AUTOCAR ASEAN CAR OF THE YEAR 2005/2006

Motor Trader Malaysia Forum - AUTOCAR ASEAN CAR OF THE YEAR 2005/2006: "Overall Winner: Honda Civic 2.0S


Supermini
Winner: Perodua Myvi
Finalists: Proton Savvy, Inokom Atos Prima

Small Sedan/Hatchback
Winner: Suzuki Swift
Finalists: Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio 1.4

Midsize Sedan/Hatchback
Winner: Honda Civic 2.0S
Finalists: Ford Focus 2.0 Sport, Skoda Octavia 200 FSI

Large Sedan/Estate
Winner: Hyundai Sonata NF 2.4
Finalists: Hyundai Azera, Peugeot Evente

Small Luxury Hatchback
Winner: Mercedes-Benz A170
Finalists: BMW 118i, Mini Cooper 1.6

Compact Luxury Sedan/Estate
Winner: BMW 330i
Finalists: Audi A4 TFSI quattro, Mercedes-Benz B170, Volvo V50

Midsize Sedan/Estate
Winner: BMW 525i
Finalists: Audi A6 2.4, Mercedes-Benz CLS350

Large Sedan/Limousine
Winner: Mercedes-Benz S350L
Finalist: BMW 740Li

Midsize MPV
Winner: Mazda5
Finalist: Toyota Wish

Large MPV
Winner: Toyota Innova
Finalists: Mitsubishi Grandis, Mercedes-Benz Vito

Pick-up
Winner: Mitsubishi L200 2.8
Finalists: Isuzu D-MAX 3.0, Ford Hurricane

Midsize SUV
Winner: Nissan X-Trail NISMO Edition
Finalists: Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Outlander

Large SUV
Winner: Naza Sorento 2.5
Finalist: Toyota Fortuner

Performance Car
Winner: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Finalists: Mini Cooper S"

Chery QQ AMT arrives

IT may come as a surprise that China will replace Germany this year as the world's third largest maker of cars and vans, going by a recent market research report.

According to the Germany-based car market research and consulting firm, Polk Marketing Systems, China is estimated to produce about 5.9 million light vehicles this year, outpacing Germany's 5.38 million.

While occupying a third position, China would still be far behind the US that is expected to make 11 million vehicles and Japan's 10.63 million vehicles this year.

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Alado Bumi Sdn Bhd, the local importer of fully imported Chery cars, has just launched the automated mechanical transmission (AMT) variant of China's best selling compact car - the Chery QQ.

Although the 812cc QQ model debut with manual transmission in July, Alado Bumi was quick to introduce a five-speed sequential AMT variant in line with the general consumer preference for cars with automatic gearboxes.

The AMT gearbox offers the easy driving of a conventional transmission with the fuel economy of a manual type.

The smiley face QQ AMT made its appearance at the International Gateway Corp Sdn Bhd' new showroom in Jalan 225, Petaling Jaya, last Wednesday.

The QQ, powered by a twin camshaft three-cylinder engine, claims to be the first model below the 1.0-litre engine segment to be equipped with the AMT gearbox - similar to those found in the Proton Savvy and Renault Clio.

Its AMT and fuel injection systems are sourced from Magneti Marelli, while Bosch provides the ignition system.

The five-door car also claims high tech features such as drive-by-wire throttle control technology.

Launched in China in 2003, more than 320,000 units of the QQ have been sold worldwide.

The compact car comes with a on-the-road price of RM42,888. Also thrown in are a two-year/50,000km warranty and a two-year/40,000km free service package.

Toyota Camry CBU 2007 launched in Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has finally launched it, the 4th generation Toyota Camry. It is a fully imported CBU model from Thailand. Toyota has decided to take advantage of AFTA rates and import Camrys from Thailand instead of assembling them here, as part of it’s production rationalisation plan for the ASEAN market.

There are three versions will be available for Toyota Camry– the low end Toyota Camry 2.0E priced at RM139,066, the Toyota Camry 2.0G at RM149,053 and the high end 2.4V going for RM168,303. This is a slight increase over the current prices where the 2.0E, and the 2.4V goes for RM134,700, and RM161,300 respectively. The 2.0G is a new addition to the Camry range, a higher spec version compared to the Camry 2.0E.


Inside the car











Outside the car

Toyota Avanza announced

Toyota will announced new Toyota Avanza 1.5G currently already available at Indonesia.

The new Toyota Avanza 1.5G will be available in 4-speed automatic transmission only. Prices and more details will be available during the Toyota Avanza launching on Friday.

Toyota Yaris - New miniMPV from Toyota

First launched in Europe in 1999, the Yaris was named the 2000 European "Car of the Year" and has become Toyota's best-selling model in the European market. The Yaris was also named "Japan Car of the Year," marking the first time a Toyota model captured both honors in the same year and on both sides of the world.

The Yaris was styled at Toyota's European design studio in collaboration with Toyota’s Design Division in Japan. It retains the ‘DNA’ of its successful predecessor with ‘class-up’ styling and brings a new level of refinement, sophistication, and fun-to-drive experience to this segment.

The 5-door body features a strong, modern monoform shape made possible by its short overhangs and a low centre of gravity. The front grille is flanked by eye-catching headlights which have a frosted inner lens and are neatly integrated into the aerodynamic bonnet and windscreen. Foglamps are fitted as standard, providing supplementary illumination in poor weather conditions.

Powering the Yaris is the proven 1NZ-FE 4-cylinder engine which has a 1.5-litre displacement. The main feature of this compact engine is VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), a system which was developed by Toyota to increase output (80 kW/142 Nm), improve fuel economy and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases. Continuous variation in the valve timing according to driving conditions and needs allows the torque band to be broader, enhancing driving flexibility.

An electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission (Super ECT) is standard for the Yaris. This transmission, claimed to be highly efficient, has adaptive programming and improved driveability on hilly roads with a reduced number of gear changes. For greater convenience, the shifter is gated with specific locations for each position that allow for intuitive selection. In fact, it is said to be so convenient that an overdrive button is not necessary.

The front McPherson strut suspension of the Yaris features optimised geometry to provide the best possible balance between stability and ride comfort. Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis allowed Toyota engineers to further optimise the balance between component stiffness and lower weight. Higher roll stiffness and better ride comfort have been achieved by connecting the stabiliser bar directly to the strut by a ball-joint. The shock absorbers have a large diameter and include a new type of valve, which provides better damping. The direction of the spring reaction force has been optimised so as to create a more positive steering feel.