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_!

2013 Land Rover Ranger Rover - Lighter & Evoque-d

Land Rover has officially pulled the wraps off its all-new 2013 Ranger Rover. While Range Rover's ruggedness and signature design features (ie. the 'wrap-around' window) has been retained, the headlights and taillights no doubt has been influenced by the successful Evoque, which is a stunning looking SUV. However, the final result doesn't turn out as good as the Evoque. Some couldn't help but to notice there are some Ford Flex in the exterior design. Maybe it's because Range Rover doesn't want to change its winning formula too much, something like how Toyota did with its Camry perhaps.

One of the highlights is the lightweight, all-aluminium monocoque structure (world's first in SUV) which makes the 2013 Range Rover 420kg lighter than its predecessor. I bet Jaguar contributed a lot in the development of this aluminium structure! Theoretically, lighter body means lesser fuel consumption. The aluminium body is also stiffer compared to its predecessor, and this translates better handling and crash safety.

The cabin of the 2013 Range Rover reminiscent of the Evoque's, and I believe the gear lever area is inspired by Jaguar's. An increase of 100mm in terms of wheelbase ensures the spaciousness of the cabin. Since it's a Range Rover, offroad ability will be second to none. Land Rover introduces its next generation Terrain Response System which automatically monitors road conditions (sand, snow etc.) and select the most appropriate mode based on the road.

With Evoque's waiting list extended well into next year, I believe Malaysia won't be getting this Range Rover anytime soon.

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

Land Rover Evoque Convertible Concept!

Long before the launch of Nissan Murano Convertible and while my imagination runs wilder at a younger age, I've actually thought of the concept of crossing a SUV with a convertible! Had those silly imaginations where I can wade through flood or climb mountains with top down, it would be so cool if I ever had the chance to do so!

Now, Land Rover had unveiled what it called the 'world's first premium convertible SUV', the Land Rover Evoque Convertible. With a low-slung (for a SUV) and sporty exterior, the design of the Evoque Convertible is well executed and handsome I would say. Although the Evoque COncertible is still in 'concept' form, we can see it's ready for launch at anytime!

Since the Evoque Convertible has its roof 'chopped' off, Roll Over Protection System is essential in order to protect the occupants in an event of rollover. We can expect the Evoque Convertible comes with the same features and powertrains offered in the Evoque SUV when it hits the production line.

No doubt that the Evoque in SUV form is a capable offroader, it's still a Land Rover anyway. It's certainly a better offroader compared to Nissan Murano Convertible, which focuses more on on-road comfort. Thus, the Evoque Convertible might be the first convertible SUV that can make my imaginations come true!

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

EVOque!!!

Land Rover had released a picture of their newest car, the Range Rover Evoque! (sounded like Mitsubishi Evo!) This Evoque is a 3-door SUV with a very sporty design! It will be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Land Rover too!

Range Rover Evoque stays true to its concept's design, the LRX:

Not much different than Evoque, isn't it?