Just Car Talk

4wdaction - Mitsubishi Pajero.... the old ones.......

2013-04-21T19:27:00.002+08:00

4WDAction OZ - more on best buy and best margain Mitsubishi MK Triton?

2013-04-21T18:52:00.001+08:00

4wdaction Mitsubishi MK Triton, Storm L200, Price

2013-04-20T21:11:00.000+08:00

MItsubishi Storm L200 Brochures... Year ???

2013-04-19T11:31:00.001+08:00

Nissan Grand Livina 1.6 Eng pics

2011-06-26T14:52:00.000+08:00

The engine, the day I picked up my new rides.

Nissan HR16DE - CVTC or VTC

2011-06-25T15:24:00.001+08:00

This Nissan Grand Livina I purchased is a 1.6 HR16DE engine.

It is not cVTC - Continuous Variable Timing Control. Unlike The Nissan Latio/Versa/Tiida 1.6 which is a 1.6cVTC. Why?

Though it is without cVTC, but does it come with VTC - Variable Timing Control?

Hm.........

What 's the comparison like?

My New Nissan Grand Livina 1.6 AT pickup on 24JUN11

2011-06-25T00:16:00.004+08:00

This is the new car (MPV) that replaces the Renault Kangoo.

1.6AT

Above pic is a zoom-in of the following picture

Copy from Nissan China

Handed off Renault Kangoo on 24JUN11

2011-06-24T23:42:00.001+08:00

Today 24JUN11 is the day I handed over my Renault Kangoo 1.4 Petrol AT to Tan Chong (Nissan distributor and assembler in Malaysia), as a trade-in. And drove away a brand new Nissan Grand Livina.

There was a Nissan Grand Livina (NGL) face lift launch on 10JUN11 (FRI). I visited Tan Chong in Putrajaya and just checked up how much would my JUN05 worth. I was told RM15K ONLY.

Visited Tan Chong again on the morning of 12JUN (SUN) with family. Test drove both 1.8AT and 1.6AT and asked the same question. I was offered RM24K on my 6-year old Kangoo.........

After reconsidering 4 hours or so, both wife and I decided to trade-in for the cheaper 1.6 AT NGL. The 1.6AT us immediate stock. 1.8AT would require 2-month waiting period.

I guess then the actual sell-off date of my Kangoo is on 12JUN11 then, where I signed the booking of a new NGL.

So it is exactly 6 years of usage. When handing over my Kangoo, the mileage was 199555KM.

Anyway, my Renault Kangoo 's road tax and insurance expires exactly today too.

Well, in the morning I did a last car wash myself on the Kangoo. It was after all 6 years of 'love'. :(....

Bye Goo

Kangoo Malaysia Road Tax 1 year = RM100,

because it is registered as a van

Haiz 2oct18

For my Record on Ford Escape

2011-03-25T23:21:00.001+08:00

The Ford Escape 2011 in Malaysia does not look like the following but like this link 4x2 Ford Escape.

Anyway, I wonder if it is the same 2.3 engine.

The Followoing by:
Stacy94PGT

Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2001

Location: The Hills of North Georgia,USA

Posts: 7,862

Posted on 9/9/2004

from this URL

ASIA:New Fully Imported Ford Escape 2.3L VICS Unleashed In Malaysia

New Fully Imported Ford Escape 2.3L VICS Unleashed In Malaysia

Automotive Intelligence

Ford Escape

Photo: Ford

Petaling Jaya - Ford Malaysia introduced the new Escape 2.3L VICS, part of the new Ford Escape 2004 lineup, at an elaborate launch at 1 Utama. The new 2.3L VICS engine embodies Ford's concept of "balance of power," giving drivers more power and torque for an enhanced driving experience while ensuring optimum fuel efficiency.

Speaking at the media launch, Ford Malaysia Managing Director, Mike Pease said, "This new 2.3L VICS Escape answers our customers' quest for style, space and the versatility of being able to go off-road when it suits them. It's a vehicle that would look perfect for a country drive, short runs to the office or an elegant evening out on the town."

"Equipped with a new power train, luxury leather seats, 4 airbags, powered sunroof and highly efficient fuel consumption, the new Escape 2.3L VICS is a direct result of listening to our customers' constantly changing needs and lifestyles."

"We're committed to continuous innovation in developing products that are competitive and responsive to trends and our customers' ever-changing demands," added Pease.

