Thursday, May 3, 2012
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Getting new NUMBER for car registration at JPJ....
Went with my wife to JPJ Padang Jawa, Klang at 735am. Parked the car there and wow.... only a handful of people (less than 10 customers) at that hour of the day.
At the ground floor on the right side of the building, there is a notice board with all the numbers which is being sold. They cross out the number which is sold. So, my wife chose a number she liked while I went and took a BORANG from the main counter and filled it up. Its very easy to fill up.
Then, at 745am, the doors to the counter opened. We went in and got the first number. When our number was called 1 minute later, we paid the money RM 210.00 and got the number we wanted... So, its easy and the bottom line is that the runners are spoilt and corrupted. This is my 2nd experience. The best is to go to JPJ early and get the number you want by yourself.
New car should be out by next week. Mazda CX-7...
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Battery Desulfator and Battery Charger
This is called a Battery Desulfator. This version is an electronic version that does not need to put any chemicals into the battery. It is said to maximise the battery life span 2 to 3 times and revive dead batteries.
From the same website, I bought a 12Amp intelligent battery charger. Its light and portable as well.
This is what they have to say about their charger in their website.
"Without the need of bulky and heavy transformers, our chargers are now smaller, lighter and more portable than before. The smaller footprint allows them to be used virtually anywhere. End users will enjoy the savings gained from material cost and logistics.
Our modern high frequency switchmode charger designs, operate at efficiencies higher than 85% compared to the old designs that have typical efficiencies of 50% - 60%. This means less heat is generated and less electricity is wasted.
Switchmode chargers also have stable output voltages, regardless of input AC fluctuations. This ensures that batteries are never undercharged, preventing sulfation, which shortens the lifespan of batteries. In fact, when used in parallel with the Infinitum Desulfator, batteries that had previously failed and were junked due to sulfation can be restored to optimum working condition."
So, I decided to try to do both. This is how I did the setup.
First, I clip the Desulfator on the positive polarity of the battery, its easy, just unclip the red tab, put the wire in and clip it back...
Then, I found an engine mount to touch the negative side since the negative side of the battery is hidden. I saw the green LED light up, that means its working. I am supposed to leave it there for 8 hours.
Next, I attached the battery charger to the same points as follows:-
The orange LED on the charger means its charging. Once it turns green it has reached 90% of charge, it will trickle charge, which means that it will be on a very low charge and the amperes is lower. This type of charger will never overcharge the battery. Its an intelligent charger. This way, I hope that my battery will last longer and I can do the same for the 2 more vehicles I have at home. You do not need to put the Desulfator on your battery permanently, however, if you have only 1 car at home, you can do so. The Desulfator will do its job in 8 hours.
Lastly, you can buy what I did from this website http://www.batterytechsolutions.com
Pos Laju delivery on the next day, which is pretty fast!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Engine of the year award... AGAIN?? That is 4 years in a row!!
BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo
“Few engines fit the character of their
subcompact host vehicles as well
as this cheeky, go-getter of a turbo does”
Frank Markus, Motor Trend
BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën continue to reap the rewards from their jointly developed 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which, having taken top honours in its category class once again, extends its winning dominance to four years. In winning this Award, perhaps the most notable thing is that this innovative German/ French collaboration has once again beaten the third-generation Toyota Prius hybrid.
Gabor Szecsenyi, from Russia’s Autoreview, was one of the judges who gave the Mini Cooper S heart top marks: “This engine is very usable even in its most powerful form. It’s a real two-in-one piece of engineering: flexible for everyday use, but super sporty on track days. A winning powertrain combination.”
Meanwhile, Italian-based journalist Lorenzo Facchinetti also awarded the BMW/PSA engine top marks: “The nice thing about the 1.6-litre turbo is that it retains its awesome character, despite what end application it’s used in.”
Featuring innovative stop/start technology on BMW models, jurors from all regions were once again won over by this powerful yet frugal motor, with points coming in from Asia, South America and North America, as well as Europe. “Few engines fit the character of their subcompact host vehicles as well as this cheeky, go-getter of a turbo does,” said Frank Markus, from Motor Trend in the USA.
Made from light alloy, the 175bhp unit, which powers not only the Cooper S but also the Mini Clubman and Peugeot 207 and 308 models, features a twin-scroll turbocharger, gasoline direct injection, twin overhead camshafts, roller-type drag arms that have been optimised for minimum friction, and hydraulic valve play-compensation elements.
