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!!!

Nissan Navara, the mother of all trucks is back!

Yes, she's here, the mother of all trucks...that's how Nissan claimed its Navara for the last generation, until the all new Ford Ranger took over.  This round, it is making another big wave, especially with its 7-speed auto gearbox, and multi-link rear suspension, which is a first in the pickup category.  Of course, it remain the most powerful 4x4 with the new 2.5-litre VGS Diesel engine, which is capable of producing 190PS/450Nm of power, if you chose to have the highest specifications VL (AT) variant.

Of all the the popular models, it is good to see most has grown in size and has advance in technology.  Though, some manufacturers have have remain using 5-speed or 4-speed gearbox which is so outdated nowadays.  Let's take a look the size, and see how the futuristic Ford Ranger has beat it all.

	Navara 2.5	Ranger 2.2	Triton 2.5	D-Max 2.5	Hilux 2.5
Length (mm)	5255	5362	5280	5295	5260
Width (mm)	1850	1860	1815	1860	1835
Height (mm)	1840	1815	1780	1795	1850
Ground Clearance	230	233	205	235	212
Rear Bed Length (mm)	1465	1549	1520	1552	1520
Rear Bed Width (mm)	1560	1560	1470	1530	1515
Power (ps/Nm)	190/450	160/385	178/400	136/320	144/343
Gearbox (Speed)	7	6	5	5	4

A Nissan is always well-built, even though it is done locally.  Pickup truck is now equipped like a luxury car, with comfortable seat, dual zone auto aircon, auto dimming rear view mirror, rear aircon vents, keyless entry and start/stop, cruise control, rear view camera, daytime running lights, etc.  In the safety department, again, the Navara has everything a car should have, with 2-airbag, traction control, hill start assist, active brake limited slip, vehicle dynamic control, rear fog lamp, and of course ABS.  Now, when will all cars in Malaysia be equipped with all such standard safety equipment, which the government should make them mandatory.

Besides losing in size to the Ranger, the Navara has a smaller 5" display audio unit.  However, at an extra RM3,922, one could upgrade to a 7" navigation unit, which could connect to smartphone, yet retaining the factory reverse camera view. 

From the look department, the Navara is not the most handsome 4x4 around, but the rugged feel of a pickup remains effective.  The Triton has always been on the softer side, the Ranger on the futuristic side, the D-Max on the tough side, then the Navara will sit among all sides, providing the most neutral feel.  With the reliability of a Nissan and 3-Year/100,000km warranty, the Navara is a workhouse, and of all other competitors, Nissan at least has the most service centers in Malaysia, providing convenience for owners who want to give it tender-loving-care.  Of course, at RM124k for the VL variant, it is not the cheapest.  One could get the V variant at RM113k, minus leather and power seat, with a de-tuned 163ps/403Nm engine, Halogen lights instead of LED, etc, it is still a good buy.  If you just want the most basic SE variant, it is priced at RM106k for the Auto and RM101k for the Manual 6-speed.  If all you wanted was a basic commercial pickup, get the manual E variant at only RM93k

RON97 remains @ RM2.45/litre & RON95 @ RM1.95/litre

While crude oil price continue its slide, affecting our economy, in December, only RON95 got the symbolic drop of only RM0.10 per litre.  Not happy with it right!?!  Diesel and RON97 remain similar price as the last adjustment in October.  What a great dissapointment!

Many would ask what basis of the float of petrol price is based on?  Common sense now points to the reason why we have a lot of Mathematics failures in our education system.