namasiavic: car

Showing posts with label car. Show all posts

Monday, November 23, 2009

Perodua Alza and a long break...

Wow, how long has it been since my last post.... Oh well, it's not like my blog is a hot spot anyway. ;p

Just got back from Perodua showroom to take a look at their new model, ALZA. They say it's an MPV. But from what I saw, it's more like a sedan with a 3rd row seat. And the the 3rd row seat doesn't even look like a seat. More like a plywood warped with a thin layer of nylon.

Ok, it does look sporty. But an MPV? Nah...

And I can't help but compared it with Proton Exora even though they are not in the same segment. Why? Because the price is almost the same. And I have to say, Exora is better if you are really looking for an MPV. But, if you are just looking for a sedan with a bigger space, then, Alza is for you.

One thing though, this Alza gives me a Perodua Viva-ish kinda feeling when I press its body. Yup, the body is quite thin. Maybe not as thin as Perodua Viva's but it sure is in the 'thin' category.

Anyway, it's still to early to draw any conclusion. Will it be good or not, time will tell.

By the way, Proton Exora is doing good. I wonder will Perodua Alza steal Proton Exora market...even though one is a wagon, the other is an MPV.

For a better review, go to PaulTan.org.

Ok, enough of that, maybe this would be my last post for this year since I'm going for a very long holiday back at my kampung in Sabah. There's no internet connection in my kampung. And also, my bachelor days will come to an end. Oh yeah...

Friday, September 4, 2009

Fuel..RON95 or RON97...or is it the price?

Yup...it's been 5 days since our Gov decided to phase out RON92 with RON95. I've been pumping RON97. Now I have no choice but to pump RON95 instead since RON97 is a bit pricier than before.

RON95 is RM1.80 per liter and RON97 is RM2.05 per liter.

It doesn't feel the same as before. Now my car engine are a bit noisy. I also get an occasional 'knocking' effect on the engine. In which I never had when I was using RON97. And getting up a hill needs a bit 'flooring' on the gas pedal which surely cost me more. About the mileage, I'm not so sure since I'm more of a city driving than long distance.

Went to Semenyih last Monday. RM30 (from an almost empty tank) for RON95 yet I still manage to drive from Klang to Semenyih and came back to Klang without refilling my tank. I had full 4 adult passengers (5 including me) and a my boot was also full. No problem.. But the price wasn't risen yet until Tuesday...so..next time, I might have to fill more than RM30..ouch..

Oh, for now, I'm pumping at Petronas. So, different brand like Shell, Esso/Mobile, Caltex, BHP might give different result. I'm yet to try all of them though. Still searching for the best petrol station. Thinking on pumping at a different petrol station on my next empty tank.

Most of the comment I read in blogs, forums, are saying that RON95 cause your car to be less performing and less mileage. Well, it's a no brainer really since it's a RON95 petrol. RON97 would definitely be better since it burn better. So the engine would perform better. Technically. More on this here> link.

But, since the main concern is the fuel saving value issue, it doesn't matter which RON one use as long as it doesn't damage the engine. Because some engine can't use RON95 like Honda Civic type R, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and othe high performance car where the minimum requirement is RON97. More on this here> link1. link2.

It is more on how we drive the car. If one use RON97 and always rev his/her car more than 3,000rpm, he/she would be burning more compared to someone who use RON95 and drive smartly and not revving his/her car past 3,000rpm.

So, just use whatever RON that is suitable for our car engine and our wallet.

Well, that is if I'm viewing this issue in a positive perspective...
For a not so positive perspective...
- Those who used RON92 before have to pay more since RON95 is the minimum spec for petrol in Malaysia.
- Those who used RON97 before can opt for RON95 yet also have to pay more for a lower grade petrol.
- Those who own a car which requires a minimum RON97 petrol have to pay even more since they can't use RON95.
- It's not about the RON, it's about the price.

The not-so positive view is quite short eh..but it sums it all..

Friday, July 24, 2009

Perodua Viva Elite...what so 'elite' about it?

Looks nice..too bad it's just cosmetic..

