Petrol Price in Review (May 4 - June 7, 2017)

Just a short summary what we have been through on the weekly fuel price.

	May 4	May 11	May 18	May 25	June 1
RON95 (RM/litre)	2.11	2.01	2.08	2.12	2.10
RON97 (RM/litre)	2.39	2.29	2.36	2.40	2.38

Fluctuation is not huge this round, as the crude oil price is floating around USD40-50.

The Mazda MX-5 RF

The Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) is finally here.  It replaces the soft top version as Bermaz is no longer making the it available for booking.  The MX-5 RF is more like a targa-like roof, making the first MX-5 that takes away the fully open roof feel.  Ahhh...wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a roadster?  Well, design is always a like or hate in the eyes of the beholder, no correct or wrong answer.  Personally, the soft top MX-5 ND is still better looking and make more sense than the RF.  

This round, Bermaz has finally make the auto and manual transmission available on the MX-5 RF, though the engine choice remains solely as the 2-litre unit.  The auto and manual variants are available for RM248k and RM243k respectively.  Comparatively, the RF is RM22k more expensive than the soft top variant.  MX-5 lover, what do you think about the RF? 

Petrol Price in Review (Mar 30 - May 3, 2017)

Just a short summary what we have been through on the weekly fuel price.

	Mar 30	Apr 6	Apr 13	Apr 20	Apr 27
RON95 (RM/litre)	2.13	2.16	2.24	2.27	2.21
RON97 (RM/litre)	2.41	2.43	2.52	2.54	2.49

Do you think it is a fair mechanism on the weekly fuel price adjustment?  Looking at the trend, it indeed is better, and if each petrol kiosk can freely provide discount or their other marketing strategy to make it competitive, it will even be better.  In Taiwan, petrol kiosks are so competitive that some give out free morning paper or breakfast sandwiches during the morning rush hours, tissue paper during the night, or even drinking water in the afternoon.

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM2.60/litre & RM2.30/litre respectively

The festive period has not ended, of course it is the best time to rake in all the profit as traveling is still heavy and consumption of petrol is still high.  So, the fake news of RM0.15 increase was indeed very fake where the real increment is set at RM0.20/litre for RON95 and RON97.  Ouch!  Already with extra spending for the Chinese New Year, now we are hit with such unreasonable increase where the crude oil price has dropped slightly.

So, is that a way our government wishes us Gong Xi Fa Cai and best wishes to all?!  Thinking of getting a motorcycle license, but the death rate of cyclist is just too high to justify for that.  Maybe Bus 11!

The almost Spot-On Honda BR-V

Honda BR-V is the first car launched in 2017, which the company is trying to hold onto its growth momentum to make another record year.  Now, with a 7-seater crossover designed specially for the emerging market, pricing it from RM83k-90k, this could be an almost sweet spot for families that want a reliable Japanese family car.  

Why the BR-V is almost Spot-On but not wholly hitting the consumer with what they want?  The biggest mistake Honda's designer did to the BR-V is the seat folding and storing mechanism.  The third row seat can only tumble down or up, without the ability to provide a full flat rear cargo area.  Because of this, you can't have a long stowage area even though if you tumble up the 2nd row seat.  All you get is empty space in between of the 2 rows of chairs.  Weird isn't it?  A little more design effort that enable the last row seat to fold down to move forward should make the BR-V a real winner.

Two variants is available, mainly on small little features differences, such as the audio system, seat upholstery, rearview camera, push start, auto aircon, fog lights and some others garnish here and there.  Safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist and Traction Control are standard on both variants.  Bravo for Honda on achieving 5-star ASEAN NCAP for the BR-V.  Unlike the Proton Ertiga, which does not have Traction Control, which make it a real outdated vehicle.

Powered by 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and mated to the Earth Dream CVT gearbox, most would want the assurance it is good enough to move the 1.2-tonne vehicle around efficiently.  Do remember that as a family car, the BR-V is not for any speed drag at the traffic light or racing with your cousin in the Toyota Sienta or Avanza.

	BR-V	Sienta	Alza	Avanza
Wheelbase	2662mm	2750mm	2750mm	2655mm
Length	4453mm	4235mm	4205mm	4140mm
Height	1666mm	1675mm	1620mm	1695mm
Width	1735mm	1695mm	1695mm	1660mm

Comparing the size, although the BR-V is derived from the tiny Honda Brio, it is indeed largest in its segment, thus providing better legroom and space for the rear passenger.  Another big letdown of the BR-V is the hard plastics surrounding the interior, as well as the lightness of the door.  You just can't get the confident "tuk" sound from closing and opening of the doors.  It feels empty.

Honda has never disappoint on the exterior design, especially calling the BR-V the "Bold Run-About Vehicle".  Overall the BR-V looks decently handsome, especially with the integrated roof-rail and wheel-arch moulding. 

