Toyota Prius

It may be different for the enthusiast but say the word hybrid to the layman and he’ll automatically associate it with the Toyota Prius. And now, the third generation is here, and slated to be launched in Malaysia next month. Let’s have a look at the new iconic hybrid Toyota that you’ll be able to buy at showrooms before the end of the year.

A hybrid vehicle essentially combines two or more power sources to move the vehicle. It commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles, which combine a combustion engine with electric motors.

When you implement a hybrid system, there are a few ways to configure the combustion engine and electric motors. With the introduction of the Honda Civic Hybrid, we’ve been introduced to the concept of a mild power assist hybrid system, or a mild parallel hybrid system.

In a mild parallel hybrid system, the internal combustion engine is always used as the primary power. A electric motor is installed between the engine and the transmission. It is only used to assist the combustion engine whenever needed, hence Honda calling it an Integrated Motor Assist system. Because the motor steps in whenever the driver demands more power, a smaller and more fuel efficient combustion engine can be used. However with this configuration there is no such thing as a zero emissions full EV mode – the car cannot run solely on the electric motor.

And then you have series hybrid cars, where a combustion engine running at a constant most efficient RPM is used as an electricity generated to power an electric motor, which drives the wheels.

FIAT ULYSSE MPV

 

What Car? says
3 out of 5 stars

For Its diesel engines are refined and some versions have eight seats

Against Luggage space is poor considering the size of the car and the electric sliding doors aren’t fitted to all models

Verdict It’s a fine MPV, but Citroen’s C8 offers more kit

Go for… 2.0 TD

Avoid… 2.0 Prestigio

Fiat Ulysse MPV full review with expert trade views

The Ulysse’s dash has a modern, minimalist design, complete with centrally mounted dials, but it’s very much a typical MPV otherwise. Most versions can carry seven, although there was an eight-seater option, and top-of-the-range cars have six individual captain’s chairs. In each model, all but the front pair of seats are removable.

Every model also has sliding rear doors, which are a real help when getting in and out of the back in tight parking spots. However, where the virtually identical Citroen C8 and Peugeot 807 tend to come with these doors electrically operated – useful when your hands are full – these were only a cost option on the Ulysse.

Given the car’s size and shape, it’s surprisingly refined and good to drive: the ride, which is on the firm side around town, settles nicely at speed; and, while you’re always aware of its bulk when tackling corners, the car is reasonably controlled, with only limited body roll.

There was a 136bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, but the two fine turbodiesels – a 109bhp 2.0-litre and a 128bhp 2.2 – make more sense because of their superior fuel economy and smooth power delivery. However, while the extra low-down pulling power of the 2.2 is useful, it costs a fair bit more, so put the 2.0-litre at the top of your shopping list.

The basic Dynamic model has more than enough kit for most people, so we think there’s no point in spending any more. Climate control, a CD player and a small fridge for keeping cans of drink cool are all fitted as standard, and the safety kit includes driver, passenger and side airbags for those in the front, and full-length curtain airbags that protect all three rows of seats.

If that really isn’t enough, you could step up to Eleganza trim, which brings dual-zone climate control, sat-nav, alloy wheels, reversing sensors and a mirror that lets you keep an eye on the kids in the back, while top-trim Prestigio cars come with leather upholstery and a CD multichanger.

The Ulysse depreciates quite heavily, making it a tempting second-hand buy, but it didn’t sell as well as the near-identical Citroen C8 and Peugeot 807, so used examples are harder to find.

As long as nothing major goes wrong, it should be affordable to maintain. The rates charged by Fiat dealers are on a par with most rival manufacturers, and independent Fiat specialists can undercut them by almost 40%.

Fuel economy is pretty much what you’d expect for this sort of car, with the petrol engine returning 31.0mpg on the combined cycle, the 2.0-litre diesel averaging 40.4 and the 2.2 diesel 38.2mpg.

However, insurance bills are low for a large MPV, with the Dynamic petrol car attracting a group 10 rating and all the other models sitting in group 11.

Fiat doesn’t have the best reliability record, with owners consistently criticising their cars in the annual JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey. It’s no surprise, then, that the Ulysse is no more than average in this area.

Claims by Warranty Direct customers show that it can suffer from electrical problems that cause the instruments to misread or fail, and some cars have suffered front suspension failures.

Fiat also issued three recalls on the car, so make sure you check in the service recors that the necessary work has been done. Diesel models built between January 2002 and July 2004 had a problem with the bolts that held their sound deadening guard in place; there was a chance the airbags could go off by mistake on all models built between January 2002 and July 2004 and cars built between August 2003 and July 2004 needed to have their engine management software updated.

