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    At the Geneva Auto Salon next month, Rinspeed will show a concept car it claims is the world’s lowest sportscar in the world with an overall height of just 97 cm (39 inches). The ‘car’ is a single-seater with a ‘Dynamic Cockpit Control Concept’ in which the driver’s position is adjustable in ride height and can also swing laterally during cornering, like a motorcycle function.

    With an eye towards environmental-friendliness, the Rinspeed Advantige R one, as the concept car is called, will have a bi-fuel engine with a ‘CO2 neutral cycle’ and can run on renewable energy sources. It will also roll on the latest high-tech tyres from Continental.

    At this time, pictures of the actual car are not available but AUTOWORLD.COM.MY has obtained studio drawings which give an idea of what the concept car will look like.

    Rinspeed is 23-year old company in Switzerland which began business as the Rinspeed Garage (Rinspeed = Founder Frank M. RINderknecht) and imported sunroofs from the U.S. and did conversions of cars for handicapped drivers. Today, it is a designer and manufacturer of exclusive automotive accessories, customized cars, conversions, custom fabrication and prototypes for individual customers, dealers and the industry.

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      Each type of vehicle design has good points as well as bad ones; the sedan is fine for use on good roads but lacks space if you have a lot of things to carry and also has limited ground clearance, while the 4WD SUV is spacious but its height affects its handling. As for the sportscar, the designs are usually compact and low-slung which is great for handling but you may have problems over speedbumps and bad roads.

      Mitsubishi Motor’s latest concept car, the RPM 7000, aims to show that a sportscar can be practical enough for daily use. It achieves this through innovative packaging and a high-performance powertrain, and Mitsubishi Motors believes that such a concept can satisfy consumers who want unparalleled on-road performance combined with uncompromising passenger and cargo versatility as well as superior off-road prowess.

      “The RPM 7000 challenges all convention though its incredible performance and real-world usability. While redefining the term ‘sportscar’ and contemplating how we can take such a concept to the retail market one day in the future, the RPM 7000 creates a segment all its own,” said Pierre Gagnon, Executive V-P and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. “Our racing heritage in Paris-Dakar as well as our success in World Rally Championships have made us a leader in this kind of motorsports competition, and the RPM 7000 is our most recent reflection of this racing expertise.”

      The overall design takes on an aggressive look, with a F1 car-inspired nose-cone and large air ducts for effective engine cooling. Lens-covered, multiple projection-beam headlights blend into the voluptuous fenders while a wedged beltline and a ‘Geo-Mechanical’ break at the hip point accents the overall style. The traditional high-back wagon-look is replaced by a gracefully sloping roofline that features a rear window that retracts into the body and a rear deck-lid that disappears like the cover on a roll-top desk. The rear passenger seats can then be folded to make a pickup-like rear cargo area, generously-sized to fit two mountain bikes.

      The driver’s side features the familiar coupe design, with a long, single door. But the passenger’s side is rather different: two “suicide style” center-opening doors are provided for easy kerbside access into the 4-passenger cabin.

      The metallic dayglo, anodized orange paint scheme was inspired by the red-hot exhaust manifolds on racing engines and the aggressive style is further accented through high ground clearance and large-diameter, 19-inch, six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels shod with 245/60VR19 Goodyears with F1 rain tyre patterns.

      “Style and design are nothing if a car can’t live up to the expected power and performance,” said Mike Desmond, designer of the RPM 7000 at the Mitsubishi Research and Design America studio in California. “We made sure the RPM 7000 had the raw power that could cash the race car ‘cheques’ its body design was signing.” In other words, it could deliver the sort of performance the looks suggested.

      Rally-inspired performance goals called for rally-proven power and technology in the RPM 7000. The renowned engine from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-4 car was re-engineered specifically for this vehicle. In its modified form, it develops a claimed 232kW/315 bhp at 6500 rpm. The 2.0-litre, DOHC 4-cylinder engine gains its strength through a large-diameter, twin-intercooled, twin-scroll turbocharger and transfers its power to all four wheels through a variable-torque Active Control Transfer system which has a viscous coupling centre differential.