Escape with The Ideal Balance

The concept of "balance of power" originated from customer demand for a balance in life, meaning not only a balance between work and play, but also between city and country driving capabilities. This vehicle offers new levels of comfort, style and versatility combined with the durability inherent with every Ford SUV, catering especially to young urban couples and independent single women who seek the freedom to escape and experience more from life.

Available in a four-speed automatic transmission and providing even smoother shifting performance, the new Escape is suited to drivers who wish to break free from the inconvenience of traffic jams and inadequate torque at moments that really matter - when traffic lights turn green, when merging with fast-moving traffic as they enter busy urban highways during workdays, or when passing or overtaking on two-lane roads during a weekend getaway to the suburbs. As the power is focused when and where it is needed most, the Escape 2.3L VICS is able to deliver significantly improved fuel economy at the same time.

This balance of power is attributed to the new four-cylinder 16-valve Duratec, 2.3L engine featured in the vehicle, one of a new family of world-class engines that employs the Variable Inertia-Charging Systems (VICS), to enable superior delivery of torque and greater fuel efficiency at all engine speeds.

The Power to Escape

The 2.3L VICS engine is also fitted with Tumble Swirl Control Valves that are closed during light load operation, to maximise combustion efficiency, fuel economy and emissions performance, making the Escape ideal for the environmentally conscious consumer.

Built with precise steering and handling, the Ford Escape 2.3L's high ground clearance provides a smooth car-like ride through various types of terrain. Its stability and riding comfort is also due to the increased size of its front damper pistons from 32-mm diametre to 35-mm diametre. This offers significant reduction in noise, vibration and harshness. With the ability to deliver a maximum power of 157PS/6000rpm and torque of 203Nm/4500rpm.

Escape In Style

The new Escape 2.3L VICS has undergone exterior changes to give it an elegant appearance, as displayed by its one-tone painted bumper, body side cladding and 16" alloy wheels. Interior improvements were also made to make the vehicle an even more comfortable ride. This SUV offers the most spacious cabin in its class, the most cargo room; flexible seating with double-folding mechanisms that allow for various seat arrangements; a rear seat centre armrest; extra insulation inside the blocker and A-pillar to reduce window noise; improved air conditioning performance with more defrosting capacity; overhead console equipped with map lamp and sunglass holder; an electric antenna; leather seats and unique ergonomic designed dashboard in sleek silver trim. This versatile vehicle is excellent for various purposes ranging from everyday work to an elegant evening out or for recreational outdoor activities.

Make A Safe Escape

In terms of safety, the new Ford Escape 2.3L VICS was developed through the utilisation of highly advanced computer tools to create a light monocoque body that very effectively disperses collision energy. Normally, the frame rails on each side of the vehicle absorb the force of a frontal collision. The new Escape, on the other hand, features an apron-reinforcement so collision energy is dispersed to the frame rails underneath the body and on the roof. Inside the cabin, front-seat passengers are protected by front and side airbags with head protection.

Another safety feature is the intelligent Control Trac II 4WD System which can be engaged by a simple flip of a switch, even in motion, to automatically proportion torque in order to prevent slippage especially on wet and slippery surfaces. Additional safety features include 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), seatbelt pretension and load-limiter.

For raising the bar on safety standards, the United States New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) test awarded the Escape with the best safety rating in the small SUV segment.

"Safety is an area where our customers deserve the very best. The safety features of the new Escape 2.3L VICS is a testament of how our expertise can really add value to our customers in Malaysia," concluded Pease.

The Ford Escape 2.3L VICS is available in five chic colours: Machine Silver, Panther Black, Infra Red, Harvest Gold and Honour Green. With all the additional features, this vehicle is very affordably priced at RM139,888 on the road without insurance.

The new Ford Escape 2.3L VICS is available immediately for viewing and test drive at Ford dealerships nationwide. East Malaysians can look forward to trying out the vehicle in the very near future.

Ford Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Tractors Malaysia Berhad. Its product range includes the Ranger 4x4, Everest, Lynx, Econovan, Trader and Escape.

Picked up 2011 New Toyota Altis

2011-03-22T22:23:00.002+08:00

Today wife picked up her 2011 Toyota Altis 1.8E sedan.

Pearl white.

Dual VVTi and 7 virtual speed CVT.

Mahindra Scorpio 2.2 Common Rail Diesel 2010

2010-12-23T14:35:00.000+08:00

Finally visited the distributor USF-HICOM at Taman Wahyu and did a test drive on the Scorpio on 22DEC10 WED where I was on-leave (went to Mount Kota Kinabalu on 18 and came back the day before on 21DEC10. Yes, I did make it to the top - Low's Peak at 4095.2 meter above sea level).

