62nd Frankfurt Motor Show

This is its 62nd year and the Frankfurt Motor Show had its share of surprises for all who attended. The green theme at this year's show was widely seen as a response to growing global concern about climate change, as well as the steadily rising price of fuel, which during show week hit a record high of US$80 per barrel.

Audi

Ten cylinders, two turbochargers, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 155mph, this is the all new Audi RS 6 and RS 6 Avant that was unveiled to a record crowd of media. The most powerful production Audi of all time will go on sale in 2008, with the Avant following some time later. Audi's pumped-up A6 sits on 19 to 20-inch alloys and features the famous Quattro four-wheel drive system. The German marque also unveiled its all-new A4. The A4 will be offered with a choice of 1.8 to 3.2-litre petrol engines, offering 160PS to 265PS and 2, 2.7 and 3-litre diesels producing143PS, 190PS and 240PS. Expect to see these car on our Malaysian roads in 2008.

BMW

Two new models from BMW took center stage in their stand alone hall – the X6 concept crossover and the 1-Series coupe. The 1-Series coupe is the successor to the 2002 from the 1970s, which appears to offer more rear space than the hatchback. On display was the 123d, which is capable of 0-62mph in 7 seconds, while emitting just 138g/km of CO2. There was also a diesel powered 6-Series. The X6 is, according to BMW, the world's sports activity coupe and the first to feature BMW's ActiveHybrid and Dynamic Performance Control. The former is an advanced hybrid technology, reducing fuel consumption by 20 per cent. The latter takes ESP and active four-wheel drive to the next level for improved performance and safety.

Brabus
There are a few key points you need to know about this monster C-Class based sedan from Brabus. The bored-out 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 produces 720 hp and 974 lb-ft of torque. That's 52 torques more than a Bugatti Veyron! This allows this uber-sedan to hit 124 mph in less than 10.5 seconds. Top speed is 224 mph and the front brakes feature 12-piston calipers clamping 15" disks. This fastest ever Brabus has absolutely nothing to do with Steve McQueen as we are informed by Brabus PR. The BRABUS BULLIT will be ‘The Ultimate Wolf in Sheep's Clothing’ with its V12 Biturbo Engine, 730 PS (720 hp) / 537 kW, 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) of torque and a top speed of 224mph.

Citroen
Three debuts from Citroen. The C-Cactus is a C4-based concept built with the environment in mind and can cover almost 100mpg. Citroen has saved weight by reducing the number of components used – even doing away with a conventional dashboard. Citroen's C5-Airscape will become the replacement for the current C5 saloon – but the production car is unlikely to get the concept's folding roof. It also has some hybrid technology which powers the car's stereo and air-con. The C4 BioFlex is the car Citroen will use to catapult itself onto the bio-ethanol bandwagon. It's already on sale in Brazil, where ethanol powered cars make up 80 per cent of Citroen's sale. Chevrolet GM's budget brand showcased a restyled Aveo sedan and hatchback/notchback and a sporty 3-door. With GM official in Malaysia we could see these options in showrooms in 2008.

Ferrari
The show-stealer at this stand was seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher when he unveiled the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, a lighter and faster development of the existing 430 coupe and convertible. Power is up to 380kW, weight is down 100kg and the F1 transmission has new software that cuts shift times to 60 milliseconds. Call Next Car to place an order.Fiat Although the cute new Fiat 500 is on sale in Italy, the Frankfurt Show allowed many international motoring journalist a first chance to see it in the metal. It's also possible that the sporty Abarth version will be coming soon. Will Torino Motors import this baby in? Expect price to be high!

Ford
Ford showed its Kuga crossover all-wheel-drive probably powered by a range of petrol and turbodiesel engines, including the 2-litre 100kW/320Nm TDCi that has just appeared in the new Focus. The Kuga is based on the Iosis X concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show. Probably not appear on our roads. Honda The Accord Tourer Concept gave us a hint of what the production model will look. The all-new Accord will be powered by a range of low emissions engines, making it one of the first cars to offer an entirely Euro 5-compliant engine line-up – the next standard for emissions. A 2 and 2.4-litre petrol engines and a 2.2-litre diesel engine are similar to those in the current range, but with more power, fewer emissions and improved fuel economy.

Jaguar

The Jaguar XF made its pre-production debut at the Frankfurt show with unconventional Jag looks and an interior made up of bits and prices form current production models. Coming to Malaysia in early 2008. Call Sisma Auto for more information.

