SUNDAY STAR, 9 JULY 2017
Motoring
Guide to economical ownership
WITH the rising cost of living,
affordability takes a new turn as
many motorists have now
realised that spending on things
based on style and image is no
longer condoned.
Hence, many mature
Malaysians are downgrading
their motoring options and
having new perspectives of their
automotive needs.
In this issue of Motoring, we
address some of the steps and
concerns in purchasing a car and
what it takes to keep prices low.
Super big discounts
Auto experts will warn
about cheap buys.
There are a few
companies desperate to clear
their old stock, hence offering big
discounts.
The problem with this is that
the cars are usually more than a
year old some are even more
than two years old.
Discounts can amount up to
RM10,000 but be wary, as there
are a few things you need to
check before signing on the
dotted line. If the car has been
parked for a long time, the tyres
might have flat spots for being
static too long. Get the seller to
change them.
You should also check for rats,
bitten off rubber hoses in the
engine bay, hardened door or
window seals and faded paint.
A wiring harness that has been
damaged by rats can cost
more than RM20,000 to not be enough to cover that. to get a used car because it is Think with your wallet,
replace.
The big
Ensure that everything covered
by the warranty is stated clearly on
cheaper.
However, used cars require
not your heart
discount paper. Check the car thoroughly higher downpayments. If you are It is best to take a shorter loan
sometimes before accepting it. not careful, you might also end up of maximum seven years because
does not spending more cash to get your modern cars require more
offset the residual value
of the car.
Affordable does not secondhand vehicle running
smoothly.
maintenance after the fifth year
and you will incur more costs if
Check the used car market necessarily mean cheap In contrast, new cars nowadays you are still serving the loan.
for the price of the car after two are usually offered with lower
years. Your discount will likely Some experts will advise you interest rates and downpayments. > TURN TO PAGE 3
2 Motoring
THE Ford Ranger WildTrak is
tougher, smarter and more
efficient. It is now available in Ford
showrooms nationwide.
Its safety and suite of new
technologies are complemented by
a stylish and functional interior as
well as water-wading, towing and
payload capabilities, which make
the Ford Ranger Malaysias most
capable pick-up.
The Ford Ranger is classy yet
rugged and bold to show off that
toughness in you. It is built to
perform, giving you peace of mind
to help kick-start your working day
for any job, anywhere, says Syed
Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing
director of Sime Darby Auto
Connexion.
Syed Ahmad emphasises that
the safety features in the Ford
Ranger pick-up truck variants
are unrivalled in this country.
The smartest of its kind
Equipped with an array of
smart technologies, the Rangers
intuitive features make any task a
breeze.
The high-performance WildTrak
variant now features improved
infotainment system SYNC 3, the
latest generation of Fords in-car
connectivity system that boasts an
eight-inch colour touchscreen to
operate phone, entertainment and
climate control using a simple
voice command system.
Advanced safety features
Ford Ranger WildTrak features a
The smart and
capable performer
class-leading suite of safety
features for your peace of
mind, including six airbags and
driver-assistance technologies
such as lane-keeping aid, adaptive
cruise control and electronic
stability control (ESC).
Fords ESC and ISOFIX child
safety mounts come standard,
making Ranger the only pick-up
truck in Malaysia to offer these two
important safety features across
all variants.
ESC is an active safety system
that improves driver control under
all conditions and maximises
vehicle traction and stability both
on- and off-road.
It automatically reduces engine
torque and/or applies a braking
force to individual wheels if it
senses the vehicle is turning more
or less than intended.
There are also other smart
technologies across all variants
such as the hill launch assist,
which holds the Ranger in place
for up to three seconds when the
driver removes the foot from the
brake, adaptive load control that
maximises control when carrying
heavy loads and emergency brake
assist.
n For more information, visit
www.sdacford.com.my.
SUNDAY STAR, 9 JULY 2017
About Ford Motor
Company
Ford Motor Company is
a global automotive and
mobility company based
in Dearborn, Michigan.
With about 201,000
employees and 62 plants
worldwide, the companys
core business includes
designing, manufacturing,
marketing and servicing a
full line of Ford cars,
trucks, SUVs and Lincoln
luxury vehicles.
To expand its business
model, Ford is aggressively
pursuing emerging
opportunities with
investments in
electrification, autonomy
and mobility. Ford
provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit
Company.
About Sime Darby
Auto Connexion
Sime Darby Auto
Connexion Sdn Bhd is a
wholly owned subsidiary
of Sime Darby Motors
Division and the Ford
distributor in Malaysia.
SUNDAY STAR, 9 JULY 2017 Motoring 3

