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2009 Kia Forte Launched in Malaysia as Naza Kia Forte
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The new Naza-Kia Forte launched in Malaysia and offers with 1.6EX, 1.6SX and 2.0SX versions.

This new generation of Korean cars which will present a more serious challenge in what is arguably the most competitive market segment. Since the C-segment has been dominated by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in Malaysia for many decades.

However, this Forte does impressed me with its feature even I am not a fans of Korean Car.

This Forte styling was conceived by Peter Schreyer, the former Audi designer who joined Kia as its design chief. In developing the Forte, Schreyer had this to say: “Design gives a soul to the product, hence the future of Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose.

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Two all-aluminium 4-cylinder petrol engine options are available for the Forte which are 1.6 and 2.0 engine. Both have DOHC 16-valve cylinder heads with CVVT mated with 4-speed Automatic Transmission with Shiftronic.

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I did not managed to view the 2.0 model. However, I did took some snap photos on 1.6 SX and EX model.

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The car features like most of the high-end model with MP3/iPod connectivity (for SX version), audio control on steering wheel, and push start button with keyless, electro-chromic mirror, aluminium foot pedals, auto-headlamp and auto-climate control. Of course for the safety wise, not to mentioned about ABS, Airbag, Reverse Sensor that come as standard. 

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Moreover, the SX versions include with the Electronic Stability Control which is systems to boost braking performance and 17" alloy wheels. For the 2.0 SX model, it gets 6 airbags too.

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Pricing (Incl. insurance and roadtax in Peninsular Malaysia)

  • Forte 1.6EX – RM75,800
  • Forte 1.6SX – RM81,800
  • Forte 2.0SX – RM93,800

Photo Snaps on 1.6 SX

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1.6 EX Model

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News: Malaysia Fuel Subsidies

There is a news from the Ministry of Finance mentioned that Malaysia may offer fuel subsidies accordingly to vehicle's engine capacity by mid-2010, said by 2nd Finance Minister - Datuk Seri AhmaHusni Hanadzlah.

In this case, I guess engine capacity below 2,000cc should be safe. What you think?

COMING SOON: Personal car number plate in Malaysia

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Malaysian motorists will soon be able to bid for vehicle registration plates with letters, word or numbers of their choice like Australia. Some individual might be fancy owning a personalised car number plate like TYPE-R 1, MINI 01, EVO 10 or even EDVIN 1.

According to Road Transport Department director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said the personalised vehicle plates service would be made available to the public once the RTD computer system is upgraded.

He added, "We should be able to provide this service about six months after the new system is installed." Solah said the current computer system is not able to recognise the longer series of letters that would be used in the personalised plates.

Personally, I forseeing the introduction of the new personalised plates may affect the value of the current number plates.

The highest price paid for a number was RM200,900 in 2006 for the number TAN 1. Other numbers fetching high prices include JJJ 1 which went for RM140,000, and WMW 1 at RM104,500. For double digit numbers, such as 11, 22, 33 and 88 sell for between RM5,000 and RM15,000 each.

Source: Personal Plate '1' can cost you RM80,000 - NST

Perodua Alza - New Perodua D46T MPV 2009 launched

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Perodua was targeting to sell between 3,500 and 4,000 units of the model per month. So far, Perodua had already received 3,500 bookings for the Alza since 13 Nov 2009.

The Alza is available in standard, premium and advanced variants. All variants are available in both manual and automatic transmissions on 1.5L DVVT DOHC EFI engine that output 76kw (104ps) @ 6,000rpm and 136Nm of torque @ 4,400rpm.

With a starting price of RM56,000, the Perodua Alza is the cheapest MPV in the local market and the vehicle design is inherit from Daihatsu BOON Luminas / Toyota PASSO Sette. Furthermore, the vehicle maker will in March launch the advanced version, priced at between RM67,000 and RM70,000.

Interesting part on this Alza, 1.5L Auto variants will get Bench-type Front seat with Foldable Armrest (But armrest area is not designed for seating). All models is also fitted with UV Protected Glass which normally found on imported cars and Headunit with bluetooth hands-free on the Premium Model.

For the Advanced version, it will get a new bodykit which consists of front, rear and side skirts and a different rear spoiler. On the inside, you get leather seat covers for all the seats except the door trim. Besides, it also come with a 5 inch touchscreen LCD which has a Windows CE-based GPS navigation system with a SiRF Atlas IV chipset and 500MHz CPU. The LCD also displays a feed from a 150 degree lense reverse camera too.