All this means not only plenty of power – let’s not forget the 260Nm that is maintained from 1,500rpm to 5,000rpm – but also an average fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100km (40.9mpg) for non-stop/start engines.
Results
points
1. BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo (MINI Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Peugeot 207, 308, MINI JCW, Clubman JCW) 268
2. Toyota Hybrid 1.8-litre (Prius, Auris) 185
3. Audi 1.8-litre TFSI (Audi A5, A4, A3, TT, Seat Leon, Altea/XL/Freetrack, Exeo, Skoda Octavia, Superb, Yeti, VW Passat, Passat CC) 133
4. Mercedes-Benz 1.8-litre Supercharged (CLC, C-Class, SLK, E-Class) 98
5. Alfa Romeo 1.7-litre DI Turbo (159, Brera, Spider, Giulietta) 84
6. Volkswagen 1.6-litre TDi (VW Polo, Jetta, Passat, Audi A3, Seat Ibiza, Seat Leon, Altea/XL/Freetrack) 61
Thursday, February 25, 2010
K&N Drop In filter
I must say that I cannot feel any difference in acceleration. However, when I let off the throttle, the drag seems to be lesser. The car still rolls more than before. Less drag.... That is how I feel the difference...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
K&N Drop in filter
Paid 47 British pounds for it....
Can't wait for it to come and test if there is any difference..
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Some car myths just won't disappear
Young drivers often become the victims of myths -- from bad maintenance advice to mistaken safety tips. Here are 10 common misconceptions among young drivers and what to do instead. To you older drivers: No one's watching, so feel free to take a peek.
Maintenance
Myth No. 1: Change your oil every 3,000 miles. Various service stations advertised the 3,000-mile oil change for years, making believers of many of us. While it doesn't hurt to change the oil that often, it's a waste of money in most cases.
Modern vehicles generally recommend an oil change every 7,500 miles -- more than twice the distance those service station ads warn you about. The best advice is to follow the recommended schedule in your car's owner's manual.
Myth No. 2: Vehicles that require regular fuel benefit from a tank of premium gasoline once in a while. Years ago, leaded gas and high-compression engines demanded the occasional tank of premium gas, which included detergents to clean out fuel injectors. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency requires detergents in every grade of gas. Stick with your vehicle's recommended octane level and you'll get adequate detergents .
Myth No. 3: Keep your dashboard and tires shiny by frequently wiping them with protectant compounds.
Dashboards gather dust and tires lose their shine; it's inevitable with use. Frequent use of various protectant compounds, however, can do more harm than good. Some experts say cleaners cause the dashboard material to dry out or age faster. Also, tires become discolored as a side effect of their built-in chemicals, according to Bill Vandewater, of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire. Aftermarket shiners can restore a tire's color, but they strip the tire of its original protectants. Vandewater says that over time, cracks form in the rubber. As an alternative, he suggests using mild soap and water with a good brush.
Driving
Myth No. 4: It's best to drive cars with automatic transmissions around town in ``3" -- or in ``D" with the overdrive button off -- and save ``D" for the highway.
The original idea was that drivers needed to lock out the highest gear for more responsive performance in stop-and-go driving. Most modern vehicles employ transmissions that are quick to kick down into a lower gear, so driving without the topmost gear around town only lowers gas mileage.
Myth No. 5: It's best to shift an automatic transmission into neutral at red lights.
This myth stems from the idea that keeping the transmission in drive while stepping on the brake wastes fuel and causes unnecessary wear on the driveline. In fact, actual engine wear and fuel loss are minimal.
Shopping
Myth No. 6: Luxury nameplates are the be-all and end-all.
Luxury brands have better resale values than their garden-variety counterparts, but they also tend to cost more. In a level playing field, the difference is often slight. According to Kelley Blue Book, a 1999 Infiniti G20 fetches only $210 more at trade-in than a similarly priced 1999 Nissan Altima. Also consider repair bills, which tend to be higher for luxury brands. Still worth it? You decide.
Safety
Myth No. 7: Talking on a hands-free headset while driving is a safe alternative to holding a cell phone. Here are the facts: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that one in 12 18- to 24-year-olds on the road at any given time is also on a cell phone. One-quarter of all police-reported accidents are caused by driver distraction, and cell phones play a significant role. In fact, the risk of collision can be four times higher when driving and talking on a phone, according to a 1997 study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The culprit isn't holding a cell phone or one-armed driving; it's taking your mind off the task at hand: safely piloting 3,000 pounds of steel to your intended destination. A headset does nothing to mitigate this; pull over or put it away. Enough said.