      A close ratio, 5-speed manual transmission utilizes an all-carbon, three-plate competition clutch, allowing for high-rpm, rally style acceleration launches. To stop quickly, the RPM 7000 incorporates large-diameter, ventilated brake rotors featuring eight-piston brake calipers up front with a four-piston design used in the rear.

      Just as serious as the exterior design and powertrain engineering is the RPM 7000’s interior architecture. The “down-to-business” rallycar-inspired cockpit has a built-in roll-cage that is integrated into the internal support structure. Purposeful and functional, the layout features extensive use of carbon-fibre while exposed interior door frames integrate with the metal structure as part of the interior design theme.

      Mimicking a rallycar, the RPM 7000’s shifter, ignition and switches have all been purposefully designed to be utilized by the driver while wearing thick racing gloves, demonstrating the true racing philosophy behind this unique vehicle. The centre console represents a marriage of function with convenience, featuring a touch-screen monitor incorporating the vehicle’s climate control system, on-board navigation, audio system with CD, satellite feed and MP3 capability, as well as competition gear like a SS timer and engine management control display.

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        “No Boundaries” is the theme Ford uses to promote its 4WD sport-utility vehicles (SUV) in North America and at the North America Auto Show this month, the company displaying the EX Concept vehicle stakes its claim in the extreme domain of the “No Boundaries” SUV line-up, promising’ a unique, no-compromise driving experience for the off-road enthusiast and extreme sports authority’. It was built to explore a unique lifestyle and cohort group.

        This two-seat concept vehicle is purpose-built and features high-quality, detailed composite body sections on a chrome-moly steel frame. The frame is tough, durable, resistant to corrosion and ready to take on any off-road adventure. The exposed front frame structure is accentuated by a honeycomb texture front grille and four round high-intensity driving lamps, which gives the overall appearance a tough, solid stance.

        The mechanicals, such as the transfer case and aluminium radiator with dual fans, are moved rearward to achieve a 50:50 weight distribution, providing optimal traction in rugged terrain. An ecto-skeletal design allows the components to be visible, and removable side body panels are secured to the frame by lightweight aluminium fasteners.

        The windscreen, tinted in a bronze colour, folds down and clips to the top of the bonnet, giving the occupants the feeling of freedom that comes from open-air driving. In lieu of door handles, padded grip areas on the top and side frame ease access when climbing in and out of the vehicle. Other features include dual stainless steel side exiting exhausts, five-spoke, large 17-inch cast aluminium wheels, and a spare wheel/tyre cradled behind the seating area.

        The interior features a full roll-cage and the seats are wrapped in a black and tan all-weather material that is claimed to resist damage from the sun, ozone and weather and displays outstanding physical toughness. The steering wheel and instruments are mounted on a steering mechanism that glides from side to side to allow for easier entry and exit. Occupants strap into their seats with 4-point safety belts and dual airbags are located in the centre of the wheel and the instrument panel.

        A removable central storage bin bridges the rear suspension while an additional storage bin is positioned on a bar located under the instrument panel. Map pockets are placed on the side panels to store smaller equipment. The floor is washable and features integrated molded rubber non-skid pads and floor drain plugs.

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        Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) closed its sales in 2000 with a total of 125,860 Proton cars sold, up 11.48% against the previous year of 112,898 units. The achievement, according to EON Managing Director Datuk Adzmi Abdul Wahab, was recorded on the back of positive measures in economic recovery enacted by the Malaysian government and the innovative marketing strategies the company took during the difficult period.

