New Perodua Viva in May 2007

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is set to launch a brand new car model to replace both its Kancil and Kelisa mini cars in Malaysia. It is strongly rumoured to be named – rather globally – as Viva. Set to be offered with 660cc, 850cc as well as 1000cc engines, this is another model expected to be a hit, likely repeating the runaway success of its elder sibling, the Myvi.

Perodua’s managing director Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar has set a target of 7,000 units per month for this all-new offering from the second national auto maker. All variants will have DVVT (variable valve timing) and EFI (electronic fuel injection). Prices are expected to be ranging from RM28k to RM45k, depending on specs, trims and transmission options too.

Source: Business Times
Picture: Paultan.org Auto Forums

Honda Malaysia Up Price of Civic 2.0S!

By Dr Long

Honda Malaysia has 'refreshed' the 8th generation Civic 2.0S, with a set of larger 17” alloys and better Michelin Pilot Preceda tyres to match. The new updated Civic goes on sale with immediate effect for RM128,800 OTR. Newly available is an added exclusive 2.0S paint choice: Sparkle Gray Pearl.

While some Honda fans will lament the +RM4000 increase, For Wheels is of the opinion that this sum more than pays for the original Honda light alloys plus the premium Pilot Preceda rubbers at near-RM700 each! Moreover, potential buyers will get to lump this sum into their car loans at the time of purchase, and not further burden their wallet or credit cards!

2007 All-New Ford Ranger

By Dr Long

Making a centre-stage appearance at the 2007 Bangkok Motor Show’ Ford display area, is the bigger and more imposing all new Ford Ranger. The frontal visage is bolder now, with more presence, not unlike the Toyota Hilux. Its 2.5L turbodiesel engine is uprated - 143bhp @ 3,500rpm and 330Nm @ a low 1,800rpm - to wrest ‘The most powerful pick-up’ bragging tagline from the current leader in 2.5L pick-up class, the Mitsubishi Triton (in Malaysia).

For the first time in a diesel pick-up truck of “small” engine capacity, a 5-speed automatic transmission is available for the new Ranger thus enabling better driving flexibility, as well as improved fuel economy.

Rumours are that the replacement model will be launched next month over here in Malaysia. Most are guessing that the new Ford Ranger will be priced close to the Mitsubishi Triton, maybe even marginally cheaper, being a CKD (locally assembled) model.

New Chevrolet Captiva

By Dr Long

One other fresh new model (automotive) spotted at the 28th Bangkok International Motor Show 2007 was the new Chevrolet Captiva. This Daewoo-sourced SUV is powered by a common-rail 2.0L turbo diesel churning out a respectable 148bhp and spinning a twisty 320Nm, through 2WD or 4WD drivetrain.

Options include a 5- or 7-occupants configuration. Will we see the 2.4L petrol version or the modern oil burner variant in Malaysia soon?

BKK International Motor Show 2007: Toyota Hybrid X

By Dr Long

One of the very few concept cars to be showcased at Bangkok International Motor Show 2007 was the Toyota Hybrid X. As the nameplate suggest, this is Toyota pushing the envelope of its Hybrid Synergy Drive further, affording motoring enthusiasts the world over a glimpse into what the next generation Prius could possibly look like.

Sporting an ever more one-box design, this concept is more aerodynamic than the current Prius, with a sharper nose, more rakish windscreen and a very sloping glass roof.

A small near-vertical rear screen blends futuristically as a tailgate, into the chunky rear end. The interior promises more space than ever and versatility too, with rear-swinging back doors (ala Mazda RX-8).

Improvements in electric power-storage technology will enable the next generation Prius to carry a lighter, compact but more powerful lithium-ion battery pack, in place of the current Ni-MH unit. Quite possibly, the next generation of Hybrids from Toyota will have the feature of plug-in charging from the home (or garage) A.C. mains.

What is Mulliner to do with Bentley Motors

Situated within the Bentley facility at Crewe, England, Mulliner could be called the last bastion of coachbuilding in the 21st Century.
Here Bentley continues to cherish the proud Mulliner tradition of handcrafted excellence, passed down over generations. Over a hundred specialists ply their trade at Mulliner; coachbuilders alongside coppersmiths, electronics specialists alongside cabinetmakers. All are world-class craftspeople whose sole purpose is the realisation of the personal vision of the individual Bentley customer.
Over 90% of Bentley Arnage are fitted with bespoke features from Mulliner. This could be something as simple as a refrigerated bottle cooler, or an embroidered personal design on the leather hide. Or it could be as radical as an entirely new body-style, extended wheelbase or a fully-functional mobile office.With Bentley Mulliner’s scope nearly as wide as it's customers’ imaginations, it's little wonder that an Arnage owner once exclaimed that it was ‘like having your own private car company’.
Source-Bentley

Toyota VIOS at Bangkok Motor Show 2007

By Dr Long

For Wheels was there at the just concluded Bangkok International Motor Show 2007.
Local pricing of the new Vios ranges from Thai baht 509,000 to 699,000.
Here are some images of the most 'significant' new model launch at the annual Bangkok motoring event:

A common after-market conversion look to be 'dressed-up' by Malaysian Toyota owners for upcoming new VIOSes in the not too distant future: TRD VIOS as pictured here.

Over here in Malaysia, the all-new Toyota VIOS is expected from UMW Toyota sometime Q4 2007.