AUGUST 29, 2010 NEW SUNDAY TIMES E-mail: [email protected]Tel: 03-2056 9298 Sms: 012-300 6655 MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDE The ride gets better T HIRTY years ago, Malaysians had to resort to converted commercial vans to move the brood, the in-laws and the visiting aunt. It was a most uncomfortable ride for these goods carriers were never designed to carry people in comfort. It was the same for those who needed to tread the unpaved roads. The 4x4 vehicles then functioned only as offroad machines, with archaic suspension that were also found on trucks of that time. Today it is a different story for automotive technology has so evolved that the motorist is spoilt for choice, with a variety of MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles), SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) and the in-between Crossovers to be had. The MPV offers space for seven or more, while retaining the handling and comforts of a car; the Sport Utility Vehicles provides offroad prowess without compromising on its car-like comforts; and the Crossovers are neither here nor there but offer what the in-between wants. While you have a front-wheel drive SUV and there is also the five-seater MPV, the ultimate is the seven-seater SUV. This week we feature some of the latest offerings in the market, and also feature owners who share their experience in order to guide the new buyers. Own your dream car with Malaysia’s No. 1 Car Financier RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL SPECIFICATIONS
The ride gets betterTHIRTY years ago, Malaysians had to resort
to converted commercial vans to move the brood, the in-laws and the visiting
aunt.It was a most uncomfortable ride for these
goods carriers were never designed to carry people in comfort.
It was the same for those who needed to tread the unpaved roads. The 4x4 vehicles then functioned only as offroad machines,
with archaic suspension that were also found on trucks of that time.
Today it is a different story for automotive technology has so evolved that the motorist is spoilt for choice, with a variety of MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles), SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) and the in-between Crossovers to be had.
The MPV offers space for seven or more, while retaining the handling and comforts of a car; the Sport Utility Vehicles provides offroad
prowess without compromising on its car-like comforts; and the Crossovers are neither here nor there but offer what the in-between wants.
While you have a front-wheel drive SUV and there is also the five-seater MPV, the ultimate is the seven-seater SUV.
This week we feature some of the latest offerings in the market, and also feature owners who share their experience in order to guide the new buyers.
Own your dream car with Malaysia’s No. 1 Car Financier
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL SPECIFICATIONS
NEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDEI I
An ISOFIX system gets the babyseat anchored firmly to the car.
Have Gophers will travel Story and Picturesby Grace Chen
IT is one thing to feel the freedom of being able to get into a car and drive all the way to China if you wish. It is another to end up going in circles because you not know
the way. As such, I now have a new motto: Answer the call of adventure only if you have a GPS or suffer from the stress of being lost in Nowhere Land and being left at the mercy of road vultures.
Admittedly, I am smitten with the Gophers Visi-O, the Powermap-driven device with a super big 5.0” flush fitting touch screen and driven by the latest SirfAtlas IV GPS receiver.
On a recent trip to the East Coast, the planning was made with great enthusiasm and to get there we got the help of Gophers Visi-O.
Our first stop was Gua Senyum and the coordinates were given at 3°41’50.2”N 102°25’58.2”E.
According to the Pahang Trekker website, there are two popular folk tales as to how this 400million year old limestone outcrop got its name.
One tells of a duel of two Malay warriors which ended in the vanquished dying with a smile on his face. The second allegedly took place in the late 19th century when the Sultan of Pahang was en route to Kuala Krau, Temerloh.
When asked the name of the mountain the members of entourage could only look at
each other and smile. Realising that no one knew the name, The Sultan proclaimed that it be named Gunung Senyum.
The true course of our destination was Sungai Lembing, with the coordinates given at 3° 55’ 0” N, 103° 2” 0’ E.
A former mining town, this quaint hamlet is famed for three things. One is the Sungai Lembing Museum, which was formerly the residence of the general managers that worked for Pahang Consolidated Limited Company.
The company managed the once tin-rich village’s underground mine from 1906 until 1986. The exhibits are a reminder of its tin mining heritage.
Another is Bukit Panorama, which is a popular place to watch the sunrise and the Gunung Tapis Nature Park, about 16 kilometres from the village where you can camp, fish, and shoot the rapids.
For a place to stay for the night, the Gophers Visi-O came up with the directions for Lembing Riverview Resort at 3° 54’ 44.6” N 103° 1’ 43.3” E. It is run by Hoh Yoon Sin, 53. Though, we had to pass a Chinese cemetery to get here, we would
be rewarded by an awesome morning view (and a cool river dip) as this place is located just beside the banks of Sungai Lembing.
Hoh also recommended a popular breakfast of tofu which is made with mountain water at the market place. This place is also known for ketchup noodles and coconut biscuits.
Folks are friendly here and no one bothers to lock their front doors. In a place where the population numbers only 5,000,
familiarity guarantees safety. Also remember to leave your shoes at the door, even if it’s to enter a hotel as this is the village custom.