        The Proton Iswara was the company’s best-seller – and therefore the most popular car in Malaysia – with 57,766 units sold. It was followed closely by the Proton Wira Sedan which saw 50,790 units sold (the Wira Aeroback is sold by USPD). The new Proton Waja, which went on sale from September 2000, provided a boost to the sales with 5,717 units sold, while the flagship Proton Perdana recorded 11,587 units sold.

        Compared against 1999 figures, the Iswara saw a decrease of 12.07% while the Wira Sedan had an increase of 17.86%. As a result of increased output, Perdana sales jumped by 333.45%.

        To date, the company has sold 1,303,719 Proton cars in 16 years, the volume brining in approximately RM41.6 billion in sales.

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        After some eight years, an entirely new model joins the Jeep line-up. It combines the traditional Jeep attributes with new ones which the modern generation of SUV (4WD sport-utility vehicles) buyers expect. The design takes themes previously seen in the Dakar and Jeepster concept vehicles and thus has short front and rear overhangs and a very upright profile to deliver efficient space-utilization, high seating position and prominent road presence.

        In developing the Liberty’s style, the designers and engineers executed the design with great finesse and attention to detail. One place this can be seen is in the jeweled lamp lenses. The panel fits of the flares to the fenders and fascias were carefully designed using CATIA (Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) to ensure the execution looks like one continuous piece.

        “This new Jeep stands apart from the new generation of less capable compact SUVs”, claims Rich Schaum, Executive Vice President – Product Development and Quality & General Manager Passenger Car Operations, DaimlerChrysler Corporation which owns the Jeep brand through its merger with Chrysler two years ago. “The all-new Liberty stands alone in the world market because it combines legendary Jeep capability that our customers have come to expect with superior on-road refinement to broaden our buyer base even further.”

        PETROL AND DIESEL ENGINES
        The new Liberty was engineered with a wide array of new features that are said to make it equally capable on virtually any terrain. Under the bonnet is a newly-developed SOHC 3.7-litre V6 which is based on the 4.7-litre V8 which powers the Grand Cherokee. This new engine features a 90-degree even-firing V-6, cast iron block and bedplate, aluminium cylinder heads and a balance shaft. Its output is 157 kW/210 bhp at 5200 rpm with maximum torque of 305 Nm at 4000 rpm. Manual or automatic transmissions are available.

        To broaden its appeal globally, the Liberty will also be available with a new 2.5-litre Direct Injection 4-cylinder Turbodiesel which has a cast-iron cylinder block and a one-piece aluminum cylinder head with 16-valves. The output for this engine is 105 kW/140 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque is 343 Nm at 1800 rpm. For improved performance and fuel efficiency, the engine uses belt-driven overhead cams, direct fuel injection and counter-rotating balance shafts. Vehicles equipped with this engine also have a viscous heater system to supplement passenger compartment heat.

        INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
        An all-new Jeep-engineered coil sprung independent front suspension has been developed for the Liberty which offers generous 203 mm travel. Sturdy, cast iron lower and forged steel upper control arms coupled to a cast iron steering knuckle with permanently lubricated ball joints provide a stable base for the front suspension. Such a design not only enhances robustness and durability but also improves the ride over rough surfaces due to reduced unsprung vehicle weight.

        GRAND CHEROKEE REAR SUSPENSION
        Forsaking the more traditional leafspring rear suspension of earlier Jeeps, the Liberty uses a link-coil rear suspension similar to that found under the Grand Cherokee. Apart from the coil springs having less static and dynamic friction, the rear configuration also has a roll centre closer to the vehicle’s centre of gravity to reduce body lean during cornering. The trailing A-shaped upper arm’s sturdy, box section construction, tuned to provide extremely high stiffness, helps isolate axle and road noise. Box section lower control arms provide exceptional durability. Progressive rate springs in the standard suspension system provide a consistently comfortable ride and help maintain controlled handling under varying load conditions.

