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How much are you willing to pay in the name of exclusivity? Well, Aston Martin seems to think that a Toyota iQ slapped with their winged badge and limited to 2,000 units is worth double its original price. Lamborghini redresses the Murcielago LP640 as a jetfighter, calls it the Reventon, limits it to 20 units, and its worth is duly multiplied by four.

Analyzed from a purely logical standpoint, such purchase decisions make no sense. However, it is an inherent human nature that we all want to be different from others. That’s why your girlfriend is never too happy when someone else in the party turns up in the same dress. That’s also why anything slapped with the words ‘Limited Edition’ will always sell, even with a bigger price tag. Let’s not deny it, vain as it may be, we love being exclusive, and most of would gladly pay handsome sums just to be labeled as such.

Now, if you’ve always fancied a BMW 3-series or a 5-series, but somehow think that they are still not exclusive enough for you, there’s good news. Marking our entry into the new decade, and also the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, BMW dealerships nationwide will be organizing the CNY@BMW open showroom event.

In conjunction with the celebrations, BMW Malaysia is unveiling no less than seven new exclusive and limited editions of the 3 and the 5. The new cars unveiled are, get ready for this, the BMW 320i Lifestyle Edition, BMW 320i Performance Edition, the BMW 320d Performance Edition and the BMW 325i Performance Edition, the BMW 523i Executive Edition, BMW 523i Exclusive Edition and the BMW 525i Sports Edition. If you didn’t quite absorb all that, no worries, we will sum it up again for you later.

Launching the new variants, Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia said, “The BMW 3 Series and 5 Series, our best selling models here in Malaysia continue to be highly successful in their respective segments. In 2009, BMW Group Malaysia sold a total of 4,003 vehicles in Malaysia. Of this figure, the BMW 3 Series accounted for 2,025 units which once again made the car the segment leader here whilst the BMW 5 Series sold a total of 1,064 units. Both these impressive sales figures accounts for more than 75 percent of the total cars BMW Group Malaysia sold last year.”

3-series Performance Editions – 48 units each

Each of the 320i, 320d, and 325i will be sold in a limited run of 48 units in this special Performance Edition guise. Inside, you get Alcantara and Walkanappa leather finished gear levers, Alcantara handbrake, and aluminium finish on the pedals and footrest. Outside, darkened double kidney grilles and stripes leave onlookers with little doubt of your car’s identity.

In addition, four optional BMW Performance Accessories Packages are available for buyers to further customize their rides – the BMW Performance Aerodynamics package, the BMW Performance Carbon package, the BMW Performance Interior package and the BMW Performance Wheels package.

The Performance Aerodynamics package is available only to cars specified with the M-aerodynamic kit, to which it adds front and skirts plus a rear diffuser. For the 325i, this package is further available with the BMW Performance Cold Air package which is claimed to substantially aid in brake cooling – very useful for blasts up to Bukit Tinggi.

If carbon fibre finishing is your thing, then the Performance Carbon deserves your attention as it brings you carbon fibre front splitter, rear spoiler, mirror caps and rear diffuser. These items are said to be ‘handmade with minute attention to detail’, with actual benefits of weight saving included. The catch for this package is that it can only be specified together with the aforementioned Performance Aerodynamics package.

Inside, the Performance Interior package offers a distinctively designed dashboard and centre console in addition to carbon fibre door trim. Finally the Performance Wheels Package offers a choice of two lightweight rim designs, dubbed Double Spoke 269 and Double Spoke 313, shod with mixed run-flat tyres.

5-series new editions – Prelude to the F10?

The last time we saw this many limited/special/exclusive edition BMWs, it was when the E46 3-series was being phased out to make way for the E90. We therefore have very little doubt that a similar strategy is in place to speed up the moving of E60 stocks before the F10 5-series arrive here. New editions of the 5-series are namely, the 523i Executive Edition, 523i Exclusive Edition, and the 525i Sports Edition.

