2010 Peugeot 407 Coupe Gets Two New Diesel Engines, More Power, More Economy

PEUGEOT HAS GIVEN its stylish 407 Coupe a comprehensive mechanical upgrade for the 2010 model year, replacing the 2.7 litre HDi turbodiesel with a bigger, more efficient 3.0 litre unit and revising the 2.0 HDi diesel to boost power.

The new 3.0 V6 HDi PEF uses two turbochargers to produce its 177kW power rating, which is developed at a relatively low 3800rpm. More impressivley, peak torque of 450Nm is available from 1600rpm all the way to 3600rpm, endowing the big two-door with a substantial amount of grunt.

Not only is it more powerful than the smaller motor that it replaces, but it's more economical too. The 3.0 HDi PEF uses 7.2l/100km on the combined cycle and emits 189g/km of CO2 - not a bad figure for a 1600kg coupe. A six-speed tiptronic auto is standard equipment for the diesel V6.

 

 

The mid-range 2.0 litre HDi PEF inline-four has also been tweaked and now develops 20 percent more power than the outgoing 2.0 diesel. Peak power is now up to the 120kW mark, while torque has risen to a healthy 340Nm. Like the V6, the new 2.0 HDi goes easy on the juice too, sipping 5.4 litres of diesel per 100km and emitting 140 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The 155kW petrol V6 carries over unchanged, but the entire 407 Coupe range benefits from a number of aesthetic improvements. Extra chrome trimming has been added to the side glass, the 3.0 HDi gets twin oval tailpipes and the wing mirrors are now larger to improve rearward visibility.

Sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB audio input have also been added to the 407 Coupe's spec sheet.

It's not yet clear when the updated 407 Coupe will go on sale in Australia, however given the current unavailability of the 2.0 HDi in this market don't expect that model to be coming our way.

New Kia Fiat 500 TwinAir Version

Kia has announced new Fiat 500 TwinAir version. The 500 TwinAir lineup comes with bespoke styling elements and upgraded equipment features, claimed Kia. The new model is available in two equipment levels, TwinAir and TwinAir Plus. All versions are equipped with the 0.9-liter TwinAir turbocharged engine that produces 85 horsepower and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. The 500 TwinAir accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11 seconds and can reach a top speed of 173 km/h (108 mph). In Italy, the Fiat 500 TwinAir has a starting price of €12,900 ($19,200).

On the exterior, the TwinAir line offers new styling upgrades including door handles, license plate holder and grille with a satin chrome finish, black alloy wheels and a sports kit consisting of a black tailgate spoiler and chromed exhaust tip. As an option for the hatchback, a piano black roof is also available. Inside, the 500 TwinAir sports an all-black atmosphere highlighted by the satin chrome finish of the dashboard fascia. The sport seats are covered in a mix of perforated leather and fabric. Both TwinAir and TwinAir Plus offer other standard equipment such as audio system, infotainment system, and safety features.

Here are the Latest Car News about Honda Jazz vs Toyota Yaris

Here are the Latest Car News about Honda Jazz vs Toyota Yaris. Market competition sedan hatchback aka no tails in Indonesia is more strict. Auto News today said that Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris still dominate the market segment of this young man. Joint Indonesian Automotive Industries (Gaikindo) noted, throughout January, sales of Indonesia gain hatchback in 4979 units, or 6.75 percent of total car sales in January, 73 761 units. Honda All New Jazz posted sales of 2467 units of 49.86 per cent managed to dominate the market. Far past the toughest opponent, the Toyota Yaris.

Meanwhile, the Yaris can only be booked sales of 1474 units, or 29.6 percent over the market. Director of Marketing and after-sales Indonesia Jonfis Fandy said Honda, Honda Jazz market share has jumped from late last year that only 42 percent. “Honda Jazz Monthly Sales increased 13.3 percent compared to December last year,” he said, Friday, February 18, 2011.

