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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced that they will be giving away a brand-new Beetle in its “Win the Icon” Instagram contest. The contest, which is held in conjunction with the brand's year-long celebration of one of the world's most iconic car will be held from 1 st October till 30 th November 2019. So test drive any Volkswagen and drive away with an icon.
Showing posts with label test drive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label test drive. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Volkswagen launches ‘Win the Icon’ contest - Test Drive Any Volkswagen and Win a Beetle
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced that they will be giving away a brand-new Beetle in its “Win the Icon” Instagram contest. The contest, which is held in conjunction with the brand's year-long celebration of one of the world's most iconic car will be held from 1 st October till 30 th November 2019. So test drive any Volkswagen and drive away with an icon.
Monday, August 19, 2019
VIDEO (+ Written Report Here): The First Drive Experience With The New 2019 Proton Saga Facelift - 1.3 Premium AT Tested and Featuring YS Khong
Here is our latest video folks! As stated in an earlier article, where I featured Malaysian Rally Champion YS Khong's review of the 2019 Proton Saga facelift I was in the midst of preparing Motoring Malaysia's video of the first drive experience in this A segment sedan. I must say this this is the best A segment sedan on the market today in terms of how it drives.
Watch the video to
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Video: Watch Malaysian Rally Champ YS Khong Review The Facelifted 2019 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium AT - With Yours Truly Riding Shotgun
Here is a video review of the new 2019 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium facelift by YS Khong, multiple time Malaysian Rally Champion and all round nice guy. I was lucky enough to be partnered with him during the recent the new car's media drive sometime last week. The Motoring Malaysia video is currently being rendered out on the 'puter as I type and you will see what I think of the new Saga once it
Monday, August 5, 2019
VIDEO: One Lap Track Review of the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera S (992) at the Sepang Circuit
We have another video out folks. If you follow our Facebook page, our Instagram feed or our YouTube channel directly, you would have caught parts of it or the whole thing already. But if you haven't, here is another place where you are informed of our latest video - the One Lap Track Review of the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera S (Type 992). This happened during the 2019 Porsche Sportscar
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Video: Test Drive of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe - This 7 Seater Does Perform Well, Especially in the 2.2Liter Turbodiesel Form!
So I recently got to try out the All-New 2019 4th generation Hyundai Santa Fe recently. The try out happened during the recent media drive of the 7 seater SUV which took a bunch of media type folks from Batu 3 in Shah Alam and into the Malaysian countryside where we did a spot of off-roading in both the 2.4liter Petrol and 2.2liter CDRi turbodiesel variants. The Santa Fe performed quite
Monday, July 1, 2019
VIDEO: 2019 BMW M2 Competition Track Test / Drive Experience at the Sepang Circuit
This is the video of my track test / session on the Sepang Circuit with the 2019 BMW M2 Competition. As I've stated in the launch article, which has a written part of this drive experience, the compact coupe is sublime. The car feels like something ol' skool as the 3.0liter twin turbocharged in-line six feels so lag free and full of throttle response. Go read it here if you haven't.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Short Drive: The Volvo Trucks FH 440 Prime Mover With Tanker Trailer - I drive one on a Racetrack in Thailand
The Kaeng Krachan Circuit on the outskirts of Hua Hin, Thailand is a wonderful place to be driving anything. It is about 3.2km in length and has tight turns and undulations. It has nicely cambered corners, dips and crests that one can play with whilst driving on it.
Volvo Trucks let me drive one of their prime movers on this race track. I would have liked a nice hot hatch but beggars can't be choosers. So thank you so very, very much whilst we are at it. The Volvo Truck in question was the latest Volvo FH 440 Sleeper Cab. The 440 means 440hp and about 2200nm torque from a Volvo D13A 13,000cc in-line 6 cylinder turbocharged engine. It runs the power it makes through a Volvo I-shift automated transmission unit that has 12 forward speeds. There are a heck of a lot of power and drivetrain configurations for the Volvo FH, from the 13liter 400hp engine to a 16liter 610hp /2800nm trucker's dream machine special coupled with either the I-shift automatic, a 12 speed and a 14speed manual transmissions to play around with.
Inside the FH series is also a nice place to be if you are a long haul driver. We Malaysians do not get the FH series officially at the moment and only the FM and FMX ranges for now. I suppose this is because the FH are the full monty long haul trucks that are great for intercontinental distances or cross border transport. The FM trucks are good enough for use within Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah - Sarawak routes. But a fully specific long haul truck offers much more in terms of driver comfort that it even makes sense for companies to use the Volvo FH on all trips that criss-cross the Malaysian Peninsular or that cross Sabah and Sarawak. The added height of the FH's cabin offers better driver mobility and usable space as well as more visibility outside. More comfort means less fatigue. Better for those trips anywhere.
