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Mitsubishi Outlander

Modern SUVs are no longer sluggish, lumbering or clumsy 4WDs with carpets, comfortable seats, and air conditioning. They are now quick, agile, and handle very well, at least most of them do. The Mitsubishi Outlander, imported in CBU form by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, is a great medium sized SUV that belongs to this new grouping. It drives and handles like a car. Having one means you can enjoy all the benefits of driving a car, and yet have the versatility and the additional space associated with an SUV. Drive it to work or use it to send the kids to school; enjoy the high sitting position and the feeling of security that comes with it, and take it out to the dusun or fishing with your friends on weekends. The Outlander will take it all in its stride.

The Outlander is built on a strengthened car platform; you take a car platform, raise the waistline, make the roof a little higher, raise the suspension, put on stronger wheels and tyres, put in a 4WD drive train, and voila, you get the Outlander. Much of the stuff is Lancer-based, beefed-up of course to allow for off-road punishment; think of it as a tough station wagon.

To compensate for the extra weight, (some 1505 kg, to be exact), Mitsubishi have incorporated a 2.4 litre SOHC engine, complete with their own version of variable valve technology, namely the MIVEC system, to give the Outlander a hefty 160 PS and 215 NM of torque. Our test drive yielded some interesting results.

For one, the driving feel is excellent; the Outlander drives and handles very much like a car. The additional power makes it feel light when on throttle, unlike some very sluggish feeling you get with some other SUV’s. With full-time four-wheel drive, it is very sure-footed, both in the dry and in the wet. The superb handling characteristics are of course helped by the all-wheel drive working in unison with a well sorted out 4-wheel independent suspension. The ride is comfortable, with a suspension set-up that is on the softer side of firm; there is very little roll, and you get a good confident feeling through bends. The 4-speed automatic transmission has well spaced ratios, and there is also a ‘sports mode’ to allow for manual shifting of gears.

Acceleration from zero to one hundred kilometres per hour as tested was a very credible 11.2 seconds, and we used up the full 180 kilometres per hour indicated on the speedometer. The power to weight ratio has been well thought out, perhaps a lesson learnt from the earlier Airtrek; the turbo version drank too much fuel, and the non-turbo version was a little under-powered. The Outlander is a beautiful compromise. Being naturally aspirated, but with a slightly larger engine capacity, it yields sufficient power without being too thirsty. The sixty litre tank will give you a little over 320 kilometres before you need to refuel, and our rough estimate gives it a cost of 30sen per kilometre, not a bad figure considering the 1.5 ton weight.

In terms of looks, it depends much on each individual’s taste, but one can see the EVO rally heritage that has influenced the front mask of the Outlander; who is to blame Mitsubishi for leaning on their past rally successes, anyway. I find it quite attractive, and outstanding at the very least. However, amongst the people who saw the Outlander during the test, there were mixed feelings about the looks. Not all agreed that it looked great; some still preferred the old Airtrek look.

Inside, the Outlander is very comfortable, with wide, generous seats, plenty of legroom, and all the base amenities one would expect of a SUV, plus some. Seating capacity is officially five, but if you want to be really comfortable, four is the practical number, especially if you want the extra luxury of the rear centre armrest folded out for use. The front seats also feature a fold away armrest in the centre. Instrumentation is simple and functional, and the instrument panel is finished in white with big bold fonts for easy visibility for those with long-sightedness. The four-spoke steering wheel is height adjustable, and the headlights have an ‘auto-on’ switch.

On the whole, the Outlander is a real pleasure to drive, and at RM182, 550 (price on-the-road without insurance), it makes quite an attractive proposition for the driver who wants something that is imported, and is not commonly seen on the roads.

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DaimlerChrysler Malaysia joins the Van Market with the Vito and Sprinter

DaimlerChrysler Malaysia is making a foray into the van market with the official introduction of its Vito and Sprinter van models. Riding on the trend towards MPV’s and large vans being used as day-to day transports, DaimlerChrysler hopes to get some additional sales to complement its existing range of vehicles. The Vito, a van with a 7-seater capacity, is not a stranger on our shores, having been imported in small quantities by other importers.

