The much hype of the Toyota Sienta

Most of us have the news the the Toyota Sienta is going to make its appearance as a "Made in Indonesia" product very soon.  Almost a quarter of the Toyota Mega Web showroom in Odaiba Tokyo was filled up the Sienta last year, showcasing the space efficient design of the car.  In Japan, the Sienta is available is an array of bright and funky colours, attracting first time MPV buyer, especially young family.  By the way, Avanza and Innova is not available in Japan, as these are the Asian low cost MPVs.

There has been much hype of the Sienta, as some would think this could be the Perodua Alza replacement, where both share the same wheelbase and almost the same size.  Toyota loves their sliding doors in MPV, as this improve the accessibility into and out of the vehicle, as can be seen in the Sienta, or even their mini size Toyota Porte and others.  This makes perfect sense since an MPV, for it be mini, compact or huge in size, should always be designed with convenience as the priority.  It could even be easier to fit a welcab chair for the disabled...very thoughtful.

	Sienta	Alza	Avanza
Wheelbase	2750mm	2750mm	2655mm
Length	4235mm	4205mm	4140mm
Height	1675mm	1620mm	1695mm
Width	1695mm	1695mm	1660mm

The dashboard and the interior is fairly basic, with nothing fancy, and perhaps this is how Toyota keeps their rate of repair so low.  When there is nothing much, then there is nothing much to fail.  "PRACTICAL" could be the keyword for the Sienta, adding a bit of "STYLE". 

According to the specifications from Indonesia, the only 2-airbag could be a big drawback on this people mover.  As a MPV, the safety structure is very much different from a normal sedan/hatchback car, as most can seen those big MPVs that were involved in accident, could result in fairly bad situation.  However, a smaller MPV could have better rigidity if design correctly.  Anyhow, every single additional equipment that could save life is important.

The Toyota Sienta, should be equipped with the same 1.5-litre engine from the Avanza, could make it to Malaysia.  But news was scare as our very own distributor, UMW Toyota could survive on with their existing boring VIOS, ALTIS and CAMRY.  When we peek into our neighbouring countries, they have more models than us, and at least, the Yaris has been missing from our line up for some years now after it was priced at > RM100k.

The Sienta could enjoy a very good position in the market, as none of other Japanese brands are offering this class of vehicles.  Perodua could be the only one, but we do have majority of people that would like to have a foreign brand instead of a local name.  Toyota has lose out in the B-Segment SUV competition for now, where Honda and Mazda is enjoying the sales numbers from the HRV and CX-3 respectively.  If the Sienta really make it to our shore, it could a a big hit, if priced correctly!  Do not repeat the mistake of the pricey Honda Freed though.

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM2.05/litre & RM1.70/litre respectively

No big deal this April 2016 as the slight increase in petrol price is only RM0.10 for RON97 and RON95, making them @ RM2.05/litre & RM1.70/litre respectively.  A common 50-litre tank now will cost an additional of RM5, which can be a simple meal.  If an average user pump a tank a week, that would be 4 meals in a month.

Crude oil price has been hovering around USD40 per barrel recently, thus justifying the increase.  It is still low, and it could be helping our economy slightly.

The facelifted luxurious compact SUV, the Audi Q3

Those seeking for a luxury VW Tiguan, here is the facelifted Audi Q3.  Not too sure on whether the luxury brand of VW will actually be more reliable or not, and when the dealership is under DRB Hicom, it could add more doubts.  Too many people out there keep complaining the frequency of repairs with the brand, but it still sell well in our market.  Indeed, putting the boring Mercedes and the mass BMW aside, Audi is another German's brand that bring recognition and envy to others.  

Available in 1.4-litre 150hp/250Nm (RM219k) and 2.0-litre 180hp/320Nm (RM255k) engines, the Q3 could be disappointing when the variant available in Malaysia is not the highest range version.  One can see that the headlight is still of Xenon type instead of full LED version.  Both variants now have no front fog lights, which is not much of an issue here in our hot country, and without that, the Q3 looks better, especially with the new front horizontal slats grille.  The previous Q3 grille was plain ugly and uncle-ish.  The lower end 1.4-litre Q3 comes with 17" tires and a 6-speed gearbox, while the 2.0-litre Q3 comes with 18" tires and a 7-speed gearbox.  Other than these two features, both Q3 are very similar in other specifications.

Interior stays pretty much the same as the pre-facelifted car and as an Audi, the luxurious feel is always there.  That's what you get when you are willing to pay RM40k from its sibling VW Tiguan.  For those who are down to earth, and love a compact SUV driving, perhaps the RM179k Tiguan shall suffice.

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM1.95/litre & RM1.60/litre respectively

A friend just mentioned that Tun Dr Mahathir had resigned from his political party, and our oil price dropped.  Well, no matter what happen, the consumer could be happy for both news.  Although diesel price remain unchanged, RON97 is now at RM1.95/litre and RON95 is at RM1.60/litre.  Time to drive more, stuck in the jam more, visit to the petrol kiosk more...but sadly our car prices is still exorbitantly high!

Crude oil price is stable for the past month, staying around USD30-35 a barrel.  Still low and it is not doing much good to our economy, where even Petronas has announced a cut of billions in their capital expenditure.  For now, enjoy the drive!