Myth No. 8: You don't have to wear a seat belt when you're sitting in the back seat.
Rae Tyson, NHTSA chief of media relations, warns of two risks that unbelted backseat passengers incur: First, they're unable to take full advantage of the vehicle's safety features, and accidents -- especially rollovers -- put them at high risk. Second, they become projectiles toward others during the collision, increasing the likelihood of injury among fellow occupants.
Myth No. 9: Keep your doors unlocked so rescuers can get you out after an accident.
No. Eric Bolton, media relations specialist at NHTSA, warns that unlocked doors are more likely to open during a collision and allow occupant ejection -- and ejections kill 10,000 people each year.
Myth No. 10: For maximum air bag protection, reposition everything.
Let's set the record straight: The NHTSA advises that the steering wheel should be aimed at your breastbone, positioned at least 10 inches away and tilted away from your head. But watch out, as a low-slung wheel prompts one-armed driving with the hand draped over the top of the wheel; in a collision, the air bag can shatter that arm from below. Remember to keep your hands on the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, with the seatback upright and the wheel 10 inches from your chest. It might not be comfortable at first, but you'll get used to it -- and some day it could save your life.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Why is it so important to change the engine oil regularly?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Malaysian Car Buyer's Mentality
1 - Don't buy 2 doors car.... No 2nd hand value
2 - Don't buy Continental cars - No 2nd hand value, expensive spare parts
3 - Don't buy Korean cars - No 2nd hand value
4 - Buy Honda or Toyota - Best 2nd hand value, reliable....
And the whole nation believes this.... Now, lets investigate why people buy Honda and Toyota. I spoke to a few people and they say, good back up service, good spare parts stocked, good 2nd hand value, because everyone buys it so it can't be wrong...
Then why on earth did I buy the Peugeot 308 GT? Its a 2 door, Continental car..... the whole nation can't be wrong and I can't be right????
The fact is... the whole nation has developed a car culture. Nobody ever look at statistics, they follow the crowd, that is why they don't stand out.... I bought the 308 GT is because, it has NCAP 5 star safety ratings, award winning engine, Most Fuel Efficient award winner, it has got all the latest devices like TPMS, directional headlights, auto lights, auto wipers, Bosch 8.1 ESP, 6 gear manual transmission with 175 BHP/260Nm torque engine, 6 airbags etc.....
Who cares about 2nd hand value? I plan to keep this car.... I care about driving pleasure and safety values more.... and the best part is.... I stand out from the crowd... every other person I met, admires the car... as it is unique and special....
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Dr Cermin
Found a less than an inch crack on my windscreen, and immediately went to get it done. The process of preventing the crack to become bigger only took about 45 mins. The crack is less visible but it left 3 dots where they drilled little holes to pump the liquid in. However, since the crack is not at the centre of the screen, it didn't matter to me as long as the crack don't get bigger. The repair cost RM 80.00 per crack.
However, I also checked that the windscreen for the 308 will cost RM 1600 to get it replaced. That is not that expensive, considering that what I heard from others that it costs 4 times more...
Boron Nitride
Ever heard of Boron Nitride? Well, I got a bottle from Singapore courtesy of my brother Rudy Wong. I sprayed it at the front and back of the Intercooler... and WALLA!! I get smoother and better torque, and the car just feels more powerful... Went up Genting Highlands with 4 adults and 2 kids in the car, and I was basically overtaking all the cars without even pushing the rev beyond 4000 rpm...
This is something that I would strongly recommend to everyone if they have a turbocharged car... You get good power even in the daytime, especially when the temperature in Malaysia is so hot...
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Reprogramming your key
1) Get a new empty transponder key estimate price RM 450.00 (Nasim is selling it for RM 808.00)
2) Get the transponder code (credit card that came with your car, if you don't have that, you have to get it from Nasim or we have to force a new code for you, and reprogram 2 keys , your current one and the new one for an additional price of RM 100.00)
3) cut your new key - using your old key, we need to LAZER cut your new key for a price of RM 80.00
4) Reprogram your new transponder and reprogram the remote to work... (cost around RM 120.00) then...
WALLA.... you have 2 sets of keys....