Kia

The fast progressing Korean manufacturer showed us a menacing sports coupé, which is described as a concept and its name remains secret at present. We do know it'll be a 2+2 and is likely to look pretty menacing going by the preview image we've seen already. Kia's new design boss, Peter Schreyer, was responsible for much of Audi's current design language designed many of the new stylish products from Kia this year. Malaysia might not see the sexy Kia cee'd five-door which the Korean company showcased and it launched its new sporty three-door Pro-cee'd, the third model in the family of cars designed for Europe and made in Slovakia. Only the bonnet and the front wing panels are carried over from the five-door model. Naza Kia will not be looking to sell this car in the very near future.

Lamborghini
A surprise launch from Lamborghini was its ultra-rare Reventón super car. Just 20 of the 1.4 million euro stealth bombers will be built, with the first going to a mystery buyer in England. The Reventón is based on the Murcielago LP640 with a composite carbon fiber body and has been influenced by a jet plane. Units sold out so no chance for us to test-drive one.

Mazda

Big surprise at the Mazda stand with the all new Mazda6. More than 450,000 Mazda 6s have been sold since its launch in 2002 and Mazda have managed to keep interest high with a new Mazda6 car looking so good. The chief designer wanted to build a car, which will still look fresh in ten years time, and judging by the media reaction he has succeeded. Expect to see this car in Malaysia in late 2008. We wait to see if Cycle and Carriage will show us this new car in 2008.

Mercedes-Benz

The star of Mercedes’ enormous stand was the F700. We're looking forward to hearing how much the radical new DiesOtto engine. It shows 'the future of the superior touring sedan' and showcases a number of new technologies. The F700 has Mercedes’ new Diesotto hybrid engine, which uses clever ignition to burn diesel in a more efficient way to produce 238bhp – plus 20bhp from the hybrid's electric motor – from a 1.8-litre engine. Running costs are even more impressive – 53.3mpg is unheard of in a heavy luxury car, as are CO2 emissions of just 127g/km. This is the way forward with super efficient engines from Mercedes Benz.

MINI

Mini made a big impact with the return of the Clubman (it shoulkd have been called the traveler but Mini’s new owners did not own the name). This is an estate version of the current Mini, which has already seen over a million owners surpassing it’s the figures of the original Leyland Mini. The five-door model has double rear doors and a suicide door on the driver's side. The suicide door, which opens the opposite way, is designed to allow passengers easier access to the back. It would have made more sense on the other side (for right hand drive countries), but clearly the former British car now owned by BMW is designed for left-hand-drive markets with the blinkers also on the left. Also on hand were the John Cooper Works Cooper S and the Challenge racecar.

Peugeot
Due to be launched in September in native France just days after its world premier at the Frankfurt show is the all-new Peugeot 308, but the concept 308 RC Z coupé and 308 SW Prologue versions will steal the limelight, as will the new 'Hybrid' version. Peugeot's 308RCZ concept gave a big hint towards a future body style for the 308 family. The ultra-light 2+2 coupe uses aluminium, polycarbonate windows and carbon fibre body parts and is powered by a 160kW 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW. The 207 SW Outdoor also showed its face at Frankfurt complete with raised suspension, unique alloy wheels and an increased load area. Clad in rugged plastic trim, the SW Outdoor will be powered by 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines producing 95 and 120bhp and two 1.6-litre diesels making either 90 or 110bhp

Renault
Renault showcased a wagon version of its Clio mini. The Laguna Coupe concept is Renault's vision of a top-of-the-range grand touring coupe and boasts four wheel drive and a new 3-litre V6 diesel engine produced with Nissan. Renault has expanded the Clio range with an estate version called the Clio Sport Tourer and a new Kangoo. Do not expect this new Kangoo to arrive here so soon.

Porsche

The GT2 is the first production 911 to crack 200mph and looks incredible, while a convertible version of the 911 Turbo sat alongside looking. Based on the Cayenne S, the GTS produces 405bhp – 20bhp more than the S – and sits on a specially developed chassis with electronically controlled damping and Porsche Active Suspension Management – the first time on a Cayenne. Expect Auto Eurokars to get this new Cayenne in at the very soonest.
Seat
The Tribu is a crossover SUV looking a little like a Leon with more sharp edges. A team headed up by ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke designed it. Expect therefore, Seat to be working on a production SUV to rival its relative the Tiguan from VW in the near future. Still no distributor here in Malaysia. Skoda Skoda has released its new Fabia Estate and its Roomster Scout. Expect these two cars to reach Malaysian shores in 2008.
Subaru
Leading the line-up was the all-new Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2 litre naturally aspirated formats. Other Subaru’s on show included an Impreza-based World Rally Car Concept, facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV with more efficient 3.6-litre boxer engine and five-speed auto, new Justy one-litre supermini and the world's first horizontally opposed boxer turbo-diesel engine. Do not hold your breath for these cars to reach showrooms here soon. Will be launched in Singapore on the 17th and 18th of October 2007 and we will be test driving them for our November 2007 issue.

