Drive: Mitsubishi ASX CKD

Words by Surin Kumar. Photography by TJ & Co

Compact SUVs seem to be a trend that’s catching up like wildfire, mainly among the female audience. I don’t see why not. These cars are priced only slightly above the sedans, but pack the same amount of fun and provide more legroom while not being as bulky as the regular SUVs. The ASX does look good, mainly because it has borrowed the looks of its handsome  brother, the Lancer. Sharp and sporty, all fitted in a compact SUV frame. In fact, it only seems a bit bigger than your regular sedans.

An aerodynamic front grille with fog lamps and bolder lines add a sexy appeal to the ASX. Aligned nicely below the fog lamps are the LED daylights - a personal favourite. However, it does lack the aggression and masculinity portrayed by many other SUVs. Maybe it’s just me. As sexy as it may be, the ASX wouldn’t really be the car that would make me go “wow” at first sight.

Inside of the ASX is where most of its beauty lies. While looking just about average in terms of size on the outside, there is actually ample space inside for five adults to sit comfortably. The design isn’t exceptionally unique, but friendly and easy enough for just about anyone to get used to. It boasts a sporty feel along with comfortable leather seats and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with a good range of adjustment. In short, it has better finishing than most of its competitors that I’ve driven so far.

The cabin is light and airy, with a panoramic glass roof that will definitely get your kids excited. The on-board computer keeps you driving efficiently, providing all the information you need. Other features include keyless entry with push start, a reverse camera, cruise control, GPS, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and a fully automatic air conditioner. The interior is designed to keep everything tidy, just the sort that neat freaks would love.

One thing I really love is the magnesium paddle shifters. Unlike other paddle shifters I’ve tried, these shifters spelled fun on every change of gear. I rarely had the ASX on auto, mainly because the paddle shifters were that fun to use. Of course, this was also because the car was backed up by an enormous amount of power that’s delivered on every shift.

When it comes to handling and performance, you can rarely doubt the Mitsubishi. For a tall car, the ASX drives like your regular sedan - agile, nimble and easy to squeeze through tight spaces. Under the hood rests a 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC engine, paired to an INVECS-III CVT gearbox with six steps sports mode. It delivers about 148hp and 197Nm of maximum torque, which you’ll enjoy if you’re in manual. However, on straight roads, the car needs a slight amount of time to pick up, especially after 120km/h. The drive was extremely comfortable, so much that I unwarily went over the speed limit on a few occasions. You might want to keep an eye on the speedometer on that note. On paper, the ASX claims a top speed of 190 km/h, but luck and opportunity didn’t coincide during my drive, so that’s a claim I’ll have to forsake this time around.

It took me some time to get used to the steering because it felt overly light and less responsive. It’s fine on urban streets but gave me doubts during high speed manoeuvres. The ASX switches from 2WD to 4WD in just a push of a button, with two options: auto for regular four wheel control and lock for the slippery tracks. Other than that it also packs the Active Stability Control (ASC) function, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse camera, engine immobiliser, traction control and Hill Start Assist (HSA) for your safety concerns.

For someone who wasn’t initially “wow-ed” by the ASX at first, I really had trouble handing over the key after my test drive period. I found myself so fond of the car and I was already missing the car for a good two weeks upon returning it!

This is a car that combines practicality, comfort, easy driving, excitement, fuel efficiency, power, safety and technology all in perfect harmony with a price tag that most could afford. I can’t think of any compact SUVS that’ll provide the bang for your buck as the ASX does.

THE SPECS

 Engine:

2.0-litre inline-4, DOHC MIVEC (4B11)

Horsepower: 150 hp

Torque: 197Nm

Transmission: INVECS-III CVT with 6-step Sports Mode 

Fuel Consumption: 13.2km/l (combined) 

Top Speed: 190km/h

Features: Panaromic glass roof, magnesium paddle shifs, keyless & push start entry, auto rain and light sensors, automatic air-con, auto retractable 

Price (OTR with GST):

2WD: RM 117 499.67

4WD: RM 132 021.51

Desginer Edition: RM 135 026.19

Drive: Subaru WRX 2015

Story by: Surin-V
Photographs by: Wahid Ooi Abdullah

Ever thought of driving a car who have so much grunt under the hood, that it'll never need you to ask for it to be fast? Well then, drive the WRX. This is a car that's always ready to sprint, never slowing down, never lagging and never disappointing. A car that will now kill your excuse to your boss that goes "I'm late because of the traffic jam".

