PROTON EXORA

new Proton Exora will fit neatly into Joe Average’s idea of a family carMOST of us would have by now caught a glimpse of the Proton Exora. I saw one recently, and it looked very good indeed, especially as the owner had ‘inched up’ with 17-inch wheels and super-low profile tyres. The transformation is immediate and impressive.

However, size is not an issue here. The main concerns are fuel economy and power delivery.
I was fortunate enough to get an Exora for four days, enough for me to do a fuel consumption test and also to evaluate it from a user point of view.

The first thing I did was to take my extended family, consisting of seven adults and two pre-teens – one 12 and the other 10 years old – out for dinner. The Exora had no problem hauling all of us the short distance of 5km from our home to the diner; that is, if you are in no hurry.
The Exora has enough get-up-and-go, even under light throttle, picking up speed gradually. It cruises along fine at anything between 80 to 100kph, and does it quietly and effortlessly.
If you are impatient, the electronic throttle will respond very readily (perhaps a little too readily) by dropping down a gear, or even two, the moment you put your foot down on the accelerator pedal.

As long as you keep the accelerator flat on the floor, the auto transmission controller will not allow the gearbox to change up until you hit 6,500rpm.
Similarly, when you are in third gear, the Exora’s electronics will not allow a change to fourth and top gear until you hit the maximum revolutions, which means that if you keep pedal to metal, you can hit up to 145kph before it shifts to top gear.

However, if you lift off on the accelerator, the transmission control unit (TCU), sensing that you no longer need the additional power, will allow the gearbox to shift up to the next highest gear.
I find the acceleration pull acceptable – not the fastest kid off the block, but fast enough for the Joe Average who never drives fast anyway, be it in a BMW or a Kancil – as long as you remember to floor it.

The resultant engine roar is somewhat higher than usual, but that is better than it being gutless.
A light foot on the throttle will allow the Exora to ‘ease’ upwards in speed, until approximately 100kph, after which you might have to apply a little more pressure on the foot pedal to make it go up in speed.
For the driver who just wants to get from A to B, and doesn’t normally drive fast, the Exora would be fine.
Top speed is in the region of 160kph, but only if you are going downhill. Once you hit top speed, any slight incline will make the needle start to fall backwards, and if the slope continues, the TCU may even make the gearbox downshift a gear or two.

A shift lock in top gear at around 110 upwards might be a help to prevent undesired downshifts. Under the current settings, the shift lock only occurs at speeds over 145kph.
Fuel economy is reasonable, and considering the Exora’s bulk and weight, I would volunteer that it is actually remarkable, our test car returning 21.53 miles per gallon, or 13 litres per 100km, over a test distance that covered 350km of mixed driving at high speeds, with five people and luggage on board.

A light-footed driver could expect something in the region of 10 to 11 litres per 100km.
I believe that the Exora is all right as it is; perhaps a small change in the final drive ratio might be useful in improving the get-up-and-go, and help in reducing the frequent downshifts; the same result could come from a lower profile tyre.
There’s talk about a small turbo-charger running low boost to be fitted later on. That will be interesting indeed!


SOURCE: THE SUN ONLINE

New Land Rovers do Penang

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Land Rover fans up in Penang, the new boys are coming your way. That's right - Sime Darby Auto Connexion is having a public test drive event this weekend of all the new LR models at Juru Auto City.

Land Rover enthusiasts in the north will have the opportunity to view and test-drive the multiple-award winning Freelander 2 TD4, the multi-talented Discovery 3 TDV6 and two variants of the head-turning Range Rover Sport, the 2.7l V6 turbodiesel and naturally-aspirated 4.4l V8 petrol.

The three-day Land Rover Carnival in Penang will be held at Lot 1688, Juru Auto City, in front of the Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet from 10am-6pm daily from Dec 19-21, so if you're into your LRs, this is where you'll want to be.

For more info on the new Land Rover Carnival in Penang, please call Auto ConneXion Voice at 1 800 88 3181 or 04-390 2595.

SOURCE: THE STAR ONLINE

Half-a-million $$$ baby

Half-a-million $$$ baby
The new SLK 200 comes with 650 improvements to give it plenty of oomph and class
Y.S. Khong

The SLK 200 – for the person with everything.

THE Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 comes with a refreshed front and rear, and a total of 650 improvements, some of which are internal and mechanical.

Its main appeal is, of course, the electrically-actuated hardtop roof that takes less than half a minute to disappear into the rear boot at the touch of a button – always a sight to behold.

The front-end has taken some design hints from the flagship SLR, in the form of a new bumper that carries a larger air-dam and a more pronounced V-look.

A large three-pointed star sits in the middle of the front grille to make sure no one mistakes it for anything else but a Mercedes-Benz.

At the rear, there are now twin exhaust pipes and a diffuser, plus darkened tail lights. Exterior mirrors are larger to give a better rear view, and LED indicators are built into them.