Trucks and lorries have come a long way since the days where you see them using wooden cabins, doors without windows and makeshift steel framed, rubber strands casual recliners as their driver's seat. Everything is now done in comfort for long hauls. You only need to climb up three steps into the FH 440 and you're the king of the road. Everything is automated. The I-shift is very intelligent as its namesake. The Volvo Dynamic Steering is really dynamic and as per their advertisements, a hamster could actually turn the steering wheel. Effort is minimised so that the driver can pay more attention to the surroundings.
Speaking of visibility from the cabin, the view from the driver's seat is excellent. It offers a clear view of things and all the wing mirrors that allows you to keep an eye on the tanker trailer that sits behind you. And rest of the interior is well thought of. This is my first time getting into a Volvo FH as well as driving it and everything easily falls into place. The instrument cluster is very legible with all important information clear to see (this is somehow better than Volvo Truck's closest competitor actually). Everything is ergonomically sound once you're in the driver's seat. Dig those red seatbelts too. Funky. So long haul should be far less stressful in my opinion.
The Kaeng Krachan Circuit is tight and meant for smaller vehicles. So it was not a place for speeding especially with a truck pulling a loaded trailer. But you can feel that 10 tons of water out back is a walk in the park for something with over 2,000Nm of torque. The shifts are quite smooth once you press the accelerator and get underway. Without the trailer in tow this could be ballistic. And very scary too. Or powahhhhhhhhhhh down the straight. Hmm...ideas... And here we were in Thailand for the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015. Oh well, safety first. And half a million Ringgit worth of truck to think about too. So instead of aiming for the apex, you don't. When you drive a truck pulling a trailer it is wide, wide, wide and make sure that the trailer stays on the tarmac instead of eating grass. Or barrier. Or cone. Or...
So if you get into a situation, the brakes on this Volvo FH work well. On a downhill stretch of the circuit the EBS working in tandem with the truck's ABS would safety modulate the truck I was driving with a ten ton load of water (simulating load carried whilst on a commute). Steering is light and responsive and it is easy to place the truck and its trailer with ease on the tight race track (thanks to the properly positioned wing mirrors - always remember you are driving something with a trailer out back as well as your width, girth and center of gravity).
If you were driving this rig on the highways of Malaysia or Thailand it would be quite nice in something like this. Something that all truckers should aspire for. A drive in a well equipped long haul specced truck. Now go lobby your bosses for something like this as I heard that Volvo Trucks is thinking of bringing in the FH into Malaysia soon (especially if the open border trade agreements regarding AFTA comes into play).
I really dig the red seatbelts!!!!
Instead of hitting the apex you have to go wide, wide, wide so that the trailer can have enough room to turn!!!
Friday, June 19, 2015
TEST DRIVE: 2015 Ford Mondeo 2.0L GTDi EcoBoost - A great drive underneath layers of refinement
I have been swamped with things recently. Aside from trying to get a business venture off the ground, the usual work related activities and the usual family matters there have been an onslaught of automotive related events over the past few weeks here in and around the Klang Valley. A heck of a lot of automotive related companies has decided to make sure their product is launched, made aware of or previewed before the fasting month of Ramadan.
I attended or was invited to car launches, battery launches, website launches, this and that events all related to the automotive industry. There were also those that I was not invited to go but even so I am glad I wasn't as I wouldn't have a life aside from the automotive industry. That would be ridiculous, as I do believe in having a holistic lifestyle and one which does not only revolve around cars, buses or trucks. A man needs his other hobbies too you know. As well as lots of other indoor and outdoor toys too.
In between all of that, I was handed the 2015 Ford Mondeo 2.0L GTDi EcoBoost for a few days to evaluate. And evaluate it I did. The only problem was the time I needed to bash out a review due to the amount of stuff happening. Of course, now that everything has now slowed down slightly due to it being the month of Ramadan, this review is back on track. Oh, the trials and tribulations of life. I could just be giving excuses here in order to convince myself why this review is taking its sweet time.
So I suppose you just just ignore the three paragraphs above then as the actual review of the Ford starts here. The 2015 Ford Mondeo was very recently launched in Malaysia. It is the fourth generation Mondeo and we only had the pleasure of receiving the one prior to this model previously. This Mondeo however is based on the American 2013 onwards Ford Fusion with a very liberal dose of European Ford engineering (that we are more used to) thrown into it. Styling of the car builds on the previous generation Mondeo with the latest Ford corporate styling. This means that it has the same styling cues as the smaller Fiesta and Focus that we see on our roads.
