Hyundai i10 versus Perodua Viva - Compact wars!

Here Comes The New Challenger!

Hyundai Sime-Darby Motor has launched the new Hyundai i10 5-door hatchback in Malaysia. The i10 replaces the Atos in the Hyundai global line-up but in certain countries like India, both the Atos (Santro) and the i10 is offered, with the latter being the more premium product. In fact, the i10 we get here comes from India where both the Atos and i10 are very very popular products, instead of Korea.

All the basics that will make the new Hyundai a popular runabout are there: a small luggage space extendable via the foldable rear seats and a 4-speed automatic. It chugs along via a 1.1 liter Epsilon family engine (sadly not the new Kappa 1.2 liter) putting out 65.8 horsepower at 5,500rpm and 99.1Nm of torque at a lower than usual 2,800rpm which should allow it to feel pretty zippy around town.

Safety features include a 4-star Euro NCAP body, dual SRS airbags and anti-lock brakes. In-car entertainment is an integrated 2-DIN audio CD player with MP3 and aux input support. The interior is rather monotonous and basic with endless fields of grey but there is a slight touch of “high-end” thanks to the dash-mounted shift lever instead of it being in the conventional position between the two front seats.

So you have decent safety specs, an acceptable level of in-car entertainment, an automatic gearbox, an engine that puts out peak torque at a low-mid RPM, and a price under RM50k. This should theoretically be very popular with city dwellers, especially since its claimed to have a 17.2km per liter combined fuel economy. It’s also got nice styling, being the first Hyundai car in Malaysia with the new naming scheme and design language that debuted with the i30. But Malaysians are just too brand conscious.

The 4-speed auto model retails for RM48,888 OTR with insurance and comes with a 5-year (300,000km) warranty. It is available in five colours: alpine blue, blushing red, stone black, sleek silver and champagne gold. A 5-speed manual version (that is claimed to get 20km per liter) is also available but strangely Hyundai’s press kit does not mention its price. This story will be updated later when the price is available.

The badging on the car is a little confusing but somehow expected. It has a combination of both Inokom and Hyundai logos and badges around the car.

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DVVT, VVT-i, MIVEC and VTEC

Here's the comparison about various engines specs.


The main change between Perodua Viva and it's predecessors (Perodua Kelisa and Perodua Kancil) would be their engines. Then it came the term of DVVT, and Perodua claiming their 1.3l DVVT saves fuel and provide power as same as normal 1.5l engines.

Let get back to the basics, DVVT or it's full name Daihatsu Valve Variable Timing is based (copycat) on Daihatsu mother company Toyota engine, which is VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligence). We believe that DVVT is just VVT-i's engine brand name for Daihatsu cars. DVVT and VVT-i is based by Yamaha's YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System).

Yamaha was bought over by Toyota for it's YPVS because Toyota afraid of losing to Mitsubishi's MIVEC and Honda's Vtec. Yamaha has been provinding Toyota and Daihatsu engines since. DVVT and VVT-i engines are always put together to be compared with V-tec (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System), i-DSI (intelligent Dual and Sequential Ignition) that is developed by Honda earlier.

All of the Vs (DVVT, VVT-i, i-DSI, Vtec, CVCC, MIVEC, CVVT...) was meant to increase fuel efficiency which is to use less fuel and produce more power from the engine. The objective is the same, the only difference would be their methods. DVVT and VVT-i Normal engines is good in the low RPM. However, when the RPM reaches higher level, the amount of power produced per fuel is lesser. This is because the air from outside the engine couldn't get into the combustion space in a short period of time.


That's what Yamaha sees, and they developed YPVS, VVT-i and DVVT. DVVT and VVT-i valve works like a normal engine while in low RPM. However, as the RPM increases, the valve timer shifts the time of opening of the valve a little bit earlier. The higher the RPM goes, the earlier the valve opens. By doing this, air would have enough time to go into the ignition room, thus making the fuel burning in high RPM more efficient than conventional internal combustion engine.

