Perodua Jaguh - Perodua's 1st Sedan?

Recently, Theophilus Chin, a renowned automotive illustrator has revealed what we believe is the leaked brochure of the Perodua Jaguh, an upcoming sedan based on the Toyota Etios. Looks like Perodua did focuses on the sedan market after all.

Etios is 4265mm long, 1695mm wide, 1510mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2550mm, thus we have reason to believe that the Jaguh has almost identical dimension. From the leaked brochure, the Jaguh carries Alza's wheel design and a redesigned front grille. Changes to the rear end design is unknown, but I'm pretty sure most of us wouldn't like the original design of the Etios' rear end.

 See? I told ya......

Details such as 4 stars in MyVAP crash test, uses a DVVT engine (possibly a 1.3 litre) and sliding (rear?) seat have been revealed on the brochure itself. Perodua will be providing 3 years of free service too, good in lowering the maintenance cost of the owners.

Proton Saga SV would be Jaguh's strongest competitor, so it will all be down to the pricing and equipment level of the Jaguh. If the Jaguh is a real (instead of a prank brochure illustration) future product of Perodua, then it shouldn't be a flop in sales like the Nautica which is a rebadged version of Toyota Rush. Instead, youngster and fresh graduates might flock the Jaguh! (Oh please, Jaguh is not a good name for a car!)

*UPDATE* Perodua Jaguh turns out to be a hoax! Sorry for those (including myself) who are excited for its arrival.

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Of Suspension, Camber, Caster and Toe

Suspension provides comfort as well as determines the handling of a car. There are few common kinds of suspension setup available, for instance, Macpherson strut and double wishbones for the front while multi-link, torsion beam and leaf springs for the rear. Every kind of suspension has different characteristic, advantages, disadvantages and applications (ie. Torsion beam to save space and cost, leaf springs to withstand high laden load).

Suspension can be made up of several components: Coil spring, shock absorber/damper and anti-roll bar. Coil spring is to absorb force by extending or compressing itself. Softer spring allows the wheel to move more with the chassis while stiffer spring will make the ride harsher, although it may improve stability during cornering.

Shock absorber acts as a damper which stops the spring from oscillating at a specific rate. Anti-roll bar is able to reduce body roll by keeping both wheels on the same level as they tend to have positive camber during cornering.

The alignment of tyre is important to the optimum traction and straight line stability of a car. However, not everything is good if it’s aligned properly. For example, negative camber tyre where the top of the tyre is tilted towards the inner side of the car will provide increased grip in mid-corner. Straight line performance, however, will be affected if negative camber’s angle is too high because it reduces the contact surface between the front wheels and the road when the tyres are straight.

Caster is the angle created by the steering pivot point from the front to the back of the car. Caster is positive if the line is angled forward, while negative is in the opposite condition. Positive caster will increase straight line stability but also increase the effort to change the direction of the steering as well.

Toe, on the other hand, should be in zero angle at all time. Although toe in promote better straight line stability, it increase the wear of the tyres because both wheels generate force against each other. These are why alignment is essential to be done in fixed interval to reduce the wear and tear of tyres and improve handling.

 
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2013 Toyota Vios is launching soon in Malaysia !

 The 2013 Toyota Vios was spotted in Malaysia and few spyshots (of the TRD Sportivo Vios) were taken in an event that resembles product training day for Toyota dealers. This might probably means that the launch day of the 4th generation Vios is not far away!

The B-segment sedan market in Malaysia is a very competitive segment in the automotive industry. With the well known models such as the affordable Nissan Almera and stylish Honda City in the B-segment, Toyota Vios faces tough challenges in order to gain a stand. The same 1.5 litre 1NZ-FE engine coupled with a 4-speed automatic gearbox found in the previous 2 generation of Vios made its way into the latest Vios. Eventhough the technology might sound dated, the engine and gearbox are proven as reliable and fuel efficient, thus lowering cost of ownership.

 Grade J, E, G and TRD Sportivo will be available, J being the entry-level grade to the TRD Sportivo grade which will get all the goodies. Indicated price for the J grade starts from RM74k for the manual transmission (looks like Toyota is not interested in joining the lowest price competition currently won by the Almera at RM66k) to RM96k for the TRD Sportivo Vios. There is no confirmation on the equipment list for each grade, but the TRD Sportivo should have leather seats, keyless entry & start, GPS navigation and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard. Dual SRS airbags most probably would be standard across the range.

