Autoworld Blog

For the final two months of 2008, UMW Toyota is giving away massive promotions for its entire lineup of Toyota vehicles. Dubbed the Festive Moments Celebration, the promotions were given an extra push as Toyota showrooms nationwide organised festive open houses on 15-16 Nov.

Customers are tempted by goodies such as vouchers to fully cover for three years of maintenance, low downpayment rebates, low interest rates, bodykits, and/or a Sony Video MP3 player. Different models are offered with different combinations of the above, though the free maintenance vouchers and low interest rates seem the most useful. According to the promotional materials, all offers are valid from 1 Nov till 31 Dec, with the MP3 players attached with the usual ‘while stocks last’ label.

I was at the Subang Jaya branch on Saturday afternoon, where despite the gloomy skies above, my companion and I test drove the manual versions of the Vios 1.5J and the Avanza 1.3E.

Festive Moment at the Subang Jaya branch.

Bad weather failed to stop us getting a test drive.

I have actually tested the Vios a couple of months back. While accompanying another friend car shopping, we tested back-to-back, both variants of the Honda City and compared them against the Vios 1.5S, which retails at over RM88.3k against the City’s RM79.8k (i-DSI) and RM85.8k (VTEC).

The 1,497cc 1NZ-FE VVT-i, paired with a four-speed auto, does not produce terribly exciting figures on paper, but gave the Vios adequate shove on the straights. On the bends, the car handled surprisingly well, despite not having an independently sprung rear axle.

Going inside, for the interior, the Vios lost a quite a bit of ground against the City. Despite being the newer model against the outgoing City, the Vios’ cabin was neither as well designed nor as well built. The cabin ambience felt a class lower, and the materials felt a grade lower. All in all, at close to RM89k, I think it is a bit pricy.

Toyota Vios 1.5S - overpriced at RM89k.

However, going down the hierarchy, Toyota has the base-spec 1.5J model for your consideration - yours for RM73.5k, if you’re willing to forego the skirtings, airbags, alloy rims, rear discs, electric door mirrors and even the intermittent function for the wipers (a shocking omission, this one). You also have the option of a manual transmission, which would slash RM3.7k off the pricetag.

Indeed, at RM69.8k, the manual 1.5J is well within striking distance of even the Proton Waja CPS, and making it now a far more attractive preposition. The only omissions of consequence are the rear discs and airbags, which are still fine to most people, though the lack of intermittent wipers (standard in the Perodua Kancil) is kind of like a shocking-omission to me.

Paired with a five-speed manual, the 1.5-litre engine gives the Vios more than adequate shove, with the engine revving smoothly up to the 4000-5000rpm range. However, I was a little dissatisfied with the quality of the gearchange, which despite being sufficiently precise, had a rather long throw, while the clutch pedal was light to the point of being tricky to balance. 

I rarely recommend the entry level variant of any model as my preferred choice, but in the case of the Vios, the maths say it all, the 1.5J, at over RM16k cheaper than the 1.5S, represents the superior value.

The 1.5J - at RM69k the Vios makes more sense

Dash is plain looking, but no complaints. Five-speed gear change sufficiently precise, but clutch a little tricky to balance.

The other model catching our attention was the facelifted Toyota Avanza. To be frank, while I’ve never quite fancied an Avanza, I do respect it for being a practical and sensible family carrier. It doesn’t tickle one’s fancy, but it gets the job done - ferrying your family and things around - with minimum fuss, and I respect that.

However, the folks at UMW’s product planning division had bigger ideas and decided to tack on a set of skirts,  fake taillights on top of the D-pillar, and carbon fibre inserts on the dash. I have no idea how they came to this decision, but my companion and I found these new additions more than a little amusing. Rather than spending RM77.1k on the 1.5S, the smart money would either be on the RM69.9k 1.5E or the RM74.3k 1.5G, which both do away with these add-ons.

 
The facelifted Toyota Avanza 1.5S

What’s with the fake taillights?

Carbon fibre inserts for an Avanza?

Credit where credit is due, this water bottle hole is properly useful.

Another option to consider is the base model 1.3E, which goes for RM62k (M/T) and RM65.5k (A/T). I took a manual version out for a spin. That car came with 14-inch steel wheels but had the 1.5S bodykit which I suggest that you not take. You’d be surprised to read this: but it was a properly good drive.

The gear change was excellent - slick and precise in a way that a car like the Avanza has no right to be. When revved hard, the engine picks up pace quick enough for most people. You can’t take corners too spiritedly, but do you buy an Avanza for that? I suppose not. However, driven smoothly and sedately, the Avanza gives you brisk progress around town, and the superb turning radius makes it an excellent urban runabout.

