Porsche Centre Penang, Malaysia

By Dr Long

For a luxury and premium sportscar brand like Porsche, it has been quite a pain for the northern region owners and owners-to-be to come over to Kuala Lumpur to purchase as well as to service their prized possessions. Not anymore since the launch of Porsche Centre Penang on 19th May 2007.

The event was kicked off on the 18th May with a convoy of Porsches supported by Porsche Club Malaysia driving from Porsche Centre Glenmarie to Porsche Centre Penang. Members of the media meanwhile, were transported in Naza Ria MPVs from Glenmarie to Juru-Auto City in Seberang Perai, Penang.

This is the first and only authorised dealer for Porsche out of the Klang Valley in Malaysia, owned and run by the Naza Group via Naza Premier Auto Sdn Bhd. Porsche models ranging from the Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne and the iconic 911 series, are now officially available for sale as well as after-sales service in Penang, while also serves as a hub for other northern states.

�The primary focus of this showroom is to create a true Porsche feeling for current and potential customers without having to travel the distance� said Tan Sri Dato� Seri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, Chairman of Naza Group of Companies.

To commemorate and continue the �Momentum� campaign, Porsche Centre Penang unveiled the new Porsche Cayenne for the northern region. This was in continuation to the recent new Cayenne launch at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, Kuala Lumpur. After introduction of the sports SUV, Dato� Seri Rafidah Aziz (Minister of International Trade and Industry) accompanied by Tan Sri Dato Seri Utama SM Nasimudin (CEO, Naza Group of Companies), Dato Mokhzani (Chairman, Jaseri Automotive Group) and Mr. Christer Ekberg (Managing Director Porsche Asia Pacific), conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony and declared Porsche Centre Penang officially opened.

The showroom hours are from 9.00am � 8.00pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 11.00am � 4.00pm on Sundays. The service workshop operates from 8.30am � 5.00pm from Mondays to Fridays and 8.30am � 1.00pm on Saturdays.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Danny Nordin - Dealer Principal
Porsche Centre Penang
1819-A, Jalan Perusahaan,
Highway Auto-City,
North-South Highway, Juru Interchange
13600 Seberang Perai, Penang.
Tel: +604-508 2911
Fax: +604-508 3911

Related post:

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-porsche-cayenne-momentum-launch.html

2007 All-New Toyota Corolla Sedan

By Dr Long

Here are some official pictures of an important bread-and butter model from the world�s largest automaker - that�s in a dilemma for the ASEAN market. Caught in a pricing and model segmentation limbo between the super-popular VIOS (except in Indonesia where the Honda City rules) and the new Camry, its succession has been delayed even in Thailand. Traditionally a first-launch place since Toyota Thailand�s Gateway plant is the manufacturing base for this regional market, it's nowhere to be seen in the royal kingdom yet.

Pictured above is the extensively facelifted (and possibly slightly larger) version of the boring-looking JDM Corolla Axio (seen below). More dynamic and youthful looking, it is slated for practically all of the exported Asian markets. Nicking external design cues from the new VIOS, new Camry as well as the premium Lexus IS250, it was actually previewed in Beijing in November 2006. On the inside, most design elements from the Toyota Auris hatchback are carried over.

This C-segment saloon from Toyota is 4,540mm long x 1,760mm wide x 1,490mm tall. Compared to the current Corolla Altis, this all-new model is 10mm longer and 55mm wider. The top-end 1.8L variant will get Dual VVT-i camshaft timings trickery, while the 1.6L sibling will likely carry over the old engine et al. It remains to be seen whether there will be a 2.0L option to challenge the Civic 2.0S iVTEC.

The 1.8L petrol motor codenamed 2ZR-FE, comes with a new CVT-i transmission in Japan. However, the ASEAN iteration will only make do with 4-speed auto or 6-speed manual 'box � if the final specs are to mirror the previewed model in China last year. As much as the Camry 2.0L is disappointing with only a 4-speed A/T vs. the Honda Accord, this new Corolla is also one cog behind the new Civic, as even the Singapore model Civic 1.6 comes equipped with a standard 5-speed torque converter.

As UMW Toyota is busy preparing for the onslaught of its all-new VIOS for the Malaysian market come Q4 2007, it is unlikely that this new Corolla model will see the light of day anytime soon before the year runs out.