The next destination was Gua Charas, Panching, at coordinates at 3°54’39.9”N 103°8’50.5”E. Standing majestically at 150m this limestone rock is home to a sleeping Buddha housed within its longest cave which is about 30m in length.
To return without a good seafood meal would be wasted
and for this, Gophers has a restaurant in Beserah Seafood at 3° 52’40.3” N 103° 21’ 57.6” E. Ideally, this should be accompanied by a dip at the Batu Hitam Beach which is just at the back of the restaurant.
Mind that the place is closed on Sunday so be prepared to look for alternatives. If it is the beach you love and not so much the food, then look out for this small stall called Black Stone which serves simple Malay mixed rice and kuih.
“We will not get lost. My GPS system will take us there,” promised the enigmatic Chong (inset).
Better late than never By Chai Jiali
MULTI-PURPOSE Vehicles are built as solidly and as safely as modern
premium manufacturers can do it and so it was not a relevation to learn that this was not the cause of deaths involving these vehicles in road accidents in 2008.
It was not because the MPVs had overturned or that they couldn’t take a corner at reasonable speed or for other mechanical malfunctions or defects,
According to 2008 figures obtained from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), most of the 96 fatal casualties in MPV accidents were from head-on collisions that were the result of driver errors.
And it was not necessarily the fault of the MPV driver in all these collisions.
Granted the MPV or the SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) are built bigger than an average car but the owner who has paid more than RM100,000 for his vehicle is likely to be a careful driver who will pay careful attention when he is on the road
But that doesn’t mean SUV and MPV drivers are the angels that they are portrayed to be or their passengers, who also make up the casualty figures in accidents, are blameless.
There are many SUVs and MPVs that are tinted to the extent that it obscures the driver’s visibility. Besides heavy tinting is illegal.
All drivers, including the boys behind the driving wheels of the big SUVs and MPVs, must be rested and refreshed when they start on their journey, especially during the coming “Balik Kampung” drive for Hari Raya.
Throw macho and ego out of the window as you start your “Balik Kampung” journey. If you
are tired, pull up at any of the numerous rest stops along the highway or find a safe spot to park along the federal roads.
It can never be tiring to repeat that it’s better late than never.
Seatbelts must be fastened at all times for there is a bigger space of movement in MPVs and SUVs.
It’s not only the driver who has to be belted up at all times to reduce the impact in an accident. Each and everyone in all the seven seats, both children and adults, has to fasten the safety belt when the MPV or SUV moves.
It is usually a full load when travelling during the festive season and this means braking
and stability wll be affected. A longer distance is needed to brake a heavier vehicle and in an event of an accident, the impact on a heavily loaded vehicle will be greater.
While generally Malaysian highways and trunk roads are safe, there are several unsafe stretches and these are usually highlighted when fatalites occur, especially during the festive season when the roads are crowded and drivers are in a hurry.
“We are always upgrading the accident prone stretches,” said Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan, the director general of Miros.
It’s not just accident-prone stretches. For instance, guardrails to prevent vehicles from plunging into ravines or off the road and into ditches are one level below international standards; guardrails on Malaysian roads are unable to effectively stop heavy and high riding vehicles.
The road transport authorities should be proactive at making road safer. There are only a few Malaysian roads that are built to international standards.
MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDENEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010
I I I
How they rateTHE Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) is the most notable car safety rating in the world today.
It provides a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular vehicles sold in Europe.
Below is the list of MPVs and SUVs the safety body has assessed from 2009 onwards.
Kelvinder Singh Brar described the moment he saw the Peugeot
3008.Naturally, he is driving one now.Actually, the 28-year-old Kelvinder,
the chief operating officer of Midas Surplus Management Sdn Bhd, had gone to the Naza Automall in PJ last May to check out the Pegeuot 407. And he caught a glimpse of the 3008.
“I saw the 3008 and was told it has not been launched yet. I was so impressed with its looks, I booked the car without even test driving it,” said Kelvinder.
He regularly pestered Nasim Peugeot for delivery and he finally got hold of his beloved 3008 earlier this month.
“I simply love it!” he beamed.Kelvinder was driving a Proton Waja
Premium for eight years and it was time for a new car. His work requires him to rack up the kilometres and his month old 3008 has already done 2,500 kilometres and it was time for the car’s first inspection.
Kelvinder, who stays in Klang, talked glowingly about the Peugeot’s amazing road character which is the
car’s main advantage.“It’s the Peugeot’s handling and the
smooth transmission.At first, I was skeptical that the 1.6L
engine might be a bit underpowered but now I know my worry was for nothing.
“The engine is powerful enough to
excite me.” Other features which interest him
are the panoramic roof and the head-up-display.
As for fuel consumption, Kelvinder is most happy.