Anyone interested to make a new set of keys for your Peugeot 206, 308, 307, 407...
you can contact me... alankkwong@gmail.com
Promotion price until 14th February 2010.... fully cut, reprogram and new key will cost you only RM 688.00 only.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
P-Tronic - How it works
The unit is connected between the calculator and injection system. All signals come from the car's ECU. The information they receive is analysed, electronically modified, then sent to the injector pump, to the rail or directly to the injectors. This means the P-Tronic does NOT increase the boost of the turbo directly. What it does is that, it increases the boost of the fuel pressure at the injectors.
Once there is higher boost on the injectors, the fuel will be richer. The car's ECU will sense that and will boost the turbo pressure to compensate and equalise the fuel mixture, hence, the car becomes more powerful. The only problem that our fellow friends are facing is that the Blow Off Valve will leak because it cannot handle the pressure of the power, when its being set at level 7. This would mean that, once that happens, the engine will fail due to the fuel being too rich, and the DEPOLLUTION sensor will sense that and give a error, and the car moves into LIMP mode.
The only way to solve this problem, is to change to a better Blow Off Valve. Peugeot don't make the BOV. The standard PSA/BMW blowoff valve, fitted in Peugeot 308 THP 140/150/175 (GT), Peugeot 207 1.6THP (GT/GTi/Rallye/RC) and Mini Cooper S R56 1.6T. It is made by Pierburg.
Pierburg blowoff valves have common internal parts. So the internal parts of this valve are interchangeable with VAG (audi/vw/seat/skoda) TFSI 2.0 blowoff valves.
However, the connector is not the same, which will need some modification if you change the BOV.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Peugeot 308 GT writeup by Nigel Burton
6:26pm Tuesday 12th May 2009
By Nigel Burton »
THE FRENCH have always been a cultured lot. Whether it be a nice glass of wine, a new posh perfume or a masterpiece hanging in the Louvre , they love the finer things in life.
So maybe it’s no surprise Peugeot’s hot-hatchbacks have grown more and more laid back over the last 20 years or so. Unfortunately, they’ve also become more languid.
But is that such a bad thing? Do we really want to go back to the 205 Gti with its noisy engine, tailhappy handling and tissue-thin bodywork? I doubt it.
The 308 GT is not a rival to the Renault Megane 225 nor even the Golf Gti, but it would be wrong to dismiss it as a ‘luke warm hatch’, rather than a truly hot one.
It has the same blown 1.6-litre engine you’d otherwise find in a Mini Cooper S (co-developed with input from BMW), lowered suspension, stiffer springs and smart five-spoke alloy wheels shod with hefty 225/40 R18 tyres. That’s still a rather tasty package.
Interestingly, the visual changes don’t go anywhere like as far. Principally, the GT is distinguished from lesser 308s by its tailgate spoiler, a few tweaks to the shark-like nose and a couple of bits of racy trim scattered about the comfortable cabin.
As far as facelifts go, that is more of a nip ’n tuck than full surgical reconstruction.
Peugeot’s stealthy approach to hot-hatchery means you can hustle this French fancy rather faster down your favour piece of black top than, say, an Impreza WRX without fear of attracting the attention of the local gendarmes.
So you’ll probably end up having as much – if not more – fun than a full-on performance hatchback because the 308 is a car in which you can enjoy yourself without the attitude that goes with so many hot-hatchbacks these days.
If only the exhaust note hadn’t suffered the same way. I like to enjoy my sporty cars with a suitable accompanying soundtrack, the 308’s exhaust note sounds anodyne, the same pootling around town at idle as it is revving out in second.
Not that the powerplant needs to be revved hard, thanks to plenty of torque from low down and a handy 195 ft/lb overboost facility that really gets the 308 moving.
The standing start figures are fairly standard but once you are moving the Peugeot feels like a handy tool and I was never once left wishing for a bit more punch.
One common criticism of most Peugeots of fairly recent vintage has been the switch to electric steering pumps. The powered assistance lacks feel – a vital requirement for a car with sporting intentions. On the GT Peugeot’s engineers have switched back to a traditional hydraulic arrangement (albeit with an ‘on demand’ electric pump as back-up).
As a result the GT feels good – the front end is ‘pointy’ with lots of grip from the tyres and a fine feel for the road surface.
Keen drivers will approve.
I was surprised by the excellent ride, too. The suspension may have been stiffened – there’s appreciably less body roll than with a standard 308 – but the damping rates have been carefully selected so as not to rattle your fillings. The GT is a car I could drive a long way without feeling uncomfortable in.
