There’s certainly something special for car buyers this coming festive season, what with Proton announcing that a new Persona variant is to grace the streets. It’s called the Persona SE (Special Edition), and the car was unveiled on Tuesday night at Cineleisure in Petaling Jaya, exactly a year after the Persona made its debut.

 

Here's that something special to all of you

The numerous enhancements should have the young and young at heart drooling, because the Special Edition now packs a more premium and sportier outlook, both interior and exterior-wise.

The interior is now dressed in black leather on all seats, extending to the steering wheel, gear knob, arm rest and door panels. The car also gets a newer meter panel, which was first seen in the facelifted GEN2. 

An extra-large GPS system is also included in the SE for the driver’s convenience, and is mounted on the windscreen. There’s also cruise control as standard issue on this one.

On the outside, the Persona SE is a head-turner, and the styling of the car has been refined with a matching body kit that not only offers better aerodynamics but lends the car a unique fashion statement as well.

Luxury in leather

The door handles are finished with silver matte paint, and the same hue can be found on the front grille of the car, which is flanked by new stylish head lamps with black bezels.

As with other Persona variants, the car is equipped with a 1.6l Campro IAFM engine, and you get ABS with EBD, as well as dual front airbags.

Two new colours are being offered on the SE, and they’re called Brilliant Red and Blue Haze.

Attention is what you get on this one

The premium treatment on the Persona SE, however, does not come at a premium price – for RM59,800 (on-the-road, with insurance) you get a car equipped with a high level of luxury and enhancements.

Proton is targeting sales of the Persona SE at 500 units monthly. To date, Persona bookings have totaled 52,112 units since its launch in August 2007, and the car recently won the Frost and Sullivan 2008 Best Model of the Year award.

To see more of what's new in the Persona SE, visit our Gallery.

Perodua today introduced its facelifted Myvi, and the freshened up hatchback features a decent number of revisions and refinements, all of which should help to keep the quarter-million volume seller a winner.

New face - it's a meatier front.

Exterior-wise, the car gets a minor style reworking - at the front, there's a new, beefier looking nose section courtesy of a new hood, with corresponding grille, logo and front bumper in tow.

At the rear, there's a new, wider bumper and the styling of the two reflectors on it have been revised. Also, the rear lamp assembly now features the use of LEDs. The car also features the use of new glass, which offer improved ultraviolet rejection, with up to 91% reduction.

Inside, while the cabin layout remains pretty much unchanged, the updated vehicle features a new interior colour as well as new seat fabric upholstery, and a new colour Optitron instrument cluster, which features three instrument meters as opposed to the two on the previous version.

Can you spell Optitron?

Oh, and there's a new entertaiment system to boot - this one is M3/WMA-capable, has a USB port and offers Bluetooth connectability.

What else? Well, on the Premium version, you get a shopping hook on the backrest of the front passenger seat, perfect for carrying takeaways, as well as a seat height adjuster.

The choice of 1.3l and 1.0l twin-cam DVVT powertrains and auto/manual drivetrains continue as before, but two new body colours have been added, these being Medallion Grey and Caribbean Blue, and join Glittering Silver, Klasik Gold, Ebony Black, Pearl White, Mistik Red and Ivory White in the entire 1.3L variant lineup (the 1.0SR model has all but the special metallic Pearl White as a colour choice).

And what the rear looks like.

Prices for the five variant lineup (on the road, with insurance and road tax, in Peninsular Malaysia) are:

1.0 SR (five-speed manual only) - RM38,924 (solid), RM39,447 (metallic)

1.3 SX (five-speed manual) - RM43,400 (solid), RM43,900 (metallic)

1.3 EZ (four-speed auto) - RM46,400 (solid), RM46,900 (metallic)

1.3 SXi (five-speed manual) - RM46,200 (solid), RM46,700 (metallic)

1.3 EZi (four-speed auto) - RM49,200 (solid), RM49,700 (metallic)

Here's some cheery news. The price of petrol and diesel at the pump will be reduced from Sat, Aug 23.

The price of RON97 petrol will be reduced by 15 sen to RM2.55 a litre from RM2.70, while RON92 will be 22 sen less at RM2.40, from RM2.62.