Changes to the interior include a three-spoke steering wheel with multi-function buttons, and a new instrument cluster. Meters are analogue, and round with bezel surrounds to maintain the ‘sports car’ look.

Drivers now get a set of F1-type paddle shifters. Wood trim is available in two colours, and the interior colours now include ‘gull wing red’, inspired by the legendary SL300 gull wing model.

An iPod jack is standard, and a Linguatronic system allows voice control over the audio. A GPS navigation system is standard equipment.

Mechanical improvements to the 1.8-litre engine, which comes with a supercharger, give the SLK 200 an additional 21 horses to 184hp and 250Nm of torque, while fuel consumption has been reduced to 9.11 litre per 100km.

Drive is to the rear wheels, through 18-inch alloys.

Although mechanically the SLK 200 is much the same as the C200, a lighter body of some 1.3+ tons and different weight distribution means that driving dynamics is quite different.

There are three modes of driving – Manual, Sport or Comfort.

On the road, we find the SLK easy to drive, cruising around effortlessly without that ‘thoroughbred’ feeling, but responding to an exuberant driving style the moment foot is pressed to the pedal.

Response is instantaneous, and although its zero-to-100kph time is about 8.2 seconds (not the fastest kid on the block), it still gives a good account of itself if pushed. Driven in anger, it remains sure-footed and agile, and the ride is on the firm side of comfortable.

The four-wheel independent suspension has many aluminium parts that help to reduce unsprung weight and improve driving dynamics. Also built-in is ESP (electronic stability programme), ABS, EBD and BA.

The SLK 200 is designed as a roadster, and this version is the entry level model for its range. Other engine options include a 3.0-litre, 3.5-litre and the top-of-the-range AMG at a humongous 5.0-litre.

The SLK 200 is not an out-and-out racer, being designed more as an elegant roadster for weekend drives with the top down and the wind in one’s hair.

But then, there is nothing to stop you from using it daily, mindful of the fact that it is a strict two-seater.

At RM483,888, the SLK 200 is a good RM120,000+ more expensive than the E200, and over RM200k more than the C200, but well-worth the price for the person with everything.

source: http://www.thesundaily.com

TEST DRIVE A PEUGEOT

Test drive a Peugeot this weekend

Posted by: Andy Mervin George

If watching the idiot box is not entertaining to you this weekend, perhaps the Blue Box will.

Nasim Sdn. Bhd. is inviting everyone to indulge in their latest offering, the Peugeot 407, in the Peugeot 407 Test Drive Me campaign happening this weekend 18 & 19 October 2008, in a whole day affair from 10am till 7pm at the Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie and Peugeot Bangsar.

The campaign is meant for potential Peugeot owners to be up close and personal with the new Peugeot 407 sedan, where test drives of the car are available.

A mystery gift and refreshments await those who visit Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie and Peugeot Bangsar this weekend. For more information on the event, contact Peugeot Careline at 1-800-88-6292. 

SOURCE:  http://star-motoring.com

All's not glitter and gold at the Paris Motor Show

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Auto executives agree: their industry is headed into a giant storm.

The clouds of global economic turmoil cast a pall over the opening of the Paris Motor Show yesterday - although a staged display of thunder and blue lightning bolts provided a dramatic backdrop for the introduction of BMW AG's new 7 series.

General Motors Corp chief operating officer Fritz Henderson said the US hasn't seen such a slump in auto sales in two decades and predicted "chaos" if US lawmakers don't approve a US$700 billion financial bailout plan.

With a new Insight into things, Honda is hoping for better.

Ford Motor Co's CEO for Europe, John Fleming, said he is bracing for a difficult end to 2008 as declining housing markets and tightening credit take their toll.

And Carlos Ghosn, CEO of French carmaker Renault SA, said the global auto industry could remain in a funk for two years.

"We don't know if we are at the start of the end or the end of the start," he told reporters.

With rock music and clouds of dry ice, automakers unveiled smaller and more fuel-efficient cars to cater to consumers both cash-strapped and environmentally conscious. The new models are testimony that the industry is working to adapt to an era of expensive gas and mounting concerns about global warming.

Honda Motor Co unveiled a new five-door gasoline-electric hatchback to challenge rival Toyota Motor Corp's success with the hybrid Prius. Honda said its Insight would be cheaper than any other hybrid car on the market, to make the low-emission technology affordable for more consumers. The Japanese automaker aims to sell 200,000 of the cars each year, launching next spring in Japan, Europe and North America.

Renault showed off a revamped Megane compact hatchback. France's second-largest automaker, which is cutting 6,000 jobs to maintain profitability, hopes the car will make up for poor sales of the low-cost Laguna car.

Renault's new Megane Coupe.

