Mazda 2 Sedan And HatchBack Skyactive-D 2015 review

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Buyer’s Guide:

Essentially, the 2015 Mazda 2 SkyActiv Hatchback and Sedan joins the Malaysian B-segment to face-off against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Suzuki Swift, Honda City, Toyota Vios and more. Both body types of the car are currently being imported from Thailand (CBU units), and are priced very competitively against the highest-spec variants of its competitors. And if you're worried about the build quality of the cars taking any dips because of their being imported from Thailand and not Japan, we've been assured by Bermaz Motor that everything is as identical (apart from specification) as they can get. Having driven the car in Japan ourselves, we're keen to agree with them, having seen, touched, felt the local-spec car.

Previously estimated to cost a lot closer to the RM100k mark, the all-new Mazda 2 SkyActiv’s prices are quite surprising, given the amount of kit on offer here, plus the full suite of SkyActiv technologies that can’t be seen at first glance, but provide the game-changing, drive-centric qualities of the car.

RM87,956 is relatively a bargain, all things considered. And included to that price is a three-year warranty and maintenance package by Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia.

Performance:

Called to duty is a 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine which makes 114hp and 148Nm of torque. Comparatively, the Mazda power mill makes just 6hp less than Honda’s 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC, but 3Nm more – peak power and torque comes at 600rpm sooner than the Honda engine as well.

As featured on all locally-available Mazda SkyActiv vehicles, a six-speed SkyActiv-DRIVE torque converter automatic is equipped, and send power to the front wheels of the B-segmenter.

To manage the power, the Mazda 2 SkyActiv is equipped with a new Drive Selection Switch, allowing you to choose from two drive modes: Normal and Sport. Re-mapped via this switch are the throttle responsiveness and transmission shift points to offer either sharper performance, or more economical, everyday driving. And if it’s better fuel consumption that you’re after, the Mazda 2 does come standard fit with the i-Stop Idling Stop System (a.k.a. auto start/stop).

PS: You may come across a few of the Mazda 2 SkyActiv Sedan photos where you may note a SkyActiv-D badge around the back. Pay no mind to those for now, Bermaz Motor is only has the car here for display purposes, and as we understand it, are in fact studying the prospect of officially selling its diesel vehicles here. No surprises, given the Mazda 6 SkyActiv-D they've been testing for some time already.

Dimensions and weight:

With a shared overall width of 1,695mm, the Mazda 2 Sedan is 260mm longer and 25mm taller than the Hatchback. At the kerb, the Sedan and Hatchback weigh in at 1,065kg and 1,056kg respectively.

Seating capacity is good for five people in both body types of the car, but taller rear passengers may find a bit of trouble finding enough leg and headroom – remember though; Mazda vehicles are all about being a driver’s car first, so comparisons with a Honda over spaciousness isn’t a very accurate measure, but more of a personal choice.

Exterior Styling:

Needless to say, the Mazda 2 SkyActiv is the company’s KODO: Soul Of Motion design at its best. An evolution of what we first saw on the Mazda CX-5, then Mazda 6 and 3, the baby 2 was the latest iteration of this new design language for Mazda vehicles, until the arrival of the all-new Mazda MX-5 and the all-new Mazda CX-3.

Unfortunately, the impressive and cool-looking LED projector headlamps we saw revealed in Japan haven’t been made available on the Malaysian-spec Mazda 2, which instead gets more basic reflectors with halogen bulbs equipped with daytime running lights - ala CX-5.

For a bit more flair, Bermaz Motor is offering an additional bodykit for its Mazda 2 Hatchback and Sedan. Customers may proceed to place orders for it now, and have it arrive with their cars in due time, and will be fitted locally. Prices for the kit haven't been confirmed yet, so it's wait-and-see for now.

Interior Design:

Inside, it’s leather upholstery all around for the Mazda 2 twins, and if you haven’t been clued in by our previous posts, the car’s specifications run as high as we’ve seen them in the B-segment. The three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in leather, backed by gear shift paddles. The sports seats are full leather, adorned with a sporty red garnish trim down the center.