The premium Shell V-Power Racing will cost 10 sen less per litre, at RM3.05 from RM3.15.

The retail price of diesel will be eight sen less at RM2.50 a litre.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the new prices in a statement after Friday's Cabinet meeting.

He said the prices were determined by taking into account the actual price from Aug 1 to 21 and the 30 sen per litre subsidy borne by the government, while the subsidy for diesel, based on the new price, was 50 sen a litre.

"The cabinet decided to bring forward the enforcement date for adjustment of the new petrol price," he said.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia unveiled its tenth-generation Lancer Evolution yesterday, a relatively short 10 months after it made its Japanese debut.

Well, space was a premium at the launch, let's just say ...

Interestingly, the car is not tagged as the Evolution X here, instead only being called the Lancer Evolution. Supposedly, the X suffix has been dropped from overseas markets to present a different image for the vehicle. Oh well, whatever works ...

Some quick facts about the already familiar-shaped AWD vehicle. The 4B11 2.0l four-cylinder twin-cam, twin scroll turbocharged pot on this one features 291bhp (276bhp for the JDM unit at point of introduction), and 366Nm of torque. The grand news is that there is no speed limiter on this one, so expect this one to be a whole load of fun.

MMM is not offering the vehicle in its five-speed, close ratio manual option form, so the only drivetrain type is the Twin Clutch SST six-speed automated manual transmission, which puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each with its own clutch.

The system allows the driver to choose between Autoshift fully automatic shifting and Manual Shift, where the driver can change gears as with a manual transmission. A toggle switch located at the base of the shift selector allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Super Sport modes for the optimum shift scheduling.

So here's a better, cleaner and clearer take on things.

For electronic aids, there's S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced vehicle dynamics control system which integrates the management of the ACD (Active Centre Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control), ASC (Active Stability Control) and Sport ABS component systems.

While continuing on the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement used on previous models in the series, this one features a revamped suspension layout with wider tracks.

The factory-fit equipment list includes Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs, as seen on the Evo IX MR. It also includes Brembo two-piece ventilated disc brakes, lighter by 1.3kg per piece over standard Brembo discs, and 18-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels.

Other standard issue items include a 7-Airbag System (driver and front passenger SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags and driver knee airbag), ELR seatbelt with pretensioner and force limiter and HID headlamps with AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System).

And ditto for the interior as well.

To complete the premium offering, the new Evolution also comes with Recaro full bucket front seats, multi-mode information display, genuine leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with mounted audio controls and cruise control buttons and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate Premium Sound System. Other functional features include a keyless operating system and sunroof.

MMM is aiming to sell 50 units of the type till the end of the year; so far, there have been 30 bookings for the car.

The new Lancer Evolution is priced at RM315,436 (on the road, without insurance), and the car comes with a one-year or 20,000km warranty. Three colours are available, these being Red Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl and White Solid.

Local Citroën importer and distributor, Brooklands Motors,  unveiled the Citroën C6 luxury sedan and the Grand C4 Picasso MPV at its Brooklands Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The launch of both vehicles marks the return of Citroën vehicles into the Malaysian market after an absence of three years.

New French flair beckons ...

The C6 Exclusive, which is powered by a 3.0l V6 engine offering 215bhp at 6,000 rpm and 290Nm of torque at 3,752rpm, is certainly striking, with design lines that blends elements of coupé and saloon.

A long wheelbase and flowing, aerodynamic profile lends the RM398,000 vehicle massive presence; the windows hug the curve of the roof arch, which in turn blends smoothly into the rear pillars in a subtle nod to coupé styling, an effect that is taken one step further by the frameless doors.

The interior of the C6 creates an immediate impression of space and comfort. The pure lines of the dashboard, the choice of premium materials and comfortable, sculpted seats round up a thoroughly inviting cabin.

Exclusive. And you will be in this one.

In terms of equipment levels, the list includes ESP, ABS and EBA systems, Xenon headlamps, 18-inch alloys with 245/45 series rubbers, active suspension, a host of airbags (driver and front passenger, driver's knee protection, lateral thorax airbags and front/rear curtain airbags), an automatically-controlled three-position rear deflector that deploys dependent on vehicle speed, as well as a heads-up display.

