Since 1st September 2009, Malaysia have replaced the RON92 Unleaded with RON95 Unleaded. In the other hand, the RON97 Unleaded has been logically upgraded to be Premium Unleaded in Malaysia domestic market.

In fact, a lot of cars in Malaysia are compatible with RON95 Unleaded Fuel. High Octane Premium Unleaded is normally required for high compression ratio engine which is normally found on the performance models. Majority of engine have knock sensors which can automatically adjust the ignition timing once knocking is detected. But of course, the power output of the engine will be degraded once engine knocking is detected which normally due to lower grade unleaded fuel.

Cars from the official distributor that required Premium Unleaded are like Honda Civic Type R [Refer to: Is RON95 suitable for high compression engine or your car?] and Suzuki Swift Sport. For private imported cars are like Nissan GT-R, Nissan Silvia, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Wish 2.0 D4, Toyota Caldina, Subaru Impreza WRX STI and etc... Normally, the Japan imports cars required Premium Unleaded because those JDM cars are tuned based on their domestic fuel grade for optimum performance and efficiency. The premium grade for unleaded is RON100 in Japan.

However, the european cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, Audi or even Alfa Romeo may not required RON97 fuels to operate at optimum level. Mainly, this is due to their country fuel grade availability for Premium Unleaded is just RON95 or RON98 and the consideration of the availability of premium unleaded fuel of other country that they are distributing to.

Anyway, our team have compiled a list of cars that is compatible with RON95 from official distributor, importer and data sheet that we able to obtain from the internet. For the car models that is not listed in our table, kindly contact the manufacturer of your car for more information or check your car booklet for the recommended fuel grade.

Click here to view the RON Compatible List for the cars that official distributed in Malaysia

Effective from 1st September 2009 (right after the Malaysia National Day), the newly introduced RON 95 fuel is now priced at RM1.80 from the previous price - RM1.75. Meanwhile, RON 97 is upgraded as a premium product and has gone up to RM2.05 from RM1.80.

Honda Malaysia has released this list of frequently asked questions by owners of both Honda’s and other marques. The introduction of RON 95 is just a couple days away so this list should help you understand your car and the new fuel better. Except for the Civic Type R, all other models are compatible with RON 95.

1. What exactly is RON?

RON stands for Research Octane Number, which measures the quality of fuel. It represents the fuel’s ability to resist premature & uncontrolled combustion that occurs when fuel pre-ignites before the ignition spark plug.

2. What is engine knocking?

Engine knocking is caused by self-ignition of the fuel or air mixture, which is a result of using RON levels that is lower than the minimum requirement.

3. What is the minimum RON requirement of my Honda Car?

For all Honda cars produced in year 2001 onwards, the minimum RON requirement is 91. Honda cars are equipped with ‘Knock Sensors’ that detect the octane quality of the fuel used, enabling it to automatically adjust spark timing to prevent engine knocking.

We advice drivers that bought their cars from non-authorised dealers to check their owner’s manual for minimum RON requirement.

4. Type-R RON Issue

It is recommended to use RON97 for Civic Type R because of its high performance engine, as it was tested in Japan with RON100 for optimum engine performance. Please note that this engine version with knock control can also run on fuel with a minimum octane number of 91; but performance and fuel consumption are affected as a result.

5. What is a Knock Sensor? Are all Honda cars equipped with Knock Sensors?

A knock sensor is a detector, which identifies engine knocking during spark ignition. When engine knocking occurs, the knock sensor signals the engine operation to slow down the ignition timing that will eliminate the knock, which may result in some power loss.

All Honda cars are equipped with Knock Sensor.

6. What fuel should I use & what RON works best for my car?

As long as the fuel used is not below the minimum RON requirement (RON91), it will be appropriate for all Honda Cars.

7. What is the effect to the engine if petrol of a different RON is mixed together?

As long as the fuel meets or exceeds the minimum RON required by the engine, mixing is fine & should not damage your engine. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97). However, do note that different fuel brands come with different levels & types of additives, so mixing different fuels may not provide the optimum performance & efficiency for your vehicle.

8. Do I have to always pick the highest octane rating petrol for my vehicle?

Anything above the minimum RON requirement, which is RON91 for all Honda cars will be appropriate. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97).

9. Will there be a reduction of fuel efficiency & performance with the use of RON95 from RON97?

The efficiency & performance will not be affected if the car uses above its minimum requirement RON which is RON91 for all Honda Cars. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97). Loss of power & fuel efficiency will only occur when the minimum RON requirement is not met as the knock sensor signals the engine operations to retard its spark timing to eliminate engine knock.

Recently reported from the Reuters news, the China's Tengzhong will maintain Hummer's auto dealership network if it succeeds in purchasing the U.S. brand, amid growing sentiment that it may complete the controversial deal.

According to Tengzhong spokesperson statement, there will be no change in Hummer's existing global sales network and the quality of its after sales services after the completion of the deal.

Doubts about Tengzhong's lack of experience in the car industry had been swirling and the gas-guzzling nature of the U.S. SUV was also cited by state media as reasons for expected opposition from the Chinese government. However, the opposing voices have quietened down in recent weeks after China's commerce ministry sounded a more positive note on the deal, saying Tengzhong's move was normal for a company seeking to take advantage of the global downturn.