The most powerful engine in the line-up also comes with Peugeot’s smooth-changing, six-speed gearbox which is infinitely preferable to the standard five-ratio box with its slightly ill-defined change quality.
Otherwise the GT is standard 308 – a roomy, mid-sized family hatch with a decent boot and low(ish) running costs.
There are some nice toys, too, including slivers of fake aluminium trim and a smattering of leather on the seats. Mind you, I couldn’t work out how to turn the premium audio system off – pressing the power button just seemed to mute the sound.
So what if the 308 lacks the raw appeal of a 205 Gti? In the real world it is faster, cheaper to run, has more cabin space and won’t fall to bits when the warranty runs out. In fact, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.
Fears over global warming are making the brutality of oldstyle hot hatchbacks social suicide these days. Drive an Impreza turbo or a Lancer Evo and it’s hard not to feel as though you’re enjoying the last of a dying breed. Cars of the future will go fast without looking fast. The old notion of the iron fist in the silk glove has never been more relevant.
So maybe it’s about time someone took some of the juvenile delinquent out of the hot-hatch formula.
If it is, trust the French to add some savoire faire to the recipe.
SPECIFICATIONS
Price: £20,795
Engine: 1,589cc turbocharged 16-valve fourcylinder petrol
Max power: 175bhp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 190lb/ft@ 1,500rpm
Max speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
Combined fuel consumption: 37.1mpg
CO2 emissions: 180 g/km
Equipment: Alloy wheels, electric windows, CD/RDS radio, climate control, front, passenger and side airbags, cruise control, electric mirrors, leather trim.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
No need to let the engine warm up in the mornings before we start to move the car!
The vast majority of cars on the road today use electronic fuel injection. When your car’s engine is cold, the computer tells the fuel injectors to stay open longer, allowing more fuel into the engine to help it run cold. As the engine warms up, the injectors let in less fuel and everything returns to normal, so to speak.
The problem is, letting your car sit and idle is the slowest way to bring it up to operating temperature because it’s generally sitting in your drive at just above idle speed. And this method to warm up also invites other problems. Remember that modern cars are equipped with a multitude of devices to help them run clean, including a catalytic converter (sometimes three of them), a device in the exhaust system that works to burn off unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream. A cold engine emits a far higher percentage of unburned hydrocarbons than a warm engine. Unfortunately, the average catalytic converter can’t process 100 percent of unburned hydrocarbons even in the best of times. Importantly, the catalytic converter needs high exhaust temperatures to work properly. Throw in a cold engine emitting a high percentage of unburned hydrocarbons, repeat several hundred times, and you can end up with what’s called a “plugged” converter. In a nutshell, the converter becomes overwhelmed and literally ceases to function. This won’t happen all at once but over time, the end effect is the same: poor mileage and significantly dirtier exhaust.
The best bet? Even when it’s 10 degrees F outside, start your car, let it run for 30 to 60 seconds to get all the fluids moving, then drive off gently. Your engine will warm up faster, your exhaust system will get up to temperature faster so the catalytic converter can do its thing, and you’ll use less fuel. Which is what you wanted all along anyhow, right?
If it's below zero outside, it would be a good idea to give the engine five minutes or a little less before you drive off into the frozen wilderness!
— Richard Backus, editor in chief, Gas Engine and Motorcycle Classics magazines
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Warranty Issues Settled
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A reply from Nasim
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Peugeot 308 GT car Review by Ben Pulman
The Peugeot 308 GT THP 175 is only a warm hatch, according to Peugeot. The pre-launch press conference was all about managing our expectations, telling us that the GT was meant to be dynamic but also allow you to cover 1000 miles without getting a bad back.
But Peugeot needn’t had worried, because this 308 is really rather good, thanks mostly to a slick new six-speed gearbox and a 1.6-litre turbo engine shared with the Mini Cooper S.
What makes the Peugeot 308 GT THP 175 stand out from all the other 308s?
All the typical go-faster goodies are present and correct. That means uprated dampers, 35 percent stiffer springs, and suspension lowered by 10mm. Peugeot claims that this has dropped the GT’s centre off gravity by 10mm.
On the outside you get a RC Z concept-inspired front bumper, a rear spoiler that apparently produces downforce, a ‘diffuser’ and 18-inch wheels. In white, and in three-door form it looks very good indeed. In red and with five doors (like our pictures) it’s smart but not quite there, especially as the stylish red rear lights no longer stand out.