Vtec have the same idea with DVVT and VVT-i. It acts like a normal fossil combustion engine in low RPM, however when the user revs until certain limit (usuall 5000rpm).



The valve timer would activate (this is what people usually calls Vtec change) and produce a noisy sound. It sounds a little bit like a 2-stroke motorcycle engine revs high. You feel like the torque suddenly increases and you have more power to accelerate. What actually happens is that the valve intake open longer than normal.

Allowing more air to come into the combustion chamber. The more air in the chamber, the more efficient the fuel burns. i-DSI i-DSI is a new technology by Honda. Instead of changing the valve timing of an engine, Honda put two spark plugs on each piston. The reason is the same, to burn the fossil more efficiently.

These spark plugs however have the main and secondary plugs. The main plugs usually sparks first, followed by the secondary plugs to burn the remaining gas in the chamber.

Conclusion DVVT, VVT-i, Vtec and i-DSI is a good way developed by Japanese car automaker (Toyota and Honda) to improve the burning of fossil gas. All of them have the same objective (increase efficiency) and they do achieve their goals.

Perodua now have implement DVVT engines in Perodua Kelisa and Perodua Kancil replacements (Perodua Viva). people are waiting that Perodua would implement a 7-gear no gap gearbox (like Honda Jazz) in their future installments, because that surely would increase the fuel efficiency of a car.

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Mitsubishi Colt - Super Compact

New Mitsubishi Colt – The Return of Mitsubishi to Malaysia

Here's another option for compact car hunters.
But if you not mind about the price,it yours..

Having recently made a comeback to Malaysia, Mitsubishi, through their local distributors, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, a joint venture between DRB-HICOM Berhad and Mitsubishi, is offering, amongst other models, the very interesting Colt, a small MPV-like city run-about that features the latest 1.5 litre Mivec DOHC engine and CVT.

The new Colt was, created in Europe, (in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler, part owner of Mitsubishi), with what Mitsubishi describes as a ‘one-motion form’, which flows smoothly from the front bumper to the rear. In layman language, it means the Colt is basically a two-box shape made to look line ‘one-box’ by smoothening out the transition between the engine bonnet and the rest of the fuselage. The overall effect is pleasing to the eye, although I personally think larger wheels would make it look more balanced.

In terms of size, it is a super-mini, with an overall length of 3885mm, overall width of 1680mm, and an overall height of 1550mm. Wheelbase is 2500mm, with a track of 1460mm at the front, and 1445mm at the rear.

The Colt is a 5-seater, although the rear would be a bit cramped for the middle passenger. To be fair, the seat arrangements are very flexible, and they can be split, folded, and tucked away in many configurations to allow for storage of long and bulky items. Upholstery is fabric. The seats themselves are quite comfortable, and are contoured somewhat to help hold the occupants, but of course our test-drive was a little too short to really feel them.

For those who travel around a lot, there is some good news. The Colt’s interior fittings incorporate many thoughtful features; an under-tray compartment under the front passenger seat for stowing stuff, cup holders and bottle holders, pockets for knick-knacks, a handy hook for hanging shopping bags, and yes, there is even an illuminated glove box.

In terms of safety, there are two SRS airbags, and built-in impact absorbing features in the frame help to protect passengers in the event of a collision. The power windows are ‘anti-trapping’, meaning that they will stop and reverse if the glass encounters an obstruction while closing.

For couples with little children, the rear seats are fitted with ISO-FIX child safety seat anchors.

Powered by an aluminium 1.5 litre MIVEC (read variable valve timing) DOHC 16-valve engine, the Colt delvers a respectable 105PS at 6000 rpm, and 141Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. This power is transferred to the road through a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

On the road, the engine feels very responsive; driven sedately, the CVT is a smooth and seamless gearbox, its constantly variable ratios adapting to stop-start situations and varying loads extremely well. However, over exuberant drivers may find it somewhat disconcerting to have the engine holding 6000 rpm consistently as the CVT builds up the speed. My drive partner and I managed to hit 180 km/hr before we ran out of road.