Below are the specification that I had snapshot from the official site:-

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Pricing :-

Perodua Alza 1.5L Standard M/T

Solid – RM55,490
Metallic – RM55,990
* S. Metallic – RM56,190

Perodua Alza 1.5L Standard A/T
Solid – RM58,490
Metallic – RM58,990
* S. Metallic – RM59,190

Perodua Alza 1.5L Premium M/T
Solid – RM60,490
Metallic – RM60,990
* S. Metallic – RM61,190

Perodua Alza 1.5L Premium A/T
Solid – RM63,490
Metallic – RM63,990
* S. Metallic – RM64,190

* S. Metallic referring to the paint color: Pearl White

For detailed e-brochures, click here to download from Perodua website.

Photos taken during Alza launching:-

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2010 Toyota Landcruiser Prado in Australia

Toyota launches its third generation of the family-friendly Prado in Australia with varies range from 3 Door to 5 Door, 4.0L VVTi to 3.0L Turbo Diesel and 6-Speed Manual to 5-Speed Auto.

Prado is well features in terms of Safety, Elegance and Rugged. The car is refined styling and premium features which provide luxury, comfort and convenience. Unfortunately, UMW Toyota Malaysia will not offering this beauty into Malaysia local market but we will be able to see some parallel imported units on the road for the second generation model.

Check out the photo of the 3 Door Model:-

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Federation Square voted as 'one of world's ugliest buildings'

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Melbourne's Federation Square has been labelled one of the world's biggest eyesores in a new list compiled by a popular travel website.

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This unique structure, which was opened in 2002, was heavily criticised in VirtualTourist.com's "World's Top Ten Ugliest Buildings" list.

This place is hightlighted as "Melbourne's Meeting Place," this frenzied and overly complicated square has a chaotic feel made worse by a web of unsightly wires from which overhead lights dangle.

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2009 Honda Civic Type R (FD2) Facelift officially launched in Malaysia

Honda Civic Type R (FD2) is introduced to Malaysia market in Q3 2007. This model is originate for Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). It was the first time that any Type R JDM model was launched outside of Japan.

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As mentioned back in last year in my blog, this model have no change in terms of performance, with just a few cosmetic and accessories make-over.

Facelifted items listed as below:-

  • New rear combination lamps (diamond cluster design, like the standard FD series)
  • Power retractable side view mirrors
  • Inside, the Type R now comes with a new CD/radio headunit, complete with USB port as the previous defined Alpine model has been faced out.

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Honda Malaysia continues to park this model under the 200k mark. Therefore, the price remained at RM199,800 on-the-road, with insurance.

Relevant Posts:-
Civic Type R - New Facelift - 2009 Spec - 05 September 2009

2010 Honda CR-V Facelift

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Honda has released pricing for its Honda CR-V facelift in UK, the car will goes on sale in January 2010. The Japanese firm revised the compact SUV with new bumper and grille designs on the outside while the cabin has been refreshed with upgraded fabrics and plastics as well as a new audio console.

In the UK, diesel engine is very popular in demand. Therefore, 2010 Honda CR-V facelift introducing the Honda's new 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine that can be combined with an automatic gearbox. While the 2.0-liter petrol engine that remains unchanged for 2010 producing 150HP at 6,200rpm and 192Nm of torque at 4,200rpm.

The new diesel powerplant, which debuted in the latest Accord, produces an output of 150HP at 4,000rpm (up 10HP) and torque of 350Nm at 2,000rpm (up 10Nm). It can be matted to either a either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Check out the photos below. I guess, we shall target to see the facelift model in middle of next year in Malaysia.

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Honda opens its new R&D Asia Pacific centre in Thailand

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Honda opens its new R&D Asia Pacific centre in Thailand that aimed at automotive research and development for the Asia and Oceania region, as well as developing auto parts in Thailand. It will also carry out style research and prototype testing for CBU units.

The new centre, located in Bangkhen District, Bangkok, will undertake activities such as product planning, styling research, engineering development, and vehicle testing. It is the Honda's fourth automobile R&D centre outside of Japan after the US, Europe and China.

On background in Thailand, Honda was the first automotive manufacturer to open an R&D function in Thailand in 1988, when it established a motorcycle research & development operation, which later expanded into the development hub for the Asia & Oceania region in 1997.

