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To commemorate the opening of its plant in Pegoh, Melaka, recently, Honda Malaysia is offering the CR-V ‘Melaka Edition’ which has a package of genuine accessories produced by Honda Access Co Ltd in Japan.

The accessories are a sports grill, skid plate, fog lights with garnish, side stepboards, tailgate spoiler, black bumper and door visors.

Additionally, the interior is fitted with stylish two-toned leather upholstery along with custom-made carpets highlighting the emblem of the ‘Melaka Edition’ logo. The other unique feature is the additional storage compartment which has slots for CDs, cassettes and business cards.

The CR-V ‘Melaka Edition’ is priced at RM 149,888 (on the road with insurance and roadtax) and is available only in New Vogue Silver. Only 60 units of the Melaka Edition will be available so rush to the nearest Honda authorized dealer today if you want one of these exclusive CR-Vs.

The CR-V is presently the most popular Honda model in malaysia and was the best-selling SUV (among non-national makes)last year: 2,928 units of the latest i-VTEC 2nd generation model were sold plus another 21 of the previous generation. It is the first model to be assembled at the new factory in Pegoh.

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It was only a matter of time before a topless Nissan 350Z would be available. Before its official debut at the NY International Motorshow in April, Nissan has released this pix for you to enjoy. To go on sale in the US in July, the 350Z Roadster, as it’s known, will have a power-operated cloth top with glass rear window.



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You may have very good eyesight but some drivers don’t realize that they are making their eyes work harder than necessary. Ford Motor Company and the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommend a few simple adjustments to the features in your vehicle to help prevent eyestrain and increase visibility for those behind the wheel.

“Our senses begin the deterioration process much earlier than we think they do,” says Jeff Pike, a Senior Technical Specialist at Ford who does research on ergonomic issues and how aging affects our senses — and therefore our driving ability. “So we’ve made features in our vehicles more accessible to everyone, such as larger numbers on the instrument panel. While older drivers may appreciate the large print, younger drivers also find the features easier to use, even though they may not be able to explain exactly why.”

To reduce or prevent eyestrain, Pike recommends a simple change in the intensity of the instrument panel light. While some drivers may turn the interior light all the way to bright, they may be unintentionally increasing the amount of unnecessary glare. By turning the light down to a more appropriate level, drivers save their eyes from potential strain.

Pike also recommends using the door mirrors to their optimal benefit. He says that some drivers adjust their mirrors so that they can see the side of the vehicle in the mirror. By keeping the mirror at that angle, the driver loses valuable extended visibility. Recommendation: turn out both side mirrors until the vehicle can be seen just barely in the mirror.

The American Optometric Association adds that age-related changes may be experienced any time after 50 — sometimes even before — and continue throughout life. Greater sensitivity to glare and bright sunlight, increased difficulty when changing focus from near to far objects (or vice-versa), a diminishing ability to see to the side while looking ahead (peripheral vision), and a decrease in the sharpness of your vision under certain lighting conditions are all characteristic changes that occur with age.

“All drivers should have regular, comprehensive eye exams to ensure optimal vision for driving and to maintain good eye and vision health,” said J. Pat Cummings, O.D., AOA president. “A proper eye test administered by a professional is no substitute for a regular, comprehensive eye examination.”

Here are some other tips:
Adjust your seat so that you can see comfortably over the wheel.

Check your windscreen washer fluid frequently to insure adequate supply.

Periodically test your wiper blades and replace if they are split, leave streaks or skip.

Keep headlights clean. Road dirt stuck on them can reduce visibility.

Make sure your own glasses, if you wear them, are clean.

Consider the tinting of your windshield when you chose your glasses as tinted glassed plus a tinted windscreen will have an effect on visibility.

Glance frequently from the road ahead to your rearview mirror, side mirror, and instrument panel when driving.

Choose eyeglass or sunglass frames with narrow side (temple) pieces. Wide temple pieces may block or distract your vision.

Keep mirrors, headlights, and taillights clean and in good repair. Remember to wash both the inside and outside of windscreens and windows regularly.

Avoid driving at night or in bad weather if you have difficulty seeing in low-light situations.

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    The C-segment in Europe is the largest of all passenger car segments and this is where cars like the VW Golf (the segment benchmark), Renault Megane II and even the Toyota Corolla do battle.

