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When I first saw the Mazda CX-3, it was sometime in July earlier this year when I was in Australia for a short visit. It was in the Gold Coast area on the highway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and it was in my favourite colour, blue. My first impression of the CX-3 was that it did look a little small from the outside, being not that much larger than a Mazda2, except for the fact that it stood a little taller, but what impressed me was that the Australian driver in that CX-3 seemed to be enjoying driving it. Despite the speed limit being only 100 km/h, the CX-3 looked very lively as it scooted along, darting in and out of traffic in a very nippy way.

Fast-forwarding to September, I am back here again, this time in Melbourne, as a guest of Mazda and Bermaz Motor Malaysia, to check out the Mazda CX-3. We arrived in Melbourne after a long overnight flight, and day one after arrival was basically a rest day, while day two was a trip to the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road and back. Day three was the day of action, during which we got close and personal with the Mazda CX-3. Coincidentally, I got to drive a blue one this time.

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The Mazda CX-3 will not need much introduction to the SUV-hungry enthusiasts here in Malaysia, who eagerly awaits its arrival on Malaysian shores, but for the uninitiated, it is basically a Cross-over SUV that is smaller than the CX-5. The CX-3 is powered by the same 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G (gasoline) engine that is found in the Mazda CX-5, Mazda3, and Mazda6. There is a 1.5 litre SkyActiv-D (diesel) engine version also available. Two drive trains are available, and the Australian buyers can opt either for FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) or AWD (All-Wheel Drive). From my research, it appears that the ECU tuning is slightly different to bring the power band to be effective at the lower part of the rev range.

From what I hear, Malaysia will only get the FWD, 2.0-litre gasoline model for the time being, and the official launch shall be sometime in November this year. The Malaysian retail prices are as yet undisclosed, but a source close to Mazda has hinted that it will not be ‘cheap’, as it will be a CBU (fully imported), not to mention that the weakening Malaysian Ringgit will also affect the final retail price.

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The Mazda CX-3 I got to drive was a FWD model, and with its 2.0 litre engine, felt pretty good to drive. Plenty of power, especially when overtaking, is something I always appreciate. The 6-speed automatic transmission, which is probably the same as that in the other Mazda models which share the same engine, is as usual, seamless and smooth. Although the speed limits in Australia (which we were told, are very strictly enforced) did not allow me to drive very fast, I could feel that exhilarating surge in the mid-range speeds when I needed to accelerate. There are no paddle-shifts, but there is the ‘manual’ mode using the gear shift lever, and that was quite useful in a short forest section that was relatively ‘tight’.

In the same forest section, although the speed limit was 80 km/h, we still managed to have fun testing out the handling capabilities. The CX-3 corners quite flat, with minimal body roll, despite the fact that the rear suspension is a torsion beam arrangement.

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For the more exuberant drivers, Mazda have added a ‘Sports’ mode; by pushing this button, Mazda allows drivers who want a little bit more power to have some fun, by moving up the gear shift points, and even changing down a gear or two under braking.

Aesthetically, the Mazda CX-3 is a winner from the start – it looks great, just as the designers planned it. With a larger ratio of body to glass area, and with character lines cleverly put in to break up the monotony of large panels, the CX-3 looks more like an art piece – it is so unconventional that I am pretty sure that people will buy it just for its looks. These people will appreciate it even more through the passage of time, as they discover the true value of the vehicle, which goes beyond just the looks. To add on to its appeal, sporty-looking 18-inch alloy wheels (which I am told will also adorn the Malaysian Spec models) make it look so good.

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For starters, when they drive, they will enjoy the freedom that a powerful engine delivers – remembering that it tips the scales at 1,195kg (kerb weight), it should out-accelerate the Mazda CX-5 and possibly the Mazda3. Mooted time for the zero to 100 km/h dash is a claimed 8.5 seconds. Top speed is claimed at 192 km/h, a figure that we will only be able to confirm when the CX-3 hits our shores.