INFOTAINMENT: Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment steals the show, with a commanding 7.0-inch LCD screen (not a touchscreen). A personal favourite of this writer, the MZD Connect system is controlled via what Mazda calls a Commander Control Switch, which is essentially a control dial located on the center console. You also get reverse-camera displays on the seven-inch screen that primarily hosts all your media and car settings.

FEATURES: Continuing the generosity, Bermaz Motor’s Mazda 2 pair come also with a heads-up display screen (Active Driving Display) – a first for the B-segment. Then on, there’s an engine push-start button and keyless entry.

OPTIONAL: For an additional RM1,200, Bermaz Motor will do you an upgrade to the infotainment to include a navigation system.

Safety Features:

It’s again rather impressive stuff from the Mazda where safety is concerned; putting up the expected ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA). Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is also a standard fit, which brings it up to standards we normally expect of any modern vehicle.

Airbags are limited to a count of just two anywhere you look with the Mazda 2 SkyActiv, and it’s a common case for the car offered in any of our neighbouring regions – Australia is one exemption, we’re told, likely due to the stricter regulations enforced there.

Otherwise, there are ISOFIX child-seat anchors, reverse sensors, a reverse camera, an immobiliser system, and a burglar alarm all in.

Lexus Nx Fully Launch In Malaysia .Price Start From RM299k

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First seen on Malaysian soil at the 2014 IGEM convention and with order books opening in 

October last year, the Lexus NX has just received its official local debut. The compact SUV, 

CBU from Japan, represents the Japanese firm’s first assault on the likes of the BMW 

X3, Volvo XC60, Range Rover Evoque and Porsche Macan.

the Lexus NX lands with two engine options – a 200t and a 300h option. The former is 

offered in four different trim levels, starting with a base 200t and leading on to a 200t 

Premium, Luxury and F Sport, sequentially. The NX 300h, offered in only one trim, brings 

the grand total to five.

Though it may lack the perceived badge prestige of its European rivals, the NX more than 

makes up for it with its looks. Even with the relatively mild non-F-Sport treatment, the NX is 

bound to cut quite an image on the road, no doubt thanks to its distinctive combination of full 

LED head lamps (halogen high beams on the base 200t) and Nike-esque daytime running 

lights (DRL).

On the Lexus NX 300h, a 2.5 litre, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine generating 153 hp and 210 Nm of torque 

is employed. The ‘hybrid’ part consists of front and rear electric motors, providing 141 hp and 67 hp, respectively 

– resulting in a combined power output of 194 hp. Torque output from the front motor is 270 Nm, the rear is 139 

Nm of torque. The battery is of the nickel-metal hydride variety. In place of the six-speed automatic is an eCVT 

transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Top speed is 180 km/h with the century sprint done and dusted 

in 9.2 seconds.

It should be known that the NX is available in front-wheel drive configurations in other markets, but only the all-

wheel drive variants are available here at launch. Lexus says that studies are being conducted to gauge market 

demand for the two-wheel drive models.

As for safety equipment, all five variants are fairly specced up with eight airbags – including a driver’s knee airbag 

and a front passenger cushion airbag – ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA) and vehicle stability control (VSC) included 

as standard. The Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems are included on all variants except for the base 200t.

Standard kit count includes a memory function for the driver’s seat (with auto reset capabilities), heated and 

ventilated front seats, automatic wipers and LED fog lamps as well as cornering lamps on all variants except the 

base 200t. What is available on all five variants though, are touch control front interior lights, electric steering 

adjustment which includes both tilt and telescopic ranges and paddle shifters.

Beginning with the base 200t, its seats are wrapped in synthetic leather while the dash finishing consists of a 

leather/silver film combination. It gets the eight-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system which features AM/FM, 

MP3 and WMA capability. Keyless entry is standard on all variants but the base 200t loses out on the Smart Card 

Key (a credit card-like key) system.

The 60:40 folding rear seats are manually-operated. The rest of the range, bar the F Sport, gets powered folding 

rear seats instead. The tail gate on the base 200t variant is manually-operated while the rest of the range 

receives a powered boot

Moving up the range to both the 200t Premium and Luxury nets you an interior that features smooth leather 

upholstery. Wood dash trim makes an appearance here, along with a Qi wireless charging system inside the 

centre armrest.

