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Category: Car Reviews

Carsut’s Review Team (CRT) do our best to test drive new and used cars and bring it out to our readers. Images and videos are added for better understanding.

Suzuki Ciaz Review, Specification, Photos & Price

The new Suzuki Ciaz has been officially launched in Thailand. It is now available at every Suzuki showroom across the country to compete with Honda City, Toyota Vios, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, Hyundai Veloster, Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Mirage, Mazda3, and other cars within the same price range.

Under the car hood, the Suzuki Ciaz is powered by a four-cylinder engine pumping 91 hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. The fuel distribution is using multipoint injection system and the car is carrying a 42-liter fuel tank at the back. Speaking about practicality, it has 565 liters luggage capacity which is very impressive.

Transmission wise, it is available in either 5 speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. The final gear ratio for 5MT is 4.388 and 3.757 for CVT transmission. Projector headlamps, front fog lamps, rear window demister, trip meter, outside temperature gauge, average fuel consumption gauge and driving range are other standard features available with the Ciaz.

The new Suzuki Ciaz has an adequate amount of legroom for rear passenger. It is a lot better compared to Suzuki Celerio.

Suzuki Ciaz vs Honda City

The Ciaz, has an overall length of 4,490 mm, overall width of 1,730 mm and overall height of 1,475 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,650mm. The size is very similar to the 2016 Honda City therefore both of these cars are often put into comparison. To compare, the Honda City is 4,442 mm long, 1,694 mm wide and 1,477 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm.

The new Suzuki Ciaz is definitely a nice-looking car. The front is so unique but the rear design somehow looks like the 2016 Honda City. Power wise, the sixth generation Honda City is a lot more powerful with the 117hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine under the hood.

The 2016 Honda City in its range topping trim features high quality features include touch-panel auto climate control, rear AC vents, a 5-inch LCD display with navigation, a reverse camera, four 12-volt power outlets, and Bluetooth audio. These are extensive premium equipment that is not available in the Suzuki Ciaz. However, the price range for Suzuki Ciaz is in between 484,000 baht (approximately US$13,500) and 625,000 baht (approximately US$17,500). It is inexpensive compared to the Honda City which cost 550,000 baht (approximately US$15,500) to 734,000 baht (approximately US$20,600) in Thailand.

An advertisement board of the new Suzuki Ciaz RS Eco Car in Thailand

February 17, 2016
Honda BR-V (BRV)

The Honda BR-V (Honda BRV) was previewed by Honda in the middle of 2015. The production is now started and it is available as 2016 model. The BRV, stands for Bold Runabout Vehicle, is a all-new seven-seat compact SUV. With the price tag of 820,000 baht for seven-seat SV and 750,000 baht for five-seat V, it is believed that this is the car Honda plans to target people who want Honda HR-V (Honda HRV) or Honda CR-V (Honda CRV, see also Honda CRV Problems) but with a lower price tag.

Under the hood, the BR-V is powered by Honda’s L15Z1 SOHC 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine producing 118 hp and 145 Nm of torque. Transmission wise, it is only available with a CVT automatic transmission.

So far, the Honda BR-V (BRV) is only available in Thailand, India, and Indonesia. The Indonesian model is also available in 6 speed manual which cost 236.500.000 IDR.

Exterior wise, LED lights was used in both front and rear. Interior technology includes automatic climate control, hill-start assists, reverse camera, traction and stability control system, dual airbags, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen that works like a smartphone.

Honda BR-V Competitors: Ford EcoSport, a 5-seat SUV powered by 1.5-liter engine producing 110 hp.

A White Honda BR-V waiting for potential buyers to test drive.

Honda BRV vs Honda HRV

Many people are comparing the Honda BRV vs Honda HRV. Without doubt, there are a lot of differences between these two cars. The first thing is the price. The BR-V is more affordable. Size wise, the BR-V is 4,455mm x 1,735mm x 1,650mm while the HR-V is 4,295mm x 1,772mm x 1605mm. Obviously, the BR-V is slightly bigger. The BR-V is a seven seater SUV while the HR-V is only available as a 5-seater subcompact SUV. Power wise, the HR-V features a 130hp four-cylinder engine under the hood. It is more power compared to the 118hp engine under the hood of BR-V.

February 16, 2016
Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a sports saloon car built by Alfa Romeo, the renowned Italian car brand. The production of the Giulia 1300 is in between 1962 and 1978. As the car weights only approximately 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs), Alfa Romeo became one of the first few car makers that place a powerful engine in a light-weight car.