There are many parts that are carry-overs from the other Mazda SkyActiv models. From what I can glean, the wing mirrors are from the CX-5 (as noted by our Star motoring editor), the air-conditioner controls are from the Mazda3, and the instrument cluster is from the Mazda2. The Australian model also had a ‘heads-up’ display very similar to that in the Mazda 3. Having common parts with other models does cut down development time and cost, and I am agreeable to that – no sense in re-inventing the wheel, right?

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The interior is quite interesting – Seats are comfortable and big enough, and the interior fittings are a mixture of soft touch plastic and the normal hard type, but quite tastefully done. In the centre of the dashboard there is that large 7-inch display that is common to most of the SKYACTIV models that provide connectivity, audio display, navigation (if available), and driving data display. Control of the display is through a ‘Commander Control’ knob located on the centre console just behind the gear lever, within easy reach. The Malaysian specifications are not confirmed, but we understand that it will be top-of-the-range.

Drivers will also appreciate the superb fuel economy. We averaged between 6.5 to 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres on our drive which covered about 200 kilometres, over highways and country roads. Bearing in mind that we were (mostly) within the Victoria state speed limits, I expect that Malaysian drivers who stick to the speed limits here would probably get about the same fuel economy, plus or minus 10 percent. Of course we would also have the option to push that ‘Sports’ mode button, in which case we would be exercising the option to let fuel consumption slide just a little for the sake of more grunt.

All things said and done, I found the Mazda CX-3 ‘interesting’. It has good power, handles well, drives well, looks good, and with SKYACTIV technology, it is economical as well. The average man or woman may find its size a little small (it is based on the Mazda 2 underpinnings), but just as I would pay as much for a VW Golf rather than a much larger-sized Japanese sedan, there will be others who are as ‘unconventional’ as I am, who will go for the CX-3. For those who regard the CX-5 as too big, and I know some who like SUV’s but hate the size, the CX-3 would be a good pick.

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Volkswagen Group Malaysia has announced a new financing campaign offering selected models with cash rebates and free instalments for one year.

This promotion rolls out in September, and includes the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and CC with cash rebates starting from RM9,000 going up to RM25,000 for each of the respective models. The 12-month zero-instalment applies to customers who purchase under the 7 year loan package.

According to Mr. Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia, “Volkswagen always emphasizes the customers’ experience and through this campaign the brand wants to ensure Malaysians have the opportunity own our cars and enjoy the best of German engineering. With this in mind, we have created a new deal for car buyers who want quality, safe and stylish cars.”

In addition to attractive rebates and waived instalments, cars bought under this campaign will enjoy five years warranty and five-year mobility guarantee.

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Honda Malaysia has announced a product update for its current model generations of the City (2014 YM) and Jazz (2015 YM) involving a total of 12,232 units of the City and 97 units of the Jazz to correct an improper hydraulic pressure control software involving the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

This campaign is necessary to rectify the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through a CVT software update that contains a stress reduction software.

Honda Malaysia explained that due to the quick stepping in and releasing of the accelerator pedal at high speed, high hydraulic pressure will cause high stress to be generated to the drive pulley shaft and may cause the shaft to be broken and the vehicle may experience a loss of power during driving.

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As of today, there were no crashes or injuries related to this issue reported in Malaysia. The company also confirms that no other Honda models currently on sale are affected by this issue.

All affected customers will be informed via notification letters, which will include details of the product update. Customers who receive the letter are advised to send their vehicles to the nearest authorized Honda dealer for inspection. Any charges related to the product update will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has introduced an enhanced version of its locally-assembled ASX compact crossover, with its line-up expanded from two to three variants to include a new 2WD GL model that lowers the vehicle’s starting price to RM104,791.87 OTR without insurance.

The existing 2WD and 4WD variants continue to remain on sale, and both happily offer additional kit in conjunction with reduced prices. From RM114,043.50 previously, the ASX 2WD now retails for RM 112,571.39, whilst the ASX 4WD drops from RM128,179.50 to RM125,040.67.

Powered by unchanged mechanicals consisting of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre 4B11 MIVEC engine paired with its Jatco-sourced INVECS-III CVT, all variants of the ASX come standard with ABS, EBD, leather seats, automatic air conditioning, coloured Multi-Info Display, and auto retractable side mirrors.