The Ford Mondeo we get is the 2.0L GTDi Ecoboost in the 4 door sedan body. Over in Europe, they get the option of a 5 door hatchback as well as a station wagon. The Mondeo there also comes with various powerplants ranging from the 1.0l Ecoboost petrol we see in the Fiesta, a 1.6l Ecoboost petrol and three turbodiesel engines – 1.5, 1.6 & a 2.0. They have a hybrid sedan too. Here, the Mondeo comes with one engine and transmission option, the 2.0liter direct injection turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that makes 240ps and 345Nm torque with a 6 speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Ford Mondeo's styling is basically an evolution of the previous generation Mondeo. It gets Ford's current Aston Martin like corporate grille and features a long streamlined look to it. The styling differs slightly from the earlier model in that it is less fussy in nature and more cohesive looking. It is a big car and it runs on a 235/50/17 tyre and wheel combo that surprisingly does not make it look undertyred. I think it is down to the low and rakish design coupled with that curvy roofline. That Aston Martin-esque front end also makes it truly handsome at most angles. One of the nicer looking large sedans on the market today.
The interior is more upmarket than I remember any Ford model to date. It is said that Ford has spruced things up with the Mondeo so that buyers over in Europe would come back to the brand for their large family cars. The dashboard isn't too fashion forward like in some Fords and is quite mature and business-like in nature with high quality plastics, materials that are good to the touch and look good too. There is a nice to grasp steering wheel and other controls. The doors have a nice weight to it as well as a nice thud when you close it.
There are only two real gripes I have with the well designed interior (which is a step or two more premium than before). The first is that is looks a little bit plain even if the material quality is there. If Ford wants to win back customers from the lower priced and more premium badged German rivals, a little bit more aluminium trimming or piano black stuff here and there would be good. There is only a little piano black surrounding the gear lever and the muted 'titanium' trim surrounding the centre console, vents and door handles could be made a little brighter in terms of tone. The plastic around the large multimedia display and the climate controls could have also had some extra garnishing. It could be a little too sombre to be truly attractive.
The second little aspect is that luxury or premium products should not have advertising on it. There is no doubt in my mind the Sony touch screen multimedia system with its Microsoft SYNC based software works and sounds wonderful. But I would prefer if Ford used a smaller font for the Sony logo located just under the screen. I feel is a little too much product marketing. The same goes to the metal plaque stating Microsoft Sync on it. The only marketing it would actually need is that customers tell that the systems work fine, sound great and is easy to use. It's like wearing that Polo Shirt with the horse plastered all over your chest. The big one that you can find these days. Not the tiny horse that's almost invisible. Premium products shouldn't need to shout out it's worth. It has to be subtle in doing so.
Anyway, everything else works well inside the car. Interior space is more than adequate. Larger than some other cars in the market. Being a Ford packaging and space utilisation is excellent. Even though there is a full sized spare tyre, boot space is wide and long. The all important driving position is good, I would prefer that the seats go an inch or so lower but when you're actually driving the car, visibility is great all around and there is a commanding type of driving position which starts feeling natural when you are driving the car.
Driving the Ford Mondeo
On the move the car is very quiet. And because of that it is deceptively slow. Ford Europe have changed its philosophy when it comes to how it makes large sedans. I think this is due to the fact that this Mondeo is a global car. This means it has to cater to the American market as well as the Europeans and us Asians too. What the Mondeo has evolved into is something that is very refined but does not have that pin point accuracy in terms of steering over the previous model.
This car is supremely quiet and hushed. I think that it is on par with something like a BMW 5 series or a Mercedes E-class in terms of rolling comfort and noise levels. The suspension is taut but comfortable. The Mondeo's suspension actually breathes so well that is can handle most of the road undulations, dips and crests at speed with ease. And this is with the passive, non adaptive suspension setup that is sold here in Malaysia (there is an option over in Europe). Ride and body control are also so good that in both long sweeping corners or tight ones with dips and crests are handled with ease. No crashy suspension or the need to really over concentrate when on a fast B-road drive.
The only bugbear I could actually notice is the rubbery EPAS (Electrically Power Assisted Steering). The first in a Mondeo. It (of course) lacks feel but it is also a tad bit rubbery off centre. Not the most feelsome tool for the job but it is accurate. I personally put accuracy and weighting over feel and at least Ford got part of it right. There are some other large sedans with better steering than this. So there is room for improvement here in the next generation of when it is time for a facelift.
