One of most successful Toyota model in Malaysia is Avanza. Since its first launched in 2004, a total of  140,000 units of the first gen MPV have been sold.

The era of old Avanza finally come to the end as UMW Toyota introduce all new Avanza 2012. The new Avanza is 20 mm longer and 30 mm wider than the older model.

The new Avanza 2012, is powered by the 3SZ-VE 1.5-litre VVTi engine which delivers 103 PS and 136 Nm. For those who want smaller engine, you can get 1.3L with a 5-speed manual gearbox, makes 91 PS and 117 Nm of torque.

UMW Toyota claimed, the new Avanza has better improvement interm of fuel consumption. The Avanza fuel consumption is rated at 12 km/l and the 1.3 model at 12.6 km/l.  Better FC is believed is due to Toyota continuous efforts to lower rolling resistance tyres (by 10%), improved aerodynamics, lower weight (15-20 kg depending on variant) and the adoption of Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Where to Book ?

You can visit nearest Toyota dealer to place your booking.

Toyota Avanza Price

The Avanza 1.3 is priced at RM64,590, the 1.5E at RM72,590, the 1.5G at RM77,290 and the 1.5S at RM79,590. These are on the road prices including insurance, for metallic colours. Solar Flim and an Aerokit

Toyota Avanza 2012 Pictures

A revision in motor tariff premium rates in Malaysia will take effect from Jan 16 on a gradual basis over the next four years.

Bank Negara said at a briefing that the premium adjustment, which would be implemented in small amounts over a measured pace, was expected to have only a marginal impact on the public and businesses.

For example, in respect of third-party cover, motorcycles of 100cc would experience a premium increase of between RM1 and RM3.50 per year over the next four years. For a private car of 1,400cc, the premium adjustment would be in the range of RM6 to RM34 per year over the next four years.

The premium adjustment for commercial vehicles such as outstation taxis and buses, on the other hand, would see only a minimal impact of less than 10 sen per passenger per trip.

Tariff adjustments aside, the element of loading would still apply based on the risk profile and age of the vehicles, but the maximum rate of loading would remain unchanged at 150%.

The upcoming revision in motor tariff premium rates forms part of the New Motor Cover Framework that is aimed at addressing the structural issues within the motor insurance sector to ensure continuous and sustainable motor protection to users.

It will be the first to be undertaken after more than 30 years of non-revision, despite the fact that the levels of car ownership, accident rates and claim incidences have risen significantly over the years, thus putting cost pressures on the country’s motor insurance industry.

Malaysia now has 19 million registered vehicles.

Under the new framework, Bank Negara said the adjustment on motor tariff premium rates would be reviewed periodically to ensure that the adjusted premium rates would be reflective of the claims experience.

The new measure was expected to pave the way for the de-tariffing of motor insurance sector in Malaysia by 2016, following which motor premium rates were expected to be further differentiated according to the risk profile of individual vehicles to ensure fairness to consumers.

The new framework would also encompass enhancing efficiency in claims settlement process.

Bank Negara said the objective was to ensure that all claims would be settled within six to 18 months, compared with the present average lead time of up to five years.

As part of an initiative to enhance the efficiency, Bank Negara said it would introduce a motor insurance claims kit to expedite notification of an accident and claims as well as the establishment of a nationwide 24-hour call centre to provide immediate roadside assistance to accident victims in the first quarter.

The central bank is also working on a review of legal fees in bodily injury cases, measures to incentivise early claims notification and leverage on hospital counters to facilitate claims notification as well as the development of guidelines on long-term nursing care.

These initiatives are targeted for completion by June.

source : TheStar

Proton Exora Bold is the latest products of Proton, the improved version of Proton exora gets many improvement not just on the interior and exterior but most important the fuel efficiency.

Proton Exora Bold is powered by the Campro Charge Fuel Efficiency (CFE) which delivers  138 hp at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm from 1.6 litres. For this model, Proton make use of  CVT gearbox and claimed fuel consumption of 7.8 litres per 100 km.

From tomorrow until 18 December, you can test drive Exora Bold and  get door gifts as well. The price of Exora BOLD is as follows :

• 1.6 Standard MT RM59,998,
•  Bold 1.6 Executive MT for RM70,998,
•  Bold 1.6 Executive AT for RM74,998
• Bold 1.6 Premium CVT for RM79,998.
• Exora Prime is priced at RM88,998.

Honda UK has launched an official road-going version of the CR-Z MUGEN which will arrive at dealers in UK sometime spring 2012.  Honda’s eight specialist MUGEN dealers will retail the hot Honda CR-Z iCF for a list price estimated at around £24,000.