And luxury car makers like Ferrari added their very own touch of glamour. The Italian automaker introduced its new California - a coupe-cabriolet with a retractable hard top - claiming that customers at the very top end of the market are immune for the moment.

"What is affecting Ferrari customers is not the financial times," CEO Amedeo Felisa said in an interview with The Associated Press.

The displays covered the entire range: fast to slow, luxury to economy. Renault displayed a Formula One racer. Peugeot showed a speedster for the Le Mans Series. Mercedes unveiled its latest armored limousine for VIPs, described as "luxuriously spacious and superbly comfortable."

Underscoring the need for green, some models had the amount of carbon dioxide they emit pasted in large numbers down their sides.

The two-week show opens to the public this Sat after two press days.

Citigroup expects 2008 to be the first year of volume declines since 2001 for the global car industry, and last month it lowered its outlook for this year and next after double-digit declines in new car registrations in western Europe, the US, and Japan.

Overall US auto sales plunged last month, dropping below one million for the first time in more than 15 years as some consumers struggled to get car loans and others stayed away from showrooms amid bank failures and Wall Street turmoil.

And the recession-proof Ferrari California.

Sales at every major US and foreign brand fell at least 24%from the previous year, with the exception of GM, which said it sold 16% fewer vehicles, helped by its month-long offer of employee pricing for all buyers.

GM's Henderson said the company can't rule out the need for more restructuring if the economic crisis worsens and said it was "extraordinarily important" that US lawmakers pass a financial bailout to shore up confidence.

France's car market has held up, thanks to government incentives to buyers of green vehicles. The French car manufacturer's association said on Wed that new car registrations rose 8.4% in Sept from a year earlier.

Last year, France introduced rebates and surcharges to encourage sales of more environmentally friendly vehicles. Under the system, dubbed "bonus-malus," car buyers can take money off the purchase price depending on how much CO2 the vehicle emits.

Larger rebates are awarded for cars meeting stricter emissions criteria, from 200 euros (US$287) all the way up to 5,000 euros (US$7,175) for electric vehicles putting out less than 60 grams of CO2 per km.

"The French market is resisting well for the moment. I hope it will continue," Renault's Ghosn said. - AP

SOURCE:   http://star-motoring.com

NIK AZIZ

NIK AZIZ: ISA is wrong in Islam

KOTA BARU: Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat said yesterday he hoped that Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Da-tuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would not be detained under the Internal Security Act.

"I hope he will not face it as the public has been condemning the use of the ISA. Even a minister was willing to step down to protest it. I hope that in the spirit of Ramadan, this will not happen."

The Pas spiritual leader said this after meeting Terengganu Pas commissioner Datuk Mus-tafa Ali yesterday.


Nik Aziz said the government should consider the wishes of the public, especially with the resignation of de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibra-him, who spoke out against recent ISA arrests.

"The ISA does not give the accused a chance to defend himself. This is wrong as in Islam, the accused is allowed to defend himself."
Meanwhile, the meeting yesterday was believed to be an effort to mend fences bet-ween the two over Mustafa's statement criticising Pakatan Rakyat for giving false hope to its supporters on the purported Sept 16 takeover of the government.


Nik Aziz, who was upset by the statement, had criticised Mustafa in the party's organ, Harakah.


SOURCE: http://www.nst.com.my

HOW TO SELL USED COMPUTERS

How to Sell Used Computers

Autor: Lesley Lyon



Used computers are bought by either students who do not have good savings or earnings or they are bought by educational institutions like the schools and universities. Some parents buy used computers for their children just for browsing the Internet and to play games.


For this purpose, a used computer is more than sufficient than spending huge amounts on a new computer. These target segments however require used computers in a good working condition as well as for a lesser price.


Most of the used computers are sold in the online market, as it attracts all sorts of buyers. There are many numbers of online classifieds or auctions or online dealers who sell used computers. Selling used computers are a better option than throwing them as trash or keeping them in a corner occupying space and collecting dust.

The first and important step is to improve the appearance of the used computer by wiping it clean free of dust and dirt. Any buyer would get impressed by the way the computer looks, looks make the first impression. The selling price of a clean used computer is always better than the one, which is full of dirt and dust.

All the software manual, operating system and other supporting discs that came with the computer should be in tact. This will add more value, when selling the used computer and also will make the buyer consider the person who is selling the used computer as a trusted seller.

The most important thing to do before selling a used computer is to erase all the personal details or information from the hard disk or drive. Instead of just putting them in the trash folder it is very important to purge all the personal data from the computer’s memory, even invisible backup files can cause danger.


A tech savvy person’s help can be got if the seller does not know how to do it. If not done it may lead to accessing the bank accounts, or emails by any unknown person leading to identity theft. For that when there is a remedy.


Unused scanners, printers can also be bundled with the sale of the used computer. A buyer may sometime value it. The benefits or features of the computer can be highlighted for better sales.

Source: Free Articles