I must admit that the Avanza gave me a properly pleasant surprise. On the road, I actually liked it better than the sedan-bodied Vios, an outcome which I totally did not expect. I would be quite happy to recommend the Avanza to anyone looking for a small practical people carrier, with the tested 1.3E manual my personal pick of the bunch. For those who want an auto, my fingers would point to the RM69.9k 1.5E, which is technically identical to the more expensive G and S variants.

Entry level 1.3E’s plain looks better than ’sporty’ 1.5S

Though 1.3E test car is equipped with 1.5S bodykit.

Interior for 1.3E does away with carbon fibre inserts. Five-speed manual offers surprisingly good gear change quality.

My attitude towards cars are focused almost entirely on its performance. When I evaluate a car, the few criteria I always look at are cornering grip, high-speed stability, straight line acceleration, and may be fuel consumption. I never really cared much for most of the luxuries because I bet most people don’t use them. Though I do have a set standard for what I consider as acceptable specs.

To me, any half-decent car’s interior must at least have four power windows, electric side-mirrors, enough cup holders for all passengers, twin airbags, air-conditioning and a radio. Things like auto climate control and a built-in hands-free set would be useful additions. So, all along, I never quite saw the point of spending thousands of ringgits on fanciful ICE (In-Car Entertainment) setups. The most I would need from my audio unit is MP3 support. I can’t even tell the sound quality of a good setup from a bad one (unless it’s real bad).

However, to borrow a famous cliche, one man’s meat is another’s poison. There are people who do see the point, and there are people who do see the value of a good ICE setup. While not every ICE kaki would splurge five-figure sums pimping up their cars to be moving boomboxes, many are willing to pay for a decent setup installing a set of good speakers, a good HU (head unit) and may be even an amp.

One man who spends his time reading up on ICEs is Mr Choy Wai Hun. Mr Choy recently participated in the Autoworld DGDream Contest and won himself an original DVD player (sponsored by Dgdream) for his three-month old Toyota Corolla Altis. The contest, which ran from 8 July till 22 August required participants to create a hypothetical ICE setup which costs no more than RM2,600. The winner would then be given a choice of three DVD players to choose from, which are catered to fit into the dashboards of the Altis, Camry or Honda CR-V.

Mr Choy claimed his prize on Sunday, at the premises of JP Enterprise at Kota Damansara, who also helped him install the system into his car. JP is one of many dealers for the contest sponsor Dgdream. According to Mr Jeffrey Foo of Dgdream, the new system installed in Mr Choy’s Altis is worth RM2,590 and comes with USB connectivity, SD card reading, bluetooth compatibility and touchscreen interface. Check here for more info on this unit offered by DgDream.

Mr Choy also had the cost option of adding a reverse camera, IPOD connectivity and a GPS system.

JP Enterprise, Kota Damansara. (The Camry was getting the same system installed too, but at his own cost.)

The unit integrates seamlessly into the Altis’ dashboard and requires absolutely no modification of the car’s wirings being a plug and play unit. The biggest problem in the whole installation process is probably the dismantling of the dashboard. Although only offering HUs for the Altis, Camry and CR-V for this contest, Dgdream also brings in integrated HUs like these for the new Accord, Golf GTI, Nissan Latio, Sylphy and Grand Livina.

Mr Choy’s dashboard being dismantled.

Putting the goods in.

DONE!

I had an upclose look on the setup installed in Mr Choy’s car and I was thoroughly impressed. ICE kaki or not, this is one accessory that gives the owner endless bragging rights. The most appealing part is that it integrates so seamlessly into the dashboard, it can actually pass off as being a factory setup with the fascia material matching almost perfectly, as each of these units are designed to match a specific car model in mind.

Can see cannot touch. (Notice the near-perfect fitting)

As said earlier, I am usually ambivalent towards ICEs, often dismissing most fanciful setups as being too excessive. However, with this one, I am impressed. If they have a model for the Waja, I might even consider one for myself!

Finally, congratulations to Mr Choy on your winning of the contest. Autoworld wishes you many happy miles on the road with your new DVD player. Also thanks to Dgdream for sponsoring this contest, and to JP Enterprise for performing the installation process in Mr Choy’s car.

Mr Choy Wai Hun with his new pride and joy.

(L-R): Mr Choy, Mr Jeffrey Foo of Dgdream, Mr Yap of JP Enterprise

Visit http://dgdream.com/index.php to view Dgdream’s entire range of products.

Slipping SUV sales hurting carmakers - SUVs enjoy some of the industry’s best margins  

Toyota is posting a profit warning after seeing North American and European sales slip dramatically on the slippery back of rising oil prices.

According to the world’s largest automaker, their profit shrank by 28 per cent in the first quarter to USD3.2 billion  while their operating income fell by 38.9 per cent.

They cited two main reasons for the drop in profit, the first is rising materials cost while the second contributing factor was the shift in consumer preference from large and profitable SUVs to smaller and more economical cars that gives carmakers a lot slimmer profit margins.

