Honda CR-Z review

Honda Malaysia earlier this evening launched the CR-Z, making Malaysia the first country in Southeast Asia to offer the three-door hybrid hatch to car enthusiasts. The third Honda hybrid to be introduced in the country is priced at RM115,000 on the dot, on-the-road with insurance (or if you will, RM111,878, without insurance).


The Honda CR-Z is the world's first production hybrid vehicle to offer a 6-speed manual transmission. These six speeds reward CR-Z drivers with the perfect gear for every driving occasion — including a high final-drive ratio for excellent fuel efficiency[1]. From the S2000 to the Civic Si, Honda has considerable experience with 6-speed manuals. So it's no surprise that the CR-Z's 6-speed gearbox is as efficient as it is entertaining. Adding to the pleasure is an easy-to-grip, ergonomically shaped shift lever, finished in aluminum and black leather in the CR-Z EX.


Of all the hybrid systems out there, Honda's IMA system is the simplest, most compact design. Instead of having a separate alternator and starter motor like traditional internal-combustion engines, the IMA system combines the two functions in one with an electric motor that starts the engine, accelerates the car, recharges the battery and provides regenerative braking.

Audi Q3 review

Audi has officially unveiled the 2012 Audi Q3, a compact SUV that sits below the Q5 and Q7 in terms of positioning and size and of course pricing. Upon launch in its German home market in June after its public debut at theShanghai Motor Show next week, the Q3 will have to compete for sales with the BMW X1 and the upcomingMercedes-Benz GLK.

Underneath the handsome sheetmetal, adorned with familiar styling cues borrowed from its two larger siblings, resides the same platform that underpins the Volkswagen Tiguan. To provide the sporty drive that Audi promises, the weight count has been kept down with the use of aluminium for the bonnet and tailgate, with ultra-high strength steel used for the rest of the body; Audi states a kerb weight as low as 1500 kg.

At 4390 mm in length, 1830 mm in width and 1600 mm in height, the Q3 is some 240 mm shorter, 50 mm narrower and 53 mm lower than the Q5, but Audi claims that the five occupants will be able to enjoy ample room that is on par with the Tiguan’s cabin, in addition to the quality expected of an Audi. Storage capacity extends from 460 litres to 1365 litres.

The Q3 will be offered with three 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, each equipped with turbocharging, direct injection and auto start-stop system: a 177 hp 2.0 TDI, a 170 hp 2.0 TFSI and a 211 hp 2.0 TFSI. Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard for all three variants. A 140 hp 2.0 TDI is set to join the engine range later on

Mercedes latest car

The 2012 CLS-Class is a 4-door, 4-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the CLS550 to the CLS63 AMG.

Upon introduction, the CLS550 is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 402-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The CLS63 AMG is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 518-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2012 CLS-Class is redesigned for 2012.

Audi A8 review : The greatest giant product

There’s a new limo in town, and it’s one with four rings. Here to challenge the S-Class and 7-Series is the new Audi A8, which we first saw late in 2009, making it the youngest of the German limos. Euromobil has opted to import the long wheelbase A8 L version with a 3.0 TFSI engine, priced at RM658,800 OTR without insurance.This price is rather reasonable, when one considers that the BMW 740Li, which like the A8 has forced induction and six cylinders, is priced at RM818,800. The less powerful Mercedes-Benz S350L is priced at RM835,888. The A8′s supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 engine makes 290 hp and 420 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 4,850 rpm, which gives it a surprising turn of speed.0-100 km/h is done in just 6.2 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/h. That young gun in his GTI will have to think twice…

The fact that the A8 L 3.0 TFSI manages to be just 0.2 sec slower to 100 km/h than the 740Li, which has more power and torque, is partly due to its lighter weight. Audi’s flagship uses the aluminium Audi Space Frame, which is about 40% lighter than a regular steel structure, says Ingolstadt. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 9.3 litres per 100 km.
Drive is channeled to the quattro AWD system (40:60 by default, up to 80% to the rear and 60% to the front depending on conditions) via a new 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. This gearbox improves fuel consumption by 6% over the old six speeder. Audi Drive Select is standard here.Size wise, this 5.27-metre L version of the A8 has a 13 cm longer wheelbase to make 3,122 mm, which is about 90 mm shorter than the LWB 7er. Privileged rear seat bosses get to enjoy two power adjustable seats and a large centre console, besides four-zone climate control and selectable ambient lighting. Ventilation and massage functions, rear screens, a folding table and a cool box are options.

Audi A6 review

Audi’s new A6 seems determined to put in a serious challenge to BMW’s big-selling 5 Series. To put that in perspective, it outsold the Toyota Yaris, the Skoda Octavia and even the Renault Clio and was only 177 sales short of matching the VW Passat. Clearly not everyone is living hand to mouth in recessionary Ireland.

And that’s where the A6 comes in. The bosses at Audi’s hometown of Ingolstadt are not going to let BMW run away with the premium market. And with this class of car now outselling many superminis, the A6 is arguably as important to the four-ringed brand as its supposed volume models, like the A3 and the A4.

The first notable feature about the new A6 is its styling. We never really rated its predecessor. It was something of a halfway house, neither as sporty as its Bavarian rival nor as prestigious as the E-Class, while the bulbous rear-end made it look slightly frumpy.