The 523i Executive Edition comes with a new and exclusive Neptune Blue metallic colour and 17″ alloys featuring what BMW calls the 278 Double Spoke design. Inside, Poplar Grain Brown wood trim is matched with Natural Brown ‘Dakota’ leather.

An alternate option of the 523i comes in the form of 523i Exclusive Edition sporting Platinum Bronze paintwork. Its side windows and windscreen washer jets are finished with chrome, while at the four corners are 17″ 277 V-spoke alloys. Additional toys in the 523i Exclusive Edition come in the form of Active Front Steering, Comfort Access System, Adaptive Headlights, High-beam Assistant, BMW Navigation System Professional with Voice Control capability, as well as a HiFi loudspeaker system with 6-CD changer.

Finally, topping off the 5-series range is the 525i Sports Edition, available with the option of either Carbon Black or Alpine White colours. As per the existing 525i Sports, the 525i Sports Edition (confused yet?) comes standard with the M aerodynamics package, M Sports Suspension, and a set of 19″ light alloy wheels.

The price for this exclusivity?

The differences separating these limited edition cars from the other run-of-the-mill BMWs, which they will be sold alongside, are primarily cosmetic and some additional accessories. These cars do not spot any technical enhancements. For this reason, these so-called special edition vehicles are usually pretty difficult from a journalist’s point of view.

However, these new offerings from BMW are a bit of an exception. For a start, the new 5-series editions are priced unchanged from the existing 5-series variants, whereas the 3-series editions, each limited to a run of 48 units, spot a RM2,000 price hike over the originals. It’s not too bad value, as the table below illustrates.


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It has often been said that Mercedes-Benz, specifically the S-class, represents the future of the automobile. The cliche goes that innovations pioneered by an S-class today, becomes standard fitment in every Honda, Toyota, and Nissan ten or fifteen years down the road. Airbags, ABS, and seat-belt pre-tensioners are among many things that first made their appearances in the flagship Merc.

However, in 1988, Mercedes allowed one piece of technical innovation to slip under their radar. That year, GM introduced the first automobiled-based heads-up display system in the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Previously the exclusive domain of advanced jetfighters, HUDs are beginning to see action in high-end automobiles, and it won’t be long before we see this feature trickle down to us mere mortals.

Continental AG, one of the world’s top auto suppliers, is now set to commence production on a new generation of more compact and more powerful HUD unit scheduled for introduction in 2010 and 2011 by two noted, but unnamed, European car manufacturers. As it stands the Interior division of Continental’s Automotive Group is now constructing new production lines at its plant in Babenhausen, Hesse, near Frankfurt, Germany.

HUD
HUD, coming soon – to your next car perhaps?

Compared to the first generation of TFT-based HUDs, Continental’s latest module occupies only half of the volume previously needed, opening the option for manufacturers of smaller cars to specify this feature into their vehicles. It certainly wasn’t an easy challenge. Achieving a good quality projection is crucial so that the driver does not have to refocus his/her vision to the display elements on the road, or the whole purpose of using the HUD would have been defeated.

Studies during the early development of this technology show that in order for HUDs to be effective, the projected image must be focused at a point far ahead of the driver. In the case of Continental’s system, the driver perceives the displayed image as floating two meters ahead of him/her. Proper calibration of a HUD therefore, although simple in theory, requires substantial optical trickery in order to attain the desired effect.

KON

See also: A look into the Continental Automotive Group

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In the same day as the MAA press conference, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also held a press briefing at the KL Performing Arts Centre to review their sales performance in 2009 in front of members of the media. As mentioned earlier, Mercedes moved 3,903 passenger cars out of their showrooms, with the C-class and B-class experiencing sales growths of 5% and 37% respectively.

“While our overall annual sales dipped six per cent compared to 2008, we were buoyed by our second half performance which saw sales grow 8.8% from 1,869 cars sold in the first half to 2,034 in the third and fourth quarters to surpass expectations amidst continuous volatility.