Suzuki

The production version of the Suzuki Splash ( a cute looking compact car), alongside a SX4 World Rally Car were the main highlights. Perhaps of more interest to enthusiasts though will be the presence of a new D-segment concept called the Kizashi, previewing Suzuki's move up in the world.

Toyota

Hot models made the Toyota stand more noticeable this year. The iQ concept, according to Toyota, marks a change in small car design by achieving exceptional space efficiency while meeting the lifestyle demands of modern, urban car owners. Falling just short of the three metre mark - the car is shorter than the Aygo, but comparable with Yaris on width and height - iQ has space for three adults and luggage or seating for a child passenger. A product of Toyota's European design studio, the concept has been "designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners" Wahei Hirai, the manager of Toyota's design activities said. Exterior design has been kept simple with short overhangs and a cab-forward approach. The cabin is as uncluttered, with the instrument panel and centre console following natural forms.Space saving is key in a car of this size. The heating unit has been repositioned; a single central dial displays information directly in the driver's line of sight. Audio and navigation controls are steering wheel controlled with the information being projected onto the front screen using head-up display.

Volkswagen
The biggest noise at this years show has to be the small compact car from VW, UP!. The UP! concept car is a rear engined, cheap runabout and is a clear and strong statement for future Volkswagen design. The UP! will be powered by a choice of two or three cylinders engines and is capable of carrying four adults and with the wheels pushed out on each corner, it should be easy to drive around town. Compact SUV buyers have been waiting for a VW model in the sector and the Frankfurt Show marks the entry of the stylish new Tiguan (note the test drive report in our earlier pages). VW also revealed six new models with BlueMotion diesel technology, including the new Golf BlueMotion claiming economy of 4.5 litres/100km down 0.6-litres from the previous model, and CO2 emissions down 16g/km to 119g/km. Range on a 55-litre tank is now more than 1200km. Look out for the range of TSI engines to arrive staring with the Touran MPV in early 2008 and then the rest will start trickling in.

New Volvo S80 driven

NEW Volvo S80 Driven

Volvo has long been known for making safe and reliable automobiles and this hasn't changed with this latest S80. What has changed, however, is the styling. Gone are the boxy, uninspiring models of the past, replaced by more modern, elegant designs. This 2007 Volvo S80 sedan is the same length (4850mm) as the outgoing model, but it is 27mm broader and 34mm taller, with a longer wheelbase and a track that is wider. Two of the most useful new safety features are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

ACC is designed primarily for highway use where in Malaysia it will be useful on long distance drives along our fast and wide highways. It is a radar system with a sensor attached to the front right hand side of the grille to monitor the time interval between you and the vehicle in front as you drive at speeds. Simply set the cruising speed on your cruise control and the time interval of your preferred choice (there are three time settings) and the system does the rest to maintain a constant distance between the two vehicles. When you approach a car to closely a warning beep to alert you to slow down and maintain a safe distance preventing a collision. This feature not only safes you and your passengers but also the passengers in the vehicle in front.

BLIS system, which uses digital cameras, mounted underneath on each of the door mirrors that monitor when a vehicle is approaching on either side. As a vehicle approaches your blind spot, the system alerts you with an orange light built into both front door posts. The system is activated once the car's speed exceeds 10 km/h and works both day and night. This keeps you alert as vehicles come alongside you at excessive speeds of when they decide to cut to your side at the last minute.The next new feature on the new S80 is the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) that combines the ease of keyless drive and an interactive communications device. This little key fob makes locking, unlocking and starting the car effortless. It will also tell you if the alarm has been triggered or with the optional heartbeat sensor, it will even tell if someone is in the car thus alerting you to contact the police before nearing your vehicle.