Inside you get an aluminium gearknob and pedals, plus a new steering wheel.
Does it all work?
Yes, but with a but. There are a few issues with the 308 GT, so let’s get them out of the way first. In co-developing the 1.6-litre engine with BMW, Peugeot’s engineers seem to have taken a leaf out of the Bavarian’s M Division and fallen in love with thick steering wheels. The wheel is also a little too wide. If only the company has stuck with the standard steering wheel for the 308, as that’s pretty good already.
The aluminium pedals are also too far apart and the accelerator too high for any sort of heel ‘n’ toe action. But the 308 GT has a turbocharged engine so keeping it at 6000rpm isn’t the key to making good progress.
Tell me about this engine then?
We know (and love) this turbocharged 1.6-litre from ourlong-term Mini Cooper S. In the 308 it has 175bhp, and 180lb ft from 1600-4500rpm. And it loves to rev. On the same launch CAR drove a 150bhp version of the 1.6 and it felt strained, reluctant to rev towards the red line, and it was boomy at the top end.
In 175 form it’s so much better, and so smooth that you end up hitting the rev limiter often. There’s no torque curve as such, just a plateau, and you forget there’s just 1598cc under the bonnet. It can be pelted along nicely, but occasionally the 1371kg kerbweight – 166kg more than a Cooper S – made overtaking on the short straights of our Sardinian test route a little tricky.
But the new six-speed gearbox is a joy to use. It’s slick but still has enough mechanical feel so you’re not fluffing changes. Congrats to Peugeot because it’s a pretty damn good drivetrain.
And through the corners and over the bumps?
The smooth roads of Sardinia ensured a smooth ride, despite the firm-ish suspension. The 308 will need a proper drive of Britain’s unique undulations before we can say for sure, but initial impressions are of a well tied-down hatch.
It’s equally good into the corners. There’s lots of grip from the 18-inch wheels - and very little of the torque steer that can afflict our long-term Mini. The ESP is unobtrusive and when it does cut in it does so gently. Turn it off and you can feel the car slide a little more through the bends but it never becomes unruly.
CAR also snuck a drive a 308 GT shod with 17-inch wheels. This car – which won’t be coming to the UK – had a slightly better ride and marginally sharper turn-in that UK-spec cars, but the differences are minuscule. For the warm hatch customer that will buy the car the larger wheels, that make the 308 look better, are more than acceptable.
Verdict
The 308 GT isn’t a full-on hot hatch, and it was never designed to be. It’s a big car, over two metres wide with the wing mirrors out (as they should be) and that rather large glass roof is standard. The interior quality is very good, and it’s quiet. Kit levels include decent bi-xenon lights, dual zone air-con and many more bits and pieces.
Along a twisting road it might be left behind by a Mini Cooper S but the Peugeot is a bigger and heavier car, and more of a rival to our long-term VW Golf GT TSI. The Peugeot's gearbox is nicer to use and the engine more characterful. But while many might be prepared to spend £18.5k on a Golf, we’re not sure too many will spend that much on a Peugeot.
The 308 GT is good enough that we won’t make any jokes about it being tepid - but ultimately we prefer hot, and not warm. Oh, and a basic Ford Focus ST is £18,250. Makes you think...
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Another letter from Dennis from Nasim
Friday, September 11, 2009
Change... its hard... but not impossible...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
An email from Dennis (Customer Care of Nasim)
Monday, September 7, 2009
A PM from Intermilan to me- for YOUR entertainment purposes
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Car Prices in Malaysia - by Syed Akbar Ali
Car Prices in Malaysia
Digest this article, after that, you may need to vomit. What is the Malaysian Govt doing all these while. Ripping off our Rakyat for the last 30 yrs with APs designed to benefit a few well connected Bumis, the UMNO/BN have robbed millions of citizens in this fiasco, under the pretext of protecting our local industry. The Govt have forgotten we Malays are the largest customers in the country. What is the NEP policy doing ?? Ripping off the Malays (which forms 65% of the consumer base) to benefit a few UMNO politicians !!!
”We cannot choose the things that will happen to us. But we can choose the attitude we will take toward anything that happens.. Success or failure depends on OUR attitude” Malaysia Boleh…Buy Malaysian Products….Long Live Malaysia.. Malaysia Ku Cemerlang…! BMW 535i sells for RM178,000 in the USA.