“We are encouraged by our performance and will continue to build on our leadership in 2010. In fact, despite a slight blip, Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have once again finished ahead in the premium passenger car segment, cementing our lead with a market share of 49% in the core competitive segment,” said Peter Honegg, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The S-class and E-class (W211) retained their positions as market leaders of their respective segments despite significant drops in sales, 27.1% and 20.2% respectively. For 2009, these two models sold 317 and 1,228 cars respectively. The C-class continues to be the brand’s main seller, with an increase in sales by 82 units from 2008 to register 1,788 for 2009.

The all-new W212 E-class has been generating a great amount of hype since its launch in November 2009. According to Honegg, “The new E-class created quite a stir and with an overwhelming 600 plus pre-launch orders and we are confident of extending this trend in 2010.”

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the W212 in both sedan and coupe bodystyles. Models unveiled that time were the E300 sedan, E250 CGI coupe and E350 coupe. The E200 CGI sedan has since been added to the range, and the E250 CGI sedan is also set to arrive soon.

Meanwhile, the S-class, which has the country’s only RM1 million CKD car in its range, the S500L, also put in a good show, with its 317 units sold said to be twice that of its nearest competitor (ed: Who else?). A facelift of the S-class is scheduled for launch later this year. Meanwhile, the M-class SUV, with the ML350 and ML 63 AMG variants, recorded 52 sales in 2009, a 33% increase from the previous year.

Commenting on MBM’s outlook for 2010, Honegg remarked, “Mercedes-Benz passenger cars demonstrated their resilience amidst a challenging economic backdrop in 2009. While overall performance was impressive, we look forward to a better year ahead as the global markets and the automotive industry show signs of recovery.”

“We will continue to adopt a cautious stance and be prudent in our strategies to stay ahead of the industry curve,” Honegg added.

Last October, MBM also launched the Mercedes-Benz Proven Exclusivity Programme, which sells pre-owned Mercedes cars backed with inspection certificates and comprehensive warranties. According to Honegg, “It is the perfect platform for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts to own their favourite cars at attractive and affordable prices and more importantly allows the company to maintain strict safety and performance standards of all pre-owned cars.”

In its official press statement, MBM also acknowledged that its commercial vehicle division was not spared from the effects of the economic downturn, as construction and transportation industries were badly affected. However, sales of Mitsubishi FUSO trucks picked up in the second half of the year to record a final sales tally of 1,391 units. The newly launched Mercedes-Benz Actros truck is also said to be receiving encouraging response since its launch.

“We can take many positives from our sales performance in a year marked by challenges on many fronts and we are definitely looking to leverage our current momentum well into 2010. We will look to continue with our dealer networks to provide our customers the unequalled experiences they have long been accustomed to,” Honegg said.

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Shortly after the MAA press conference, Perodua released a statement confirming their market supremacy in 2009. Though they recorded fewer sales, 166,700 for 2009 against 176,400 for 2008, their market share went up from 30.5% to 31.1%.

En Aminar Rashid Salleh, Managing Director of Perodua, said, “We did considerably well in 2009 with a 0.4% drop despite the global economic downturn.”

Perodua echoed MAA’s assertion that the government’s RM67 billion stimulus package helped improve the shape of the nation’s auto industry by a fair bit. The scrapping scheme for cars exceeding ten years of age, with a RM5,000 voucher given back in return, was said to help contribute a total of 20,000 new sales for Proton and Perodua.

Aminar further added, “Our sales every month in the final quarter of 2009 were higher than the same period in 2008. We believe that the uptrend will continue in 2010.”

Perodua’s forecast for 2010 is to sell a total of 176,000 units, a figure which they hope to achieve with strong demand for their new MPV, the Alza, and also the ever-enduring popularity of the Myvi. Expectations in Perodua is that the Myvi will continue to lead its sales charts with an anticipated average monthly sale of 6,000 units per month, followed by the Viva and Alza at 5,000 and 4,000 units per month respectively.

The year 2009 was particularly eventful for Perodua, as they finally bid farewell to the long-serving Kancil, and then introduced new variants of the Viva – the 660BX and the Viva Elite. At the helm, Datuk Syed Hafiz Abu Bakar stepped down as managing director to be replaced by Aminar. The highlight of Perodua’s year was surely Alza, launched in November to great commercial success.