In 1994, the Honda Research Department in Thailand was set up, primarily to develop and supply auto parts in Thailand and support its auto production operations, and in time grew to include product planning and quality control. With the opening of the new R&D centre, Honda will strengthen its automobile operations in addition to its already comprehensive motorcycle-based activities.

MUGEN spices up the Honda Civic Type R Euro (FN2) after JDM launch

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After couple of weeks that Honda Civic Type R Euro (FN2) was introduced in Japan, the closely associated aftermarket tuner - Mugen Motorsports released a set of upgrades for this hot hatch.

However, Mugen doesn't offer the special edition's upgraded engine that develops 240HP like the FD2 Civic Type R instead of the standard model's 200HP from the FN2 Civic Type R.

What it does provide is the same aero parts such as the front and rear aprons, ventilated bonnet, gigantic rear wing and rear diffuser plus the lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels that are available in gunmetal or bronze finish.

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Mugen offerings also include other hardware upgrades like the sport suspension, braking upgrades, wheels nuts, performance air filter, tire-monitoring system, Assist Meters, copper-fiber clutch set, sport exhaust system, quick shifter and a upgraded limited slip differential.

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Gallery: Civic Type R Owners Track Day 2009 Malaysia

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Display Track Car: 2009 Merdeka Millennium Endurance Honda Civic Type R

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Group Photo for Civic Type R Owners' Track Day Event (Thks Honda Malaysia)

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Schumacher first Grand Prix with in 1994 is up on eBay

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The Formula 1 car that motor racing great Michael Schumacher won his first Grand Prix with in 1994 is now up for sale on the auction website eBay.

Schumacher won his first Formula 1 title in Adelaide with the Benetton/Ford B194, snagging the title controversially after a crash.

Bidding began at just a single Euro but it has quickly moved up to more than 2.6m and is expected continue climbing until the auction closes on 16 November 2009.

The car's bodywork has been maintained in the condition it was in for the 1994 season, complete with sponsors' labels, though on the pictures there are no obvious signs of the damage sustained when Schumacher collided with Damon Hill in the final race of that season in Adelaide. Both drivers were subsequently forced to retire from that race, allowing Schumacher to maintain his one-point lead over Hill and hence win the driver's title.

Its Ford Cosworth engine, meanwhile, has been "overhauled" by Langford Performance Engineering, according to the advert. The sellers are listed only as Christian M from Bad Homburg, central Germany, and Bernd M from Toronto.

Photo Gallery:

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Volkswagen Group Malaysia terminates dealership with VW Cars Sdn Bhd

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Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has terminated VW Cars Sdn Bhd’s dealership of its vehicles with immediate effect.

Volkswagen dealerships operated by VW Cars at The Curve and Jalan 219, both in Petaling Jaya would cease immediately, the German carmaker said in a statement yesterday. For existing customer of VW Cars, probably you will need to send your cars to other dealership for after sales service for the time being.

Its existing dealers in the country include Euromobil Sdn Bhd, Veemer Motor, Wearness VW, Ismaco Automotive Sdn Bhd, Goh Brothers Motor Sdn Bhd.

In a separate announcement, VW Cars said it would stop the Volkswagen business due to an on-going dispute between the company and Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM).

VW Cars, a unit of Cartrade Group and the first dealer appointed by Volkswagen Group Malaysia, contributes more than 50% of Volkswagen sales in the country.

2011 BMW M3 GTS

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2011 BMW M3 GTS is very identical to Porsche 911 GT3 RS which is a track-focused car and also completely road-legal. This is a limited edition model that comes with weight reduction and more power from large capacity V8 engine.

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The car comes with adjustable front splitter and rear wing that can provide a higher level of downforce. Apart from that, it also equipped with 19-inch wheels with 255/35 tires and 285/30 for the rear.

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For the M3 GTS, BMW's M department enlarged the displacement capacity to 4.4 litres with approximate engine output of 450HP mated with 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics. The braking system come with fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four pistons for the rear.

BMW further revealed that the M3 GTS features a special threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound.

Since the serial-production model is already weight-optimized with a bevy of measures such as the carbon lightweight roof that was previously reserved for the GTS's predecessor, the E46 M3 CSL, BMW's M division had to come up with new solutions to lower the car's weight.

The weight-saving measures adopted on the new 2011 M3 GT3 include a new set of light body-contoured front seats, optimization of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car's windows in the back, the removal of the air conditioning, navigation and radio systems and the rear seats that have been ditched altogether.