As for the Grand C4 Picasso seven-seater MPV, this five-star Euro NCAP rated vehicle is powered by a 2.0l 16-valve VVT engine putting out 143bhp and 200Nm, with a four-speed auto tranny in tow.
 
Plenty of glass - and light - on this one, with large windows and panoramic windscreen and sunroof helping to make things bright and spacious. Lots of usable configurations behind as well, from the three individual second row seats and the two individual third row seats, all of which are retractable.

A moving proposition, and stylish at that.

Storage aplenty too, from the four large enclosed compartments in the dash to the tables/storage pockets on the rear of the second row seats. Other features and aids include an automatic parking brake, dual zone climate control with air vents for all three seating rows, ESP, cruise control with speed limiter and multiple airbags, all of which come as standard. Ten body colour choices abound.

The Grand C4 Picasso is priced at RM168,000, and is also the case with the C6 Exclusive, comes with a two-year or 100,000km warranty.

Citroën fans are invited to The Brooklands Centre KL's Open House on Aug 23-24, which is of course tomorrow and Sun, rfrom 10am-6pm to view and test drive the C6 Exclusive and Grand C4 Picasso. Both models are also available for viewing at Brooklands Motors’ Citroën showrooms in Juru, Penang and Plentong, Johor Bahru.

BMW Malaysia launched its X6 Sports Activity Coupé earlier today. For the moment, only a single variant form – the xDrive35i – is available, though other models in the range are to follow next year.

 

X marks the new spot.

 

The X6 xDrive35i is powered by the N54B30 3.0l six-cylinder twin turbo engine which made its debut in the 335i Coupé, and this one offers 306bhp and 400Nm, as well as a 0-100kmh time of 6.7secs and a top speed of 240kmh for numbers. The block drives a six-speed automatic transmission, with gearshifts via the electronic gear selector lever or via steering wheel paddle shifters.

 

The four-seater’s exterior sports a striking front end, with large air intakes, a stretched side-line and high waistline, and though the rear end initially takes some getting used to, the overall lines don’t run too far from the X scheme of things.

 

Likewise the interior, which will be familiar territory to anoraks of the marque, and one of the highlights of the cabin is the highly adjustable luggage compartment on what the company calls a four-door coupe; load carrying volumetric space starts at 570l and goes up to 1,450l with everything at the back folded down.

 

Familiar, for sure.

 

The Spartanburg-assembled vehicle comes equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive, Dynamic Stability Control, Active Steering and Dynamic Performance Control. The last is essentially a mechatronic system serving to distribute drive forces infinitely to the rear wheels regardless of engine output. To obtain this, the final drive is combined with two superimposed gearsets and two electronically controlled multiple-plate brakes serving to infinitely vary the otherwise symmetrical distribution of drive forces when driving in a straight line.

 

As such, variable distribution of drive power is ensured not just between the front and rear axle via xDrive, but also by means of Dynamic Performance Control between the two rear wheels; effectively, the system is able to actively distribute drive forces even in the overrun mode and with the clutch disengaged.

 

The DSC system in the X6, tagged DCS III, offers a host of TLA functions as part and parcel of its inventory; these include ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Trailer Stability Control (TSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) automatically maximising brake pressure when required in the interest of minimum stopping distances, Automatic Differential Brake (ADB), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and finally standard cruise control with its own brake application function.

 

But the rear will offer a fresh take on things ...

 

Passive safety equipment includes three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, and crash-activated headrests at the front. Other safety measures include bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime light function, fog lamps, two-stage brake lights, and runflat tyres.

 

Standard equipment include iDrive with personalised favourite buttons, a MP3-capable CD-player with an AUX-in socket, multi-channel hi-fi audio system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, back-up camera, navigation system, Head-up Display (HUD), Adaptive Headlights, Bluetooth, Comfort access, electric glass roof, automatic tailgate operation, and sports seats and sports steering wheel.

 

Finally, the price. The X6 xDrive35i is priced at RM698,800, on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair.

Lexus Malaysia has introduced an additional variant to its flagship model range here in the country - the LS 460 has rolled in to join the LS 460 L at the top of the marque's lineup.

Shorter, but cheaper. And that's the most important thing, isn't it?