According to Aminar, “We received some 18,000 bookings for the Alza since the model launch on 23 Nov 2009. The waiting list is about 3 months. The interest in our two other models, the Myvi and ViVA continues to be strong with an average sale of 7,600 units and 5,700 units respectively monthly.”

Nationwide, Perodua’s service centres recorded a 16% in service intakes from 1.37 million vehicles in 2008 to 1.59 million in 2009. The parts division also chalked a 23% increase in sales revenue.

No new models are being planned for 2010, but Aminar noted that ‘enhancements to its existing models’ will be introduced as the year progresses.


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The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) yesterday held a press conference at their office in Petaling Jaya, unveiling overall performance of the country’s automotive industry for 2009, and then looking forward with their forecasts for 2010.

When 2008 drew to a close, many analysts had then predicted 2009 to be a slump year for the various auto players, not just in Malaysia, but worldwide. Against that gloomy backdrop, the auto players were more than happy to accept a mere 2.0% decline in sales figures from 2008 to 2009.

The total industry volume (TIV) of new motor vehicles registered reached an all-time high of 548,115 for 2008. MAA’s original projections for 2009’s TIV was a modest 480,000 units, which they then revised upwards to 500,000 units in July 2009. So, a final figure of 536,905 vehicles sold in 2009 does not seem very bad at all does it?

TIV 2009 vs 2008 – by month (Illustration by MAA)


Based on MAA’s figures, the contributing factor of a stronger than expected 2009 sales was improved demand during the latter parts of the year, which MAA attributes to stimulus efforts from the government to combat the effects of the downturn. Where the first three quarters of 2009 were down year-on-year against 2008, Q4 2009 was substantially stronger than Q4 2008 (138,955 vs 118,202).

TIV 2009 vs 2008 – by quarter (Illustration by MAA)


Passenger vehicles (the ones we primarily review here in Autoworld) accounted for 91% of 2009’s TIV, 486,342 units registered, thereby maintaining the same TIV share from 2008 despite a decline of 11,117 units. Within the passenger vehicle category, passenger cars accounted for 83.7% of sales, followed by MPV (13.1%), SUV (2.2%), and window vans (1.0%).

Commercial vehicle registration went down by 93 units from 2008 to record a total of 50,563 for 2009. Within this category, pick-up trucks account for 61.7% of sales, followed by trucks (27.6%), panel vans (7.2%), buses (2.1%) and prime movers (1.4%). It should be noted that pick-ups here included the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, and Ford Ranger. Figures from MAA also listed a pick-up model from Proton, which sold a total of 287 units. Weird, since the Proton Arena is no longer for sale in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, new vehicle production for 2009 dropped 7.8% from 530,810 in 2008 to 489,269. According to MAA, the higher drop percentage in production volume compared to sales was due to manufacturers scaling back in order to avoid over-stocking in the early parts of the year.

Total production volume 2009 vs 2008


In view of the industry’s strong resurgence at the end of 2009, MAA is positively predicting a 2.4% growth in TIV, with 550,000 being the magic number that they’re aiming for. In fact, they are predicting an average growth of 3% for the industry from 2011 to 2014, with TIV expected to breach the 600,000 mark by 2013.


Performance by Marques

No surprises, Perodua and Proton continue to hold the lion’s share of the market, the duo accounting for a combined 58.7% of TIV. Perodua continues to hold a slight edge with 31.1% (166,736 units) against Proton’s 27.6% (148,785).

Beneath the two national makes are the Japanese trinity of Toyota, Honda, and Nissan at 15.2% (81,785), 7.2% (38,783), and 5.9% (31,493) respectively. The fourth Japanese player, Mitsubishi, at 1.3% (6,981), finds itself sandwiched between local brands Naza (2.1% – 11,119) and Inokom (1.0% – 5,392).

