Mitsubishi ASX Designer Edition - JeJe

The Mitsubishi ASX is one of the cheapest compact SUVs in Malaysia at RM114,743.50 (TR without insurance) for the 2WD version with 2.0-LITER 16-valve inline-4 DOHC MIVEC engine. This is because they assemble it in Malaysia.

They recently worked together with Malaysian designer Rizalman Ibrahim, to come up with the Mitsubishi ASX Designer Edition. The model only comes in "Titanium" grey with racing stripe running down the front and back of the car. It is only available in the 4WD version. The grey theme is carried in the interior as well with grey leather seats with yellow trims. Leather (grey and yellow) covered gear knobs and matte finished black alloy rims. The car also has a large rear spoiler and fin-type antenna as opposed to the bee-sting type antennas. Another unique feature is the panoramic tinted glass roof



Behind the scenes video:



The Designer Edition model is priced at RM131,801.50 (OTR without insurance).

Mitsubishi tops J.D. Power 2016 Malaysia Sales Satisfaction Index study - JeJe

According to the J.D. Power 2016 Malaysia Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study,SM released recently, Mitsubishi ranks highest in new-vehicle sales satisfaction with a score of 815. Mitsubishi performs particularly well in sales initiation, dealer facility, salesperson, delivery timing and delivery process. Mazda rankssecond (808) and performs particularly well in the deal factor. Nissan and Toyota tie for third at 792.

This study was based on responses from 2,010 new-vehicle owners who purchased their vehicles from August 2015 through May 2016. The study was carried out from February through July 2016.

The New MIVEC Turbo Diesel Engine

The new engine uses an aluminum die-cast cylinder block with the result that the weight of the engine is lighter by 12.5 kilograms as compared to the conventional cast-iron cylinder block. Its maximum output is 221kW (300PS)/ 6,500rpm and its maximum torque is 422Nm (43.0kgf･m)/3,500rpm (for Japan market), a higher maximum torque than the 4G63 model. The intake and exhaust side layout of this engine is also different with the intake side at the front of the vehicle body and the exhaust side at the rear. This eliminates the need to have an exhaust pipe underneath the engine, so Mitsubishi was able to lower the position of the engine by 10mm compared to a conventional model, contributing to lowering the height of the center of gravity.

New BMW M5 Limited Competition Edition

BMW has just released the new M5 Competition Edition has been released in celebration of the F10-generation M5, which first went on sale at the end of 2011. It is limited to just 200 models worldwide.

The car is powered by a twin-turbo V8 found in the standard BMW M5. While retaining the M TwinPower Turbo technology and twin-scroll turbochargers of the standard M5, the Competition Edition runs more boost due to a recalibrated engine control unit. Both power and torque have increased - making it one of the most powerful cars ever produced by BMW - with peak power output standing at 600hp (560hp in the standard BMW M5) and torque output reaching 700Nm (680Nm in the standard BMW M5). As a result the car goes from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds.

According to BMW, fuel consumption remains low at  28.5mpg despite its extreme performance, while CO2 emissions are 231g/km, no doubt thanks to their seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and EfficientDynamics technology,which incldues engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration. 

There are still three Drive Control settings to choose from, namely, Comfort (for normal road use), Sport (for a dynamic driving style) and Sport Plus (for extreme driving, such as on a racetrack).

The BMW M5 Competition Edition extensive range of extra features include: Adaptive LED headlights, Reversing Assist camera, powered boot lid operation, Comfort Access, sun protection glass, front and rear heated seats, electrically operated rear sunblind, and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced audio system.

The Competition edition really looks sexy with the carbon fibre BMW M Performance Parts, gloss black kidney grille and six-piston caliper brakes mounted on high gloss Jet Black 20-inch M Double-spoke 601M light alloy wheels.

Only two exterior colours are available: Mineral White and Carbon Black.

Interior features, include full Black Merino leather upholstery with Opal White contrast stitching, the 'M5' logo on the head rests of the M Sport multi-function seats, and an 'M5 Competition' logo and '1/200' engraving on the M Performance interior trim.

The BMW M5 is now selling for £100,995 OTR in the UK. Not sure about Malaysian prices yet.

Launch of the new Audi A4

VW reviews vs customer comments

I was a VW fan for a long time. First it was the VW Beetle (old model) influenced no doubt by the Herbie movies. Then it was the VW Hippie camper van. They were so cool, they still are. In the UK, I took a ride on my friend's Golf and was quite impressed by the power and handling. I have also taken part in a few of their social media advertising campaigns in the UK.

Once I got back to Malaysia, I was seriously considering the VW Jetta. However, the news of the emissions scandal suddenly came out. I was shocked that this reputable German company had acted unethically. Though they have admitted cheating, they have left consumers with many unanswered questions. And this included not just the Volkswagen diesels models but their sister brands, Audi and Porsche as well.

Talking to other VW owners here in Malaysia, they were not that concerned with the emission scandal as it did not really affect them. However, I started hearing accounts of bad service, new cars breaking down, faulty parts and expensive parts and service. Some even told me never to buy a VW car. This was really surprising for me as I thought the brand had a good reputation in Malaysia.

I noticed that they have opened up a new big VW 3S centre in Semenyih, on my way to work. The reviews of the new Vento Turbo on various car blogs and sites have generally been positive and I was considering giving it a test drive. I wonder whether the Vento is assembled here in Malaysia or is imported from India where they are now produced.

Anyway, I was curious to see what the visitors to their Facebook page had to say about the new car. There were hardly any positive comments though I must say that who ever is in charge of their Facebook book page is very patient and is doing a good job of replying to the comments.

Take a look:

I have not given up hope but I am going to have to give them a pass for now.

Toyota ranks highest in overall service satisfaction in Malaysia

According to the latest J.D. Power 2016 Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI) Study released today. This is the 14th annual survey and based on the findings Toyota ranks highest in overall service satisfaction (score of 763). They are followed by Mazda which ranks second (760) and Mitsubishi which ranks third (758).

The survey measures overall service satisfaction among car owners who took their vehicle to an authorized service center and is based on responses from 3,257 new-vehicle owners who purchased their mass market brand vehicle between February 2014 and May 2015. It examines dealership performance in five factors (in order of importance),viz., 1. service quality (32%); 2. service initiation (22%); 3. vehicle pick-up (18%); 4. service advisor (15%); and 5. service facility (13%). Brand service performance is measured on a 1,000-point scale.

 Click the link to read the press release.