Jonfis said sales of Honda Jazz to be the biggest among other Honda products. Total sales of Honda in January was 4928 units with a market share of 6.7 percent. Suzuki Swift recorded the third position in the hatchback class. Swift posted sales of 360 units, then followed by the Nissan Livina X-Gear (238 units), Mazda 2 (189 units), Hyundai Avega (130 units), Livina XR (57 units), Hyundai i20 (15 units), and Proton Gen2 (10 units).

Mitsubishi says profits fell 42% in latest quarter

DETROIT (Reuters) -- Mitsubishi Motors Corp. today reported a 42-percent drop in profit for the quarter ended March 31, pressured by the strong Japanese yen and production halts after the Japanese earthquake.

The Japanese vehicle maker did not give a forecast for this year's production or sales, citing uncertainties surrounding its recovery after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Mitsubishi has resumed some production in Japan and expects production at about 80 percent of normal volume until October when it expects a full production schedules to resume in Japan, IHS Automotive Insight said in a research note.

The company posted net profit of 17.8 billion Japanese yen ($216.4 million) for the quarter. It also said its operating profit fell 19 percent in the quarter to 27.3 billion yen ($331.8 million).

For the fiscal year that also ended on March 31, Mitsubishi sold 1.1 million vehicles, an increase of 15 percent from the previous year.

Mitsubishi promised a forecast of the new fiscal year's financial and production outlook, but did not say when such a forecast would come. It cited "extreme difficulty in producing rational forecasts at the current time due to uncertainties" about production after the earthquake.

For the last fiscal year that ended March 31, Mitsubishi posted net income of 15.6 billion yen ($189.3 million), compared with net income of 4.7 billion yen ($57.2 million) during the previous fiscal year. The gains resulted from higher sales for new models and sales growth in emerging markets, particularly in China, the company said in a statement. Net sales rose 26 percent to 1.8285 trillion yen ($22.24 billion).

About 57 percent of Mitsubishi's vehicle sales were in Asia, including 164,000 units sold in its home Japanese market. Asian sales overall rose 18 percent but its sales in Japan fell 7 percent.

The company did not break out sales in China or Brazil, which are included in its overall Asian sales.

Sales for the 41-year-old automaker's second-biggest market in Europe rose 29 percent, driven by a strong showing of the ASX compact crossover that launched in June 2010, and higher sales in Russia, where local production of the Outlander was established, the company said.

Europe accounted for about 20 percent of Mitsubishi's sales in the fiscal year.

In North America, sales rose 7 percent to 94,000 vehicles, helped by the launch in October of the Outlander Sport SUV.

In February, Mitsubishi announced that it will shift production of the Outlander Sport SUV from Japan to its plant in Normal, Illinois.

Mitsubishi plans to launch eight new electric-powered vehicles by 2015, including a plug-in hybrid in 2013.

It launched a European version of the electric-powered i-MiEV car in 15 countries earlier this year and plans to introduce the model to the U.S. market by the end of the year.

LEXUS CT200h

THERE IS MUCH ABOUT THE LEXUS CT200h THAT DOESN’T MAKE IMMEDIATE SENSE. For example, why would Toyota choose to introduce this new car to the media in Paris, when the majority of its luxury brand’s sales occur in the United States? And why would all of the CT’s exterior dimensions measure within a cabernet franc grape of the Audi A3—a car that is, by conventional measures, a sales fl op in big-car-obsessed America?

We Americans sometimes forget that the world doesn’t revolve around our country—and you can bet your freedom fries that the CT wasn’t designed for the U.S. market. Some other clues to support this conclusion: an unapologetically wagonlike shape; a simple, driver-focused interior; a very still suspension; and stellar fuel economy. In fact, the CT’s spec sheet is only a diesel engine and a clutch pedal short of passing for a European hatch.

