Proton Saga FL 1.6 -White

Proton Saga FL Executive 1.6L AT 


Peninsular Malaysia : RM 46,549
East Malaysia: RM 49,149
Labuan: RM 44,549
Langkawi: RM 44,449

DaimlerChrysler Malaysia is now Mercedes-Benz Malaysia

January 02, 2008 12:10 PM Author: Chips

DaimlerChrysler Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, has changed its name to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. The change of name, which takes effect from today, is in line with a global name change from DaimlerChrysler to Daimler AG which followed the departure of Chrysler from the group last year.

Depending on the market, some subsidiaries like the one in Malaysia will use the Mercedes-Benz name as the prestige brand is the key area of business activity. In other markets and in Germany, Daimler AG is used to better reflect the broad nature of the group’s business.
“The new name reflects our company’s key business activity, which comes from the main contributor, Mercedes-Benz. With the name change, our operation and business model will remain status quo. In addition, we believe that our new name will further enhance all our future marketing and communication efforts,” said Peter Honegg, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

“On another note, our focus on Mitsubishi Fuso will continue to be strong and we look forward to its future expansion. Meanwhile, under the new name as well as the new Mercedes-Benz logo, we will continue to honour our brand’s long and prestigious tradition,” added Mr. Honegg.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will continue to be involved in the distribution and marketing activities of other brands in the group such as smart.

For more information on the name change, the public can call the Corporate Communications Department at 03-2246 8881 / 8971 or the Customer Care Centre at 1-800-88-1133.

Meanwhile, Si Khiong Star, one of the authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers in Malaysia, has announced that it has been renamed Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad via Hap Seng Auto Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Si Khiong Industries Sdn Bhd).

Hap Seng Star has a Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Golden Triangle’ along Jalan Sultan Ismail and a fully-equipped service centre in Bandar Kinrara on the outskirts of the city. The facility includes a Pre-Owned Cars Centre where customers can choose from a selection of pre-owned Mercedes-Benz models. All the units are thoroughly inspected and refreshed prior to being put on sale.

Source : MotorTrader Malaysia

BMW Malaysia introduces facelifted 5 Series

-Posted by Anthony Lim

BMW Malaysia today launched its updated 5 Series, and the new line is made up of six model choices - the 523i SE, 525i, 530i, 540i, 530d and the M5.

Externally, a number of modifications give the refreshed 5 Series a more elegant and contemporary appearance. These include headlights that now feature new clear glass technology, with transparent glass panels covering the direction indicators and chrome surrounds highlighting the round headlights.

5 Series, revised, but most of the fun is hidden away inside and underneath.

The front end has also been given a tweak; the surrounds on the BMW double kidney grille are now flush with the surfaces on the front air dam, and the air intake now sweeps up at the side along the same dynamic line as the headlight contours.

Elsewhere, there's an additional light contour along the side sills to lend the vehicle's body an even sleeker, more stretched look viewed from the side, while at the rear, the tail lamps also come in a new, sophisticated clear-glass look and now feature LED direction indicators.

Making light out of it.

Inside, the cabin gets, among other things, a twin-tone finish on the door panels, as well as additional storage options - the door pockets now provide greater storage capacity. The biggest giveaway on this one is the new, electrical gear selector lever for the automatic transmission.

Power output figures are 190bhp for the 2.5l block on the 523i SE (13bhp more than its predecessor), 218bhp for the 525i and 272bhp for the 530i; the 3.0 diesel does 218bhp, and the M5 continues on with its massive 507bhp run. As for the V8 4.0l engine found on the 540i, that one turns out 306bhp, and in case you would like to know, this helps the 540i do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.2secs.

The first thing you'll notice inside the new one, really.

The automatic transmission on the new 5 Series has also been given a new gear selector which controls the new automatic six-speed transmission electronically and enables significantly faster gearshift times (except the M5).

Lots of goodies too on the new one. All the 5 Series variants are fitted with Active Steering, Adaptive Headlights, BMW Navigation system Professional, High Beam Assist and the trademark BMW runflat tyres (again, except the M5).

Face is softer, more approachable, don't you think?

BMW is also unique in equipping the 525i, 530i, 530d, 540i and M5 with a Head-Up Display (HUD) system. The HUD creates a virtual image that contains key driving data such as speed, navigation directions and other necessary indicators directly into the driver’s field of vision, enabling him or her to keep the road constantly in view.