Chery Eastar 7 Seater MPV

 

Chery’s B240 MPV has been relaunched in Malaysia as a locally assembled car and it is now called the Chery Eastar. The locally assembled Chery Eastar MPVs will roll out of Oriental Assembler Sdn Bhd’s plant in Johor, but a new CKD plant will be up and running in Pekan, Pahang by the end of 2009.

Under the hood of the 7-seater Chery Eastar MPV is a 2.4 liter SOHC Mitsubishi long-stroke engine producing a rather sedate 127 horsepower at 5,500rpm and 198Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. This is quite a conservatively-tuned basic engine (SOHC, 9:1 compression) which does not produce much power for its displacement but should be relatively easy on maintenance. It is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting. The MPV measures 4662mm long, 1820mm wide and 1590mm tall with a long 2800mm wheelbase.

The new Chery Eastar is priced at RM79,888 for the standard version and RM86,888 for the high-spec version. The standard version includes LED rear lamps, side turn indicators on the wing mirrors, all-round disc brakes, a radio cassette player with 6 speakers, manual windows and 16 inch steel wheels while the premium version adds a CD player with MP3 support, steering wheel audio controls, ABS brakes, traction control, power windows for all four doors, dual SRS airbags for the front, and 16 inch alloy wheels. Further options include 18 inch alloy wheels and an NGV kit.

The high-spec version adds It comes with 1 year free service (for the first 1,000 units sold) and a 3+2 year warranty.

My assumption is Chery Eastar best described as budget MPV that anyone in Malaysia can afford it!

Nissan Qashqai N-TEC

Considering SUV's? Check Out This.




Conservative of car makers, Nissan is now one of the more creative and consumer led businesses.

It has turned around its business plan and introduced new models virtually overnight and their sales have been transformed. For the UK it is very good news as the majority of its best selling models are made here near Newcastle.

One of the latest and fashionable models is the cross-over Qashqai+2, the longer wheelbase seven-seat version of the original Qashqai, which begins at £14,200 for the five-seat standard model in two-wheel-drive and from £15,600 for the +2. The top version will set you back almost £25,000.

This is not a pure off-roader as it may appear, but infact is front wheel drive with the roomier body of a mid-sized mpv in some versions although all-wheel-drive derivatives are available as well using Nissan's extensive experience of ultimate control.

There's a range of popular engines and we tested the lowered powered 1.6 petrol but it also comes with a 2.0-litre as well as diesel 1.5 and 2.0-litre units. A comprehensive choice.

The 1.6 petrol is a very free-revving and surprisingly smooth unit. It sounds busy but not noisy unless it is really pushed through the gears.

Matched to the five-speed manual box it has a sensible range of gears to move the Qashqai along from rest, eagerly keeping up with traffic and permits safe overtaking and composed motorway cruising.

The light and progressive clutch is a good match to the engine and its slick gearchange will be welcomed by many users.

The power delivery is good and it turns out well when used by the driver only, however, with two or more aboard the absolute power is lacking and you become aware of its engine size.

It also means the overall economy can vary enormously depending on the load and the way it is driven to maintain progress as if it was occupied by the driver alone.

The powertrain's refinement is matched by that of the brakes and steering. Slowing or stopping the Qashqai is very quick and assured and there is no drama while manoeuvring in town or on open roads and it is effortless yet precise.

Secondary controls are familiarly placed around the wheel and column, coming to hand and finger very easily. Instruments are straightforward, clear and easily read and backed up by the usual warning lights.

Heating and ventilation is good, easy to control, distributes evenly and proved consistent in control and output. Powered windows back it up.

Oddments space is generally good throughout the cabin and in this respect it's a good family car. You can also load the boot very easily and fully, adjust or reach things from the rear doors and the seats fold out of the way very quickly.

Access to the inside is good with wide opening doors and once in seats, the room is good whether you are in the front or back seats, but there is some compromise in the third row of the +2 version. It is a small price to pay for their occasional use.

Comfort levels are good and the front seats have adequate adjustment range for most users to find a suitable setting.

The Qashqai soaks up the road bumps with little complaint and there are no real shocks for the suspension or occupants.

Handling is safe and sure, not dramatic or daring, and you know exactly what is happening beneath the driven front wheels and it holds no surprises. It inspires confidence and is very easy to control.