“A full tank (60 litres) of RON97 gets me between 480km and 530km,” he
claimed.Of course, not everything is hunky
dory with the Peugeot. Kelvinder’s biggest grouse is the luggage space.
“The layered boot is practical, but I can barely squeeze in my golf bag. In fact, I have to take out my driver to make sure it fits in nicely,” he said.
Kelvinder also highlighted that the salesmen that he saw did not have enough product information on the 3008, but he trolled the Internet for more information.
Minor inconveniences but overall, Kelvinder can’t stop taking about his 3008.
He is happy with the after sales service. He visited the service centre to make an appointment for the first inspection session and he was impressed.
“Actually, I have never trusted the Peugeot brand before but after Nasim took over, I saw a lot of good reviews and comments on the web and the newspapers,” said Kelvinder.
“I also asked around and Nasim’s customers said they were generally happy with the service.
“That is one of the reasons I changed to a Peugeot. And the 3008 as just my ride.” – Hezeri Samsuri
NEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDEIV
Shell Helix molecules are robust enough to withstand shearing forces.
Antioxidants help in preventing the formation of corrosive acids.
Active cleansing agents keep dirt from choking the engine.
Prevention is better than cureThe longevity and reliability of
your car’s engine isn’t determined by what it goes through, but it is
what goes into it that matters. And most of the time, what gets into
your engine, doesn’t necessarily get out as easily.
Similar to how plaque slowly chokes the arteries in the human heart and causes a heart attack, so too does the sticky substance known as sludge slowly affects your engine’s performance and reliability.
Sludge is the by-product of oil oxidation which produces sticky black carbon particles which stick to engine parts and blocks oil ducts, which leads to oil starvation of vital engine working parts.
A leading lubricant manufacturer once said, “Once sludge builds up, it is difficult, if not impossible to remove.”
Independent tests show that Shell helix Ultra removes five times more sludge in a petrol engine than that of normal mineral oil.
With three times the oxidation stability, Shell helix Ultra makes it difficult for sludge to form and prevents the formation of corrosive acids in the engine.
Where regular mineral oil lets dirt
settle in the engine, Shell helix Ultra with its unique leading edge Active Cleansing Technology, cleanses and keeps dirt particles suspended thus, preventing them from causing possible engine failure.
Shell helix Ultra 5W-40 also provides the maximum protection during
engine start-up with 4.5 times faster flow rate than normal 20W-50 oil. This is critical for the oil to rapidly deliver protection to where it is needed, particularly when an engine is cold and most vulnerable to wear.
even at temperatures as low as 5°C at start up and at operating
temperatures of 85°C, Shell helix Ultra 5W-40 is able to get into the toughest spots to deliver the crucial protection your engine needs faster than other oils.
Besides being smart and slick, Shell helix Ultra is also engineered to be robust enough to withstand shearing.
Shearing is caused when the high stresses and extreme temperature inside an engine literally tears the engine oil molecules apart, reducing its
viscosity and ability to provide engine protection.
With shear stability, Shell helix Ultra would be able to maintain its viscosity and prevent engine parts from being exposed to friction and wear, thus delivering the complete protect your engine deserves.
So the next time you put something into your car engine, remember that what you put in really does make a difference.
New SUNDAY TIMeS AUGUST 29, 2010 MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYeR’S GUIDe V
NEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDEVI
The practical and reliable MPVTHERE is nothing more rewarding than to drive a vehicle that keeps going and going without breakdowns.
It has been five years since I.K. Tan got his Nissan Serena, and it has also been five years of no major problems to dent his wallet plus he enjoys reasonable maintenance cost.
Reliability and cost saving, said Tan, is the best way to describe his vehicle which comes with leather seats and two airbags.
“It needs only 20 sen of petrol for a kilometre,” claimed Tan who bought his Serena just before MPV taxes went up. He paid about RM130,000 for the Serena before a tax rise of approximately RM8,000 according to Tan.
My 2000 Toyota Camry 2.2 does about 25 sen to a kilometre around town.
While the Serena has been said to be a real fuel sipper for this type of vehicle, most of the kilometres are travelled on highways from Tan’s house in Balakong to his college in Cyberjaya.
Besides that, the after sales services is great and the salesman never fails to give Tan a courtesy call every year
to enquire about him and the Serena, a service one will not expect from a vehicle at this price range.
Tan went the safer route to buy a new Serena with warranty rather than the bigger and better equipped reconditioned Estima.
Being one of the smallest full size MPVs in the market, it is one the nimbler ones that does not compromise on comfort or space. – Chai Jiali
Mazda 5 for the familyHOT hatchbacks and MPVs are
very different kind of vehicles that cater to very different
range of drivers. One is for the sheer excitement on a weekend getaway and another one is to chauffeur many people around.