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Furthermore, the GTS features a new titanium rear silencer that not only promises to produce a more race car-like sound and feel but it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart.

BMW said that the first examples are due to be supplied in Germany in May 2010 while according to current planning, registrations in other countries will be possible from Summer 2010.

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Jailbroken iPhones get virus called "Ikee"

Australian iPhone users have this weekend been under attack from the first-ever iPhone virus seen in the wild. The virus, called "Ikee", targets users of jailbroken iPhones who have the SSH remote access software installed.

The "Ikee" virus changes your background picture to an image of 1980s singer Rick Astley before instructing your iPhone to scan through various Aussie 3G networks, trying to login to other users' iPhones and infect them. It’s important to note that ikee only targets jailbroken devices.

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Postings on Twitter and in the Whirlpool forum suggest that the Ikee virus was written by a 21-year-old from Wollongong in New South Wales named Ashley Towns.

Till date, the virus seems to be affected to the users in Australia, though there are unconfirmed reports of Ikee in Thailand and Japan.

Euro-Built Honda Civic FN2 Type R begins sales in Japan

Sales of Honda's UK-produced Civic FN2 Type R 3-door model have begun in Japan after the first sample of the car were shipped from Southampton, UK.

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Currently, this Civic FN2 Type R model only available in the market at Australia, South Africa and Singapore.

The arrival of the 201HP Civic Type R hatch in Japan marks the second time since 2001 that the European-built Civic EP3 has been sold in Honda's home market.

Honda plans to sell a total of 2,010 units of the Civic Type R 3-door in Japan. The cars will are available for order in three colours: Milano Red, Alabaster Silver and Championship White

The Euro-spec FN2 Type R is fitted with a high-revving 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that output 201HP at 7,800 rpm and 142 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm.

My Top 5 Treat List

My Top 5 Treat List for 2009
1) Oris TT3 Grand Prix Limited Edition
2) Look Road Bike 566 Origin for my weekend ride
3) Puma Ferrari Leather Shoes
4) A shopping extravaganza cum holiday trip to Japan
5) But most importantly, I need Dell Inspiron 13 altogether.

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Why everyone love a Mac? I mean... Apple Macbook. It looks gorgeous outside but I knew tons of people that hates the inside. For me, I still believing in Microsoft even the latest release of Windows 7.

At this edge, Outer Beauty of a personal computer is really important. You won't want to carry a rock or even a thick black laptop that look so boring and it can represent person.

As a commuter that travel everyday and covering the automotive industry for all Enthusiasts, I need Inspiration with Inspiron 13 to be always Connected on the go. Portable Power of Intel Centrino 2 with Long Battery Life, Integrated Webcam and IEEE 802.11n Wireless adaptor is a must. The latest Dell Inspiron 13 offers it all and only weight at 1.8kg!

Personally, I always recommend all mates that 13.3" Display is just sexy enough for a laptop. Not too heavy and not too small. T
his tiny inspiron 13 comes with 13.3" Vivid Display and ATI Radeon HD 4350. With that, I can connect to my home 42" LCD with one HDMI cable to enjoy some HD videos.

All fellow readers, if you love this laptop as much as I do. Then, you can use this special coupon code 7ZQVQF2RLZRKW3 from Dell that would allow anyone who makes purchase of a Dell Inspiron 13 (S510701MY) with RM100 Instant Cash Redemption!! This promotion is only available online or by calling us at 1800-88-0301. This coupon code expires on 10th Nov 2009.

Malaysia Government withdraws vehicle end life policy

The government has agreed to pull back the introduction of an end of life policy for vehicles after taking into account the people's views and feedback, Bernama says.

Meanwhile, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the Cabinet had decided to withdraw the policy after getting negative feedback from the public.

“The public, especially those living in rural areas, found this new policy a burden to them,’’ he said.

Poker King Trailer

Randy (Louis Koo) is the heir to a major casino business while Uno (Lau Ching Wan) has been helping to run the business. Randy is obsessed with Texas Hold 'Em Poker over the internet and Uno takes the opportunity to put Randy in a real tournament. At the end of the championship match, the two top players Randy and Uno face off against each other. As the last hand of cards is dealt to the two players, who is going to be the Poker King?

Check out Poker King at your local cinema now and trust me... You'll laugh till drop and make your day!

Jeremy Clarkson’s latest DVD - Clarkson Duel

Jeremy Clarkson’s Latest DVD Duel On Sale In The UK, here goes the preview. Enjoy~!