2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

In conjunction with Tokyo Motor Show 2007, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) - Subaru automobiles manufacturer - has announced the introduction of the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI in Japan. The third generation WRX STI is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged boxer engine that kicks out 304hp @ 6,400 rpm and wrenches a maximum torque of 422Nm @ 4,400 rpm. Featuring Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel

CCB gives up Peugeot in Malaysia

Cycle & Carriage Automobiles Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cycle & Carriage Bintang (CCB) Bhd will cease operation as Peugeot franchise holder in Malaysia. CCB has recently notified Bursa Malaysia that it will not renew its franchise contract with Automobiles Peugeot of France when it expires by 31st December 2007.CCB has also announced in its annual report that its Peugeot business arm

Tokyo 2007: Nissan Intima

Click on images to enlarge Nissan’s concept showcase at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 with the most likelihood to make it to production could be the Intima. The prototype on display takes Nissan's ‘Modern Living Concept’ into a new dimension with an interior that extraordinarily blends artistic forms, materials and illumination together.Its exterior styling matches the interior's upmarket image, with

Lexus LF-Xh Concept

The Lexus LF-Xh Hybrid Concept on display at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 previews what the next generation Lexus RX- luxury SUV will probably look like.Based on the Lexus' design philosophy of L-finesse and equipped with an advanced hybrid system dubbed "Lexus Hybrid Drive", the all-new RX of the future seeks to achieve outstanding driving performance, quiet operation, high fuel efficiency and

New Mazda CX-9 due in Q1 2008

According to a reliable source, franchise holder and sole distributor for Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, Cycle & Carriage Bintang (CCB) will launch the new CX-9 sometime Q1 2008. Rather surprisingly, this will take precedence over the smaller CX-7, which was actually planned for introduction this year.Although similar in appearance to CX-7, the full-size 7-seater CX-9 hardly share much of the

Tokyo 2007: Audi A1 Metroproject Concept

These are images of the Audi A1 Metroproject Concept, making an appearance at the Tokyo International Motor Show 2007.Rumour has it that the A1 Metroproject is front-wheel driven by VAG’s 1.4L TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 150hp. But that’s not all, an electric motor (pictured below) drives the rear axle - itself worth about 41hp - effectively making the A1 Metroproject Concept a quattro,

2008 Honda Jazz/Fit goes on sale in Japan

Honda Motor Co. announced plans to begin sales in Japan of the all-new, completely redesigned Honda Fit on Friday, October 26, 2007. The Fit (Jazz in some export markets) has gained popularity as a small car that features outstanding packaging, excellent fuel economy and advanced styling.Improved performance is made possible by a newly developed 1.3L i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum output of

12minutes in a New Toyota Vios 1.5G!

By Dr LongClick on images to enlargeI am not going to pretend like this is a test review of the new Toyota Vios because it isn’t, for the 12 minutes spent on-the-road is very brief. After a really short round in the driver’s seat this is what I can say:1) The engine is sprightly for a 1.5L N/A unit but still sounded coarse towards 4000-5000rpm (noisy air induction), something I hoped would've

Parting Impression: Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor Celaeno Edition (W203)

By Dr LongIn less than two weeks from now – on 2nd November 2007 to be exact - DaimlerChrysler Malaysia (soon-to-be renamed Mercedes-Benz Malaysia) will officially launch the all-new W204 C-Class.Nonetheless, I was glad to be briefly acquainted with this sample of W203 C200K Elegance, dubbed the Celeano Edition, from Cycle & Carriage Bintang (CCB). Almost packed to the brim with last batch

2008 All-New Citroen C5

Citroen has updated its mid-size C5 for 2008, revealing a very sleek, modern and neat looking executive sedan and estate. This C-segment vehicle features Citroen’s air suspension dubbed Hydractive 3 Plus, offering self-leveling via continuously self-adjusting spring and variable damping rates (Sport and Comfort). The high-spec C5 will have NaviDrive system i.e. GPS navigation plus phone function

Tried and Tested: SsangYong Actyon Sports XDi 200

By Dr LongClick on images to enlargeI must admit I was really impressed (somehow!) by looks of the new SsangYong Actyon SUV at the last Bangkok Motor Show. My close pal – a big time Toyota freak - finds it hideous even though its miles better looking than the knights-and-armour themed Kyron sibling. In short, this is one vehicle that you can easily say “I think I’ll pass” if you can’t get beyond

CarSalesIndia.com & RealEstate4India.com Launch Free SMS Service

PRESS RELEASE:Sams Auto Trade a company that owns and operates several portals in the automobile and real-estate segments today launched a free SMS service for its primary products CarSalesIndia.com & RealEstate4India.com. Customers looking for cars or property can now contact the seller direct for free of cost using the online SMS service. Customers who wish to know more about this service can

2008 All-New Nissan GT-R

By Dr LongOne of the most celebrated showcar at next week’s Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will be a new super sportscar from Nissan, the all-new GT-R, successor to its notoriously-wicked Skyline R34 GT-R. Nissan’s new PM platform - which is shared with the current 350Z – has been modified to underpin the 2008 GT-R.Powered by a 3.8L V6 petrol engine – developed from Nissan’s VQ family – blown by two (

Toyota FT-MV = 2008 All-New Alphard?