In an automotive landscape often localized to American tastes (Bonjour, le nouveau Volkswagen Jetta), it’s refreshing to be able to choose unabashedly European-focused cars on our home soil. Audi might not hawk as many A3s as it does A4s, but we would bet that their buyers—who can happily squeeze their cars into teeny parking slots in Europeanesque American cities like San Francisco and Boston—love them just as much.

Ford Starts Focus Estate Production

MANUFACTURER Ford is preparing the latest version of the Ford Focus. American car manufacturers are calling it with the new Ford Focus Estate.

 

Now the five-door hatchback has entered the production room in Europe which will be released to the market at the end of May. The presence of this latest version will add to the list of cars lined the Ford Focus.

 

"Customers and the media welcomed the Focus hatchback as something extraordinary and we expect the same enthusiasm on the latest variant of the Ford Estate." Marketing, Sales and Service said Ford of Europe, Roelant de Waard, quoted Okezone from autoevolution, Thursday (05/05/2011).

 

"dealers across Europe to see the high consumer demand as we introduce new variants, carrying 20 thousand subscribers have been booked as of early April and this number is increasing rapidly." added.

 

According to him, the new Ford Focus a step better than its class competitors both in terms of technology, design and quality of middle-class car market. And the estate will give more quality to the customer.

 

Ford Estate has a more elegant appearance. Just look at the dibalur chrome roof rails. Wrap chrome also decorate the glass side windows and grille depan.Selain it more bongsor Estate posture due to long to grow into 4.556mm 198mm

Lotus Hybrid Proton Gen.2

Lotus is looking to break into the hybrid marketplace with a prototype to be unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show. The new model is named ‘EVE’, or Efficient, Viable and Environmental.

Lotus is hoping to integrate their hybrid technology into existing cars, rather than develop a dedicated hybrid platform. It will be less expensive to do so, but it may not be the best long term solution. The best counter example would be to consider the most successful hybrid on the road, i.e. the Prius, is a dedicated hybrid. Also Lexus is looking to build a hybrid only.

The Lotus hybrid engine has been fitted into a Proton Gen.2 for the show. The engine shows remarkable improvements, going from 39.2 mpg to 50.2 mpg and reducing tailpipe emissions by 22% (172 g/km to 134 g/km).

UK Proton Cars

Wіth apologies tο Buick whісh ran аn ad campaign asking a alike inquiry decades ago, Proton Motors desire tο know іf уου desire tο propel one οf thеіr cars?

Well, іf уου’re lіkе mοѕt human beings іn thе US аnd Canada, уου’ve never heard οf Proton, hοwеνеr іf уου live іn southeast Asia, thе United Kingdom, οr Australia, thеn уου аrе familiar wіth thіѕ automaker frοm Malaysia. Though wе aren’t lіkеlу tο see Proton cars sold іn North America іn thе near prospect, thе Proton designation іѕ lіkеlу tο gеt noised abroad іf thе corporation еνеr settles οn a suitor.

Yου see, both Volkswagen аnd Common Motors hаνе hаd talks wіth thе owners οf Proton over thе past hardly аnу years, talks whісh hаνе involved developing a business relationship οr аn acquisition οf thе Malaysian automaker. Each age thе talks hаνе broken down, hοwеνеr thаt mау soon alter: GM іѕ interested іn Proton аnd іѕ considering reopening discussions іn thе very near prospect.

Whаt Proton Hаѕ Tο Offer

Whoever ends up buying Proton wіll bе getting a abundance more thаn a automobile corporation. Thеу’ll receive:

Access tο thе southeast Asian market. Thе economies οf China аnd India аrе booming, hοwеνеr thе countries οf southeast Asia аrе considered tο bе ripe consumer markets аlѕο. Malaysia, Thailand, аnd Vietnam аrе poised fοr growth, јυѕt thе types οf markets аnу automaker desire tο enter. Wіth Proton already present іn each nation, thе suitor wουld gain instant access аnd сουld expand thеіr presence accordingly.