After their cheap version of Perodua Viva (Perodua Viva 660 BX), now the 'overpriced' face lift (is it?) version named Perodua Viva Elite.

Seriously, what's so elite about this new version? The specs are all the same as the previous model. Ok, the front grill looks nice but...that's all about it..nothing else.

For a professional review, visit this link. PaulTan.

I'm going to rant about this..amateurishly. hehe..

First and foremost, for me, Perodua really have stray away from its 'Building Car People First' motto. They've really change to 'Building Car First, People'.

Just look at this new version of Perodua Viva. It's a total rip off. The previous Viva model/version was already a rip off to begin with. I've own one before (in which I regretted it) so I know how it feels like to drive this car. Basically, it's the same car with same body, same chassis, same engine, same everything.

Ok, it's a standard car just like every other car out there but my main point of concern which piss me off since it makes me feel like I'm being rip off is the PRICE. Yes, it's just so overpriced for a car of this quality.

I know it's basically engineered by Toyota+Daihatsu but the problem is Perodua downgrade it yet sells them with a hefty price tag.

I know there are people who would still buy this car. Well, it's their cash, their choice.

But still, Perodua, what happen to you? Why are you becoming more of a 'Blood sucker'?

p/s: I wonder what happen to Perodua Nautica...hmm.. I'm yet to find any on the road until now.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Perodua Viva 660 BX......??!!

I wonder, no radio, so why is there an aerial attached?

Perodua just launch a 'cheaper' version of the overpriced Viva. All I can say is...better buy a second hand car or if you want a brand new cheap car, go for Proton Iswara (don't know weather Proton still manufactured it or not). Better known as 'kereta kebal'. It got better spec with almost the same price.

The specification for this new model are as follows;
1. 660cc DVVT engine 47hp @ 7,200rpm, 58Nm @ 4,400rpm

2. No power steering.
3. No power windows.
4. No central locking.
5. No radio.
6. No reverse sensors.
7. Unpainted bumpers.
8. Manual transmission only.
9. Only available in Ivory White, Ebony Black and Glittering Silver.

The price, RM25,300. PaulTan.

I've done two reviews on Perodua Viva, here and here. I also was once an owner of Perodua Viva for 1 full year and I just hated it. Seeing the spec of this new model, I hated it already.

I feel like Perodua is treating the consumers as some mindless, easily fooled, cheap bastard. With the standard of the older models of Perodua Viva, this new model is the worst of them all. And this new model is actually a replacement for Perodua Kancil? Even Kancil is way better!!

I'm not a Perodua hater. Perodua Myvi was a good (even though I find it ugly :p) car but Perodua Viva? Sorry, a bad car is a bad car. Period.

The sad part is, someone would still buy this car without even noticing they've been ripped off only to realize it after signing the Hire Purchase deal.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Your car shows your personality...[maybe la..]

Seems like I've been posting about car lately...well, I've accidentally stumble upon this blog talking about how one personality can be known by looking at the car they owned. Well, you can read their version here...these are my version..[nothing serious ok..] Suitable only to Malaysian in general..hehe

And no, it's not copy and paste.

Proton Saga (1st gen)
You can't forget the pass, you are afraid of what might happen if you let it go. If it's a second hand car, you're so stingy and a scrooge person.

Proton Saga BLM
You're a value-for-money kind of person. Young but not too young. Age around 25-35. Either single or has a small family of four (max). If you had a big family yet you owned this car, either your not rich or too rich. You're also not a perfectionist but it doesn't mean you don't care.

Perodua Viva
This is probably your first car. You're desperate in owning a car since you don't have to wait long for delivery. Too hasty. If you like this car after receiving it even though it sucks (I know through experience ok), your an insensitive kind of person. You tend to take minor things as important and the important thing as minor/unimportant. If this is your second car, you tend to judge a book by its cover.

Perodua Myvi
You're a bit snobbish kind of person. If you're young (18-20), you come from a wealthy family but not too wealthy. You don't want to be seen as outdated since you're conscious with your outer image. You're easily convinced yet hard to change your mind after you're convinced with it.
Perodua Myvi facelift
Easily conned. nuff said.