The short wheel-base version sports the same 380bhp, 493Nm 1UR-FSE 4.6l V8 Dual VVT-iE block and eight-speed Super ECT tranny as found on the LS 460 L, and essentially most of the equipment levels as well.

What's omitted from the SWB LS 460 are the ventilated semi-aniline leather seats, the Ottoman seat and corresponding cushion seat airbag for it as well as the 9-inch VGA screen-equipped, CD/DVD player rear entertainment system. Oh, and the rear fixed central console is out as well, replaced by a storable rear armrest/console.

Cabin front will be familiar sight to those who know the car well ...

Which of course means the LS 460 seats five persons to the LWB's four. The 40:20:40 rear seat retains its power adjustment feature on the two outer seats.

Other than that, it's all par for the course where the list of premium specifications are concerned - from the 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference 7.1 surround system to items such as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) and four-zone climate control system, there's nary a difference compared to its longer sister.

Seats five now ...

Shorter and simpler (well, a little) also means cheaper. In this case, the LS 460, or USF40R-AEZGHW, to give it its model code designation, is priced at RM646,248 to the LS 460 L's RM777,248 (both on the road, without insurance, individual private registration). Whatever you can call it, 131 big ones isn't something you'd sneeze at.

Sime Darby Auto Connexion has launched a new Ford Ranger 4x4 variant called the XL.

The Ranger XL is powered by a 2.5l Turbo Diesel Intercooler (TDI) indirect injection SOHC block; the WLT powertrain offers 107bhp at 3,500rpm and 257Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, and this is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

A lite version with the same great taste, and way easier on the wallet

Besides the scaled-down powertrain and single drivetrain choice, as well as the omission of airbags on this one compared to the TDCi-equipped XLT, the XL isn't exactly lacking - it boasts the same car-like interior and comfort as the XLT by retaining almost all key features such as the MP3-capable single-disc CD player, electronically controlled side mirrors and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

Sans airbag, this one gets a sporty three-spoke wheel.

Standard equipment level items include a remote keyless entry system and immobiliser, 16-inch alloy wheels (with 245/70 R series rubbers) and fog lights, and during the limited introductory period, you'll get a free bedliner and sport bar thrown in at no extra cost.

Six colours are available - Solid White, Black Mica, Silver Metallic, Ranger Red, Arizona Gold and Titanium Gray.

Bedliner and sport bar's complimentary, for now.

 
 
The price is the most striking aspect of this one, for sure. At RM69,888 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM73,388 in East Malaysia (both on the road, without insurance and registration), the Ranger XL is certainly one that you can call cheerfully cheap, and how!

Honda Malaysia unveiled its new Jazz to the public today at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The launch was a full regalia affair, complete with models and fashion show presentation, and certainly played on the car’s “Defy Convention” tagline.

Let's Jazz it up ...

The second-generation Jazz, known as the Fit in Japan, boasts a newly developed 1.5l SOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, and figures for this one are a maximum power of 120bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 145Nm at 4,800rpm, supposedly the most powerful in its class. The vehicle is claimed to be frugal in terms of fuel consumption at around 24km/l based on the Jazz in Japan.

It’s a bigger vehicle than its predecessor – the width (1,695mm) and length (3,900mm) of the car, as well as wheelbase, has been increased, without compromising vehicle handling and performance, fuel efficiency, practicality and styling.

Outside, the shape of the five-door hatch isn’t radically changed from its predecessor; the lines are curvier and on the whole flows far more fluidly than before. Nonethless, working on the basis of the ‘if it isn’t broken’ adage, whatever changes there are are evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Inside though, there are plenty of refinements; the vehicle’s interior designers deserve credit for packing this one with all sorts of amenities and storage convenience for the occupants, 380l of it in all. Almost every nook and cranny of the cabin has storage pockets, and in what must be a record of sorts, 10 cup holders are available on this one to keep passengers fully hydrated.

Smoother, curvier creature.

Load carrying ability is big with this one, despite its size. With the three-mode folding Ultra Seat, the seating can be arranged to offer a number of flexible options - lower both rear seats and you can store up to 1,321l of volume capacity in the available space; recline the front passenger and a rear seat and you get 2.4m of usable length for long objects; and if it’s tall stuff you need to move about, fold up a rear cushion and the workable height becomes a decent 1.28m from floorboard to roof lining.