Click on images to enlarge While luxury MPV fans in Malaysia are going ga-ga over reconditioned Alphards from Japan, fame MPV maker Toyota, plan to reveal a 6-seater super-luxury, super-size people mover in the form of FT-MV at next week's Tokyo Motor Show 2007. As evident from images of its interior, Toyota is going all out to create a luxurious, airy and comfy ambience with electric-reclining,

Honda CR-Z Prototype

Click on images to enlargeI could still remember testing one ‘futuristic’ looking red (grey import-reconditioned) CR-X in the early 90s, with cues of it actually seen in the current Citroen C4. The last CR-X (roadster-esque coupe) to come out of Honda’s production line was in 1997, which in my opinion was rather toad-like, having lost the original philosophy of a compact low-slung coupe of the

All-New Vios prices confirmed

Reader BMW.Toyota (who has booked a new Vios 1.5S) and his sales advisor have advised on the following confirmed prices for the all-new Toyota Vios (inclusive of insurance and road tax):1.5E - RM78,7001.5G - RM84,8001.5S - RM88,100The above prices are only marginally cheaper than the indicative prices revealed earlier at the new Vios preview.Related post:http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/

Video: Lancer Evo X First Drive in Japan by Motor Trend

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR: Final Specs

By Dr LongFinal specifications of the much-anticipated all-new Lancer Evolution X has been released ahead of the Tokyo International Motor Show this month. Sporting S-AWC and Twin Clutch SST and other cutting-edge automotive technologies, the GSR spec (also available with a 5-speed manual transmission) leads the new Lancer Evolution X lineup. The Evo X also continues to offer the RS competition

Video: BMW E90 M3 Sedan

All-New Honda Stream due in November 2007!

Having received information from a CBU PDI centre in Port Klang half a year ago that the new Stream hasn't been scheduled for importation from Indonesia this year, this little piece of announcement of launch by Honda Malaysia has somewhat taken me by surprise. Last I was told there were hundreds of unsold current Streams lying around car yards, especially the ones at the port.Anyway, it's good to

2007 Volvo S80 2.5T and 3.2 in Malaysia

I have always been fascinated by the fact that quite a few of my senior and some veteran colleagues (GPs, physicians and a few consultants) seem to fancy Volvo 240, 360, 740, 760, 850, S70, V70 and even the S80 of recent times. Could this have something to do with safety being Volvo's core philosophy through the ages? As such, I couldn't resist posting this "better-late-than-never" piece of

BMW E90 M3 Sedan

By Dr LongAttempting to widen the appeal – and sales - of its new M3, BMW AG has milked the potency of the M division’s 4.0L V8 into the E90’s 4-door saloon form. However, the resulting M3 Sedan wears the full frontal visage of the E92 coupe (thank goodness for that!) plus the power-domed hood of the M3 coupe. Mechanically identical the M3 Coupe, the M3 sedan naturally pushes 420hp @ 8400rpm

New Toyota Vios launch...oops! I meant preview in Malaysia

UMW Toyota (UMWT) has unveiled the new Vios to the Malaysian media yesterday.Indicative prices (OTR with insurance) are as follow:Toyota Vios 1.5S – RM88,600Toyota Vios 1.5G – RM85,300Toyota Vios 1.5E - RM78,900The proven (but rather gruffy) 1.5L engine plus its 4-speed auto transmission is carried over from the first generation (bargain-basement Soluna not taken into account) Vios.Public

New Nissan Skyline 370GT Coupe

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. just introduced the all-new Skyline 370GT coupe in Japan, a grand tourer designed to set new benchmarks for dynamic styling and outstanding driving performance.At the heart of the Skyline coupe's dynamic performance is the newly developed VQ37VHR engine, which responds briskly, accelerates smoothly, is fuel efficient and attains high emissions standards. The VQ37VHR

All-new Toyota Vios to be revealed today in Malaysia

UMW Toyota will reveal details of its locally-assembled new Vios to the media today, followed by a sneak preview to the public tomorrow (October 5th) at Mid-Valley Exhibition Centre (MVEC), Mid-Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur.Watch this place for more details tomorrow.Related post:http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/09/all-new-toyota-vios-prices-leaked-ahead.html

To Ivan & Shirley: Congratulations and Best Wishes!

By Max LongTaking a little detour from the usual "Cars" postings, I would like to 'hijack' this post to congratulate my close pal, Ivan for having got hitched by Shirley recently....and finally!His X-Trail was really something on the highway, even my E (chaperone car) was a tad lagging to keep up, more so with another high-school pal, Kyle behind the wheel!So here's to wishing you guys:1) Till

W204 C200K prices in Malaysia confirmed below RM260k!

First and foremost, my sincere apologies for the long silence. Been really busy with clinical work and some pressing engagements plus appointments over the past one week.To kick start blog postings again, we have here a welcoming piece of news that the new C200 Kompressor is retailing at RM248,888 for the Elegance and RM258,888 for the Avantgarde (top-spec). All prices are on-the-road without