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Proton denies Perdana is a high maintenance model

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

National carmaker says the car that the Terengganu state Government complained about never even had a single warranty claim…

perdana.jpg

UPDATED

Yesterday, he also said that the state government had spent RM1.15 million to maintain its fleet of 16 Perdana since they were purchased in 2004.

Former menteri besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh himself had spent nearly RM131,600 in maintaining his Perdana this year, in the two months that he was head of the state government.

This is an excerpt from the New Straits Times quoting Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said

“Yesterday, he also said that the state government had spent RM1.15 million to maintain its fleet of 16 Perdana since they were purchased in 2004.

“Former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh himself had spent nearly RM131,600 in maintaining his Perdana this year, in the two months that he was head of the state government.

That breaks down to RM17,968.75 worth of maintenance cost per year or RM71,875 over four years, that is a bit high. I think the company maintaining the cars needs to be thoroughly probed…. how can a Proton require Rm131,000 worth of maintenance in two months. That is just plain madness

ORIGINAL POST

Want to know exactly what Proton said about their Perdana?, follow the link to their Press Release

STATEMENT ON PROTON PERDANA V6

SHAH ALAM, 23 July 2008 - In light of recent reports on the maintenance cost of the Perdana, PROTON seeks to clarify that the maintenance cost and efficiency of the model is reasonable and moderate, based on its records.

While the cost of replacing the gearbox may be costly, such an occurrence can be avoided by sending the vehicle for recommended regular and scheduled services at authorized service centres and fitted with original parts. Each periodical service plus oil filter would generally cost around RM200, excluding other spare parts.

Cars in general will perform up to expectations and be less susceptible to problems if they are properly cared for and handled with good driving habits. For Perdana V6, frequency of service is recommended at 5,000 km intervals or after 3 months of usage, whichever comes first.

With reference to one of the cars which was purchased in May 2004 by the Terengganu State government, which claimed to have spent more than RM100,000 on its repair and maintenance, our record shows that there has not been any warranty claims made by them since October 2004 on that particular vehicle.

PROTON is seriously looking into this matter and will be contacting the Terengganu State government to find out details of the service history records on the affected cars in order for PROTON to provide necessary assistance on this matter.

About PROTON

PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key market centers from UK and Western Europe to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences. The offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus.

PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieving the mission for the future, gearing up to achieve the promise of a marquee which build cars with passion and soul; cars which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.

Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles in the US

Friday, July 18th, 2008

<extracted from MSN Autos>

View Full article here: MSN Autos

First Place: 2008 Toyota Prius

2008 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius, the gold standard for fuel economy, is a bit like steamed broccoli: utterly insipid but wholesome just the same. Iconic status was guaranteed when Hollywood types with air-conditioned mega-mansions trotted out Priuses as their green beards, even before the car was immortalized with its own episode of South Park. An anodyne ownership experience includes tepid acceleration, numb steering and nonlinear brakes. Of note are the unbeatable fuel economy, the impressively low price, and the unique, futuristic lines that house a large amount of usable space. Stay tuned for the next-generation Prius and a plug-in version, which will further increase fuel economy, in 2011.

Second Place: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid The Prius’s main contender is the Civic Hybrid, a more quotidian approach to economical hybrid transportation. In rendering the hybrid more aerodynamic, Honda also made it one of the better-looking Civic offerings, more likely to appeal to those who don’t need to wear their environmentalism on their lapel — although this might be part of the reason it hasn’t seen nearly the sales success of the Prius. The Civic Hybrid drives more like a regular car than the competition, is a more responsive handler and is a touch less sluggish. The Civic’s hybrid system is simple and compact but doesn’t deliver quite the miserly numbers of the Prius.

Third Place: 2008 Smart Fortwo

2008 Smart fortwo (© smart USA) A small sum of money gets you a Lilliputian car that returns the third-best fuel mileage of any vehicle here. The Smart Fortwo delivers solidly on its niche-market promise. It’s the ultimate urban vehicular solution as defined by stylish cachet, excellent fuel economy and — by virtue of being the smallest — being also the biggest gun in the parking wars. Your mileage may vary; ours did, with an average of four fewer mpg than the EPA’s combined number. Given that the Fortwo is the slowest-accelerating passenger vehicle in the country (say a Hail Mary before merging onto a freeway), a lead foot, with a resulting impact in fuel economy, is practically a safety requirement.

