Essential Motoring 101

Perodua brought in the Nautica as the replacement model for the Kembara that had since been the most affordable locally-manufactured 4WD compact SUV in Malaysia. After several face-lifts on the Kembara and an engine replacement, the manufacturer suggests that a completely new model may entice the many young drivers who simply want something different rather than a boring sedan.

Since the launch of the Viva in 2007, the second national carmaker has good vibes that the next new model would be introduced in 2009, looking at a 2-year pattern. So, between now (May) till year 2009, the Nautica would best to fill the gap of the wait, rather timely for the 10-year-old Kembara to ‘retire’ and be replaced.

Here are some pics of the Nautica, based on the initial test drive. Yes, this story and pics may be stale to some of you but at least this post can be your future point of motoring reference!

Deja-vu for most of you? The Nautica is not.

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Today will be the launch of the new Perodua Nautica, the replacement for the aging Kembara. As you have seen and peeked from their site www.theideal4wd.com.my, the Nautica has very similar looks as the Toyota Rush.

Looks aside, the Nautica is somewhat different in some ways that the Rush may not match, which I will post here later.
Watch out for more pics later this evening after the launch that will be held at KLCC this evening.

Not your ordinary 4WD 

Another shocking loss to our country, the founder, chairman, and CEO of NAZA Group of companies, Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin passed away yesterday morning at 1.15am in Los Angeles, California due to lung cancer.

Tan Sri (middle) flanked by Rafidah and JH Moon, former MD of Kia Motors Asian Regional Office during the launch of 2 new KIA models

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Drove up to Awana Genting today for a test drive on the all-new SUV from Perodua, the Nautica 4WD.

On first impression, it is a re-badged Toyota Rush with little design tweaks, here and there. But, heck, they may be similar, but not the same.

How naughty can it be?

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Spread across 160 countries, the Accord legacy has been in existence for the past 30 years in being the best selling Japanese car model in history. Proud of the latest installment of the luxury sedan, Honda Malaysia has recently launched the all-new 8^th generation Accord.

The muscular hunk flanked by two damsels

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America is home to all kinds of pick-up trucks ever since Ford started the rush back in the 1900s. To date, almost every family in the States owns or had owned a truck in a household. But, this year have seen a slump in ownership of such amphibious machines in that country. February and March recorded the sales volume of the pick-up truck segment come to a dwindling 10% compared to last year based on a report from Pickuptruck.com.

Will the newDodge’s Ram 1500 survive the stormy US automotive scene?

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Here’s a story of my first love when I got my first job as a salesperson in a company in Puchong. Since I stay in Cheras, travelling daily on bike to Puchong would break my back and numb the balls. I used to own a Suzuki VS125 scooter back in highschool and had sold it in 2003 when I got the job. It sure did served me well since 1996, when I was in Form 4.

I needed a car that was spacious, cheap and used. Not that I have huge cargos to carry but simply about the love for roomy cabins. Back in uni, I had already been drooling at the Nissan AD Resort stationwagon appeared in a local magazine called Kereta. This particular wagon had its suspension system modified to hop and dance! With randy colours and the neat interiors, I fell head over heels at the car.

In December 2003, I quickly grabbed a used unit from a car dealer in Cheras and the rest, as they say, was history.

My special edition Nissan AD Resort in full regalia

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During a recent trip to Bangkok, I achieved a few firsts. It was my first time in Bangkok and first time attending such a large motorshow (Bangkok Motor Show). Had always wanted to visit Bangkok since 2 years ago and now it has been realised.

The motoring trend in Bangkok itself have advanced much ahead compared to that of KL’s. One obvious reason is the vast usage of pick-up trucks in and out of Bangkok city and, in terms of fuel choice, they have started using natural gas besides the regular petrol or diesel. The Thai government has been very supportive in what the car manufacturers offer to its people and its efforts to spread the ‘green way’ of driving.

Fugly but it saves Mother Earth

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There has been lots of talk in town on the next new model by Proton. As revealed by Proton’s MD, the MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) will be hitting our roads early next year. According to sources, the MPV may be launched earlier (possibly before Hari Raya), as an effort to capitalise on the current hype created by the new Saga and Persona. Sales on the new Saga is still soaring with total units booked are in 5 digits.

Thanks to Josh, here are some pics for you to have a glimpse of the Proton MPV’s possible design. The MPV may look like the Mazda8 with a Proton emblem slapped on, but I think it is worth our imagination.

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Honda has been in the forefront in producing cars that are very fuel efficient and has never fail to give out the ‘wow’ factor to its customers. Their latest offering, the Stream MPV and the CR-V, are great examples of how Honda was committed in producing cars using utmost innovation and design sophistication. Soon, it will be worth rejoicing as Honda’s most renowned and best-selling car model, the Accord, will be gracing our local showrooms. Are you excited yet??

Straight, boxy lines are definitely here to stay!

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