The most surprising thing about this car is the overall refinement. The levels are high. Maybe this is why it feels a little subdued compared to previous large Fords. What I mean by high can be highlighted in the fact that when I first got into it and started driving, it did not feel like it had 240ps, 345Nm of torque to play around with. Everytime I floored the throttle and accelerated from a start, the car felt like something pedestrian. Something that did the 100kmh dash from naught in about 9 seconds instead of the actual 7 seconds when I actually timed it. I think the comfy ride, the hushness and that normal torque convertor gearbox lulled me into thinking that this was a normal uncle-mobile. I was wrong.
The Mondeo also has a traditional torque convertor gearbox instead of a fancy dual clutch setup like the previous model. It actually makes the car have smoother but slightly slower gear changes. This actually suits this Mondeo's more refined and premium demeanor. I think haing a traditional automatic assists in the car's overall refinement and premium feel instead of asserting an overtly sporting drive like the previous model. But then again, this gearbox actually downshifts for you in aggressive driving (no need to play with its flappy pedals which are there if you want to do so) and also shifts up and down quickly for an automatic, so it isn't some lazy automatic. It may lack the immediacy of the dual clutch, but I like the trade off that such a traditional gearbox gives you - added reliability and refinement (as who the heck blasts around B-roads most of the time in a D segment car in Malaysia).
But how slow would the gearbox be if 0-100kmh was achieved slightly under 7 seconds and cruising at 180-200kmh was achieved relatively easy. In and around the newly opened Mitsui Factory Outlet in Sepang the car demolished the undulating (and bumpy) roads with ease. Yes, that steering was a little rubbery, but that chassis breathed the roads with ease. I was having a normal conversation with a friend of mine and we were hitting the sweeping corners without flinching or having the need to concentrate hard. It is a very, very engaging car once you get the feel of it. Again, its the refinement that disguises the Mondeo's capabilities.
This car has layers which you would need to peel away before it shines in terms of ride, handling and performance. I could get used to living with one for a while.
So therefore, the Ford Mondeo is like an onion. Get beneath the skin, start peeling away and its all the goodness is there. Of course, unlike an onion, the Mondeo also looks good in a parking lot. Top marks for the car then.
The only large issue is the price asked – RM203,711.20 on the road with insurance (less if you have full NCB). With competitors in the D segment coming in at under RM140,000, it could be a tough sell. But if you are actually in the market for something stealthy, quieter and faster than most of the D segment cars selling from RM140,000 to RM205,000. Nothing new can touch this. In fact, if you are one of those who want something as refined as any of the German brands sold today but without the branding, (both in the compact executive – C-class or A4 or the D segment Executive – E-class, 5 series sized) this is as quiet, drives just as well as those mentioned and is cheaper.
Pros: Good looks, quality interior, good refinement, good handling, engine performance is strong
Cons: Some product advertising from the infotainment and software systems makers that Ford should forego, rubbery steering, more luxury trimming would be good, price is the highest among the D segment aside from the luxury German brands
Conclusion: A brilliant effort by Ford. Wish it were cheaper to procure.
Specification
Engine - 2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged
Transmission: 6 speed automatic
Power
240ps @ 5300rpm
345Nm @2300rpm - 4900rpm
0-100kmh - 6.9seconds (tested)
Top Speed: 240kmh (manufacturer's figures)
Fuel consumption (combined) : 10.3l/100km (tested) 8.0l/100km (claimed)
Equipment
7 airbags, ABS, EBA, ESC, HLA, TCS , adaptive cruise control, dual zone climate control, lane keeping alert and aid, rear view camera, Sony infotainment system, microsoft SYNC II, adaptive LED headlights
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia organises off-road experience - So I got to try the Range Rover Sport
Managing Director of JLRM, Tuan Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali said that the event was meant to help owners and prospective owners to appreciate the Land Rover brand as well as realise and experience the fullest capabilities of the vehicles. So under guidance of certified Land Rover instructor Mr Kenneth Yap, the owners, prospects and media took to the muddy off road circuit laid out for them.
The participants were taught the off-road driving basics such as understanding vehicle dimensions, clearance limitations, how to tackle hills, ruts, ditches, traversing slopes, crossing deep water and elephant steps. Lots of technical stuff that all Land Rovers can actually tackle including the very on-road biased Range Rover Evoque (pictured above). You would not have imagined the chic little SUV to be able to do mud crawling but it did. I don't need to say anything about the iconic Defender, which showed off its anti stall capabilities where you could walk it like a dog with the driver steering from outside of it as it crawls on its own pace.
The Instructors also shared Land Rover's 'Fragile Earth' philosophy, which stressed that good off-road driving meant getting to the destination without harming people and damaging the environment and the vehicle. I.e, you don't simply chop up the jungle you're in just to get to the other side.
