2008 Renault-Samsung QM5 SUV

I had a conversation with someone who had just bought a 42" plasma TV from Samsung. In our course of debate of plasma vs LCD large widescreen displays, he was taken aback when I told him that the noted Korean flat panel displays manufacturer has even ventured into the automobile industry. So here it is, the new Renault-Samsung QM5 SUV.To be powered by a 2.0L turbodiesel capable of pushing out

New Chevrolet Captiva in Malaysia

Hicom-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd unveiled the new Chevrolet Captiva SUV recently, with a choice of either 2.0L turbodiesel or 2.4L petrol engine matched with different drivelines of 2WD (FWD) or 4WD.The 2.4L petrol 4-pot produces 136hp at 5000rpm, with maximum torque of 220Nm at a low 2200rpm. The likely more saleable (better acceptance?) 2.0L turbo-diesel meanwhile, pushes out a healthy 150hp at 4000rpm

TGM Drive: Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 FSI

By Dr LongSibling rivalry: something quite inevitable and as old as mankind itself. Ask anyone who has a brother or a sister or both, and they will likely concur with you, to some degree at the very least. So what do you do when you have an high-achieving ‘elder’ sibling like the iconic Golf GTI? Find out whether the VW Jetta 2.0 FSI is able to hold its own fort in the shadow of the ever

Next Generation W212 E-Class Pictures

Here are two images (spotted at Auto-Motor-und-Sport website) of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) due sometime late 2008/early 2009.Looking like a enlarged C-Class, the new E seem to have abandoned twin-round 'eyes' headlamps for a design that's a cross between the current Lexus GS and the new W204 C-Class.Moving to the rear, Mercedes seem to have improvised on - and widened - the new C's

Japan Car of The Year 2007-08: Other Categories Receipients

The Japan COTY committee also selected the following finalists for its 2007-08 COTY special awards:Most Advanced Technology for 2007/08: Volkswagen Golf GT TSIBest Import Car for 2007/08: Mercedes-Benz C-ClassMost Fun car for 2007/08: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution XRelated post:http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/11/all-new-honda-jazz-is-japan-car-of-year.html

All-New Honda Jazz is Japan Car of The Year for 2007-08

The all-new Honda Jazz (known as Fit for Japan's domestic market) has won the 2007-2008 Japan Car of the Year Award. Incidentally, the first generation Honda Fit grabbed the same title of COTY Japan for 2001-02. "We are honoured that the new Fit has been chosen as Car of the Year Japan for 2007-2008 from a range of models from Japan and overseas. We are happy that so many people see the Fit as

2nd Generation Honda Stream 1.8 i-VTEC in Malaysia

In this age of rising fuel cost, the new Honda Stream is now beating with a 1.8 i-VTEC powerplant (downgraded from 2.0 i-VTEC DOHC previously). If this petrol motor sounds familiar to you, that’s because it is the same R18A SOHC powering the current Honda Civic 1.8S. Rated output is 140ps at 6300rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4300rpm. Electric Power Steering (EPS) together with Honda’s superb and

New Honda Stream officially in Malaysia now

Honda Malaysia has announced today that their new Honda Stream 1.8 is available at RM149,800 (on-the-road with insurance), effective immediately.More details to come later...so watch this spot! ;)Related posts:http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/all-new-honda-stream-due-in-november.htmlhttp://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/coming-soon-all-new-honda-stream.html

2008 Mitsubishi Colt Turbo Ralliart Version-R

Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R’s 1.5L MIVEC (4G15) Turbo engine has been tweaked to deliver 9 extra horses, uplifted to punch out a total of 163bhp at 6300rpm. Maximum torque remains the same at 210Nm at 3500rpm.The updated Colt Ralliart Version-R also features standard Recaro seats, a leather-stitched gear knob (for 5-speed manual) and new 16-inch alloys that are 1.5 kg lighter now, shod

New Mazda2 Sedan

Mazda has revealed a booted version of its neat and cute Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) placing it in contention for a slice of the lucrative B-segment sedan market in China and possibly ASEAN. From these images it appeared as if the new Mazda2 sedan is a small C-segment sedan, with a huge rump to boot.Click on all images to enlargeThe Mazda2 sedan comes with two petrol engines option, a 1.3L with 85hp

First Drive: New W204 Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor

By Dr LongOne of the most anticipated replacement models to come from Mercedes-Benz of late is the new C-Class (W204), the compact luxury sedan that has been and will still be the bread-and-butter vehicle of this German carmaker.Completely redesigned and larger than the W203, the first model to be available in Malaysia is the supercharged 4-cylinder C200 Kompressor. Here is how it fares on the

New Hyundai Accent in Malaysia

Spotted at a local shopping complex and highlighted by an avid bargain-hunter motorist who claimed it to be a better buy than the recently launched new Toyota Vios, I was piqued with curiousity regarding this new Korean offering, even though much belated coming into the Malaysian market. Externally, the new Accent does look impressive for its class with larger-than-segment appearance. Though the

2009 Nissan Murano: More Pictures and Details

The original Nissan Murano, launched in 2003 as a 2004 model, set new standards for style and sportiness in the expanding mid-size crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment. The all-new, second generation 2009 Murano elevates that unique position through a “super evolution” of the original design – with a new exterior, interior and enhanced technology. Murano’s new premium driving feel

BMW 1-series Coupe M-Sport

BMW is working its M-division magic on the 1-series coupe by offering M-Sports package across all the variants. M-Sport package includes 17-inch light alloy wheels wrapped in 205/50 tyres up front and 225/45 in the rear, in tandem with sports suspension for higher traction and reduced body roll.Meanwhile, the M-aerodynamic package consists of redesigned front and rear bumpers plus high gloss

The 8th generation "Accord" that was not conceived

The above is one artist impression - circulating on the net circa 2006 - of the next generation Honda Accord that (unfortunately?) didn't turn out to be remotely close to the actual 8th generation Accord (pictured below) expected due in Malaysia sometime Q1 2008. Related post:http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/08/2008-all-new-honda-accord.html

2009 All-New Nissan Murano

What you see here are leaked images of the next generation Nissan Murano luxury SUV.Taking cues from current Nissan's design language seen in the Qashqai and Tiida Latio (hatchback), both exterior and interior looks more refined now, with the frontal grille less of a 'grinning teeth' appearance.

Mercedes-Benz 'C-For Yourself' Official Launch in Malaysia

By Dr LongMercedes-Benz all-new C-Class (W204) was launched recently at APAC, Subang with much pizzaz. Tagging a catchy slogan ‘C-For Yourself’, it began with a Gala night when the new C-Class was officially unveiled by DaimlerChryler Malaysia (DCM). VIPs, distinguished customers, potential buyers and the media were feted to a showcase of myriad lifestyle activities, the highlight of which was a

Volkswagen Space Up!

Hot on the heels of its Up! concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen chose Tokyo 2007 to reveal the enlarged version called Space Up! Still an unfinalised concept, it's 230mm longer than the previous three-door hatchback Up!With a longer wheelbase and larger dimensions all over, the Space Up! Offers improved packaging in a vehicle measuring just 3.68m in length. The concept also features

VW Up!

The German carmaker that’s bent on taking on Toyota globally, Volkswagen, has attempted a 21st century’s iteration of its iconic Beetle of late. Creatively and jovially named VW Up!, the cab-forward hatchback measures 3.45m in length and revives the small rear-engine, rear-wheel drive (RR) design of the original people’s car.The concept you see here is essentially a city runabout planned as a