The higher 2WD variant, meanwhile, additionally comes with daytime running lights as well as touchscreen with USB, Bluetooth, and navigation integration. Finally, the 4WD model throws in enlarged 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels along with the added safety with seven airbags and electronic stability control.

A new colour, Sporty Blue, expands a colour palette that already includes Titanium Grey, Cool Silver, and Solid White.

The ASX is covered by a five-year warranty.

In conjunction with MMM’s 10th Year Anniversary in Malaysia, MMM is offering cash rebates up to RM12,000* for selected models. In addition, current Mitsubishi owners stand a chance to enjoy additional cash deals when they book any new Mitsubishi models from now until 31 March 2016.

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Pictures: Official Mitsubishi release.

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Perodua has added new model variants into the Myvi and Alza line-ups both claimed to offer greater value with improved equipment and enhanced appearances.

A new 1.3 Premium XS variant slots into the Myvi range. Slotting above the 1.3 Premium X model, the new XS model is the highest-appointed 1.3-litre variant of the Myvi range, incorporating GearUp skirtings at the front, side and rear, as well as projector headlamps with guide lights for a sportier appearance.

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Inside, the Myvi Premium XS’ cabin is lined with dark trim panels and new seat fabric design. Like the Premium X model below it, the XS is an automatic-only variant and is priced RM2,000 higher, going for RM48,862.15 on-the-road with insurance and solid paint.

For the Alza, the new S variant steps in to replace the existing standard variant offering enhanced equipment without any change in price, being available at RM52,332 for the manual transmission and RM55,332 for the automatic transmission.

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Additional kit fitted to the new variant include an all-round body kit, clear lens tail lights, front fog lamps, steering-mounted controls, USB/Bluetooth connectivity, and a white-illuminated instrument cluster. Unusually for an entry variant, the Alza S gets a striking exclusive colour – Metallic Electric Blue – to complement the existing colour palette consisting of Passion Red, Ebony Black, Mystical Purple, Glittering Silver, and Ivory White.

“With the introduction of these 2 new variants, we expect our monthly sales volume for the Alza and Myvi to reach 3,400 units and 7,500 units respectively”, Perodua President & CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

As with all other Perodua models, the new Alza S and Myvi Premium XS Variants are covered by 5-year warranty programmes.

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Pictures: Official Perodua release.

 

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An all-new Volkswagen Tiguan debuts at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2015, replacing a hugely successful predecessor that sold over 2.64 million units in total since its launch in late 2007.

Latest vehicle to be underpinned by Volkswagen’s MQB modular transverse platform, the second-generation Tiguan is powered by a range of Euro 6 petrol and diesel engines offered in conjunction with front- and all-wheel drive along with a plug-in hybrid variant shown as the Tiguan GTE concept.

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Revised dimensions of the new model sees the new Tiguan stretch 60mm longer and 30mm wider than its predecessor at 4,486mm by 1,839mm. The axles are pushed further to the edges with a 77mm stretching of the wheelbase to 2,681mm. Selected markets, namely US and China, will get a long wheelbase version to be introduced in spring 2017.

In front-wheel drive configuration, the new Tiguan measure 33mm lower than its predecessor at 1,632mm tall; 4Motion all-wheel drive variants have higher ground clearance, however, sitting 200mm off the ground as opposed to 189mm of FWD models. As with all MQB-based models, the new Tiguan shades an estimated 50kg of weight off equivalent variants of its predecessor.

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Improved packaging has helped free up extra space inside the new Tiguan. Volkswagen claims that the interior has been lengthened by 26mm and rear passengers have an additional 29mm of leg room. Luggage capacity has grown by 145 litres to 615 with rear seats up and 1,655 with them folded down.

Like existing members of VW’s growing MQB family, the Tiguan is powered by a range four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all of which incorporate technologies such as turbocharging, direct injection, auto stop-start, and battery regeneration as standard. Petrol engines, which displace between 1.4 and 2.0 litres, have outputs ranging from 123 to 217hp; diesel engines cover a wider spectrum with outputs spanning from 114 to 237hp.