The performance of the Qashqai +2 is good, not exceptional, and it does it all very easily but it can vary with load and how hard it is pushed. Economy is good if driven within its normal parameters.

The visibility with the design is generally clear, but the high waist can hide some things from view when reversing. Lights and wipers were very good on the test vehicle.

The Qashqai +2 does everything very well indeed and nothing badly. It possesses a lot of practical features which will endear it to buyers and the choice of powertrains and carrying capacity will please many as well.

Its concept is now widely accepted as normal for a family model and at the price of the Qashqai it means the whole package is a strong attraction, particularly with the scrappage deals available at the moment.

FAST FACTS

Nissan Qashqai+2 1.6 N-Tec

Price: £17,695

Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,600cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 108mph

0-62mph: 12.9 seconds

Combined mpg: 40

Insurance group: 7

C02 emissions: 165g/km

BIK rating: 21%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

The Grand Livina by Nissan

Another Choice Of MPV's, This Time Brought To You By Nissan

Does The Grand Livina really “drives like a sedan and fits like a MPV” as the tagline says? Lets find out. Price wise, the Grand Livina smacks right into the Toyota Innova territory.

The Innova has been a hit in South East Asian countries with its large seating or carrying capacity. First launched as a workhorse vehicle to carry goods and people, it has grown up to semi luxury MPV level. Although it carries the new image well, Toyota did a good job, there is no hiding the fact of its genetics with ladder frame construction.



The Grand Livina on the other hand is a new comer to the 7 seater party. Looks wise, I think Nissan need some more work done seeing how they can come up with the Murano and the 350Z. Granted the Grand Livina is not a hot car, it is built to carry people, still lacks in the looks department. Have to say, the Innova looks better but only slightly. Others beg to differ and see a shadow of the Murano in the Grand Livina.

The Grand Livina has better genes with monocoque construction giving better stiffness and handling. Even many serious 4×4 vehicles now use this modern-ish construction. In line with current designs, suspension is MacPherson strut setup in front and the rear uses a torsion beam. Because it is built on a car platform, the handling of the Grand Livina is sharp and stable. Over rough roads, the suspension soaks up the bumps well.



Interior space. That is why people buy cars like the Innova or the Livina, is the Innova’s key point. Unlike the Innova, although the Livina is a 7 seater, once it is set-up such, boot space is becomes paltry. The dimensions of the Livina puts it between the Avanza and the Innova. It just means is it a little unfair to compare the two when it comes to space but the auto industry is not about being fair. It is about who can capture more market share. And it is something Nissan has done well. Having said that, the third row although tight, can accommodate an adult if it is not a long journey.

Like the original Kijang in Indonesia, the Grand Livina became a best selling MPV there. A plus for the Grand Livina is the seats fold down fairly flat. In case you can’t find a motel, it can fit 2 for an night. Beats sleeping on a park bench.

Powered by either HR16DE or MR18DE, these are the current crop of engines that powers many Nissan. Fuel efficient with good low end torque is the hallmark of these power plants.

Weighing between 1,220 kg and 1,230 kg. The Grand Livina is average for a 7 seater car.

According to Nissan’s website, the power figures are
Max. Power (kW/rpm) 77@5,200 93@5,200
Max. Torque (Nm/rpm) 150@4,400 174@4,800
Overall Length (mm) 4420
Overall Width (mm) 1690
Overall Height (mm) 1590
Wheelbase (mm) 2600

Current reports from owners indicate the fuel consumption is average to good, which is to be expected for a car this size with what I think is a slightly underpowered engine in case you want some excitement. Check out the video, a Livina can be driven enthusiastically. A 2 liter engine would be just nice. However, a recent light footed contest yielded surprising fuel economy but this would be almost impossible to achieve in real life considering some contestants went to extreme measures to get it; air conditioner off, highway driving only, constant speeds and whatever else they did!

The Grand Livina driving position is comparatively low for a MPV. It is more car like can MPV like. So for those who like the higher viewing position will be disappointed. The 1.8 liter model with higher power output is more fun to drive compared to the 1.6 liter model.

So, there you have it. Choosing between the 2 depends on your needs. If you want a better handling car but carries less stuff, then the Grand Livina is a newer, better choice. For those who only occasionally need to fill the 6th or 7th seat, then it would suffice. The Livina is priced attractively especially when you don’t need that much space all the time.

The Innova’s price and space formula works well especially when you need to cart 6 to 7 people AND this things for a holiday. It has a rugged robust construction to boot. At the end it’s the Grand Livina just because it is the new kid on the block.