Powerful and stylish

NAZA Kia Malaysia recently introduced the
new Sorento HS Turbo Diesel and new
Sportage GT Turbo Diesel.
These turbo diesel-powered variants of
the Kia Sorento and Kia Sportage are
powered by the 2.2 CRDi (common rail
direct injection) and 2.0 AWD GT CRDi
engines that produce 440Nm and 400Nm
of torque respectively proven to be
powerful yet economical powerplants
capable of travelling up to 1,000km on a
single tank.
New Sorento HS Turbo Diesel
The premium design and feel of the
new Sorento HS Turbo Diesel combine
the perfection of style, practicality and
technology, all wrapped up in a dynamic
vehicle that will no doubt make its presence
known on the road.
Together with a distinctive grill, powerful
projector HID headlamps and 19-inch
premium alloy chrome wheels, the new
Sorento has won numerous awards for its
outstanding product design and high-quality
build.
Its interior is covered in leather upholstery
that lets you have a taste of modern luxury.
The vehicle is also equipped with a
sophisticated multimedia infotainment
system, seven-inch TFT LCD screen on the
supervision cluster, a smart power tailgate,
10-way power assisted driver seat, seat
variations for the seven-seater, smart
parking assist system, tyre pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) and electronic
parking brake.
Safety is also the name of the game with
the new Sorento, with features such as six
airbags, vehicle stability management (VSM),
electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock
brake system (ABS), hill-start assist control
(HAC) and an advanced high-strength steel
Its interior is covered in The new Sorento HS Turbo Diesel
leather upholstery that lets is recognised for its quality build
and stylish design.
you have a taste of modern
luxury .
(AHSS) body structure, all of which helped
the vehicle achieve five-star Euro NCAP and
NHTSA NCAP ratings.
The new Sorento is priced from
RM186,530.19 and comes with a five-year
unlimited mileage warranty. Terms and
conditions apply.
New Sportage GT Turbo Diesel
The new Sportage is another
breathtakingly distinct vehicle with an
attractive interior, cutting-edge technology
and advanced features.
Like its petrol variant, the new GT Line
specification is designed and engineered to
appeal to those looking for a sportier driving
experience while adding greater visual and
dynamic appeal.
Boasting elegant headlamps, Kias
hallmark Schreyer grille and seductive
19-inch premium alloy wheels, this is one form of the GT Turbo Diesels 2.0-litre CRDi It is also the winner of J.D. Powers Vehicle
attractive vehicle. engine, which produces 185Ps and 400Nm of Dependability Study, 2016 Red Dot Award for
The beautiful interior is comfortable and torque with Dynamax AWD that is mated to Product Design and Insurance Institute for
inviting, which is to be expected with the a six-speed automatic transmission. Highway Safetys Top Safety Pick award in
heavy use of premium materials. Enabling a smooth ride and quality 2016.
Passengers will love the entertainment handling are MacPherson struts at the front The all-new Sportage 2.0L AWD GT CRDi is
setup, which includes the multimedia and a multi-link suspension at the rear. priced from RM155,356.99 and comes with a
infotainment system, six-speaker sound You will feel truly at ease with its safety five-years warranty with unlimited mileage.
system and a supervision cluster with a large features that include six airbags, ABS, ESC, Terms and conditions apply.
4.2-inch TFT-LCD screen. VSC and HAC, all encompassed in an AHSS
Exemplary performance comes in the body structure. n For more information, visit www.kia.com.

Make the wise choice

> FROM PAGE 1

Take maintenance into account

Some cars might have a price tag that you
can afford but the maintenance can eat into
your savings. Always check the maintenance
cost for each vehicle such as the cost for a
normal lubricant change and major service
jobs that the car will have to undergo every
20,000km.
If the car company offers a free
maintenance package, check carefully for
the things that are covered. Some might
cover specific engine oil specifications,
which require shorter service intervals,
while some might cover only the labour cost
or lubrication services.
There are a few that will cover everything
sans tyres, wipers and other perishable
items.

Fuel consumption
This is a big issue since our fuel prices are
floated now. Check reviews and car clubs
about fuel consumption.
Nowadays, the fuel consumption figures
given on the brochure might help but until
Malaysia has come up with its own fuel
consumption regulation, those figures might
If the car
not be valid because the vehicles might have company offers free
maintenance package,
been tested in a cold country or the engine
might be using a different fuel grade.
For MPVs, diesel offers lower fuel
consumption and better check carefully for the
performance. The downside is
that modern diesel engines
things that are covered.
prefer Euro5 fuel, which is
available at limited petrol
stations.
existed. They can even share which
Don't listen to rumours service centre to go to.