One glaring point about the Colt is its gearshift lever, which is located to the left of the steering wheel, attached to the steering column. It has the standard auto positions for Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive, and does not have any option for manual shift. Clearly, this model is for the ‘family’ type, even though it has a Mivec engine.

Suspension is independent McPherson struts in the front, and a torsion bar at the rear, a set-up that is quite popular in cars in this range. There is a stabilizer bar both at the front and rear. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front, and alas, drums at the rear. The wheels are 14-inch with 175/65 R14 tyres. Steering is rack and pinion with power assist.

Handling is quite good, but getting to the limit of the 14-inch tyres is very easy, and they start protesting before long. I would go for 15s if I ever bought one of these. The Colt retails for RM120,000.

But i think the price tag is quite high for the local market.

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Cherry QQ and Viva

The Chery QQ (codename S11) is a city car produced by the Chinese manufacturer Chery Automobile since 2003. In 2006, the car was renamed the Chery QQ3 in China, when Chery launched their new supermini, the Chery QQ6.


Engine

The QQ is available with the following two gasoline-powered engines (both EURO III compliant):
0.8 L SQR372 I3 DOHC 12v — 38 kW (51 hp) at 6000 rpm, 70 N·m (52 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm
1.1 L SQR472F I4 DOHC 16v — 50 kW (67 hp) at 6000 rpm, 90 N·m (66 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm

Copyright controversy

The QQ became the center of an industrial copyright and intellectual rights controversy, as General Motors claimed the car was a copy to the Daewoo Matiz (which is marketed outside South Korea as the Chevrolet Spark). GM executives demonstrated the extent of the design duplication, noting for example that the doors of the QQ and those of the Spark are interchangeable without modification.
GM China Group indicated the two vehicles "shared remarkably identical body structure, exterior design, interior design and key components. MotorAuthority.com and Car and Driver called the QQ a "carbon copy", while the International Herald Tribune, in a 2005 article, referred to it as a clone.
Looking at this controversy on a global stage, the Detroit News reported that "the dispute reflects the confusion, risks and ambitions in China's new auto industry, where global carmakers are battling pugnacious upstarts for a piece of what may become the world's largest auto market.

Safety

Though the Chery QQ and the Chevrolet Spark are similar cars, their safety ratings differ from each other. A Euro NCAP front offset crash test showed that the driver's injuries in the QQ are worse than those sustained in the Spark. Upon impact, the QQ driver will most likely suffer severe (possibly fatal) trauma in the head, neck and chest areas, while the Spark driver will at most receive a moderate head injury.

Global markets

Iran
In Iran, the Daewoo Matiz had been assembled by local company called Kerman Khodro since the year 2000 in a joint venture with Daewoo. However, upon being acquired by GM following its 2001 bankruptcy, Daewoo stopped supplying CKD kits to Iran due to a ban imposed by GM. As a result, Kerman Khodro licensed the Chery QQ as a replacement and put it into production at their subsidiary MVM.

Singapore
The QQ is sold in Singapore and is one of the cheapest cars in the city state.

South Africa
Four QQ3 models are available in South Africa since May 2008 and was the cheapest car when launched.

Thailand
QQ cars are available in Thailand since 2009. This car is not the cheapest car in the country due to high tariffs (not built in Thailand or an ASEAN country, but import from China). Its non-Japanese competitors are Naza Forza, Proton Savvy and Kia Picanto.

Vietnam
The QQ is the cheapest car in Vietnam.

In Malaysia, Cherry QQ also available.
would you buy this cutie or perodua viva? Your choice..

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New boy In Town!

Perodua D46T Will Be Launched Very Soon!!


New Perodua D46T Will Be Launched Very Soon!

The much anticipated yet to be named Perodua mini MPV will be launched on 23rd November 2009 at exactly 5.00pm (Malaysian Time). For friends abroad who are not familiar with the Perodua brand, it is Malaysia's second national car maker which manufactures rebadge Toyota/Daihatsu for the local market. It is a small car manufacturer so to speak which specialize on small cars.