The Range Rover showing its worth.
Driving the Range Rover Sport 3.0 V6 Supercharged Petrol
This, is what a Range Rover should look like in these parts of the world
First launched in 2013, the Range Rover Sport takes its styling cues from the current full sized Range Rover as well as the smaller Evoque. This premium Sport Utility Vehicle is a very capable vehicle on road as well as off road with its adaptive and height adjustable air suspension. Unlike some other brands, a Range Rover still excels off-road. It may spend most of its time at country clubs, hotel lobbies or for other mundane on road duties it never forgets its off-road roots. The car, can climb gradients, slopes, ruts, bumps and most rought terrain even on its road biased tyres. Yes, the track isn't super hard core, but it covers most aspects of off-roading without the need for real knobby tyres and winches.
We utilised all of its gizmos to get it through the circuit and on muddy surfaces, the SUV excelled. No issues with traction. Even when we were sliding around, this 2144kg luxury SUV was a breeze to handle. The supercharged power helped. Just a prod is enough. It has 340ps and 450Nm torque to play around. A slight whine of the supercharger pulley tells you that it is working but nothing really gets loud or noisy. It could give junior hot hatches a workout. 0-100kmh in 7.2seconds and a maximum speed of 210kmh.
Inside, even whilst traversing ditches, ruts and alternating holes or bumps, the car is refined. The driver's seat is also a nice place to be in with a commading driving position and enough adjustments to be truly comfortable. I do believe that the height adjustable air suspension works well in keeping the car in order. As does the Terrain Response systems and Active Dynamics. When I was seated at the rear, I could still keep on typing messages through my smartphone.
Actually a whole lot of stuff is adjustable in the Range Rover Sport. It is a gadget lover's dream. I also have to add that the Range Rover Sport isn't something really different from the usual bunch of European cars that most of us are used to. Quite similar and reassuring.
The overall ambiance inside the Range Rover Sport is strikingly similar to what most of us have experienced in the German brands (which is usually the default choice when buying a luxury vehicle in these parts of the world). You could say that it has that Germanic feel to it. It does not feel like something totally British (or Indian since TATA owns JLR) like Range Rovers from days gone by. It feels like what most of us are used to in terms of feel and tactility. No English drawing room feel these days. It is all neat, ergonomic and tidy. Like we are used to. But this isn't a bad thing. The Range Rover Sport still has a sense of occasion. It has road presence and it also has that interior presence that you'd want from owning a luxury vehicle.
Of course, the controls and switchgear is also nice to touch, caress and fondle. Everything feels premium. From the leather seats, steering wheel to the dashboard. It feels right, but I had wished that this 3.0 supercharged variant's interior had the light coloured wood inlays like the larger 5.0liter version as the cabin was all black. It felt good but a little too monotone. Small matter, as everything worked perfectly. But you do have to get used to the slightly confusing (at first) gear lever and its numerous controls and buttons right beside it. I suppose you do need to either read the darn owner's manual or spend a good half an hour figuring out which button does what. Yes. It is a very, very, very complicated piece of machinery and technology with tons of settings and option menus to select. Do bear that in mind folks. You need to know what you're getting into if you want one in your garage.
If the Sport came with proper off-road tyres it would be a walk in a park as it had an answer for most off-road situation that was thrown at it. Then when it was time to head back to the gathering point which was located a few hundred meters away, we just lowered the Sport down to normal ride height setting and blasted off. On the road it was cossetting, quiet and comfortable. Unfazed about what it just went through and its passengers cocooned from the outside world till it was time to open the door and exit its cozy interior.
It was all dried mud on the outside, but totally luxurious on the inside with only our muddy shoes as proof of us stepping in and out of the Sport. I loved the time I spent in the Sport. It also has some semblance of character and that quite elusive sense of occasion in cars that are sorely lacking these days. For a SUV that had normal road biased tyres and a slightly hefty pricetag of RM857,888, it still felt so right plugging around in the muddy tracks located around the Sepang F1 Circuit. The only thing I really wanted was a nicer pricetag. But we can't have them all can't we.
In short, the 2015 Range Rover Sport 3.0 V6 Supercharged is an extremely nice place to be in whether you are driving or seated at the back. I suppose you may balk at its slightly enormous pricetag. But if you can afford it, by all means do so.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Test Drive: Facelifted Peugeot 3008 SUV
I got my hands on a facelifted Peugeot 3008 SUV recently. This car, was a car that in my opinion truly needed a facelift. When it first came out back in 2009 I have to say that it was one ugly looking crossover vehicle. It was the automotive equivalent of a hippopotamus to me. But that being said, it was successful for Peugeot and won some awards for them too. They sold over 500,000 units of the crossover that really combines a large hatchback, a mini MPV and a SUV together.