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM2.05/litre & RM1.75/litre respectively

February is a festive auspicious month, with Chinese New Year in a week time!  Gong Xi Fa Cai and wishes all have a prosperous 2016.  January is a bad start for the year, with oil price dipping below USD30 a barrel, and seems to average around USD30-35.  Even our very own Petronas is cutting on spending.  For those in the oil and gas industry, may the force be with you!

Starting today, Feb 1, 2016, RON97 is now RM2.05/litre (RM0.20 reduction) and RON95 is now RM1.75/litre (RM0.10 reduction).  However, many still making noise that the drop is not significant enough, as in the USA, some petrol station is selling at RM0.90/litre!  Good news for pickup truck owners, diesel is now RM1.35/litre (RM0.25 reduction). 

Mazda CX-3, the Freestyle Crossover (in dilemma)

If the Honda HR-V has not successfully attract you, it is then time to take a look at the Mazda CX-3.  Yes, it is smaller and more expensive than the highly successful HR-V, but Mazda is not in a rush to overtake its competitors, yet it is here to offer the best of the B-Segment SUV, which is equipped with a 2-litre Skyactiv-G engine, mated to a 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive gearbox.  With 146hp/192Nm of power, it is the best in class.

	Mazda CX-3	Honda HR-V	Peugeot 2008
Engine Power	146HP/192Nm	140HP/172Nm	120HP/145Nm
Transmission	6-speed	CVT	4-speed
Engine Capacity	2.0	1.8	1.6
Length (mm)	4275	4294	4159
Width (mm)	1765	1772	1739
Height (mm)	1550	1605	1556
Wheel	18"	16"	16"
Price (with insurance)	135k	121k	120k

The CX-3 is based on the Mazda 2's platform, thus its compact size.  The design of the CX-3 is among the best, carrying the Mazda's "Kodo - Soul of Motion" language.  If it could hit the selling chart, CKD version will be considered and could bring down the price to enable it direct competing against the HR-V.

The worry now is that the low selling price of the CX-5 (basic model start from RM129k), could be the CX-3 biggest competitor.  Though the CX-3 are equipped with better specifications, such as combination leather seats, LED headlamps with AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting - that enhanced nighttime illumination by moving up to 15-degree in the direction of your turn), head-up-display, sunroof, and the MZD Connect 7" Infotainment system, the CX-5 is still a larger SUV, if size matter for those looking at a new car.  The boot space of the CX-3 is pathetically tiny, in which the HR-V is a better design, especially the Honda Ultraseat is part of the HR-V package.

The interior of the CX-3 are similar to the Mazda 2, as well as the new MX-5, with the nicely hidden aircon vents in the center, with classic "aircraft-engine-look" round vents.  Quality is always high for a car imported from Japan, and Bermaz is wise not to bring in units from the Tomyam-land.  However, if it were from the border, the CX-3 could sell at a lower price.  For now, it is a premium B-Segment SUV.

Some might think will the 18" wheels be too huge for a car of such size?  But no, the CX-3 looks fabulous in its large size shoes, and the full 48-litre fuel tank could easily propel for 600km.  The Skyactiv-G vehicles are categorized as EEV, but can Bermaz passes down the incentive to the consumers instead!  The sunroof though not too suitable for our weather, is part of the highly equipped CX-3.  There is always a cover to block off the sun, or tint it to extreme dark with good protection if you prefer to see the sun during the day.

One important feature that is lacking in the CX-3 is the auto-dimming rear-view mirror.  The conventional rear-view mirror here does make the car feel incomplete, especially the ugly night mode flip-style-switch.  The big black dotted patch behind the rear-view mirror is a plus point for those that want to have the SmartTag mounted.  Make sure you do not tint this portion to avoid disappointment while passing through the toll gate.  The black dotted patch is design for such purpose, yet most tinting "sifu" will cover it up as well.  By the way, for those not good in parking, it is equipped with a rear-view camera and sensors.

Waiting time is low, and the CX-3 could be available with less than 2 months of wait time.  Mazda offers  3-year manufacturer warranty and 3-year service package with the purchase price.  Having dilemma right?  The CX-3 looks good, highly-equipped, yet some some missing features.  It is small, yet more expensive than its sibling CX-5.  So how?  It is not a car for big family, and it is a lifestyle mini-SUV.  Would suggest you arrange a test drive, feel it for yourself.  CX-3 shall not disappoint for those who like to drive and feel the car.  In fact, Mazda's Jibba-Ittai has always present in its vehicles, not limited to the MX-5!

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM2.25/litre & RM1.85/litre respectively

With the dwindling of crude oil price, which is now at a level lower than 10 years ago, it is worrying to our country economy which depend too much on it.  Our country had been enjoying too much "easy" money from the oil incentive and now they could not cope with it.  There is no way to hide the price of the commodity, thus naturally, petrol prices need to be adjusted.  From today, RON97 has been reduced by RM0.20 per litre, making it RM2.25/litre and RON95 has dropped RM0.10 per litre, and is now priced at RM1.85/litre.  The biggest drop is diesel, at RM0.30/litre, which now has a pump price of RM1.60/litre.  Now everyone has a reason to drive more for the start of 2016, so that government can collect more taxes from the tolls collection!!!

Now, if analyst were right, the crude oil price could bottom up at around $20 in 2016.  Even big oil producing countries are starting to reduce subsidy to cope with the situation now.

Happy New Year to all.  Let's pray for a fabulous 2016!!!