Tag: reviews

Details and specifications for the Mitsubishi Mirage

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During the launching of the Mitsubishi Mirage, we mentioned that the car comes in four different trim levels. Today at the Bangkok International Motor Show, we have collected more detail specifications for the Mirage. We hope this could help the Thai buyers as well as global buyers (for the future) to have a better understanding for the trim levels. Let’s start from the cheapest to the top option.

GL (M/T) 380,000 baht

The GL features piano black interior which is the same with all other models but the rear seat is not foldable.

It did not come with the KOS (Keyless Operation System). You will have to use the car key to open the door and to start the car. It did not come with electric folding side mirror. Therefore, there is no button to adjust or to fold the mirror near to the steering wheel.

As for the wheels, it did not come with a nice wheel covers.

Manual air-conditioning; Multimedia screen with no aux-in and USB port.

GLX (M/T) 426,000 baht and GLX CVT (A/T) 460,000 baht

Most of the Mirage potential buyers prefer the GLX model. This is because the price is affordable and it has some extra features that attract the buyers. The GLX is a better model because it comes with ABS/EBD, CD/MP3/AUX-in/USB Port for the audio, electric folding mirror, and wheel covers.

The Mirage GLX is with disposable wheel covers. If you do not look into it carefully, it looks like a sport wheel.

Although the GLX is a better model, it still comes with only one driver’s airbag. There is no airbags for other passengers except driver.

It comes with electric folding mirror but without KOS (Keyless Operation System).

GLS CVT 506,000 baht

The GLS model come with dual airbags, one for the driver and another one for the front passenger. It also added with KOS where the engine will kick off with just one button. With 80,000 baht different, consumers enjoy a set of 14” allow wheels too.

It is completed with Start/Stop button and buttons for electric folding mirror.

GLS Ltd. CVT 546,000 baht

The GLS Ltd. model is the “full option” model. It is almost similar to the GLS CVT but the multimedia screen is able to play DVD. It is equipped with navigation system, Bluetooh technology, as well as touch screen that other models do not have. It also states in the brochure that there will be an extra 5,000 baht add on to the car price for White Pearl exterior color for all models. Click here to see Mitsubishi Mirage Video.

March 28, 2012
Toyota Prius C – You Drive Me Crazy!
It was Sunday yesterday and we had finally put our foot on the pedals of a brand new Toyota Prius C. Here we will describe the car from head to toe and from inside out. First impression and first observation, it looks really beautiful standing in the showroom and it is really small when compared to its elder brother Prius beside it. It looks like Jacky Chan standing beside the NBA player Yao Ming.

In the U.S., the Prius C is made available in four variants – Prius C One, Prius C Two, Prius C Three, and Prius C Four. The one we are reviewing here is the only model available inMalaysiawhich is the Prius C Four or better known as Toyota Aqua in Japan.

Exterior

The 2012 Prius C is an all-new hybrid model for the B-segment. It is something new, something different, and something fresh. The front bumper is fitted with a pair of integrated fog lamps that looks like dimples on a smiling face. What makes it different from other cars is the crystal clear rear lamp that combined with LED stop lamps in a unique shape. A good looking car should not lack of a set of cool wheels. The Prius C features a set of 15-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P175/65R/15 83V tires. It is not only cool but also helps to reduce the total weight of the car and perform well on different kinds of road surfaces. It is only three steps in length. Getting around in the city with this size could be fun and easier for parallel parking or reverse parking. As for the trunk, it may be small but some DIY furniture can still be loaded easily into it.

Toyota Prius C logo with blue light-emitting diode (LED) illumination

Interior and Technology

We have to admit that the Prius C features a lot of new technology that will be fun to own. Key ignition seems to disappear from the Prius C. It features a Smart Key System with one power button for you to start the car like that of a computer, provided the key is in your pocket. The interior is nicely designed with a few florescent lights that make it look like a future car. The steering wheel is similar to that of the Prius minus the two buttons for phone calls. You can control the audio and climate from the steering wheel.

Interior of Toyota Prius C

There is also a 6.1-inch multimedia screen at the middle of the dashboard that offers a few popular mobile apps, navigation systems, and data services to the driver. You can customize the setting of your car including GPS, voice recognition, radio features, and wireless features. Together with a reverse camera that hides behind and above the registration plate, the multimedia screen will show the image of what the camera catches at the back of the car.

Reverse camera hidden in the Prius C

Performance and Safety

The Prius C is powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive System that can be found in the Prius. A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motor giving a total combined output of 99 hp sent directly to the front wheel through the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). On the gasoline engine itself, it produces 73 hp at 4800 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. A 144-volt nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery is located under the rear seats that give a maximum output of 19.3 kW. Light body, great aerodynamic, and great technology give a combined fuel economy at 50 mpg, making it the highest in the non plug-in hybrid available in the market.