        INNOVATIVE REAR DOOR
        For quick and easy access to the cargo area, the Liberty features a patented single-action swing rear door/flipper glass system. The rear door opens from the kerbside of the vehicle for safety and a unique pull-type latch mechanism makes the opening of the glass section and swing door an intuitive, one-motion operation. Jeep says that this is an easier operation than other SUVs which require multiple steps because pulling the release handle performs both operations, as the latch includes a detent to separate the functions. Pressing the cargo door button on the keyless entry transmitter or turning the key in the swing door lock also opens the glass window.

        ’REFINED’ SAFETY
        Well aware that today’s buyers are demanding greater safety in their vehicles, Jeep engineers have given greater attention to this aspect. Its sturdy construction uses high-strength alloy steel for a network of steel beams, rails and pillars that create a “safety cage” for the occupants. Underbody rails that run the length of the vehicle are built with high-strength alloy steel and work with other structural components to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment and help preserve the fuel system in a collision.

        New-generation multi-stage driver and front passenger airbags are designed to deploy at different levels, depending on the severity of the crash and whether the occupant is using a seatbelt. This way, low-speed crashes generate less forceful airbag deployment, while high-speed crashes or an unbelted occupant will trigger the airbag’s maximum force.

        Side curtain airbags are also available for additional head protection for both front and rear occupants seated next to the doors. This is the first Jeep to have side curtain airbags.

        For active safety, the Liberty uses larger, thicker, full-cast brake discs with greater heat capacity and larger, stiffer calipers in front combined with a new integrated ABS that includes electronic brake distribution for optimal braking performance. An interesting feature is the way the ABS activates when the vehicle is in the 4WD low-range mode and allows for limited wheel lockup as needed, such as when the vehicle is descending steep sand or gravel hills. Special programming ensures that the ABS will not react to sudden wheel lock-up that occurs on bumpy surfaces, such as at railway crossings and on the rough “washboard” surfaces of gravel roads.

        RUGGED CABIN THEMES
        The design of the Liberty’s interior is also derived from Jeepster and complements the exterior theme. The interior features a bold, round-dialed cluster with large gauges and black-on-beige graphics. Round a.c outlets and a round motif applied to the interior door handles add to the functional design aesthetic. Deep-sculpted doors with generous map pockets in the front and bottle holders in the rear continue the theme of providing substance with excellent space utilization.

        The interesting textures and finishes seen throughout the interior further exemplify attention to detail. The centre and side accents on the instrument panel, gearshift lever and handbrake feature a ‘mechanical grain. This contrasts with the more traditional animal grain found on the top of the instrument panel, the glovebox door and door trim panels. Satin chrome finish is found on cruise control bezels, the centre of the instrument panel, gearlever surround, switch plate bezel on door, door remote handles and lock plungers on premium models. There is also a bright Jeep logo on the round, natural grained steering wheel horn pad.

        The cloth seat fabric is made of a flat, woven material that gives a sense of ruggedness in a smooth, sophisticated way. An optional premium leather package uses dramatic colour differences of Dark Slate complemented by Light Taupe on the seats and door trim panel inserts.

        The Liberty’s interior packaging provides superior versatility and comfort. Headroom is exceptionally good with the vertical rear end while the 65/35-split rear seat with one-handed folding operation maximizes passenger and cargo flexibility. The boot area features cargo tie-downs and grocery bag hooks.

        END OF THE CHEROKEE
        With the arrival of the Liberty, it is believed that the Cherokee, which was originally introduced in 1984, will be retired. The Cherokee has served Jeep well, having been the company’s most significant export model. It was also the model which Jeep used for its factory in China, the first model to be built there by an American manufacturer.

        Whether the Liberty comes to Malaysia remains to be seen since there is no longer a distributor here. MBf-Peugeot, which held the franchise for some years in the 1990s, has been clearing remaining stocks (but continues to offer after-sales support to its customers) and no new party has taken over the franchise and a C&C Bintang source said that so far, there have been no discussions with DaimlerChrysler about the company handling Jeep sales in Malaysia in future.

