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Euro NCAP, the independent vehicle safety organization, has announced that Hyundai�s new ix35 (also known as Tucson) compact SUV has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating in its rigorous crash-test assessment program. The result places the ix35 (Tucson) as one of the safest vehicles in its class, and included a segment-best score for the �child occupant protection� category.
The ix35 (Tucson) is the third Hyundai vehicle in a row to achieve a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, following on from the top ratings achieved by i20 supermini and i30 hatchback.
The C-segment SUV received a class-leading score of 88% for child occupants, scoring well in tests with both 18-month-old and three�year-old dummies. The test score for adult occupants was 90%, and the safety assist features earned a score of 71%.
Electronic stability control, which is standard on all models, and a seatbelt reminder system played a key role in the ix35�s (Tucson) score in the safety assist category. Hyundai�s focus on occupant safety was highlighted with high scores in the front and rear impact tests, with a stable compartment providing good protection in the event of a crash.
Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe said, �Receiving a five star crash test rating is testament to our commitment to providing customers with vehicles of superior quality and top-class safety. European drivers have very high demands, and our design and engineering teams at our European R&D centre have created a car, which matches such expectations.
Prices of the new Hyundai Tucson have been hiked by 1% to 2% effective 7th June 2010. This is the first price increase after its introduction to the Malaysian market sometime April 2010.
The new prices are: Standard 2.0 - RM129,888 High-Spec 2.0- RM139,888 Top-of-the-line 2.4 - RM154,888.
Those who have placed their bookings before 7th June will not be subjected to this price increase.
Click on all images to enlarge Hyundai Motor Co is on a roll for the new decade: their daringly suave and stylish revamped all-new Sonata barely settled into our visual cortex of our grey matter, their superb Theta II GDI engines and in-house new 6-speed auto 'box have been revealed for very-near future applications. Now, here comes another 'wow-factor': their mid-size SUV, new Tucson replacement model for year 2010.
The all-new Tucson will only be offered initially with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol, capable of 176 hp and 228Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or an all-new 6-speed automatic. A 2.0-liter Theta II engine will be available later in 2010, perhaps that will be the likelihood variant seeing the light of day in Malaysia. In Right Hand Drive (RHD) configuration of course!
Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) has introduced the latest Nissan Murano to Malaysia, retailing at RM318,200 (excluding insurance and on-the-road costs). The 2nd generation Murano is Nissan�s premium crossover which offers an enhanced sense of sporty and reassuring driving performance, a quieter and more comfortable interior with even more luxury features. The all-new Nissan Murano�s exterior styling has been described as a piece of sculptured modern art. With its clean-cut shape, the Murano exudes strength and sturdiness that spells reliability and years of enjoyable use.
�With new looks, enhanced performance and refinement, a host of innovative features and an impressive new interior, the all-new Nissan Murano is a significant evolution of the trend-setting original�, added Dato� Dr Ang when introducing this all-new premium crossover at the media event. While the Murano�sexterior draws lingering looks, the interior presents total luxury. Described as a suite on wheels, the Murano�s cabin is spacious, functional and lavishly appointed. With the 60/40-split folding automatic rear seats folded, the luggage capacity rises up to 838 litres.
Like the original, the heart of the Murano is its advanced engine, transmission and chassis combination, which is anchored by Nissan�s proven VQ35DE V6 engine, paired with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and rigid D-platform. The VQ35DE engine achieves improved output and fuel-efficiency (9.3km/L on JP 10-15 mode) through reduced friction. This award-winning member of the Nissan VQ engine series puts out 260ps and 336Nm with effortless precision. The Nissan D-platform helps optimize the balance between a flat, comfortable ride and the quiet, superb handling and stability of a premium crossover.
The ALL MODE 4�4-i all-wheel drive system and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) ensure smooth cornering and stable handling on slippery road surfaces by monitoring wheel spin and adjusting front/rear torque split accordingly for a balanced drive.
In the US, the all-new Nissan Murano has earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2008. IIHS recognised the all-new Nissan Murano as the best overall performer in front, side and rear crash during test evaluations. In addition, the Murano rides securely on 18� alloy wheels and active safety is taken care of by ABS, EBD and Braking Assist.
Other technological features include memory seats, stylish dual glass sunroof, power lift gate and rear view camera to embrace the driver and passengers with feelings of warmth, modernity, comfort, innovation and security. �While we find ourselves in challenging economic circumstances, we are confident that the 370Z and MURANO will be well received based on both critical and market reception to both these all new Nissan �Halo� models. The all-new Nissan 370Z and Murano will appeal to a segment of customers who have the means to demand the perfect blend of quality and safety, while aspiring for an uncompromising level of driving purity that comes from the pedigree of these premium performance models. � said Dato� Dr Ang.
