Showing posts with label Cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cars. Show all posts
Azlan Mahmud
As a boy who is very much interested and passionate on anything related in automobiles, I have been longing for this one time of my life.. 17 years old! Wonder why? Because in Malaysia, you are only allowed to take apply for your driving license once you have passed your 17th birthday. My birthday was in March, but as with pretty much other 17 year old's here in Malaysia. This year is the most important year as we had a once in a lifetime Examination. which is SPM. I don't really want to talk about that so lets just continue.

The final papers of SPM are coming, unfortunately for me, I had to take Arabic paper whereas most of my friends from government schools don't, so my exams ended a week later then them. I couldn't really concentrate on the paper as I was getting excited on getting my driving license, so you might be wondering, which driving institude/academy did I choose? That was a non-existing issue for me because there's one neighbour who is a driving instructor, I applied to get my driving license from her. Just after finishing the last paper on Tuesday, all the Form 5's students (well theres only less than 50 in my school) went for a relaxing vacation at Eagle Ranch Resort, Port Dickson for 3 Days and 2 Nights. We left on Friday , said goodbye to each other and parted on our own ways. Sad isn't it knowing that you might never ever will be able to meet your friends again.. Oh yeah, before that. I had asked my old friend Ariff to join me to take the driving license as I dont wanna take it alone, and I was still in Port Dickson when Afiq WhatsApp'ed me saying that he is also interested in getting his license. I immediately told my driving instructor that Afiq wanna tag along with us..

The next week, (on a Monday or Tuesday I cant remember), sharp at 7:30 am, Ariff and Afiq gathered at my place as we were going to attend the KPP course which is around 5 hours in total.


This is essentially a talk on the usual Highway Code, what do you need to know and prepare before hitting the roads and yada yada yada. But most importantly some tips and tricks to pass the upcoming computerised test. The book as in the picture above contains the 500 questions that might be asked during the computerised test, and to be honest, some questions were quite silly and I didn't bother finishing them anyways.

The next week, halfly prepared, we went together to MyEG Danau Kota for the computerised test, when we reached there, it was full of after SPM students like us eager to get their license too. We gave our details to the counter and was given a number. I was at number 49 if I am not mistaken, yeah we had some time to study before entering the computer room, but did we study? mehh,  Everyone else was busy reading questions and last minute preparations, the three of us was laughing and chit chatting all the way. Eventually I got called in to do the test, pheww, I got 48 out of 50! I was targetting to get full marks but I guess this is alright since the passing mark is 42, Afiq and Ariff also got respectable marks.

On the 24th of December, again the three of us went to the Theory class (3 hours), here we learnt absolutely nothing something about how the car works and yada yada yada, I dont think this class was necessary, such a waste of time.. There should be an Amali class afterwards where u were supposed to "Hands-On" with the car's engine, and so on and so forth but we didnt do that..

All we had to do after that was to wait for our Learners permit to be issued by the Road Transport Authority (JPJ laa apa lagi), and you know what? They were so called in a process to upgrade and implement their new and buggy MySikap system, we were the ones who had to suffer due to this.. Other people got their Learners permit at most 2 weeks after the Theory class, but us? A month. But luckily for me, my next door neighbour had a contact with someone working in JPJ. I went to JPJ to meet him at 4:15pm, note that JPJ closes at 5pm and there was still a lot of people waiting for their number to be called. I felt a little bit guilty because I didn't have to take a number and just proceed to settle my Learners permit due to the help of my neighbour's affiliate.




There it was, my learner's permit, took so long!, but finally its in my hands now, I called up my Driving Instructor and set a date for the driving lesson. She told me she had booked the JPJ test on the 19th of February 2014 which was fine for me as I need it as soon as possible and the learner's permit needs to be 1 month old before I can sit for the JPJ test.

I will stop here now, we will see again in my next blog post, see ya!
Azlan Mahmud


These past few years, we've been bombarded with the launch of B-Segment hatchback in Malaysia such as the Mazda 2, Peugeot 208, Kia Rio, VW Polo, Suzuki Swift and all the likes of it.. Now here comes the Ford Fiesta.

Ford Fiesta was first introduced in Malaysia in 2010, it had a 1.6L 120hp engine, as of this week, Ford Malaysia has introduced the updated version of the Fiesta..


So, what is so great about it? What is the changes between the new one and the old one?

Lets look at the DESIGN first.

OLD

NEW




Updated grills is the most noticable because this is just a facelift model. So, you are expecting a LED DRL like the Fiesta's in other countries? Sorry, you wont get it here..

Features

The new Ford Fiesta gains an automatic headlights ,automatic wipers, Keyless entry with Push Start Button (Most new cars have this anyways, no big deal). 

Smart Regenerative Charging

This advance feature allows additional energy to be converted and stored in the battery rather than dissipated at the brakes, especially during vehicle deceleration.

 

Electronic Stability Programme and Hill Launch Assist.