        LIBERTY DIMENSIONS
        Wheelbase: 2650 mm
        Length: 4437 mm
        Width: 1819 mm
        Height: 1796 mm
        Tracks (front/rear): 1524/1516 mm
        Ground clearance: 257 mm
        Kerb weight : 1592 kgs ~ 1751 kgs

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        The WiLL-Vi (which went on sale in January 2000 in Japan) is a 4-door compact runabout which uses the same platform as the Toyota Yaris/Vitz. Its distinctive yet simple styling combines a modernity with several nostalgic features.

        The initiative to create such a model began in 1997 when Hiroshi Okuda, then the President of Toyota Motor Corporation, established a venture start-up within the company to develop and market new vehicle concepts aimed at the Japanese youth market – specifically the ‘Dankai Jr.’ Generation which is made up of young consumers in their 20s and 30s who are ‘extremely difficult’ and ‘particular’ about many things in life. Their criterion in deciding on something is usually ‘Will it please me?’, hence the brand name of ‘WiLL’.

        This ‘firm within a firm’ took a radically different approach. In addition to developing its own sales and distribution channels separate from the Toyota dealer network, the Virtual Venture Company (VVC), as it is called, teamed up with several other major Japanese manufacturers to create the new consumer lifestyle concept and brand. The goal was not to have specific brand names appear but to highlight the brand name on products that would appeal to the targeted consumers. Ultimately, with the brand drawing consumers, there would be a ‘mushroom effect’ which would benefit all the participants.

        MULTI-INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS
        In August 1999, Toyota and a number of other major Japanese manufacturers – all from different sectors of industry – agreed to cooperate on a joint consumer lifestyle marketing project in Japan. Designed to generate radically fresh ideas and develop novel sales, marketing and distribution methods, this project centred around the ‘WiLL’ concept. Under this concept, each manufacturer would develop and market a series of products, the common theme being that they should all resonate with modern Japanese youth consumer lifestyles. In specific terms, products should appeal to the young spirit with its love of fun and desire for the real thing.

        WiLL-branded products include a computer, microwave oven and refrigerator specially developed by Matsushita Electric and a new beer from Asahi Breweries. Kao, the cosmetics company, also offers a WiLL deodorizing spray claimed to kill cigarette smoke, while a leading travel agency has created a range of customized tours oriented towards younger Japanese who prefer the less rigid programs which older Japanese typically appreciate when travelling.

        INDIVIDUALITY IN DESIGN
        VVC developed the WiLL-Vi based on this philosophy. The WiLL-Vi is an example of VVC’s insistence on creating a vehicle feel in line with the WiLL concept. Once the results of the consumer design testing had established which steering wheels, external designs, internal fittings, and alternative colour schemes potential users preferred, no compromises were made on the quality.

        By focussing on the owner and exuding a strong sense of stylish individuality, the WiLL-Vi’s design in intended to appeal to those who are confident about who they are and what they like. Compact, yet spacious enough inside to accommodate up to five people, its interior has been designed to be relaxing for just the driver alone or a whole group of occupants.

        SIMPLICITY IS THE THEME
        The car’s design was guided by a “Simplicity is Beauty” philosophy, and Toyota’s designers and engineers adhered closely to this in their approach. Rather than create a large number of possible variations and options, they set out determinedly to make the WiLL-Vi a single unisex package, by applying the principle of keeping what was good and eliminating anything extraneous from the design.

        “Everything a driver would want is already standard,” explained Jun Yasumatsu, who led the development team. “The beauty of the vehicle is in its simplicity.” In fact, the only available options are for the audio system or the roof-type (conventional hardtop or canvas convertible).

        PLAYING THE ANGLES
        Several elements stand out within the overall body design. First, compared with the smooth monoform bodies of most modern vehicles, the WiLL-Vi is a three-dimensional wonder. It almost looks like it has been teleported in from a past age when cars were a group of molded plates bolted together. Formed by the piecing together of several planes to create expressive angles, the vehicle’s exterior has a solid, relief-like feel.