So the decision to sell off his Mark III VW Golf for this Mazda 5 must have been a tough one for Iskandar Mohd Tahir who is a very family-oriented guy.
Another reason for the buy was its safety. Although the car has only two airbags and no traction control, the Mazda 5 still managed to obtain a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.
To enhance the safety of his children, a Recaro Start seat, a booster seat and a Mother Care forward facing toddler seat are all strapped in whenever they go on a family outing. But the boot space is not big enough to accommodate everyone’s luggage.
A Thule box is needed to be installed on top of his car to offset the lack of boot space. However, this was not a good alternative as it increases
the noise level in the cabin. It is especially droning for longer trips, and Iskandar travels a lot from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan.
Iskandar has clocked 115,000 kilometres since he got this RM155,000 Mazda 5 in 2006.
He was the first person in Malaysia to book the Mazda 5 with Cycle & Carriage (C&C). Halfway through his ownership, Bermaz took over as the official
importer. For Iskandar the service provided by Bermaz is just as good.
But Iskandar was not very satisfied with the original suspension as it needed replacement after just a few years. Since the warranty has expired, he used Koni struts.
Together with the new suspension and Michelin tyres, the handling, said Iskandar, is good for such a big car.
Easing through town does not pose much hassle for Iskandar with his nimble Mazda.
But the car ventilation is because there is no second or third not satisfactory row air-conditioning vents.
The petrol consumption for his four-speed automatic Mazda 5 is described as reasonably cheap. Also, it runs smoother on RON97 petrol as compared to RON95 petrol.
For the price he paid for this car, Iskandar wishes his car came equipped with cruise control, more airbags, traction control as well as radio that has data system (RDS) like the one found in the Proton Exora. – Chai Jiali
MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDENEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010
V I I
A lavish French rideWHEN it comes to
Multi-Purpose Vehicles, Renault does it best
with the renowned Renault Espace.
Not only it is the first MPV in the world, as Renault claim, it is also one of the safest; it received a five-star rating in the the NCAP crash test – thanks to the array of safety features such as airbags, traction control and ABS.
With such qualities, the Espace is a good and safe ride and should hold its own against the competition. However, in Malaysia, Espaces are as rare as hen’s teeth perhaps because few are aware of their qualities and the rest are dazzled by the glitz and glamour of the Japanese jobs.
It could also be because the Japanese and Korean MPVs have had a head start in Malaysia and sold more vehicles and with many Malaysians with the herd mentality had chosen the “safer” route.
With so many Japanese MPVs on the road, many
would be tempted to go Japanese because of the easier availability of spare parts, seemingly cheaper maintenance and likely higher re-sale value.
But these are of little importance to Armand Ali who had safety as his priority. When he wanted to replace his old Mitsubishi Grandis, Armand
decided on the Espace because of its safety features.
All the seats are equipped with Isofix points to secure the child and booster seats and these qualities are important to Armand who is a family man.
In hot Malaysia the cool comfort that the Espace provides its second row passengers is most refreshing. The second row passengers can individually adjust the fan speed and temperature setting.
While the seats are not exactly fully movable, you can take the seats out or turn it round. The second row seats can be turned around to face each other or taken out all together to increase capacity.
The interior of the Espace is cosy and boasts of a panoramic roof while the rear passengers are protected from the intense sun by the rear window blinds.
Sporting a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine under the bonnet, churning out 168bhp@5000rpm and 270Nm@3250rpm , the Espace is reasonably powerful for daily driving.
For an MPV, the Espace behaves like a little boy when it comes making a U-turn. Armand, with me as the front seat passenger, demonstrated this quality when he easily made the U-turn in a side road in Petaling Jaya’s Sea Park.
It’s not just the U-turns. Armand’s Espace handles well, like a saloon car.
The Espace is equipped with goodies like cruise-control, and auto wiper.
Best of all, the Espace cost only RM270,000 when Armand bought it two years ago.
Considering the price of brand new Japanese imports that start from RM275,000 for a Estima and rises to RM370,000 (Alphard 2.4) and as much as RM520,000 (Alpharad 3.5), the Espace looks a most sensible buy.
The re-conditioned jobs brought in by the grey importers may cost an affordable RM175,000 to RM350,000 and be good buys but then you would not know where it has been and how it had been driven. – Chai Jiali
Simple offroading tipsWHILE many of the SUVs will never see a dirt track, some owners really do drive them offroad.
Offroading is not as intimidating as you think, but it can be extremely dangerous going offroad blindly.
Here are some useful tips if you have offroading in mind:Do not go alone. Make sure your car is
technically sound and safe.Make sure all the tyres
have the correct pressure (including the spare).
Get to know where the lowest ground clearance point is.
Locate the height of the engine air intake and the computer box.
Practise using low ratio gearbox
Don’t drive fast because there are many unforeseeable dangers ahead.
