Bellzen Auto Associates

Honda CR-Z review

2011-11-14T01:00:00.001-08:00

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

2011-06-27T03:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Another desirable option is the 19-speaker, 14-channel amplified, 5:1 Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. If you don’t opt for that, a 14-speaker Bose system isn’t bad either. By the way, the MMI system on the A8 employs a touchpad that you can write on with your fingers, among other uses.

Audi A6 review

2011-04-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

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.

In contrast, the new nose gives the car a slightly menacing look, but the overall effect is far more impressive than with any of the previous generations. Another boon that it’s not simply a larger version of the A4, though to appreciate that you really need to see it in the metal. It’s also better looking than the firm’s new flagship A8.

Comparisons with the A8 don’t end there, for the interior is at a standard we’ve come to expect from this company. Audi has been steadily earning a reputation for the highest-quality interiors in the premium segment, and the new A6 maintains that lead. The quality of the switchgear surpasses all its German rivals’ and has a lot less bling than the Jaguar, for example. It’s subtle, measured and ultimately premium.

Up front is a range of revised and updated engines, the most important of which is the one we tested for most of the week: an updated 2-litre TDI diesel that’s based on the established power train well known in the Audi range but with a few tricks up its sleeve. For a start power output has been increased to 177bhp, but the real boon for Irish buyers is that it drops 10g/km in emissions, pushing its motor tax down to the second-lowest bracket, with a bill of just €156, the same as its equivalent BMW rival.

It’s a sweet, smooth power train that mixes comfort with ample power when you kick down on the throttle. Though not quite as powerful on paper as its BMW counterpart, it never feels the slightest bit tardy. It’s at its best in the mid-rev range, and plenty of power is on tap for overtaking. One gripe we would have is the engine noise from cold – not quite as sound-proofed as we would have hoped for – but it’s only really noticeable when outside the car and doesn’t intrude into the cabin.

The lower emissions are not simply down to engine developments, however. Much of this is directly related to weight-saving measures, particularly the large-scale use of aluminium. Once reserved for the A8, it’s now the metal of choice for the A6’s doors, bonnet, boot lid and wings, along with key underpinnings. The result is a sizeable drop in weight, thereby cutting emissions and fuel consumption.

It also helps with the car’s dynamics and should offer a sportier drive. However, the over-riding impression we got from the new A6 was one of comfort.

The handling characteristics are sharp, but its ethos seems to be about covering kilometres without asking much from the motorist. It can kick down and turn tight into corners, but arguably its strongest trait is getting you across country without leaving you feeling you’ve put in too much effort.

Although we were testing the manual version, an automatic with a CVT multitronic transmission, due in the next few months, will likely form the bulk of Irish sales. People here expect automatic in a car this size, though I would still suggest the manual version is not to be disregarded that easily. Admittedly, I have never been a fan of the multitronic transmission, so that might influence our view on the matter.

Jaguar XF review

2010-05-20T04:23:00.000-07:00

There have been very few cars like the 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged, and that's a shame. Yet it's difficult to explain why this car is so special, so let's just start by describing what it is. You can order Jaguar's S-Type replacement in four flavors (more if you live in a diesel-friendly part of the world). The first and least expensive comes with Jag's tried-and-true 4.2-liter V8 for $52,000, although we're told that the 4.2-liter is now out of production, so get 'em while they're hot. For $5,000 more, you can get the company's new direct-injected 5.0-liter V8 with 385 horsepower, which is most assuredly worth every penny.

Skipping ahead one, the fourth and final flavor is the top cat XFR, equipped with a 510-hp supercharged and monsterized version of the 5.0-liter V8 for $80,000. Put another way, that's $23,000 for an extra 125 horsepower. Worth the stretch? Honestly, when are we not going to tell you to buy a 510-hp vehicle? However, there is a third flavor and it's called the XF Supercharged. Starting at $68,000, the XF Supercharged comes with the same 5.0-liter supercharged V8 as the XFR, albeit "detuned" down to 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque.

We know we shouldn't be shocked, but come on. We are living in seriously miraculous times if 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque is the detuned version of anything. That's quite nearly Nissan GT-R power, and Godzilla is a supercar killer. Oddly, Jaguar has decided not to make a big deal out of the release of this car (i.e. no launch) and that's a shame, because as you've probably surmised by now, the engine alone makes the XF Supercharged pretty special. Keep reading to learn why this is the Goldilocks of the XF range. In other words, just right.