To make the BR-V affordable, it wear the economical 16" Bridgestone Ecopia tyres.  Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, similar to the Honda City setting.  For a people carrier, rear aircon blower has to been standard to cool the rear passengers, and there are a total of 11 cup holders.  

For the BR-V, Honda might hit the market just nice, with the right pricing.  Nissan Livina is very dated now.  The closest competitor is the Toyota Sienta, which is smaller and more expensive.  However, the Sienta is always a better car, especially with the sliding door.  But the BR-V is larger, that could win it all.

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM2.40/litre & RM2.10/litre respectively

It is not a surprise from the government to increase the petrol price on the 1st day of 2017.  The weakening of Ringgit of course has not affected anything, as according to our government, except a long list of upcoming commodities especially traders would want to earn more during the upcoming festive season.  RM0.20 increase for RON95 and RM0.15 increase for RON97, which is good enough to reap in millions or even billions especially for the back-to-school and festive month where traveling is inevitable for most of us.

Even diesel has increase by RM0.20/litre.  Thank you, Malaysia, for giving the rakyat an early 2017 present.  Again, the government has many times re-iterated there is no need to worry on our weakining Ringgit, although it is the worst performing currency in the region.  This will only affect our business, spending, etc...Your money in the bank remain the same, RM1 million is still RM1 million!

Toyota Sienta, a re-Visit

Here is a revisit to the local Toyota's showroom on the Sienta.  Previous article was a visit of the Sienta in Japan, which has slight different from the model we get in Malaysia.  Of course, the very first is the availability of boring colours, though the Sienta can be had in 6 colour choices.  Black, Grey, White and Silver are the default favourites, then you have the Orange and Brown for those that hate to join the sea of the 4 most common options.

Powering the Sienta is new 1.5-litre (107hp/140Nm) Dual VVT-i engine, mated to a 7-speed CVT gearbox.  This combination is perfect for the small family MPV, though the selling price of almost RM100k could make the Sienta a failure.  Why can't Toyota learn from how the Honda Freed came and went in our market, especially when the Sienta sits on similar platform as the Perodua Alza.

However, there are a few great things on the Sienta:

1. Sliding rear doors - which is extremely convenient and provide ample entrance and exit space
2. Rear aircon blower - in our weather, this is utmost important to keep the kids at the back cool and calm
3. Toyota badge - the reliability of the trusted brand

Aside from the above, it is good to know that the Sienta has Traction Control as a standard safety equipment.  This is where the Proton/Suzuki-derived's Ertiga has missed out.  3 airbags in a family MPV seems on the low side, as most car at this price range will most likely has 6 airbags that provide protection to the rear passengers as well.  In fact, isn't an MPV a family oriented vehicle that should put the family safety on top priority?!  

It is also freaking weird for Toyota to use orange brown fabric for the V variant (top-spec) Sienta.  It should have keep the black from the cheaper G spec unit.  Again, a family car with kids, it is easier to hide shoes and food stains with the black fabric instead.

When we look at the dashboard, a Toyota is as always simple and functional.  Since the car is built in Indonesia, the gear stalk and parking brake level have been moved to the floor instead of centre dash mounted or foot operated, to accommodate the manual stick variant, though it is not available here.  This layout is more conventional, but take up valuable space on the floor.

Design of the rear chairs is no doubt very smart.  The rearmost chair can be flipped down forward to sit below the 2nd row of seat, providing a huge flat cargo space.  Again, if I were the buyer, I would want my V-spec car with the black seat instead.  The brown isn't a match here.

 

Most will ask whether the Sienta a value for money car?  At this price, there is a lot other choices in the market.  For example, a 1.8-litre Honda HR-V starts at few hundred ringgit cheaper than the Sienta.  Even the highest spec Honda City is cheaper.  So what make the Sienta attractive here?  The rest are 5-seater and the Sienta is a 7-seater.  That's the only major difference.  Brand is a factor, with most Malaysia leaning toward Toyota still for simple reasons of reliability and high resale value.  Next would be the styling, where boxy and trendy little MPV is a hit with the younger generation.  

Nothing wrong in getting a more expensive car as long as you love it.  A MINI is so expensive and tiny, and people is willing to pay a premium for it.  Anyhow, the Sienta is not a car for the emerging market, unlike the Honda BR-V, so it does deserve some premium!

Mercedes' Mid Size SUV, the GLC

The Mercedes seems to have the only German's brand that brought in almost every model in its stable to Malaysia, which show we, the Malaysian, are somewhat freaking rich to afford the luxurious vehicles, even after exorbitant tax on it.  We loves to contribute to the government income, yet still love to complaint about it.  The all new Mercedes GLC which competes with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 is now available and it looks gorgeous, and it is the prettiest among others.