        The most striking aspect of the exterior design is the rear passenger door, which forms an acute angle with the roof. The wrap-around rear doors, hidden C-pillar and distinctive cut-in effect created by this design are what give the car its appearance of a carriage.

        The carriage motif extends to the four corners of the vehicle as well. The wheels, placed as close to the vehicle’s corners as possible, combined with the prominent blister fenders, emphasize the vehicle’s stability and create an aura of solidity.

        HITTING A FUNKY GROOVE
        To add yet another dimension to the exterior’s distinct planes, sets of parallel grooves were embossed on the side panels, front hood and bootlid. The hubcaps, steering wheel and instrument panel continue the motif, adding to the vehicle’s overall funkiness.

        While indisputably funky, the WiLL-Vi still manages to embrace the ideals of symmetry and simplicity throughout. The car’s front face and rear face, for example, are nearly identical. The interior is purposely plain and symmetrical. This sparseness is also somewhat reminiscent of vehicles at the turn of the century. The externally-hinged boot, for example, subtly compliments the car’s simple retro feel.

        HANGING’ OUT ON THE SOFA
        The emphasis in the interior design of the WiLL-Vi was very much on choosing materials that would be reassuring to the touch. Overall, the designers sought to create a calming, friendly, graceful atmosphere for the interior that anybody riding in the car would find instantly relaxing. The interior colour choices reflect this philosophy completely; various earth tones help to create a comfortable, natural ambience.

        Much like you would never place furniture wall-to-wall in your home, the designers of WiLL-Vi wanted to balance the car’s “furniture” (its instrument panel, seats, trim, etc) with its “walls” (the cabin sides). For this reason, rather than feeling encapsulated by a conventional interior, the occupants feel as if they are hanging out in their home – or maybe even as if wearing a favourite jacket.

        The optional canvas roof is designed to appeal to those with a love of freedom and old-style, simple technology. Manually operated, it folds up and back. The space above the car thus created is expansive, substantially enhancing the sense of personal freedom.

        A ZIPPY POWERTRAIN
        The WiLL-Vi’s 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE engine (same power unit as in the Yaris/Vitz) has an all-aluminium cylinder block and plastic intake manifold to keep the weight down. A VVT-i (Toyota’s variable valve timing mechanism) system on the intake side increases fuel economy. In addition, a number of other features, such as an offset crankshaft, have been added to boost fuel economy. An aluminium oil pan with improved sealing characteristics reduces noise and vibration. The 1,290 kg WiLL-Vi also boasts one of the world’s lightest automatic transmissions operated by a column-shift gearlever.

        Uncertain of how the WiLL-Vi would be received outside Japan, Toyota has not made plans to export the ¥1.3 million (about RM45,500 before tax) car which has been selling well in the domestic market.


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          In 1999, Toyota introduced a new and unusual model known as the WiLL-Vi at the Tokyo Motorshow which was aimed at the youth market. It was one of the efforts by Japan’s largest automaker to change public perception of its image which had long been considered ‘conservative'; the new generation of buyers, especially in Japan, were being drawn to more trendy products from rivals which held much more appeal.

          Like many of its latest models, the WiLL-Vi exuded uniqueness and yet it did not cost Toyota a lot to build because, under the semi-retro bodywork was the same platform as the Toyota Vitz/Yaris.

          For various reasons, Toyota has not exported the 1.3 million yen WiLL-Vi (although private importers in Malaysia have managed to sneak a few into the country) and there are still no plans to do so. However, mindful of the rapid change of tastes of young consumers, Toyota has already begun work on a follow-up which is now being shown in California.

          The new WiLL concept car is being shown in the trendsetting American state to enable Toyota designers to get insights into the youth market which could be applicable to Japan.