BMW Night Vision, BMW’s state of the art infrared technology that enables drivers to detect people, animals and objects on and next to the road up to a distance of 300 metres, is also made a standard offering in the M5, 540i and 530i variants.

Exclusive to the BMW 540i is the Lane Departure Warning system, a mechanism which warns the driver when the car is at risk of veering out of its lane by vibrating the steering wheel.

The retail prices (on-the-road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new BMW 5 Series model range are:

523i SE – RM376,000

525i – RM409,800

530i – RM543,800

530d – RM499,800 540i – RM628,800

M5 – RM898,000

New Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT Arrives in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 7 August 207 – Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia officially unveiled the new Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT today, regarded as one of Malaysia’s most highly anticipated launches.

The vehicle will be a welcome sight to the Malaysia automotive scene where the highly-evolved, performance-oriented Lancer 2.0GT is set to make headway with its elegant styling, top of class performance and comfortable ride.

Built on Mitsubishi's motor sports heritage, the new Lancer 2.0GT has been feted with praises and accolades from various parties since its much-anticipated arrival at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

The name Lancer is no stranger to success in the motor sports world, chalking up numerous racing awards and titles. Three glorious decades of commitment to the Racing Heritage has resulted in a positive learning curve that has continuously improved, creating the new Lancer 2.0GT.

Speaking to the media at the official launch ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Mr. Fumihiko Minami said, “We believe the new Lancer 2.0GT will appeal to a broad spectrum of performance sedan enthusiasts and those seeking a sporty and stylish daily drive in the medium-sized sedan segment.”

“Malaysia is one of the first countries to launch the new Lancer 2.0GT in Asia and ASEAN, followed by Singapore this weekend, and Japan in autumn. Malaysia has the biggest passenger-car market in ASEAN countries and I believe it is exceedingly important, to our sales strategy, that Malaysia be one of the first launching countries in the Asia and ASEAN region,” said Mr. Toshihiko Hattori, Corporate General Manager, Asia & ASEAN Office of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

“The new Lancer 2.0GT is now being introduced into a challenging segment, taking on major competitors from all over the world. Worldwide trends in this segment are for larger bodies and overall improved quality. In keeping with these developments, the new Lancer features numerous improvements in performance and comfort,” Mr. Hattori continued.

A further Evolution of Performance-Oriented Lancer

The new Lancer 2.0GT boasts a 2.0-liter Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) and MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing and lift Electronic Control) lightweight aluminum engine block which churns out 155PS at 6,000rpm and 199Nm at 4,250rpm.

Equipped with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the new Lancer offers drivers a new height of driving enjoyment; an automatic transmission that is quiet and efficient. It eliminates the harshness and power lag of traditional gear changes.

INVECS-III (Intelligent and Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System) allows personalized driving conditions for each and every driver. Through careful mapping of each driver’s on-the-road habit, the system cleverly creates an optimized shift profile that anticipates driver actions.

The new Lancer 2.0GT now comes with the Sports Mode with Magnesium Paddle Shifters. It allows the driver to enjoy the racing feel with a 6-step shift control. The Paddle Shifters are built directly into the steering wheel, making shifting as easy as a flick of the finger.

The new Lancer 2.0GT was designed with a spacious interior to complement its maximum driving performance, offering impressive leg room and front head room to ensure all occupants ample comfort all-round.

Mitsubishi Motors’ engineers have spared no effort in perfecting the body structure of the new Lancer, resulting in greater flexural and torsional rigidity to provide greater stability, reduced noise and improved safety.

Boasting a sporty suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars coupled with 18” alloy wheels, the responsiveness of the new Lancer through tight corners and open roads can be likened to the current Lancer Evolution.

ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body are all standard safety features to give the driver and occupant peace of mind each time they step into the new Lancer 2.0GT.

True to its commitment to quality and reliability, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is offering a 5-year or 100,000km Warranty and 3-year or 50,000km Maintenance Free Program.

Owners are assured of excellent after-sales support. Owners are provided with “Mitsubishi Assist 24” card which offers a host of privileges including 24 hour roadside assistance.