Under the hood, the Giulia is given a light alloy twin overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine. Engine capacities options were 1.3-litre (1,290 cc) or 1.6-litre (1,570 cc). The white color Alfa Romeo Giulia in the photos here is the Giulia 1300 Ti. It features a 1.3-litre engine which produces 81 hp at 6000 rpm and 104 Nm of torque. A 4-speed manual transmission and a twin carburetor fuel system are standard for the car.

As you can see from the photos, the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Ti features a three-spoke Bakelite steering wheel with plastic horn push covering the centre and spokes. In the front of the steering wheel, there are two large gauges which are speedo and tacho. In between them, there is a small fuel gauge. The dashboard is made of solid wood. This is definitely a nice classic car.

Almost 90% of the car is in its original condition include the alloy wheels, wheel caps, bumpers, seat belts, decals, dashboard, both front and back seats.

The top speed of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 ti is rated at 160 km/h (99 mph). This is considered a very fast speed for a car that built in the 1960s. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Super, Giulia Super 1.6 and Giulia Nuova Super 1600 have a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). They are the most powerful Giulia ever built. The Super version is capable to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 12 seconds. How many cars on the road today have this capability?

Take a look at the grill, rooflines and some other details on the bonnet, you will notice that the car is very aerodynamic although it might look “square” to many people.

If you ever had a chance to own this beauty, please enjoy driving it as much as you can. If you meet one Giulia running on the road by chance, please request the owner to give you a free ride and try to feel the car. It has the smell which many modern cars don’t.

August 10, 2015
Honda CRV problems

This page is a collection of all Honda CRV problems shared by CRV owners from around the world. Some problems are provided with solutions while some remains unsolved. Over the years, the 2007 Honda CRV received the most complaints especially wheels and hubs problems and electrical problems. If you own a Honda CRV and you would like to report a problems or share your experience, please contact us and we will have it include in this page. Now here is the list of reported common Honda CRV problems.

Model: 2012 Honda CRV
Problems: Rear hatch won’t open (Not a big problem)
Description: The rear hatch won’t open for sometimes and it seems like it is lock. I have to try it out few times.
Solution: Sent to the dealer and have the electric lock replaced.
Report By: Anonymous

Model: 2012 Honda CRV
Cons: Engine upgrade is not available, only a 2.4L four-cylinder available; Honda does not offer manual transmission for the 2012 model; Rear seats don’t slide fore and aft.
Report By: Edmunds

Model: 2011 Honda CRV
Problems: Air-conditioning (A/C) not working
Description: The other day when I am about to leave the gas station, a car came from behind in a very fast speed. I did not notice it and I step on the brake very hard to stop my car. My car speed at the time was about 20 mph. Since then, my AC is giving problem. The AC blower is still working but the air is hot and no cold air. I checked under the hood and found both fans are working.
Solution: I sent the car to a private mechanic which is also a friend of mine in Virginia. It took him only 10 minutes to diagnose the problem and another 5 minutes to replace a blown fuse. I do not know why this happened but thank god the solution is so simple and it cost me less than $50 including labor charge.
Report By: Cecilio, Virginia

Model: 2010 Honda CRV
Problems: The car is underpowered and lack of torque
Description: I’ve owned a Honda CR-V for almost a year. Overall, the car satisfied me with the interior design and spacious trunk. The only problem I have with the car is that it is seriously underpowered. The car is lack of torque when climbing up hill or to overtake cars in front.
Solution: What can I do except Honda make it better in the future?
Report By: Denver, Malaysia

Model: 2002 Honda CRV
Problems: Air conditioning malfunctions, engine and transmission problems.
Description: Leaking transmission fluid is one of the most common problems for Honda CR-V with automatic transmission.
Solution: Send the car back to dealer.
Report By: N/A

Model: 2001 Honda CRV
Problems: Vibrating Noise from the underneath
Description: First I would like to clarify that this was a used car, so I am not sure if the car has gone through any serious accident before. However, I can feel the loud vibrating noise and it seems coming out from the underneath.
Solution: It could be rubber boots, protectors, axle boots, tie rod boots, driveshaft, or bad bearing.
Report By: Twitch, United States

Honda CR-V’s competitor or similar cars: Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Acura RDX, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage, BMW X3, and BMW X1.

The Honda CRV has gained its popularity in the late ‘90s when it was first introduced in the United States in 1997. With more 5 million units of CR-V sold over the last decades, majority CR-V owners are satisfied with the performance and design of the car although there are minority of owners experienced the uncommon Honda CRV problems. If you are still in dilemma choosing the right car, why not follow our step by step car buying guide to choose the right one?