This hot hatch claimed to be hot as Civic Type R hot hatch with 0-62mph taking 6.1 seconds – more than 3 seconds faster than standard.  It is also capable of over 130mph, thanks to a 175hp power output that’s up over standard by more than half.

This performance boost has been achieved by the MUGEN Euro engineers, who have fitted a centrifugal forced air induction kit, charge-air cooler and a MUGEN Euro remap for the ECU. This improves torque as well as power.

Yet despite the performance changes, Honda has retained the 3-button IMA modes that help the hybrid Honda return strong fuel consumption figures.

Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing said, “MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the “hot hatch” marketplace as we move into 2012.”

There’s still work to be done, which is why the car will not go on sale until the spring. When it does go on sale though, it will become the second production car to be jointly developed by Honda and MUGEN Euro, following the 2010 Civic Type R MUGEN.

Watch Honda CR-Z Mugen Video :

Click here to view the embedded video.

PROTON Holdings Bhd has today unveiled a new entry-level Saga variant, the Saga FLX SE which is targeted to hit the younger generation of car buyers.

The Powerplant

Proton Saga FLX SE is powered by the 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic transmission. The advantage of having CVT transmission in this model as its capable in delivering better torque (four per cent better acceleration), and reduces fuel consumption by an additional four per cent compared with the current 1.6-litre Saga.

Price
Proton Saga FLX SE is priced from RM49,449. Priced RM2,900 above the current selling 1.6-litre automatic Saga FL.

Colour
Available in two colour choices – Solid White and Fire Red.

Warranty
The Saga FLX SE comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.

The national car maker said since the Saga was launched in January 2008, there were now 274,469 units of Saga on the road with PROTON receiving some 331,768 bookings.

The Saga remains PROTON’s best selling model to date with an average 6,500 units sold per month.

PROTON targets to sell some 78,752 units of the Saga in its current financial year ending March 31, 2012 whereby it expects the new Saga FLX SE to sell in the region of 500 units per month.

How to Book ?

If you interested, proceed to nearest Proton Edar to view the new model from tomorrow.
PROTON also said customers who ordered a Saga and were still waiting for delivery can opt to change their booking for a Saga FLX SE at the respective showroom where the original booking was made.

Proton Holdings Bhd expects to seal a joint venture agreement with Mitsubishi Motors Corp by year-end to produce Mitsubishi sedan models at its Tanjong Malim plant.

Its group managing director, Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, said under the agreement, Mitsubishi would manufacture 60,000 units a year and via this agreement it would increase the plant’s production capacity to 90 per cent.

“The plant currently operates at between 56 and 58 per cent capacity,” he told a media briefing after the announcement of the company’s second quarter 2011′s results here Tuesday.

Syed Zainal said under the memorandum of understanding it signed with China’s car firm, Hawtai Motor Group Ltd, Proton would expand its presence in the Chinese market, where it would sell four Proton models under Hawtai badge.

He said the companies were expected to conclude the agreement by year-end or early next year.

Meanwhile, Proton recorded a lower pre-tax profit of RM47.524 million for the six months ended Sept 30, 2011 versus RM185.914 million chalked up in the corresponding quarter last year.

On the second-half outlook, Syed Zainal said although the Malaysian Automotive Association has forecast a downtrend, Proton would overcome it with the introduction of its Saga face-lift, Saga FLX Special Edition, in December.

“2012 will be an exciting year for us with the introduction of four models — Exora Bold and Exora Prime, Inspira R3 and a sedan codenamed ‘P3-21A’ — which are expected to be launched early next year,” he said.

He said the ‘P3-21A‘ would be the first of Proton’s new generation of global cars that are being built according to the latest global rules and regulations which governed various parameters such as emission and safety standards.

“In line with aspirations of becoming a global car manufacturer, the group’s fleet of Saga electric vehicles and Exora range extender electric vehicles that are currently being used by the government are also expected to be made commercially available by 2013,” he said.

Via : Bernama

Is it sound ridiculous ? Yes its true, hybrid vehicles are 25 percent safer for their occupants than conventional fuel models but are more hazardous for pedestrians, according to a study from an insurance institute released on Thursday.

It may come as no surprise that heavier cars provide better protection to passengers in a collision than lighter cars. It turns out that the batteries that help to power hybrids actually create more weight, making them on average 10 percent heavier than regular cars. The study by insurance institute used more than 25 hybrid cars paired with their standard-model versions.

The analysis included more than 25 hybrid-conventional vehicle pairs, all of them 2003-2011 models, with at least one collision claim and at least one related injury claim filed from 2002 to 2010.