Negative Points 

Now, to the downsides of the car, the engine now spots a new 1.5L Ti-VCT which produces 112PS compared to the old 1.6L Ti-VCT which outputs 120PS, why? I believe there's something to do with the tax structures of cars based on the engine capacity in Thailand. because u know la , Thailand mostly uses Vios.. So fikir-fikir sendiri la ye. Ah, before I forget, the car still only has 2 airbags,  When the competitors all have 6 airbags as standard..

Pricing, the price of the old car (inc. insurance) is RM 84888 while this new facelift costs (inc. insurance) RM86988, RM2000 more than the car it replaces. 

So, is it worth the price increase, with the downgrade of engine power but upgrade in features? Tepuk dada tanya selera.

PICS 

I have seen the car live infront of me when I went to the Ford Showroom in Ampang (Trio Mantap), here's some pictures I've taken with my phone. The phone's camera was having some sort of issue with lightning and I am not sure what's the cause of it..











12V Port, the Ford SYNC is powered by Microsoft, that means it would accept Voice commands like smartphones these days. Was a little bit dissapointed as there was a lack of armrest. 

Time to end this post, for me, I still prefer the Proton Suprima S, just because of the turbo engine and the whole array of features it offers. Well that's just me, You might have your own opinion.. Interested? All Ford showrooms nationwide has the new Fiesta on display, go check 'em out. Bye!

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Azlan Mahmud
So finally after so long, the awaited new hatchback from Proton that was used to be called as the P3-22A has been officially named as the Proton Suprima S.

The brochure has been leaked. See for yourself. Seeing is believing..



Auto Headlamps. The only car that has auto headlamps within this price range is the Koreans and the Continentals. Now even the local cars has it, Japanese, when are u going to add this feature? Same goes with auto wipers.

Electric Side Mirrors - Every car has this I presume.

DayTime running Lights - Only the Premium variant of the Suprima S has this, the normal ones only functions as a positioning lights, where you turn in on at around dawn before the dipped/main beams.

Positioning lights can function as a DRL as well. Picture is from a VW Passat and a 308 CC
6 airbags and ESC - Well done, European standards. The only car in the price range that has both is the Kia Rio.

Engine Push Start - Even the new japanese makes are putting this in their cars nowadays, not a big deal.

Here comes the spec lists..\


Much much feature and specs that even a large D segment car does not have, (*cough*cough*Camry*Cough*cough*)

Is it worth the money? Tepuk dada tanya selera..
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Azlan Mahmud
As usual, I was browsing Lowyat.net forums, I stumbled upon this thread . I clicked it, and noticed a picture of the brand new Proton Preve was involved in a side collision with a lorry.


It was also posted in the thread that the occupants in the vehicle was unharmed, only minor scratches. Pretty amazing isnt it that collision like this did not harm the driver that much.. As you can see, the cabin is intact, and its side airbag functioned as they were supposed to. I could not even see any traces of blood scattered around. I also believe that the window had been tinted with security tints as it didnt shatter into pieces and remain intact..

I do think that this car is the most value for money you can buy at its category. At only RM72k, you get (I copied this list from that thread):


auto wiper
auto light
auto dimmed mirror
push start button
audio with ipod connection
built in gps
4 air bags
ESP (electronic stability control)
EBD
ABS
brake assist and traction control
front and rear disc brakes
trunk lid remote release
turbocharged CFE
multifunction steering
projector headlamp
paddle shift
LED daytime running light
larger car with more space
better handling car
higher body rigidity car (RESS)
auto cruise

No competition. The main competitor, u know what it is only offers
ABS, 2 Airbags, and some fancy bodykits at a price of RM90k.
Yet, people buy them for the sake of reliability and resale value. More than the safety of them and their
occupants.

Fikir-Fikir kan lah...

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Azlan Mahmud
Today [18/2/2012] I arrived at Ayer Keroh - Petronas R&R to fill up petrol to continue journey back to KL, but once I arrived at Petronas, I noticed 2 cars covered .. So, I quickly realised it is the upcoming Proton P3-21A , and took out my phone, too bad when I was taking out my phone, they started to leave the petrol station already, and yes, I have to confess, I had no guts to approach them nearer..

So here is the pics..

The first car to leave, notice the proper rims?




Driver waiting for the co-driver.
Co-Driver back from the petrol mart
Starts the engine and leaves immediately
Bye-Bye!
Once again, sorry for the crappy shots, It was taken by using a Galaxy Nexus, which is known to have a bad camera, and me standing so far away from the car.
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Azlan Mahmud
Just randomly took a shot of the Peugeot parking beside a Volkswagen Scirocco at Masjid Bukit Indah on the first day of Ramadhan 2011, went there to buy some food at the Bazaar.... then edit it using FotoFlexer.

HEre's the end result, yeah, I know, the pinkish tint sucks..

