Peugeot RCZ

The Peugeot RCZ has been launched at the Bangsar Shopping Centre in KL moments ago. This 2+2 coupe comes in two versions – a 156 hp/240 Nm variant paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a hotter 200 hp/275 Nm model with a 6-speed manual.

The latter is a pleasant surprise, and we wouldn’t have been surprised if Nasim decided against importing it, citing the usual “not enough buyers to justify” excuse. Good job!

Both are turbocharged and direct injected 1.6-litre engines from the Prince family, but the 200 hp unit adds on variable valve lift over the standard VVT.

The manual, which makes its 275 Nm of torque from just 1,700 rpm, does 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The 156 hp auto does the same in 8.4 seconds. Top speed is 237 km/h for the manual and 213 km/h for the auto.

Feature wise, the Austrian made RCZ comes with dynamic xenons (with washers), dynamic rear wing with two levels, 19-inch alloys, auto headlights and wipers, Nappa leather (dashboard is leather lined as well), electric seats (with memory for driver) and a six-speaker JBL audio system (with 240W amp).


The manual gets some added kit, which includes a smaller diameter steering wheel, larger cluster display and larger 340 mm brake discs (from 302 mm). It also has a lower anti collision bar and special hub carriers that are claimed to offer sharper handling. There’s also enhanced engine acoustics over the 156 hp engine.

For those of you who have read our test drive report of the RCZ from Spain one year ago and wondered what took them so long, well, JPJ weren’t too happy with the standard factory tint on the RCZ’s glasshouse (the double bubble glass roof is one of the car’s stylistic highlights), and Nasim had to specially order a clear version of the glass from the factory.

Two colours are available – Pearlescent White and Haria Grey. The RCZ is priced at RM218,888 for the 156 hp automatic and RM223,888 for the 200 hp manual (OTR prices with insurance). Both cars will be displayed at BSC throughout this weekend, so head here for some live viewing.

Proton GEN2 badged as Europestar in China

A recent lucrative export deal to China involving the Proton GEN2 has been cited as one of the ways to spearhead Proton’s recovery, as most of you would know by now. Proton was to export 30,000 completely built up Proton GEN2 cars to China for Jinhua Youngman to rebadge under the Europestar brand, with a further possible 80,000 units to be assembled in China.
Thanks to spyshots by Chinese automotive industry website Cheshi, we now find out that the “localisation” of the Proton GEN2 by Jinhua was not just limited to a left hand drive conversion and swapping badges with the Europestar badge. The Europestar GEN2 gets a completely new front fascia that looks like the poor car has jaundice, and the rear crop circle lamps get a similiar treatment.
UPDATE: Some of you may remember the spyshots of the facelifted Proton GEN2 due to be launched very soon. It too had a larger grille, although not as over the top as the Europestar version.
More images including rear light treatment are after the jump.




Proton has secured a deal to supply fully built-up (CBU) Proton GEN2 cars to Youngman Automobile Group Ltd Co. to be sold in China. The agreement was signed between Proton Managing Director Dato’ Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir and Youngman through its Chairman, Pang Qingnian.
The deal involves a minimum of 30,000 Proton GEN2 CBU cars that wil be rebadged in China under the brand EUROPESTAR and eventually Youngman and Proton (through Lotus Engineering) will be developing a new range of EUROPESTAR cars together. This supply contract is for a period of 20 months from the date of the first delivery of vehicles.
I think it’s best that the underlying components of these new EUROPESTAR cars use component sharing with Proton cars, that way the economies of scale for both Youngman’s EUROPESTAR and Proton can improve together. From what I understand, the deal involves technical licensing of the GEN2 platform as well as the CamPro engine for future EUROPESTAR cars.
Proton MD Syed Zainal says these are landmark win-win agreements as it would enable Proton to sell its products and commercialise its technologies in China through Youngman for their brand of passenger cars in a huge market with promise of exponential growth. Imagine, the Chinese auto market is already huge as it is, yet in reality Chinese car ownership is only at 1% of it’s population and is set to grow by 20 to 30% annually.
“We are therefore positive with the prospects and export optimisation that will result in production volume increase at the Tanjung Malim plant. We are equally optimistic of the opportunities in commercialisation of PROTONs technologies and intellectual property rights,” added Syed Zainal.
However, in Proton’s announcement in Bursa Malaysia, it stated that the relationship of Proton and Youngman is one of independant contracting parties and shall not be construed as creating an agency or partnership between the parties.