Fourth Place: 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid

2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid The Altima Hybrid is sold only in California and in the seven Eastern states that share the California Air Resources Board’s air-quality statutes, which is a shame because it delivers hybrid efficiency in a stylish, pleasurable-to-drive sedan. The Altima Hybrid delivers similar fuel economy numbers to those of the Camry Hybrid, which isn’t surprising considering Nissan licensed Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive for the effort. Paired with Nissan’s 2.5-liter gasoline engine, the Altima Hybrid returns performance numbers better than the standard model. It delivers on its sporty looks and design-forward interior with a fun, enthusiastic chassis and precise steering. If the name “Camry” makes your inner rebel cringe, you’d do well to consider the Altima Hybrid.

Fifth Place: 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2008 Toyota Camry HybridYellow paintbrush-wielding New York cabbies can’t be wrong. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is good at moving passengers economically and without drama. Unlike the Altima Hybrid, you can buy the Camry Hybrid nationwide. Hybridization did nothing to impact the virtues that make the Camry an award-winning, family-hauling appliance: laudable road manners, quiet and comfortable operation and a highly competent overall experience. Stepping up to the hybrid also begets stability control and the top-of-the-line XLE interior package, minus leather seats.

Sixth Place: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (© Robert J Pennington) The TDI, as equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, shines in highway driving, returning fuel economy on par with the air-hockey-table-sized Smart Fortwo. Diesel currently outpaces gasoline prices by about 20 percent, but the TDI betters the fuel economy of the next-thriftiest Jetta model by more than 30 percent. The SportWagen, although slightly more expensive than the sedan (pricing starts at $24,240), suffers no penalty in fuel economy. It offers more luggage volume than the Prius with just slightly less passenger volume while being good-looking and offering a driving experience that won’t approximate the work of an anesthesiologist. Both aesthetically and dynamically, the diesel-sipping Jetta TDI is engineered to be enjoyed by the user, not just employed.

Seventh Place: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid The lone American ranger in this group is the Ford Escape Hybrid, the roughest and tumblin’-est vehicle here, if mostly by posture. Refreshed for 2009, the Escape addresses many of the issues that made it an almost unacceptable compromise, including the anemic performance, punishing ride and poor brake feel. The stronger four-cylinder now boasts 177 horsepower in addition to its hybrid-electric drive; the revised suspension system includes a rear anti-roll bar; and the brakes feel something like normal. The Escape is a hybrid SUV with solid moves at an affordable price for which no excuses need be made. Although an official fuel economy rating has yet to be obtained for the new model, not much change is expected from 2008.

Eighth Place: 2008 Toyota Yaris

2008 Toyota Yaris It’s a happy day for consumers when one of the most-fuel-efficient vehicles sold is also one of the cheapest. The Yaris isn’t even too much of a slowpoke, scampering to 60 mph in fewer than nine seconds. If the petite Yaris seems more quirky than masculine, it’s because it was designed for markets where gas has always been expensive and where people say things like sauve qui peut. Those hoping for Lotus Elise–like reflexes or Gatsby-esque luxury will be disappointed, but those without champagne expectations will enjoy a plush ride and solid build quality. Despite a short wheelbase, the Yaris can transport deceptively large quantities of cargo.

Ninth Place: 2008 MINI Cooper/Clubman

2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman (© BMW North America) It’s not surprising that a small car designed and manufactured by BMW is a pleasurable thing, but that it’s extra miserly is icing on the strudel. Thanks to a recent redesign, a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder, slightly smaller dimensions and a new six-speed transmission conspire to produce good fuel efficiency, particularly on the highway, where an extra cog makes all the difference. The MINI Cooper and the slightly longer Clubman get the same fuel economy, so there’s no penalty for the latter other than greater expense and a reduced number of parking opportunities. Watch those options, though. Despite a reasonable $18,700 entry price, the last naturally aspirated MINI Cooper we tested cost as much as a Camry Hybrid.

