FIRST IMPRESSION: Chevrolet Sonic

 Chevrolet Sonic, the replacement model of Chevrolet's compact hatchback, Aveo, has arrived in Malaysia in the end of last year. This time around, Chevrolet Sonic the Hedgehog is available in two forms - sedan and hatchback, and both are well prepared to enter the competitive B-segment market in Malaysia.

Chevrolet was having a roadshow in Mid Valley Megamall and among the models displayed were the latest Sonic Sedan and Orlando MPV. As for the Sonic, it has youthful styling which appeals to the younger generation (and of course to the young-at-hearts too). The sedan, although is built based on the hatchback, doesn't have awkward styling, in fact it is one of the best looking hatchback-based sedans available in the Malaysia.

 Exposed and protruding headlamps are cool! But cleaning it might be a tough chore!

Well executed design and attractive taillights.

Cabin design has an upmarket outlook with very stylish design that is rare in its class. The instrument panel is one of its kind and is said to be inspired by motorcycle's. Everything felt well built but the plastic used is uninspiring. Also, the vertical storage spaces on the dashboard are awkwardly shaped, not sure a phone or a Touch N Go card can fit well inside or not.

 Awkwardly shaped storage compartment on the dashboard.

 Good news, with a wheelbase of 2525mm, the rear cabin space is adequate for me to sit comfortably with the front seats adjusted for my longish legs. However, the cabin might be a tad narrow for 3 adults to sit comfortably. 466 litres of boot space, well sized for weekend shopping spree or balik kampung trips!

 Both Sonic Sedan and Hatchback are powered by a 1.4 litre Ecotec engine which produces 100bhp and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm, mated to a 6-speed transmission for both automatic and manual. Not sure about Sonic's performance but the figure looks adequate for a car of its size. Safety wise, the Sonic comes standard with ABS, EBD, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and dual airbags. Pricing starts from RM77,508 for the sedan to RM79,508 for the hatch, both without insurance. The Sonic is a contender and will continue the legacy of Aveo.

*Thanks for reading! Like my page at SimonHar.com and subscribe SiMon HaR_!

Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 Launched in Malaysia !

 2012 is definitely a busy year for Chevrolet in Malaysia, with two models - Sonic and Orlando being launched in the same month. The seven-seater Orlando is priced at RM118,888 without insurance. Built on the same platform as Chevrolet Cruze's, the Orlando promises car-like handling characteristic but also with the practicality of a MPV.

 The Orlando has crossover appearance with bold styling and tapered rear quarters. Rugged looking like an SUV but sits slightly lower, thus reducing the centre of gravity. From the outside, the Orlando might look square-ish from some angles, but it also gives a sense of sturdiness.

The Orlando is powered by a 1.8-litre Ecotec engine which produces 141PS at 6200rpm and 176Nm of torque at 3800rpm, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.8-litre Ecotec engine might sounds underpower for a car as big as the Orlando, but its figures suggested that it is comparable to Innova's 2.0-litre engine's performance (136PS and 182Nm). 

With a wheelbase of 2760mm, the Orlando promises huge cabin space for its 7 occupants. Seating configuration is 2-3-2, and the 2nd row are split 60:40. Moreover, the 2nd and 3rd row can be folded flat to accomodate long luggage. Maximum volume measured up to the roof is 1499 litres and 856 litres to the window line, when the 2nd and 3rd row seats are folded flat. Given Chevrolet's long history in making great MPV (such as the Nabira), trust can be given to Chevrolet when it comes to practicality of the Orlando's cabin.

 ABS, EBD, BA, two airbags, traction control and ISOFix mounting are standard for the Orlando in terms of safety. With its closest competitors being the Nissan Grand Livina and Toyota Innova, Chevrolet Orlando, being the most expensive among the 3, has the best of both worlds. Orlando has sedan-like handling (thanks to European input in engineering) like the Grand Livina while possessing huge cabin space like the Innova.

*Thanks for reading! Follow me @simon_har and subscribe SiMon HaR_!

Chevrolet Sonic launched - in Sedan and Hatchback Form !

 Chevrolet Sonic is launched in Malaysia in sedan and hatchback form. The B-segment Sonic faces great competition from the Japanese such as the affordable Almera, the stylish City and the reliable Vios. Thus, Chevrolet has to do it right for the Sonic to sell well in our market. Chevrolet's strategy of introducing both sedan and hatch into Malaysia is a part of the winning formula, by providing option to the buyers on whether sedan or hatch is the preferred choice.