Yaris and Altis (above) are in high demand, they can’t make enought of it

“Currently we can’t satisfy the order backlog for Yaris and Corolla,” Ijichi said. “Because of short supplies of batteries we’re not able to satisfy demand for Prius,” said Mitsuo Kinoshita, executive vice president at Toyota.

Toyota’s revenue fell 4.7 percent to $57 billion. U.S. sales fell 4 percent to 729,000 during the first 3 months of 2008.

With oil prices still well above the USD100 per barrel mark, the market for fuel hungry SUVs will remain fragile and if the 1970s fuel scare is anything to go by, it is only likley to recover within two years, at the earliest.

Speculators are causing everyone a lot of pain right now, most economists expect them to start looseing their grip within a year and allow oil to find it’s natural level

 The Malaysian automotive market also registered a slight drop in sales in June and the trend is not likely to reverse for the next few months although the market is hopeful that the Government will make a downward adjustment on fuel prices if the monthly average dips below USD125 per barrel.

Oil price stood at USD114.94 as the market closed on Friday. Average June price was USD126.33. Oil peaked just above USD140 per barrel in that month.

Most industry observers and economists believe that the current high oil price is the result of speculation and that the level will fall below USD100 within one year, probably to between USD60 and USD80 per barrel.

Toyota’s popular Vios is now more affordable, thanks to the much anticipated J-variant which is a bone-basic car.

For your money RM69,800 for the manual or RM73,500 for the self shifter, you get a Vios that is mechanically similar to teh E and G, except that you get the nice bits taken out. There are no airbags on this car, of course leather is something you will have to do without and even the dahsboard is plain matt black.

Apart from the lack of airbags, which is rather mean, I can live with this basic Vios. I would opt for the manual shifter and save a bit more money every week from lower petrol consumption. I mean the Vios is known to be frugal even when running in Auto, so just imagine what it would be like if you choose the gears yourself.

The pricing has moved the Vios precariously close to Proton territory, I wonder if it is going to hit Waja sales badly. After all here you ahve a car that offers decent cabin space and fantastic fuel economy compared to the Waja’s thirsty older engine. The only thing is, the Waja has a pair of airbags.

Anyway, below is the full Press Release

PRESS RELEASE 4 JULY 2008 021/EAD/2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UMW TOYOTA MOTOR LAUNCH NEW VIOS VARIANTS

Shah Alam, 4 July – UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMW Toyota Motor), the manufacturer and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, announced today the launch of two new Vios variants to the market. The new variants – Vios J 1.5 automatic and manual transmission are an entry level variants to the existing Toyota Vios S, G and E variants which were launched in October 2007.

The all-new Toyota Vios has gone global and is now offered in many new markets which include North America, Australia and New Zealand.

According to UMW Toyota Motor Managing Director, Mr Kuah Kock Heng, “In Malaysia, Toyota Vios has captured 50 percent market share of the 1.4 – 1.5 litre Pessenger Car Sedan segment in 2007.“ Recently, the Toyota Vios reached a new milestone with the delivery of its 100,000^th unit, making it one of the most popular Toyota cars.

Mr Kuah also pointed out that the Toyota Vios has been extremely popular among the young Malaysian buyers because of its performance, reliability and economical value. It has received relatively good sales, with an average of 2500 units per month. “Apart from the attractive price, the popularity of the Toyota Vios can also be attributed to its proven quality,” added Mr Kuah.

“The new grade will complement the existing variants as UMW Toyota Motor understands our customers’ needs and wants. It also allows us to reach out to more customers who are very keen in purchasing the Toyota Vios.” said Mr. Kuah.

“UMW Toyota Motor always take consideration on the feedback from our customers. Considering this we are also introducing the manual variant for the Vios J. This introduction is timely with the recent petrol hike issue. Our Toyota Vios is known for its fuel economy but with the manual version, customers can go further with a full tank of petrol,” continued Mr. Kuah.

UMW Toyota Motor has targeted monthly sales of 700 units of the new Toyota Vios J and it is confident in capturing a strong demand for the new variant from customers in both Peninsular and East Malaysia.

The Vios J is positioned as an entry level Vios model, without compromising its performances and safety features. Similar to other variants, the two Vios J variants are powered by Toyota’s renowned VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with 4-speed automatic with super ECT (Electronic Controlled Transmission) or 5-speed manual transmission. It also retains active safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The on-the-road price with insurance of the Toyota Vios J is RM73,500 for the automatic transmission while the manual transmission will cost RM69,800. However, these are currently estimated prices and actual prices will be announced during the public launch.

The company also announced that the new variants will be available at all Toyota showrooms nationwide from 11 July 2008 but it is now open for booking.