    It’s a big and competitive segment and this is where the MX Sportif – when it becomes a production model in the near future – will carry Mazda’s flag. Unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow this week as a design concept, the model is known to be the next C-segment model from the Hiroshima-based company. It’s the fourth all-new Mazda in less than 18 months, underlining the ‘ZoomZoom’ spirit of the company.

    “Just over two years ago, when we started down the path to rebuild the Mazda brand, we promised a core group of four all-new vehicles that would embody the ‘Zoom-Zoom’ spirit of Mazda,” said Lewis Booth, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation. “This newest vehicle, the MX Sportif, clearly shows the direction our fourth all-new product will take. Our pace of product introductions since last year has been relentless and quick, and we have no intention of slowing down.”


    As with all new Mazda products of late, the MX Sportif has been developed to blur the lines of traditional vehicle segmentation, offering customers far more in terms of exterior styling, overall vehicle roominess and enjoyable driving dynamics.

    “This vehicle is the next chapter in the story we have been writing,” said design director Moray Callum. “The MX Sportif takes what customers have now come to expect from the new-generation of Mazda products and accentuates it. We see it as agile, dynamic and athletic. The overall proportions are unique as they allow us to deliver exceptional interior space while retaining the compactness and maneuverability customers are seeking. The design team that worked on this vehicle pushed to make it even more overtly passionate than our other Mazda products – particularly our very successful Mazda6. The result is a car that we hope brings some design excitement to the segment.”

    Prominent design based on distinct, muscular proportions and dynamic athleticism
    The guiding design direction for the Mazda MX Sportif was to develop a vehicle that is both exciting and comfortable. From the earliest stages, it was decided that the exciting aspects of the vehicle would be derived from such attributes as driving enjoyment, the balance of the car, the overall performance and the visual excitement of the proportions and shape.

    Likewise, the promise of comfort would be derived from the vehicle’s ability to provide exceptional functionality, to please the senses through high levels of quality and to deliver great pleasure of ownership. Based on the convergence of these two elements – excitement and comfort – Mazda’s product team has developed a design that communicates the MX Sportif’s exciting presence without sacrificing the requirement for comfortable and rational packaging.

    For the exterior shape, the designers drew on the characteristics of Mazda’s ‘design DNA’: a sense of movement, solidity and dynamic stability. The design begins with the dynamic proportions and taut contours of the long cabin and is accentuated by the extremely short overhangs.

    Sturdy lines running from the prominent grille and reaching back through the bonnet combine with triangular-shaped rear pillars to create a powerful, confident form. The vehicle’s well-planted stance is further enhanced by the graceful roofline and aggressively flared fenders – the vehicle’s strong shoulders – both of which help create a sense of exhilarating dynamism.

    Other exterior styling points are the long wheelbase, 18-inch five-spoke wheels and lamps individually fitted with trim rings to produce a high quality, refined and sporty appearance. The unique resin grille, inset door handles and shapely rear liftgate also add to the MX Sportif’s distinctive identity.

    For the interior, there’s a sporty yet comfortable design, an overall ambiance that evokes visual excitement and, thanks to materials carefully selected for their texture and appearance, adds to the overall delight of driving. The instrument panel and door trim have a simple, clean-cut form that creates a modern-looking space with an open, spacious feel. Finished in a high-gloss, piano black appearance, the instrument panel’s central stack is not only elegant, it assures good visibility and ease-of-use when driving. In addition, the three-meter cluster and metallic interior accents add to the exquisite interior appearance.

    The MX Sportif’s driving dynamics are said to promise ‘a highly balanced driving experience, one that is delivered through linear, predictable responses in steering feel, braking performance and engine response’..

    MacPherson struts are employed for the front suspension while the rear features a multi-link system, rare in C segment cars. This innovative suspension system is mated to a new, highly rigid body with vastly improved local reinforcement in areas such as the suspension mounts.

    The overall package achieves an excellent balance of steering precision and stability for handling performance that is enjoyable under virtually all conditions.

    As for ride quality, the MX Sportif’s rigid body helps suppress roughness and road noise and presents a level of refinement that will be made a key selling point for the production version of this car.

    Working to maintain Mazda’s characteristics braking attributes of outstanding response and linearity, the engineers also worked to bolster controllability while achieving the shortest braking distances possible. This level of brake performance is designed to inspire absolute confidence in the driver. To achieve this, there are four, large-diameter disc brakes – ventilated in front – and a large single brake booster.