Discover First Malaysian – Made MPV

 

 Truly Malaysian!

Proton has announced the name for the new Proton MPV – the Proton Exora! The Exora is based on the name of the Ixora flower, with the tagline “Keriangan Keluarga”. The name and tagline were picked by the Name The Proton MPV competition grand prize winner Norsholihan Bt Abdul Eanich, who will get to drive and own the 7-seater people mover she helped name once it is launched in April.

Proton also revealed that the Exora MPV will be priced at under RM 80,000 ( price tag that make many Malaysian smiling )and will be available in 5 colours – Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black, Blue Haze, Pyrite Brown and Gaia Blue. In terms of safety, all variants will have at least 2 SRS airbags as standard, but this will be as far as it will go in terms of total airbag count. The Proton Exora will be built in the Shah Alam plant. Cost of development was slightly over RM 450 million.

Proton will produce between 3,000 to 3,500 units of the Proton Exora a month initially. After the local launch in April, the MPV will be swiftly exported to markets such as Thailand and Indonesia by July. We’ll see how the new Exora fares in an open market up with our friends up north against their favorite Toyota MPVs. (such as Toyota Avanza and Nissan Grand Livina)

Proton Exora also the first  Malaysian made  MPV, expected to be powered by the Campro CPS engine.

Toyota Alphard Vellfire – The King Of MPV

 

 

Toyota has launched the latest generation Toyota Alphard MPV, and this time around the Alphard also gets a twin with minor exterior differences portraying a more aggressive look called the Toyota Vellfire.

Toyota has been known to do this with its JDM cars – the Toyota Noahhas an evil twin called the Toyota Voxy, and the Toyota Allion’s twin is called the Toyota Premio.

As expected,  the new Toyota Alphard is a slightly toned down production version of theToyota FT-MV conceptshowed at last year’s 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota says the Alphard design represents “elegance and refinement”, while the Vellfire represents “power and innovation”.

The name Vellfire was derived by combining the words velvet and fire. The vehicles have slightly different front and rear looks, with the Vellfire having two-stepped headlamps at the front, and clear lense tail lamps at the rear. Both vehicles also feature rear wipers that fold away into the roof spoiler so that the rear looks cleaner when you do not need the rear wipers.

The Alphard (and Vellfire) is larger now, with a longer wheelbase of 2,950mm versus the previous generation’s 2,900mm wheelbase.

Each MPV has two engine choices – either a 2AZ-FE 2.4 liter DOHC VVT-i inline-4 engine mated to a Super CVT-i stepless gearbox with the option of 7 virtual gear ratios, or a 2GR-FE 3.5 liter V6 engine with a 6-speed Super ECT transmission.

 

The MPVs feature S-VCS (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) which can correct steering angles as well as adjust power and brake in efforts to stabilize the MPV.

Honda Odyessy Absolute

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has updated it’s fully imported CBU Honda Odyssey to the latest facelift edition. The Odyssey has always been unique in the world of MPVs – it is much lower than other MPVs but not sacrificing space at the same time. A lower stance allows a lower center of gravity, giving the Odyssey a car-like driving experience.

On the exterior, the Honda Odyssey facelift gets new bumpers on the front and rear, and the grille gains Honda’s new floating design. The side mirrors have gained the obligatory signal lamps that seems to be making it’s way onto every car these days. The rear lamps are now lit up by LED, which are brighter and activate faster.

While the new Accord 2.4 gets 10 more horses, the Honda Odyssey’s 2.4 liter engine makes the same 160 horses at 5,500rpm as before, channeled to the front wheels via a 5-speed Sport Shift automatic transmission. Interior is also pretty much the same as the previous version, making this a minor aesthetic facelift.


The Honda Odyssey still retains it’s G-CON (G-Force Control) technology, where the car body can withstand a 55 km/h full-frontal collision; a 64 km/h front offset collision, a 55 km/h side collision, and a 50 km/h rear collision. Other safety features include ABS brakes, EBD, Brake Assist, and 10 airbags – two front, two front side, and side curtain airbags for the front to third row – that would be 2 + 2 + 6 = 10. Glad I can still count.



The new Honda Odyssey 2.4 liter i-VTEC which is a fully imported CBU retails for RM236,800 on the road, for Peninsular Malaysia. It’s available in five colours – Nighthawk Black, Grayish Mauve Metallic, Carbon Bronze, Alabaster Silver Metallic, and Premium White Pearl.