Available manufacturing base. Wіth automotive plants іn play, Proton’s suitor wіll bе аblе tο ramp up production аnd expand market share. Fresh models саn bе built οn Malaysian assembly lines, cars thаt one day сουld bе destined fοr thе profitable US market.

Whаt A Suitor Cаn Give Tο Proton

Thе corporation buying Proton саn offer distinct things including:

Strength – Proton hаѕ bееn selling cars fοr јυѕt thе past 25 years, hοwеνеr thеу remain a tіnу player іn thе global automotive market. Stiff competition method thаt Proton needs ѕοmе sort οf business relationship going forward οr risk being surpassed bу automotive giants wіth deeper pockets.

Visibility – Outside οf thе markets mentioned, Proton іѕ a virtual unknown player. Collaborating οr merging wіth another corporation wіll ensure thаt Proton wіll bе encircling fοr another 25 years.

Technology – Whаt Proton currently builds wουld nοt bе аblе tο bе sold іn ѕοmе European markets οr іn thе US. None οf thеіr contemporary models саn meet stringent emission аnd safety requirements; mοѕt οf thеіr vehicles аrе outdated аnd іn demand οf a technological boost.

Sοmе οf whаt I hаνе shared here іѕ purely speculation, hοwеνеr іt dοеѕ propel house one mаrk: thе global automotive industry іѕ consolidating аnd οnlу thе strong wіll survive. Going іt alone wіll probably prove tο bе аlѕο costly fοr Proton, necessitating thаt a business partner bе found аѕ soon аѕ imaginable.

Proton and Petronas offer specially-formulated ATF for Proton cars

Owners of Proton vehicles sporting automatic transmissions can now have optimum performance for their torque-converter equipped gearbox with the specially-formulated ATF-XP3 Automatic Transmission Fluid that was jointly developed by Proton and Petronas for use in Proton vehicles.

Formulated from refined high viscosity index unconventional base oils and special additives, the ATF-XP3 offers high and low temperature protection under all driving conditions while contributing towards extending the the lifespan of the transmission.

Having been developed specifically, the ATF-XP3 matches Proton's PES-1133 standard and is recommended for use in automatic transmissions that Dexron fluid is unsuitable for. Furthermore, it can be used on transmissions that require ATF-9 fluid.

“This exercise is part of our efforts to continuously improve customer satisfaction, and, we also see this collaboration as means to elevate Malaysian brands. In the future, customers can also look forward to more products to come from this collaboration, including a jointly-developed engine oil,” said Mohamad Shukor Ibrahim, Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer, in reference to the collaboration agreement penned between the two giants in 2010.

The ATF-XP3 is suitable to be used in the following Proton models that are fitted with automatic transmissions, Saga (1985-2007); New Saga (BLM); Iswara; Wira and Satria (1993-2008); Waja (2000, Campro and CPS); Gen2 (Campro and CPS); Satria Neo (Campro and CPS); Persona and Persona Elegance; and Exora (CPS). It is however not recommended for the Perdana, Waja 1.8 and Savvy as well as the Inspira due to different transmission technology requirements.

Proton Will Be Ready For Fully-Liberalised Car Industry, Proton MD Says

 

 

Proton is confident of fighting for sales with foreign automakers on a level playing field when full liberalisation of Malaysia’s car industry takes place by 2016, according to Proton Managing Director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

“We have been preparing for this (liberalised local car industry) for a long time”, Syed Zainal Abidin said at the launch of Proton’s quality campaign. “We have a five-year journey, and, whatever we do, we must make sure the cars become cheaper and the product design and quality get better”.

One of the many measures undertaken by Proton to prepare for the challenges ahead is a restructuring exercise, which would streamline and improve Proton’s operations upon completion by the end of this year.

“Through this restructuring exercise, we want the company to be more flexible and focus on whatever they do”, Syed Zainal Abidin added. “We want to be better in the way we design, manufacture, sell and distribute our cars”.

