A Jaundiced Honda Jazz Anyone?

On its last leg of service since the world debut in 2002, the Honda Jazz gets a new dazzling coat called Helios Yellow Pearl. This is the sixth colour to be made available but it's exclusive to the Jazz VTEC, apart from Brilliant White Pearl. The other choices are Royal Blue, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl and Taffeta White (Jazz i-DSI only).

Over 10,000 units have found satisfied owners since its 2003 launch by Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Nevertheless, Honda Motor Co. is expected to introduce a full model change sometime 2008.

New Mercedes-Benz (W204) C63 AMG with 457hp and 600Nm!

Mercedes-Benz has released details of its long-awaited new C63 AMG, based on the latest W204 C-Class. Its AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine develops a peak output of 336 kW/457 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm – unrivalled figures in this segment. As expected with such brutal output figures, the C63 AMG rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. In conjunction with an all-new front axle, speed-sensitive AMG sports steering and the new, 3-stage ESPÒ, the AMG sports suspension ensures both outstanding driving enjoyment and exemplary handling dynamics. A combination of bolder design, a sportier but still comfortable interior and a high level of everyday practicality makes the C63 AMG a unique high-performance car.

With the new C63 AMG, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is making a confident statement to mark the 40th birthday of the company. The new V8 flagship model is now the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class, whose family tree goes back to the C36 AMG of 1993 – the very first vehicle developed as a co-operative venture between Daimler-Benz and AMG.

The C63 AMG is looking muscular with its wide, road-hugging stance. The new bonnet with its prominent twin power domes (think: 1st gen SLK) conceals the independently-developed AMG 6208cc V8, which develops a heady 457 hp at 6800 rpm. In this respect, the C63 AMG comes very close to the 470 or so horsepower delivered by the AMG C-Class racing touring car in the DTM series.

The torque developed by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, of 600Nm at 5000rpm is unrivalled in this class, and the torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250rpm the driver always has more than 500Nm on tap – ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range, in any gear of the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-G Tronic automatic transmission.

Worldwide launch and sale of the new C63 AMG will be in early 2008, with right-hand drive models to follow months after.

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-2008-mercedes-benz-c63-amg.html

2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Launching Soon?

A teaser post noted over at MTM Online has hinted at a new model launch from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) sometime this Q3 2007. From the look of things, it is most likely that the fresh model would be the all-new Lancer (aka Galant Fortis in Japan) in CBU form.

The new Lancer is expected to be powered by a 2.0L MIVEC engine cranking out 155bhp, and possibly equipped with a CVT transmission (Sportronic) with 6-speed manual override. Prices are expected to be competitive - even though fully imported - in light of it being placed in the keenly competed C-segment, with the Toyota Altis 1.8 and the strong-selling Honda Civic 2.0S. This is definitely a breath of fresh air until the new Bluebird Slyphy turns up in Nissan showrooms in Q1 2008 in Malaysia.

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/04/2008-all-new-mitsubishi-evolution-x.html

Nissan Bluebird Sylphy Coming in Q1 2008?

By Dr Long

The real-deal Nissan Sentra replacement model may see the light of day in Malaysia after all. Getting wind from some market analysts, Tan Chong Motors may start production of this all-new model as early as Q4 2007 at its spanking new Serendah automotive assembly plant.

For new Nissan models these days, engines options from Renault co-developed powerplants remains aplenty. Whether Tan Chong Motors will fit the 1.5L HR15DE or the 1.6L HR16DE remains to be seen for the entry-level version. Or will it spawn a ‘unique’ 1.8L version like the Latio? The flagship all-new Sentra aka Sylphy will likely go head on with the Honda Civic 2.0S. Powered by a 2.0L (MR20DE) engine, power output are 129PS at 5200rpm and 187Nm torque at 4000rpm. However, Nissan’s CVT (XTronic) gear box are unlikely to make it into our local Sylphys, as with the Tiida/ Latio in Malaysia, having to make do with a conventional 4-speed torque converter.

At the showroom level, Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) sales advisors were hinting at a possible March 2008 launch and sale of this true C-segment passenger car. The newly-launched Latio/Latio Sport will finally get to stay more focus on challenging the Toyota Vios/Yaris and Honda City/Jazz if all this comes true. But will this new Bluebird Slyphy wear a 'Sentra' badge or the fresher (and shortened) 'Sylphy' nameplate?

New Audi TT Coupe First Drive: Alternative view

Well, it’s been sometime now I have shared my point of view but here goes. The TT is one really cool looking car. Hands down! You would think that most coupes of this genre were only made for cruising along some boulevard. Until you realize that this little car had a new heart transplant. The now popular 2.0 liter TFSI turbo engine coupled with my favourite gearbox, the VW DSG. (Audi calls it – S-Tronic) Even in normal D mode as I was exiting the Audi hangar I was already experiencing some tire spins just before the traction control reined in the power. Gosh, this turbo unit has loads of low down torque.