The Prius C sits on an independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and torsion beam rear suspension. Together with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and 31.4 turning circle diameter, the car is without doubt fun to drive. Inside all four wheels, it is equipped with power-assisted ventilated disc brakes for the front and drum brake for the rear.

As for safety, the Prius C is equipped with a total of seven airbags including front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag. Other safety features such as traction control (TRC), ABS, EBD, auto climate control, cruise control, and Toyota’s famous VSC (vehicle stability control) can be found in the car too.

Click on the image to enlarge it

Fuel Economy

53 city/46 highway/50 combined mpg; 53 city/46 highway/50 combined mpg; 22.5 city/19.6 highway/21.3 combined km/l.

What could be better?
- The dashboard is superbly designed but it is covered with cheap plastic. Just knock a few times and you will know what we mean.
- It is a few thousand dollars cheaper than the Prius but many things are not there. In the Prius C, you don’t get the feeling of Prius. It is much smaller and very cramped. A person taller than 175cm or 5’ 8” may hit the roof if he sits in the middle of the back seat.
- The luxurious feeling in the Prius could not be found here.
Price
- United States: Prius C One (MSRP $18,950), Prius C Two (MSRP $19,900), Prius C Three (MSRP $21,635), and Prius C Four (MSRP $23,230).
- Malaysia: Simple and easy, RM97,000 OTR (On The Road) with metallic paint.
Toyota Prius C’s competitors and similar cars: Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, Honda Insight, Honda CR-Z, Honda Jazz/Honda Fit Hybrid, Lexus CT 200h, Honda Brio, and Nissan March.

In a nutshell, the Toyota Prius C is a better version of the Yaris and smaller yet cheaper version of the Prius. It will be the number one buying choice for savvy consumers who need a small car but super huge gas mileage. Toyota Prius C, You Drive Me Crazy!

Click on the image to enlarge it
March 20, 2012
Mazda3 2.0 Sedan Review
As long as there are cars, any small-scale Motor Show will be interesting enough if they display a car that suits your needs, and you have put a down payment to book the car of your choice. Here is one Mazda3 2.0 Sedan appearing in a small-scale Motor Show, or better known as small-size Motor Sales in Bangkok that really catches our eye.

Exterior

The Mazda3 2.0 is available in four-door sedan and hatchback body style. The one we are viewing is the 2012 sedan model that looks sportier compared to all its previous generations. It was treated with bold halogen projector headlamps, some really cool LED lamp for better illumination, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 series tires that perform well on all kind of driving surfaces. What is most important is when you view the car from the front, the car face (front grill) always smiles at you with a pair of dimples (fog lamps).

Interior

If you place your face to the driver’s side window and peep into the interior, you will salivate on the window. The cabin is unbelievably spacious. It does not look that big from the outside. There is also plenty of room in the trunk and if that is not enough, the 60/40 split-folding rear seat is able to create more room. High quality leather seats and a fully functional steering wheel with paddle shift make anyone wants to sit on the driver’s seat and go for a drive. If you switch on the ignition, the blackout meter will immediately turn to blue-illumination. The light can be switched to red or white through the touch of dial. Besides beautiful design, the interior features serve many useful functions such as auto wipers with rain sensor, auto cruise control, nice audio system with six speakers, Tilt and Telecospic adjustable steering, and an auto dimming rear view mirror.

Power and Performance

The 2012 model has a new optional 2.0-liter MZR four-cylinder engine that develops 145 hp at 6,500 rpm and 182 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The fuel injection system is controlled electronically by the ECU itself. The front suspension uses an independent MacPherson strut with coil spring and double acting shock absorbers. As for rear suspension, an E-Type mult-link with low profile springs and cylindrical double acting shock absorbers are used. Both the front and rear suspensions have contributed well enough to make the handling more precise and the response faster. It has the feeling of driving a sedan race car. The renowned engineering of the car has earned over 77 automotive awards, this has really proven something.

At the back of the car under the trunk, it is equipped with four rear parking sensors which are camouflaged with the same body color. It helps a lot in any kind of driving situations especially parallel parking or reverse parking.

Fuel Economy

30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway; 12.75 km/l city and 17 km/l highway.

What is good about this car?
- Safety is what we are concerned about. The Mazda3 features dual front airbags, side and curtain airbags, traction control, and 4W-ABS + EBD + BA brake system. Front wheels are equipped with ventilated discs and rear wheels with solid disc brake.
- The Mazda3 is made available in a few variants. If the 2.0-liter engine is too powerful, there is an alternative to go for the 1.6-liter engine. If it is inadequate, there is always an option to go for the 2.5-liter engine which delivers more power.
- Good visibility for drivers.
- Good fuel tank capacity at 55 liter.
Mazda3’s 17-inch alloy wheels – Click on the image to enlarge it.