          The development of the latest WiLL Concept Car is a joint effort between WiLL, now a popular brand name for several products in the Japan marketplace, and the Virtual Venture Company (VVC), an organization within TMC. Established in 1997, VVC is charged with giving Toyota a more youthful image and customer base by identifying future trends, developing marketing plans for vehicles positioned toward younger buyers and creating a youth sub-brand strategy.

          The WiLL Concept Car is a sporty 5-door vehicle with a less ‘unique’ shape as the WiLL-Vi and has a coupe-like silhouette. The exterior design is composed of a concave surface and sharp character lines. The styling is further enhanced with projector headlamps, and dark tinted glass on the rear doors and hatch.

          The interior offers seating for five and a design that complements its vibrant exterior. Unique features include a special instrument panel with red Optitron meters, a slanting centre console, a jetfighter-inspired shift lever and high-back front seats.

          For power, the new WiLL uses a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder 3S-GE engine that also nestles under the hood of Toyota sportscars like the Celica. The 133 kW/180 bhp engine has variable valve timing and lift with intelligence control (VVTL-i) to inject an extra dose of performance from 6000 rpm to the redline at 7800 rpm. VVTL-i increases the intake/exhaust lift when the engine speed is high to improve output and fuel efficiency.

          The engine power flows to the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission equipped with sport-shift steering wheel- mounted buttons, similar to a F1 car. The sport-shift feature allows manual shifting of the automatic transmission via buttons embedded in the steering wheel when the gear shift lever is in the “M” mode position. To upshift, simply press one of the two buttons on the back of the steering wheel spokes or one of the two buttons on the front of the spokes to downshift.

          VVC is currently studying the possibilities of expanding the WiLL vehicle series that would again be aimed at the youth market, with this WiLL concept expected to become the brand’s second production model later this year. There are still no plans to offer this brand outside Japan.

          Read about the WiLL-Vi

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          Perodua, in collaboration with Super Food Technology Sdn Bhd and PLUS Berhad will be jointly involved in a campaign during this festive season which is entitled Selalu Beringat, Pasti Selamat. The campaign, which complements the efforts of the government to minimise accidents during the festive season, will also have the cooperation and support of the Road Safety Council of Malaysia, police and JPJ.

          The campaign is in line with Perodua’s aim of creating awareness among motorists about road safety and why it is important that every driver ensures that his or her vehicle is in good running condition before embarking a journey, regardless of whether it is a short one or a long one. In this connection, the campaign also aims to encourage drivers to take a break when driving long distances so as to avoid fatigue and drowsiness. Failing to take such rest breaks can have an effect of safety too.

          During the campaign period, Perodua will have ‘coffee stops’ at selected locations along the North-South Highway as well as on the East Coast. At each of these stops, Perodua personnel will offer minor service assistance as well as distribute free angpow packets to every vehicle (while stocks last).

          For the first time, such a campaign will be extended to Federal and State roads, in contrast to previous campaigns which were only along highways. However, due to increased usage of highways by more motorists due to the higher standards and speedier travel, there is still greater attention given to highways. The highways have also been found to record lower accident rates than secondary roads: according to police statistics, 95% of accidents and deaths from such accidents occur on roads that are not highways.

          Locations and operation times of Perodua ‘pit stops’:

          23 & 24 December (4 pm till midnight)
          Alor Pongsu – northward side
          Simpang Pulai – northward side
          Pedas/Linggi – southward side
          Yong Peng – southward side
          Raub – eastward side
          Merapuh – eastward side

          30 & 31 December (12 noon till 8 pm)
          Simpang Pulai – southward side
          Taiping – southward side
          Pedas/Linggi – northward side
          Yong Peng – northward side
          Raub – westward side
          Merapuh – westward side

          21 & 22 January 2001 (12 noon till 8 pm)
          Alor Pongsu – northward side
          Simpang Pulai – northward side
          Pedas/Linggi – southward side
          Yong Peng – southward side
          Raub – eastward side
          Merapuh – eastward side