In the United States of America (a developed country which we are also aspiring to become by the year 2020) a 2009 model BMW 535i Sedan is selling for about USD50,367.00. This is only RM178,000 - about the price of a Toyota Camry 2.4L here in Malaysia . The same BMW sells in Malaysia for about RM450,000.
BMW 328i sells for RM155,000 in the USA.
The 2009 model BMW 328i 2 door Convertible sells for USD44,014 or RM155,369.00 in the US . In Malaysia the same car sells for over RM460,000. This is an untenable situation.
Audi A4 2..0T Cabriolet Convertible sells for RM142,000 in the US.
The 2009 model Audi A4 2 Door 2.0T Cabriolet Convertible sells in the US for USD40,328.00 or RM142,357. In Malaysia the same car would sell for about RM265,000. VW GTI 2.0T sells for RM85,000 in the US. In the US the 2009 model Volkswagen GTI 2.0T sells for USD 24,039 or RM85,000 only. In China the same car will cost around RM60,000. Over here the same VW car sells for about RM200,000.
And the 2010 model Toyota Camry 2.4L sells in the US for USD 19,659..00 or RM69,396 In Malaysia the 2008 Toyota Camry 2.4L sells for RM170,000. Toyota Camry 2.4L, 2010 model. RM69,000 in the US [cL: it's RM70k in Au]
Car prices in Malaysia are about three times higher than the prices in the United States. We are a developing nation. Our land and labour costs are so much cheaper than the US . Why are our cars so expensive? It does not make any sense. Tak masuk akal.
Then here are some car prices from our neighbour Indonesia . The Toyota Altis sells in Indonesia for about RM46,000. The same car sells here for around RM 112,000. Again we are three times more expensive than Indonesia.
The Honda Jazz sells here for RM108,000.. In Indonesia the Jazz sells for RM 36,000. Three times more expensive.
We are paying ridiculously high prices (and actually impoverishing the Malays - who are the largest buyers of cars in Malaysia) to support an out of date, out of touch with reality motor car policy.
We are paying the highest car prices in the world to support the Proton and other locally made cars as well as support a mind boggling AP policy which only benefits a relatively few rich Malays. A disproportionately large number of Malays and other Malaysians are being impoverished to subsidise the wealth of a few inefficient rich.
26 million Malaysians have to pay three times more for their cars just to support Proton and 120,000 people who are directly and indirectly involved in the motor sector in Malaysia and the AP holders. That is a ratio of 216:1.
This ratio of 216:1 is too skewed. 26.0 million happier people can contribute many more votes than 120,000 members of an inefficient motor industry. 26 million unhappy people can change a Government. (The maths is not really difficult here). And this outdated policy is impoverishing the Malays more than anyone else.
Here is some news from our DPM Tan Sri Muhyudin Yassin about our car policy. This is truncated:
Muhyiddin assures govt support for automotive parts and component sector
1. KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 - The deputy prime minister said special focus will be given to “facilitate and encourage” the development of the automotive parts and component sector despite the current global and regional economic downturn.
2. “Under the CEPT and Asean Trade in Goods Agreements, Malaysia has agreed to eliminate import duties on all products in the Normal Track on January 1, 2010. This includes motor vehicles, auto parts and components,” he said.
3. He pointed out that . .. . the motor vehicle sub sector in Malaysia will not be directly impacted because of its heavy dependence on the domestic market.
4. “The Malaysian government recognises the contribution of the domestic automotive industry towards the development of the country.”
Para 2 sounds promising but then Para 3 and 4 basically says that the Malaysian motor car industry will continue to be protected. This means we will continue paying the highest car prices in the world for automobiles.
Cuba kita kira : kalau kereta Honda Jazz di jual dengan harga yang sebenarnya (lebih kurang RM36,000 saja) dan bukan pada harga sekarang (RM108,000) maksudnya bayaran bulanan pembeli kereta akan jadi kurang, mungkin sepertiga sahaja daripada bayaran bulanan sekarang.
Jika sekarang orang bayar RM1,500 sebulan untuk beli Honda Jazz, kalau harga kereta lebih menepati harga pasaran dunia, orang kita perlu bayar sekitar RM500 saja sebulan.
Maksudnya tanpa Kerajaan perlu membuat apa pun (merangsang ekonomi, belanja berpuluh billion Ringgit duit rakyat untuk stimulus dan sebagainya) setiap rakyat Malaysia yang membeli kereta yang seharga dengan Honda Jazz akan dapat menjimatkan sehingga RM1,000 sebulan daripada kos sara hidup bulanannya.