What is not so good about this car?
- Fuel economy is impressive for highway drive but not city drive.
- The suspension gives a good feeling for most people but it could be too hard for some – this is very much an individual perspective.
- The car is still using the old type wiper.
Price
- Thailand: 1,025,000 baht
- United States: MSRP from $15,200
- United Kingdom: £18,025
- Malaysia: RM119,774 (Metallic)
Mazda3’s competitors and similar cars: Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Honda City, Kia Forte, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion, Peugeot 308, Nissan Almera, and Mitsubishi Lancer.

In conclusion, the Mazda3 (or some called it Mazda 3) is the choice for consumers who prefer something different from all its competitors or similar cars listed above. Quiet cabin, luxury interior, and comfortable drive are what attract consumers the most. The car catches many eyes in the mini motor show and it will definitely give a bit of attention on the road.
March 18, 2012
Isuzu D-Max vs. Mazda BT-50
The Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 may not be competing head-to-head or foot-to-foot in the marketplace but there is a necessity to discuss both their strong points and weak points. Let’s start with the more popular Isuzu D-Max (known as Chevrolet Colorado in the U.S.) which has been in the market for a longer period compared to the BT-50. It was first introduced in 2002 and it has been in the market for more than a decade. The Mazda BT-50 (Ford Ranger) came later in 2006 but it has become one of the main choices when buying a pickup truck.

Performance and Power

The Isuzu D-Max Pro features a 2.5LS in-line 4-cylinder direct injection diesel turbo engine that delivers 58kW at 3900 rpm and 176 Nm of torque at 1800rpm. Using independent double wishbones with torsion bar springs and stabilizer in the front and semi-elliptical leaf springs in the back, the vehicle’s rigidity is a lot better compare to the previous generation.

The Mazda BT-50 is fitted with a 2.5L 4-cylinder 12-valve SOHC indirect injection turbo engine that delivers 80kW at 3500rpm and 257 Nm or torque at 2000rpm. As for the suspension, Mazda uses independent double wishbones with torsion bar springs in the front and rigid leaf spring in the back.

Design and Reliability

The D-Max is made available in either two doors or four doors. The four-door version can carry up to five adults comfortably as the leg room for the rear seats is roomy. The 2+2 door gives an easy way for rear passengers to get in and out. Unlike what you see in the BT-50, it has a very limited space at the back of the front seats. The jump seats in the supercab are ridiculously small and it seems enough to fit a child but not an adult. With only one door at each side, the rear passengers may find it difficult to get into the car.

(Rear space for Mazda BT-50)

The overall length for the D-Max is 5030mm and 5169mm for the BT-50. So where does the extra length for the BT-50 go to? The BT-50 has a bigger cargo space compare to the D-Max. The BT-50 is more suitable for hauling heavier loads or performing other functions compared to the D-Max. However, the D-Max is more reliable as a family pickup and also capable of hauling loads. It depends on the buyer’s choice.

(Isuzu D-Max rear seat)

The D-Max has an overall width of 1800mm while the BT-50 is 1807mm, a difference of only 7mm. Compare both car heights, the BT-50 is slightly taller at 1762mm and the D-Max is 1735mm.

Weight

Vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight (kg) Seating Capacity

Isuzu D-Max 2650 5

Mazda BT-50 2800 2+2 small jump seats

Interior

The interior of pickups often does not look nice. The interior of the D-Max looks mediocre and the steering wheel looks outdated although it has been redesigned. The Mazda BT-50 is about the same but the dashboard and interior design does not look like a typical pickup truck. The gear knob is designed to look slightly cyber and the gauge lights are pretty too.

Fuel Consumption

Vehicle Fuel Consumption (MPG) Fuel Tank Capacity (Liter)

Isuzu D-Max 18 city/25 highway 76

Mazda BT-50 22 city/27 highway 70

Isuzu D-Max’s characteristic: Fog lamps with bezel, oval tube aluminium side steps, LED high mount stop lamp, door visors, rubber mats, reverse sensors, and pro-lid. You can also get a better version, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross.

Mazda BT-50’s characteristic: Five-point grille, powerful-looking alloy wheels, rear combination lamp, and with many chrome-plated parts.

Price
- Isuzu D-Max: RM81,129.40.
- Mazda BT-50: RM88,170.00.
Their competitors or similar cars: Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado.