    The MX Sportif will be powered by the MZR 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine, a member of Mazda’s new-generation of engines. This engine has a reversed intake-exhaust layout (with the exhaust system fitted at the rear), a variable intake system (VIS), a tumble swirl control valve (TSCV) and a high-flow port head. Thus equipped, the engine produces a linear delivery of a substantial amount of torque at all engine speeds, assuring an exhilarating driving experience.

    Maximum output will be around 110 kW/150 bhp at 6000 rpm and maximum torque is estimated at 187 Nm at 4500 rpm. The engine in mated to a close-ratio, short-throw 5-speed manual transmission, indicating that it will be oriented towards sportiness.

    The MX Sportif features the latest evolution of the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System body, dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted sidebags and side curtains.

    Active safety is said to be pushed to the highest levels with the inclusion of Mazda’s sophisticated ABS (with brake-assist) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), boosting the MX Sportif’s overall handling stability and braking performance beyond their basic potential.

    For the MX Sportif, Mazda’s designers established independent standards of craftsmanship, incorporating them in ways that drivers and passengers could immediately see and feel. In addition to build quality and functional aesthetics, the MX Sportif team focused on the element of customer delight – an area of craftsmanship that seeks to offers finish quality on a par with the highest-grade cars in the world and was a key focus in the development of the Mazda RX-8.

    The design team paid particular attention to over 300 structural requirements in creating the headlamp units, bonnet, fenders and other areas throughout the vehicle. The goal was to further reduce gaps between parts, improve fit-and-finish levels and ultimately deliver an exceptionally refined finish quality. With the interior, designers considered the texture and appearance of all the finishing materials for the instrument panel and door trim, carefully coordinated the bright and dark elements and, with steps as simple as eliminating the parting line normally present on the passenger’s side airbag housing, have been able to create a clean and uninterrupted instrument panel that is a pleasure to look at and touch.

    To improve the visibility and ease of operation of the instrument panel’s central section, Mazda engineers conducted wide-ranging evaluations using a driving simulator (advancing work performed Mazda RX-8 development.) The result of these studies helped determine the shape and layout of displays and switches in the MX Sportif and emphasizes the importance of vehicle’s functional aesthetics.

    The navigation system and audio/climate control displays, for example, were relocated even further upward, so they can be read easily with minimal driving distraction, while some switches were consciously moved downward, closer to the driver’s hands. Engineers also performed a range of ergonomic studies in an effort to perfect the seats, aiming to reduce fatigue on long journeys while also achieving the exceptional and uniform support required for sporty driving.

    With the MX Sportif, Mazda’s design team pushed even further in the important area of customer delight and have produced a fresh and sophisticated interior ambience. The instrument panel illumination system is a good example. The three-meter cluster is the blackout type: when the lights are switched on, the amber-red backlighting is augmented by indirect blue lighting to create a pleasant glow that alleviates eyestrain. Amber-red backlighting and indirect blue lighting is also used on the centre panel, for coordination with the meter illumination.

    The careful packaging of the MX Sportif deftly blurs the lines of traditional vehicle segmentation. Interior roominess is balanced against the need for an easy-to-drive, compact exterior size and, in the end, the overall package assures space for up to five adults and cargo. Thus, the MX Sportif meets the demands of the compact segment, wherein vehicles must excel in a wide variety of uses and duties while retaining compact exterior dimensions.

    The key to meeting these diverse demands is through careful development of the vehicle’s proportions. With this in mind, the MX Sportif features a long, 2640-mm wheelbase and wide, 1535-mm/1530-mm tread (front/rear), which in turn allows for the greatest amount of interior space. The vehicle’s design also features relatively upright sides with minimal tumble angle (the angle between the A-pillar and a vertical axis when viewed from the front) and one of the greatest shoulder widths in the segment.

    The driver’s hip point is set relatively high, allowing easier vehicle entry and exit and also placing the eye point higher for a greater field of view. The driver’s seat has been built to offer a large range of adjustment with its ratchet-type lifter and slider, allowing a comfortable driving position for drivers in the 150 to 190 cm height range. The steering wheel offers tilt and telescopic adjustments.

    DIMENSIONS
    Overall Length: 4350 mm
    Overall Width: 1760 mm
    Overall Height: 1450 mm
    Wheelbase: 2640 mm

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    Nissan has released this first official drawing of its new big SUV for the North American market. To be called the Pathfinder Armada, it has new V8 engine and 8-passenger capacity – meaning it should be challenging the well-established Toyota Land Cruiser.