Some things just get better all the time. Malaysia�s all-time favorite luxury SUV, the Volvo XC90, just got even better with the recent introduction of the new diesel variant - the Volvo XC90 D5. Better fuel efficiency for more mileage, greater torque and power, and less emission too. That�s just some of the benefits of driving the new Volvo XC90 D5.
�I�m very pleased and proud to introduce the new Volvo XC90 D5. It has all the features and benefits that are renown in a XC90 model - safety, versatility, spaciousness and stylish too� and now with the diesel variant, things just got even better,� said Mr. Robert Norrman, President of Volvo Car Malaysia.
Since the launch of the petrol engined XC90 T5 and T6 in 2003, the first 7-seater luxury SUV in Malaysia has been the best-seller among its segment for 5 straight years. The Volvo XC90 is suitable for everyday life and for all occasions. For work, leisure, city driving or even weekend get-aways, the XC90 is a spectacular showcase of Volvo�s philosophy of integrating form and function to achieve beauty, versatility and safety.It is no wonder that the Volvo XC90 is one of the world�s most awarded SUV, receiving more than 50 international awards for these very same traits.
�Malaysians are absolutely right to choose the XC90 as their car of choice. Its features, benefits, safety, price� the whole package is just superb,� said Norrman.
The locally-assembled XC90 D5 is a transversely-mounted 2.4 litre in-line 5-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 185 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque with a 6-speed automatic Geartronic transmission.
It is priced at RM355,000 (on the road without insurance) and comes in four colors � Black Sapphire Metallic, Oyster Grey Pearl, Electric Silver Metallic and Shadow Blue Metallic.
More background of the Volvo XC90:
Launch
The Volvo XC90 was launched in early 2002 as the first purpose-built SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) to come from Volvo Cars. It is also Volvo's first seven-seat car since the 1940s. The Volvo XC90 has electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive. It has the capacity to forge ahead on very poor roads, but is primarily intended as a spacious passenger car with excellent driving manners, immense safety and intelligent versatility.
New features Volvo XC90 - brief summary
�Exterior rear emblem with increased space between the letters
�Modified front head restraints
Design
Five-door SUV - a crossover model that combines the passenger car's comfort and comfort with excellent get-you-there ability and flexibility. The Volvo XC90 is designed to give a robust yet at the same time compact and elegant impression. It is built as a 7-seater passenger car, with a unitary body and the same type of chassis as that found in Volvo's sedan models - unlike some other SUV models that are built on a truck chassis. The passenger compartment is very spacious, thanks not least to Volvo's modern powertrain concept with transverse engine installation.
The Volvo brand name in the rear of the XC90 D5 adopts the new widespread lettering to enhance visibility of the brand. The individual letters will also be larger.
Safety
Volvo Cars adopts a holistic view of safety that encompasses both Preventive and Protective safety. Preventive safety is closely linked to the car's driving properties. The body of the Volvo XC90 features immense torsional rigidity and the car has a sturdy chassis, a combination that results in consistent, predictable behaviour on the road. Ground clearance is high to offer good get-you-there ability on poor roads. Despite this, the floor is set low down, which contributes to the car's low centre of gravity and excellent directional stability.
Protective safety in the Volvo XC90 is structured around a network consisting of exterior and interior safety systems that interact with one another to reduce the risk of occupant injury in a collision.
The exterior systems have the task of distributing and absorbing incoming collision forces so that the passenger compartment remains as intact and undamaged as possible.
Thanks to its unitary body, the Volvo XC90 has been able to be built with the same type of deformation zone as Volvo's other car models. The body is built in the form of a metal cage where all the components interact with one another to ensure controlled deformation. A gently rounded front and an extra beam below the front bumper help reduce the risk of injury to other road users.
The interior safety systems aim to keep the passengers securely in place and also to reduce the risk of serious injury. In order to provide the most effective protection possible, Volvo Cars has developed a number of in-house systems, such as WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain). All are fitted as standard in the Volvo XC90. Certain components have undergone further development specifically for the XC90 model. For instance, the Inflatable Curtain has been extended so it also covers passengers in the third row of seats. All seven seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt pre-tensioners and head restraints. The highest possible safety requires that all the car's occupants always use their seat belts.
The Volvo XC90 features reinforced roll-over protection. An active stability-enhancement system (Roll Stability Control) activates if the car risks rolling over. Engine power is reduced, anti-roll bar stiffness is increased and the brakes are automatically applied to stabilise the car. If the car should roll over, a network of beams in the body structure helps distribute and absorb the resulting forces. In addition, an electronic sensor registers if the car is about to roll over and accordingly activates the seat belt pre-tensioners and the inflatable curtains.
Driveline and handling
The Volvo XC90 D5 is equipped with a five-cylinder engine. It is fitted transversely in keeping with Volvo's modern powertrain concept. They are designed to operate smoothly, with low vibration and high torque across a wide rev range.