Satria Neo Artiga

Proton’s Motorsport division lads have certainly been busy bees. The Satria Neo R3 Supercharged seen recently hasn’t been the only thing worked on, it seems.

Say hello to the ARTIGA Concept, which Proton – or rather, Youngman – has unveiled at Auto Shanghai. It’s another Satria Neo-based offering the company says is a study on the future of the hot hatch for Proton, one inspired by its participation in motorsports, but taken to a new level.

Unlike the supercharged R3 Neo, the debutant in China is less flashy colour-wise, clad in a more stoic grey tone, but in terms of exterior lines is certainly more aggresive, with extensive use of carbon fibre. Among the places the stuff makes its way on to is the bonnet, side skirts, spoiler as well as rather aggressively-shaped front and rear diffusers. The car features a patented stamping process to mass produce the carbon fibre parts, which helps to significantly reduce the cost of the items.

Plenty in the way of radical bulging bits though – check out what passes off as wheel arches on the car, working their way into the remodelled bumpers! Elsewhere, the concept features centrally-mounted twin tailpipes, swanky new headlamps and Oz Racing wheels, among other things.

It features the same supercharger treatment – as the Satria Neo R3 Supercharged – to increase power and torque (which should put it at 180 hp and 200 Nm, presumably), as well as the same Ohlins and AP brake package as seen in the limited-edition Satria Neo Lotus Racing.










The ARTIGA is on display at Proton’s Chinese partner Youngman’s booth, and is there to gauge the public’s feedback and interest. A bit of trivia: The car is sporting a Youngman logo, as Proton currently has no direct presence in China at the moment. Clever name too, ARTIGA is, yes?

Credit To Paultan.org

Audi A1 Spec And Photo

Audi A1 Specifications

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length (mm) 3900 mm (153.8 in)
Overall Width (mm) 1740 mm (68.8 in)
Overall Height (mm) 1410 mm (55.2 in
Wheelbase (mm) 2450 mm (96.8 in)
Front Track (mm) 1515
Rear Track (mm) 1513
Fuel Tank capacity (mm) 40

ENGINE
Material Drivetrain Engine unitary steel
No.of cylinders 4-cylinder
No. of valves 16
Valvetrain (type) (SOHC / DOHC) 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Displacement (CC) 1.39 liter / 84.8 cu in
Horsepower 130 base, 170 AWD
Maximum Torque (kgm / rpm) 240 Nm / 177 ft lbs @ 1600 rpm

TRANSMISSION>
Type 6-speed manual, 6-speed sequential manual

SUSPENSION
Front Suspension Mc Pherson Strut w/Coil Spring
Rear Suspension Coupled Torsion Beam Axle w/Coil Spring
Shock Absorbers Gas Type

BRAKES
Front Disc
Rear Drum

TIRE
Size & Type NA NA

Kia Sportage 2011

Naza Kia Malaysia today launched the all-new Kia Sportage; the SUV – which was teased last week – was unveiled at the KLCC earlier this evening. Rolling in at RM138,888 (on-the-road, with insurance), the Sportage is well set to take the fight to the competition within its price segment.

For one, the vehicle finally has the looks to do so – where the previous Sportage, which was facelifted last April, was a very functional and practical offering, its looks were kind of utilitarian, to put it simply. The new offering, with its more urban and fluid silhouette, changes the ballgame considerably – very much a looker, this is in essence a scaled-down version of the Sorento.


With a high belt line, sweeping angles and pronounced wheel flares, the design conveys a modern and athletic appearance, so it goes. Its full-sectioned body is defined by a spearing shoulder line throughout the length of the car, which visually connects the headlamps and tail lights.