    The Pathfinder Armada will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in April and go on sale towards the end of the year It will be assembled at Nissan’s new US$1.4 billion plant in Mississippi.

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    Land Rover Malaysia (LRM) is certainly driving into 2003 in a generous mood. Its latest Freelander Sports Edition, introduced to the media today at Bukit Kiara, comes with a package of accessories said to be worth about RM30,000 … and yet costs only RM2,500 more than the standard Freelander Td4 5-door!

    The addition of this special version to the line-up is part of LRM’s aim to grab a bigger share of the SUV market this year and its strategy includes not only product enhancements but also activities to reward loyal customers.

    The Freelander Sports Edition (not to be mistaken for the Freelander SE3 which is sold only in North America) is unique to the Malaysian market. It was developed with feedback from customers and is a collaborative effort between Land Rover Malaysia, Land Rover UK and Land Rover Asia (which is located in Kuala Lumpur).

    For the extra money, you get some really great goodies, the most prominent being the sports bodykit which has horizontal ribbing along the sides. This bodykit first appeared on the unique 3-door version and was available as an option all along. Also included is a stainless steel side step on either side although this is more for looks than for stepping as it doesn’t project out much.

    Also making the Freelander Sports Edition stand out is the A-frame protection bar which goes over the nose. This is a lightweight but still tough polyurethane accessory which provides a fair amount of protection in a collision. It is an original Land Rover accessory and thus fits perfectly on top of the bumper.

    Also as a complement to the protection bar are auxiliary lamp pods which merge smoothly and match the contours of the protection bar. Bright Cibie spotlights are provided in a recess on each pod.

    Giving the rugged look are lamp guards for the headlight, rear lights and bumper-mounted lights. These are also of high-impact polyurethane material which is not only light but also corrosion-resistant.

    The final item in the Sports Edition package is a spare wheel case with a stainless steel rim. This case adds a touch of class while giving good protection to the spare wheel and it can also be locked. Of course, an exposed spare wheel mounted on the rear door would make for a more rugged image! Incidentally, the spare wheel cover is for a 16-inch standard ‘Freedom’ alloy rim.

    In other respects, the Freelander Sports Edition is the same as the standard Td4 version and these units are also the 2003 models. Though no specific mention is made of technical changes, it is normal for companies to make changes in little details over time so it is safe to say that the 2003 model has improvements under the skin.

    According to LRM Marketing Manager Syed Azlan, the Freelander Td4 has been the most popular, hence the focus on this engine variant for the Sports Edition. Its turbodiesel engine is a Euro-3 compliant “Green Engine” (meaning owners save 50% on roadtax) appeared with the second generation a couple of years ago and has some of the best diesel technology in its design. Unlike some other compact SUVs which use powerplants adapted from passenger cars, the Td4 engine has been specifically developed for use in this Land Rover model.

    With a combination of common-rail, very high pressure direct injection and a variable nozzle turbocharger, plus intercooling, this is a high-performance diesel which develops 82 kW (112 ps) of power at 4,000 rpm and 260 Nm of torque at just 1,750 rpm. Additional features include twin overhead camshafts, an alloy cylinder head and an innovative 16-valve layout that combines two different intake port configurations on each cylinder.

    The Freelander also has a tiptronic-type automatic transmission which Land Rover calls ‘CommandShift’. This is a 5-speed transmission which has both manual and automatic shift modes with adaptive programming that adjust shifting patterns to each driver’s style.

    Hill Descent Control (HDC) is something which rivals in the Freelander’s class have yet to match. It’s a sophisticated feature which takes away the ‘white-knuckle’ experience of driving down a steep slope in off-road conditions. All the driver has to do is activate HDC and the system maintains a steady speed of 9 km/h going downhill; no need to brake or do anything at all, other than steer.

    The four-wheel independent suspension and centre-mounted steering systems originally evolved from a clean sheet, with Land Rover engineers choosing a four-wheel MacPherson-strut arrangement mounted to strengthened steel subframes both front and rear. Generous amounts of wheel travel are provided for off-road capability and to increase ride quality, strut friction is minimized by the use of offset coil springs.

    The suspension delivers a high level of longitudinal compliance, allowing the wheels to move backward as well as upward, relative to the body, when hitting bumps. In most vehicles, fore-aft movements are typically around 5 mm, but the Freelander has double this amount. This suspension geometry improves ride comfort by giving the damper more time to work as the suspension reacts to a bump.