"Market sentiment on the Hummer has turned more positive lately as industry insiders and media come back to their senses from the initial shock," said Chen Qiaoning, an analyst with ABN AMRO TEDA Fund Management. Furthermore, Chen added that the China government has little to lose giving the greenlight. Tengzhong is a privately-owned company and the Hummer deal won't cost any state money.

However, Tengzhong still expects the deal to be completed in the third quarter this year, which media reports have priced at between $150 million to $200 million, much less than the $500 million that GM had sought last year.

The Ford announced that the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine will be on the Australian market Falcon sedan. The new engine that uses petrol turbocharged direct-injection technology will be make its debut in Australia from 2011. According to the Ford, the new EcoBoost four-pot will "deliver the power and refinement of a six-cylinder" but with 15-20% better fuel economy than the existing 4.0-liter straight-six engine.

The company also announced its plans to introduce the Ford and Peugeot-Citroen PSA co-developed 2.7-liter V6 turbo diesel engine to the Australian market Territory SUV. Ford said that the diesel powerplant will improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases compared to the 4.0-liter 6-cylinder petrol engine.

"Today's announcements put Ford Australia in a strong position for profitable growth in today's auto industry," said Marin Burela, President & CEO of Ford Australia. "We are ensuring our core Falcon and Territory vehicles will have the most advanced, high-tech and cleanest engines possible. At the same time, this represents the biggest environmental transformation in the fifty-year history of Ford Falcon by giving buyers the newest engine in the Ford Motor Company stable."

Apart from those announcement, Ford Australia said that it will also present a new, more technologically advanced version of its LPG engine for the Falcon sedan from the factory.

Renault have been banned and suspended from the next event of the 2009 world championship by FIA.

The FIA took a serious action after a wheel flew off the car of Fernando Alonso during Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix on turn nine.

However, Renault F1 announced would appeal the ban by formally registers its intention to appeal against the decision by FIA.

With all video and radio transmissions were studied, it was found that Renault are aware that the front right wheel was incorrectly fitted and departed the car to rejoin the race with a loose wheel nut. But unfortunately, the wheel cover and wheel itself detached on the track.

The MAA have announced that the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show will be held between 3rd to 12th December 2010 at PWTC after their postponement due to Global economic crisis cited as the cause for deferment in a collective decision by the organiser and exhibitors.

KLIMS'10 is expected to occupy 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, with an expectation to attract over 200 exhibitors from the automotive industry and targets to draw over 330,000 visitors. A several brand confirmed their participation like Cherry Alado, Daihatsu, Hino, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Naza Kia, Perodua, Proton, Suzuki, Tan Chong, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.

According to the latest reports from Japan’s Best Car Magazine, it appears that the acclaimed Toyota Subaru FR Coupe will finally be revealed at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show along with a new sport model, possibly the Toyota Supra successor.

The FR Coupe (code name: 086A) developed in partnership with Subaru will be a competitor for the upcoming Honda CR-ZX. There is also a possiblity that the 086A might carrying some hybrid technology.

During the FELDA Hari Peneroka 2009 event in Segamat, Proton has official revealed the new Saga SE and Exora with Manual Transmission.

The Saga SE is targetted to be priced at around RM43,000 with a manual transmission and RM2,000 extra for the automatic transmission. The colour variant of Brilliant Red and Solid White colour will be available for selection. The Saga SE has a distinctive dressed up with its black rooftop and front grille which many people had done it to their original Saga to have a feel and look like the new Evo X.

Furthermore, the car had full aero kit from front and side skirting, rear lip spoiler, rear skirting with black diffuser. Of course, the car does come with alloy wheels which look different than the ordinary model.

For the interior, it gets new finishing with leather seats and door trims and matching leather-wrapped steering wheel, pearl white meter panel, dark chrome air-conditioner vents and a CD player with mp3 capability.

During the same event, the Exora with a manual transmission is also unveiled and showcased. This MPV is priced at RM64,548 for solid paint and RM450 extra for metallic paint.

Both the new models are officially open for booking at all Proton Edar and EON showrooms. The Saga SE will only be available for sale from 15th August 2009 onwards and the Exora MT from 16th July 2009 onwards.

Click here to view 8 photos of Saga SE & Exora Manual

Since May 2009, there are two Petronas stations at Putrajaya offering the RON 95 Unleaded. Petronas launching third petrol station in Malaysia that sell Primax 95 at the Petronas station at the Middle Ring Road 2 in Kepong on last Tuesday. In addition, the Petronas station in Kepong was also the first Petronas station in Kuala Lumpur.

Currently in Malaysia, Petronas is the only company offering RON 95 for now. The new petrol grade is priced at RM1.75 per litre.

During the launch event at Middle Ring Road 2 in Kepong, Petronas Dagangan Senior General Manager from the Retail Business division mentioned that PDB predict that by the time RON 95 is available nationwide on 1st of September 2009, there will be more people switching to RON 95 Unleaded.