The engine is extremely compact and mounted transversely, for optimum crash safety and maximum cabin space. The five-cylinder turbo diesel provides smooth and powerful driving. This responsive and modern diesel features a service-free particle filter, making it a highly eco-efficient engine.
The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for stable, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and high ride comfort. Some of these links have the task of providing a certain degree of anti-skid steering effect. A long wheelbase and wide track, together with a very torsionally rigid body, contribute to the predictable, controlled driving manners. Large wheels with a relatively tall tyre profile and stiff tyre sidewalls contribute further to stability.
The Volvo XC90 has Volvo's electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction, for fast and effective distribution of traction even when moving off on a slippery surface. Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC cuts in and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.
The environment
The Volvo XC90 is designed and equipped to impact as little as possible on the global environment and to offer a clean and healthy interior climate. Energy-efficient diesel engines with particle filters produce low emissions of carbon dioxide and soot particles.
Volvo's IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) effectively reduces the amount of particles, pollen, gases and certain unpleasant odours in the air entering the cabin. In addition, all textiles and leather are certified under �KO-TEX 100, an international standard, which ensures that the interior trim is free from allergy-inducing substances and emissions.
The buzzword among many premium motoring enthusiasts now seems to be 'Sport', 'Dynamic Drive' or some term to describe the sporty suspension option for adjustable damping rates by way of mechanical, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, electro-magnetic, hydro-pneumatic or some other combo systems. In the Audi Q7, this is done with an air suspension set-up, unlike the newly launched Audi A4 (B8) 1.8 TFSI.
The Q7 is one big imposing vehicle, measuring more than 5 metres from end to end. Think Mercedes-Benz R350 L (not the M-Class) but taller with larger wheels. This is truly luxury SUV motoring in one chunky tech-laden package. The Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg could not come close to this sheer gargantuan presence. One thing is certain though, most of these cars will likely have paved tarmac as their staple diet, and possibly a very valuable weapon against frequent flash floods in urban Kuala Lumpur/Petaling Jaya.
As you can see below, the 2.3 tonne behemoth still manages a sub 8.5secs century sprint, thanks to 440Nm worth of torque at 3500rpm driving through the quattro 4WD system. Without going into specific figures, let's just say the writer managed to clocked well past the 2nd rung of triple digits velocity with ease, where the V8 stayed flexible and relaxed at cruising. I know this will sound cliche but there really is no replacement for displacement here. (An Audi TT Coupe 2.0TFSI tested back to back soon proved that). I reckoned the 345bhp at 6800rpm delightfully aided in catapulting such sheer bulk to lofty speed.
Huge wing mirrors splendidly practical (above).
Torque split on the Q7's quattro driveline is 60% bias towards the rear axle and it has clearly improved handling balance and on-road feel (RWD-esque). Much like its VAG 'sibling' the VW Touareg, this tall wonder take bends flatter than you would expect it to be. However, I found the Adaptive Air Suspension best left to its own devices in 'automatic' mode where a good balance (slight sporty biased though) with ride quality found somewhere in between 'dynamic' and 'comfort'. Dynamic mode lowers the SUV by 15mm truly improved cornering prowess but your family would not approved of the Q7 going on pock-scarred or badly patched roads in this setting.
As usual, Audi's artwork at play here in the intrument panel cluster (above). Beautiful.
Sadly, the Q7 in this petrol 4.2L V8 form is rather a misfit in today's fuel prices. Needless to say it guzzles benzene like there's no tomorrow despite Audi's application of direct fuel injection, FSI. Law of physics dictates that you need that much of force to move such a bulk of steel along with passengers and baggages, while there are 8 combustion chambers to fill and burn fuel with, in full combo and in real time.
All is not lost though, the luxurious interior of leather, aluminium and soft trims along with Audi's ever impeccable fit and finish makes the Q7 a classy automobile indeed. The icing on the cake must be its unbelievably medium-sized hatchback like handling despite its bulk. That to me is enough to put the Q7 in a class of its own. Here's looking forward to the Audi Q5!
Click on images to enlargeWhat you see here is among the first few (right hand drive) X6 - the new Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) from BMW - to be available officially in Malaysia. In its xDrive35i form, the X6 asking price is about RM720,000 (excluding insurance) and sports the same twin turbo in-line 6 found in the 335i coupe. Expect slower performance figures from the sleek SUV Coupe though, with the extra bulk/mass and power-sapping permanent AWD likely blunting acceleration and Vmax somewhat. By the way, it sits only four despite its size, with ingress and egress is a little pain for the rear passengers, as experienced by the writer.
You can place your orders in advance with Auto Bavaria or any other of the BMW Malaysia dealers now. Booking fee is a cool RM20k :)