ABT polish the Volkswagen Golf GTI

2009-10-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

German tuner ABT Sportsline has announced its new performance upgrades for the Volkswagen Golf VI GTI, which includes new bodykit alongside with a series of engine and other mechanical upgrades. Under the hood, by using optimized engine management (ABT POWER) ABT has managed to squeeze 50 more hp from the engine, taking it from 210 hp (154 kW) up to 260 hp (191 kW). And that’s not all, because ABT also offers the ABT POWER S package, which includes a turbocharger and takes the Golf VI GTI up to 300 hp (221 kW). With the POWER S kit, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around six seconds. To ensure a more sporty and safe driving, the German tuner also fitted the GTI with ABT chassis springs (the car’s center of gravity is lowered by 30 mm) and a powerful ABT braking system.
Another highlight of the package is the body kit, which makes the car’s look a lot more aggressive and also improves its aerodynamics. It includes new front apron, front lip, front grille and ABT daytime running lamps, new rear spoiler and rear apron and diagonal 4-pipe exhaust system. The final touch is given by the carbon steel grey metallic paintwork, which looks very, very good. Of course, ABT also offers a range of interior upgrades which further improve the car’s sporty feeling.

The best car cockpit

2009-10-09T16:04:00.001-07:00

If Nissan has its way, your next car's cockpit will look like an star fighter, straight out of a Macross remake.

This is the Nissan Land Glider, an electric car with two seats. it has a narrow body, which Nissan says will help reduce traffic congestion by allowing more cars in the same city space, as well as making parking easier. It has a balancing system to make it stable as it takes curves, compensating for inertia with the car's body movement.

Subaru unveil a new hybrid concept

2009-10-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Subaru is set to unveil a hybrid tourer concept at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. The grand touring concept will feature the company's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and horizontally-opposed boxer engine credentials, presented in a sporty gull wing-door design.

Besides a luxurious cabin and an eye-catching aerodynamic body, the car will feature items such as a flat rear floor to maximise passenger space, specialised windscreen shielding to reduce driver eyestrain and a new leather seat covering offering superior breathability, with an in-seat ventilation function for improved comfort and texture.

It will be powered by a 2.0l horizontally-opposed direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine with Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a hybrid system. The CVT drivetrain draws on technology recently introduced in the new generation Liberty and Outback.

Meanwhile, the lithium-ion, two-motor hybrid system features a power/drive 10kW motor in the front and a 20kW drive motor in the rear. At start-up and extremely low speeds, such as entering a garage, the rear motor is used primarily to allow driving without petrol engine power.

During normal driving, the petrol engine is primarily used, and under acceleration, the rear motor assists the petrol engine to achieve optimum performance. When accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, also assists in driving the front axle, for improved performance. A non-idling function stops the engine when the car comes to a halt, reducing fuel consumption.

4 new comers from BMW

2009-10-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

The BMW Malaysia has launched the 320d Sports, 520d Sports Edition, X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition and the flagship model of the range, the 730Ld, which all carry diesel injection,believe to give significant step for the company in in its drive to promote diesel-power as a more efficient and smarter choice for motorists, albeit in the higher end of the spectrum.

The 320d Sports, 520d Sports Edition and X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition all feature the N47D20 four-cylinder turbodiesel unit - the all-aluminium block delivers 17bhp and 350Nm of torque, and this lends the 320d a 0-100kmh sprint time of just 8.0secs, while on the 520d SE, it's just a shade more at 8.4secs to get to the same mark. As for the F02 730Ld, this one gets the in-line six cylinder N57D30 block, which turns out 245bhp and 540Nm of maximum torque. It's pretty quick too, doing the 0-100kmh bit in a tidy 7.3secs.

The EfficientDynamics concept that the company has in place and available across its model range continues to be played up here, with the two diesel pots being the primary add-ins to the list, which include Brake Energy Regeneration, High Precision Injection and Electric Power Steering. ED's game is essentially to reduce fuel consumption and emission levels, but not at the expense of performance and driving pleasure, which are actually enhanced.

The price would be as the following;

BMW 320d Sports – RM255,800
BMW 520d Sports Edition – RM379,800
BMW X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition – RM333,800
BMW 730Ld – RM698,800

Acura MDX ; to give cadillac and lexus hard breath

2009-01-04T04:37:00.000-08:00

Acura MDX, or Honda MDX referring to asian market, has brought automobile industry towards a new SUV market dimension. Of all of the SUVs on the road, this vehicle is for sure will become the "chosen one" .

Leading the list of likeable items is the 3.7-litre, VTEC V6 that pushes 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. While the MDX feels snappy off the line, it's in the mid- and high ranges where things begin to boil. As the VTEC system does its thing, the engine's tone changes almost as dramatically as its work ethic.