WRX is as sharp and elegant, closely relating to the Bimmer yet keeping the rally looks of the Subaru. Since mine came in red, most people mistook it to be the F10 at a glance. I don’t blame them. However the key details of a Subaru that could be noticed is the more deeply set hood scoop, LED low-beam headlights, and 17-inch wheels.

Interior wise, well it is better than the last-generation Impreza and WRX but still a boring design that could hardly justify the price of the car. Bits of fake carbon-fiber trims are done for some visual appeal; although it looks nice some may not be a fan. Near the top of the dashboard there’s a 4.3-inch multifunction display that provides audio and climate-control information, Bluetooth settings, a boost gauge, and also acts as a reverse camera. The driving position is quite friendly though, keeping you comfy and settled for long or exciting drives.

Built for the speed enthusiast who also wants to drive the car on a regular day and not only for weekends, this car is friendly enough for office runs, and mean enough for weekend funs. That simple reason alone can capture the WRX a favorite among many.  Here we are offered with CVT version. But the automatic gearbox on a performance car didn’t take away the fun at all. The scubi is abit calm at first, until it reaches about 60 km/h. After that, it reads your mind that you want to it to go fast and starts sprinting all the way to its full potential without slowing down even abit.

It churns out 268 horses, while peak torque of 258 lb is delivered from 2,000 rpm to 5,200 rpm. Just on a regular drive, the WRX can reach up to speeds that can cost you speeding tickets without you even realizing. The spec sheets say the WRX makes a full speed about 240 km/h. Withins seconds on the pedal, I was only 4 km/h short to get that.

The WRX is beautifully balanced and making turns and high speed never gave such confidence. The handling was a simply superb, giving confidence at any speeds and backed up by terrific grip, thanks to the all-wheel drive.

Despite the thirst for fuel and the lack of advanced gadgets, the WRX is a definitely a great car to drive. Armed with superb steering, body control, grip and acceleration, this beast retains its soul from the rally world. But there’s a bad news though, with this car you can never be running late.

SPEC SHEET:

Subaru WRX (2015)
Engine:  DOHC 16-Valve, Horizontally-Opposed, 4-Cylinder, 4-Stroke, Turbocharged, Petrol Engine
Displacement: 1,998 cc
Maximum Power: 268 PS / 5,600 rpm
Maximum Torque: 350 Nm / 2,400 - 5,200 rpm
Top Speed (estimated): 240 km/h (claimed)
Price (including GST) : RM 239 604.80

Ford Mustang GT previews in Publika

If you are as slow as slowpoke over here and had no clue about it, here's the news for you. The legendary Ford Mustang will be making it's way to Malaysia, estimated by the end of this year. However, it will be skipping the 3.7 variant, bringing the 2.3L Ecoboost and the 5.0L V8. Both models might be made available in Fastback or Convertible.

 The one exhibited here in Publika was the GT, that packs the highest punch among the three variants.

The color, ruby red is probably one of the sexiest colors on a car I would've seen, but it is also a bit too flashy for my preference. But then again, it's a Mustang. It got to be flashy.

The exterior design of the 2014 Mustang is extremely sharp giving the car a very mean look, a far better appeal than the ones before. 

Gazing high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with signature LED lighting and tri-bar taillamps with the famous Mustang sequential turn signals is killer just by the looks of it

The rear is fitted with standard signature LED tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals

Dual exhaust pipes are standard on all models, and air extractor hood vents are standard on GT models

2.3L Ecoboost

"Exhilarating power combined with efficiency that performance drivers will call icing on the cake with 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. And best-in-class EPA-estimated 21 city/32 hwy/25 combined mpg**. A new optimally sized twin-scroll turbocharger separates the exhaust runners in two chambers that run all the way to the turbine. This transfers high-pulse energy to the turbine wheel, resulting in ultra-fast time-to-torque. If that sounds too technical, don’t worry - you’ll understand when your foot presses the gas. To put the numbers in perspective, consider this: This new EcoBoost engine has more horsepower with only half the displacement of the 2005 Mustang GT 4.6L V8. That’s incredible progress in just 10 years."

POWER: 314PS
TORQUE: 434 Nm
0-100 KM/H: est. 5.3 seconds

5.0L GT

"From the deep, guttural rumble at idle, to the wide-eyed force of torque in acceleration, the available 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine is the stuff of Mustang legend. And this year, it’s even more powerful with 435* hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.* The advanced engine is intended to maximize power generation from every compression, with larger intake and exhaust valves, new cylinder heads with revised high-flow ports and new intake and exhaust camshafts with increased lift."

