Malaysian Car Better Builts This Year : JD Power

The numbers speak for themselves - according to the results of J.D. Power's Asia Pacific 2009 Malaysia Initial Quality Study (IQS), the overall new-vehicle initial quality in Malaysia has markedly improved from 2008.

The study, now in its seventh year, examines new-vehicle quality during the first two to six months of ownership.

The study measures more than 200 problem symptoms covering eight vehicle components: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays; audio/entertainment/navigation; seats; HVAC; vehicle interior; and engine/transmission.

All problems are summarised as the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), and lower scores indicate a lower rate of problem incidences and higher performance. The study was based on responses from 2,874 new-vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle between Sept 2008 and May 2009, with 52 passenger car, pickup and utility vehicle models from across 15 brands evaluated.

The Malaysian average was 136 in 2009, improving by 22 from 2008, and all eight component areas showed improvement levels. Vehicle exterior issues and problems related to the driving experience represent nearly 50% of total reported problems.

In terms of specific models by segment, the Perodua Myvi ranks highest in the compact car segment for a third consecutive year with 127 PP100, followed by the Proton Savvy (154) and the Perodua Viva (186).

Meanwhile, the new Honda City ranks highest in the entry mid-size car segment, with 76 PP100. Second in the category is the Toyota Vios (107), with the Proton Saga (158) placed third.

In the mid-size car segment, the Toyota Corolla Altis takes the honours with 80 PP100, followed by the Honda Civic (103) and the Nissan Sylphy (109).

As for the MPV/van segment, Toyota's Innova takes the top spot for a second consecutive year, with a score of 85 PP100, with the Nissan Grand Livina (89) and the Toyota Avanza (100) making up the top trio.

In the pickup segment, the Isuzu D-max ranks highest with a 66 PP100 rating, well ahead of the Toyota Hilux (94) and the Mitsubishi Triton (101).