It is not only internal changes that Proton is ready to embark on, however: Proton has expressed willingness to undertake third-party assembly deals and strategic partnerships; and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Proton and Nissan last month to conduct a feasibility study on the possible areas of collaboration is yet another sign that our national car company is looking forward.

Proton launches two centralised logistics hubs

Proton, through its subsidiary Proton Edar and logistics provider Konsortium Logistik Berhad, has officially launched two centralised logistics hubs, one in Sijangkang and the other in Tanjung Malim. The company says that the hubs, in offering a fast delivery system and centralised supply chain, will allow it a more competitive edge in the global marketplace.

The Centre for Logistics, Allocation, Storage and Services (CLASS) hubs were launched by Proton advisor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at an official opening ceremony in Sijangkang, Kuala Langat, yesterday.

With both hubs in operation, cars from the Proton Shah Alam manufacturing plant are now sent to the Sijangkang hub for staging, storage, pre-delivery inspection and pre-shipment inspection before being sent via trucks to sales outlets, to be subsequently delivered to customers.

Cars from the Tanjung Malim manufacturing plant go through the same processes at its CLASS hub, located within the plant. Other services provided at the hubs are logistics planning, vehicle storage, stock storage maintenance, washing and fuelling.

Operational wise, Proton Edar, from April last year, has outsourced the task of managing its deliveries to KLB in an effort to improve its supply chain. The event yesterday also saw the signing of a service level agreement which officially sets the service level of Konsortium in terms of storage maintenance, pre-delivery inspection and delivery preparation.

Both CLASS hubs have been operational for a while now, catering to local demands. In the second phase, both hubs officially began preparing cars for shipment to the export market on April 4 by means of a rigorous pre-delivery inspection.

The 50-acre Sijangkang hub, which started operations on April 1 last year, can accommodate 7,000 cars at a particular time while the 45-acre Tanjung Malim hub, which began operations in June 2010, can accommodate 6,000 cars at a go. In April this year, the hubs successfully delivered a total of 14,573 units of vehicles to its distributors and dealers.

Proton Group managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin said Proton would be able to maximise its logistics efficiency by reducing costs and delivery time, thereby helping increase customer satisfaction domestically and globally.

“Previously, pre-delivery inspection was handled by local and international dealers at the respective service outlets prior to handing the cars to customers. That is no longer the case, as the process is now done at the hubs,” he said.

“The hubs will help us standardise the pre-delivery inspection of all vehicles, and this is significant in ensuring fast delivery of cars for domestic market. The CLASS process enables us to reduce a host of problems, including multiple handling by 40%, unnecessary waiting time to a maximum of three days, secondary defects and excess inventory at staging points,” he added.

Volkswagen Invites Challengers to Beat the New Polo GTI

Volkswagen unveiled a compact, powerful car that delivers both speed and style: the new Polo GTI. With it, Volkswagen is setting eyes on drivers who prefer life a little faster.

Tribal DDB Singapore has launched a digitally-led campaign that demonstrates speed in a trendy and unconventional way. Speed is presented in the form of a challenge – Beat the new Polo GTI by matching the fast beats of Singapore’s top beat boxer, Dharni.

Beat boxing is an art form of vocal percussion where one imitates sounds, beats, instruments and rhythms using only vocals. Participants will need keen eyes and ears, as well as fast fingers, to match the correct letters to Dharni’s beat box soundtrack. The highest scorer wins a weekend drive with the new Polo GTI.

“The Polo GTI offers a fast and fun drive – perfect for those who prefer a little more excitement on the road,” said Jamie Lee, GM, Marketing Communications, Volkswagen Group Singapore. To demonstrate that spirit, we moved away from traditional media and ventured into new media, to provide a platform for a more dynamic expression of this new car.”