With the D-Max pick-up as its only model, Isuzu did a good job to move 5,378 vehicles, and secure a 1.0% market share of TIV, just only eclipsing Suzuki’s 4,994 units (0.9% TIV).

Among the Germans, Mercedes-Benz lead the way with a total of 4,156 vehicles sold, though 179 of them are from its commercial vehicles division. Merc’s arch-rival, BMW, follow closely with 3,564 units, its entire volume dependent on passenger vehicles.

The Korean duo Kia and Hyundai are also making positive in-roads. Kia, in particular, registered an increase in sales from 2008 (2,824 to 3,164). Sister company, Hyundai, chalked 2,562 sales. It should be noted that certain models of these two brands are sold under Naza and Inokom nameplates, so their actual sales figures may be higher.

Follow the links below to read about the official responses from Perodua and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia on their 2009 performance, and how they look forward to 2010.

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COMEC, acronym of Communication Makes Changes, consists of a total of 22 final year students of Persuasive Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, in collaboration with Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) to hold Kempen Rakan Trafik@USM from January to May 2010 with the purpose of profiling and tracking high risk young motorists aged between 18 to 25 years old.

In an effort to provide holistic understanding of the attributes and characteristics of the high risk young drivers, COMEC conducted field observation to objectively measure the number of traffic offences occurred within USM main campus from 4th January 2010 to 10th January 2010. Additionally, this exercise also carries the objective of enabling us to suggest, plan and implement specific intervention programs that are tailored to the needs of this subgroup; and to evaluate the outcome of the intervention programs conducted

The field observation exercise took place at certain areas of main campus, mainly high risk road accident junctions. Sampling was conducted 3 times (morning, noon and evening) a day within a span of one week. Data of traffic offenses will be collected by an appointed enumerator.

Collected data is used as a baseline for pre-campaign measurement. Understanding the characteristics and attitudes of the high risk drivers will assist in tailoring the road safety interventions to their specific need, rather than organizing general campaign targeting all young drivers.

The main objectives of Kempen Rakan Trafik@USM are to be be a campaign that uses peer pressure as a medium to encourage the observation of rules and regulation when driving and help deviant drivers change improve on their road manners. The specific objectives are:
1. Drivers in USM knowing how to wear a seat belt properly. This is focussed more highly for students, with staff as an additional target audience.
2. Reducing the usage mobile phone when driving.
3. Encouraging the use of helmets belt when riding motorcycles.
4. Discourage speeding.
5. Promoting the use of signal lights when wanting to make a turn or lane changing.

Among the five behaviours mentioned above, our studies have shown that not wearing seat belts properly remains the biggest failing among USM students.

Kempen Rakan Trafik@USM is therefore working to highlight these behaviours on various high-profile exhibition, workshop, movie sharing, Catch U photo taking competition, and Public Service Announcement Competition among others.

Starting from 1st February, the two competitions, Catch U photo taking and Public Service Announcement, teamed up to motivate and empower the university students to intervene in the driving behaviors of the high risk drivers, by telling the driver when they felt his/her driving is unsafe. By doing so, we can raise awareness among USM students on how they can influence and persuade their peer group to practice road safety behaviour.

Pei Yan,
Universiti Sains Malaysia

See also: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Kempen Rakan Trafik @ USM 2009/10

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Lonpac Insurance Bhd has teamed up with the Ministry of Transport to launch a Road Safety Campaign themed ‘Buckle Up, It Is The Law’. For the past umpteen years, authorities have been ceaselessly running various campaigns during festive periods in an effort to bring down cases of road accidents and associated fatalities.

This latest in the long line of road safety campaigns is orgnanized to ensure that motorists, among other things, buckle up and also to practice safe driving habits. According to data provided by Lonpac, almost 300 deaths are recorded because users of motor vehicles neglect to use seat belts on the move.

In conjunction with the campaign, Lonpac Insurance is offering free personal accident coverage of up to RM10,000 for the entire month of February 2010 to all travelers aged between 17 and 65 years old traveling in the country in whatever form of transport that you can think of. You may log on to www.lonpac.com for further details, and also to apply for your free coverage, though we certainly do not hope that you will cash in on it!