The 200t Luxury adds on a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Audio sound system as opposed to the eight-speaker 

setup in lesser variants, as well as a sunroof with tilt and slide function – solely available on this variant. The 

multimedia system is also upgraded to Lexus’ Remote Touch Controller interface, which includes navigation and 

a panoramic camera (all-round view monitor, in place of a standard reverse camera).

As for the 200t F Sport, it features perforated leather upholstery with red contrast stitching on the seats and gear 

shifter. An exclusive F Sport instrument cluster layout with a turbo meter and aluminium pedals, along with scuff 

plates are present. The sound system has been upgraded to a 14-speaker Mark Levinson setup with Clari-Fi 

technology. Outside, further differences can be marked out from the inclusion of a full F Sport exterior dres-up kit 

with a mesh grille up front and a panoramic roof.

Not a mere aesthetic upgrade, the F Sport model also includes a sportier Adaptive Variable Suspension with so-

called Performance Rods. A Sport+ drive mode is also exclusive to this variant. At launch, this model holds the 

largest majority of orders taken so far.

Finally, the NX 300h is differentiated by the inclusion of roof rails and the exclusion of visible tail pipes – the rest 

of the range has twin exhaust pipes. The 300h also has its exterior badges painted in a blueish hue. On the 

inside, the instrument cluster is the biggest giveaway to its eco-friendly intentions, while the engine start button is 

dressed in blue.

Prices for the base Lexus NX 200t begin at RM299,873.80, while the 200t Premium goes for RM331,679.80, and 

the Luxury at RM352,199.80. The 200t F Sport is priced at RM378,875.80, and the hybrid 300h 

at RM385,063.50. All prices are on-the-road with insurance, and every NX comes with a three-year/100,000 km 

(whichever comes first) warranty. For a more detailed breakdown of each variant, including all the exterior and 

interior colour options, head on over to Carbase.my. Also read our full test drive report.

2015 Porche 911 Review.

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Now in its seventh generation, the Porsche 911 is still recognizable by its iconic shape, even if it has grown since the last generation. he lineup continues to offer a wide range of models, from the base Carrera on up to the Turbo S and GT3, each with its own character, and each a representation of what remains one of the best sports cars on the market.

It wouldn't be a new year without at least one new 911

model. For 2015, the 911 coupes and convertibles are joined by a Targa body style. Absent from the lineup for some time, the Targa has been given an upgrade to automatic opening and closing. Instead of requiring the driver to install and store the cloth roof section manually, the 2015 Targa's back half splits open in an elaborate orchestration of moving pieces to do the job. It's quite something to watch, and easily the most complex roof system available today. All Targa models are equipped with all-wheel drive, adding to their all-weather versatility.

The lineup continues with Carrera and Carrera S models at the low end, both of which are available with all-wheel drive as well. The 'base' Carrera uses a 350-horsepower flat-six engine, while the S models get a 400-horsepower version.

From there, it's the 475-horsepower GT3, and then a pair of turbocharged models, the 520-horsepower 911 Turbo and 560-horsepower Turbo S. Both employ standard all-wheel drive and include almost all of the equipment that's optional on lesser 911s.  

All models except the GT3 and Turbo range offer a choice of a seven-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed PDK paddle-shift dual-clutch automatic. The GT3, Turbo, and Turbo S are only available with a PDK gearbox. 

While the exteriors and performance options vary widely across the 911 range, the cabins are nearly identical throughout the lineup. Whichever 911 you choose, the front seats are comfortable and roomy, with an open-feeling cabin thanks to a large windshield and side windows. The rear seats are best suited to extra cargo and occasional child-ferrying duties, as leg room is minimal, and the 911's sloping roof compromises head room, too. A front trunk area holds a fair amount of luggage. 

Gas mileage is rather good for a high-performance sports car family, with up to 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway possible. Even the 560-horsepower 911 Turbo S avoids being a gas guzzler, at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. 

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash tested the 2015 Porsche 911 or any of the current-generation 911s. 

Brand New Audi TT 2015.It Got Two Spec Audi TT 2.0 TFSI And Audi TT 2.0 TDI In UK.