“Vans are proving increasingly popular with a wide range of users. On one hand, there are private users who opt for the space and flexible interior configuration options provided. Commercial customers on the other hand, value the flexibility and performance of today’s vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter,” said Konstantinos Tsiknas, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

The Vito is a rear-wheel drive vehicle, and comes with two engine choices – petrol and CDI diesel while the Sprinter comes with a diesel engine and two wheelbase variants. The Vito diesel is available with a 4-cylinder in-line engine developing 150 hp, and delivers peak power between 1800 and 2400 rpm, giving it plenty of get-up-and-go. A petrol powered V6 offers 190 hp and 270 Nm of torque. Generally kitted as a people carrier, the Vito hopes to find buyers amongst private owners, hotels and travel agencies. The top of the range Vito is the Grand Vito, designed as a luxury version to cater for those who want the best features inside.

For commercial usage, the Sprinter has a less powerful, but more economical diesel engine developing 129 hp, and drive is also to the rear wheels. The Sprinter is fitted as a 15-seater mini-bus, and is targeted for the larger travel agencies and tour companies. Both model variants are fitted with 5-speed automatic transmissions. Both also feature large sized disc brakes all round, with ABS and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ASR (Acceleration Skid Control), electronic brake force distribution and Brake Assist system. These features effectively make the Vito and Sprinter ideal for carrying precious human cargo, but the specifications do come with a price tag.

The vans are imported in collaboration with Nusa, and will be sold alongside the passenger cars through the existing dealer network. Prices range from RM235k to RM300k for the Vito, and RM246k to RM252k for the Sprinter.

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New Focus 1.8 Ghia Sedan – Great Handling At an Affordable Price

If there is one line I could use to describe the new Ford Focus 1.8 Ghia Sedan, that line would be that it is one great handling car. Built on Ford’s rally heritage, the engineers have somehow managed to capture the essence of a true rally car, that is, its superb handling, and have managed to transfer the same great driving dynamics into their road-going version. Many times, the rally versions are totally different in character and behaviour, what with seven speed sequential boxes, full-blown sports set-ups, and a monococque that has been strengthened and braced. I have driven the older Focus, and quite liked it; I have had first hand experience in building not only the Focus for rally, but also the Lynx as well, and know for a fact that they are great cars to drive, but I had made up my mind, prior to the test drive, that the new Focus is on a totally new platform, and I wanted to see for myself what it was like. I did have a short stint at driving it at the Bira circuit in Thailand, but that test drive was a wee bit too short, plus the speeds we drove were too slow to form any lasting impressions.

At the same time, many people had already made up their minds that the 2.0 litre Focus was so much better, and that the 1.8 litre Focus was only so-so. I took the car up to Cameron Highlands for a drive (and a short break from the grind of everyday life), and I came back very impressed.

For a start, the power of the car, whilst it is not a road burner, is adequate to satisfy about 90 percent of the people who are likely to buy it. It will get up to regulation speed at a decent pace, and cruise easily at 160 kph the whole day. Put pedal to the metal, and you will hit close to 190 kph if you wish to. The 1.8 litre Duratec DOHC fuel-injected engine delivers 131PS at 6,000 rpm, and 165NM of torque at 4,000 rpm, more than enough to get you wherever it is you might want to go. One feature that actually helps the engine is the electric-hydraulic power steering system that minimises the drag on the engine.

The obvious benefit from having a smaller capacity engine is of course fuel economy. During our drive, which included the long climb up from Simpang Pulai to Cameron Highlands, the 55 litre fuel tank gave us 400 kilometres before the low fuel warning light came on, and even then, the on-board computer indicated another 80 kilometres of range remaining in the tank.

The one thing that impresses me the most about the Focus is the superb handling characteristics. It sticks to the road like glue, and the sensation of going around bends is like it is on rails. On the way up and down the Camerons highway, (which is in itself a brilliant piece of work), all you have to do is point and squirt, and the Focus does the rest. I kept on going into the corners faster and faster, but the Focus never complained; I haven’t found the limit yet. The secret lies in the Focus’s independent front strut suspension, and its Control Blade independent multi-link rear suspension.

The brakes are discs all round, with the front ones being ventilated, and ABS comes as standard equipment. In addition, an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system is also standard equipment, as are driver and front passenger airbags.

In the looks department, the Ford Focus 1.8 Sedan is a winner from the start. Built with European styling and German engineering, the Ford Focus stands out amongst others in its class. Boot space is definitely one of the largest in its class.

Comfort-wise, you get individual temperature controls for the left and right side of the car, and a rear blower for the back passengers, plus a power seat for the driver. Upholstery is in full leather, and the Focus 1.8 seats five comfortably.

The Ford Focus 1.8 Ghia, offered at RM119, 888.00, (price on-the-road without insurance), makes a great value proposition for the buyer who wants a good car that gives reasonable power, and wants to have a lower fuel bill.. Think also of it as getting a great car for half the price, if youknow what I mean, seeing as this is a shared platform with another European make….