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Compared to the previous Tiguan, Volkswagen claims to have made the new one up to 24 percent more efficient if compared to variants powered by Euro 5 engines and 10 percent more frugal compared to newer variants (not introduced in Malaysia) running on Euro 6 engines.

All-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan operate a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. In normal driving, the system drives only the front wheels, with traction routed astern within milliseconds upon detection of slip. Through the 4Motion Active Control rotary knob, the driver can select between various operating modes of the all-wheel drive system optimized for on- and off-road driving.

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A possible variant to be added to the range later in the future, also shown at Frankfurt, is the Tiguan GTE, which merges a 1.4-litre TSI petrol with an electric motor (integrated within the casing of its specially-developed 6-speed DSG) in a plug-in hybrid setup to offer a net system output of 215hp whilst returning a rated fuel consumption of 1.9 l/100km in the combined cycle.

Electric power onboard the Tiguan GTE is carried by a 13.0kWh lithium-ion high voltage battery capable of providing a theoretical all-electric cruising range of 50km per full charge, which can be extended by a solar module integrated in the roof. Depending on available solar radiation, the roof panel can annually add up to 1,000km of all-electric range.

Gallery: Tiguan

Tiguan R-Line

Tiguan GTE

Pictures: Official Volkswagen release.

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Fledgling motorsport talent from across China and the Southeast Asia region are presented with the opportunity to cut their teeth in the Porsche China Junior Motorsports programme, fully sponsored and supported by Porsche China.

For Chinese drivers, the selection process starts off with three karting competitions taking place across China between 5 and 17 October. Participation in this selection process is open to drivers aged from 16 to 25 to compete for one three slots in the Porsche China Junior shootout to be held at the Shanghai International and Tianma circuits from October 31 to November 3.

Alternatively, drivers from China as well as Southeast Asian nations who meet the age and eligibility criteria are invited to submit a full CV to junior-programme@porsche.cn before 17 October. The Programme selection committee will choose six candidates from amongst the eligible applicants to take part in November’s shootout which will include attendance at the finale rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia at the FIA World Endurance Championship in Shanghai, followed by two days of evaluation.

The shootout will include thorough fitness and aptitude assessments for all nine candidates, on-track evaluation in both Porsche road cars as well as the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991). Candidates will be evaluated on their potential and willingness to learn, natural talent, knowledge of the sport, and professionalism in their approach to their careers.

Conclusion of the programme culminates in the selection of one Porsche China Junior 2016 driver from the aforementioned pool of six drivers and three Chinese grassroots candidates.

Upon selection, the winner of the 2016 Porsche China Junior Programme selection will receive a season-long contract as the official Porsche China Junior, a funding contribution towards participation in the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, season-long professional coaching, entry into a round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, and the potential for nomination to the end-of-season Porsche Motorsport International Junior Programme.

Porsche Motorsport Manager Alexandre Gibot said, “The Porsche China Junior 2016 will be given exactly the same opportunities as his or her counterparts in Europe, where all 19 of the Junior drivers so far have made the grade as professional racing drivers. Five former Juniors are today Porsche works drivers: Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, Patrick Long, Michael Christensen, and Earl Bamber.”

Bamber is a notable success story of the European iteration of this programme, the Porsche Motorsport International Cup Scholarship, rising from being 2013 and 2014 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Champion to become a Porsche works driver and 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP1 winner.

Picture: Official Porsche release.

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Toyota is readying a competitor for the Honda HR-V slated to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year. First previewed at last year’s Paris Motor Show as the C-HR Concept, the new model is teased once again at the ongoing IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in the form of a revised C-HR Concept that is claimed to be more representative of the actual production model.

Developed in a collaborative effort led by Toyota’s ED2 European Design Development Centre with the company’s other design centres around the world, the new crossover model slots in below the CR-V-competing RAV4 and is based on Toyota’s new TNGA global modular platform which, according to Toyota, provides for a highly rigid body and a low centre of gravity.