Priced at RM112,806.10 (on the road without insurance), the new model is available in Red Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, Medium Purplish Gray Mica and Black Mica.

Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid launched

Story and pictures by ANTHONY LIM

Honda Malaysia today unveiled the much-awaited Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid, bringing the current 8th Generation Civic line-up in Malaysia in line with that offered for the Japanese domestic market.

The 3rd generation Civic Type R that has made its way here is the JDM four-door FD2 sedan variant, which was launched in Japan at the end of March this year. Interestingly enough, Malaysia is the only country in Asia outside of Japan which is getting this version of the Type R.

Available here only in a single colour, Championship White, the new Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0l K20A DOHC i-VTEC engine offering 222bhp at 8,000rpm and 215Nm of torque at 6,100rpm, mated to a six-speed close ratio manual transmission equipped with a torque-sensitive, helical limited slip differential system.

A number of new power-enhancing features make their way onto the Type R’s powertrain, among them a straightened, short, single-tract and equal length intake manifold, a large diameter drive-by-wire throttle body, narrow angle exhaust manifold collector and full-length straightened dual exhaust pipe.

With a number of lightweight conversions, including a front bumper beam now made up of aluminium, the vehicle’s body measures in 11.6kg lighter than the Integra Type R. It is also 50% more rigid than the latter, courtesy of the use of additional adhesive and increased board thickness across key areas in the bulkhead and floor. The car also features extensive use of high tensile steel sheets in its construction.

Naturally, the suspension has also been reworked, and the Type R dampers have higher damping rates (1.25 times in front, 1.6 for the rear) than the previous Integra Type R, as well as an increased valve size and load capacity. The spring rates - and ground clearance over the standard Civic - have also been revised, and the stabiliser bars for both front and rear are thicker and stiffer.

The 1270kg Civic Type R sits on white, multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, fitted with 225/40 series Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres. As for the braking system, that’s also uprated - four-piston Brembo aluminium calipers and 320mm ventilated discs for the front, and 282mm discs for the rear ensure a shortened stopping distance and improved resistance to fade. A Type R aero kit, with a large tail spoiler in tow, rounds off the outside detail.

Inside, you get the trademark Type R dual-tone black and red trim on seats and door cards; the Type R front bucket seats feature the use of urethane in its construction, and are finished in Luxx Suede, an artificial suede material that is also used for the rear seats and door lining. A unique instrument panel and lots of aluminium bits and bobs - pedals, footrest, side step garnish, gear shift knob, serial number plate (located on the gear console) - help define the unique further.

Meanwhile, the Civic Hybrid plays the green card on the opposite end of the spectrum. This one is hoping to play its appeal to a group of customers who are not just environmentally conscious but also value efficiency and fuel economy.

At the heart of the petrol hybrid sedan, which comes in a colour called Fluorite Silver Metallic, is the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology system, first seen in 1999 and then extended to the Civic family in 2003.

The Civic Hybrid draws its power from a 1.3l i-DSI engine equipped with 3-stage i-VTEC variable valve timing, assisted by a secondary power source in the form of a fourth generation IMA system to offer improved power output, better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

The IMA system consists of an ultra-thin DC brushless electric motor mounted between the engine and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) drivetrain; this provides additional torque and power by engaging during vehicle acceleration. At low speed cruising (about 40kmh), the motor solely powers the vehicle.

All the electric power created by the motor is stored in a compact battery box called the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) - consisting of a rear-mounted compact nickel metal hydride battery and power control unit - which controls the flow of electricity to and from the electric motor. Recharging takes place when braking, slowing down or traveling downhill; battery life is claimed to be about five to seven years.

Yes, prices. The Civic Type R is priced at RM199,800, while the Civic Hybrid is going for RM162,800 (both on-the-road, inclusive of road tax and insurance). Honda Malaysia is targeting an annual sales figure of 60 units each of the new Civic variants, and if you’re thinking of a Type R, well, be prepared for a bit of a wait - the quota for 2007 has been sold out.

BMW 1-Series

The new BMW 1-Series which made its global debut at the Geneva Motorshow in March this year is now available at BMW showrooms in Malaysia. After chalking up sales of more than 200,000 units worldwide to date, the premium compact car now has Efficient Dynamics, courtesy of new powertrains, significant modifications to its exterior design as well as interior redesign. And for the first time, the 1-Series is also offered in a 3-door bodystyle.