The D46T MPV is actually based on the Toyota Passo Sette or Daihatsu Boon Luminas. The mini MPV will look very much like its smaller sibling the Perodua Myvi. Powering the MPV will be a 1.5 liter engine used in the Toyota Avanza.The Myvi is related to the D46T in the very same manner how the Volkswagen Golf is related to the Golf Plus.

I am actually driving a manual transmission Myvi that handles like a boat around corners . The suspension is not geared for comfort either because traveling over bumps launches the passengers upward momentarily. Perhaps it has something to do with Perodua's modification on the Original Toyota Passo to suite the "Malaysian taste". Anyway lets hope the newbie will be have better handling capabilities without sacrificing occupant comfort. A compilation of photos have revealed much of the vehicle. The only thing that interest me at this moment and most of everyone here is the pricing & trim.











A few snapshots for those who are considering to add this cutie in their garage..:-)

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Tips To Choose Your Car Wheels

Here's some Tips To Share With




Most of us like to change car rim without any right informations.
There are many other practical reasons why you should really pay careful attention when you are considering to purchase car rims.

Having the right car rims on your car can greatly improve the control and performance of your car on the roads. This translates directly into a more comfortable drive for you and your passengers as well as greater road safety while traveling in your car.


Some of them choose the wrong rim for their car. It is dangerous for safety. Let’s share this tips :-

1. For racing performance, light alloy wheels are the best type to use. Steel rims are no good, they will only slow your automobile down. Heavy wheels add unnecessary weight to your car, which in return lower the driving performance.

2. For driving in traffic area, then alloy wheels are a great choice. Alloy rims actually offer cool air flow over your car’s brake system which will prevent overheating. Alloy aluminum wheels are lighter than chrome or steel wheels you can also improve your gas mileage slightly.

3. Big rims may be the coolest, but the rims, tires, and wheels you choose all depend on what you use your car for.. Whenever you choose a set of custom rims and wheels, you have to consider both the radius and the width of the wheel:

• Wheel radius refers to the total distance from the center point of the wheel to the edge of the wheel. Double the value of the radius and you get the wheel diameter. Most daily driving cars have 17 to 20 inch wheels, which are perfect for all-around control and the longevity of your car parts.

• Wheel width. The wheelbase and the width of your tires determine the width of your rims and wheels. A larger wheel width results in more stability, but makes the car more difficult to turn without the aid of power steering. A narrow wheel width allows your car to turn faster, but is more likely to turn over on high speeds.


There are many types of rim design. Here are some rim designs you may want to consider:

• Spoke wheels. If you have expensive, high-performance brakes, you may want to try spoke wheels. Spoke wheels are quite stable, and are perfect for showing off the inner workings of your vehicle.
• Wire rims. For vintage cars, classic sports cars, and muscle cars, a set of rims built with wire spokes give you that clean, vintage body-shop look most classics have.
• Chrome spinners. If you want to add that extra bit of bling to your vehicle, a set of chrome spinners will definitely make your vehicle a looker on the road. The spinner rim is loosely attached to the actual rim of the vehicle, and moves independently of the actual rim through an electrical system or a gear mechanism. Some chrome spinner rims also have neon or LED lighting in between the spinner rim and the actual rim.





Hope this information can help you to choose the best rim for your car.

Happy hunting!

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Tips To Save Gas!

10 Tips for Improving Your Fuel Economy!

Frequent visiting the gas station up is a fact of every driver's life, but for some drivers it is a necessary evil. If you are one of those people who gulps every time you have to fill up your vehicle, there's good news: there are some simple things you can do to improve your fuel economy no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

Monitoring your average fuel economy regularly is a good idea, too. (Some vehicles have a handy computer that computes this for you.) If you notice a significant change, then something has changed with your vehicle.