Lets watch the video to see the study’s findings:

Click here to view the embedded video.

However, another research carried out by the Highway Loss Data Institute shown that among 17 pairings of hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles, the hybrids were 20 percent more likely to be involved in an accident with a pedestrian. This is because when driving in electric mode, hybrids are so quiet that pedestrians often do not hear them approaching.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has already been promoting a measure that would require hybrids and electric vehicles to emit a noise to warn pedestrians of their approach.

Many automakers such as Toyota and Lexus are working on device that can produce sounde alert for their cars.

Are you looking for hybrid car for 2012. Don’t decide until you read this.  These are the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in cars in America for the 2012 model year, according to the federal government’s fuel economy ratings.

The Toyota Prius stands at the very top of the list. The iconic hybrid, which accounts for half of all hybrid car sales, remains the stingiest car you can buy without a plug.

Plug-in cars like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are even more “fuel-efficient,” according to the government’s rating system. But for those who aren’t ready to make the leap from the pump to the plug, these are the efficiency champs.

The full list of 10 most fuel-efficient non-plug-in cars :

You can view 10 most fuel-efficient non-plug-in cars here.

Road accidents occurs everyday and we never know when is our time. Those who have been experienced road accidents might know what do’s and dont’s when such thing happen.  You may be a meticulously careful motorist who has never needed to make a claim, but it pays to have an umbrella ready in case it rains, doesn’t it?

Type of Motor Insurance

Motor insurance are compulsory if you buy a motor vehicle, there are many type of motor insurance available, however, the common types are:

In this post, we share some info what you need to do if an accident occurs, in order to protect yourself.  Firstly, you must stop your vehicle and exchange particulars with all the other people involved in the accident.

What you should do in the event of an accident/loss

• Take notes of the accident – If you are involved in a motor accident, take notes of the accident, i.e. the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved, vehicle registration numbers, make and model of each vehicle involved, the drivers’ licence numbers and insurance identification as well as the names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible
• Make a police report – You are required by law to lodge a police report within 24 hours of a road accident.
• Notify your insurance company – You must notify your insurance company in writing with full details as soon as possible. Depending on the type of claim you intend to make, you may have to notify other insurance companies (please refer to ‘ Making a claim against an insurance company’ for details). If you fail to report the accident, you will be liable for your own loss as well as any third party claim against you.
• Select the workshop – You must send your damaged vehicle to a workshop approved by your insurance company. If the accident occurs during office hours, you may call the hotline/ emergency assistance numbers provided by your insurance company. Otherwise, you may call your insurance company for the nearest approved workshop. Should the accident occur outside office hours and you are making a claim against your policy, i.e. an own damage claim, you should ensure that your vehicle is towed to a workshop approved under the Persatuan Insuran Am Malaysia Approved Repairers Scheme [called a PIAM Approved Repairers Scheme (PARS)]. If you are making a third party claim, it is advisable to also send your vehicle to a PARS workshop.

Making a claim against an insurance company Accident claims
When you are involved in an accident, you may either make an own damage claim or a third party claim for the breakdown cover :
Own damage claim

• This refers to making a claim on your own insurance policy, i.e. you have a comprehensive policy. However, you will lose your NCD entitlement.
• In notifying your insurance company of the accident, enquire about the names of approved workshops to send your vehicle for repair.
• Submit the fully completed Motor Accident Report Form together with all supporting documents as soon as possible to your insurance company.
• The workshop will commence repairs on your vehicle upon the approval of your insurance company.
• Upon completion of repairs, you will be informed by the workshop to collect your vehicle.

Third party claim

• You may make a third party claim if you are not the party at fault in the accident and you can retain your NCD entitlement.
• There are two ways of making a third party claim, i.e. submit the claim directly to the insurance company of the party at fault or, if you have a comprehensive policy, submit the claim to your insurance company. You are encouraged to submit your claim to your own insurance company for speedier claims processing.
• As the third party claimant, you are required to mitigate your loss i.e. you must act to minimise your loss.
• Appoint a licensed adjuster to assess the loss. The workshop or the third party insurance company may advise you on this.
• Submit the adjuster’s report and the fully completed Motor Accident Report Form together with all supporting documents as soon as possible.
• You are eligible to claim from the third party insurance company for `compensation for actual repair time’ (CART) and compensation of excess. For the actual repair time of your vehicle, this is based on the adjuster’s recommendation on the number of days required for your car to be repaired. Insurance companies, at their own discretion, may allow an additional seven working days for any unforeseen or unavoidable delay. A standard scale of daily CART has been specified by the PIAM as follows:–

Alternatively, you may also claim the cost of hiring a replacement vehicle of equivalent type and capacity for the recommended number of days of actual repair time as evidenced by a receipt from a licensed car rental company.