In terms of safety, you get dual SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus front seatbelt with pretensioners and load limiter. The Jazz features disc brakes throughout and there’s ABS, EBD and BA (Brake Assist) to boot.  Elsewhere, the suspension type is McPherson strut fronts and a H-shape torsion beam rear, and the car comes with a tilt/telescopic-adjustable steering.

Fully imported from Thailand, the Jazz is available in two variants – the Grade S and Grade V; the former is a standard version, whereas the V derivative comes equipped with Modulo accessories and extra features.

Sleeker and more refined interior too.

These are sportier-looking front and rear bumpers, side sill garnish, a different front grille, 16-inch alloys (the Grade S features 15-inch wheels), dual-mode paddle shifters and audio control buttons on a leather steering wheel, indicators on the retractable side view mirrors, cruise control and an exhaust finisher. And a full black interior as opposed to the Grade S’ blue black.

Additionally, a further Modulo accessories package is available for the Grade V; this is made up of a tailgate spoiler, fog lights, illuminated side step garnish, alloy pedals, interior foot light and trunk tray, and it’s yours for an additional RM3,000.

The Jazz is available in four colours – Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Cerulean Blue metallic. Aimed at both a male and female audience in the 25 to 39-year-old age group, Honda Malaysia is targeting to sell 200 units of the Jazz monthly in the first year.

The Jazz Grade S is priced at RM104,800, while the Grade V goes for RM109,800. If you plug for the Grade V with the additional Modulo accessories package strapped on, then it’s RM112,800 (all prices on-the-road, with insurance).

For more info on the all-new Jazz, head on to www.defyconvention.com.my.

For more pictures, visit Star-Motoring Gallery.

Volvo Car Malaysia today introduced its facelifted S40 2.4 sedan. The locally-assembled 2008 model year variant features a number of rather subtle revisions, both exterior and interior-wise.

No changes to the heart of the matter, which is the 2.4l five-pot that continues to deliver 170 horsies and 230Nm of torque, nor with the five-speed auto tranny.

The new lad.

Outside, the front has been updated to present a sportier and more prestigious face, borrowing elements from the new S80 and V70.

There's a new front nose, which is 3mm longer than the previous version's, as well as a new grille featuring a deeper mesh pattern and chrome surround. Also new, a colour coordinated front spoiler lip, lower centre air intakes and new design fog lamps.

Also new at the front are the headlamps, which have been redesigned both in look and size. Ditto the Volvo emblem, the so-called "iron mark", which is now 50% larger.

To reduce drag and positively influence fuel consumption, the front wheel wells have been equipped with air deflectors integrated into the undercarriage of the car.

And when they say facelift ...

At the back, there are new LED-equipped tail lights, reworked to be smaller than before, since the lower edge has been lifted approximately 30mm. The light functions have also been arranged differently and the reflectors have been moved down to the bumper.

The rear bumper is also new, and the redesigned two-piece unit is 6mm longer than the previous version. Elsewhere, further new items include sill mouldings, boot lid handles, colour coordinated roof antenna and key remote fob. The last also features improved battery life and increased operation range.

The car also comes with new alloy wheels, in this case of the 16-inch Cordelia variety. The rear inner wheel arch housing now features the use of textile liners, to help improve on NVH levels and reduce weight.

The interior features new door inner panels, instrument cluster, a tunnel console with a roll-top jalousie and a front armrest than offers deeper, wider and longer storage space, among others.

Interior refinements are more subtle, but they're there.

What else? Well, there's new grain leather upholstery, revised multu-directional air vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a revised 'Z-operation' handbrake lever, along with matt aluminium decor rings for the four controls working the Radio/Climate unit.

Three colours are available - sapphire red, electric silver and black sapphire.

Pretty neat on the whole, and you'd think you'd have to fork out a bit more for the revisions. Well, not quite, because the neatest news is that the refreshed S40 2.4 is even cheaper than before, being priced at RM169,500 (on-the-road, without insurance) compared to RM181,500 previously. Now, wouldn't you say that's neat?