Don’t spin the tyres as it will get you nowhere but deeper, try to rock the car forward and backwards to gain traction. If that still does not work, release the air pressure to further increase the traction.
If you are stuck or it is too dangerous to continue driving, stop and get help.
The best is to join a club as they know the safest route, plus nothing beats having an experienced offroader to show you how to do it properly.
NEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDE MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDEVI I I IX
Honda CR-VNissan X-Trail
Engine: Four-cylinder SOHC 16V i-VTEC PGM-FIMax power: 147.5hp @ 6,200rpmMax torque: 190Nm @ 4,200rpmTransmission: Five-speed auto with dual-pump real-time 4WDSafety features: Four airbags, ABS, EBD, VSA, hydrophilic mirrorsPrice: RM149,980 OTR with insuranceVerdict: Better specced and better overall package
Engine: MR20DE all aluminum 4-cylinder DOHC 16V CVTCMax power: 137hp @ 5,200rpmMax torque: 198Nm @ 4,400rpmTransmission: XTronic CVT with 6-speed manual mode.Safety features: Dual airbags, ABS, EBD, BA and Bi-Xenon lightsPrice: RM149,500 OTR with insuranceVerdict: Hopefully a CKD version with better spec and pricing will appear soon.
SPEcificaTionSSPEcificaTionS
Honda FreedEngine: 1.5 SOHC i-VTECMax Power: 118hp@6600rpmMax torque: 146nm@4800rpmTransmission: 5-Speed Automatic with Shift Hold ControlSafety Features: Dual airbags, ABS, EBD and BAPrice: RM112,980 OTR with insurance
SPEcificaTionS
Stylishly cuteHONDA is in town with yet another cool model.
The Honda Freed shows that it is no longer a punishment to drive a boring looking MPV because you have a large family.
The large chrome integrated grille, sharp frontal outlook, sleekly shaped body and dynamic motion silhouette make the Honda Freed looks sporty and sets it ahead of the competition in the design department.
To add a little to this already very good combination of style and practicality, the Freed is essentially a frugal car, consuming litre of fuel for every 12.8km as the manufacturer claims.
Sitting on the Jazz/City platform, the Freed uses the same engine as the City, the 1.5-litre single-cam i-VTEC, but with faintly lower horsepower at 114hp and slightly higher torque at 147Nm.
The advance and stylish dual-layered dashboard with wide open table is unique and not found in its competitors. Sitting in the middle of the dashboard is a 2 Din audio player with USB and AUX jack.
There are other functions which may scream gimmicky but it sure is useful like the shift hold control that prevents the loss of power in bends by preventing an upward gear change.
And Freed has done away the conventional air-conditioning dials and is fitted with a digital display. The automatic rear sliding doors with pinch free function is functional and practical in tight spaces.
The seating arrangement of the Freed is 2+2+3. First and second rows occupants have their snug individual captain’s seats with individual armrests.
Even with a compact cabin, the walkthrough area is decent, allowing access to the second and third row seats. This is convenient for third row passengers as they no longer need to pull the second row seat down to enter and exit.
Together with the large rear boot and the flat floor, it is easier to load and unload stuff and transport oversized luggage.
The Freed should be in the class of its own. It would not be fair to compare it with the Toyota Avanza or the Nissan Grand Livina. – Chia Jiali
Queens of the urban jungle
coMPariSon TEST: Honda cr-V VErSuS niSSan X-Trail
By Hezeri Samsuri
WHILE there are people who use the SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
to go up the trails and dusty roads, many see it as a crossover vehicle — larger than a car and with a high seating position that provides a commanding view.
In Malaysia, Honda CR-V is leading the sales chart in this segment and trailing closely behind is the Nissan X-Trail.
Honda Malaysia has made some minor changes to the CR-V while Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia recently launched the all-new X-Trail.
Can the new X-Trail beat the CR-V and take over the SUV crown?
Honda CR-VThe Comfortable Runabout
Vehicle (CR-V) is currently the number one selling SUV in the country, with around 400 to 500
units sold a month.Using a monocoque chassis
(like a car), it gives priority to driving dynamics and comfort, hence making it a perfect family vehicle.
The face lifted version offers minor exterior change, like a new grille and front/rear bumpers plus the addition of the useful fog lights.
New fabric material is used for the seats while the dashboard gets a redesigned climate control knob rings, wider armrest and a new audio layout. After years of complaints, the USB port finally makes its appearance in the CR-V. Hooray for that.
The CR-V offers seating for five, and the seats can be folded flat to offer maximum cargo space. Though not as brilliant as the seats in the new City or the Jazz, you will still get a several seating layouts to suit your need.
The luggage area comes with a floor rack, which turns it into
a double-tiered luggage space. This is good as you can separate the smaller and lighter load on the top tier while the heavier ones remain hidden below.
The problem is if you need to carry a full-sized suitcase, you need to leave the shelf at home.
