transmission are our bid to get more energy and efficiency out of smaller engines."

Five colours available for both variants of Volvo V60 are the Electric Silver, Ember Black, Ice White, Seashell and Flamenco Red.

What makes the V60 T5 more distinctive? The new V60 T5 comes with the groundbreaking and world leading technology such as Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist and Distance Alert, which automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front. What is new is that the Adaptive Cruise Control operates at speeds below 30 km/h, all the way down to standstill.

Last of all, standard with every Volvo in Malaysia, the all-new V60 includes 3-year warranty and 3 years complimentary Volvo On-Call.

Volvo V60 Price List for Peninsular Malaysia

Photo: Volvo V60 T4 & T5 Malaysia

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From the Porsche Channel in YouTube, one of the Porsche My Daily Magic Film Contest Finalist was “Sweet Dreams”. This video illustrate the magical Porsche Panamera not only deliver driving pleasure to the owner, but also able to provide sweet dreams to the children. How wonderful isn’t?

After the massive flood in Thailand, Honda Thailand recently posted a video in YouTube to show off the quality and standards that Honda has actioned. The car assembler will be scrapping 1,055 new cars.

According to the Honda Thailand, the damaged cars and parts due to the flood will be dismantled, destroy and recycle. As a result, there will not be any refurbished cars and parts circulating in the market. If you happen/plan to buy a new Honda vehicle that is assembled in Thailand, it will be a new car for sure.

Well, I am now wondering how Toyota Thailand handles those damaged vehicles.

In the recent 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan LEAF has been awarded to be the Car of the Year Japan 2011-2012. The Nissan LEAF is a zero-emission vehicle that emits no CO2 while it is being driven. With optimally-placed lithium-ion batteries, a high-performance electric motor as well as advanced control technologies, Nissan LEAF achieves strong and smooth acceleration performance, excellent quietness, outstanding riding comfort and superb handling stability.

“We have sold 20,000 Nissan LEAFs and also delivered on our promise of affordable, zero-emission mobility on a global scale. This award is as much a win for Nissan as it is for our customers,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “All these accolades show that zero-emission vehicles can clearly be competitive alternatives to conventional ones.”

In the other hand, Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, the Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) announced that there will be a pilot program for the Nissan LEAF will be launched in Malaysia in 1st half of 2012. This pilot program is in line with Nissan’s comprehensive efforts toward the realization of a zero-emission society. The test will involve the Malaysian Government bodies, members of the media and public audiences.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Nissan Leaf

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In the latest Autobild TÜV report, it declared that Porsche 911 is a car with the least defects among older vehicles. No matter whether it is 7, 9 or 11 years old – in the latest Autobild TÜV report, the sports car icon was again the model with the fewest defects among all vehicles in its age group. The same as the year before, in each of the general technical inspections, the TÜV inspectors found the least grounds for complaint. Overall, the 911, Boxster and Cayman models occupied five of the ten best rankings across all age groups, which is once again impressive proof of the Zuffenhausen sports cars’ long term quality and ability to hold their value.

The Autobild TÜV Report is based on data from approximately eight million general technical inspections between July 2010 and June 2011. According to information from the Association of Technical Inspectorate Agencies, almost 18% of seven year old vehicles, a good 22% of nine year old vehicles and almost 27% of all eleven year old vehicles exhibited such serious defects that they only received their TÜV certificate the second time around.

Today, Honda Malaysia announced that the recently launched award-winning All-New CR-Z has received overwhelming response by Malaysian motorists recording robust sales of over 300 bookings within a month of its launch.

Moreover, Honda Malaysia also announced that Honda Malaysia will be bringing in three more exciting new colours to add to the CR-Z lineup and to give Honda customers more options. However, there are still no CVT Auto options for Malaysian market.

Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia commented that the new colours for the CR-Z, which are STORM SILVER METALIC, MILANO RED, and CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL are scheduled to arrive by early 2012. “With the introduction of the new colours, we are confident that the environmental friendly and fun-to-drive CR-Z will continue to appeal to customers in Malaysia.

He continued, “In Malaysia, there is a growing acceptance towards green technologies and hybrid vehicles, especially with the support from the government in offering full exemption of import duty and excise duty for Hybrid vehicles until December 2013. As the pioneer in introducing hybrid technology in Malaysia, the CR-Z is the third hybrid model that Honda has successfully brought to Malaysians. The All-New CR-Z has been able to fulfil the demand for a stylish hybrid vehicle that is not only eco-friendly but also a performance vehicle that is fun-to-drive. Malaysians can expect to see the CR-Z on the roads from this month onwards.”