 Both sedan and hatch are powered by a 1.4 litre Ecotec engine which produces 100bhp and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm, mated to a 6-speed tranny for both automatic and manual. This enables the Sonic to have a top speed of 175km/h and 0-100km/h in 12.9 seconds. Fuel economy is recorded at 8.1L/km. For the sedan, it is 360mm longer than its hatch counterpart, and also comes with a 466 litres boot space (253 litres for the hatch).

 “The Sonic is mainly aimed at the new generation consisting of young-upcoming executives and first-jobbers, cutting across the male and female genders. This group of consumers is highly-sociable, fashion-conscious, expressive, attention-grabbing and most-importantly, funloving.", mentioned by Datuk Wira SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman and CEO of Naza Group of Companies in the launch event. The first key to the new Sonic was presented to the country's only female Olympic medalist, Pandelela Rinong by Datuk Wira SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin at the launch too!

 Stylish design inside and out I would say the Sonic has. The Sonic sedan doesn't look awkward eventhough it is based on the hatch, and the protruding headlights are cool! The 'hidden' exterior rear door handles on the Sonic hatchback is a nice touch too. What's awesome in the cabin is the motorcycle-inspired instrument panel, which combines an analogue rev counter with a digital speedometer. It certainly made the cabin look more exciting! Comes standard with integrated radio, CD, MP3 with Bluetooth connectivity for both forms.

Safety wise, both forms of Sonic come standard with ABS, EBD, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and dual airbags. Nothing extraordinary, but an addition of stability control would be better.

 Pricing starts from RM77,508 for the sedan to RM79,508 for the hatch, both without insurance. In we compare based on spec alone, the Sonic sedan is only about RM1k more expensive than the similar spec Almera. Thus, pricing wise the Sonic is considered reasonably priced.

*Thanks for reading! Follow me @simon_har and subscribe SiMon HaR_!

COTY2U 2012 @ Matrade

COTY2U autoshow is back for 2012! Let's see what it had installed for the public.

Mercedes launched the SL350 in the COTY2U 2012 event! The SL350 is one of the best looking cars available in the event. Selling at RM890k!

With the help from Sultan of Johor, 5 generations of SL were successfully acquired and displayed in a row!

Green cars such as hybrids and electric vehicle (EV) were displayed near the entrance of the Matrade building.

Chevrolet Volt, an EV, returned to COTY2U autoshow for 2nd consecutive year.

Another EV, Nissan Leaf was displayed. If you are lucky, you'll get to see a Leaf on our road (not the green one) because few lucky ambassadors were chosen by Nissan Malaysia to own the Leaf for six weeks!

Every autoshow will surely have its pageant queens!

"Oh my, I'm sorry that your friend on the right has lost one of its foot in a crash!" It's my first encounter with crash test dummies!

Die-cast models of exotic cars and also Malaysia's Evo police car! Priced quite dearly, unfortunately...

COTY2U 2012 also featured some upcoming car models, for instance, the Chevrolet Sonic which is going to be launched anytime soon.

Chevrolet Orlando, a MPV.

Mitsubishi Mirage, launching at end of this month.

Finally the Kia Rio!

After all the great stuff, it's time for some bad ones. First of all, I noticed there were lesser choices of car models available for test drive compared to last year. Lastly, visitor had to park at the nearby mosque, court and Publika (but has free shutter bus to fetch visitors from these places to Matrade) because the huge parking space in Matrade's compound is closed for construction.

I parked at the court (because Publika charges parking fee and not familiar of where the entrance to the mosque is), but I don't know where to wait for the bus due to inadequate signage! Then I have no choice but to drive back into Matrade to look for a parking space (which took me half an hour to do so). I saw many parked on the road side just outside of Matrade compound though. Very inconvenient to the visitors...

*Thanks for reading! Follow me @simon_har and subscribe SiMon HaR_!

Chevrolet Sonic coming to Malaysia !

 After all the buzz created by Nissan with the launch of its Almera in Malaysia, Chevrolet is going to step its foot (again) in one of the most competitive segments of automobile in Malaysia, the B-segment, this time with the Sonic the hedgehog hatchback and sedan variants. The Sonic will be launched in Malaysia on November 29th.

As mentioned, there will be two forms of Sonic made available for Malaysia's market. While the hatchback will be facing the likes such as Ford Fiesta, Suzuki Swift and Honda Jazz, the sedan will face even tougher competitors like the recently launched Nissan Almera, the strong-going Toyota Vios and the appealing Honda City. Equipped with the same 1.4 litre Ecotec VVT engine for both body forms, the powerplant produces 100 hp and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm. However, only a 6-speed automatic transmission will be available across the range.

Styling wise, the aggressive front end, not to mention the exposed and cover-less headlights, will appeal to many. The 'hidden' exterior rear door handles on the Sonic hatchback is a nice touch too. The Sonic sedan does not look very awkward either eventhough it is based on the hatchback.