But now things are a little better. In 2014 Peugeot facelifted the 3008. It gets a new front end which now sports the current Peugeot family looks and looks more like the 508, 5008 and the new 308. The front grille is no longer an extremely large smiley grille. There are new headlights that have LED daytime running lights up front and a new LED rear light cluster too. The facelifted 3008 looks a little more sleeker and is definitely more pleasing to look at in my eyes. It still is a little dumpy looking as it has to pull out from its bag of tricks interior space, SUV height and other practical needs yet still look decent. So it does have some awkwardness if you look at it at some angles. But this facelifted 3008 is so much better than before. Less opinion dividing than the previous version. So in terms of looks, I could live with this facelifted 3008 for a while.
As for the interior, you still get the same black interior as before. But you do get tons of equipment. Peugeot Malaysia has specced up the car pretty well in that you get a proper info-tainment system with navigation (USB, Bluetooth etc), a reverse camera, park sensors and pretty decent sound too. The screen for the system can show you a combination of the nav map with the radio settings or with a compass or one of the other. Its quite nice to look at. There is a heads-up display for the speedometer readout so that you don't have to look down at the meter cluster to check how fast you're going. There is also a full length panoramic roof with a cover that allows light into the cabin or not.
The quality of the interior is a mix of soft touch plastics, leather and hard plastics. Build quality, while looks decent on the surface there are some trimming that could have had better fitting than what was on the car. Another minor quirk about the 3008 is that all the radio and trip computer controls are located on stalks behind the steering wheel. You may have to fumble around a bit before you are used to the location of the stalks.
Of course, the most major quirk of this French crossover is the fact that Peugeot had decided not to change the basic architecture of the car when they made it in right hand drive form. You get the same thing in all of its cars from the 208, 308, 408, 508, 5008 and this 3008 sold here. The glovebox is tiny as half of it is occupied by the fuse box which is maintained during the shift from left to right hand drive. So was the bonnet lever which is located on the passenger side also. The armrest box is large and deep, but again the orientation is meant for left hand drive cars as it opens up to the driver and not away from the driver. More practical for the passenger instead of the driver. The cupholders up front are for cups. You can put 500ml mineral water bottles but they are smallish in size. No large tumblers here. You need to use the large door pockets for that. But there is a nice cubby hole that fits my cell phone nicely in the middle of the dashboard. So its a hit and miss in the storage department.
Overall space in the 3008 is quite like the 308 hatchback of which it is closely related to. The car does not share the same wheelbase, but neither is it that much of a difference – 2613mm or 3mm up from the 308. So rear legroom is similar to the smaller looking 308. It only enjoys lots of headroom, width and a more practical boot – which has a split tailgate and the option of a three position boot floor area (you can arrange the floor board to sit high so that it acts as a cover for a hidden compartment or as low as possible to make the most of the space). Oh, it basically does the normal 5 seater family crossover thing well. No seven seats here though.
Driving the 3008 SUV
The thing about the Peugeot 3008 is that it actually shares the 1.6liter turbocharged engine with a whole lot of other Peugeots sold here.We've seen the engine in the RCZ, the 508, the 5008, the 408 and the 308 to name a lot. Or a few. It makes things easy for Peugeot to produce and allows a smaller spare parts inventory for them. The only different is the state of tune for the engines. This 3008 comes with 165ps and 240Nm torque. Some get less – 156ps and some get 200ps in different states of tune. And here in Malaysia the 3008 comes with a practical 6 speed torque convertor gearbox with adaptive learning, sport mode and a 'manual tiptronic mode for those who want some extra interaction.
Now the performance of this approximately 1500kg crossover vehicle is quite good. Surprising in fact. It does 0-100kmh in a tried and tested 9.5seconds. Maximum speed is stated to be 202kmh and I managed to hit over 180kmh in it on some stretches of road. But at speeds above 150kmh on Malaysian roads, the 3008 felt a little floaty and required some concentration. Those that follow my writing would know that one criteria I have about road testing is that I always measure a car's capability on how fast it allows me to cruise in a relaxed manner that would require normal concentration instead of the extra focus for overly spirited driving . This crossover allows me to do so up to 150kmh easily. Which is actually a good figure if you factor our road conditions and traffic. And ride quality is very good as well as these speeds. Also bear in mind that it is a tall crossover and not a sporty hatchback.