In keeping things in line with the family look, the vehicle – which is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor – features Kia’s signature grille, and the 18-inch alloy wheels (rather bling, like the Optima’s) and 235/55 series tyres help lend the SUV even more presence.


It’s not just looks with this one though; the new Sportage features increased levels of performance, efficiency, comfort, convenience as well as loads of equipment and tech.

The Sportage is powered by a Theta II 2.0 petrol engine which features dual CVVT (continuous variable valve timing), and the mill – offering 166 PS and 197 Nm of torque – is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Other than continuous variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust, the engine also features a Variable Intake System which uses a long runner at low RPM and a short runner at high RPM to optimise intake airflow.


It wears an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system which continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates AWD system requirements – during normal driving conditions, the AWD system delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels to enhance fuel economy. However, when wheel slippage is detected, a certain percentage of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels.

There is also a four-wheel drive (4WD) lock mode, with the torque split up to a maximum rear bias of 50:50 for low traction surfaces. This 4WD lock mode automatically disengages above speeds of 30km/h to return to automatic mode.


In terms of ride and handling, the Sportage features MacPherson struts at the front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension as well as an amplitude selective damper, which facilitates instant reaction in wheel movement and maintains optimal damping and level quality, and offers more precise road contact, better ride comfort and increased handling precision, Kia says.

Inside the cabin, features include full leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push-start ignition, leather seats, dual-zone temperature control air-conditioner (with ionised filtration), an illuminated and cooled glove box as well as an eight-way electronically powered seat for the driver. Oh, and let’s not forget a panoramic sunroof, which can be partially retracted.


Other items on the list are a six-CD changer with a seven speaker system (two tweeters, four midrange units and a subwoofer) as well as AUX, USB, iPod (cable included, we hear) and Bluetooth connectivity, integrated LED turn signals on the side mirrors, a rear view camera display on the rear view mirror, auto headlights, electronic chromic mirror, a rear parking assist system and auto cruise control.

Besides LED daytime running lights, the Sportage features what Kia calls headlamp escort, otherwise known as get-me-home lighting, whereby the headlamps remain turned on for 30 seconds after the engine has been turned off.


In terms of safety, the five-star Euro NCAP rated Sportage comes with six airbags, ABS, EBD, downhill brake control, hill-start assist control, cornering brake control, brake assist system and a traction control system. It also comes with a 5 year warranty, which Naza Kia says is fully backed by the manufacturer and not a manufacturer + extended insurance warranty plan.

Five colours are available for the SUV, which are techno orange, sand track, mineral silver, bright silver and clear white. Naza Kia is targeting monthly sales of 200 units a month for the Sportage, which is quite conservative given what the SUV is, and offers.


paultan.org

Nissan Grand Livina Tuned by Impul premieres

It’s less than two weeks since the launch of facelifted Nissan Grand Livina took place, but a new variant of the type has arrived, and it’s called the Grand Livina Tuned By Impul. The vehicle made its debut yesterday in Sepang, in conjunction with the Super GT International Series 2011 at the SIC.

The boys at Impul have dressed up the Grand Livina with a newly designed aerokit, with a front grille that wears the brand new Impul logo. Mechanically, the vehicle gets an Impul suspension system consisting of upgraded shock absorbers and springs that lower the ride height by 25 mm.



Elsewhere, there’s a high quality stainless steel exhaust muffler and a tailpipe bearing an etched Impul logo. Rounding things off are Impul Aura SX-10 17-inch polished alloy wheels, which are 20 to 30% lighter than conventional alloys thanks to Impul’s New Super Cast manufacturing process.

The Tuned By Impul version can be had for all GL model versions, and adds RM10,700 above that for the standard Grand Livina, so the on-the-road price (inclusive of insurance, road tax, registration fee and ownership claim fee, for Peninsular Malaysia) is RM97,500 for the 1.6 MT Comfort, RM100,500 for the 1.6 AT Comfort and RM109,500 for the 1.8 AT Comfort. The Impul parts will also be available to existing Grand Livina owners, so fret not if you would like to add them on.