Proton Exora
You're a family guy. You tend to look at the bigger picture rather than minor things. You don't mind what other people think as long as you and your family are happy and it doesn't hurt others.

Perodua MPV (D46T)
You're easily influenced. I mean, this MPV are not produce yet. But some people are already making a big fuss over it just because it's based on a Passo Sette. Nothing much to say..yet.

Proton Juara
If you hate one, you judge other base on appearance only rather than personality. What worst, you'll still hate him/her even though he/she has a great personality.

Hmm...I think that's it for now..

Saturday, April 25, 2009

My new, cheap car..

White

Ok..this is my new car.. Proton Saga BLM. It's cheap, affordable and way better than my previous car, Perodua Viva. Maybe you'll say it's not fair to compare it with Viva. They are in a different segment. Viva is a compact car and Saga is a sedan. So what? Their price is almost the same yet you get different quality (and Viva is totally 'owned' by Saga).

Ok, now I want to review/rant on this Saga. If you want a professional review, go to Paultan.org. My review is based on my own experience and comparison between Viva and Saga.

In my previous post, I already said that Saga is not as fuel economic as compared to Viva. Well, it's a 1.3cc vs 1.0cc. It's a no brainer really. I also mention that there are some minor things that I dislike about Saga. Here they are..

1. The signal lever.

Left, right, high light, low light, no light..

wiper, spray me water..

I feel so odd operating it with my left hand. And it's not practical for manual transmission. You can't shift the gear and signaling to go to the left or right at the same time. You have to have both of your hand on the steering wheel. You either shift your gear first or turn the signal first. Unless you are driving an automatic gear....umm..on the both hand on steering wheel part, ok..it's for safety...but still...I like it better flicking the lever with my right hand (or fingers) while my left hand shift the gear at the same time.

2. There are no space for change and coins.

air bag?

The only place is at the cup/bottle holder (?) in front of the air-cond control dial or in the empty air-bag space on the dash board. This is inconvenient in case you want to pay the parking ticket or toll.

3. The power outlet, wrong place.

I wonder weather they know the existence of MP3 modulator that you stick in the power outlet.

4. Bad craftsmanship on the little, unnoticed yet easily broken parts.

It really bothers me since it will shorten the life span of these kind of parts. It might get easily broken. Especially if you have 4-6 years old kids.

5. The CD player.

The CD player is from Clarion. But I felt odd since the volume knob is placed on the left side which is further from the driver's reach (not that I can't reach it though). But you can always change the player to a better one. tapi kluar duit lagi..aiya..

6. The air-cond vent.

looks like a face..

I cant find the right car freshener or perfume or whatever you call it. The vent is different.

7. I don't know what's it for.

And this part, under the steering wheel, I don't know what's it for. Steering lock? Books? Guns?

8. More bad craftsmanship.

expose wire under dashboard.

exposed wire lagi...

After a long wear and tear, these are definitely going to get you in trouble in the future.

But over all, I still like this car compared to Viva. The handling, safety, comfort. So, if you're thinking of buying Viva over Saga as your first car..think again. Trust me, you'll regret it if you do so..if Viva is going to be your 2nd, 3rd or pigi pasar car...you are a rich person. So, spent your money, our domestic economy liquidity needs it.

Perodua people, sorry..but your Viva is suck even though it has a Daihatsu DNA.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Proton MPV "Exora"

Maybe this is a bit old news already, but the new proton MPV will be name Exora. There are some issues regarding the name. It was clearly stated that an entry “tidak diambil daripada” the name of flora or fauna. But as you can see, the name clearly resemble the flower Ixora.

Well, at least that's what peoples who didn't won this competition think. But what is done, done. What I'm looking foward now is this MPV. I went on browsing and this is what I found.

These was the first complete leak pictures

The newest leak pictures. It looks real. (or should I say the real thing)

The price might be under RM80,000. Available in 5 different colors. Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black, Blue Haze, Pyrite Brown and Gaia Blue.

Anyway, we'll see the real spec this April...