All-New Peugeot 308

Peugeot will unveil an all-new replacement for its 307, the 308 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007 this September. The exterior styling of this latest Pug seems more evolutionary (the 307 already has a sharp-looking visage) while the interior adopts a play-safe theme. External aesthetics takes much cue from the junior sibling, the new 207, with an even sharper nose �cone�, more slanty headlights and a larger-deeper grille-cum-airdam. The rear bumper now wears - a �modern� must-have these days - a lower apron that appears to be an aerodynamic diffuser.

On the dashboard, the circular air vents give the 308 a classy retro feel, while the sat-nav LCD display folds-away when not in use, affording an uncluttered contour to the dash's clean design. Peugeot did not reveal any technical specs, but varied sources concur that the 308 will make good use of the 207's range of engines: 1.6L 120hp, 1.6L 150hp turbo and a 2.2L 170hp turbodiesel, mainly for the European market.

This all-new French hatchback will go on sale as a 2008 model in most markets worldwide.

BMW X5 M-Sport

BMW AG has just slapped on the M-Sport Package to the new X5 (E70). Breaking tradition, the Munich automaker now implements M tuning kit � for the first time - onto an SUV (or SAV in BMW lingo). The M-kitted X5 boast a sportier exterior and interior, with a tweaked chassis as well for better performance. Engine output figures however, remain untouched.

The front bumper wears a re-profiled airdam kit while the rear one has a redesigned diffuser, both body coloured. Larger wheel arches are seen to cover the standard 19inches M-alloys or optional 20inches. The interior receives a sprinkle of M badges, M-steering wheel, body hugging sport seats and real-aluminium inserts. Fine tuning of the AdaptiveDrive and Active Steering systems takes the X5 to an even higher level of road-holding and handling.

BMW X5 M-Sport will be on sale in Europe very soon, with other markets to follow suit likely only in 2008.

Related post:
http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/05/all-new-bmw-x5-launched-in-malaysia.html

All-New BMW X5

By Dr Long

BMW Malaysia launched the new BMW X5 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW speak) for sale starting 30th May 2007. The all-new E70 BMW X5 is the second generation of premium, high-performance SUV to come from this Munich automaker, with the predecessor having debuted in 2001. The E53 X5 set the standard for on-road sporty driving dynamics then, yet capable to tackle off-road paths should the need arises.

Continuing this tradition of benchmark handling for a tall-SUV, the new X5 is fitted with BMW�s high tech permanent all-wheel drive system (xDrive), double wishbone front/ multi-link rear suspensions plus Active Steering. Standard on the BMW X5 4.8i is BMW�s AdaptiveDrive featuring active anti-roll bars and constantly variable damper settings. The result is a more composed, stable and �flatter� ride/handling; whatever the road conditions, steering, braking and/or throttle inputs.

The all-new BMW X5 now wears run-flat tyres which allows a punctured rubber to continue rolling safely, up to 150km in fact, at speeds up to 80km/h, enough for any driver to get to his/her nearest or favourite tyre shop to rectify things. Other active safety features include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC+) which is a sum of Brake Drying, Brake Pre-Tensioning, Brake Fade Compensation and Hill Start Assist (think reverse version of Hill Descent Control).

In contrast to the new Audi Q7 launched last week, the new X5 delightfully � and practically � comes standard with a third row of seats which is good for two more passengers. These seats folds away, individually into the floor board, resulting in a larger and flat cargo area.

Three engine options are offered by BMW Malaysia with the BMW X5. The local flagship BMW X5 now beats with a 4.8L V8 petrol engine under its hood. This upgraded powerplant punches out a combo of 355hp/475Nm. The other petrol engine in the BMW X5 3.0si, is a �classical� in-line six cylinder capable of 272hp/315Nm. The modern turbo-diesel X5 3.0d spins out the highest torque of the three siblings i.e. 500Nm starting at 2000rpm through to 2750rpm. Horsepower generated from oil burning is a respectable 218hp.

The retail prices on-the-road without insurance (with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new X5s are:
3.0si � RM548,000
3.0d � RM558,000
4.8i - RM888,000

Naza-Brabus Centre Bangsar

The sole distributor and exclusive franchise holder for BRABUS in Malaysia and Singapore, Naza-Brabus Motor Sdn Bhd has officially opened its new Brabus centre at Jalan Ara in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

With almost 18,000 square feet of space, this 3-storey building houses BRABUS operations office, sales showroom, tuning centre, accessories & merchandise showcase, an audio visual showroom and a French lifestyle caf�. The spanking new outlet was officiated by Minister of Federal Territories, YB Dato� Zulhasnan Rafique on May 17th 2007.