The message behind the campaign covers what is termed the eight golden rules of safety:
* Buckle Up!
* Do not use handphones while driving.
* Plan for a safe journey.
* Do not beat red lights.
* Do not jump queue.
* Use side mirrors & signals before changing lane.
* Adhere to speed limits & keep a safe following distance
* Do not weave between vehicles.

Most of the above rules are very much common sense and courtesy, which can be easily cultivated into one’s psyche. Adhering to speed limits might be a bit of a problem for some when every car out there is in a hurry to boast of the hundreds of horses under their respective bonnets, but keeping a safe distance is a very wise thing to do. And you certainly CAN refrain from jumping that queue.

If there is one area in which our government cannot be accused of lacking initiative, it is in the subject of road safety. Every year, tidy sums of money are spent to educate the public on the importance of practising good road manners.

Unfortunately, the fact is that our roads continue to remain as a death trap. More people die in road accidents than in war or disease. The irony is that should a plague or war descend upon us, we would be powerless to stop it. We are most certainly not powerless to stop road accidents. It is simply up to you to step on the brakes.

Finally, buckle up. It’s not just because it’s the law, it’s your safety!

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Inline with the recent introduction of a new brand identity for the Peugeot marque worldwide, official distributor in Malaysia, Nasim Sdn Bhd, is set to embark on a similar exercise with its dealers and branches. No longer ‘Engineered to be Enjoyed’, Peugeot’s new motto has now become ‘Motion and Emotion’, with a new lion and typeface to go with it.

Expected to complete by the end of 2010, Nasim’s re-branding work will first be seen in four new and upcoming branches at Ampang, Puchong, Ipoh and Melaka. The existing network of ten branches and eight dealers will gradually be brought in line as the year progresses.

“This new identity is part of Peugeot’s strategy towards becoming a global brand. As the exclusive distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, we must play our part in adopting this new brand strategy. I believe this new brand identity is timely. This is the start of a new decade and a new era for Peugeot,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Executive Chairman of the Naza Group.

This latest incarnation of the Peugeot Lion, a symbol that has constantly involved since its introduction in 1858, returns to ‘a more simplistic design but more dynamic with a new posture and fluidity’. A bi-metallic effect is also created with a contrast of matte and lustrous finish. The Peugeot RCZ, scheduled for launch in France soon, is set to be the first car bearing this new symbol.

On a global perspective, Peugeot expects to complete the re-branding exercise worldwide by 2012, and also aims to be the world’s seventh largest car maker by 2015, up from their current position of tenth.

Between now and 2012, expect to see no less than 14 new Peugeot models in various markets worldwide. Peugeot’s current model strategy will see them introduce a new range of crossovers, MPVs, and SUVs, in addition to electric vehicles which embody the spirit of the 2.5m-long four seater BB1 concept.

As part of its strategy to penetrate new markets, Peugeot recently picked the Naza Group to spearhead its expansion to other right-hand drive markets in the Asia Pacific region.

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Come August 2010, the Proton Waja would be a ten year old model. However, it is widely expected that a Mitsubishi Lancer-based replacement model is set to be launched before it hits that milestone.

The first car designed ground up from Proton, the Waja has been a constant source of debate amongst local motoring enthusiasts, with its Lotus-tuned ride & handling putting smiles on your face as quickly as failing power windows wiping them off.

Whatever the virtues or failings that the Waja has, it remains a good value for money buy, being engineered with some pretty solid underpinnings. Its driving dynamics are still on par with class standards today, and that says a lot.

Tuned with handling characteristics that resemble European cars, the Forte and the Waja have a lot in common. Some have suggested that the Forte is a suitable upgrade from the Waja, and I know of a couple of forummers who put their money where the mouth is.

My daily ride is a 2007 Waja Campro MC3 with manual transmission, and I like the sure-footedness of its handling. It is also very stable at high speeds, but the noise that permeates into the cabin at triple-digit velocities is deafening. Conversations and radio are both out.