This is like giving the car buyer an RM1000 pay rise without incurring any extra costs for the taxpayer, the Government or the economy. It will greatly reduce the cost of living in Malaysia and spur greater economic growth too.
Tapi sekarang, yang menjadi mangsa dulu dan yang menjadi miskin dulu orang Melayu juga. Orang Melayu yang paling ramai sekali menjadi pembeli kereta dalam negara kita. Orang Melayu kebanyakannya makan gaji - tiap bulan dapat gaji tetap. Bila harga kereta naik gila, yang menjadi miskin di saf depan sekali adalah orang Melayu juga.
In absolute numbers, the Malays are suffering the most because they are the most in number among the fixed income people who also buy cars.
Some folks said the other day that Proton has 150 major component suppliers, dealers, distributors and about 500 other parts suppliers too.. Of the 150 major component suppliers, about 15 of them are listed companies. In total they employ about 120,000 people. The Proton supply chain is a mix of bumiputras and non bumiputras. But here is a sad
fact : none of them are operating at their level best efficiency.
Our motor car policy is forcing Malaysians to subsidise Proton so that Proton can sustain major inefficiencies in the Malaysian economy. This is not a good thing at all.
We have to unwind this situation. Set a target of 18 months from now to unwind all protection for our motor industry. Remove the impoverishing AP policy also in 18 months. Let Malaysian car prices reflect world market prices for the same makes of cars.
If a BMW 535 sells for RM178,000 in America , it should sell for a little less here in Malaysia (our rentals and salaries are cheaper).
Fw: Car Prices In Malaysia
The Ministers continue making pronouncements about the car industry as though nothing has happened. I hope everyone will please wake up. The Government has a real chance of getting thrown out of office in about three years. The people will not accept inept answers anymore. The ridiculous car prices in Malaysia is an issue that is just beginning
to get more attention and publicity. It is going to become a really big issue in the near future. Be forewarned.
Posted by Syed Akbar Ali
Nasim's poor warranty and backup
Alan Wong
owner of 308GT
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Security Card for Transponder
Friday, July 24, 2009
Deadlocking in your 308
Deadlocking is a security device which enables the car to be locked in a way that the door can't be opened from inside or outside the car without disengaging the deadlock first.
If a car thief therefore wants into you car they have to climb in through a window and out the same way as the doors will not open without the correct opening procedure with the proper key or remote.
Deadlocking can only operate if the cars central locking system is functioning correctly. It is semi automatic and very reliable.
The deadlocking is activated either by key on a normal key locking system or by pressing the remote locking either twice or the deadlocking button on the remote.
Disengaging the deadlock is simple just open your door in the normal way and it will disengage the deadlock automatically.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
How to get better mileage from your car?
End of the 2 series in Malaysia
We have seen the Bestari/Peugeot 206 for a while already here in Malaysia. This will be the end of this series once they complete pushing the rest of the stock out. We will not be seeing the 207 coming to Malaysian shores which was planned earlier.
Driving fast?? Can I?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Average Fuel consumption for all 308 models in Malaysia
Friday, July 17, 2009
Why we have the PULLING TO THE LEFT PROBLEM on ALL CONTINENTAL CARS
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Running your PUG 308
Monday, June 29, 2009
Checklist for new delivery
yellow tweezer (ask SA to show you how to use it. but it is mentioned in manual so if he doesn't know, no worries)
wiper
windscreen water
seat belt
seat adjuster (whether your power or manual assisted lever works)
glove compartment
aircond - dual zone and climate control
head light
rear light
seat belt light
vanity mirror light
reading light
signal light
brake light
fog light
tyre (comb thro' all 4 tyre threads), also check the manufacturing date of the tyre.
tyre pressure (usually they are over inflated. so bring to the nearest station to measure or deflate the tyre to the correct pressure. i usually go to shell since they have this digital gauge)
rim (check for any scratch or dent)
radio, cd player, mp3, USB port and iPod (and the firmware has been updated to the latest version). bring along a thumbdrive and mp3 disc for checking. for iPod you must have the Aux cable.
gps (this is updated and loaded into your software and he/she gives you the password and ID) This is for 407 model only.
chassis number (match against road tax)
road tax expiry (it is 1 year instead of half year)
reg card (if this is loan, then you should get a copy and then match details against the relevant documents)
alignment (can only check this when you drive)
check the mileage before acceptance
check body for scratches
one more to add, insurance cover note.