    The brake system consists of large and thick ventilated front discs with large-diameter rear drum brakes. A dual-mode operating mechanism within the drums gives twin leading shoe geometry for the handbrake, ensuring greater holding power for low lever effort, while retaining single leading shoe operation for the service brake.

    The ABS for the brake system includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) for optimum braking whatever the load on board. The Freelander is still the only vehicle in its class to have Electronic Traction Control as standard, ensuring superior on-road grip when conditions are slippery.

    In addition to the strong active safety features built into the Freelander, it also boasts of a superior level of passive safety with standard equipment that includes dual front airbags and height-adjustable seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front-seat occupants, and three-point seatbelts for all passengers in the rear.

    High-set, strong side-impact beams are built into all four side doors, with additional reinforcements around the front-door apertures to help protect the cabin space and retain the ability to open the doors after an impact (the door latch mechanism exceeds typical anti-burst load requirements by 2.5 times).

    An important safety-related point to note about the fitment of the A-frame protection bar in the Freelander Sports Edition is that it is an original Land Rover accessory engineered to be compatible with the sensors of the airbag system for this vehicle. This is extremely important to owners because of the influence of such an accessory on the proper functioning of the airbag systems. It’s an issue which many manufacturers are concerned about because the initial impact on the bar which is a bit forward of the nose may cause the sensor to trigger off the airbag at the wrong moment – or worse, the sensor itself may not register an impact and not send the crucial signal to the airbag inflator.

    The Freelander was the first Land Rover to be built with monocoque body construction (traditional Land Rover vehicles have incorporated a body-on-chassis approach). Monocoque construction – which is typical for passenger cars – means the body and chassis are welded as a single unit, providing better strength and durability without excess weight. Ride comfort and handling are also better.

    However, being Land Rover, things have been done a bit differently. When viewed from beneath, one might easily conclude that the Freelander has a separate frame. Indeed, there are substantial longitudinal box-section rails running the length of the underbody, tied together and to the platform with integral crossmembers, a design similar to the ladder-frame construction beneath other Land Rovers. Adding further strength to the body are substantial front and rear subframes, which are bolted rigidly to the body shell.

    The cabin of the Freelander impresses with its many practical features and thoughtful layout. It is clear that the interior designers have made much use of feedback from Land Rover owners who have driven their vehicles all over the world. Clever ideas like the bottle holders on the front doors – with pockets that can actually take the weight of a man – and the netting on the ceiling (an idea adapted from the Discovery) make the Freelander stand out amongst others in its class.

    “The Freelander Sports Edition is an addition to the Freelander range for Malaysia and we are offering it at this special price of RM197,500 – excluding insurance premium – for a limited period,” said Ali Shuib, Managing Director of LRM. “We believe it is an extremely attractive offer which should not be missed!”

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    Until 1985, the Mitsubishi Lancer was a popular model among Malaysians, a rival of the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sunny, Mazda 323, etc. But when Mitsubishi Motors entered a partnership with Proton, the Lancer disappeared from showrooms – to be reincarnated as the Proton Saga. Seven years later, in 1992, another generation of the Lancer was adapted by Proton for the Wira but then the program of cloning Lancers ceased.

    In Japan and elsewhere, however, new generations of Lancers continued to be launched every four or five years. This year, continuing with its plan to launch 15 new models (for the Japanese market) by 2007, Mitsubishi Motors has launched a new generation of its Lancer model in Japan.

    The restyled Lancer has the new MMC identity in its front end design, first seen on the Lancer Evo 8 and more recently, the new Colt hatchback. This new identity is likely to have been introduced by Olivier Boulay, the company’s design director whose last position in DaimlerChrysler was head of its Advanced Design Centre and who is identified as a key designer for the Maybach. Ten years ago, he was also at Fuji Heavy Industries where he led the team that redesigned the Subaru Legacy.

    The new-design headlamps, front grille-integral bumper and engine hood are among the elements that contribute to a spirited new-look nose that gives pride of place to the Mitsubishi 3-diamond badge.

    Black-finish headlamp extensions add a sporty dash to the Lancer MX-Touring sedan and all Lancer Wagon trim levels. Optional xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps (low-beam only) give improved visibility at night and add a sporty zest to the car’s appearance.