The Malacca-assembled CR-V also offers a lot of nice things for its price — cruise control, in-dash 6CD changer with a six-speaker system, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel audio buttons and many bins and cubbyholes to store your odds and ends.
Really, the cabin spells family in almost every way.
The biggest change would be the addition of the vehicle stability control (VSA), which coupled to the ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) systems will help you avoid the worse.
If those still fail, there are four airbags (dual front SRS airbags and two side airbags) to
cushion the impact.The 2.0L SOHC i-VTEC engine
will not make this SUV a Porsche Cayenne beater, but it does provide you with enough power for a decent drive. The five-speed transmission does work hard to keep up with spirited driving or a hilly route but fortunately, the smooth gear change hides this fact.
Let's face it, with a kerb weight of 1.5 tonnes and all four wheels spinning, the 2.0L engine is not really its best match. A 2.4L engine will be a better choice but until Honda Malaysia has found a decent way to price it, Malaysians will have to be happy with the 2.0L engine.
We took it out for four days and sent it strictly on family duty — ferrying the writer's family to a family day event at Pantai Remis, Selangor.
The spacious boot is enough to put in one mid-sized suitcase, one big plastic box and various soft bags. We even managed
to stuff in two kites, without folding them but of course we had to leave the luggage shelf behind.
It was a real practical vehicle and the even with such heavy load, all of our five passengers stayed comfortable while the engine managed to pull it around without really straining for power.
Fuel consumption was good; we easily got more than 400km on that 58-litre fuel tank and on a highway, we believe that figure can go even higher.
Nissan X-TrailLaunched globally in 2007,
Malaysians finally get to drive the latest version of the popular X-Trail.
Built on the same platform that the stylish Qashqai/Dualis is using (the C-platform), the new X-Trail is bigger than the one it replaces.
The grille now shares the same styling as the Navara
pickup truck while the tail lights have sharper detailing.
The cabin has nothing to do with the old X-Trail. Nissan designers have finally found their brains by putting back the meter cluster right where it is supposed to be, in front of the driver. Only sissy cars or taxicabs should have the meter cluster in the middle of the dashboard.
While the CR-V has a dashboard that makes a Trekkie right at home, the X-Trail's can be considered as quite conservative, except for the small orange display circle sandwiched between the tachometer and the speedometer. So sporty looking, we have a feeling it is a way for Nissan to remind earthlings that they produce good cars like the 370Z too.
Nissan also use soft touch plastics on the major part of the dashboard, plus paddings on the door armrests and centre console. Equally interesting are the chilled cup-holders —
definitely an X-Trail tradition. Even the rear cup-holders get air-conditioning ducting to chill the drinks.
As with almost all Nissan cars sold here, there is no audio button on the steering wheel. Perhaps Tan Chong people rarely use the audio system while driving because if they do, it will be nice to have this function.
In terms of safety features, the Nissan gets two fewer airbags (no side airbags) and no traction control. It does come with the usual ABS and EBD, plus Brake Assist (BA).
Fortunately, Tan Chong has managed to give this Indonesia-assembled SUV some goodies, like the bi-Xenon lights and the modern X-tronic CVT which you will appreciate if you drive a lot.
There is also a proper keyless system, which allows you to open the door and start the engine without having to fish for the key out from your pocket.
We drove it around town with the family and went on a few highway jaunts, and the new X-Trail felt more car-like than the model it replaces.
The extra torque helps but you do need to use the manual mode to extract the full capability of the all aluminum engine.
The real jewel of this new X-Trail is in fact hidden in the back. It comes with a very practical storage system which includes a luggage drawer with configurable slats.
You have a place to store your smelly jogging shoes, or even a place to put your umbrellas. Since everything is washable, a wet umbrella a pair of muddy shoes will not ruin the interior.
The only problem is one needs to know how to take out the storage system to make way for the spare tyre to come out. You also need to take it out if you want to carry something tall, like a mountain-bike placed upright.
From the driver's seat, you get to see the front hood (like a Land Rover) and the small "horns" that jut out from each of the headlights further help you to place the X-Trail on the road.
Our lady test driver appreciates this and she needed zero time to gain confidence driving this big SUV.
With no AWD (all-wheel-drive) function, fuel consumption is expected to be lower than the Honda competitor and during our three-day drive, the 65-litre tank was difficult to finish even after 450km.
The computer stated our fuel consumption figure was averaging at 9.5L/100km, good considering the engine only had less than 1,000km on the clock. We are sure the figures will improve over time.
ConclusionTan Chong not only took out
the AWD function which was
the very essence of the X-Trail and they couldn’t even give a simple set of audio buttons.
Luckily, the CVT (continuously variable transmission) system gave better town driving ability, not to mention lower fuel consumption due to the fact it is a two-wheel-drive vehicle.
We find it endearingly lovable, which means it has some character to it.