“The BMW 1-Series was tremendously successful not only in terms of its worldwide sales figures but also for the fact that it still remains unique as the first and only rear wheel drive car in this segment,” said BMW Malaysia’s MD, Wolfgang Schlimme of the latest model from BMW, adding that the new 1-Series, with its new feature changes coupled with its new pricing strategy, is set to be more popular than its predecessor.

“A new BMW always raises the bar set by its predecessors and this is the same with the new 1-Series. Everything about this car exudes sportiness and agility – from the sophisticated materials and fresh colours utilized to create this car to its interior trimmings as well as from its concave and convex exterior looks right up to its performance capabilities”, said Mr Schlimme.

The new 1-Series has four engine variants. The top end variant, the 5-door 130i features a straight six petrol engine with double VANOS and Valvetronic (195 kW/265 bhp; 315 Nm). The 3-door 120i Sports has a new 4-cylinder engine with second generation direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) and produces 125 kW/170 bhp with 210 Nm of torque.

Next comes the 118i with an engine that has a fully-variable Valvetronic system as well as Bi-VANOS variable camshaft timing. This engine develops 100 kW/136 bhp and generates 190 Nm of torque. The lowest-priced version is the BMW 116i which has a 4-cylinder petrol engine petrol engine with double VANOS and churns out 85 kW/115 bhp and maximum torque of 150 Nm.

In the styling, prominent changes are very apparent in the front with a newly redesigned and larger kidney grille coupled with new headlight contours that have darker headlamp surrounds. Additionally, a wider air inlet in the front airdam as well as a horizontal trim strip and integrated rectangular fog lights gives the new 1-Series a particularly muscular outlook.

At the rear, horizontal lines with distinctive light contour uphold the car’s sporty and agile perspectives. Furthermore, a new taillight design with LED functionality now features on the new 1-Series to not only offer a homogeneous lighting effect at night but also making this BMW much more recognisable.

From the side view, the five door model shows superior variability whilst the three door version expresses the 1-Series focus on enhanced performance. Longer doors accentuated by a single-piece frameless window moving right to the back end of the car also give the three door body a balanced outlook.

Inside, improvements are significant and portray a superior look and feel that matches that of the higher BMW model series. A new redesigned centre console that is joined seamlessly to the dashboard gives the cockpit a stylish yet sporty experience. Sportiness is further accentuated with a shortened sports gearlever for enhanced shifting experiences at the centre of the cockpit. Additionally, new door trims with materials echoing the upholstery furnish the compact car making the interior more refined.

Specific to the BMW 118i are chrome trimmings on the sports leather steering wheel and controls for the radio and automatic air conditioning whilst automatic transmission is now made available for the BMW 116i.

Other premium innovative offerings in the new 1-Series include front airbags, side air bags and curtain head air bags in the front and rear, AUX-in connector for personal audio file playback via the BMW Radio System Professional, Runflat tyres and dual level brake lights are standard.

In drive feel, the 1-Series promises a very engaging drive due not only to its rear wheel drive capabilities but also to its near perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Optimal 50:50 weight distribution, precise steering with aluminium-strengthened front axle and a finely tuned sports style chassis all contribute to the superior handling of the 1-Series.

The 120i Sports offers a more sports-like personality with an elongated shape of the windows making the car dynamic, elegant and sporty with optional chrome line linking the window area to appear almost as a single unit. The sporty coupe also comes with the M sports package consisting of the M Aerodynamics package, M light alloy wheels double spoke 207M with mixed tyres, satin chrome window frames, M Sports Suspension, Anthracite headliner, Sports seat for driver and front passenger, M Leather steering wheel, an M badge door sill finisher as well as Bi-Xenon lights with new daytime running lights.

The new 1-Series, like other BMWs, comes with special financing packages offered by BMW Credit and BMW Lease, which give BMW customers a truly unique one-stop solution from the company’s specialist financial arm. “With these new packages, owning the 1-Series can be a reality for many people because the attractive finance plans make the model a lot more accessible,” said Mr Schlimme.

Retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) are as follow:
BMW 130i – RM 329,800
BMW 120i Sports – RM 223,800
BMW 118i – RM 199,800
BMW 116i – RM 179,800