See also some other interesting topics in the Honda family: Honda Insight vs. Toyota Prius, 2012 all-new Honda Civic, 2010 Honda City Review.

September 10, 2012
BMW X1 sDrive20d Review
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The BMW X1 sDrive20d was first introduced by BMW in 2009 and it gained a very high popularity in Europe. In recent years, it is getting more and more popular and it has reached the U.S. and Asian market due to the luxury outlook, comfortable interior design, and satisfied performance. We stand a chance to put our hands on the latest 2012 model at the 2012 Motor Show after the car has been launched for three years. Now we are going to share every little bit of this rear-wheel-drive diesel-powered compact crossover SUV from head to toe.

A view from far, the BMW X1 looks smaller and shorter when it stands beside the BMW X3 but the performance is very much related to both the 1 Series and 3 Series especially its handling thanks to its short height at only 61 inches. Overall, it looks like a big-short-small man. However, this doesn’t sacrifices any space in the cabin. The X1 offers a comfortable cabin that sits five adults contentedly.

Engine and Performance

The BMW X1 sDrive20d is powered by a 1,995cc four-cylinder engine producing a maximum output of 177 hp at 4,000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1,750-3000rpm (Now, you can see what is horsepower and torque in a car?). This power has allowed the X1 sDrive20d the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and continuously to a top speed of 205 km/h. All it takes is 29.3 seconds to accelerate from a standstill position to 1 km. Partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X1 give a smooth and responsive handling. Drivers will get the “instant power” feeling when they step on the accelerator. There is another version of the X1 sDrive which is the sDrive18i. With 150hp/200 Nm of torque engine under the hood, the sDrive18i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds.

Underneath, a set of lightweight allow wheels add an expressive touch to the car. Coupled with the car chassis, it provides an optimal suspension comfort. The wheels look fantastic but they also feel incredible.

Interior

When our crews sit into the car, it doesn’t really feel like a compact car. The roomy cabin feels like a sedan and we almost forgot we are viewing the X1 but not the X3. It is definitely a pleasure to be in. Take two steps to the rear seats, the space is generous. Legroom is huge enough for tall person. When buying a BMW, it is always more than just buying a car. Take the X1 sDrive20d for example. It features a lot of technology that other cars may not have such as the anti-dazzle function for the rearview mirror, Bluetooh and USB compatibility function for the sound system, automatic wiper (rain detector), cruise control, keyless system, semi command sitting position, one button stop/start technology, shift light, parking radar and sensors, etc.

BMW X1 sDrive20d rear seat legroom

At the back of the car, there is a Mini TV player where rear passengers can connect many devices to it through AV Input or USB port. Rear passengers can also have two separate headsets if some other passengers is taking their rest during a long journey drive.

As for the cargo space, the 420 liters of storage space is relatively huge for many large items as you can see from the photos. It can be increased to 480 liters with the back seats pulled a little to the front and up to 1350 liters with the back seats folded. If that is not enough, the multi-functional BMW roof carrier rack system is capable to carry more items especially bicycle. The roof carrier rack system is made of high-strength aluminum alloy which is durable and corrosion-proof. So we say the new X1 is an ideal crossover SUV that is suitable for those who love travel.

BMW X1 Cargo Space

Fuel Economy

The BMW X1 sDrive20d diesel engine is typically fuel efficient, with an official combined fuel economy of 16.4 km/l (38.57 mpg). The tank capacity is approximately 61 liter and the CO₂ emissions are rated at 160 g/km which is considered eco-friendly. As for the X1 sDrive18i, it has a combined fuel economy of 11.9 km/l (28 mpg).

Price
- BMW X1 sDrive18i Highline: THB.2,499,000 (Thailand)
- BMW X1 sDrive20d Highline: THB.2,799,000 (Thailand)
- BMW X1 sDrive20d: RS 2,440,000 (India)
- BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics: £26,090 (UK)
- Price in the United States: N/A
BMW X1 sDrive20d’s competitors or similar cars: Audi Q3, BMW X3 xDrive20d, Nissan Murano, and BMW 3 Series.

We have stated most of the pros and cons of the BMW X1 sDrive20d. However, if we would to use one sentence to describe this car, it is a small-size luxury crossover with one of the best handling, powerful engine, good fuel economy, and very reasonable price.
August 23, 2012