Styling-wise, the C-HR Concept Mark II builds on the first concept’s diamond-themed design. The lower bodywork has been sculpted, in Toyota’s words, to represent the faceted surfaces of a highly-durable, precision-cut gemstone. At the rear, the vehicle’s bodywork is distinguished by muscular shoulders complemented by large 21-inch wheels with spokes finished in “diamond-cut” machined surface.

Pictures: Official Toyota release.

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Whilst there is an unprecedented number of print and online media currently in circulation, writers that make up the Malaysian motoring media community are part of a remarkably small fraternity. Like a classroom, there inevitably are cliques and even rivalry between writers, but there also exists an overall sense of understanding and camaraderie between us all built from years of continuous interacting with each other whilst attending the same events and launches.

Personalities that make up our fraternity are varied and diverse, but we are united by one thing in common, which is our love for cars and the automotive industry in general. There are times which we compete with each other, and there are also times which we happily sit on the same table over coffee or beer, exchanging ideas and engaging in heated discussions.

Recently, for example, we collaborated with representatives from six other motoring publications to organize a nine vehicle comparison shoot-out that covered almost the entire spectrum of the D-segment. I was supposed to have brought the Subaru Outback on that day, but change of plans were enforced by technical issues with the test car.

Continuing that same spirit of collaboration and camaraderie, and in keeping with the message of unity and muhibbah in conjunction with the recent Malaysia Day celebrations, our friends at Carlist.my have helpfully compiled a selection of posts and articles from various motoring sites across the country. Included in the list is my reminiscing of my Autobahn experience in Germany earlier this year in July.

Other interesting content shared in the collection include a patriotic-themed video by Autobuzz.my, an opinion piece by Autofreaks on the Indonesian International Motor Show, and a history of electronic stability control featured on Motor Trader. If you’re big on safety, check out this interesting piece commenting on various NCAP safety ratings across the world by the Carlist team themselves. Malay language readers can also check out interesting pieces on Mekanika and PanduLaju.

Head over to Carlist.my and check out their ‘Mid-Month Mojo’ list here.

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Having confirmed the model’s development two years ago by showing us the Q30 Concept at the 2013 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, Infiniti has now followed up with official unveiling of the production-ready Q30 at the 2015 IAA, disclosing full technical details of the brand’s new premium compact hatchback.

Built on a shared platform with the current-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the transverse-engined Q30 follows the now-popular path of straddling between multiple segments blending the product concepts of a crossover with a hatchback. Its elevated stance provides for a higher hip point of 531mm – easing ingress and egress.

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Available in front- and all-wheel drive configurations, the Q30 is powered by a range of Mercedes-sourced four-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains with outputs ranging from 107hp from a 1.5-litre diesel to 208hp from a 2.0-litre petrol. In between comes a 1.6-litre petrol in 120hp and 154hp configurations along with a 2.2-litre diesel providing 168hp.

Depending on engine and driveline, the Q30 can be specified with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch transmissions, both being Daimler’s in-house gearboxes widely used in Mercedes-Benz’s current range of New Generation Compact Car family consisting of the A-Class, CLA, and GLA.

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Three model grades are offered with the Q30, with Premium and Sport trims sitting above a basic model. Distinguishing features in the upper model include LED front fog lamps, body-coloured and heated door mirrors, chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers, and 18-inch alloy wheels in Premium grade whilst the Sport model gets unique bumpers and gloss black front grille along with custom body-coloured side sills, dark chrome tail pipe, and 19-inch alloys. Additionally, the Sport model sits 15mm closer to ground, thanks to a lowered suspension setup.

To be built at a new £250 million extension of Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, UK, the Q30 is expected to play a vital role in growing Infiniti’s volumes globally in coming years. Infiniti sold a record 136,700 new vehicles worldwide during the first eight months of 2015, representing an increase of 14% compared to the same period in 2014. In August alone, Infiniti posted global sales of 16,900, an increase of 19% over the same month last year.

Pictures: Official Infiniti release

 

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