Hyundai as a car brand name isn’t that strong as the Japanese’s Toyota & Honda. This applies strongly to Malaysians, but not the rest of the World. Many will be reluctant to buy Korean cars brand such as Hyundai and Kia but once you view those car personally and have a look and feel to it, your impression will changed  - especially in these recent years. Hyundai Malaysia ( Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors ) , is set to launch the 6th Generation All-New Fully Imported from Korea – Hyundai Sonata on July 2nd and they did a preview of the Sonata from last Friday until Tuesday (June 29) in their Glenmarie Showroom. We went to review the new Hyundai Sonata and did a test drive on a 2.0 liter model as well as a 2.4 liter model.

Normally with the same car name we should be able to see some inheritance from the car’s previous version. However, the new Hyundai Sonata is completely redesigned when compare to it’s predecessor.  Designed in California , the all-new Hyundai Sonata is to take on it’s competitor such as Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. With inspiration by an Orchid , we agree that the Hyundai designer team did put quite a few more daring design cue on the car’s front. As i was referring the Hyundai Sonata as the Korean CLS , aside from it’s similar bodyline and low back roof, the headlights too looks inspired by the Mercedes Benz CLS too. With projector headlight for all 3 variants available in Malaysia, which is the 2.0 low spec, the 2.0 high spec and the 2.4 high spec. Only the 2.4L model Hyundai Sonata comes with HID with auto-leveling.

From the side view, the Hyundai Sonata is sculpted with 2 body lines, one chromed, from the head lights to the rear door windows. The other body line, drews from the rear lights back to the front across the door handles. Focus on the Sonata’s rear, the sleek rear curves give the sedan a coupe-ish like the VW Passat CC and of course the Mercedes Benz CLS. With the black top by the panaroma roof, it improves the sportiness look of the new Hyundai Sonata. As the rear lights turned on, immediately the uniquely designed rear lights of this new Sonata shines. We are a big fan of the Audi A4 or R8, and a big part of it is due to it’s front headlights. Looking at the Hyundai Sonata rear lights, i can’t help to relate it as a reversed version of the Audi A4 /R8 head lights but in red.  The volcanic lava colour line surrounding main rear lights portraying the “rear eyes of the Sonata” stares at you with anger when you’re tailgating one.v

The interior of the Hyundai Sonata continues the sweepy lines of exterior of the vehicle. The centre console builds together with simplicity and futuristic looking. The humanoid icon act as a guide line to see your air condition directions, an idea which ripped from Volvo. Only the 2.4 Liter Sonata gets the auto climate air conditioning system. As the interior lights turn on, the blue illuminance is everywhere giving you a futuristic ambiance. The controls are easy to use and understand, unlike the huge buttons with wordings on the latest Honda Accord. Although with great designs, the Hyundai Sonata central dash feel lacking of built quality. The air-con dials and controls does not feels that solid as compare to it’s competitors.  Audio systems are standard with cd player and mp3 capabilities. There’s a also ipod integration with USB and AUX-in too.  There’s holes on both sides of the audio inputs, one for cigarette lighter, and amother bluish one mainly for in car changers. The steering is integrate with standard audio controls too.

More Details On Hyundai Sonata Malaysia Test Drive with Detail Review Here !

Chevrolet – a General Motor company with the help of the newly appointed distributor Naza, has launched a all-new 4 door compact sedan in our Malaysia market. Named as Chevrolet Cruze here and most of the country. Chevrolet Malaysia has brought in the CBU ( from Korean) 1.8 Liter Chevrolet Cruze LT with a 6 speed automatic transmission gearbox.  Our Cruze is built in Korean and if you ever wonder why – GM acquire Daewoo about 10 years back, since then certain Daewoo vehicle has been rebrand as Chevrolet in other countries. As for the Chevrolet Cruze in Korea, it is known as Daewoo Lacetti Premiere.

