Malaysia Motoring News - new article for today

Alfa Romeo Giulietta brought in to Malaysia - RM178,888

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:10 AM PDT



The evocative Italian hatchback, Alfa Romeo Giulietta has been brought in by local distributer, Sime Darby Auto Italia. Launched in single variant as 1.4L TB Multiair, the higher performance Giulietta QV is slated to be on the way too.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta sits on Fiat's Group Compact global architecture, codenamed C-Evo. This platform was designed to underpin a range of car ranging from compact hatchback to a wider and longer-wheelbase sedan. Alfa Romeo Giulietta is the first receiver of the platfrom, and the recent Dodge Dart and Fiat Viaggio are among the newer recipient, albeit in slightly wider and longer format. The platform can accept only a transverse engine installation, but can accommodate both front and four wheel drive.

The 1.4L TB Multiair version brought in by SDAI is graced by a turbocharging application hooked to Fiat's patented Multiair valvetrain which is electro-hydraulic valve actuation control to continuously varies the intake valve system without the throttle control. This mill produced 168bhp@5,500rpm and 250Nm of torque at low 2,500rpm. Malaysian version is hooked to TCT transmission, which is essentially a 6 speed speed dual-clutch gearbox. Giulietta can crack nought to 100km/h in 7.7s and achieved 218 km/h of top speed. It comes with Start-Stop function as standard to boost efficiency, but it can be switched off too if you don't fancy such stuff. Also included is Alfa's DNA selector, which gives the driver three driving modes namely Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather.

Malaysian Giulietta is highly specified with  bi-xenon AFS head lights, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, USB/MP3 compatability, steering-mounted controls, rain sensors, parking sensors, electronic folding wing mirrors, electrochromic rear view mirror  and packed with safety features such as stability control, cornering brake control, Dynamic Steering Torque (DST), hydraulic brake assist, and torque vectoring control. It also comes with 6 airbags.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta is 4,351mm long, 1,798mm wide and 1,465mm tall. It rides on 2,634mm wheelbase. Boot volume is 350L. The car is suspended by McPhersons struts at the front and multi-link setup at the back. 

Some more photos can be found after the jump.
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Vauxhall to launch a trio of new engine within 12 months

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:00 AM PDT


Vauxhall is replacing the core of its petrol and diesel line-up in the next 12 months with three all-new engine families that promise to lead the industry for CO2 emissions, economy, torque and refinement. The first to kick-in will be a new 1.6-litre ECOTEC turbo petrol engine with SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) and Start/Stop technology that will cut CO2 emissions by 13 per cent, compared with its predecessor. Similar to the trend followed by German luxuries manufacturer nowadays, the four-cylinder   engine will be available in various outputs and across several car lines. What will set it apart from rivals will be its levels of torque, combined with excellent linearity, reduced noise, strong performance and low fuel consumption.

Peak power for the new 1.6L SIDI is 200PS@4,700rpm, some 20PS higher than Vauxhall current turbocharged 1.6L. Maximum torque is 300Nm, pulled from 1,700rpm, resulting in a class-leading specific output of 187.5Nm per litre.

Vauxhall's first spark ignition direct injection engine, the 155PS 2.2-litre ECOTEC, was first seen in the 2003 Signum and Vectra models, followed by the Zafira. Today, the Insignia 2.0-litre turbo continues the direct injection theme, and is currently available with 220PS and up to 250PS in some European markets.

This summer, the new Astra VXR will adopt a tuned version of the same engine, with a bespoke cylinder head and turbocharger, that produces 280PS, yet produces CO2 emissions of just 189g/km.  Production at the Szentgotthardt plant in Hungary will begin in late 2012.

Locally-assembled Peugeot 508 coming soon - RM146,888

Posted: 14 May 2012 06:27 PM PDT



The CKD version of Puegeot D Segment 508 model is expected to come soon, with a hefty RM23,000 price reduction is reputedly to be on the card. At RM146,888, Peugeot 508 now is expect to face the battle with the Japanese establishement head-on, albeit with its unique selling points.


For one, despite the fact that the D Segment is always powered by 2.0L gasoline engine and onwards, Peugeot 508 is one of the non-conformer. Trendy in the sense of powertrain downsizing, the 4,792mm long sedan is propelled by the 1.6L THP engine, thanks to the marvel of turbocharging, it can produce 156bhp@6,000rpm and a mammoth 240Nm from 1,400rpm. Top speed is 220 km/h while century sprint can be cracked in 9.2s. 

Combined with the long list of equipment level, and high performance from a modern turbocharged engine, Peugeot 508 represents a unique value proposition is the sea of traditionalist choice. Final price and equipment level are however yet to be announced. So stay tune!
 
 
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