Get inside this new Volvo and the element of increased space in evident and there has been an increased use of quality materials with a great finish on the instrumental panel. All the curves are smoothly done with soft touch panels abound. The center ‘floating; stack which was first see in the S40 contains the controls for the audio and climate with a menu-system screen on top of the pile. You could also locate the screen for the navigation system in line of the driver sight and it could be hidden when you’re not using it. The front seats had been made to provide maximum comfort to both the driver and passenger. The back seat area was design to give more than enough space for the passengers sitting at the back.Even with the new safety features mentioned above the engineers at Volvo were just not satisfied and so to take passenger protection to the next level you will find dual-stage airbags for front-seat passengers, stability control, traction control, collapsible steering wheel and pedals, side impact beams, inflatable side curtains, tire pressure monitors, whiplash protection – they are all standard equipment on every new S80. And, there’s more. There is also a new power plant to cater for performance hungry owners with a top of the range all-new 3.2-liter, 235-horsepower, in-line six-cylinder power plant to complement the 2.5-liter turbocharged version. Prices for both versions have been confirmed at RM398,000 for the fully imported 3.2 S80 and the locally assembled 2.5T will be priced at RM268,000. The 3.2 S80 gets ACC, BLIS system and CZIP (clean zone interior package which keeps the air quality inside the cabin at its best and is approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association). The 2.5T and the 3.2 share standard features like PCC, IDIS, active bi-xenon headlights and DSTC and a quality cabin.

New Benz C-Class set to arrive in Malaysia

Arriving a few months after its International debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the latest C-Class is 7.3 inches longer, 3.6 inches wider, and 1.9 inches taller with a wheelbase that is 3.8 inches longer and not forgetting its curb weight has gone up about a hundred kilos or so depending on engine options. This confirms our first impression of the increased cabin space and better rear leg and shoulder room. The boot space of the new car has also increased to a vast 17 cubic feet, five more than in the previous car.

New chunky door handles open up to a high quality new cabin that mimics the interior of the much larger S-Class. In-fact many features are carried over from the S-Class and packaged into this new executive coach. The new. A new instrument panel features a new 'pop-up' information/navigation screen at the top of the centre stack in the middle of the dashboard, where it is more easily viewed by the driver and passengers. Control functions displayed on the screen for the climate control, in-car entertainment, telephone and navigation system can be operated by the driver or passenger via a round aluminum dial beside the driver on the lower centre console.

Our test C 350 takes just 6.4 seconds to get from 0 to 100km/h and we have no reason to doubt the claims as we planted our right foot after every red light heading out of the city. Hard throttle response was not jerky and the V6 engine and seven-speed transmission worked very smoothly together. To top it all off the cabin was very quiet with only impending engine roar creeping in at higher revs. Standard ventilated disc brakes include some new features: while stopped on a grade, the brakes will apply automatically until you press the accelerator; on wet roads, the brakes will dry themselves; and in critical braking situations, the brakes will prime themselves for panic braking. The sport button activates what Mercedes calls Advanced Agility (an enhancement to the sport's standard Agility Control package), a system designed to firm up the 350 Sport's self-adjusting suspension dampers and optimize throttle response. In addition, a quicker steering ratio and speed-sensitive steering help improve the wheel feel. With the seven-speed in sport mode, more aggressive gear shifting can be enjoyed at the steering wheel with the paddle shifters sitting on the wheel.

This new C-Class will definitely have a waiting list as you read this to decide on its purchase and even the new range of smaller power and efficient engines will leave little for the competitors to comment on. The new increased dimensions inside and outside, stylish coachwork, quality fitment and materials and the increased level of driver feedback and handling has put the C-Class back on top of the segment ladder without a doubt.

Specifications for the Mercedes Benz C-Class C350 V6

Engine: 3498 V6
Gearbox: 7-speed semi-automatic transmission
Max power: 272bhp
Max torque: 350 Nm @ 2400 rpm
Top Speed: 250km/h restricted0-100 km/h: 6.4 secs

Lancer GT promises great handling

Mitsubishi Lancer GT test drive
There must have been a really good reason for the latest Mitsubishi Lancer GT to be launched Malaysia even before its home nation Japan. Were we to be the guinea pigs to see how the car will do? Why not, after all Malaysia is the largest passenger car market in Southeast Asia. This is the 10th generation Lancer and after a rather dismal 8th and 9th generation Lancer which only look good in their EVO form, the designers at Mitsubishi had obviously been given a hard kick up the wazoo or received their post dated walking papers as this 10th generation Lancer looks fast even when standing still. We can only imagine how sensational the EVO version will look like.

With a gaping air intake duct on the front bumper to the power dome bonnet, this Lancer carries a threatening profile in your rear view mirror. It sits high on the tarmac and carries a rather Italian looking rear end with slim taillights and a high boot line. From all angels it is a handsome car with great detailing like the chrome surround on the grille to the mild looking rear boot spoiler. To keep the look even more exciting Mitsubishi sells you the car with 18” wheels though fitted with premium 215-series Yokohama Advan A010 tyres.