The front of the Chevrolet Cruze looks aggressive, muscular with it’s distinctive Chevrolet’s bow-tie which gives the car a whole continental class of looks. The Chevrolet Cruze design looks significant as compare to other previous Chevrolet models. The company claims Cruze will drive the new styling strategy from the company. Cruze is the first instance utilizing the new GM’s Delta II platform, which will be share too in the upcoming new Opel/Vauxhall Astra. The details front headlamp is designed to jive together with the front fascia styling of the Cruze. Although it does lose out a little bit in terms equipment when compare to continental cars, as it’s not a projector lamp neither with HID. However, the overall front styling of Chevrolet Cruze has compromised that.

Chevrolet Malaysia picked up the blue with black, 2 tone interior for the 1st variant of Chevrolet Cruze LT. The most unique part of the interior would be the blue wrapped fabric on the dashboard.  I couldn’t recall any car in this class range has this idea in interior styling. It’s not something expensive to deliver but it is something special on this Cruze. The seats and door panel are also 2-toned to complete the overall blue matching black interior look. The center console panel design is properly design with sense of futuristic but without over doing it – it reminds of the pre-painted Iron Man suit. Chrome dials on the far left and right air con vents and also the meter gauges give the Cruze a little of  classy-european styling. We were told there might be a full black interior or a grey/black interior in the future, but we thinks that this blue with black styling is distinctive.

Everything seems to look fine as we look through it and we went to find out more about the Cruze when it’s alive. We got the remote and at 1st thought, we mistaken it as a keyless entry remote. The Bow-tied remote has a foldable-flip key within it and we notice here there’s also trunk release here. As we drove the car i can’t help by molesting the Cruze interior because it was the 1st time i experience with a fabric dash. Everything else was properly build and in-place. The ride was quiet & comfortable as we cruise around. The 3 point – steering design is nice and equipped audio controls. As we turn into corners, there was abit more body roll than the Honda Civic. In straights, we floored the pedal to see how well the Cruze can perform.

Click here to read more details on our Chevrolet Cruze Test Drive Review

With the statistics of the GDP in Malaysia, it illustrates the fact that not everyone is able to afford a MPV or even a premium mini-MPV as their daily car. I strongly believe one of the inclination of a family man is to own 7 seaters MPV. Therefore, I think Perodua did this right by introducing the Perodua Alza ‘mini-MPV’ to the domestic market in Malaysia. With the introduction of Alza, it helps Perodua to expand their product offering and market shares which previously limited to small compact car to slightly larger car.

Probably, if you think Toyota Avanza could be your cup of tea. You may now think twice before hand as now you have more choice. Perodua Alza was introduced back in 23 November 2009. During the research and development stage, this car was known as Perodua D46T.

Currently, the Perodua Alza is available in 6 variants – Standard (SX, EZ), Premium (SXi, EZi) and Advanced (GHP, ZHP) with option of 4-Speed Auto or 5-Speed Manual Transmission. All models are fitted with the same 1.5 DOHC 16V DVVT engine (3SZ-VE). The engine churns out only 104PS max at 6,000rpm with a torque of 136Nm @ 4,400rpm. Although the engine is similar to the Toyota Avanza and Rush, the engine output is lesser. But what I am sure of is, the Perodua Alza is definitely more fuel efficient than the Toyota’s as the Alza is built to run on Front Wheel Drive (FWD) instead of Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) with a huge axle at the rear that lead to slightly power loss during the power shifting.

Perodua Alza has finally got something closer to compare with now – the Honda Freed. The overall dimensions of Perodua Alza (L:4205 x W:1695 x H:1620) is not as long, broad or tall as compare to the Freed (L: 4215 x W:1700 x H: 1735). However, both Alza and Freed are reasonably able to fits 7 people but Freed has individual seats on the second row and slightly spacious seats on the third row.

Unfortunately, the Perodua Alza does not have the auto-sliding doors like the Honda Freed. But what the Alza able to offers is a pair of huge rear doors that able to open widely. Some car owners might not like the Alza to park beside their car because Alza’s rear doors are able to open widely which possible dent their car. But the awesome part, the passengers can access to the car easily.