It's good enough that the MDX romps from rest to 100 kilometres an hour in 7.6 seconds and manages to turn the 80-to-120-km/h trick in a quick six seconds flat. It is an athletic engine that is not bad on gas either. An admittedly short drive yielded a respectable average of 11.2 L/100 km. The engine's thirst for premium fuel was less appreciated.

The five-speed manumatic transmission helps things, as it is very good at keeping the engine at a roaring boil whenever the pedal is matted. It also delivers a snappy downshift whenever it's called upon, which means the driver is not left hanging out to dry (it also helps to explain the fast passing move time).

The suspension and large P255/55R18 tires also contribute to the MDX's sharp driving demeanour. While the base suspension (front struts and rear multiple links) is pretty good at controlling body motion, the Elite model's Active Damper System takes things to a higher level altogether. In the comfort mode, the MDX rides and drives more like a comfortable wagon than an SUV.

Activate the sport mode and things firm up to the point where body roll becomes all but nonexistent and the response to steering input is sharp without feeling twitchy. It is such that the MDX belies its SUV moniker.

The other key to the MDX's handling prowess is its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. As with most systems, SH-AWD directs the power to wheel(s) that can be put to the best use, and it does so in a seamless manner that inspires confidence.

That, however, tells only part of the story; it is what happens at the rear wheels that ices the cake. In a corner, the system drives the outside rear wheel faster than the inside rear wheel. This action actively turns the vehicle into the corner, which brings better stability. It also means the driver has to dial in less steering, which reduces the likelihood of understeer. Factor in a good electronic stability/traction control system and putting a wheel wrong takes some doing.

Rounding out the dynamic side is a strong set of anti-lock brakes that deliver short 42-metre stops from 100 km/h. In a pleasant move for the better, this system is less intrusive than Acura's earlier designs.

All of this explains why the MDX needs winter tires, especially when the temperature drops below zero - the rock-hard nature of the all-season rubber in these conditions negates the MDX's all-wheel-drive advantage.

As for utility, the MDX delivers enough for most eventualities. With the third-row seat upright, there is but 15 cubic feet of cargo space. This limited number and the confined nature of the third seat is one of the MDX's few weak points. It's more about bragging rights than function. Drop the third row down and the cargo capacity rises to a far more functional 42.9 cu. ft. Lowering the middle row then opens up a healthy 83.5 cu. ft.

Acura MDX Specification:

Type of vehicle: All-wheel-drive mid-sized SUV

Engine: 3.7L SOHC V6

Power: 300 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 275 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manumatic

Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS

Tires: P255/55R18

Standard features: Tri-zone automatic climate control with filtration, power locks, windows and heated mirrors, tailgate and sunroof, eight-way power driver's seat with two-position memory, eight-way power passenger's seat, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, perforated leather seating, 410-watt AM/FM/MP3/XM audio with six-disc in-dash CD changer, 10 speakers (including subwoofer) and auxiliary input jack, voice-activated navigation system with rear-view camera, rear-seat DVD-based entertainment system with wireless headphones, 115-volt outlet, Bluetooth cellphone integration, Homelink, rear washer/wiper, HID headlights, fog lights.

General Motor counting on new cadillac

2009-01-04T04:18:00.000-08:00

General Motors Corp. is counting on the 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover vehicle to lure luxury car buyers with new design and performance features.

The redesigned vehicle was unveiled Sunday and is set to go on display at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month. It replaces the SRX model first launched in 2004.

To help compete with better-selling rivals like the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and the BMW X3 and X5, the SRX's designers took elements from other Cadillac models and melded them into this one. The new SRX looks faster than its boxy predecessor, with a curving roofline and a more rounded nose that still retains an aggressive look.

"For GM, it's our most aggressive brand," said Clay Dean, GM's global director for Cadillac design. "We want to appeal to people that set the trends."

Cadillac put more energy into improving the interior quality and exterior design of the car, Dean said. A 3-liter direct-injection V-6 engine comes standard, with the option for a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6. Although fuel economy testing wasn't complete, GM estimates highway miles per gallon will fall in the mid-20s.

Cadillac has a strong following among luxury car buyers, and the brand remains an important one for GM.

Cadillac sales fell 24 percent in the first 11 months of 2008, about on par with U.S. light truck and SUV sales overall. The automaker sold nearly 148,000 Cadillacs in January through November, including about 14,800 SRXs. But Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus division sold five times as many RXs.

The 2010 SRX is expected to be in showrooms in mid-2009. Pricing hasn't been announced.

The public got its first peek of the SRX at a California auto charity event in August. The model is one of three launches GM has planned for the Detroit show that starts next week. There's a new Chevrolet Equinox crossover that the automaker unveiled in December, and a redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan will make its debut.

source: google news