On a side note, Mitsubishi Attrage (sedan version of the Mirage hatchback) is also launching soon in Malaysia. Being a slightly smaller sedan and might come with a less powerful 1.2 litre engine, the Attrage will be priced lower than the Vios, and most likely to be even lower than the cheapest Almera. The Attrage is still a Japanese car with a boot, where it is Malaysian's favourite and will poses a threat to the Vios (and also other Japanese models) when it is launched. 

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Perodua's Surprise in KLIMS 2013 - Perodua Viva's Replacement Model?

 Perodua announced that there will be a surprise awaiting us in the upcoming KLIMS 2013, however the announcement ended there. Speculation includes a 2014 replacement model for the aging Perodua Viva which has been selling in Malaysia since 2007 or a mid-life facelift for the Alza. So, if the first hypothesis is true, then which model is the best suit as the replacement for Viva?

It should be either the Daihatsu Mira or Mira e:S. 

Daihatsu has been well known for its impressive ability to 'dig out' as much space as possible for the cabin within the smallest footprint for its models. Mira and Mira e:S are some of the examples. Although the wordings are in Japanese, we can understand what they mean by looking at the dimension lines and values. As comparison, Viva's cabin space is measured at 1845mm (length) x 1300mm (width) x 1250mm (height).

 Mira's (top) dashboard looks dull compared to Mira e:S (bottom). Hopefully Perodua will have a new dashboard design if Mira is used as the replacement model of Viva.

 Most important would be the pricing of the replacement model of Viva. Since the Proton Saga SV has been priced closely to the current Viva, Perodua has to set the price of the all-new Viva carefully. More standard equipment and safety features would attract more buyers, especially the young ones.

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Datsun GO - Revival of Datsun !

Many people remember the brand Datsun as a car manufacturer that produce reliable sedan three decades ago. The brand has been revived by launching Datsun GO in India, a 5-door hatchback which is built based on the Nissan Micra.

 Dimension wise, the GO is close to the Micra, with 3785mm length, 1635mm width, 1485mm height and 2450mm wheelbase. It should provide adequate cabin space for 5, making it a good option as low-cost family car. A 1.2 litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission will be equipped in the GO.

 Selling at 400,000 rupees (RM21,210), don't expect premium quality for the cabin. However, since Datsun is a brand that is famous in durability, everything should be well in place after a long period of usage. Quite modern styling for a budget car cabin I would say.

Would Datsun GO arrive in Malaysia? Only time will tell, but Datsun has mentioned that it is eyeing on ASEAN market. Expect the price of GO to be around RM40k when it's selling here.

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Honda Jazz 1.5L Petrol CKD - Cheapest Honda to date at RM74,800!

 Car buff will notice that the pictures of the next generation of Honda Jazz has been leaked online. However, it has not been launched in Japan yet and it might due to launch in Malaysia next year. A shocking (but good) announcement by Honda Malaysia revealed that the current 2nd generation Jazz 1.5L petrol version is now locally assembled and is priced at RM74,888 OTR including insurance - making it the cheapest Honda to date in Malaysia!

This makes the CKD Jazz cheaper than its CKD hybrid counterpart by RM15k, and is cheaper than the previously cheapest petrol Jazz by a whooping RM25k! The price reduction has nothing to do with any government incentive or tax exemption, it's because of Honda Malaysia's effort in increasing the local content of the Jazz. Thus, monthly installment is estimated to be as low as RM755 per month with a 9-year of loan repayment period.

While the price is reduced, only the previously available auto door lock and paddle shift found in the earlier Jazz are omitted. Standard features are ULTra Seats, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, power retractable wing mirrors and LED taillights. Safety features are not skimpy either, ABS, EBD, solid rear discs, 3-point rear seatbelts and even Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard in the CKD Jazz. Jazz is protected with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty, would be better if Honda Malaysia offers 5-year warranty like many other car manufacturers (notably Korean) did.

Now the CKD Jazz makes a more sensible purchase than the top-of-the-range Mirage which is just cheaper by few thousands. It gives the Kia Rio and the Mirage a run for their money by offering more interior space and better resale value in the same price range. However, Rio is better in terms of standard equipment while Mirage is better in terms of fuel economy and nippiness in town. Each has its own perks.