But the great thing about this car is that it does feel sporty. It may actually ride stiffer and harsher on rough surfaces than what most would expect for a Peugeot or a family crossover, but this actually allows a tall SUV-like car to be hustled around corners pretty well. The steering is actually feelsome, precise and accurate. The 3008 grips well on sweeping corners and brakes well for something of its size. It grows on you the more you drive it and is surprisngly entertaining in the corners. Like its looks, the 3008 needs some time to warm up to you. But that being said, if you drive a Japanese or Korean crossover like you drive this 3008, you may end up in a ditch. The Japanese and Korean cars are softer and would not even see which way the 3008 came from and where it has gone. As a crossover, the 3008 handles and drives well for something tall and large.
Of course, there are some would think why on earth would an crossover vehicle need to be this agile and fast. Why the heck not? I suppose if you wanted a sporty crossover this would actually make sense. There is also a high level of refinement whilst driving it. There is a slight low speed drone from the 6 speed automatic but even at high speeds, wind noise and road noise it pretty much in check for a car of this price (and type). This is the car for those who have given up chasing their dreams of buying a sports car but still want something engaging to drive.
If you want a human equivalent of the abilities of the 3008 then I have to say that it is like the Hong Kong superstar Sammo Hung. He may be a little chubby, a little round, but boy, he really can kung-fu.
Pros:Refined at speed, really surprisingly handling, well equipped interior, looks so much better than before
Cons:Slightly hard ride at low speeds, some plastics a bit off, looks may still divide opinion
Conclusion: A surprisingly good drive. The crossover / SUV to buy if you really like driving.
Specifications:
2015 Peugeot 3008 SUV
Engine capacity: 1598cc 4 cylinder turbocharged - 165ps, 240Nm
Transmission: 6 speed adaptive automatic with sport and manual tiptronic function
Weight:approximately 1500kg
0-100kmh : 9.5 secs (tested)
Max speed: 202kmh (manufacturer's figures)
Fuel consumption: 10.0ltrs/100km urban (tested)
Price:RM153,888otr with insurance
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Test Drive: 2015 Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI Sport "Bug" Edition - The little bug that could
Not many cars end up being icons. These cars have something inherently unique about them that they end up being revered after a period of time. Some gain such a reputation by their performance. Some by their style and some manage to do both.
On one end of the scale, there are those icons like the Porsche 911. A car renowned for its performance and also its styling. It has become one of the benchmarks for a performance car and its silhouette is immediately recognisable. There are also cars like most Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. The mere whisper of their name sends motorheads weak in the knees. These are performance icons.
But the great thing about motoring is that iconic cars are not just limited to the supercars and the coupes. We also have iconic cars that started off as affordable cars. We have the Fiat 500, the Mini and the Volkswagen Beetle. These cars have styling and shape that is instantly recongnisable and somehow, these cars are also those that invoke memories of the good old days where a car meant a lot more than what it is today. And their design would seem to be evergreen in its outlook. Drive one of the cars mentioned above and you will still get warm looks and glances.
And so car manufacturers have realised this and you now see newer cars, having the same basic shape as the icons but made anew and modern for this day and age. I got to drive one of these icons recently - The Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI Sport.
The Beetle 1.2TSI is the second generation new Beetle. It takes after the original long lived version of the People's Car. It looks better than the 1998-2010 version and you get all of the retro touches like the original. The bulbous shape and the body coloured interior complete with a glovebox on the dashboard like the original.
The thing that I like about this current Beetle is the fact that it does not look like a car that only a girl could drive. The previous model was more feminine and upright in styling. This one is wider and lower. It still keeps the styling cues of the original but the translation from paper to metal is so much better than previously. Even Volkswagen stated that the reason why the Beetle looks like this is to attract more male buyers. I think they have hit the nail here as I somehow don't feel like I have the need to apply nailpolish or mascara and carry a handbag.
Volkswagen Malaysia currently brings in the Beetle in 1.2liter form at the moment. There is the 1.2 TSI Design at RM135,888++ and the 1.2 TSI Sport at RM140,888++. Both are powered by the same turbocharged 1.2liter TFSI engine that makes 105ps and 175Nm torque. This drives the front wheels via a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox. The difference between the Design and the Sport variants is that you get the standard equipment upgraded with some additional 'sporty' bits. It also gets LED daytime running lights in Sport.
The Sport bits include ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control over the standard controls, cruise control, front sports seats with height adjustment, lumbar support and seat heater, paddle shifter and an upgraded radio ‘RCD 510’ touch screen 6 CD changer with CD/MP3/WMA replay function instead of the RCD 310.
Oh. The version I tested had sporty stripes and the word 'Bug' written on the tailgate and on the stickers on its side too. Aptly so. This is the Beetle Bug Edition. The extra bits include genuine Volkswagen Bug side sill, side decals, body stripes and Bug logo for an extra RM6,000 over the Beetle Sport price mentioned above.