The All-New CR-Z is the first model to feature Honda’s versatile 3-Mode Drive System, which enable the driver to choose and switch modes seamlessly depending on their driving style and road situation. The three modes – SPORT, NORMAL and ECON in the CR-Z alters the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA Hybrid System.

Official Price List

Photo Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z at Honda Showroom in Malaysia

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Photo Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Launching in Malaysia

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If you have been following me at FastMotoring.com, you might know that I am a big fan of Porsche. Recently, the Stuttgart-based automaker released a short video clip in YouTube about the process of testing the all-new 2012 Porsche Carrera 911, codename 991.

Check out the YouTube video below as Porsche engineers thoroughly test the all-new 2012 Porsche Carrera 911 in South Africa and the Arctic Circle. The Porsche’s engineers took the car on the most demanding road trips imaginable while in the most punishing of climates. They pushed the test cars to excessive limits before the cars global debut.

The reasons that Porsche claimed of this process is to guarantee that the seventh-generation 2012 Carrera 911 will perform to Porsche Standards on the German Autobahn, U.S. interstate highway and anywhere in the world.

Honda Malaysia launched the award-winning hot-hatch hybrid known as Honda CR-Z in Malaysia on November 3, 2011. Malaysia is the first country in Southeast Asia to launch the world’s first 6-speed manual hybrid vehicle.

Now, you can inspect the all-new Honda CR-Z in all Honda showrooms nationwide from today. So, don’t missed out. At my first sight, I felt the rear seats are too tight but I am excited and can't wait any longer for the media test drive unit.

Technically, the CR-Z is designed to deliver exceptional fuel economy while offering an entertaining and engaging driving experience. It combines an efficient 84kW (114PS) 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC engine, a 10kW (14PS) electric motor and a sophisticated Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). The flexibility of the IMA Hybrid System means that it can be used with a manual gearbox. The 6-speed manual gearbox is considered the optimum gearbox for a responsive drive.

The intelligent manual transmission CR-Z is also equipped with the Hill-Start Assist function, a confidence-enhancing feature that helps prevent roll back when starting from a stop on a hill. The technology is able to determine the degree of incline and maintain brake pressure temporarily to prevent rollback when the driver lets up on the pedal.

To further enhance the driving experience, the All-New CR-Z is the first model to feature Honda’s versatile 3-Mode Drive System, which enables the driver to choose and switch modes seamlessly depending on their driving style and road situation. The three modes in the CR-Z alters the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA Hybrid System. The individual modes are also indicated on the Illuminated Advance Sports Meter as glowing coloured rings of light.

For Malaysian market, the All-New CR-Z comes in Premium White Pearl. With the benefit of full exemption of import duty and excise duty for Hybrid models until December 2013, the on-the-road price with insurance for Honda CR-Z is only RM 115,000.00 in Peninsular Malaysia.

This car comes standard with 3-years warranty or 100,000km* and 6 months free service or 10,000km*. In addition, Honda Malaysia offer 5-years warranty or 140,000km* for IMA Battery and 2-years warranty or 40,000km* for standard battery. * – whichever comes first

Official Price List

Photo Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z at Honda Showroom in Malaysia

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Photo Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Launching in Malaysia

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Toyota Australia has released an all-new 7th generation Camry that debuts a contemporary design with improved driving dynamics and a more spacious interior. Anyway, it took me quite awhile to compile the photos and figure out the new features and enhancements.

The all-new 2012 Toyota Camry combines a new 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission that deliver better performance, efficiency and lower emissions. The Australian version of the all-new Camry is remained built in Australia. The new car now features a more comfortable ride, better handling, better safety features and added refinement, including an even quieter cabin.

The all-new 2012 Toyota Camry in Australia offers in two distinct looks – an entry-level Altise and three new Atara variants.

Atara models have unique styling, including the lower-body design, a sporty mesh upper grille, prominent side skirts and twin exhausts. Advanced features at the top of the range include a blind-spot monitor to help prevent collisions and automatic high beam that automatically dips headlights at night to avoid blinding other drivers. The new range arrives with zero price increases for the Altise at AUD 30,490 and the top-of-the-range Atara SL at AUD 39,990, which replaces the Grande.

Basically, the price increases for Atara S (replaces Ateva) and Atara SX (Sportivo) are outweighed by added features.