Tenth Place: 2008 Honda Fit

2008 Honda Fit Sport We crowned the Honda Fit the best of seven inexpensive people movers in a recent comparison test because it makes us smile as few cars this affordable or stingy on gas can. Mini-minivan styling might not seduce the vain, but the upshot to odd proportions is oodles of usable space — this thing is like a clown’s bottomless suitcase. You’ll need to mate a five-speed manual transmission to the Fit’s 1.5-liter engine for the best mileage, but this is something you’ll want to do, anyway, if you view cloverleaves as opportunities rather than nuisances. In Sport form, the Fit serves up similar fun and more passenger and cargo room than either the MINI Cooper or Clubman, for almost $4000 less.

A speeding ticket to cherish

Friday, June 13th, 2008

crazy-speeding-ticket.jpg

A Brazilian driver was issued a speeding ticket for going 4,800km/h in a 40km/h zone.

If would have been driving a rocket or a jet fighter but in Volkswagen Polo?

I can see an ad campaign around this incident; The Polo is so sleek that even the police confuse it for a jet fighter.

The court, upon seeing the extra zero cancelled the ticket. I would have framed it and hung it on the wall.

0-60 million in 50 years…

Friday, May 23rd, 2008

honda-super-cub-1.jpg

I have an uncle who never services his Honda Cub, instead he jsut waits every three years when the machine is choking on its own carbon and he sends it for overhaul.

“It’s cheaper this way, he says, after all an overhaul would probably cost him less than RM200 while an oil change every three months would set him back nearly RM40. Do the math 30×4x3 =RM360…

The Honda cub’s greatest strength is its indestructibility and because of that it keep going and going.

In the first year of production, Honda built just 24,000 of these unbreakable machines but last year they cranked out 4.7 million cubs from the many production lines that Honda maintains throughout the world.

Recently they built the 60 millionth bike. They couldn’t be sure of the exact date because, and I’m guessing here, because so many plants are either manufacturing or assembling these machines so who is to say which one was the actual 60 millionth bike.

Compare that to 35 million Corollas that have been sold to date, 30 million F-Series trucks have left Ford dealers and 21.5 millionorignal Beetle sold.

This bike deserves some kind of award for giving so many people their first taste of personal mobility and with it career and financial opportunities.

I salute you Honda Cub.

ECU pin-out Assignment

Monday, April 14th, 2008

Well, as a kick start, I have decided to post something I did back in 2006. Some might find this hard to digest, many will find it useful I hope.

For those who are driving a Satria/Wira/Arena 1.3/1.5/1.8, manufactured from late 2001, to date, your engine (4G13/4G15/4G93) is managed by a new ECU made by Siemens-VDO called EMS 400.

This ECU has two sectors called ECU1 and ECU2, with 120 pin terminals in total. Only 45 are used for the 4G13/15.

Here’s the pin-out I managed to assign

 ::ECU terminal number (Wire color code) Assignment::ECU 1 (black connector)
2 (B-Y) ignition switch-ST (M/T)
3 (G-Y) A/C compressor relay
5 (Bk) ground
7 (unknown*) post-cat O2 sensor heater power
9 (Bk) pre-cat O2 sensor heater power
10 (Bk) ground
11 (R ) power supply
12 (R ) backup power supply
16 (B-Y) pre-cat O2 sensor ground
17 (W) pre-cat O2 sensor signal output
18 (B-Y) ignition switch-ST & inhibitor switch A/T
19 (unknown*) post-cat O2 sensor ground
20 (unknown*) post-cat O2 sensor signal output
27 (B-W) dual-switch for condenser fan relay
29 (L-Bk) ignition switch-IG
33 (W-R) power supply and fuel pump control relays
34 (Br-Y) purge control solenoid valve
35 (G-Bk) engine fan relay
37 (Y) unidentified
38 (G) unidentified
44 (G) A/C switch signal to A/C control unit
58 (Bl) unidentified
59 (Y-W) vehicle speed sensor
60 (W) unidentified