The opening of the new BRABUS landmark signifies the company�s confidence for the high end market�s growth and its commitment in bringing the full range of BRABUS automotive products and designer accessories, not merely as a distributor but as a complete one-stop centre.

�BRABUS is a symbol of lifestyle, especially for those who aspire and have achieved excellence and distinction in their lives,� said Tan Sri Dato� Seri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, Chairman of Naza Group of Companies. �Currently we have about 400 BRABUS owners in Malaysia and we will continue to provide the highest quality of customer service.�

To complement the huge investment of the new complex, Naza-Brabus have sent out staff for an intensive training so that every individual at this centre are well versed with instruments and gadgets in the vehicles. Further training and certification programs with BRABUS for 20 various skills personnel in all aspects of sales, after-sales and customer quality assurance ensure that target objectives are met.

�BRABUS is known for its lavish association with high technology, high performance and luxurious lifestyle,� said Tan Sri Nasimuddin. The luxury brand has been voted as �Best Brand 2007 in Tuning category� by readers of German�s leading automotive publication �Auto Motor und Sport� for two consecutive years apart from holding the world�s fastest car record since 1997 with the latest BRABUS Rocket V12 S biturbo topping speeds of 365.7km/h! The BRABUS Rocket is �The World�s Fastest Street-Legal Sedan� in 2006.


The new Brabus Bangsar Centre is targeted to be a lifestyle centre, a place of social gathering, on top of exploring tuning options and customizing your vehicle. The showroom can display up to 10 of BRABUS models from its Premier Line range to its highest range of high performance vehicles imported from the Brabus factory in Germany.

The BRABUS Premier Line launched early this year, is an entry level to the Brabus lifestyle where standard Mercedes-Benz are customized locally using imported Brabus accessories which are original and warranted. Part of the standard modification includes the BRABUS aerodynamic bodykit, exhaust system and monoblock rims.

Nevertheless, owners can further choose other Brabus range of customization that is both interior and exterior to build his own vehicle that is unique and reflecting of his image. The new centre would feature a wide showcase of imported Brabus accessories that motoring enthusiasts can choose and match to their vehicles (both Premier Line and Imported vehicles from Germany).

For the first time outside of Germany and in Asia, Naza-Brabus now offer enthusiastic owners the opportunity to tune standard Mercedes-Benzes for greater performance using Brabus technology right here in Malaysia. The performance upgrade would increase torque output by up to 15%. The required tuning would be done by trained Brabus specialist with warranty provided up to two years or 100,000 kilometres.

Brabus Centre Bangsar also features the Brabus Collection showcase ranging from clothing to caps to bags that suits men, women and children. The year round collection is in-line with the upmarket shopping haven that is Bangsar.

Further complementing the centre�s luxury and refined automobile lifestyle is an audio visual room, first of its kind for an automotive showroom. The following was developed in partnership with Bang & Olufsen, an internationally renowned luxury audio visual and telecommunication brand with 81 years of history in the making. The audio visual room would feature the latest and most exclusive lifestyle audio visual equipment that would satisfy the most distinctive individuals that appreciates the finer things in life. The room would also provide first time visitors the complete audio and visual experience to the Brabus brand. Another partnership established at the centre, is a little French caf� that would complement the high society lifestyle of Brabus owners.

The largest world-renowned tuner and specialist vehicle manufacturer that produces stimulating and exciting ultra-performance vehicle based on Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach models in now represented in the affluent suburb of Bangsar.

For further information, call 03-2287 3999 or visit www.naza-brabus.com.my

2008 Kia Picanto

By Dr Long

The cute little Kia Picanto has undergone a mid-cycle facelift to refresh its looks and renew buyers� interest. Nicking aesthetic cues from the Kia Cee�d, minor updates are made on the interior. Meanwhile, the front now sports a visibly �softer� visage, mostly contributed by a set of rounder headlamps and slimmer-lower-wider grille. Apart from a redesigned rear bumper, the rear light�s elements has been rearranged. The 2008 Picanto is now 40 mm longer - a total length of 3,535 mm � with most of the extra length contributed by the extended frontal fascia and slightly bulkier rear bumper. Engine range and wheelbase however, remain the same.

With NAZA assembling and rebadging the pre-facelift Picanto as the Suria, and likely committed to a certain contracted number of CKD packs from South Korea, it is unlikely that Malaysians will see the facelifted Picanto as the �new� Naza Suria anytime soon.