Theft claims

• After submission of the claim form, you must cooperate fully with your insurance company or its representative during the course of investigation of the theft claim.
• In view that the police and your insurance company will require time to investigate your claim, you will receive the offer of settlement from your insurance company within six months from the theft notification or upon completion of police investigations, whichever is earlier

Principle of indemnity
The principle of indemnity is crucial in insurance. Based on this principle, the insurance cover will compensate your loss by putting you back to the same position you were in immediately before the loss. As you will be compensated only for the loss suffered, you cannot ‘profit’ from a motor insurance claim. Therefore, if your vehicle is more than five years old, betterment will apply.
Betterment occurs when in the course of repairing an accident-damaged vehicle, an old part is replaced with a new franchise part. In line with the principle of indemnity, you will have to bear the difference in costs as you are in a better position after the accident with the new franchise part. However, the application of betterment is at the discretion of your insurance company. Should your insurance company apply betterment, it will be in accordance with the standard scale of betterment adopted by the industry as follows :

White and pearl white have caught up with silver to share top spot as the world’s most popular car colour.

In its annual Automotive Colour Popularity Report, automotive car brand DuPont revealed that 22 percent of car buyers around the world opted for white, the same amount that plumped for traditional favorite silver.

The growth in popularity means that black or black effect cars are in second place globally, with 20 percent market share.

“While white/white pearl has historically been a popular colour for vehicles, we’ve seen a bigger shift in its popularity this year than DuPont expected,” said Nancy Lockhart, DuPont colour marketing manager.

White was the most popular colour in North America for the fifth consecutive year, DuPont found, but it failed to topple black as the colour of choice in Europe, despite surging five percentage points over last year on the back of what DuPont describes as “inspiration for the ecological megatrend.”
DuPont2011_Asia-Pacific-Color(HR).jpg

Its growth was at the expense of gray and silver, which took third and fourth place in Europe, while blue scraped into fifth place.

Japanese buyers also opted for white the most, but other Asian countries preferred silver, which topped the market in both China and South Korea, making it the most popular colour overall in Asia.

Other regional trends saw South America opting for silver and Russians choosing a surprisingly high proportion of green models, which made up seven percent of the Russian market but just two percent globally.

The world’s most popular automotive colours
(Data from 2011 DuPont Automotive Colour Popularity Report)

1. White/White Pearl and Silver tie, 22 percent
3. Black/Black Effect 20 percent
4. Gray 13 percent
5. Red 7 percent
6. Blue 6 percent
7. Brown/Beige 5 percent
8. Green 2 percent
9. Yellow/Gold 1 percent
10. Others 2 percent

- Relaxnews

Just like other Proton car model, Proton has recently launched it’s Proton Inspira R3 promotion. The Inspira R3 will be made available only 100 units and during the promotion period, the buyer will get free R3 bodykit and 18″ alloy rim which is RM9000.

Since, the production is very limited, Proton has decided number of units of Inspira based on colour will be equipped with the R3 bodykit and 18″ alloy wheel as follows :

The Proton Inspira Limited Edition price is  RM78,549.00 for solid and RM78,999.00 for metallic paint. Inspira R3 is only available in version 1.8-liter engine manual transmission. Booking can be made at  all Proton Edar branches with a RM500 booking fees and it will take two weeks to one month to receive the car depend on colour availability.

With the launching of Honda CR-Z hybrid recently, the consumer in Malaysia has more options when we talk about Hybrid car. Tagged at RM115,000 on the road price, the CR-Z look attractive and many are comparing this Honda machine with the hybrid compact from Lexus CT200h. Eventhough, both car has different market target, lets see the different between this 2 models. For CT200h, we take Standard Spec for comparison.

One of the most awaited hybrid car model has finally launched in Malaysia. The Honda CR-Z was launched today and the priced tag for this 1.5l car is RM115,000 on-the-road with insurance (RM111,878, without insurance). With this launching, Malaysia has become the first country in Southeast Asia to get the Honda CR-Z hybrid sports hatchback.

The Honda CR-Z exudes both style and performance at the same time. The stylish aerodynamic design directs airflow to reduce drag and improve performance while lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The hybrid motor and nickel metal hydride battery system is similar to that found in the Insight model except the battery cooling system in the CR-Z has been improved.

The three-door hatchback with a 2+2 seating configuration comes with a six-speed manual transmission, a world’s first for a hybrid vehicle.