Climb in and you sit in Nappa leather clad seats with good visibility up front for even the height challenged. The dashboard is simple and with all relevant controls where they should be. No surprises here and it is obvious that interior designers were lacking motivation. Rear accommodation is ample for 3 adults and the boot will take in a couple of golf bags with ease. The steering wheel is thick and sitting behind it is a set of magnesium column-mounted paddle shifts that gives the driver a sense of being able to go faster than the rest.

Now comes the interesting part, the drive. Ignite the engine and only a hum can be heard in the cabin. Rev it and the new 4B11 2.0L MIVEC-equipped will deliver only a mildly inspiring note. It does however produce an impressive 153bhp together with 199Nm. While the peak figures don’t differ significantly from the older 2.0L engine, the inclusion of the variable valve timing and lift claims to provide a broader torque spread for better daily driving. In city driving the gearshifts are well judged and smooth shifting. Shift to semi-automatic and first time CVT users will easily make the transition to the new transmission system and when the open highway beckons the engine and gearbox work to provide for a sporty driving style. The only downside on the highway run is the lack on of an impressive engine note and the high revving nature of the engine that tends to intrude the cabin.

Take the Lancer GT on some rural roads away from the open highway and you will immediately notice how the handling on this Lancer GT becomes simply phenomenal for its class. Nothing else in its class even comes close in is its ability to hug corners. Body control is simply superb, with a flat stance from corner entry to exit while the front end exhibits a shocking amount of grip. Balance is also almost perfect, allowing the Lancer to correct its poise should you need to deviate from your intended line.

Mitsubishi Malaysia is being extremely aggressive with the new Lancer in terms of equipment and price, with a selling price of just RM115,000 for this fully imported Lancer.

Ssangyong Actyon Sports_rewrites the rule book!

The pickup craze in Malaysia is still a growth segment and one of the biggest reasons for its popularity is its selling price, which has not breached the RM100K price for all models and types. The reason for this is its lower import duties as pickup trucks are still classified as work/utility vehicles in Malaysia. Using this classification to their advantage many pickup truck manufacturers have dressed up their products inside and outside to cater to the urban owner looking for a lower priced vehicle with the possible need to forge a city flood (since local government fail to address this problem) or even visit a relative who owns a fruit farm. Until now all these pickup trucks lacked a few important elements to take in more sales from urban dwellers (who can’t give up the comfort of a car). First is an interior comfort level of a car. Second is rear leg and shoulder room for 3 adults. Third is ride comfort like a car. Fourth is car like interior features. Fifth is the all important cabin noise insulation from the hard working diesel engine and finally sixth is the cost of running the diesel powered pickup truck (which only becomes cheap when a lot of mileage is consumed). The current crop of trucks are all 2.5-liter diesel and above. This means that their road tax values even with green engines are high. They also consume more diesel when moving about in the city and city start stop traffic reduces its ability to save on fuel. There were also issues for the fairer sex when it came to getting in and out of a truck, which were also mostly sitting high of the ground. Short skirts and heels meant difficulty getting in without the cost of modesty.

Now all the above six, no seven problems have been solved with the introduction of this latest product from 4x4 specialists Ssangyong. They have taken the SUV interior of the Kyron (removing of the rear luggage area and adding a pickup bed) and its class leading 2-liter diesel engine and gearbox and planted it on top of the chassis of the popular Rexton II. This creates a whole new segment for the Actyon, which becomes a Sports SUV truck. For the first time in Malaysia we have a pickup truck that costs less to run as it uses a 2-liter green turbo diesel engine with a luxury SUV class interior and chassis (The Actyon challenges the segment with 2nd most powerful diesel engine but with the lowest capacity which relates to the lowest road tax cost at just RM439.20 for private against the segment average of RM900.00 for company registration). Not forgetting is its pickup bed at the rear that will carry a 898kg load and with the optional stylish bed cover you get a great family vehicle at a hard to ignore selling price. All this may sound to good to be true but read on to better understand the philosophy of this new Sports Utility Truck.

Well dressed

The Actyon's looks are sufficiently rugged-looking, with aerodynamic efficiency that manage the neat trick of being butch and sporty at the same time. The sport coupe like shoulders over the front wheel arches coupled with intriguing shark like headlamps leave the driver in doubt as to where the front of the car ends. Inside the luxurious 5-seater cabin has a generous amount of space and a complementary selection of dark trim colours. Being a prestige vehicle, the overall finish and level of features are also very impressive. The other impressive feature of the Actyon's interior is the SUV like dashboard which leaves passengers unaware of its pickup traits. There is also an impressive sound system that's wired to a multitude of speakers. The overall sound quality from this combo is very good and presents a car like ambience.
The Actyon driver is fronted by a SUV like dashboard, a leather-bound airbag steering wheel (with buttons to control the audio system). The steering column is adjusted with one easy action and the driver's seat is also electrically operated. Storage wise, the vehicle comes with large door pockets, cup holders suit most cup diameters and a center console pocket.