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Audi’s TT has carved out a niche all of its own in the mainstream coupe heartland. The first-generation TT of 1998 was style personified - a goalpost-mover which recalibrated our ideas of what style meant, and at affordable prices too. Shame the drive was less compelling than the wardrobe.

The second-generation TT of 2006 improved things considerably in the trouser department. Lighter weight and a new chassis made it steer more sweetly and, in the right spec on the right road, it was quite the junior sports car.

Now the third-generation Audi TT has landed. We’ve driven the new 2015 Audi TT in TTS spec, bringing a 306bhp four-cylinder turbo, four-wheel drive, tech galore and a smart new outfit. Read on for CAR magazine’s new Audi TT review.

Audi TT (2015): what’s new?

The latest TT switches to the fast-becoming-ubiquitous MQB architecture. In layman’s terms, this is the platform that underpins everything in the Volkswagen group’s mid-range, from the Golf to a Skoda Octavia, bring a choice of front- or four-wheel drive.

So while the TT’s wheelbase is stretched by 37mm, the whole car is actually a whisker shorter and narrower than before. And in an age of bloating proportions and super-sized portions, that’s a welcome change. The mechanical package is wrapped in a mostly aluminium body that’s just fresh enough to warrant a second look, but you’ll hardly be forced to check the TT badging to identify this sports car.

Is the new TT more practical?

The latest packaging has thrown up some pleasant surprises. The boot is now 13 litres bigger than before, up to 305 litres. Flop the rear seats forward, and that jumps to 712.

Nestle into the sports seats up front and you’re faced with what is very possibly the Cabin Of The Year. It’s drop-dead gorgeous in here. Build quality is first-rate and the huge 12.3in TFT digital dials flip between a huge rev counter tacho in Dynamic sports mode, the largest map yet seen in an instrument panel, infotainment… the list goes on. The graphics are fantastic, benefiting from a super-sharp 1440 x 540 pixel display.

Weak points in the new Audi TT’s cabin? There’s no head-up display available and the TT is conspicuously lacking in niceties such as adaptive cruise control and parking aids. It can only be a matter of time…

Audi TT review: the road test bit

We drove a TTS Quattro equipped with the extra-cost six-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and fitted with the biggest available 20in wheels. It’s one of the hardest-core TTs yet available (until 2016’s new RS arrives, anyway).

Unsurprisingly, it’s damn quick. In fact, the TTS is faster than a base 911 Carrera or Cayman GTS, with 0-62mph available in just 4.7sec. It sounds sporting, too, an aural actuator reinforcing the blown four-pot’s engine note.

The S-tronic gearbox thuds changes home, with pleasing directness in Dynamic mode. It even pretends to do heel ’n’ downchanges, blipping the throttle if you finger-paddle down the ratios. Odd in a car with no clutch pedal - but symbolic of a car laced with digital overtones. Digital trickery is always present in TT 3.

The S-tronic gearchange might be capable of whip-crack changes, but it can also hiccup and pause unexpectedly. The steering always feels like it’s attached to a 4wd powertrain and is hardly the last word in driver tactility. A Cayman on the cheap, this ain’t.

That aluminium package trims 50kg from the kerbweight, but the TTS still weighs in at an acceptably trim 1385kg (the 2.0 TFSI weighs 1230 kilos). It all helps to contribute to the TTS’s claimed 39.8mpg combined economy. Be warned though; that plunges to 35.7mpg if you select the 20in rims. We managed 23mpg during an enthusiastic launch drive.

Verdict

The TTS feels in many regards like the closely related Audi S3 or VW Golf R in the family stable. It is blindingly quick - feels faster than a BMW M235i and as rapid as the rabid Mercedes A45 AMG, in fact - but it’s not flawless dynamically.

With 280lb ft available from 1800-5500rpm, it’s certainly fast but it just doesn’t feel that exciting. While we can’t knock its peerless traction, everyday usability and fantastic cabin, we wish the new Audi TT had a little more emotion and a little less cold perfection.

Toyota Camry Hybird 2.5V. The Price Will Be RM180,000?