Walked into the showroom with all my kids.
Saw one Audi TT, one Hummer T3, 2 units of Honda Elysion and finally 2 units of white Mahindra Scorpio SUV. Also greeted by the salesman. I was the only customer there. Hm......

Told the salesman I tried to come twice but the showroom was closed, both on Saturdays around 11:00am.

In the showroom:

"Stared" at the SUV - not bad looking.
Sat at the drive seat - seat was high but all round a bit cram.
Console - basic and a bit plasticky.
Gear stick and box - one W(et) and N(ormal) switch. Gear with a M mode (engine braking) but no manual shift to 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 gear (total 6 speed).
2nd row with 2 captain's seat - not bad, still all round a bit cram (but I am 6ft 1 inches tall).
Last row for 3 person - my head cannot rest on the head rest since my head touches the roof edge.
Rear door - open sideways. Not much room for storage or luggage.
Rear spoiler - paint coming off at the edge of the spoiler.
Bonnet - opened the bonnet. The bonnet opening hook was scratching on the mounting causing the white paint to come off (but this is a CBU unit from India. What happened to the quality?)
Height - very tall. Much taller than my Renault Kangoo.
Hook - the rear comes with a towing hook (standard).
Ski rack - a standard item.
Body panel - feel tough plastic mold.
The body metal - tough heavy metal.
Feeling - rugged and coarse. Maybe for heavy use.

Test Drove the SUV. Was given another white unit, Auto for test drive. There are 3 colors available - white, back and silver.

Test site was within the compound and not to open public road. Quite a big compound USF-HICOM has. However, cannot drive fast. Anyway SUV is not for speed. And of course the drive was pleasant (for me. Not expert tester :) ).

While test driving, saw quite some ready stocks around (Scorpio, Elysion...) This is what I like, no need to wait to get your new ride. However I felt sad cause I do not think the compound is fully and properly utilized. What happened to USF-HICOM???

Was told this is the warranty site for all USF-HICOM vehicles sold. How come I did not see customers waiting for their cars to be serviced? Not Saturday? I did not look carefully? Basically the place looked "dead".

Collected the brochures and price list before leaving. BTW, finance was 3% from AmBank.

Forgot to:

Ask to look at the maintenance interval and maintenance costs.
The warranty terms and condition.

Basically like the SUV. Why?

Cheap.
Looked rugged.
Have yet to see one on the road (My ride will look different). :)

But,

No resale value.
Worry about parts availability.
The commitment from USF-HICOM (looked dead) and thus DRB-HICOM (who will be assembling VW Passat and Jetta in the next few years. Where is the commitment then?)
Only value and take my Kangoo for RM13,000.00!!!!!!!!!!

So how? Put on hold 1st ...........

Any how, the following are the scanned brochures not in order :

There you have it.......

Year 2006 Mahindra Scorpio Sold in Malaysia

2010-11-16T10:23:00.006+08:00

The following are pages of brochures for Mahindra Scorpio in Malaysia, sold in year 2006, by DRB-HICOM.

I wonder how many units were sold then in this country, as I seldom see one on the road.

The models are:

2L petrol version (Renault engine)
2.5 diesel version (not sure whose engine).

2006 Price in Ringgit Malaysia

Mahindra Scorpio SUV was the cheapest SUV sold in Malaysia.

It is still the cheapest now, though with the latest 2.2 diesel engine version. Yet I still rarely see one on the road.

Why? Maybe:

India car?
No resale value?
The looks?
The after sales support?
The marketing?
The reliability?
The price (it is the cheapest)?

Too bad.

Some links:

Reviewed by www.cbt.com.my

Review by www.autoworld.com.my

Review by www.carsense.info

It is 马辛德拉”天蝎 in Mandrin.

Nissan Serena

2010-11-12T14:56:00.002+08:00

Maybe it is time to change to one Serena....

Why Ford Ranger no show (cont...from previous Ranger)

2009-12-24T14:25:00.004+08:00

Here is the reason why....... according to www.4wdaction.com.au..............

Forget which issue of the magazine...

2007 4wd Oz 6-Ute Comparo - 2nd Place Ford

2009-12-24T14:14:00.003+08:00

2007 Issue 108 Oz 4wd Comparo - 2nd place is Ford Ranger. However, it is a no show for Ford Ranger in 2009 comparo.

AND 1st 1/2 half of the following

From: Australia 4WD Action (www.4wdaction.com.au)

08 Malaysia Pickup Size Spec, Comparison

2009-12-23T13:19:00.002+08:00

Copied this from somewhere by someone.

