Hmm... Perhaps it's an angle problem because the rear end of the P3-22A (also known as Preve Hatchback) looks awkward to me. First leaked in Lowyat Forum, the Preve Hatchback is expected to have a front end and cabin largely similar to its sedan counterpart, only completely redesigned from the B-pillar to the back.
The unofficial (highest) specs include 6 airbags, 17-inch alloy (lower spec might wear smaller size alloy, if there is one), New in-car entertainment (ICE) with Android, daytime running light (the one in Preve will only be activated with lights on), leather seat, hill start assist, reverse camera and front & rear sensor. My guess the Preve Hatchback would be priced between RM70k-RM80k.
Mercedes Benz S-Class, a symbol of power, wealth and luxury. A S-Class will appear in everyone's mind when asked about the car a CEO would be chauffered in. The W222 is quite a looker, especially with the AMG Sport Package above. Stylish and luxurious at the same time. Slightly larger in every dimension, the W222 still managed to get a coefficient of drag of 0.24 - even better than a Prius.
Name me a car where its tailgate line is separated from its tailights other than the W222 S-Class. None that I could think of has such dainty design feature. Taillights resemble its predecessor's, but with uniquely styled LED lights.
As the flagship of Mercedes-Benz, the whole car is loaded with goodies. Huge 12.3 inch screens used as the instrument panel and infotainment system, First Class Rear Seat package with thermo cup holders that warm or cool drinks, ten speaker with optional Burmester Surround Sound, Air Balance package which has a built-in perfume dispenser and Warmth Comfort package with heated headrest, armrest, steering wheel and seats. Design details wise, retro-styled air-cond outlets, 2-spoke steering wheel, analogue clock and whole lot of stitched leather.
Safety wise, it will take me literally forever to mention all of the safety features loaded in the W222 S-Class. As starter, the W22 comes with knee airbag for the driver and seatbelt airbag for the rear passengers. Below has more detailed explanation on some of W222's safety features:
So, here's a summary of what safety features the S-Class has:
It's amazing to see that whatever safety features that you could possibly think of are available in the S-Class. Even the steering wheel can intervene and steer on its own (by a little) when things get wrong. Scary and eye-opening at the same time. Watch this to get a better idea of how these features work:
Teachers are nobel. They educate students to become a better and knowledgeable person. In conjunction with Teacher's Day, Perodua is offering a special package for teachers from May 16 to November 15, 2013 - a rebate of RM1,000, a personal accident insurance plan worth RM20,000 and hire-purchase loan rate from as low as 2.7% from participating banks! Early birds who booked a car between 16 to May 31 will be given a RM200 petrol card too.
The "Terima Kasih, Cikgu" package is open to all teachers from public and private institutions of learning. Every model of Perodua - including the recently launched S-Series, is available for the package. With so many benefits and 3 years of free service, it is hard to resist the "Terima Kasih, Cikgu" package!
Good news for Suzuki Swift's enthusiasts! Previously, only CBU units of Suzuki Swift are available in Malaysia, hence the hefty price tag at RM78,888 for a small hatchback. Now, locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, CKD units will be available in two variants - GL, which is selling at RM67,811.50 (solid) and GLX at RM75,919.50 (solid), both OTR with insurance and has the same 1.4 litre engine mated to automatic transmission. Metallic paint will add around RM500 into each of the price mentioned.
The GLX variant has the same specs offered in the CBU unit, but is selling RM2000 cheaper than CBU unit. On the other hand, GL variant is about RM10,000 cheaper than before, of course some features are omitted in order to achieve such reasonable price tag.
GL variant has only driver airbag, four speakers instead of six in the GLX, automatic aircond in the GLX is replaced by manual aircond in the GL and wears 15-inch steel covers instead of 16-inch alloy wheels in the GLX. Other than that, features such as keyless entry and push-start button, steering audio buttons and retractable wing mirror with indicator found in the GLX are omitted from the GL.
Yes, the lowering the pricing will definitely attract more buyers, and the Swift is an awesome car to drive! (Check out my review of the Swift here) However, sacrificing safety (from two airbags to only one) isn't what I would call 'added value'...
Ford Kuga, the replacement model of Ford Escape, is open for booking now with an estimated price tag of RM168,000. Kuga will compete in the midside SUV segment where it faces strong competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.
Design wise, European and rugged, the Kuga is a trendy looking SUV. It will come with a 1.6 litre Ecoboost turbocharged engine which produces 177hp and 240Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. As a comparison, CR-V's 2.0 litre natural aspirated i-VTEC engine produces 153hp and 190Nm of torque.
Cabin resembles the Focus', which is not a bad thing. Features confirmed to make it into Malaysia's Kuga are Torque Vectoring Control and Active Grille Shutter and Ford SYNC with voice command, all three are also found in the Focus. Other than that, standard safety features include seven airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist and parking sensor (a feature which is absent in the CR-V, to my surprise).
Features such as keyless entry with push start button and hands-free power liftgate operation (below) are also standard for the Kuga. The latter feature will be very useful when both of your hands are carrying items and unable to open the tailgate.