The moment you find some open roads that is when the fun starts. I was being tailed by a skyline GTR which was really on my back. I floored the car and whoosh off I went leaving the skyline a little dumb founded. As I looked back to see if the GTR was following I saw the rear spoiler rising up as my car pass 120km/h. It’s not just about top end speed here but the why it was delivered. A strong pull to the redline before changing up just puts a smile on your face. This is still one of the best lag free turbo engine that I have driven. (Still waiting to try out the BMW 335i. Hint, hint BMW Malaysia)




The interior is just awesome. The air-conditioning dials, yummy. The speedometer counters just made the car felt racier. Very impressive Audi! (Now if only the other German markers can learn a thing or two here) Everything just fitted so well, right down to those hugging bucket seats. The way it grabbed your torso, and your thighs just felt right sitting in them. The term seating IN the seat and not seating ON came to mind.

Well there is no perfect car, and here is one thing that I find Audi just don’t seem to get it right. It’s all in the steering and the way the shocks are setup. The steering to me was way too light, even at high speeds which made me feel less secure driving the car fast. Don’t get me wrong, the steering was accurate but it was just lifeless and some what artificial. I guess Audi still has not gotten their electric power steering right. I found the setup on the Colt Rally Art better. What a waste cause the flat bottom steering on the TT looked so promising. All the looks, but no feel. To me this is the most important part as the steering is the main connection between you and the road.

The undulating and off camber roads didn’t help either. The suspension was working over time trying to keep the car on the road. The damper recovery was slow causing the car to oscillate more when compared to the other German cars. (Remember the GTR, it caught up and I had let it pass when we were doing about 160km/h) Come on Audi, this is supposed to be a sports car, but it just didn’t feel sporty and secure when driving fast. On top of this, what’s with the ugly 17 inch 50 series tires? It made the car look ……. pregnant. (Sorry can’t find another word to describe it)

At the end of the short first drive, I have to say that I was only half impressed. I may be biased here as I tend to like rear wheel driven cars, the front wheel drive TT was just too busy for my liking. But at the rate Audi is delivering more and more new cars to compete, the other Germans better watch out. Ok Audi, when can I try the RS5?

First Drive: 23 Minutes in an Audi TT Coupe!

By Dr Long

In an attempt to better the 6 minutes or 360 seconds drive accorded to the media during the launch the new Perodua Viva, For Wheels set out to break this record at Euromobil, franchise holder and distributor for Audi in Malaysia.

Even with an iconic, sleek and sporty shape like the new TT, this writer was painfully smiling when it was his turn to slip into the driver’s seat. Mind you, it was a lovely, low-slung bucketed bi-grade leather sport seat. After all, he had to endure a previous 20plus minutes drive in the miniature rear seat with another For Wheels’ associate at the wheels. The result was a wry neck due to a prolonged contorted posture of right lateral flexion at his neck.

The engine growl and exhaust note were strikingly familiar the moment the coupe was slotted into ‘D’ and driven out of the showroom compound. They sounded much like its platform-sharing cousin, the (also) iconic Golf GTI Mk5. Seated at the back earlier, even the exhaust blurb on redline-upshifts could be heard, perhaps just a wee bit more muffled than in the VW hatch.

Take-off was brisk and engaging, with the award-winning 2.0TFSI engine pulling ever so willingly and responsively all the way to the redline. It may be a little hoarse towards the absolute top-end but it’s still so bloody lovely. Steering feel was way better than all the A4 variants sampled before, with the flat-bottomed leather-clad item the best in the business. However, it could use a little more weight to things but torque steer was pretty well controlled for a FWD with 280Nm on tap.

Suspension is taut mostly with maybe just the rear springs a tad busy on rough surfaced tarmac. High speed stability was good, with the tester hitting 180kph in a jiff but lateral body control could be firmer, especially on undulating road surfaces. Those expensive but high tech electro-magnetic dampers option may be needed after all.

Ride comfort is liveable for a sport coupe since the TT two occupants are riding way ahead of the rear axle. Headroom is adequate with the lovely roof lining comfortably away from your head. The instruments cluster is bi-pod with a sporty layout and easy to read. The AC controls are very modern and appealing, much like the ones in the R8. The S-Tronic (DSG) ‘box cannot be faulted in both auto and manual mode, but for more urgency and incisiveness, it is better to leave the lever in ‘S’. Interior spells high quality all over except for maybe the grey material of the dashboard which could be a notch more premium; some leather-wrap-and-stitch would do the trick.

If only the writer has RM368k, he’d be learning how to tame this wild stallion cut loose from its barn every day! :)

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/06/new-audi-tt-20tfsi-coupe.html

Lower Prices for Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) has relaunched its best-selling model, the Suzuki Swift with a lower price tag of RM71,943.50 (with insurance) for the entry level version. The Premier-spec Swift has a sticker price of RM78,099.50. The fully-imported Swift was selling for RM89,783.50 for the base model, and RM94,387.50 for the higher spec model. Only the Swift Premier wears the sporty bodykit now.

SMA expects to sell around 300 units of this cute and lovable hatchback a month. The highlight of this locally-assembled Swift must be the new robotic welding line set up at a cost of RM20million, promising higher and consistent built quality at the AMM plant in Pekan, Pahang. Its drivetrain remains unchanged with the VVT-equipped 1.5-litre engine mated to a 4-speed automatic ‘box.

The new Suzuki Swift Sport was also unveiled by SMA, and is expected to retail at about RM99,000 for the manual version and circa RM104,000 for the automatic variant. Prices are unconfirmed at time of launch, pending final approval from the government.