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LAUNCHING OF CAR NAVIGATION APPLICATION IN MALAYSIA

Navitech Sdn Bhd has been restructured to promote and market Car Navigation product in Malaysia and Singapore as it core business. Navitech has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Guidetek of Taiwan and MappointAsia Malaysia to package application software, map data and hardware for the in-car and after-market Car Navigation business.

Guidetek, a subsidiary of Holux Technology Inc of Taiwan, supplies state of the art hardware to Navitech. This includes dedicated portable unit, portable PDA unit, in-car unit as well as other stand along GPS units.

MappointAsia Malaysia supplies comprehensive and up-to-date map data. Initially, the map data covers the Major Road Net Work of West Malaysia and street level road network of Klang Valley that includes Wilayah Persekutuan, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Cyberjaya, Purtrajaya and KLIA. Over the next 12 months, map data covering all major urban centers in West Malaysia and including Singapore will be released in stages. Map data of Thailand will also be offered as an option in future.

iMap, the application software from Maction of Taiwan, has been customized for the Malaysia and Singapore market. Voice prompts are in Bahasa Malaysia as well as English and Mandarin. Map symbols and icons are customized to suit local culture and practice.

Mr. Michael Hooi, the General Manager of Navitech, expects the product will be well received, as it will enable anybody and everybody who needs to reach a variety of destinations as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the organizer of the most anticipated automobile event, the Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow 2006 (KLIMS 2006), signed an agreement with two prestigious media companies, The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad (NSTP) and Nanyang Siang Pau Sdn Bhd at a signing ceremony recently at Balai Berita Bangsar.

The signing ceremony signified that the NSTP group (New Straits Times, The Malay Mail, Berita Harian and Harian Metro) and Nanyang Siang Pau are the official newspapers for the KLIMS 2006.

During the signing ceremony, MAA was represented by Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of MAA and Organizing Chairman of KLIMS 2006 and Mak Weng Kit, Chief Executive Officer of Interexpo (M) Sdn Bhd, Show Manager of KLIMS 2006. The NSTP group was represented by Jezilee M. Ramli, Chief Financial Officer and Pat Wahid, Advertising Sales and Marketing Director and Nanyang Siang Pau was represented by Teng Thong Lai, Chief Executive Officer and Mak Wai Lan, Advertisement Sales Manager.

Other official media for KLIMS 2006 are ASTRO as official Broadcaster, Autocar Asean as official English Magazine, eXtremeKARS as official Malay Magazine, Autoworld* as official Chinese Magazine, 988 and Red 104.9fm as official Radio Stations, and TV3 as Official TV Station.

KLIMS 2006 will be held from 26 May till 4 June 2006 and will be occupying all the halls of the Putra World Trade Centre including the new halls that was recently constructed.

The organizer has also announced that the ticket prices will remain unchanged from the last motorshow in 2003. The entrance fees for adults (above 12 years of age) are RM15.00 on weekdays and RM20.00 weekends. Ticket prices for children aged 12 years and below are priced at RM5.00 for throughout the show.

There will also be a family package entrance fee where the adults’ fees apply for husband and wife and accompanying children aged 12 years and below can enter for free, up to a maximum of five children.

The entry fees for students who produce student identity cards or visit in school uniform are priced at RM5.00 on weekdays only.

For those who are handicapped or produce their handicapped card may enter with one accompanied person, both free of charge.

Expo Information
Exhibition: 26 May – 4 June 2006
Venue: Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur,
Opening hours:
11:00am to 10:00pm on weekdays
10.00am to 10.00pm on weekends

*Note: The Chinese magazine Autoworld is not affiliated with Autoworld.com.my in anyway.

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The Alfa Romeo 156 GT – More a Sprinter than a GT
Alfa Romeo owners have reason for cheer, now that Sime Darby Auto Italia Sdn Bhd has taken over the main distributorship for Alfa Romeo in Malaysia. They not only have a proper place to bring their Alfas for attention, but also an array of new cars to trade up to. Autoworld took the Alfa GT, a very smart looking two-door sports coupe, for a drive to check it out.