    Sedan models feature an elegantly sporty rear end design that is styled around an oversize bootlid accented by a centrally located license plate. On the MX-Touring, a new rear spoiler and side airdams that are design-keyed to the generous and flowing lines of the bootlid underline the model’s sporty personality. The rear end is also distinguished by the distinctive light pattern that results from the use of curved tail and stop lamp reflectors in the combination lamp units.

    Reflecting the popularity of the previous stationwagon’s design, rear end styling changes on the Lancer Wagon have been kept to a minimum. The rear bumper uses a smoother surface composition that ties it in to the front visage, and rear combination lamp visibility has been optimized for improved safety.

    There are three interior colour schemes. ‘Sport’ uses a black monotone keynote colour; ‘Elegant’ a dark-gray/beige two-tone; and ‘Casual’ has a black/light-gray two-tone. The new two-tone colours have been developed to impart a light and bright feel to the interior.

    The most popular engine for Japanese models is likely to be the 1.5-litre ECI-Multi EFI engine. Returning 16.8 kms/litre with the 5-speed manual gearbox and 16.2 kms/litre with the INVECS-III CVT transmission in the Japanese 10-15 urban mileage test.

    Also available is a 1.8-litre GDI3 engine, tuned to use regular instead of premium grade petrol while the Lancer Wagon IT-Touring gets the highly popular 1.8-litre GDI Turbo engine, which has undergone detail tuning to enhance response and feel.

    Along with the extensive restyling, the body is said to have been made stronger and suspension tuning (with assistance from DaimlerChrysler engineers) has been optimized front and rear on both sedan and wagon models. The greater stiffness resulting from these changes improves handling stability, without sacrificing ride comfort, and reduces vibration and noise levels.

    Prices in Japan start at 1.198 million yen (about RM38,455) and go as high as 1.898 million yen (RM60,925).

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      Car-pooling. Gardening. Mountain biking. Going to the movies… these are the activities of today’s consumers and where transportation to them is concerned, the vehicle designs would have to differ a lot. Or compromises have to be made to match a vehicle and an active lifestyle.

      Ford’s Freestyle FX concept aims to create one vehicle for all purposes and is a unique, purpose-built crossover vehicle. It’s Ford’s answer to consumers who demand nothing less than a perfect fit for their transportation needs.

      The Freestyle FX concept is said to be a new kind of vehicle that transcends boundaries and can’t be pigeonholed. The vehicle was conceptualized as ‘an all-things-to-all-people, no-excuses’ concept version of the production Freestyle scheduled to make its debut in 2004.

      “The Freestyle FX is a thinking person’s vehicle, a complete surprise box when you open it up,” says Chris Theodore, Ford vice president, North America Product Development. “It offers the aspirational looks of an SUV, great driving dynamics with the quiet and refined ride of a sedan, the capacity and flexibility of a minivan and the security of all-wheel drive. It will truly transform consumers’ notion of how a crossover vehicle should perform.”

      While many of today’s small SUVs use a passenger car platform, the Freestyle FX is not based on a car, with a traditional flat floor, low seating position and inherently limited seating flexibility. It’s not based on a minivan either; while minivans or MPVs typically feature flat, rising floors and elevated seating positions, they have compromised dynamic capabilities.

      And it’s not like other crossovers that are typically based on other platforms, like those of minivans. Most feature poor third-row headroom and legroom, sub-par driving dynamics, and even aesthetic compromises.

      The concept vehicle, like the production Freestyle, features an all-new, purpose-built crossover architecture with monocoque body construction. This type of construction eliminates the need for a separate structural frame by designing the supporting structure into the body parts, thus saving weight and adding much desired rigidity, in turn delivering better ride and handling qualities.

      No matter where the road leads, Freestyle FX can adapt to accommodate a hectic lifestyle by transforming into three different vehicle configurations. The Freestyle FX can convert from a 6-passenger sportwagon to either a 4-passenger sedan or a 4-passenger SportTrac-like vehicle with a cargo bed (the SportTrac is a pick-up adapted from the Explorer).

      The vehicle’s transformation, which occurs in less time than it takes to put the top down on a convertible, begins with the press of a button on the hand-held remote key fob. First, the rear-most side windows, between the ‘C’ and ‘D’ pillars, retract into the recesses of the side cargo hold. The back portion of the roof and rear backlight move forward with the roof rails telescoping into their forward portions. When complete, the ‘D’ pillar joins the ‘C’ pillar. The result is a two-row SportTrac-like vehicle with a rugged cargo bed that can accommodate everything from fichus trees to snow boards.