ECU 2 (gray connector)
63 (Y-Bl) injector #1
64 (Y-Bk) injector #2
65 (B-G) injector #3
66 (L-W) injector #4
67 (R-L) ISC servo motor power (+5V)
68 (Bk) ISC servo motor ground
69 (Bk) ground
71 (B-Y) ignition coil power transistor control
72 (B-R) ignition coil power transistor ground
78 (Y-G) coolant sensor power (+5V)
79 (Bk) IAT sensor and coolant temp. sensor ground
80 (Y) IAT sensor power (+5V)
81 (G) MAP sensor power (+5V)
84 (G) TPS ground
85 (W) TPS
87 (L) TPS
89 (G-R) TPS
99 (Bk) crankshaft sensor ground
100 (W) crankshaft sensor power (+5V)
104 (Bk) cam angle sensor ground
105 (Bk) MAP sensor ground
106 (W) cam angle sensor signal
108 (G-R) MAP sensor signal
112 (R ) cam angle sensor & TPS power
117 (unknown**) knock sensor
118 (unknown**) knock sensor

* Step III engines only
** 4G9 only
unidentified pin out – presumably to dash dials and indicators

Wire Color Code:
Bk = black
G = green
Y = yellow
R = red
W = white
L = light blue
Bl = blue

Disclaimer: information provided might not be 100% accurate. However, I spent 3 hours taking the ECU out for the Wire Color Code, and putting it back. Terminal Assignment is based on the official information gathered via undisclosable sources. Use this information at your own risk.

Crazy Russians

Wednesday, April 9th, 2008

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This is not some photoshopped picture, this orange and brown long-wheelbase Maybach 62 which retails for a few million ringgit and the orange Porsche Cayenne, in Tech Art form no less, are actual Taxis in Russia.
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I am thinking maybe it’s some crazy dude who found a legal loophole on how to get his Cayenne for cheap, you know like tax free imports for Taxi and stuff like that, but then again if you are rich you want to show it off, the more expensive something is the more it makes them proud, right?

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It is even harder to imagine someone trying to get a tax break by bringing in this hideously painted Maybach as public transport. These pictures are just so crazy that they have to be real.

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I wonder how much they charge for a ride in these and whether it would be worth the novelty to ride in one.

As a footnote I would like to tell you guys that I once spotted a current model Lexus LS460 with shiny 20-inch chrome wheels doing taxi duty in the glitzy Ginza district of Tokyo and I have a witness from Toyota to corroborate my sighting.

The picture below, is actually the reason why I put all of these shots of the Maybach and Cayenne as Taxi onto the blog, it proves beyond doubt that the Russians are crazy enough to do these things, I present to you…..

pronto-pizza.jpg

The Hummer H2 pizza delivery van.

Pictures are trawled from englishrussia.com,fishki.net and picturesofmoscow.com, thanks guys

Perodua MyVi E60

Monday, April 7th, 2008

 

Malaysians are known as a creative lot when it comes to ‘modifying’ cars. On my recent travel to Kuching, I spotted a Perodua MyVi that somewhat looked a lot more premium than it’s siblings from the same Perodua stable.

Sporting a front bumper that is modelled after the E60 BMW 5 series, this particular vehicle sure looked different. Luckily the owner has the sense of not including the blue and white propeller logo of BMW alongside the double kidney treatment. :)

So what do you think? :P

Importing personal vehicle from overseas

Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

There has been some queries from the public about how and whether it’s possible to bring back used car (normally it’s the car one has been driving during their schooling day aboard). I found this article (may be old news though…) from the Malaysian custom website at www.customs.gov.my which I think might be interest to some.  Here’s the content extracted from the website.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Written by KDRM
Friday, 21 September 2007

Question:
I work/ study at overseas and already purchased a car and intended to bring the car into Malaysia. Can I know the procedure?

Answer:
Malaysia citizen who work or study at overseas can import a vehicle for personal use subject to the approval permit given by Ministry of International Trade and Industry. To get the approval applicant have to purchase and fill the JK69 Form. JK69 is a gazetted Custom Form. The form comes with three carbonised copies. Therefore, it cannot be downloaded from the website. Once endorsed by MITI, the form becomes an Approved Permit (AP). JK69 can be purchased at:

Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad
Jalan Chan Sow Lin
50554 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-92212022
Fax : 03-92220690

Person that is eligible to bring in personal vehicle are as follows:
i. Malaysians studying overseas (at least diploma level) for more than a year and returning home permanently. Accompanying spouse is not eligible.
ii. Malaysians working legally on a permanent post overseas (at least a year) and returning home permanently. Accompanying spouse is not eligible.
iii. Government officials posted overseas for more than a year. Accompanying spouse is eligible for one AP.