POWER: 435PS
TORQUE: 528 Nm
0-100 KM/H: est. 4.3 seconds

What do you get in your Mustang?

Exterior
Auto Headlamps with Wiper Activation
HID Headlamps with signature lighting
LED tailamps with sequential turn signals
Easy Fuel capless fuel filter
Side view mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors

Interior
SYNC 2
Cruise Control
Intelligent Access with push start
Rear view camera
Steering mounted cruise, audio & 5 way controls
Seletable effort and electric power steering

Safety & Security
AdvanceTrac electronic stability control
Securilock passive anti theft system
7 airbags (Fastback) and 5 airbags (Convertible)
Front belt minder

The price of the Mustang is yet to be revealed but rumoured to be priced around RM 300 000 for the 2.3 Ecoboost and RM 600 000 for the GT.

The Malaysian guide to parking

Malaysians may not be the top of the list of scumbag drivers, but we do have a chance when it comes to competing with parking. Truth is, we are trained in the harshest environment, therefore we have learned, adapted and acquired specific parking skills that can leave most speechless. Here's some of our parking skills you might want to consider learning.


The DOUBLE TROUBLE

credits to FunnyMalaysia.net

We're the typical ones you'll find in almost every place that seems busy. We'll make a stop, blocking at least two cars, won't leave our number and enjoy a long coffee break.There'll be a parking spot slightly further away, but there's some walking to do. F*ck that.

The LINE BLIND

credits to diehardowl.files.wordpress.com

Usually the streets have lines to guide us. But that's just a guide. Come on', who makes these rules? We park however we want wherever we want. Besides, it'll only take awhile... like two hours kinda while.

The LATE FOR DATE

Remember in the movies when they are late, they just park the car however or wherever they can? Well, we do that whenever we're late for work because we're always late for work.

The OVER SHOT

credits to FunnyMalaysia.net

Don't judge us when we park like this. It's not because we didn't know how to park. It's because we're giving the spot to someone else to park behind us

The SCUMBAG KING

credits to mob.com.my

I know, I know.... You're about to call this an Ass. Well we call this utilizing. Have you ever seen the disabled parking being fully occupied? We're only doing others a favor by occupying it.

Seventh Generation Hyundai Sonata Arrives in Kuala Lumpur

Earlier today, Hyundai Malaysia launched the all-new seventh generation Hyundai Sonata. Key improvements in the all-new Sonata can be categorized into four areas – Strength, Stability, Simplicity and Detail.

Simplicity. 

The design of the all-new Sonata benefits from the refinement of the Fluidic Sculpture design language to 2.0 – offering sleeker aesthetics and a “Premium Touch” tactile presence. Inside the cabin, the interior layout has been redesigned into a horizontal T for added visual spaciousness and refinement. The instrument cluster has also been simplified by clustering display signs with similar roles together. The boot now benefits from a Smart Trunk system – stand near the boot with the smart key for 3 seconds and the lid opens automatically.

Stability. 

The all-new Sonata is always stable - suspension is enhanced with the front benefiting from enhanced responsiveness, angle and stability in steering and the rear from enhanced stability during high speed driving and turning. The design of the engine room improves aerodynamic performance, with a custom flat underbody normally only found in sports performance cars. As a result, the new Sonata is able to achieve a class leading aerodynamic coefficient of cd 0.27, the highest in the D-segment category.

Detail. 

The steering wheel offers the most ideal wheel shape, carefully designed to provide maximum comfort for every driving style. Switches are designated to be reached by thumbs, without letting go of the wheel. Lumbar support bolsters support the back in 4 ways (In & Out, Up & Down), ideal for long-distance travel. Hyundai engineers also created the Silent Door Sound, by tuning the sound of opening and closing doors and windows.

Strength. 

The car’s newly designed underpinnings contribute to an improvement in suspension performance and a greater structural rigidity over the previous generation model, resulting in 41% greater torsional strength and 35% greater bending strength than the outgoing model. 51% of the all-new Sonata's body is made of an Advanced high strength steel (AHSS), which is twice as strong as an ordinary steel plate. The all-new Sonata has been validated in extremely demanding environments, including Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife racing circuit, using tests such as Hyundai’s proprietary ‘accelerated durability tests’ which simulate up to 180,000 km of severe driving in a matter of weeks.