With the Honda, you get a load more of equipment, and an AWD system for some light offroading.
The CR-V also comes with more airbags and the traction control system, allowing husbands to breathe easier knowing the wife is driving a car with many safety features.
There are too many toys in the CR-V to ignore and it will be difficult not to choose it over the X-Trail. However, if you like the X-Trail and you think it looks good, buying it will not be a mistake either.
NEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010
X MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDE
Captivate your familyBy Salihin Abd Rahim
THERE may be such an offering of MPVs, estates and sedans available, but the four-wheel
drive is increasingly becoming the choice of family car for the more adventurous.
Spacious and with lots of storage area, the Chevrolet Captiva LT would appeal to the mid-sized family and for those opting for a SUV below the RM200,000 bracket.
A full-sized seven-seater, this vehicle should appeal to style-conscious families who need the capacity of a people carrier for the school run, but want a sporty and rugged-looking machine for the weekend.
This diesel version gets a luxurious beige leather upholstery as standard, and an eight-speaker sound system with MP3, USB and Bluetooth Audio support although the output quality is a little below par for audiophiles.
The cabin is as smart as it is roomy, and the instruments are all clearly laid out. Audio and cruise controls are conveniently located on the steering wheel, while other switch-stalks are within easy reach.
The lady of the house will appreciate the big storage capacity of the glove compartment, and, of course, the vanity mirror.
the higher road visibility, while reverse-sensors beeps you during parking and you have ample turning radius from the power assisted steering.
Turn off into the highway, and this hulk easily accelerates beyond legal limits. An automatic gearbox — which comes with a manual shift option — takes the car through the ratios steadily, relatively smooth and quiet. Steering is a bit vague at higher speeds, but you could rest assured with the stability and traction control.
Just set the speed desired and cruise along. But corners, it would be best to slow down this tall vehicle as the body roll could be quite pronounced.
The Captiva is an impressive SUV from Chevrolet. It isn’t without its flaws, but for the price, it is the combination of a strong diesel engine in a spacious, practical package is sure to appeal.
MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDENEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010
XI
From left: Yusof, Zawayi and Lin with the V31(left) and the LO.
Old steeds don’t fade awayTHE most feared vehicle on
Malaysian roads must be a white Mitsubishi Pajero parked on the
side of a highway.See one and even the bravest driver
will slow down.Of course our police department is
not the only one to use the Pajeros. Almost all the government agencies and developers have Pajeros in the stable.
The Pajero offers good looks, spacious and luxurious interior, acceptable off-road ability and most importantly, the durability of a healthy donkey. It will go on and on for years without breaking down.
We met with a bunch of old Pajero owners and they repeated the same thing when asked why they love their SUV.
“My LO49 never broke down,” said Zawayi Hussin from Temerloh.
“The only issue will be the squeaking noises from the worn out lower arm bush. Replace that for around RM50 to RM60 per piece (a complete set will set you back around RM500 plus, including labour) and you will continue to have fuss free travelling.”
The LO49 has a 2.5L turbo intercooler diesel engine. Zawayi’s model features a 3.5-inch body lift with
15-inch alloys and a matt black paint job.
“My old ride was the Trooper, but friends suggested I should upgrade to
the LO and it was probably the best decision I have ever made.
“The Pajero is so dependable and since it is big, I can use it for family,
work and leisure.”The Pajero goodness is shared by
the Muti brothers, Md Yusof Muti and Mohd Lin, of Parit Yusof, Muar.
Yusof drives the newer 1997 Pajero V31 with a 2.5L petrol engine mated to five-speed manual gearbox. With a three-inch lift-kit and 15-inch off-road wheels as the only modification, he drives the Pajero daily.
“My favourite bit about this Pajero is the driver’s seat — it has its own suspension!” claims Yusof.
There may be smudges of dirt on the exterior but Yusof keeps the interior clean for the Pajero is also used as a family vehicle.
“The V31 adds a touch of luxury compared with the older LO model. Since it is still being used by many government agencies, I have no problems with spare parts.”
According to Yusof, the V31 version is still being sold in China and Taiwan.
Lin drives the petrol version of the LO, or the LO47. The 1989 LO47 comes with a 2.5L petrol engine and Lin has modified it to make it more economical to run.
“We send our Pajeros to Eris Auto and it seems that shop knows some secret about how to make these Pajeros a better machine,” Lin
explained.Well, we spoke to Eris Auto owner
Mohd Fairee Tajudin and what he told us certainly surprised us.
“We changed the carburettors,” said Fairee. “The LO47 is known as a guzzler because it does not have a fuel injection system like the V31.
“We replaced the original LO47 carburetor with a Proton Wira 1.5L unit. To fit, we had to install a custom made mounting.”
Lin claimed he gets 40 per cent improvement with his fuel and there is no power loss.