The 156 GT is based on the same platform as the 4-door Alfa 156, but whereas the 156 is designed by the Italian design house of Giugiaro, the GT comes from Bertone. Not that the two cars look very different from each other, because economies of scale and the fact that they share the same platform dictate that only minor cosmetics like the front grille, headlights and the bonnet can be changed at the front. The tail end of the GT is of course quite different, rendered with a sporty looking, thickened rear pillar extending down from the roof over the rear fender. A concealed B-pillar gives the impression of a long expanse of glass stretching along the side of the GT from the A-pillar in the front to the C-pillar at the rear. A high waistline and a low roof give the GT a sleek look. 6-inch alloy wheels with low profile 205/55 R16 Michelin Turanza tyres complete the picture.

The heart of the Alfa 156 GT is its 4-cylinder, 2.0 litre DOHC engine. With variable valve timing and 4-valves per cylinder, the 156 GT develops 165 bhp at 6,400 rpm, and 206Nm of torque at 3,250 rpm. Coupled to the engine is a 5-speed ‘Selespeed’ gearbox. It is actually a manual gearbox, but electronic controls, working with servos make it behave like an automatic. In fact, there is no clutch pedal in the car. The ‘Selespeed’ gearbox is a spin-off from the technology gained from Ferari’s F1 racing. Being a manual, there is little or no clutch slip during gear changing, as compared to an automatic gearbox. This results in far better acceleration and fuel economy for the ‘Selespeed’ system.

Gear changing is easy; you can choose to use the gear lever located on the console between the front seats, or use the shift paddles located just behind the steering wheel. The electronics will retard the engine momentarily as the gears change up, and also ‘blip’ the throttle automatically to smoothen out the down-shifts.

Driving the 156 GT is quite pleasurable. The raucous sound of the exhaust is music if you are a ‘petrol head’. The engine is very responsive to throttle, and works well with the ‘Selespeed’ box to whisk you from standstill to top speed without any hesitation. Top speed, as tested was 210 km/hr. In terms of handling, the 156 GT is pretty good, at least along the new highway that stretches from Karak to Kuantan. We did not really get a chance to push it along any twisty sections, as most of the way there is made up of wide and smooth highways. The ride is on the firm side; this car is made for handling and although it is described as a GT (Grand Touring) car, it is more of a ‘sprinter’ on account of its relatively short gear ratios. At its top speed of about 215 kph, the tachometer needle is licking the 6,000 rpm mark.

All in all, the Alfa GT is a very interesting car. It will appeal to those who love to drive. Performance is on the sporty side, and if you want a soft ride, look elsewhere. Price on the road for this fully imported baby is RM269,506.90.

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The Girls at The Bangkok Motor Show

We went to visit the Bangkok Motor Show recently, and saw many new cars. However, this motor show was a show with a difference. This motor show was more a showcase of cars available for sale, rather than exhibitors showing off their concept cars or prototypes. Even used cars were exhibited, and people who visited the show could sign up for a new car on the spot.

This could be something the locals might want to consider doing. There was great fanfare, and of course, there were the motor show girls. There is no shortage of beautiful girls in Bangkok, and here are some of them for your viewing and enjoyment. I do suspect there were some ‘imports’ though!

In addition to cars, there were motorbikes, accessories, and even car detailing exhibits. There were some cute drag and racing cars. Even Singha beer, one on Thailand’s brews, was represented.

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The Chevrolet Optra – Estate Version

Nowadays, if someone says, “I own an estate” make sure you get the full details, because he or she might be referring not to a huge rubber or oil palm estate, but to the Optra Estate. And the good news is, you can be an estate owner too, when Hicomobil Sdn Bhd, the importers of the Chevrolet brand, start to bring them in by early next quarter. The other piece of good news is that you don’t have to be a rich person to own one. The Chevrolet Optra Estate is a very affordable station wagon version of the already very popular Chevrolet Optra.

Hicomobil invited some key members of the motoring media to Rayong, Thailand, to visit the manufacturing plant where the Optras are built, and also to attend an Asean media ride and drive session into the hinterland to check out the product on a first hand basis.

The idea of a station wagon or an estate, as these cars are often called is not new. In America and Europe they are very popular with families who have children or people who want to go for outings with their pets. There have been other makers who have introduced station wagons and the consumer reaction can at best be classified as ‘mixed’. Whilst many like the additional versatility a station wagon or estate offers, others do not like the additional tail section.

With the evolution of the market to include MPVs and SUVs, consumers now have more alternatives if they need that extra space or carrying capacity. MPVs are usually 7-seater vehicles that can take on more passengers. The downside of these vehicles is that one ends up paying not only more for an MPV, but also paying more for the fuel to lug the normally much heavier vehicles around.