According to Toyota Australia, body, electrical and chassis engineers from the Toyota Technical Center in Melbourne contributed to the development of Camry as a global car from as early as 2006. They also tuned and tested local versions to meet the demands of Australian motorists and road conditions, including calibrations for the electric power steering, blind-spot monitor and automatic high beam. Moreover, Designers at Toyota Style Australia were responsible for the interior fabrics and colour and trim of the local cars.

Camry Altise delivers 133kW of power and 231Nm of torque, substantial gains over the 117kW and 218Nm of the previous generation. Atara variants gain twin exhausts that help lift output to 135kW and 235Nm for gains of 15% and 8% respectively over the previous engine. All Atara grades – S, sporty SX and luxury SL – have paddle shifts at the driver's fingertips, delivering greater driver involvement and enjoyment.

Fuel economy across the range is just 7.8 litres/100km – an improvement of one litre per 100km, which means up to an extra 100km from a tank of unleaded petrol.

It has seven airbags, better braking and brake feel, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, a stronger body structure and a new seat frame that makes driving more comfortable. The introduction of electric power steering across the range, along with refinements to the suspension, has led to significant improvements to handling and ride comfort.

Altise is also equipped with 16-inch alloys, trip computer and an upgraded sound system with six speakers and controls on the steering wheel.

Atara S also features fog lamps, 17-inch alloys, smart entry and smart start, reversing camera, dual-zone air-conditioning, 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio, premium steering wheel and gearshift knob and an electric driver's seat with lumbar support.

Atara SX is distinguished by unique rear bumper, rear lip spoiler, sports pedals, sports suspension, black-tinted headlamps and sports leather-accented interior.

Top of the range Atara SL features JBL premium audio with 10 speakers, a 7-inch touch-screen display with satellite navigation, digital radio, RDS live traffic updates, reversing camera with back-guide monitor, blind-spot monitor, automatic high beam, electric front seats and rain-sensing wipers.

New Camry is covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing, which has been extended to four years / 75,000km and up to 5 services at AUD130 per service for the new range. New accessories include 17-inch alloy wheels and body side mouldings with chrome inserts.

Price List – 2012 Toyota Camry Australia*

Altise – AUD30,490

Atara S – AUD33,490

Atara SX – AUD35,990

Atara SL – AUD39,990

Options*:
Altise: Steel wheels -AUD100, Metallic paint AUD400, Reverse camera AUD500
Atara S: Leather AUD1,500, Leather + Moonroof AUD3,450
Atara S, SL, SX: Moonroof AUD1,950

Summary of the new 2012 Toyota Camry

• Increased interior space
• 46mm increased rear-seat knee room
• 50mm increased knee room for rear-centre seat
• 15mm increase in couple distance
• Increased safety equipment
• Seven SRS airbags including new driver's knee airbag on all models
• Seatbelt warning indicators for rear seats
• Increased performance and economy
• 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds
• Fuel economy of 7.8 litres/100km
• 2.5-litre dual VVT-i engine (Altise: 133kW and 231Nm, Atara: 135kW and 235Nm)
• Sequential six-speed transmission
• Paddle shift on three Atara grades, including Sports mode with throttle blipping control on downshifts
• ECO indicator on all grades
• All-new chassis and steering package
• Improved ride, handling, stability and braking
• Electric power-assisted steering for the first time on Camry petrol model
• All-new steering control features which improve steering feedback
• Vortex effect underbody aerodynamics for increased stability
• New over-body aerodynamic features
• Improved driving comfort – seat design, steering wheel position, steering column angle, 15mm increase in driver's seat height adjustment
• 60/40 split-fold rear seat on all grades (new to Atara SX)
• Driver's seat memory in Atara SL
• Auto-dipping exterior mirrors when reverse gear selected in high-grade
• 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio (up from 4.3-inch screen) is standard on Atara S/SX and optional on Altise
• Cross-type button steering wheel audio controls
• 10-speaker JBL premium audio with digital radio, 7-inch touch-screen display and 5.1-channel surround sound on Atara SL
• Side indicators on exterior mirrors on all models
• Trip computer now on all models
• AUX + USB input with iPod™ connectivity on all models
• Bluetooth™# streaming capability
• Lower interior noise levels and 'sophisticated' interior sound balance for improved conversation clarity
• Leather-accented seats on Atara SX grade
• Blind spot monitor (BSM) on Atara SL
• Automatic high beam headlamps on Atara SL
• Reversing camera^ with static line back monitor on Atara S/SX and back guide monitor on Atara SL
• Smart entry/start on S and SX

Photo Gallery: 2012 Toyota Camry Australia

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