Highway Drive


The Actyon is a SUV with "truck" like capabilities. Its compromises in urban conditions are kept minimal thanks to its ‘shift on the fly’ part time 4 wheel drive, easy entry and exit with SUV height and extremely high levels of practicality and refinement. It is also built with an ultra rigid steel frame structure, which means its ride and handling is much more akin to a conventional road car than many like minded looking 4WD pickups.



Under the skin is a SUV style double wishbone suspension for the front and in the rear axle a 5-link system. The 1934kg Actyon turns into corners very well considering its tall 75-series tyres, and it never feels lethargic when it's being hustled along in city traffic. Its straight-line cruising stability is also exceptional as we managed an easy 140km/h on the highway with negligible wind and tire roar. The fingertip feel through the power assisted rack and pinion steering is beautifully smooth and well damped, and powerful four wheel disc brakes (with standard ABS with EBD) returned a braking performance of a luxury SUV. Another surprise is the automatic 4-speed gearbox (with manual override). It's exceedingly smooth, with not a hint of the hypersensitive kick-down prevalent in some other pickup trucks. Although the engine only has a 2-liter turbo diesel (141hp @ 4,000rpm with a high torque of 310Nm from 1,800rpm), it's powerful enough to haul the fully loaded Actyon up the steepest slopes and whip along PLUS highway above the national speed limit. We actually managed a speed of 180km/h on the straight with 3 full sized adults and luggage.

Off Road Track Drive

We were given a short but challenging off road route to tackle and using the stock showroom cars that we drove up in; we tackled the course with little or no issues. Not a single motoring hack in our test drive group walked away with a negative comment and some were die-hard 4x4 enthusiasts. Apart from the expected jolts and bumps over some rougher sections, the Actyon stood up to the route's challenges rather well. The impressive torque from the smallish diesel engine managed to ride up steep rocky inclines with little effort on the accelerator pedal and the steep hill docents were easily tackled with the ABS and EBD working in tandem. There was little need for ‘hill decent control’ which some more expensive SUV’s employ.

Actyon Conclusion

Ssangyong have a winner on their hands, and one that will help their sales figures in the next few years for sure. With a number of rear deck cover variants set to be introduced and a base stripped out manual version arriving in the final quarter of this year it is clear that the Ssangyong Actyon will be a clear sales winner for families, ladies and also contractors.

Toyota Majesta_ rear wheel drive madness!

This new 2005 model Crown Majesta Athlete follows in the footsteps of the Crown Royal Series, which has for years been the obligatory vehicle in the Japanese local government motor fleet. It is a handsome car with little changes being made over the years to its exterior looks. On the inside, Toyota has thrown all their latest engineering wizardry to keep owners and drivers happy on the road in almost all conditions. What was even more surprising as we took delivery of our test unit courtesy of Naza World was its rear wheel drive layout. This means possible tail happy driving around fast corners and ‘U’ turns.

All About the Majesta Athlete
Put simply, this is a Japanese car with European pretensions (which is not a criticism, instead it is all very positive). It might not be as big as some of the European luxury sedans that are coming into the market but it’s still about the same size as the popular 5-series and E-Class. Front passengers have little to complain with its spacious armchair like seats, while legroom in the rear is adequate rather than generous for three but shoulder room is more than adequate.
The driving position is excellent, with a multi-adjustable electric seat that wraps you up with support in all the right places and offers a commanding view up ahead. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, and it is easy to find a sweet spot. Looking behind you though, is a different matter as the chunky headrests on the rear seats and the thick C-pillars obscure some important spots but it is all soon forgotten when you start the drive. The cabin is well-equipped with all the usual driver aids and luxury appointments, including a navigation system that has been preloaded with only a map of Japan (you could get a local map loaded in with the right application professional), multi-CD player (which needs some learning to operate since the instructions are all in Japanese), an onboard computer and an on screen climate control system. The steering wheel is covered in leather and provides a very tactile experience as you feel your way around it.