      The tonneau, made of a durable plastic, can be installed fitting flush with the side rails and forming a seamless decklid-appearance at the rear of the Freestyle FX. In this configuration, the vehicle displays the profile of a traditional sedan.

      The roof, made of amber-coloured tempered glass, offers a unique view of the sky and achieves the freedom of a top-down convertible with the quietness of a sedan.

      Starting with a typical “two-box” people mover design and long 2895 mm wheelbase, Ford designers opted to give the Freestyle FX a short front overhang and a roof profile which falls approximately mid-way in height between many utility vehicles and traditional station wagons. They then combined the best attributes of sedans, like seamless body panels, refined surfaces and low-to-the ground silhouette, with the imagery and rugged good looks of a sport utility vehicle. The collective result is a sporty, tough design that draws second looks from both truck lovers and car aficionados.

      At the front, the Freestyle FX uses large, trapezoidal high-intensity discharge headlamps with integrated turn signals and a grille design reminiscent of the Ford Escape, Explorer and Expedition. Integrated driving lights reside on opposite ends of a bar that horizontally intersects the large air intake in the bottom portion of the front bumper.

      Large taillamps housing bright, LED lights grace the liftgate and wrap around to the rear fenders to provide tremendous visibility from the back and sides of the vehicle. The rear tailgate opens downward in a traditional fashion while the backlight can be opened up and independent of it, adding to flexibility. Twin exhaust pipes exit the rear diffuser at a central position through large, chrome-plated rectangular tailpipes.

      Flared wheel lip moldings give a rugged, anchored look and conceal aggressive 20-inch aluminium wheels on Goodyear run-flat tires. An all-aluminium cargo rack graces the roofline of the vehicle. Side repeater lamps are neatly integrated into the forward face of the sideview mirrors and amber accent light strips run the width of the door handles, providing instant visibility at night.

      Aluminium skid plates are mounted directly beneath the front and rear bumper valences and alongside the Freestyle’s rocker panels, providing a distinctive visual bridge to the vehicle’s Ford family SUV lineage.

      The key to any motor vehicle is its ability to adapt to increasingly demanding lifestyles. The Freestyle FX takes that idea one step further by providing the inspiration for new or different lifestyles. That concept is best demonstrated by the outstanding flexibility of the Freestyle FX’s interior, a trait that will be shared with the production vehicle.

      In addition to its flexibility, the Freestyle FX concept’s interior design shows Ford’s commitment to triple the investment for interior design on future products. The use of high-quality interior materials, seamless integration of door and instrument panels and attractive seat and trim fabrics is evident throughout the concept vehicle.

      Accommodating up to six passengers in three rows of seating, the Freestyle FX allows multiple seating combinations to fit any need. The vehicle’s second and third row seats can be power folded into the floor for more cargo space, providing a fully flat load floor.

      With all seats in their folded position, the Freestyle FX provides cavernous cargo space, large enough to fit a four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside the vehicle with the tailgate fully closed.

      The all-leather seats match the leather door inserts and include supplemental side air bag protection for front-seat passengers. Amber-coloured lighting found in the centre console and on the interior door handles matches the amber-coloured glass from the roof and rear windows, casting a glow on the interior.

      First row passengers are treated to a high-resolution satellite and navigation system housed in the instrument panel’s centre stack. Brushed chrome bezels with tactile dimples surround the air registers, while the front seat passenger has an assist handle directly above the glove box, assisting ingress and egress The second row of seating incorporates a DVD entertainment centre perfect for long trips, with each seat folding independently of the other for loading flexibility.

      The Freestyle FX has a 3-litre 24-valve Duratec V-6 engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) which delivers power to all four wheels. The CVT provides exceptionally smooth operation and delivers up to a 10% fuel economy improvement over a traditional transmission.

       


       


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      Auto Praha, the importer/distributor for Skoda cars, yesterday opened a new showroom along Jalan Ma’arof in the Bangsar district of Kuala Lumpur. The showroom was opened by a minister of the cabinet of the Czech republic and was attended by representatives from the country’s embassy in Kuala Lumpur as well as from Skoda.

      The opening of the showroom represents a new phase in the development of Auto Praha’s network which includes a service centre in Shah Alam, Selangor. According to the company’s Executive Director, Dato’ Mohammadiah Moner Ahmad Zazuli, Auto Praha has appointed a number of service dealers around the country to provide after-sales support to Skoda owners.