I believed it is a comparison of Malaysia's 2008 pickup trucks.

OZ Ute Comparo - Mazda BT-50 07 and 09

2009-12-23T10:31:00.004+08:00

FR 4wdaction.com.au magazine Issue 108, year 2007 - BT-50 Number 1 out of 6

and

Then, in yaer 2009.
4wdaction.com.au magazine Issue 133, year 2009 - BT-50 Number 2 out of 6

OZ Ute Comparo - Toyota Hilux 07 and 09

2009-12-17T09:50:00.007+08:00

4wdaction.com.au magazine Issue 108, year 2007 - Hilux Number 3 out of 6

AND

4wdaction.com.au magazine Issue 133, year 2009 - Hilux Number 4 out of 6

Muahahahaa......

OZ Ute Comparo - Mitsubishi Triton 07 and 09

2009-12-16T14:58:00.007+08:00

4wdaction.com.au magazine Issue 108, year 2007 - Triton Number 4 out of 6

and

4wdaction.com.au magazine Issue 133, year 2009 - Triton Number 5 out of 6

Okay ?

2009 4wd Oz 6-Ute Comparo - 6th Place Nissan

2009-12-05T07:48:00.006+08:00

2009 Issue 133 Oz 4wd Comparo - 6th place is Nissan Navara (again)?

From: Australia 4WD Action (www.4wdaction.com.au)

2007 4wd Oz 6-Ute Comparo - 6th Place Nissan

2009-06-30T18:09:00.008+08:00

2007 Issue 108 Oz 4wd Comparo - 6th place is Nissan Navara.

AND

Fr: Australia 4WD Monthly

Australia Camper Trailer URLs

2009-03-25T09:56:00.002+08:00

I have collected these URLs (retyped and recopied from magazine) for the Issue 131 of Australian 4WD Action magazine (Nope, I am not Australian and I do not stay in Austraila") :D

20MAR09
http://www.adventurecampers.com.au
http://www.apachecampers.com.au
http://www.allterraincampertrailers.com.au
http://www.armadillocampers.com.au
http://www.aussieswag.com.au
http://www.australianoffroadcampers.com.au
http://www.campincomfort.com.au
http://www.campomatic.com.au
http://www.campritecampers.com.au
http://www.challengecampertrailers.com
http://www.customline.com.au
http://www.completecampsite.com.au
http://www.cubcampers.com.au
http://www.detourcampers.com
http://www.giccampers.com.au
http://www.jcampers.com.au
http://www.campertrailer.com.au
http://www.johnnosaustralia.com.au
http://www.limitseeker.com.au
http://www.modcon.com.au
http://www.mountaintrailercampers.com.au
http://www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au
http://www.outbackcampers.com.au
http://www.pioneercampers.com
http://www.podtrailer.com
http://www.trackabout.com.au
http://www.trakshak.com.au
http://www.travelander.com.au
http://www.ultimatecampers.com.au
http://www.wilmax.com.au
http://geelongcaravans.com.au

Hurray!

or here for more :)

http://campertrailers.org/manufacturers.htm

Is 1.5 dCi based on Delphi servo-solenoid balanced valve?

2008-09-08T16:35:00.010+08:00

.
.
Copy and paste the following from :

Delphi Enters High Volume Production With the World's First Diesel Fuel Injection System to Use Revolutionary Direct Acting Piezo Injectors

*********************************************************************************
Therefore, the different types of injectors existing so far were:

--  servo-solenoid unbalanced valve (first Common Rail type introduced in
the market);
--  servo-solenoid balanced valve (Delphi's concept in production)
--  servo-piezo unbalanced valve (only type of piezo injector in
production to date);
--  (There is no servo piezo balanced valve design currently in
production).

***********************************************************************************

Does this mean that Renault 1.5dCi diesel engine is based on "servo-solenoid
balanced valve"?

Have yet to find out any info on this "balanced valve" and "unbalanced valve".
What does it mean by balanced and unbalanced?

Renault 1.5dCi Common Rail Looks (2nd Generation)

2008-07-30T10:35:00.006+08:00

Found this picture from URL:

http://www.sae.org/automag/techbriefs/04-2001/

Not your normal looking Common Rail............ since no rail.