The Chevrolet Optra Estate, on the other hand, offers a slightly better compromise. You get a little more storage space at the rear, and the weight increase is only marginal. The handling of the Estate is also very car-like; after all it is a car with a tailgate added on to it. If you were to drive the Optra, and not look back at the rear of the vehicle, you would not even realise you are not driving a regular Optra sedan. When you have to gas up your car, you will find that the fuel consumption is only marginally higher. The additional weight is like having an additional large passenger in the car with you.

The Optra Estate comes with a DOHC 1.6 litre fuel injected engine, and in Malaysia, it is expected that the automatic transmission would be standard equipment. When asked if the 1.8 litre engine, currently an option in the Optra sedan would be available, a General Motors spokesman said that there are no plans for it at the moment, further stating that their own sales figures indicate a preference for the 1.6 litre engine in all their markets, possibly for the lower fuel consumption.

In our test drive, I personally found the Optra power to be a little on the conservative side; however this is not a minus point, because based on the target market, the people who are likely to buy this vehicle would be mainstream family people who are not speed freaks. Driven sedately, the Optra will deliver what it promises. You can still hit a top speed of around 180 kilometres per hour, although it takes a tad longer to get there. The overall good handling that is inherent in the Optra 1.6 is retained, and drivers can still get satisfaction out of the estate.

The Optra Estate would be the ideal vehicle for people who are not looking for performance, but rather a car that has the versatility of a station wagon, yet drive and handle like a car. Prices are expected to be below RM120k, which, if confirmed, will make the Optra Estate a very attractive package worth considering. If you put your money down right now, you will be among the first buyers to get the keys to the car when it comes in February 2006.


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Nissan Nismo 350Z – Natural Drifter & Muscle Car

It was early days for me, fresh from school, bright eyed and bushy tailed, I guess, having a wish to be a racing driver. Back then, it was the world of the legendary triple ‘S’, or the Datsun 1600 SSS. My stars were the famous Eric Ooi, Abdul Malek, and Harvey Yap in the 160 horsepower Datsuns. The power seems to be not very high compared to today’s road cars even, but back then, you must remember we were driving cars of around 40 to 70 horsepower. These three cars ruled the tracks for a long while, until more powerful cars came in. To counter this, Tan Chong brought in the 240Z, and it swept away the competition once again. I have been a fan since then.

The 240Z quickly garnered a huge following; not a difficult task when you have a very powerful engine in a lightweight sporty body, with independent suspension all round to give great road handling. You would see them in gymkhanas, autocross events, and at race and rally competitions all over the world. Owning one has always been on my ‘want’ list, but unfortunately I have never been able to find one in a good enough condition at an affordable price.

Based on the background above, can you just imagine the thrill I got when Edaran Tan Chong Motors called up to inform me that there was a new Nissan 350Z available for a road test, and one fitted with Nismo goodies? When I got there at the appointed time, I could hardly wait to get it out of the city traffic to the open road and open up the throttle.

The Nissan 350Z is a two seater sports car built specifically for car lovers. By American standards, it probably would be ‘medium’ sized in comparison with the big 5-litre and above boys. However, its 3.5 litre V6 DOHC, 24-valve engine with CVTC (Continuously Variable valve Timing Control) delivers enough power (206 kW/280 PS) and torque (363Nm) to put it up there with the big boys.

It sits low on the road, looks great, and is like a tiger waiting to pounce. I really hate to say it looks like a Porsche, because the 350Z has enough of its own heritage to stand alone, but it does, and only the Nissan badge at the front and rear will give its true Japanese identity away. Our test car was a Nismo version, with RM52, 000 of Nismo S-Tune Kit, making it look much fiercer. This car will turn heads wherever it goes. Developed using a wind tunnel, the 350Z is designed as a driver’s car. In purist form, it comes with a 6-speed close-ratio manual gearbox; I would have loved to drive one of those, but had to settle for the more mainstream 5-speed auto with the manual shift option.

Even in this adulterated form, the 350Z was a joy to drive. There’s heaps of power, and it is a simple matter of stomping on the accelerator to unleash it. A built-in VDC traction control system (Vehicle Dynamic Control) keeps the power spread evenly through to the drive wheels. The VDC system also uses the ABS system to apply braking on selected wheels in response to sensor inputs to assist the driver in keeping the car on the road. Acceleration is breathtakingly quick, accompanied by an exhaust note building up to a shrill crescendo that is guaranteed to thrill. Even if you didn’t see the car, you would know it is sheer power uncoiling itself from the engine onto the road just by the sound of it. Turn off the VDC, and you get an instant drift car! If you ever get a chance to meet Ivan (our other test driver), ask him how much fun he had putting the car sideways in the wet.