“Not only did we give speed a new beat, we created a following through an influencer,” added Jeff Cheong, Head and Executive Creative Director of Tribal DDB Singapore. “The story and the highly addictive game forms part of the social-creative strategy. It’s a bold move for Volkswagen Singapore to lead a car launch with digital and we are very encouraged by the results so far.”

From now till May 8, the public can take up the challenge at www.PoloGTI.sg, with unlimited number of plays per day. For those who are unfamiliar with the car, the website includes a digestible introduction with snippets for key features. The new Polo GTI is available for viewing and test drives at Volkswagen Centre Singapore.

The campaign kicked off on April 22, with a teaser video showing Dharni beatboxing in a Polo GTI. He created a piece that fused familiar car sound effects with very fast beats. The video quickly went viral, getting over 10,000 hits in the first days.

In the official video, Dharni takes on the spirited personality of the new Polo GTI, to create an exhilarating beatbox track that fuses rhythmic elements of man and machine. The excitement is also being shared through radio.

Getting to know Volkswagen GTI

A few weeks ago I got an invitation from Volkswagen Australia to check out their comprehensive range of new vehicles, but one in particular has struck me the most. The new Volkswagen GTI sets itself apart from the pack with a truly upscale cabin and a high level of features that make it almost seem like a luxury car.

Volkswagen GTI 2011

You may think that Volkswagen’s GTI is nothing new and you will be somewhat correct: by adding a more powerful engine and brakes, Volkswagen’s GTI has been dominating the entry-level hatchback market for over 25 years now. The latest version includes heated sport front seats, snazzy tartan upholstery, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system with a touchscreen head unit and iPod interface as a standard equipment.

 

The Interior

Talking on your phone can be a dangerous distraction, that’s where GTI’s hands-free technology makes driving safer via the Bluetooth connectivity: it helps you make, answer and end calls from behind the wheel. After initial pairing with my Xperia X10, my phone automatically connected as soon as I started the engine. Multiple mobile devices? No worries, you can sync up to 4 phones – that’s one per passenger.

Anytime you can buy a car that features ‘Autobahn Package’, you know you’re heading in the right direction!

Last but not least, the optional rear camera hidden behind the VW badge on the rear hatch is a perfect parking assistant as it displays on the panel how much room you have behind you… unless, of course, you prefer the car to park itself using the self-parking technology.

2013 VW Polo R for WRC

AutoZone99 / Auto News -Volkswagen want to join to the WRC with its 2013 VW Polo R. VW Polo designed for WRC are 4 Wheel Drive VW Polo, Powered by 1.6 L turbocharged engine that expected to produce 300 Hp. Volkswagen Motorsport has high hopes for its WRC Polo, and hopefully the team can draw on the success that VW experienced with rallying in the 1980s. In 1986, a Volkswagen GTI was the winning car in the newly formed Group A.

Dr Ulrich Heckenberg, Member of the Management Board of the VW Development Division said that “The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles,”. He also said that  “Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for VW. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.”

 

Test Drive:2010 Volkswagen GTI

Palo Alto, Calif. -- A Volkswagen representative met me at the airport and rather than being driven to the hotel, I was dropped into the driver’s seat of the new GTI and handed directions to the hotel – the long way.

What a great way to be introduced to Volkswagen’s latest iteration of the hot hatchback.  Pulling south onto the infamous Highway 101 is always a challenge with five lanes of traffic moving up to about 75 mph  -- it’s organized chaos.  I was ready for the challenge and the new GTI didn’t disappoint, accelerating quickly up to the speed of traffic. Volkswagen says this new version dashes to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with the top speed limited to 130 mph.

My route to the hotel meandered through the Santa Cruz Mountains on roads less traveled,  wrapping through the hills and valleys.  It was a perfect display of the fantastic GTI handling.  Pushing hard at times, the GTI doesn’t scream at corners; it carves them with skier-like precision.  Even though the GTI is a puller (front-wheel drive), there was only a hint of torque steer.