Isuzu D-Max images

Mazda BT-50 images

After reading the above comparison of the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50, which do you choose?
March 5, 2012

Toyota Camry: A Review On An Established Brand

We were given a chance to get our hands on the best selling cars inAmerica, the Toyota Camry. The owner, Jack Dawson, a 36-year-old business owner shares with us his experience driving a Camry and also the maintenance fees he paid for the car over the years. Jack purchased the car in 2009 and up to date, the car has run 52,000 km at the time we reviewed it. There are rumors that 200,000 km for a Toyota Camry is nothing, it doesn’t hurt the car. Today, we will test drive the car and see if the rumors are true.

Jack’s Camry is a 2009 model. It is the 2.4V full specs variant which features the 2AZ-FE engine. Jack has a philosophy; if someone wants to spend over a hundred thousand for a car, why not just throw in another thirty thousand to get a better engine, better performance, better interior, and more features? That is the reason he chose the 2.4V instead of the cheaper version 2.0G or 2.0E.

The 2AZ-FE is a 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine with VVT-i. The 2.4-liter engine delivers 167PS of power at 6,000 rpm, and has a maximum torque of 224Nm at 4,000 rpm. Well, that’s all written in the brochure and let’s put our hand on it and see if it is really satisfying.

Toyota Camry 2.4V Road Test

As usual, we will ask the permission from the owner if we are allowed to “rape” the car a little. Jack is an understanding person and he allowed us to do whatever we like with the car. We brought the car to an expressway together with the owner and tried it up till 185 km/h (112 mph). We felt safe up till 165 to 170 km/h on a straight road but we started to feel a little uncomfortable to go beyond this speed with so many cars around. We slowed down when the car reached 185 km/h. The reason is we were testing the car on an expressway but not in the track. However, we felt there is a little leeway from the steering when the speed reached 180 km/h. Other than that, everything else worked perfect; the car performed really well at high speed. It is not only written in the brochure but the car itself proved it.

We test the car again for cornering, parallel/side parking, and also emergency braking. The Camry runs smooth when negotiating sharp corners. The emergency brake is also satisfactory with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA).

As for the parallel parking, drivers below 160cm (5’2) may find it difficult to drive the Camry compared to the Honda Jazz. Although the Camry features front and rear parking sensors with wing mirror, a short person will find it difficult to estimate the position of the car. The XV40 is 4,825mm in length, 1,820mm in width, and 1,470mm in height. For people who are taller than 160cm, it is definitely a joy to own this car.

Toyota Camry Maintenance Cost

Jack has been maintaining the car according to the Owner’s Manual and repair guide. In order to maintain the car in the best condition, Jack sends the car toToyotaservice center based on the maintenance schedule and never walked into any other workshops. According to Jack, here is what he has spent for the car over the years.

No	Price (RM)	Description
1	97.50	First service
2	97.20	Second basic service
3	63.60	Third basic service
4	268.20	Fourth basic service
5	2860	New set of wheels
6	467.20	Engine oil, oil filter, and basic service
7	178.80	Alignment and balancing
8	330	Safety lock
9	150	Steering lock
10	1260	Four tires
11	615.50	Spark plugs, distributors points, drive belts (including air-cond belts), wiper blades, brake lining and pads, filters, refrigerant, receiver drier, lubricants and fluids.
12	275	Engine oil and oil filters
13	206.95	Engine oil and oil filters

Fuel Consumption

21 city/31 highway mpg or 8.9 city/13.2 km/liter.

What is good about the car?

It is easy to sell it off when you want to change to another car. The Toyota Camry has a high resale value. It is a popular car and it is also a car that many consumers will think of buying. The cabin ambience is first-class at 130 to 150 km/h. It is also spacious enough to carry six adults comfortably. Spare parts are available almost everywhere across the country; either new or used parts. As for the boot, it is big enough to fit a mid-size bicycle.

What is not so good about the car?

No vehicles are 100% perfect, so are the Camry.Toyota recalled the Camry several times over the years in the U.S. because of some defects. The most recent recall affects the 2007-2010 models. Although the interior is nicely crafted, we notice there are some parts made of low-quality plastics.

Price

Malaysia: RM175,007.10 for Toyota Camry 2.4 V
United States: MSRP from $23,000
Thailand: 1,449,000 baht for Camry 2.4 G; 1,619,000 baht to 1,799,999 baht for Camry Hybrid ECVT; 1,699,000 baht for Camry Hybrid Extremo; 2,909,000 baht for Camry 3.5 Q.

Toyota Camry’s competitor or other similar cars: Honda Accord, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, Lincoln MKZ, Toyota Camry Solara, Holden Apollo, Toyota Scepter, and Toyota Vienta.

“My ass is pretty comfortable on the leather seat”, said Jack. Well, it is a wonderful sedan car that even comforts Jack’s ass.