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Azlan Mahmud


On the 2nd day upon getting the 308 CC, I suggested to my dad to go climb Genting Highlands with this car to test power.. It was indeed VERY POWERFUL while going uphill and downhill. It rained during the journey to Genting Highlands but luckily it stopped raining when we were at Genting Highlands, so, drop the top. And we acted like a JAKUN..
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Azlan Mahmud


This. Is the Brand New Peugeot 308 CC. Yep, As you can tell from the name of the car, its a convertible. This is a proper 4 seater Coupe Convertible unlike other CC's like 207 CC which have a so called 2+2 seat. I bet even a small child would not fit in in the rear seat of a 2+2. This car though, the rear seats are comfortable enough even for a teenager like me. Traded the 2004 Kia Spectra for this beast.

PRICING

This car is much MUCH cheaper than its rival which is the Volkswagen EOS and the Volvo C70. Around RM190000 compared to EOS and C70 which cost more than RM250000

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
This car has a Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) engine which also is being used in the Mini Cooper S known as the Prince engine. This engine outputs 156 horsepower @ 6000rpm and 240Nm @ 1400rpm of Torque. It also uses a 6 Speed Automatic adaptive gearbox with TipTronic and Sport Mode.

Still, this cant compete with the Volkswagen EOS engine which outputs 210 horsepower derived from the Golf GTI engine.

EXTERIOR FEATURES

Most of the features that you get in a 308 CC are in the 308 Turbo already. Some of the features I like is the Dynamic Xenon headlamps with automatic height adjustment & headlamps washer. The headlamps has this features which is called "Directional Headlights". The function is when you turn the steering wheel left or right, your headlights follow the steering wheel.. Other than that, this car also comes standard with an 18" nice looking rims, Full LED rear taillights, Sensor activated headlights and wipers. There is also a front and rear parking sensors to guide drivers.. Oh, lets not forget, to know if a Peugeot is locked or not, see its side mirrors, if its folded, means its locked..

Interior Features


Lets move on  to the interior features of the car. This car is equipped with an Automatic Dual Zone Air-conditioning system which essentialy means that the passenger aircond temperature can be set differently than the driver's one..

The interior of the car is full leather, you can see leather stitching in this car that normally a car that is the same class as the Mercedes S-Class have.. and because of the car being a coupe, the seats are designed to look like a sports seat, there is not headrest like a normal car.. The front driver and passenger seat are electric controlled. But the driver has a memory seat..

Audio System in the car includes a JBL 10 speakers if I am not mistaken and a 240 watts amplifier..

As you can see in the picture, this car comes with a retractable 16/9 screen.. 

OK LETS STOP TALKING ABOUT TECHNiCALTHINGY

If I were to talk about all the features in this car, even 3 full blogpost wont be enough, just kindly view the specs in Peugeot Singapore website .. I dont know why they pulled out the 308 CC section in Peugeot Malaysia's site..

Ok, since this car is a convertible, I am going to talk about the roof, its electric operated. Opens or closes the roof in 20 seconds, and it is a 2 piece hard top..



Sometimes when you are driving this car top down, people tend to look at you, some like it and some dont..

Its 1:30 Am and I am still writing this, and I completely forgot whet I wanted to write. So... cao..
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Azlan Mahmud









This is a route simulation of the Navigation feature using Garmin Mobile XT with the latest MalFreeMaps..

The route simulation is close to the near thing.. YES, LAG LAG LAG LAG

This is why I hate the P3300 (Artemis), and because it doesnt have A-GPS, it won't find signal in a car that have tinted windows..

/endofrant
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Azlan Mahmud
Last Saturday, we all went to Mazda showroom at Jalan Ampang

Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn Bhd, Jalan Ampang..

Checking out the cars that is there, the recently launched Mazda 2, Mazda 3 Sports sedan and the Mazda 6.. They weren't any test drive cars that day.. so we booked a test drive today (1/5/2010)


So today went back to the Mazda showroom, took the Mazda 6 2.5L for a test drive around KL.

Its a 2.5L engine so its a bit heavy.. Acceleration wise.. its okay.. if you are cruising at 100km/h its very easy to accelerate smoothly.. Fuel consumption is 10KM/Litre for highway and around 7-8KM/Litre for city driving..

I like the sunroof for this car... oh.. and the best thing is.. Cornering is SOOO Goood!!!

But because of this car is using Sports suspension.. the rear passenger (which is me) will feel sick.. because it is SOOO Bumpy... I almost threw up.. but they say it can be changed to a softer suspension.

The car only lacks GPS..

The price for the 2.o RM148,933 W/O insurance and for the 2.5L is RM175000 W/O insurance..
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Azlan Mahmud
My dad is going to trade in my grandfathers 2004 Kia Spectra. Which is better to replace the Kia Spectra? The Toyota Vios or the New Honda City which is due to launch in 2009.

The car is used to send me and my younger to school and back. And sometimes going outstations. My grandfathers Kia Spectra has travel 80000km and its due for the regular service.

So now im comparing Toyota Vios and New honda City.

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