Volkswagen’s award winning 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is under the hood, with a choice of standard six-speed manual transmission or the quick shifting DSG twin clutch six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and paddle shifters.  With the efficient DSG transmission, the GTI gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg.  The manual transmission is rated at 21/32 mpg.

I like the look and the new GTI.  It is about a simple and clean as they come.  Available in a two- and four-door hatchback the new GTI, which is labeled Mk VI for the sixth generation, takes styling cues from the Mk I and later models with the simple lines, small rear spoiler and aggressive front stance.  Because of the special nature of this model, the GTI has an extensive list of standard features like cruise, air conditioning, power windows and locks, 17-inch alloy wheels along with all the performance enhancements.

Pricing starts at $23,990, including the destination charge, for the two-door with a manual transmission.  The four-door is $600 more and the DSG transmission adds $1,100. Significant option packages include the Autobahn package (leather seating, power sunroof and sport seats) -- $2,795; 18-inch alloy wheels with summer tires -- $890; Bi-Xenon headlights -- $700; navigation -- $1,750 and Dynaudio premium audio -- $476.  A fully loaded the GTI four-door DSG price peaks at about $32,000.

2011 Perodua Alza Exclusive Edition unveiled

Largest car manufacturers in Malaysia has announced a new version of its minivan Alza. Called Edition Alza Perodua exclusive, it will see a limited production and was to come this summer.

The car is built to do the visit of former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammad in Malaysia, his first for ten years with production Perodua remember. The company has built two such models before the Perodua Viva Perodua myvi Elite Edition Exclusive and Limited Edition, but unlike them, Alza will be limited to only 500 units.

Price levels and equipment were not published and are expected shortly before the start of the car. However, buyers can expect some visual differentiation, more colors and updated in a slight increase in the price. Should come with the same metallic color exclusive Purple chic, solid addition to the existing color Ivory White.

Perodua is currently Alza in 6 versions: Standard (SX EZ,), Premium (SXi, DCI) and Advanced (BPH, ZHP) with the possibility of a manual transmission 4-speed automatic 5-speed. They all use a version of core 1.5-liter engine in the Avanza Toyota and Daihatsu, which only produces 104 hp at 6,000 rpm / min and 136Nm (100 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm.

The car was from a Spanish verb, Alzar, meaning the name of "doing." This was decided after an internal competition among employees Perodua during the development phase.

The manufacturer has promised to donate MYR1, 000 ($ 326) for each unit of Alza sold Exclusive Edition raising MYR500, 000 ($ 163,000) for the Perdana Leadership Foundation. Perodua also encourages buyers and businesses to donate by buying the special edition Alza at a premium to the closing.

Perodua Alza M2 Edition: Limited edition with new colour

Perodua has released the Alza M2 Edition, which will be limited to 500 units. It will be open for booking at all Perodua sales outlets beginning 1st April with an on the road price of RM69,990, the same price as the Alza Advanced Version, which it’s based on.

First unveiled by former Tun Mahathir Mohamad in January when he visited Perodua’s Rawang facility, the M2 Edition is named after the code name “M2” given to the second national car project, which was later renamed Perodua. For every unit of the M2 sold, Perodua will be donating RM1,000 to the ex-PM’s Perdana Leadership Foundation.

Unique features include an “M2” grade mark and a special “Midnight Blue” colour. Other features include custom leather seat covers and custom carpet mats. Besides those already mentioned, the M2 Edition will have all the equipment that’s standard on the Advanced Version, including the 5-inch touchscreen LCD entertainment system with GPS and bodykit.

The official product photos aren’t out yet, but you can see the new colour from the image above.

The Alza Perodua M2 explored Edition

I think many were surprised by the success Perodua MPV made by Alza was introduced to the market. This versatile vehicle is considered very attractive in the population in this country as it is sold at an attractive price, in addition to being elegant, powerful, comfortable and compact. Recognize the potential of Alza Perodua has recently published a special edition of the vehicle, namely the M2 Alza introduced Edition. Would it not know too much for a fact that has been done to the original name before the M2 Proton Perodua name was brought into play.