Majesta Athlete Rear Wheel Drive
Ignite the 3.5cc V6 and it murmurs with a faint soundtrack. Prod the accelerator and the volume moves a smidgen up with the solid cabin insulation in place. Lower your window and the volume not only gets louder but also interestingly intoxicating. We start our test with little enthusiasm as we make our way to the open road. Acceleration is surprisingly good with just a light prod of the pedal. Mid-range trust is even more inviting as we exit the roundabout in section 14 and head to the open LDP highway. The tarmac opens up and we let the V6 sing. Piloting the Majesta Athlete is a joy. The rear-wheel drive, for the most part of our drive gives it the handling of a much smaller, nimbler, sportier car. The steering is positive, cornering is very sharp, and the ride is smooth without being soft leaving us to wonder if this is really a product of Toyota. The fitted stock 225/45/18 wheel tyre combination also made good work of grip levels even when we tried smoking the rear end with full throttle at the lights. Where the performance of the Majesta Athlete is impressive is in the low rev range there is little to complain as you can take the engine up to a generous 7,000rpm without any problem. This means that even at very low revs the car pulls away magnificently and at full throttle the response is astonishingly good and evenly distributed along the torque curve. Overtaking is a breeze. As is changing gears with the slick six-speed steptronic gearbox, which operates as a full automatic or a semi-automatic, and it moves up and down with impressive fluidity.

The ride is unspectacular without being unpleasant and, together with the handling, makes this executive sedan feel more like a grand tourer rather than a boring mobile boardroom. The six-speed semi-automatic gearbox is well-tuned to the V6 and gives the Majesta Athlete a fair amount of grunt in almost all gears right up to the restricted 180km/h. We are sure an additional 40-60km/h can be reached if the engine is allowed to show its true hidden talents.

Majesta Athlete Conclusion

The look of this car is somewhat bland in comparisons to the GS300 and even the Camry and it definitely won’t send the neighbors gossiping about your new found wealth but behind the wheel excitement is where it all counts for a car like this and it is a real sleeper. At a selling price of just over RM300K, it might have a tough time beating off the European and even some Japanese competition, but the Majesta Athlete certainly makes Toyota a real player in the performance executive segment, and the most significant thing about this car is its rear wheel drive happiness and its ability to perform like a hot headed sports coupe.

Totally awesome BMW M3 in Spain_The beast has been tamed!

The location for this international launch and test drive was the popular European holiday destination of Marbella on the southern coast of Spain. Even more impressive was the extended test drive on the Ascari race track some 100 kilometers away from the sunny coastline where the real world traits of this engineering animal was treated to some very harsh and real world driving tests by 7 of the most experienced motoring hacks from Malaysia.

BMW AG and the ‘M’ press office had structured our drive over a series of open highways and also some scenic country roads passing some of the best countryside in Europe for the first leg/day of our test drive. The following day was a true track day special with on track instructions and the ability to take full advantage of the new precision engineering and advanced electronics employed in this sensational car that has clearly been designed not for just sports minded drivers but also for serious track drivers.

M3 Physical Features

BMW ‘M’ designers are sending a clear signal with this new M3 that they are targeting for huge sales in the North American market. Muscle car looks starting with the bulging fenders and the very pronounced and most obvious bonnet bulge. This latest M3 is not unique in its looks and the sense of occasion is minimal in photographs. It turns heads in the flesh and it has got a boot full of charisma in person. It's got a look that people either love or lust at first meeting and I could conclude that there is much more lust than love with this new M3 for us. It is very muscular looking, with a muscle car bonnet bulge that had all the motoring press remarking at first glance, huge fender flares in the front and back over all wheels, which make the car look like it has so much power that it can't be contained in one simple light weight coupe shell. I must not forget to mention the new side view mirrors (that look like a yacht sail in full force) that will have copies being installed in most older Bimmers and other makes in coming months.

M3 Interior Features

Inside the new M3 there is little drama to get ones ‘goolies’ boiling. Set almost alike to the previously tested and now available for sale here in Malaysia 335i coupe there are a few indications of its true sporting pedigree. With the door open you see the mandatory M3 kick doorplates. Then there is the chunky, slightly overweight ‘M’ steering wheel that we have all grown to love. Behind it is the speed and engine running instruments with the ‘M’ logo proudly sitting in the middle of a new designed cluster that at first glance looks just like the one on the 335i coupe but after a second look you will notice the new rim indicators, the higher speed limit and best of all the tachometer that allows you to rev the nuts of this all new V8 to a howling 8,400 revolutions before being limited. One disappointing feature is the rather thin and simple looking manual gear lever, which looks like it was borrowed from the classic E30 M3. They should have used a nice chunky gear lever with a larger palm top (NOTE: this M3 is sold only with a 6-speed manual gearbox and there is no fancy paddle shift or electronic automatic gearbox for now). Firm torso hugging electric seats allows for a good driving position and with the rear accommodation adequate for a couple of teens or a fragile adult only.