The GLC comes with a 2-litre engine, mated with a 9-speed gearbox, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, which shall be capable for any adventurous route, though there is doubt anyone will bring it into the real jungle.  It shall remain in the urban concrete world to outshine its brand and capabilities.  Since it is a CKD model, the price of RM326k is in fact not too bad for the fashionable auntie to fetch their kids.  For the uncle, the GLE should fit better.

 

As usual, the only fault of the interior of a Mercedes nowadays is the protruding iPad-style display, which is still very an aftermath design.  Setting this aside, the gauges and dashboard is still the best, that bring out the luxurious feel.  Audi and BMW could be the best drives, but the 3-pointed Star machine still top the list for luxury.

So, as luxurious as it could get, and if you prefer a pretty looking SUV, the GLC is a good choice.  Forget about the traditional ugly look of the X3 or Q5. 

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM2.25/litre & RM1.90/litre respectively

Not much of a surprise this Christmas' month, although there is a reduction of RM0.05 across RON95, RON97 and diesel.  The increase of RM0.15 from the previous month still cast an angry shadow from the public and this reduction is too insignificant.

The world was stunned when Trump won the American's President election.  Even with lesser popular vote, he is capable of sweeping victory on all rural states.  For those that watch too many American's movies, don't be surprised that in America, there are only handful of metropolitan cities, thus they are no different from the rest of the world.  If we rewind back to our own election, the ruling parties won lesser popular vote, and clean swept of rural areas, which is very similar to the recent Trump's victory.  So blame no one, even the world most democratic country exhibit similar pattern.

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM2.30/litre & RM1.95/litre respectively

Crude oil price has been hovering around USD50 per barrel, and indeed it is slight increase compare to previous month.  But the hike should not warrant for such a increase.  Anyhow, with the just released Budget 2017, we have seen benefits not too welcome by the majority.  This November marks the removal of subsidy on edible oil as well, which could be good to promote a healthier lifestyle of less oil and less salt.  This month, it is across the board with RM0.15/litre increase on RON97 (RM2.30), RON95 (RM1.95) and diesel (RM1.90).

Holiday season is near, time to reap in whatever for the next 2 months!!!

German 3-Series, C-Class, A4's competitor, The Jaguar XE

If you ever wanted to be different, and to make heads turn while on the road, has an extra RM100k to spend, no worry about the exorbitant repair cost and lousy resale value, go get yourself the Jaguar XE.  The classic UK brand, which is now Tata-owned, could have set the target audience for the XE completely wrong.  The Jaguar XE is suppose to compete in segment where Mercedes C-class, BMW 3-series and Audi A4 has dig itself a big hole to jump in, effectively burying it.  Selling at a starting price of RM321k, smart consumer will not want to buy it, and it is only for the those who would want to show off their British love and flirthy rich.

What are you getting for such a small luxury sedan for over RM300k?  You get to enjoy the infamous Jaguar's aluminium architecture, which almost provide the car a 50:50 weight distribution.  Don't ask how to enjoy the lightweight metal and don't ever get into an accident, as repairing the body panel could be difficult.  Other bells and whistles are common among other luxury marques.  Jaguar also boost its All Surface Progress Control cruise control that adjust itself in any road condition.  However, I don't think it is of much use as one would want to have full driver control during harsh weather instead.

When the interiors of the Beemer, Merc and Audi bore you, the XE could be a further let down.  The touch gear selection control could amaze some, but not all.  Aside from this, there is nothing much to brag about. 

The size of the XE is small, and wheel arch intrusion to the trunk is sizeable as well, leaving a small boot capacity.  The powered boot lid is a nice feature, which also means additional repair cost when it fails during ownership of the car.  The rear seat of the XE is cramp, thus making those who has family to ferry around an inconvenient.  Choosing a German made brand could be a wiser choice.

With a wild cat badge, one would expect the car to perform like one.  7.7 seconds to the century sprint with a 2-litre turbocharged engine, capable to producing 200PS/280Nm of power.  Not enough?  Pay additional RM25k for the R-Sport version, which provide additional 40PS/60Nm of power.  Want a rocket?  The S version will come with a 3-litre V6, providing 340PS/450Nm for the little cat.  However, this will need a debit of RM547k from your bank account. So looking at the numbers, especially the dollar and sense, there are plenty of better car out there.

 

The Mitsubishi Workhorse, Triton Pickup Truck

Mitsubishi has always been popular with its Lancer Evolution which has now retired from the automobile scene, awaiting for the next incarnation.  Besides that, its pickup truck is yet another popular choice.  Like Isuzu, Mitsubishi can survive with just selling pickup truck as well as OEM its full range of engines to partners around the world.  The Triton pickup which is available is the region, has recently been refreshed, with a bolder and improve aggressive look.  The old Triton has been slightly "girlish" with all the rounded corner.  At least, for now, the new Triton looks more masculine, especially with the huge redesigned headlights.  