(For more information on (i), (ii) and (iii), please go to APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND WORK PROCESS. Refer to DOCUMENT 11: Guidelines to Apply for Import License For Personal Motor Vehicles Of Malaysian Citizens Working Or Studying Overseas)

iv. Expatriates with valid working pass/permit. The importation of the personal vehicle is subject to re-export condition upon termination of work employment in Malaysia.
v. Participants of Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H). (For detail, please go to http://mm2h.motour.gov.my)
vi. Malaysians specialists returning home under the Ministry of Human Resource program. (For detail, please go to www.mohr.gov.my)

A complete application has to be submitted manually to any of the following offices:
i. Trade Services Division
Ministry of International Trade and Industry
2nd Floor, Block 10 Government Offices Complex
50622 Jalan Duta
Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 603-62034819
Fax: 603-62013012

ii. MITI Cawangan Sabah
Tingkat 3, blok D&E
Bangunan KWSP
49,Jalan Karamunsing
88622 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Tel: 088-239061
Fax : 088-235645

iii. MITI Cawangan Sarawak
Tingkat 3, Bangunan Bank Negara
93400 Kuching Sarawak
Tel : 082-257164
Fax : 082-417835

After getting the permit (AP), the vehicle can be imported into Malaysia and must be declared to the Royal Malaysian Customs at the customs station/ office at the place of import using the Customs Form No. 1 which can be obtained or purchased at:

Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad
Jalan Chan Sow Lin
50554 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-92212022
Fax : 03-92220690

The form comes with four carbonised copies. Therefore, it cannot be downloaded from the website.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simpsons, the perfect Kangoo family.

Wednesday, February 6th, 2008

kangoo_3_ew1.jpg kangoo_5_5w.jpgkangoo_1_0w.jpg

We generally do not think of the Simpsons as an instructive family, rather we view their antics as cautionary tales but this time they have been hired by Renault to sell you the new Kangoo.

So why is the perfectly dysfunctional family the spokesperson for a family car? Well they are kind of cute and irritating at the same time. In a way they are us.

Bart, Homer, Marge, Lisa and Maggie will take you through all the unique features of their compact people carrier and explore the many uses of a Kangoo.

kangoo_3_ew1.jpg

You may not know that it makes a comfortable drive in cinema, even if you have to take the TV outside to make it work.

kangoo_5_5w.jpg 

Homer will demonstrate to you how to pack the roof shelf with at least a dozen burgers and french fries.

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The family will also show how to fit a large christmas tree into the car’s compact dimensions.

This off-beat approach suits the Kangoo’s exaggerated and cartoonish lines so it may well prove to be a successful campaign for Renault.

Abandoned vehicles

Friday, February 1st, 2008

 

More often than not, we come across abandon vehicles along the streets of Malaysia, some even in the heart of city centres while others are tucked in housing estates. I’ve even seen some stashed up in multi storey carparks of government offices.

It wouldn’t be surprising that most of these vehicles are stolen and abandoned after every useable and valuable part was stripped out. The irony is that the relevant authority doesn’t seem to be helping much in curbing cases like this. Aside from curbing these rampant activities from reoccurring, what about removing the abandoned vehicles off the streets?

These vehicles are lying in such position or in such condition as is likely to cause obstruction, danger or inconvenience to other road users. How difficult could it be to remove it? The relevant town councils have its own tow trucks and lorries to aid in carting away these vehicles. In fact, if left unclaimed, perhaps it can even be recycled as scrap metal. Now that is another potential lucrative income stream for the town council.

1

The abandon motorcycle in the picture was left next to a busy bus stop in Petaling Jaya along a busy stretch of road. Directly next to it is the staircase leading up to a pedestrian overhead bridge. What an eyesore and such inconvenience to the pedestrians. If only the town council could allocate their resources to look into this instead of just checking for expired parking meters………

Now, if anyone found an abandoned Datsun 240Z, 260Z or even a 510 do let me know. I’ll be happy to tow it back to my house.