      Since the launch of the marque last year, some 100 units have already been sold and Auto Praha expects to sell between 450 and 500 units this year. These will comprise the Fabia 1.4 hatchback and Octavia and Superb sedans, the latter also having made its debut yesterday in conjunction with the showroom opening. The Superb has a 2.8-litre V6 30-valve engine and retails for RM238,066 (excluding insurance premium).

      Dato’ Mohammadiah Moner also said that Auto Praha has established Auto Praha Marketing And Bhd, a joint-venture with another party said to be an experienced player in the local market. While declining to reveal the identity of the party, the presence of a number of staff from Quasar Carriage, the Renault distributor, would suggest that this is the party involved.

      “Our business partner will be assisting us in marketing programs as well as provide us access to the widespread retail and after-sales network which they have nationwide,” he said.

      Although it is known that Skoda’s unit in India will be assembling some models there, Auto Praha said it has no plans for a local assembly operation in Malaysia. He did not rule out the possibility of Skoda assembling cars in the region to take advantage of AFTA but this was dependent on the factory and might not necessarily be in Malaysia (Skoda cars are also sold in Thailand and Singapore).

      Skoda is part of the VW Group and its models share platforms with some VW and Audi models. The Superb, for example, uses a Passat platform with an extended wheelbase. The company’s business is very significant to the economy of the Czech Republic, accounting for as much as 10% of the country’s GDP.

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      The AutoMechanika trade fair originally started in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1971 and has since grown to be a global event with 12 separate venues on four continents. In China alone, there are two separate events with India also having one. The third event – AutoMechanika Asia – has been held in Singapore in 1998 and 2000 and will move to Kuala Lumpur for the 2003 edition.

      While Singapore is often recognized as a central location for conferences and exhibitions, the small market and business environment there is not so suited for an event that is related to the automotive industry. This was the explanation given by Michel-Alexander Morlat, Vice-President for Brand AutoMechanika, concerning the change of venue.

      Mr Morlat said that it was not due to costs either because it actually costs more to have the event in Malaysia, but the potential as far greater for exhibitors as there is a growing automotive industry here.

      “We feel that a Malaysian venue for our event offers more opportunities for exhibitors to establish relationships with the automakers. There are manufacturers here and there is a large components industry too so our event is ideal for them to make contact,” he said.

      The fact that there is an automotive industry in Malaysia and with AFTA becoming a reality makes AutoMechanika Asia an important event for the industry and for this reason, the organizers have broadened the product categories to cover virtually every aspect of the business from R&D and design to manufacturing to maintenance/after-sales and even recycling.

      With nine categories, AutoMechanika Asia 2003, to be held between November 12 – 15 2003, will have more floor area than the two previous events. The total exhibition space will be over some 7,300 sq. metres on two levels of the Putra World Trade Centre.

      At least 200 exhibitors will be participating and these will include global leaders as well as Malaysian companies. The organizer also expect some 6,000 visitors from all over the region as well as beyond. Mr Morlat said that even though there are separate events in India and China, they are focused more on the huge domestic industries of those two countries whereas AutoMechanika Asia is an ‘Asian event’.

      There will also be the AutoMechanika Academy which is the venue for the seminars and conferences held in conjunction with the event. These will have three main themes – business opportunities in ASEAN, car distribution trends, and environment regulations.

      Sachs will also display a Model Workshop which is intended as an ongoing commitment to address the growing challenges facing independent workshops. This display will feature state-of-the-art equipment and have ‘live’ demonstrations of repairs.

      The Innovation Awards will also be introduced for the first time at an AutoMechanika event in Asia and it is recognized as one of the foremost awards in the international automobile industry. It is awarded to the most outstanding technical development and product innovation in the automotive field.

      “The Innovation Awards allow local and regional automotive players to demonstrate their ingenuity, innovative capabilities and cutting-edge technologies,” said Mr Morlat.

      There will be awards for three main product groups – original equipment, spare parts and garage/petrol station equipment. Judging will be based on innovativeness, quality, user benefits, ease of operation and environmental compatibility. All exhibitors qualify for participation but must register before the event, on August 29 2003.

      Past winners of the Innovation Awards (at the AutoMechanika Frankfurt 2002) include Bosch for its ‘Brake by Wire’ system developed in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler, Audi for its Pocket Diagnosis System, and VW for its internal television.

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