          27 & 28 January 2001 (12 noon till 8 pm)
          Simpang Pulai – southward side
          Taiping – southward side
          Pedas/Linggi – northward side
          Yong Peng – northward side
          Raub – westward side
          Merapuh – westward side

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          DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
          by Chips Yap

          The first thing I thought about when I heard that the new Perodua Kenari
          would have a 1-litre engine was that its performance would leave something
          to be desired. I guess this was because it had been a very long time since I
          had driven a 1-litre car and the last one probably didn’t have EFI so I
          expected something uninspiring.

          It was therefore a surprise to find the Kenari zipping off in a rather spirited
          manner and then accelerating strongly up the gentle slope after the second
          turn at the old Batu Tiga racetrack. And this was the Kenari EZ which had an
          automatic transmission – plus another two people on board, one of which can
          be described as ‘big and heavy’!

          With three cylinders, the engine sound was the same as that of the Kancil -a bit like an outboard motor. But the power delivery was smooth with each
          upshift occurring without any jerks. The only thing I found a bit odd was
          what felt like a ‘flat spot’ when I was running in third gear.

          Concerned that over-exuberant driving could result in some mishaps, Perodua’s personnel had put cones in many areas to slow cars down but for
          me, the ‘chicanes’ provided more of an opportunity to test the manoeuverability of the car. The steering certainly showed precision and
          responsiveness as I swung the Kenari sharply through the gap in the lines of
          cones and then yanked the steering wheel to the right to get back on course.

          I don’t know what my passengers thought of my driving (their first time with
          me!) but I was a bit determined to see if the car rolled much, given its
          height. But with the broad tracks, it appeared to be reasonably upright with
          no tilt to cause alarm to the occupants. In any case, charging hard through a
          corner would bring on a fair amount of understeer with the tyres scrubbing
          along the ground. Lift-off did not induce any lightness at the rear end and for
          the average driver, I’d say the handling is fool-proof and sudden swerving
          left and right won’t cause any controllability problems.

          Can’t say much about the ride comfort since the track is hardly bumpy but
          with the wheelbase being generous enough, I would expect things to be
          comfortable enough for this type of car.

          One of the passengers noted that the Kenari cabin was quieter than the
          Kembara’s at normal cruising speeds. The engine noise does intrude if you
          drive it very hard but at a constant speed of 110 km/h, you can still have a
          conversation without shouting. At the back though, the empty space where
          the boot is allows noise to come through but it is not objectionable.

          I also had a go in the Kenari GX with the 5-speed manual transmission and it
          was equally enjoyable. The shifting quality is good and the throws between
          gear positions are short. The seating position is very good for tall and short
          people and those sitting behind will find a lot of legroom. But the most
          impressive thing is the height… it’s got such a high ceiling!

          Perodua has promised to provide a testcar for a longer duration so we can
          see how it is living with the Kenari but for now, my initial assessment is that
          this is a great little car for all purposes and with the EFI engine, it offers
          performance that is nippy and I’m sure that fuel economy will also be good.
          If you can’t wait for our proper test report at a later date, go ahead and buy
          a Kenari. You won’t regret it.

          by -

          PRICES

          The retail prices for the Kenari range from RM37,000 to RM42,000. For the
          Kenari GX, buyers can choose non-metallic (2 colours) as well as metallic
          finishes (6 colours) and inclusive of roadtax, insurance and accessories, the
          Kenari GX with a non-metallic finish is RM37,874.00. The Kenari GX with
          metallic finish is priced at RM38,446.00.

          For the Kenari EZ, the top grade which is available only with automatic
          transmission and metallic finish, the all-in price is RM42,555. Aluminium
          alloy rims are included in the price.

          The price for the entry-level Kenari EX is not available at this time as it will
          not be introduced till late July.
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