New Chevrolet Colorado Roughens Up with Double-Cab Rally Concept

The Buenos Aires Motorshow is proving to be an important event for GM as after the debut of the Chevrolet Cobalt Concept, the Detroit automaker released the first details on its second design study, the Colorado Rally Concept.
We first saw the Colorado as single-cab concept truck at the Bangkok International Auto Show earlier this year.
The Argentine study is a double-cab racing version of that concept fitted with a bevy of off-road accessories and components such as the front and rear bumper hooks and tow winches, an adjustable suspension that allows the driver to increase the ride height by 5 inches and special acrylic windows.

The Colorado Rally Concept is powered by a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine coupled to an all-wheel drive system and rides on massive 18-inch machined aluminum wheels shod in 305/60 R18 tires.

The production version of the all-new Colorado in both single- and double-cab formats is slated to debut later this year.

MINI Countryman Cooper & Cooper S In Malaysia

The fourth Mini variant has arrived in the countryman. BMW Malaysia today introduced the Countryman and the four-door, five-seater vehicle effectively completes the range of Mini vehicles available in Malaysia.

The four-metre long Countryman – which we’ve written about in our comprehensive long-lead test drive report on the car – is available in two 1.6 litre engine variants, the Cooper and the Cooper S. The naturally-aspirated version of the Prince block in the Cooper – designated the N16B16M0 in this case – offers 120 hp at 6,000 rpm and 160 Nm at 4,250 rpm, and it’s mated to an AW 260K six-speed auto transmission. Performance specs include a 182 kph top speed and 0-100 kph time of 11.6 secs.

The Cooper S Countryman gets the addition of a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve management, and is the first MINI to feature all three technologies in the same boat.

MINI Countryman Cooper


Performance-wise, the N18B16M0 Prince offers 184 hp at 5,500 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,600-5,000 rpm, with 260 Nm on overboost. It’s mated to a AW 225K six-speed box (with different ratios on gears 1 and 4 to 6 compared to the Cooper’s), and it does the 0-100 kph sprint in 8.3 secs and has a top speed of 205 kph.

The Cooper S Countryman features ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive as standard. An electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles, with the ability to channel 100% to either side when required. While DSC is standard on both versions, Dynamic Traction Control is only offered on the Cooper S Countryman and includes electronic locking function for the front axle differential.

For wheels, the Cooper gets 17-inch 5-Star Double Spoke alloys while the Cooper S Countryman wears 18-inch Turbo Fan design alloys finished in anthracite.

MINI Countryman Cooper S


The Countryman is available in a wide variety of exterior colours – 11 in all, these being Pure Red, Bright Yellow, Surf Blue, Light Coffee, Light White, Absolute Black, Cosmic Blue, Oxford Green, Crystal Silver, Royal Grey and True Blue. Meanwhile, the interior features cloth leather upholstery in parallel lines of carbon black, with a choice of Pure Red or Light Tobacco to provide combination contrast.

Automatic air conditioning and an audio system with CD player are all fitted as standard, while the model-specific array of optional equipment packages available for the Countryman includes the glass roof package and MINI Connected package. The glass roof package offers one-touch operation and convenient opening of a panoramic glass roof through radio-remote control key, and goes for an additional RM9,988.

As for the MINI Connected package, items include the world’s first web radio function to allow users to pick up their preferred radio stations from around the world regardless of their location, user-definable RSS news feeds and much more.

Also included in the MINI Connected package is a Harman/Kardon HiFi 10-loudspeaker system and Radio MINI Visual Boost, which features a 6.5-inch high-resolution colour LCD screen. The MINI Connected package adds RM14,988 to the total price of the car.

Oh yes, the price of the car. Well, the MINI Cooper Countryman goes for RM248,888, while the Cooper S Countryman goes for RM285,888, both on-the-road without insurance, with the MINI Tender Loving Care service package.