“In fact, I think performance is even better now. Don’t ask me how it works, but it does work,” Lin said.
Fairee’s workshop is located at Taman Sri Jerlok, Kajang (019-3915 182, 019-632 6552).
If you want to go out and get one of these hardy Pajeros, the prices have gone up the past few years.
“The LOs are now around RM20,000 and a good vehicle can easily go up to RM25,000. The newer V31 is priced between RM30,000 and RM35,000,” said Yusof.
Well, the durable Pajero has attained cult status and is a favourite choice of anglers and outdoor activists. – Hezeri Samsuri
NEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDEXI I
PRICELIST
n CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Euromobil Sdn BhdHotline: 1-300-13-3333www.euromobil.com.my
Audi Q7 3.0TDIEngine / Transmission / Features: V6 turbo diesel 2967cc, DOHC, 24-v, common rail diesel / six speed tiptronic 4x4 / quattro permanent 4WD, six airbags, ABS, ESP, EBD, stability controlMax Power: 233hp@4000rpmMax Torque: 500Nm@1750rpmRecommended engine oil: Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40Price: RM575,000
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro Engine / Transmission / Features: 1984cc, four cylinder in-line petrol engine with gas turbocharged and charge air cooling, DOHC / seven speed S tronic / six airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, BA, traction control (ASR) ) , EDL, hill hold and descent assist, parking aid plus, light and rain sensorMax Power: 211hp@4300-6000rpmMax Torque: 350Nm@1500-4200rpmRecommended engine oil: Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40Price: RM325,000
Auto Bavaria03-888 73 888www.bmw.com.my
BMW X6 xDrive35iEngine / Transmission / Features: 6-cylinder, 2979cc / Six speed automatic transmission with Steptronic / DSC, ABS, CDC, DTC, HDC, airbags, xenon headlights
Ford Malaysia Sdn BhdToll free line: 1800-88-3181www.ford.net.my
Ford Escape 2.3L 4x4 XLT Engine / Transmission / Features: 2261cc, Inline Four cylinder DOHC 16v, VVT / 4-speed automatic and 4x4 (on demand) / ABS, EBD, airbags, leather seatsMax Power: 144hp@6000rpmMax Torque: 196Nm@4000rpmRecommended engine oil: Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 or Shell Helix Hx7 10W-40Price: RM139,888
Ford Ranger Engine / Transmission / Features: DuraTorq TDCi commonrall 2.5L turbodiesel / five speed manual / five speed auto / dual airbags, ABS, EBD, LSD Max Power: 141hp@3500rpmMax Torque: 330Nm@1800rpmRecommended engine oil: Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 or Shell Helix Diesel Hx7 10W-40Price: Ranger 2.5TDCi 4x4 XLT (MT) RM82,888Ranger 2.5TDCi 4x4 XLT (AT) RM88,888 Ranger 2.5TDi 4x4 XL (MT) RM72,888
Ford Everest 2.5L TDCi 4x4 XLT Engine / Transmission / Features: Inline four cylinder, DOHC, 16-V / five speed manual / five speed auto / Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, BA Max Power: 141hp@3500rpmMax Torque: 330Nm@1800rpmRecommended engine oil: Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40Price: (AT) RM156,888 / (MT) RM145,888
Ford Everest 3.0L TDCi 4x4 XLT Engine / Transmission / Features: Inline four cylinder DOHC 16V / Five speed auto / dual airbags, ABS with EBD, BA Max Power: 154hp@3200rpmMax Torque: 380Nm@1800rpm
MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDENEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010
XI I I
n FROM PAGE 12Recommended engine oil: Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 or Shell Helix Hx7 10W-40Price: RM112,980
Hyundai-Berjaya Sdn Bhdwww.hyundai.com.my1-800-88-3003
Mazda BT-50 2.5Engine / Transmission / Features: Four cylinder inline, turbocharged intercooler, common-rail, 2500cc / Five speed auto / 4W-ABS, EBD, two airbagsMax Power: 141hp@3500rpm
NEW SUNDAY TIMES AUGUST 29, 2010MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYER’S GUIDEXIV
n FROM PAGE 13
four speed auto with sports mode / ABS, EBD, BA, six airbags, securty system (ETACS) Max Power: 164hp@6000rpmMax Torque: 217Nm@4000rpmRecommended engine oil: Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40Price: RM169,980
Nissan Grand Livina Impul 1.6LEngine / Transmission / Features: HR16DE, 1598cc, DOHC, 16-valve / four speed auto / 2-airbags, ABS, EBD, BAMax Power: 103.2hp@5200rpmMax Torque: 150Nm@4400rpm
New SUNDAY TIMeS AUGUST 29, 2010 MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYeR’S GUIDe XV
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New SUNDAY TIMeS AUGUST 29, 2010 MPV, SUV & 4X4 BUYeR’S GUIDeXVI