The most eye-catching part in the cabin must be the motorcycle-inspired instrument panel. Standard features are six-speaker single CD/MP3 audio system with USB feature, ABS, EBD,BA, dual airbags and ISOFix points.

The indicative price for the Sonic is around RM82,000 (probably without road tax and insurance). Hopefully the official price will be lower than the indicative price so that it can attract more buyers.

*Thanks for reading! Follow me @simon_har and subscribe SiMon HaR_!

Chevrolet Colorado launched @ KL PAC !

I'm still new when it comes to attending functions or formal events. When I receive the e-mail regarding the Chevrolet Colorado launch event, the thing that worried me is not "What am I supposed to do there?", but is "What am I supposed to wear for 'cocktail attire' dress code?"! Honestly, I have no idea......

After asking around, I decided to wear a tuxedo with silk, black pants long sleeve, black collared shirt from Sub and a jeans that... does look like jeans. Arriving at the venue, which is Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac), me and a friend of mine who was accompanying me for that evening saw a lot of people wearing coats, as well as some who doesn't quite live up to the dress code, then we were like "phew"...

A grand and classy night... With warm and comfortable ambience.

There were 3 customized variants of Colorado, which is made in Rayong, Thailand, displaying near the dining area:

But I like this variant the most. Probably because of the alloy rim design and... it's also black-in-colour, which went along well with my shirt!

Then we headed into a hall where the launching ceremony begins.

Henry Golding and Stephanie Chai were the emcees of the evening:

The Colorados came out from the back of the screen!

The cabin is very car-like, pickup trucks get better cabin design these days. Didn't have the chance to check out the materials quality, but I believe they are durable since it's a pickup truck! The picture below shows the range topper 2.8LT AT Colorado, which have one huge dial in the centre that act as electronic climate control. Cruise control, projector headlamps, chrome finishing on gear knob and fog lamps, and steering wheel's button are standard for the 2.8LT AT as well.

LED taillights, only available for 2.8LT AT, and rare for pickup trucks!

The Colorado is powered by two choices of Duramax diesel engine. A 2.5 litre engine produces 150hp and 350Nm of torque while the 2.8 litre with VGT offers 180bhp and 470Nm of torque. These power figures will make your life easier when hauling stuff. The engines are mated to a six speeder with Shiftronic.

There are some standard safety equipment across the range include dual airbags, ABS, EBD and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). The 2.8LT AT variant will get extras like ESP, TCS, Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist (HBFA) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). No wonder the Colorado is advertised to have unsurpassed braking! However, I hope Chevrolet will offer all these safety features available in the 2.8LT AT variant in 2.8LT MT variant in the future.

The price for Colorado 2.5LT MT is RM90,267, 2.8LT MT is RM96,008 and 2.8LTZ AT is RM106,008, all without insurance. To make a comparison, the newly launched 2.5 litre Mitsubishi Triton VGT with almost similar output of the 2.5LT Colorado is priced at RM106k, but the latter comes with more features. Looks like the Chevrolet Colorado is on the right track!

*Follow me @simon_har and subscribe SiMon HaR_ ya ;)

ADV: Chevrolet Colorado - Must-Have-Truck !

There's a new player in town, seducing, likes it rough and hard but plays it safe at the same time! It's none other than the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado! For the first time, this pickup truck set its foot on Malaysia and is ready to compete in one of the toughest category in automobile market!

Yes, the Colorado is a pickup truck, but pickup truck has evolved from being boxy to being sexy! The same applies to the Colorado as pickup trucks no longer has squarish styling that will turn people off, instead people are attracted with some curves offers such as the curvy headlights.

Two Duramax diesel mills should be available here. The 2.8 litre with VGT offers 180bhp and 470Nm of torque and the 2.5litre produces 150hp and 350Nm of torque. The power figures make the Colorado a beast I would say!

Family guy will appreciate the spaciousness of the Colorado's cabin as it has ample space for the passengers at the back to move around. Malaysia's version of Colorado might have some high tech gadgets such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) to 'tame' the beast, and auto climate control which is usually found in high-end cars, making sure the sexy Colorado doesn't bring your body temperature up!

Check out how the new player in town impresses the girls:

With such power, comfort and stylish design, the Chevrolet Colorado is not a pickup truck to be missed! Pricing for Colorado 2.5l LT (manual) is RM88.888, 2.8l LT (manual) is RM93,888, and 2.8l LTZ (auto) is RM103,888. Follow @Chevrolet_MY on Twitter for more updates!

*This is a promotional post for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado

*Follow me @simon_har and subscribe SiMon HaR_ ya ;)