What's it like to drive?
Now the Volkswagen Beetle, codenamed A5, like most modern Volkswagen is based on a shared platform. It currently shares the same architecture as the current Volkswagen Jetta and the Mk 6 Golf. Inside you get the body coloured panels (in plastic), a leather wrapped steering wheel and typically legible instrumentation that is nice to the touch. The sports seats in this Sport variant are simply a very nice place to put your behind on. It has a ribbed leather finish that you'd also find in the Scirocco. Together with the adjustable tilt and reach steering, one could get properly comfy in them. The controls are light and easy to use and visibility is good because of the upright windscreen and airy glasshouse.
As this is a two door 'coupe' (with a rear hatch), getting in an out requires the front passenger/driver to get up from the seat which tilts and slides forward. Getting in an out is fairly easy as the space for doing so is pretty big. Even big boys like me can easily get in an out without suffering from a twisted spine or muscle sprains.
On the move you find that the Beetle 1.2 feels like a Mk 6 Golf TSI in terms of how it rides and goes over bumps. The suspension, multi links up front and a torsion beam at the rear (only the 2.0 version gets a multi link rear suspension) works fine on the highway, sweeping B roads and where things are smooth and flowing. When the road surfaces are a little bad or there are ripples on the tarmac, some of the irregularities are filtered into the cabin as road noise. But more on the tyre/road noise than actual suspension clobber or up-down secondary body movement. It likes better built surfaces. It is actually very Mk 6 Golf like in this aspect. Slightly down from the better riding Mk 7 Golf we have now. The Jetta which shares the same platform rides better because of the extra length in the wheelbase. But if you compare in general to the cars in the Beetle's pricetag, there is nothing really much to complain as it does not really do things badly. Just a tad bit average in terms of overall ride comfort.
Noise insulation is good in town and at most speeds. However, I took the car on an outstation jaunt to Muar over the weekend and on the more open highway, there was some wind buffeting right at the middle of the windscreen. Whilst there is no susceptibility to crosswinds in terms of handling, the slightly upright design of the windscreen may be the cause of the extra wind noise at speeds in excess of 130kmh.
In terms of high speed stability and tracking the Beetle 1.2 TSI is extremely stable for a car in the compact car category. Even on sweeping and undulating corners on the B roads around Muar the Beetle grips well and can be flung with some abandon. However it prefers smooth inputs rather than manhandling it. This means if you keep it smooth, the Beetle will be quite rewarding to drive. As for steering feel, the Beetle 1.2 TSI has a lack of it. It may have the proper weighting and it may be accurate, but has little feeedback. Much like a computer game. Somehow Volkswagen must have different teams tuning up the suspension of their cars as the Jetta which uses the same platform has better feel.
As for its engine performance, the Beetle 1.2 with DSG is claimed to hit 0-100kmh in around 10.9 seconds and have a top speed of 180kmh. I managed to hit both targets. Combined fuel economy on this car is claimed to be 5.9liters per 100km. Unfortunately, I only managed an average combined figure of 10.5liters per 100km. Blame my heavy right foot. Or the fact that this is still a 1.2liter engine trying to lug a car that weighs 1307kg empty. Whilst the turbocharged engine actually made me feel like I was driving something with at least a 1.8liter engine, it is still just a small engine that has just been milked by its road tester. I believe this is what caused the slightly bad fuel economy.
But this car is one with a big heart. Its performance was actually commendable for its small size. This Beetle may only have a 1.2liter heart, but it has one that is so very willing. Especially when coupled to that extremely fast DSG box which I found is better suited if left in 'Sports' mode. The normal mode feels a little lethargic. I suppose I like . It's like the little engine that could.
The Beetle 1.2 TSI Sport works well on so many grounds and it is the cheapest of the new incarnation of car icons here in Malaysia. Its rivals, the Fiat 500 isn't officially sold in Malaysia and the BMW Mini starts at RM148,000++. As a brand new car with funky rounded inviting bug-like looks, confident handling and premium car feel there is no car like it on the market. And for that, this Beetle gets a vote from me as one of those cars you buy for its styling over anything else.
Conclusion: An icon properly reinvented for our times
Pros: good looks, confident handling, ample performance from a 1.2liter engine
Cons: susceptible to some road noise, wind noise when faced with crosswinds, because its only a 1.2liter engine fuel economy may suffer if pushed, steering lacking in feel
2015 Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI Sport Bug Edition
0-100kmh - 10.9 seconds
Top speed - 180kmh (tested)
Average Fuel Consumption - 10.5liters/100km (Tested)
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