For the year Alza M2, only 500 units built and sold, and more, and if you are interested in obtaining one of these elegant vehicles, If you go to the book in every store in your area from Perodua From 1 April 2011. The price was RM69, 990 set (ORT with insurance), and if you are aware of current prices for vehicles in Malaysia Alza, that you realize that this is exactly the same price as the enhanced version is Alza If you costs.

An interesting note is that with all M2 Alza sold RM1, should be 000 to our former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Perdana Leadership Foundation will be given. Alza The new M2 comes with some interesting improvements, so that you can choose a new color is blue, the night if you opt for this vehicle. Could you also rate the "M2" marks on the bodywork of the vehicle, while other interesting additions, including custom carpet carpet and seats and leather. Other features are what you usually find in the extended version Alza, exciting package, 5-inch LCD Touch Screen Entertainment includes GPS navigation capabilities that appears.

This is definitely worth every ringgit of RM69, 990 price tag!

All about Perodua Alza

Car One Moment, MPV the Next!!

PERODUA'S decision to build a Multi Purpose Vehicle for the Malaysian market is based on their market survey, which showed that the number of those wanting a people carrier is bigger than actual sales numbers. In marketing parlance, Perodua spotted a gap in the market and they are going for it.

Interestingly, their market survey showed that most buyers are not looking for a full-size people carrier, they want a car that has the added versatility of a third row of seats. In fact they said that they are likely to use the third row of seats only 10 per cent of the time.

Based on this market survey, the Perodua Alza is the perfect vehicle for manoeuvring into the gap in the market.

Keeping in mind that the Alza is aimed at young urban motorists or young families with two children or less, it is perfectly sized and proportioned for the task.

The petite dimensions means that the Alza isn' t as heavy as other MPVs and this will probably save a few bucks at the petrol station, an important consideration when oil is hovering dangerously high at nearly USD80 (RM271) per barrel when the global economy is allegedly going through the worst slump since the Great Depression.

Perodua gave the media a chance to take the car around Putrajaya and from that short drive we made a few initial observations Firstly we are happy to note that the Alza is a roomy vehicle for five people, in fact as a straight laced five-seater, the Alza rates above average in terms of roominess and this is due to the generous width of the donor Myvi platform and the lengthened wheelbase.

A six footer can sit behind another lanky person with only a negligible amount of complaining. The thing is, if you are planning to drive with five basketballers on board, the people sitting in the third row better be exceptionally low-slung or no more than six years old.

Secondly, we noted that the build quality is still up to Perodua’s high standards, which means that only the very picky will find bone with the car. When it comes to material quality, the plastics are comparable to Daihatsu and Toyota specifications, which mean that they were selected to achieve good balance between appearance, feel, durability and cost.

Thirdly, we found the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine to be an energetic and willing powerplant, the variable valve timing kicking in at the appropriate moment to give the Alza acceptable top-end lung without compromising

low-end grunt.

On the twisty roads the Alza felt light and easy to drive. The steering is fairly accurate and turns into corners with sufficient enthusiasm to keep the driver engaged.

The suspension is obviously tuned for comfort and this does compromise the car’s handling when negotiating a series of turns at speed but that is really an unfair criticism for a 5+2 seater.

Despite the fact that the Alza is a family vehicle and people carrier first, it may benefit from slightly firmer damping in the rear.

While this gentle damping rate may well induce a sense of luxury in the ride quality, passengers in the third row may find the wallow slightly disconcerting.

The Perodua Alza is a car that is difficult to peg; it is not an MPV in the traditional sense and it is not a station wagon either. It is a compromise between the two and the result is a vehicle that offers the versatility of an MPV within the dimensions of a small station wagon.

In that sense the Perodua Alza is car one moment, MPV the next.