Car clubs offer a wealth of

information because they own the very
vehicles they talk about.
Most of the time, they know more than
the media and can advise on the things to
look out for, where to buy cheap parts, who
to take care of the vehicles, and highlight
features that even the car dealer never knew
When in doubt, look for familiar
brands
Not many people are really into cars, so
consider buying the usual brands. The more
common the car on the road, the more likely
people know how to fix it.
4 Motoring SUNDAY STAR, 9 JULY 2017

WITH the Hari Raya celebrations

going strong, Volkswagen
Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is
offering customers the chance to
drive home a fine piece of German
engineering at an affordable price
with its Raya promotion.
Among the vehicles that will
certainly attract peoples attention
is the all-new Passat that comes in
three exciting variants the
Trendline that is available from

Embodiment of
RM159,990, the Comfortline from
RM179,990 and the Highline from
RM198,990.
With features such as superior
design, economical engines and
state-of-the-art technologies, it is

style and performance

little wonder that the Passat has
become a worldwide bestseller and
is now in its eight generation.
The all-new Passat is the
perfect embodiment of style and
performance. Its design combines
exclusivity with exceptional
dynamics while its performance
comes with the perfect balance of
power and practicality, says
Florian Steiner, managing director
of VPCM.
Though more affordably priced
than the range-topping Highline,
the Passat Trendline and
Comfortline models are not to be
dismissed as they are packed with
an extensive list of features often
found in other premium brands.
Both models are powered by a
1.8-litre TSI engine that provides
more than sufficient power to
climb mountain roads and traverse
long distances with ease.
Paired with a seven-speed
direct-shift gearbox, the
powerplant produces 180PS at
5,100rpm to 6,200rpm and a
torque of 250Nm between
1,250rpm and 5,000rpm.
It will sprint from 0kph to
100kph in 7.9 seconds and provide
a combined fuel consumption
reading of approximately 5.7 litres
per 100km.
In addition to having low-rolling
resistance tyres, part of this
impressive fuel economy is due to
the Passats start/stop function
that deactivates the engine when
the car is at a standstill and
regenerative braking that recycles
the lost energy by storing it for
acceleration.
Passengers are assured of
total comfort in the stylish cabin
that has the Climatronic
air-conditioning system with
three-zone temperature control.
The driver will also take
pleasure in the 12-way driver
electric seat and the KESSY keyless
locking and starting system that is
installed in the Passat Comfortline.
In the entertainment
department, the Trendline is
equipped with the Composition
Colour five-inch touchscreen
display radio with USB, Bluetooth,
SD card slot and AUX-In features
while the Composition Media
system in the Passat Comfortline
has a 6.5-inch touchscreen colour
display that supports CD, MP3 and
WMA files through USB, AUX-In, SD
card slot as well as Bluetooth
connectivity.
Comfortline buyers can also opt
for the App-Connect upgrade that
allows them to display smartphone
apps on the touchscreen
entertainment system.
As safety is at the core of all
Volkswagen vehicles, the Passat is
equipped with features such as
Automatic Post-Collision Braking
System, six airbags, electronic
stability control, anti-lock braking
system and brake assist, Intelligent
Crash Response System, hill-hold
control and ISOFIX anchorage
point for child seats.
For added convenience, the
Passat Comfortline comes with
Easy Open a keyless sensor-
controlled trunk that opens
automatically by detecting the
drivers foot.
The all-new Passat Comfortline
is available in seven colours Pure
White, Deep Black, Reflex Silver,
Indium Grey, Crimson Red, Black
Oak Brown and Harvard Blue. The
Trendline is available in Pure
White, Deep Black, Reflex Silver
and Indium Grey.
As of Sept 1 last year, all
Volkswagen cars come with a
five-year manufacturers warranty
and five years roadside assistance.
Till the end of this month,
Volkswagens Raya promotion
enables customers to save
up to RM15,000 or pay RM51
per day for their new Passat
Trendline or Comfortline when
they take a nine-year loan
instalment.
Also, any variant of the Passat
bought and registered during this
period is entitled to five years of
free maintenance.
Not only that, be sure to check
out the Raya Open House event
that will be held at all authorised
Volkswagen dealerships
nationwide today for more
attractive offers and arrange for a
test drive in your favourite
Volkswagen vehicle.
All prices listed are vehicles
selling price and do not include
registration and insurance.
Applicable for peninsular Malaysia
only.
n For more information, visit
www.volkswagen.com.my.