In terms of technology, Honda Freed is more advanced with 5-speed auto transmission and slightly powerful engine with 118PS. In logic maths, you can almost buy 2 units of the Perodua Alza with the price of 1 unit of Honda Freed that design and built for the same purpose.

Click here to read-on our review – Perodua Alza EZi…..

The much-awaited Honda’s premium compact MPV has finally launched in Malaysia on 22 April 2010. Don’t be confused by its marketing theme of 4 Plus Ideas. The car is not for 4 passengers with 4 seaters. The seats arrangement for the car is 2 + 2 + 3. Hence, it is for 7 passengers. The All-New Freed is targeted at young professional with family. The third row of passenger seats can be converted into additional cargo space to meet endless possibilities and needs of its occupants.

The foldable back seat of Honda Freed with video demo.

The All-New Freed incorporates with dual automatic sliding doors with remote, flat floor design and a walk-through cabin. This compact MPV makes me felt that the car is like mini-Toyota Estima. There is ample storage space, including centre tray, glove compartment, door pockets, backseat hook and 7 cup holders spread out all around the car. Honda claimed that the car was actually designed based on the concept of cafeteria which allowing the passengers enjoy the ride comfortably like sitting at a cafe and enjoying a drink.

Power Sliding Doors Switches & Remote Control

Power sliding doors can be open from a remote controller or from the driver seat.

Power sliding doors are implement to the Honda Freed for easy access with tight parking space.

Click here to See in Detail on Honda Freed Malaysia 2010 details with more Photos!

Here we got is a 7 seats Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 2.7 HSE during the Road Show by Sime Darby Auto Connexion at 1 Utama, Bandar Utama. Sharp headlamp with projector, nice rear lamp and distinctive side vents for the exterior apperance.

Every new generation of Discovery is getting better and more luxurious. I do remember my dad owns the first generation of Land Rover Discovery with 3.5L V8 engine back in 1992. During the days, those V8 only deliver 154bhp and 258Nm of torque. Yes, only 154bhp and it’s a V8 with superb engine melody. Look back, back in 1992 and now is 2010… Sime Darby has been in the business of selling Land Rover in Malaysia for so many years.

Due to Economy Climate back in 2008, India’s fast-growing Tata Group bought the very British Land Rover and Jaguar. During the period of acquisition, I am predicting that Tata might shift the engineering and manufacturing to India for lower cost. Till date, there isn’t much news about it.

What’s make Land Rover popular is basically they built proper SUV and 4WD System which makes their on and off road capability so perfect.

The new Discovery 4 comes with the only new diesel engine which claims for better performance, fuel economy and lower emissions. The Gasoline powered LR-V8 which shared with the new 2010 Range Rover has been deleted from Land Rover Malaysia offering for Discovery 4. The new TDV6 seems to get the best out of the diesel’s 189bhp @ 4,000rpm and 440Nm @ 1,900rpm mated with 6-speed automatic transmission with Commandshift® and a top speed of 180km/h.  Not to confuse with Commandshift®, it’s just plus minus shifting on the gear shifter. Overall in performance for a SUV with diesel engine, it is consider well performing.

Outside Malaysia, Land Rover Discovery 4 do also offer LR-TDV6 3.0 Advanced Sequential Turbo Diesel Engine which is a Twin Turbo which running parallel in a V-Engine.

A lovely interior comes with it but not luxurious as the Range Rover, but it has been near perfect to me by seeing all the premium materials inside the car. With the flexible 7 seating, the car is made more practical of having up to 2,558 litres of cargo space.

Look at this lovely clock inside…

With the current rate of Diesel Fuel in Malaysia at RM1.70 per litre, the Discovery 4 having a 82.3 litre fuel tank capacity. Therefore, it should be average RM125 per tank which probably allow you to travel around 700km.

The car goes on the road without insurance cost you RM 413,888.00 at Peninsular Malaysia and while for East Malaysian with additional RM3,500.00 on top of the price.

At current point of time, I won’t go detail into it until I got one hands-on and feedback to you. Check us back shortly.