Uncompromised levels of convenience features are fitted to the all-new Sonata, providing it with the type of luxury, safety and technology equipment typically associated with cars from a segment above. A variety of premium features such as a panorama sunroof and up to six airbags emphasize Hyundai Motor’s commitment to delivering value beyond expectations. A first-in-class Audio Visual Navigator entertainment hub, available in the Elegance and Executive variants are powered by an Android 4.4.2 operating system that can be accessed via the touchscreen display panel fitted to the all-new Sonata. The all-new Sonata is available in six exterior colours: Ice White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Remington Red, Dark Horse and Phantom Black.

Personally to me, the new Sonata resembles closely to the Volkwagen CC, but of course in a good way. Koreans never fail to impress over the aggression they display in taking over the Automotive Industry, and the Sonata seems like about to give the Japanese a very, very close battle.

Price for to this home to your front porch is as below:

Elegance B: RM 143 163.30

Elegance : RM 149 465.80

Executive: RM 157 673.80

Drive: BMW xDrive Performance Day

 Last weekend I got called all the way to Ipoh for xDrive performance day at Tian Siang Premium Auto. Instead of work, that was more like a cue to get fat at my aunt's place and enjoy driving a bimmer while at it.

Upon arriving at the Tian Siang Premium Auto’s doorsteps, although it was a dull Sunday morning, inside of here everyone was packing a smile and the sense of warmth was better than my morning coffees.

Thanks to the power of "MEDIA" I had the X3 and the off-road trail all to myself. My instructor, Hamdan guided me through the muddiest paths, raising the bar for the X3 every time it overcame them, and to my pleasure it overcame all challenges easily. The biggest help came from the Automatic Hold (Auto H) which held the X3 firmly on ground without having me to press the break while climbing uphill, and the Hill Descent Control (HDC) which swiftly moved the X3 down the slippery hill while I just controled the steering to where I wanted to go. Much to this amazement, the tyres were covered in slippery mud and they were actually your ordinary road tyres. 

What is the xDrive?

BMW’s specialised all-wheel drive system, the xDrive ensures the car has best traction at all times by enchancing agility and ensuring safety at any situation. Under normal circumstances, it distributes power to the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio, and changes variably when the road surface or overall driving conditions change.
Working almost instantly and subtle enough to be unnoticed by the driver, xDrive can direct up to 100% of drive forces to one axle only. This enables the driver to move effortlessly on slippery surfaces, steep hills and in my case, muddy terrains. xDrive routes all power to the axles with the greatest traction. When parking, the system reacts to the need for high manoeuvrability at low speed by opening the clutch completely so the powertrain functions optimally.
 In case of understeering, drive power to the front axle is reduced. If oversteering is detected, xDrive directs more power to the front axle. Thanks to this dynamic redistribution of power, vehicle stability returns to normal even before the driver notices anything amiss.
Driving on a winding road or taking a fast bend in dynamic style is particularly enjoyable with xDrive: you feel as if your BMW is being guided along the curve. xDrive is regulated by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and uses information from the latter system’s sensors to monitor road conditions. In addition, brake force courtesy of DSC is used when there is traction difference between the two sides of the vehicle and wheel spin is likely.

Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Hill Descent Control (HDC) functions by holding the vehicle steadily at a pre-determined speed, helping with the brake control so that the driver can concentrate completely on the steering. This makes the potentially difficult task of driving down a steep hill or over rough ground easy. HDC can be activated with the press of a button and is particularly helpful when driving on changeable, loose or slippery downhill surfaces, such as mud, gravel, snow or grass. Together with ABS, it ensures excellent stability while still preventing the wheels from locking if you apply the brakes on a slope. This prevents the vehicle from skidding and permits you to retain control over the steering. When HDC deactivates, it goes into fade-out mode, gradually reducing braking force and giving you enough time to again take full control of your speed. It is deactivated once your speed goes above 60 km/h.

Automatic Hold  (Auto H)

The Automatic Hold system is a convenience feature to assists the driver by automatically setting and releasing the brake when moving in stop-and-go traffic or up a hill, without requiring the driver to hold constant pressure on the brake pedal. The vehicle is automatically held in place when it is stationary and when on inclines, the system prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when driving away, however as soon as the driver touches the accelerator again, the brake is instantly released.

So lesson aside, here's some pictures of the day:

My shot with the Leica...

Cutest Bimmer fans in the making

You know you can't get your hands on the real one, so maybe a mouse is good too

Where do you put in film in these things?

Wrong shoes genius.

Sneak peak at one sexay two wheeler

This Bimmer just want to fly