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Used Car Review - 2003 Honda City i-DSi

Honda City is a popular B-segment sedan in Malaysia. For the 4th generation City, the oldest 2003, pre-facelift model is available at around RM30k in the used car market. Such low price accompanied with Honda's reputation in reliability still make the decade-old City a worthy choice as a pre-loved car. 

No doubt the design of the 4th gen City shows sign of aging, but the facelift version of it refreshed its styling and still look quite contemporary when compared with newer cars. 4th gen City comes with two engine options - fuel effiency-biased 1.5 i-DSi engine (88PS) and 1.5 VTEC engine (110PS) which is more to performance.

The cabin is wide enough for 4 adults to travel comfortably, fifth is preferably a smaller size adult. Legroom and headroom are adequate for most people, unless you are a NBA player. For a 10 years old car, the one that I drove has a cabin which is surprisingly still in its prime condition. Engine and suspension felt fine too. Besides Honda's reputation in reliability, the way of the owner look after a car is important in determining the longevity of it.

The i-DSi engine is quiet at idle and low speed, only became harsh when pushed. The low-end torque was excellent, a total of 131Nm of torque peaking at a low 2700rpm, providing enough 'oomph' for everyday's driving. If you prefer high speed performance, the VTEC engine should be more suitable since it has higher horsepower output at 110bhp, 22bhp more than the i-DSi engine. Both fuel economy figures are very close, so it depends on your preference, whether you want the (slightly) better fuel economy and pulling power i-DSi or better high speed performance VTEC.

The 7-speed CVT with Honda Steermatic (where gear change can be done with the push of + and - button on the steering wheel) gearbox provides smooth gear change, no rubberband effect was noticed which is found even in some CVT gearbox-equipped new cars. Handling wise, no fault but could be better. Steering was light without much feedback but it was easy to manoeuver the City even in the tight 'kampung' roads. The City has a compliant ride, absorbing most of the undulations on the road and transmit only the worst into the cabin. However, cost cutting measures have been spotted on the Honda City. For instance, the cap to cover the nuts of the wiper pivot is easily detachable, leaving the nuts exposed. It's an eye sore...

Even after a decade on the road, Honda City is still charming enough for some and provide good value for money. Features such as the Honda Steermatic, ULTra Seat and dual airbags as standard across the range attracted customers since the birth of its generation. Yes, newer B-segment sedans have moved on in offering better refinement and styling, but the 2003 City is not that far behind too.

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Kia Cerato launched - From RM99,888 !

 The highly anticipated Kia Cerato has been officially launched in Malaysia, it will serve as the replacement model of the aging (but still with attractive design) Kia Forte. Following the Forte's footstep, Kia loaded the Cerato with more features while still making its Japanese competitors shiver by offering attractive price. The price on-the-road including insurance start from RM99,888 for the 1.6 litre Cerato to RM118,888 for the 2.0 litre.

Like the Forte, the C-segment Cerato is available in 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre engine options. The 1.6 litre Gamma II MPI engine produces 130PS and 157Nm of torque, close to the performance figure produced by common 1.8 litre engines. The 2.0 litre Nu MPI engine, on the other hand, produces 161PS and 194Nm. 1.6 litre engine promises a 6.8 litre/100km fuel consumption while the latter is rated at 7.0 litre/100km. Both engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

 The cabin design is improved, albeit looks gloomy with the monotone colour scheme. The water ripple-inspired dashboard surface on the front passenger side is creative. The 1.6 litre Cerato is loaded with a long list of equipment: Cruise control, 10-way electrically adjustable driver seat with two memory setting, daytime running LED light, exterior welcome light, fog lights, keyless entry with push-start button, park assist with reverse camera, auto demister, FlexSteer (Comfort, Normal and Sport, all 3 for different steering feel) and Bluetooth hands-free control.

2.0 litre Cerato gains HID Xenon (Halogen in the 1.6) headlights, leather seats with air ventilation for the driver seat (fabric with no ventilation in 1.6), supervision cluster, sunroof and rear spoiler.

With a generous 2700mm wheelbase (50mm more than Forte), rear passenger enjoy more legroom than before. Features such as rear air vent and dual-zone climate control with cluster ioniser will make the ride more comfortable.

Kia is not skimpy in the safety department too. 6 airbags even for the 1.6 Cerato! There are also Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), TSC, ESC and ISOFIX. Pretty amazing for a 1.6 C-segment car!

Available for the Cerato is a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, adding more value to the Cerato. 

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