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Originally planned for late-2014, the launch of the locally-assembled (CKD) Toyota Camry Hybrid will be delayed to 2015, sources say.

As the Camry is due for a facelift next year, the revelation also implies that the forthcoming Camry Hybrid will be wear the new facelift model's styling. The new Toyota Camry facelift was recently previewed at last month's 2014 Moscow Auto Show.

Last year, UMW Toyota Motor's Deputy Chairman, Takashi Hibi said the company plans to pursue local-assembly of the Camry Hybrid, adding that it will be priced slightly above the Camry 2.5V

"If successful, a locally assembled Camry Hybrid will only be slightly more expensive than the Camry 2.5V," said Hibi during the launch of the Lexus ES last year.

Currently, the Camry 2.5V sells for RM180,934 (on-the-road with insurance).

However, the new Camry may see a slight upwards revision in its price, so we expect the Camry Hybrid to be priced closer to the RM200,000 mark.

The Camry Hybrid is a full-hybrid vehicle, powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson petrol engine paired to an E-CVT planetary gear set transmission. The engine alone produces 160 hp, but when combined with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive it produces a total output of 205 hp.

Due to packaging constraints from accommodating additional hybrid components, the Camry Hybrid is 120 kg heavier than a standard Camry and has a fuel tank that's five litres smaller, at 65-litres.

Claimed fuel consumption is around 5.1-litres/100 km.

Inside, the main difference compared to a regular Camry is the additional B-mode (for engine braking when driving downhill) on the Camry Hybrid's gear shift lever, and a slightly different instrument cluster that now includes an 'Energy Monitor' function on the Multi-information (MID) display.

NAP 2014's Duty Exception Period For CKD Hybrid V

The viability of the Camry Hybrid CKD project hinges on the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2014's provision to exempt locally-assembled hybrid vehicles (no limit on engine capacity) from import and excise duties. It replaces the previous provision from Budget 2012 to exempt fully-imported hybrid vehicles below 2,000cc from import and excise duties.

However under NAP 2014, the duty exemption period of CKD hybrid vehicles expires on 31-December 2015. Considering that the new Camry will only be launched early next year, there will only be less than nine or ten months left into the 2015 calendar year before the duty exemption period expires.

Clearly the duty exemption period is too short for UMW Toyota to recoup on its investment into the project.

Considering that NAP 2014 was only announced in January 2014, after nearly two years of delay, it is quite unrealistic to expect car companies to respond within this year, making the 31-December 2015 expiry date rather silly.

The events that are unfolding today have been predicted by a general manager for a European brand late last year.

"2014 is almost gone", he told LiveLifeDrive.com in December 2013, referring to the plans made for 2014.

"Everyone's done with their budgets. We need at least six to eight months in ordering lead time," he added, explaining that even fully-imported models need lead time for the product planners to plan for a suitable specifications package and to work out the costing with their manufacturing principals.

Planning for locally-assembled models require an even longer lead time as CKD kits need to prepared in accordance to the processes and capabilities of the assembling country's plant.

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New Toyota Harrier Had Import To Malaysia.

Toyota has released images of the next generation Toyota Harrier, ahead of its scheduled debut at Tokyo motor show later this year. As we can see from the pictures, the SUV’s design is influenced by the 2013 Lexus RX. It is no surprise, considering both the models have a history of being virtually identical.

The first and second generation Toyota Harrier were also sold as Lexus RX in some markets. However, by the time the third generation model came along, the Harrier nameplate was dropped and the model is currently only available as a Lexus.

However, the return of the Harrier nameplate suggests that Toyota may re-introduce the dual-branding (Toyota and Lexus) approach for the model.

The all-new Harrier features an aggressive front, the prominent grill and large air intake mimics the Toyota Avalon sedan. The SUV is given a rather complex rear window arrangement, slender taillights, and a sportier tailgate with an integrated spoiler. It still retains some of the accustomed design elements from the outgoing model such as the tilted C-pillar.

There is no word on what powertrains will power the SUV, but judging from the badge on the picture above, we know there will be at least one eco-friendly variant. Toyota has not released any pictures of the interior. So we’ll have to wait some time until more pictures arise.