M3 Driving Impressions

This new M3 is a sensuous engaging sports car, not a visceral animalistic one like the E46 M3. You just need to stroke the accelerator pedal lightly and it responds to you with a mild F1 engine note. After five minutes on the open road along the coast road of Marbella, we knew it would be difficult to write this review without using the word smooth and livable about 10 times. It's the ultimate smooth delivering performance sports car. You can live with it easily in city traffic nudging past admitting glances and when the horns come out at night you can take it for a midnight booty race along the open highway or even keep up with a super bike on the twisty coastal roads. The 48-valve inline V8- engine is its opening act, crooning its way into your heart, and the six-speed gearbox is virtually idiot-proof and best of all smooth, light and precise in its gate delivery at all six gears. Combined with a rather light clutch, driving this manual beast in town traffic at creeping speeds is easy as running a docile sedan. There is no clunking, grating and mashing noises when you move up and down the range and in also in reverse. The clutch feels light and un-intimidating. The fairer sex and less enthusiastic drivers will appreciate this and it is obvious that ‘M’ engineers are targeting a wider easier to please audience with the new M3. Meanwhile, the handling and brakes are typically (if not universally) BMW: almost flawlessly bringing the M3 to a full stop with no drama.

This new M3 comes with so many weight saving features (like the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic roof that reduces the overall weight by some 5 kilos) that it seems impossible for the product and engineering boys from ‘M’ to have a M3 CSL in the future. It is lighter than the E46 CSL and with a equal 50-50% weight distribution between the front and rear it gives this M3 neutral handling with an impressive ‘planted’ feel when you encounter corners and quick switchbacks. It almost inspires you to feel like your are riding on rails until you encounter a hard quick turn that requires you to power up in 2nd gear and the rear leaves you for a partial second before electronics kick in to keep your desired heading. Power from the F1 inspired new V8 engine (which is built in the very same factory as the F1 engines in Landshut north of Munich) is very impressive and leaves little to explain with the given manufacturers figures. 400Nm of torque and 420bhp in a car weighing just 1655kg sets the tone for a car that will keep up with most super cars effortlessly and shock some others when overtaking.

This new M3 also comes equipped with the very latest in suspension technology using lightweight materials and state of the art electronics. Using the iDrive system you can choose two different versions of steering feel. ‘Sport’ mode returns a tight in your palm feel that gives enthusiastic driver’s better steering feedback on fast switchbacks with full race like wrist action. Back in the city you can revert to ‘Normal’ mode and get a lighter almost docile like steering feel for lighter easier parking and maneuvering.

There is an ‘EDC’ (Electronic Damper Control) button on the left of the gearlever with three stage settings. This allows for city, highway and track enjoyment. What the system does is to react accordingly to the needs of the driver by switching from comfort to cruising to track-style active driving when needed all at a touch of a button. We tried the system and almost immediately we could feel the suspension (damper) working to suit our needs and providing us with a rewarding drive as we tackled high speed corners first on the hill top roads and later when we tackled the Ascari race track with enthusiasm of a horny teen let loose in a girls dormitory. Running on light weight forged 18inch alloys wrapped with purpose designed Michelin 245/40 tyres in front and 265/40 tyres in the rear we were surprised with the lack of grip these tyres provided as we felt the M3 letting itself lose for a millisecond in tight corners as we powered into them. It was obvious after a few tight hairpins and a quick ‘S’ curve that the only downside to the M3’s handling at the limit were probably the new tyres (these were not run-flats).

M3 Concluding Statement

We suppose a price of about RM700k (no price indication at press time) or so will buy you this new M3 in Malaysia when it arrives sometime in early 2008 or possibly sooner. Meanwhile you will have to put your order in early as we come to find out that most authorized dealers in country have sold out their allocation for the coming year and this was done without even having a docket price or a test car for buyers to salivate over. Using just pictures and a specification sheet, buyers are parting with huge deposits to get their new M3 ASAP in their driveway for some rip-roaring fun. Is it the best bet in the segment? We have had the opportunity of driving the Audi RS4 last year in Italy and now some 10 months later this M3. After a lot of deliberation internally among all our alter egos we have to say that the Audi RS4 seems a smidgen better with more muscle and aggression. But for those of you reading this I suppose all this above means nothing if your heart is set on the new M3. I know if I had the available funds I would also opt for the M3 as its just makes better sense since we have yet to see a RS4 delivered here in Malaysia. Or not?


BMW M3 V8 Specifications

Engine: 3999 V8
Gearbox: 6-speed manual SG
Max power: 420 hp @ 8300 rpm
Max torque: 400 Nm @ 3900 rpm
Top Speed: 250 km/h (obviously limited)
0-100 km/h: 4.8 secs
Price Malaysia: Price on application