The Honda CR-Z was awarded the 2010/2011 Car of the Year in Japan as well as the 2010 Top Gear Green Car of the Year in Britain. Without the tax exemption, the made-in-Japan CR-Z would be priced around RM200,000.

Lets see what Honda can offer through this Honda CR-Z

Honda Hybrid CR-Z Details
3-Mode Drive System	The CR-Z is fitted with a versatile 3-Mode Drive System which allows the driver to choose one of three modes to suit different driving conditions. Sport mode: More powerful acceleration and tighter steering feedback. Normal mode: A balance between driving performance and fuel economy. ECON mode: Prioritises on fuel saving.
Advanced Sports Meter	The Illuminated Advance Sports Meter Cluster is an ergonomically designed panel housing the speedometer with Ambient Meter and provides information like motor assist/battery charge, instantaneous fuel economy and remaining fuel based on current driving style.
ECON Mode	The push of a button engages the ECON mode of the CR-Z. The ECON mode makes fuel efficiency the priority and maximises the full potential of Honda’s Hybrid Technology.
Powerplant	1.5L i-VTEC + IMA Hybrid System + 6-Speed Manual Transmission.  The 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine comes with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), enhancing the engine for a more powerful acceleration while taking care of the fuel consumption at the same time. The 6-speed manual gearbox is considered the optimum gearbox for sporty driving. With a short shift and firm but light action it delivers flexible gear changes.
G-Force Control Technology (G-CON)	In the event of a collision, the CR-Z’s G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) body effectively absorbs and disperses crash energy throughout the car frame, minimising injury to passengers.
Hill Start Assist and ABS	The Hill Start Assist prevents the car from slipping when you go up or down a slope while the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) stops wheels from locking up when you stop the car in an emergency brake, enabling you to maintain steering control.
Airbags	Driver Front i-SRS Airbag, Passenger Front SRS Airbag, Side Airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and Side Curtain Airbags are designed to keep the driver and passengers safe by measuring impact energy and ensuring the safest possible deployment.
Vehicle Stability Assist	Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) helps you to maintain control of your car during unexpected situations, preventing skidding for a safer drive.
Warranty	3 years warranty or 100,000km (whichever comes first) and 6 months free service or 10,000km (whichever comes first). 5 years warranty or 140,000km (whichever comes first) for IMA battery only. 2 years warranty or 40,000km (whichever comes first) for standard battery only.
Colour	Premium White Pearl
Price	With Insurance – RM115,000 Without Insurance – RM111,878

How to Book

You can place your booking at nearest Honda dealer or visit http://www.honda.com.my for details.

Honda CR-Z Specification

Engine: In-Line 4-cylinder 1,497cc i-VTEC SOHC + IMA
Max power: 122hp @ 6000rpm (engine + motor)
Max torque: 174Nm @ 10000 – 1500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Safety features: Dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, G-force control technology, ABS, EBD, BA, Daytime Running Lights.
Available colour: Premium white pearl

For all traveller during this Deepavali festival, this is another good news for you.Reward yourself when you travel along PLUS highways during this Deepavali with PLUSMiles Toll Rebate :

• 10% when you travel on 24 & 28 October 2011
• 20% when you travel on 26 October 2011

For more details visit www.plusmiles.com.my.

Just like what you have read yesterday, Proton hybrid project known as Exora hybrid (REEV) and another model “SAGA” which is  fully powered by electric are expected to be commercial use by 2013.

Currently, few units were delivered to the government for testing purposes. Development of these model are between Proton iand  UK-based Frazer-Nash Research. The awesome about EXORA REEV when its beat out many other reknowned makes to win in the Hybrid Category in the international Future Car Challenge last year.

The Exora REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) which an on-board generator to recharge the battery-driven engines and the Saga, which was purely battery driven.  The Saga will be most suited for city or town driving for an average of 70-80km a day. The Exora will be suited for those who travel outstation.

Talking about price, PROTON can’t confirm a price range but Malaysians can be assured of competitive pricing.

The battery

The lithium-ion batteries used in both models will have a lifespan of 10 years and are manufactured by Gaia, a German company. “They are considered the best in the world at the moment, (the company) having developed the batteries from aviation and space technology since 50 years ago.

The battery price

The market price for the batteries was US$1,000 per kw. The Exora REEV has a 13.5kw battery and the Saga 16kw. They cost between RM40,000 and RM48,000. The cost of battery will be another issue that Proton need to handle carefully as the price is more expensive then the Prius/CT200h battery.

We hope, Proton will be able to produce good car which can provide excellent fuel efficiency and of course selling at a price that many Malaysian can afford to buy. Based on other car blogs, many are saying that the SAGA will be priced around 70k and he Exora REEV between 90k-100k.