Another problem is that although its suspension has an excellent balance between handling and comfort, it doesn’t feel very solid going over rough surfaces. Nevertheless, in terms of build quality, the Campro-powered versions of the Waja are far better-built than the earlier Mitsubishi 4G18-powered versions.

I still like driving my Waja a lot, though I’m not about to suggest that it’s in anyway a car superior to the Forte. For a start, the Forte’s much vaunted equipment list settles all debate before a ball is even kicked. Secondly, it drives and handles just as well as the Waja, and feels infinitely more solid.

As I drove the Forte, I certainly saw how it represents an attractive option for existing Waja owners. It is essentially a similar package to what the Waja promised when it was launched, a full-sized sedan with class-leading dynamics, but this time it’s better built and with more equipment.

A more interesting irony is that the upcoming Waja replacement model, likely to be powered by Mitsubishi’s 1.8-litre 4B10 engine is also expected to be priced in the RM70-80k range, going head on with both the Forte 1.6EX and 1.6SX.

I have no plans to change my Waja yet, but when I do, a car like the Forte represents an attractive buy. Too bad it doesn’t come with manual transmission. I’m not ready to give up on the joys of three-pedaled motoring.

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You don’t really need to be very old to remember the times when Korean cars were the butt of most automotive jokes. Truth be told, it felt like yesterday. I’m sure we’ve all had some friend or relative who plonked their cash for a Hyundai or Kia, only to be asked why didn’t they buy a Honda or Toyota instead.

I am equally sure that we’ve all heard our fair share of Korean car horror stories which all boil down to the following elements – high consumption, costly spares, and poor resale – any one of which, on its own, is enough to kill any car. Since all three factors were working in tandem, the early Korean products never stood a chance.

Things are fast changing. The Koreans never allowed the criticism to get at them, instead concentrating hard on improving their cars generation after generation. Their improvement is here for us to see in the likes of the Forte and the Hyundai i30.

It was purely coincidental, but a last minute schedule alteration allowed me to test the i30 2.0 and the Forte 1.6SX back-to-back, and what a fortunate thing it was. Both these cars were hugely impressive, even by Japanese standards. Oh yes, the Japanese need to keep a very close eye on their next door neighbours from now on.

The Forte and i30 represent huge leaps in design, quality and performance that signify the astonishing progress of the Korean auto industry. Comparisons against Japanese rivals begin to favour them even on paper, and they’re certainly conceding little on the road as well.

Both these cars are competitively priced and comprehensively equipped, especially the Forte. I remember my eye balls almost popping out the first time I saw the Forte’s equipment list. Push-start button, auto dimming mirror, auto headlights, traction control, and lots more, for eighty thousand ringgit.

The i30 is a fine preposition too, but it can’t match the Forte’s sheer value for money offering. At RM113k OTR with insurance, the i30 2.0 is good value, but with the Forte 2.0SX giving a lot more equipment and asking for RM9k less, the Hyundai suddenly looks like daylight robbery.

Don’t diss the i30 yet though, though it packs less toys than the Forte, the Hyundai is the better drive, even ignoring the horsepower advantage that the i30 2.0 has against the Forte 1.6. The i30, with its grippier tyres and all-round independent suspension, possesses a far superior balance between comfort and handling compared to the Forte.

On its own, the Forte is already a very competent handling car, with dynamics good enough to satisfy most owners. For a start, the i30 feels more comfortable going over ruts, potholes and bumps, but when pushed hard around corners, it is the Forte that nudges into understeer first, whereas the i30 just seems to have an endless reserve of grip to draw upon. Of course, the gap between the two car’s handling abilities can only be properly assessed if both are shod with the same tyres, which they are not.

Both the Forte and the i30 were hugely enjoyable cars to drive, though the i30 was more fun for me. This is of course, a matter of taste, which can be argued until the cows come home. However, at the end of the day, choices like these are usually settled by the ringgit and sen, and the fact is that the Forte gives you a lot more car, for a lot less ringgit.

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