[View with PicLens]

After revealed Malaysia Budget 2010 on last Friday. Yesterday, MITI revealed it’s revised of National Automotive Policy (NAP). The revision of NAP has addressed most of its business opportunity, bumiputera privilege, protection, proton, surprises and policy that might attract to foreign investor in Automobile industry to Malaysia.

Basically, there aren’t any changes to the structure of neither import duty nor excise duty in Malaysia (except duty-free area like Langkawi and Labuan). From us, it will be a go ahead and buy whatever car that you like since everything virtually remained or even no good.

Down to the highlights of the new revision of NAP, as a chief editor of Fastmotoring.com and readers of my personal blog. I would like to pin point a few of my comments to our fellows’ automotive fans and owners.

Open AP – In this review, the current government have taken a good move and step to counter those dishonour Open AP holders that under-declare the value of the used vehicles that imported to Malaysia and making profits out from consumers. On the down side, the open AP announced to be stepped by 31st Dec 2015 and a large chunk of the RM300 million expected to be collected from the RM10,000 per Open AP fee. Which the fund will be used to develop the auto industry and further increase Bumiputra entrepreneurship participation in the auto industry.

Gradual introduction of Vehicle End of Life Policy – The current government stated that the vehicles that above 15 years will required performing inspection during renewal of road tax to ensure road worthiness. On this clause, the most important thing that addressing is road safety and emission. In the other words, the government wants the vehicles to upkeep to fit to be on the road and reducing CO2 emissions which is not a really bad thing.

Import of used parts/components - By June 2011, vehicle half-cut, second hand parts/components and reconditioned will be prohibited from importation to Malaysia. For this clause, I will this relates to the current Prime Minister move on Budget 2010 which so called ‘high-income’ country. Mainly, this helps to boost the sales of local parts vendors and authorised service dealer with new parts which is not good news for car owners. From what I can forecast, the business of used car parts will be sunset unless they starts to scrap local cars by turning to be the source of used parts instead of import from Japan, Singapore or Europe.

Again for the ‘malaysia baby’ proton – Well again, the entire revision mainly designed to preserving low-mid market segment to stick with Proton which making an illusion of automotive eco-system. From the policy of introduction of Vehicle End of Life Policy, phasing out of imported used parts and components are mainly pinned point the owners of national car. In the other hand, I can’t deny that most of us may have experience of getting used car parts. Since there isn’t any supplies of used parts in very near future, I will foreseeing Proton will triple on their sales forecast for minor cases with replacement parts and expect new car order for major cases from the consumers.

Reconditioned Used Car - For fellow readers that is unsure about the rules of importation of used car to Malaysia. The cars have to be less than 5 years old when the car reaches Port. For the Vehicle End of Life Policy, I foreseeing there isn’t any impact since normally we won’t own the same car for more than 10 years. For the new banned on imported used parts that will be introduce, it won’t affect much too as for example, Toyota Vellfire owners will not go for used parts for their luxury ride and of course same goes to Ferrari, Aston Martin, Audi, Porsche, Lexus and etc… Moreover, there are many parallel new genuine parts importer in the market to supply the demand of parts of imported cars.

Imports of used cars are very common in other developed countries like Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and United Kingdom. Mainly, car models that are dedicated for Japanese Domestic Market are very popular and demanding. With the chances of demolishment of Open AP and no conflict of interest against the National Car. From my wild opinion, I will be pleased that the current government will consider opening the market for certain car models that is not available in Malaysia automotive industry. Think! Do you want a Nissan GTR?

Pros and Cons of these policy revisions – To make things sexier, I got a very simple question, are all Malaysian ready and accept all this preservation? For the mid-high market segment, I reckon there won’t be much impact comparing to the low-mid market segment. It just matter of the limited choice of cars that they can choose from the rack. In other hand, what will happen to the low-mid market? Are they keep repairing cars with new parts, send cars for inspection every year after their cars aged 15 and above or even work harder to depreciate their car value?

Writer: Edvin Teo – 29 Oct 2009