Here are 10 things you can do today to get better gas mileage right away.


1. Follow the Recommended Maintenance
A vehicle that is well maintained means it will operate with greater efficiency. This not only improves your overall vehicle performance, but it will improve your fuel economy as well. Fouled spark plugs or a clogged fuel filter will affect your fuel economy. Proper maintenance also means using the right octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the recommended types for your vehicle will give you optimum fuel economy — and can save you money as well. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's recommendations and have maintenance performed regularly by a dealer or reputable mechanic.


2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated tires require more energy to roll, which translates into more frequent fill-ups. You can improve your fuel economy by about 3.3 percent if you keep your tires inflated properly, according to the DOE. The psi number noted on the sidewall of your tires is the maximum pressure of the tire and is not the proper inflation level for your car. Your vehicle manufacturer will list the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver-side door. Buy a tire-pressure gauge and check your tires monthly, adding air as necessary.


3.Take a Load Off
Heavier vehicles require more energy to move, so carrying around excess weight will also affect your mileage. Empty out your trunk (or even your backseat) of unnecessary items. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk will reduce your fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent in the typical vehicle. If you have a roof rack or roof carrier, install it on your vehicle only when absolutely necessary. Not only does the carrier add extra weight, but it also increases the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle, which further contributes to a loss of fuel economy.


4. Don't Drive Aggressively
We're not talking road rage here, but the type of driving many people do when they are in a rush. Mashing the accelerator pedal from a stoplight, braking hard and speeding all contribute to a decrease in fuel economy. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination and think "steady and smooth" as you drive. On surface streets, driving at the speed limit will give you mostly green lights, which improves your gas mileage as well as reduces the wear on your brakes. On the highway, the DOE says that every 5 mph you drive over 65 mph represents a 7-percent decrease in fuel economy.


5. Use the Highest Gear Possible
Cars are designed to start in the lowest gear possible because that's where they have the most power, but that power translates to an increase in fuel consumption. To improve your fuel economy, drive in the highest gear possible when you are cruising at a steady speed, such as on the highway. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission with a "sport" mode, it's most likely that this is a computer program designed to shift later (and therefore keep you in a lower gear longer). While this gives you greater performance, driving in "sport" mode will also decrease your fuel economy.


6. Use Cruise Control — Selectively
Using cruise control can improve your gas mileage by helping you maintain a steady speed, but only if you are driving on mostly flat roads. If you are driving in hilly terrain, using cruise control typically causes your vehicle to speed up faster (to maintain the preset speed) than it would if you were operating the accelerator yourself. Before you push that cruise control button, think about the terrain ahead.


7. Think Clean
Keeping your car washed and waxed improves aerodynamics and therefore affects fuel economy. Engineer Tom Wagner, Jr. reported to Stretcher.com (as in stretching your dollars) a 7-percent improvement in fuel economy, from 15 to 16 mpg, during a 1,600-mile road trip.


8. Avoid Excessive Idling
When a car is idling, it is using fuel, yet not going anywhere. This translates to 0 mpg. When you leave your car running while you are waiting in line at the drive-thru, or as you wait outside your kids' school, you are wasting fuel. It is more efficient to turn the engine off while you wait and then restart the car. If that's not practical (like in the line at McDonald's), then park the car and go inside instead.


9. Think Before You Vent(ilate)
Running your air conditioner does cause your vehicle to consume more fuel, but driving with your windows rolled down can be even worse due to the increase of drag on the vehicle. If you are driving slowly, such as around town or in city traffic, then you are better off leaving your windows open, if at all possible. For highway driving, roll up the windows and turn the air conditioning on.


10. Combine Your Errands
A little planning can make a big difference in fuel economy. When your engine is cold, it uses more fuel than when it is warm. Combining errands can improve your gas mileage because your engine will be warm for more of the trip. It might also mean you travel less total miles. According to the DOE, several short trips all begun with a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip that covers the same distance.

Otherwise, you can use compact car yet with latest engine technology today.

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