Just watching and hearing him take off is enough to set my adrenaline flowing. The 18-inch sport wheels with its low profile tyres, being 225mm wide in front and 245mm wide at the rear provide excellent grip, but it is easy to break traction for some fun (with the traction control switched off of course). In the rain, it would be quite a handful, with or without the VDC, and unless one is an expert, it might be wise to keep only on part throttle, and be gentle. Such power is needs respect.

Inside, there is only enough space for two. There is a small luggage space, partly filled up by a cross-brace which I suspect is also there for decorative purposes other than keeping the rear turrets permanently fixed. There is room for two golf bags, according to the sticker in the rear boot area, but only if you put them into the boot in a specific way. Clearly, this is a car built for the car lover; everything else is secondary.

Instrumentation is analog, very sporty looking, with round dials and orange readouts to match the orange leather interior. The seats are multi-contoured, wide enough for big bottoms, and with side supports to help keep the driver in place around bends. They are deliberately made to be on the firm side of comfortable, but no true driver will ever complain about them. The steering wheel is three-spoke leather bound job, in just the right size. All driver use instruments are pointed in the direction of the driver, and the switches and buttons are laid out ergonomically within easy reach. The speedometer is calibrated up to 260 kilometres per hour, and the needle is capable of hitting the stopper at the end. The door trim, dashboard and console are finished in black, giving the 350z an almost Spartan look, and creating an impression that this car is strictly all muscle and needs no frills.

On the road, the 350Z is a guaranteed chick magnet (and guy magnet as well), and if you drive one, you have to get used to people throwing you admiring looks. Handling is first class from the electronics built into the system, and from the basic multi-link front and rear suspension. Surprisingly, the ride is supple enough to smoothen out the little bumps and ripples on the road; it is firm, leaning a little towards hard, but it is not jarring to the occupants of the car. I would say that the design engineers have done a great job in this area. Brakes are excellent, being high performance Brembos all round.

All good things must come to an end, and it was with great reluctance that I returned the car. Another one week would have been great. The tank of gas that came with the car all blew out at the rear after 300 kilometres of fun; we of course never had the chance to see what kind of economy sedate and normal driving would give; perhaps another time, when we can have the car longer. For those who might be interested, the 350Z, complete with the Nismo S-Tune kit, retails for RM623, 875.74.

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In about three months after the Toyota Football Fever radio show was first being aired in Red 104.9fm, UMW Toyota Motor, which is the exclusive presenting sponsor of the 36-week radio show today announces the FIFA Club World Championship Japan cup 2005 Contest’s lucky winner.

The radio show, hosted by popular sports presenters, Manvir and Sheldon, are being aired every Friday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. It offered an opportunity of a lifetime to listeners by giving them the chance to win tickets to the final game of the FIFA Club World Championship Japan Cup 2005 at Yokohama, Tokyo by competing with other Toyota Football Fever listeners in a football-related quiz. The contest ran for seven weeks since 7 October 2005, which consisted of four preliminary rounds, two weeks for the semi-finals and it concluded with the final round being held in the seventh week.

Joe Wong from Petaling Jaya, Selangor should count his lucky stars, as he emerged as the sole winner of an all-inclusive trip for two to watch the FIFA Club World Championship Japan Cup 2005 in Tokyo, Japan. Whilst 11 consolation winners participated in the contest each received an Adidas Soccer Jersey.

¡°When they told me that I am the winner I was speechless and I am still overjoyed about it,¡± said Joe Wong. The Newcastle United Supporters Club Vice President said that entering the contest was not his intention when he called in to talk to Manvir and Sheldon. ¡°They told me that I was eligible to participate in the contest and I said I’ll give it a try. They were shocked when I answered all three questions correctly,¡± he added. Being the winner, he also emerged as the one with the highest scores during the final round by answering four out of five questions correctly.

UMW Toyota Motor would like to congratulate the Toyota Football Fever grand prize winner, Mr. Joe Wong and also to Red 104.9 fm for their collaborative effort in making the program successful.

Toyota Football Fever will continue to create a path for football fans across the nation to express themselves and share their opinions on the English Premier League (EPL) on air until the end of the 2004/2005 EPL season, which is in May 2006. The show will also continue bringing good news to its listeners by giving away exciting prizes to winners in the show’s weekly contests.

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