The larger vertical rear lamp cluster does look better as well, though personnaly I would prefer it to be straight vertical, without the rounded corner protruding to the front of the side body.  Pricing start from RM73k with the basic 5-speed manual 2.5L DI-D common rail turbocharged diesel engine (110PS/200Nm), which replaces the previous Triton Lite variant.  The most expensive and fully loaded variant is the Triton VGT AdventureX, which is equipped with 5-speed automatic and a 2.4L MIVEC Turbo Diesel DI-D Common Rail VGT Intercooler engine.  Huge torque of 430Nm and 181PS of power could means the ability to haul whatever you throw at the bed of the truck.

It is no doubt that all pickups nowadays are designed to be comfortable with a touch of luxury.  Pickup truck is no longer just for the construction/renovation usage, but has been replacing some normal sedans on the road.  Looking at most manufacturer will throw in the truck bed cover, which is almost impossible to remove for one to load bigger item, is a solid proof the pickup truck is target at white collar workers instead of the blue collar.  The Triton has a fairly comfortable rear seat, for those with family that need to travel long distance.  Leg space is decent unless you are a 6-footer.

If you were shopping for a pickup truck, does give the Triton a try.  It is not as boring as the Nissan or Toyota, and carry some styling that white collar loves.  If you are the more aggressive type, maybe hop on over to Isuzu and take a look at their D-MAX.

RON97 & RON95 is now @ RM2.15/litre & RM1.80/litre respectively

Budget 2017 is coming, and analysts predict that there could be nothing interesting in the coming year, although news of next general election is looming around.  Oil price is in the upward trend as OPEC agreed to cut production 2 days ago.  RON97 and RON95 is now @ RM2.15/litre & RM1.80/litre respectively, increasing RM0.10 from previous month.  As for diesel, it is now RM1.75/litre.

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

It was not a surprise that our fuel price has been adjusted slightly lower to RM2.05/litre and RM1.70/litre for RON97 and RON95 respectively, following the drop of crude oil price for the recent months.  Iraq, as the 2nd largest oil producing country has called on the possibility of limiting production volume to boost the oil price.  This is the first time Iraq is supporting this.  It could help with the price, but it could means lesser work hours for the people or equipment, and could lead to other social and economic problems.  

For now, enjoy the cheaper rate, and September has many holidays ahead, time for some road trips!

The game changing Perodua Bezza

The Perodua Bezza name is not anything fantastic, nor it sounds any extraordinary to be in the game changing world, but this is Perodua first sedan, and with its reliability, ease of ownership, new engine and 5-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating (for the Advance variant, other variant scored 4-Star), could as well welcome those that hated the small boot size of all the hatchbacks the brand has produced to date, to put their money down for a real first family car.  Based on the A-segment AXIA platform, one could expect it to compete with the upcoming Proton Saga.  With order books multiplying quickly and reaching > 20k units now, Perodua seems to hit the jackpot with every model that it brings to the market.  Somehow, cheap does not means it will sell, it is always the user experience that move the product.  Proton is either here nor there to make a real comeback, though most are waiting for the Saga and Persona, which could be as game changing as well.

As with all Perodua's models, Bezza took the simplicity path in the interior design, with some touch of luxury.  The Advance variant is equipped with leather seat, leather wrap steering and gear shifter, which is rarely seen in car of such segment.  The white stitching add to the luxurious feel as well.  Priced at RM51k OTR, it could sound too much for the brand, but heck, it sells when the car is a fully well thought and equipped, especially with dual airbags, ABS and traction control.  It even has keyless entry, Start-Stop button and engine idle stop feature.  If it were to have all round airbags, the Bezza is then really a car not to be missed by car buyers. 

Manual and Automatic variants are available, both for the 1.0-litre (50hp/91Nm) and 1.3-litre (70hp/121Nm) engine models.  Notably, the 1.3-litre engine is the new 1NR-VE Dual VVTi unit, where the 1.0-litre is the existing unit used in the Axia.  Perodua is advancing much better than most local and Japanese manufacturers in trying out new technology, which is a big thumb up.

The anti-snatch seat hook is inherited from the Axia, and best of all, a USB port capable of supplying 2A power is available at the end of the center console, ensuring rear-seat passenger "juice" for their mobile device.

When it is a sedan, naturally boot space is an important spec that people will look at, and the Bezza does come with a 508-litre boot.  It could swallow luggage for not just a weekend getaway, but at least for a full week around Malaysia roadtrip.

So, has the Bezza excite you?  The very first in-house design sedan, not inheriting any of its sibling Daihatsu model, except for the platform, the first trial of Perodua does indeed can be game changing.  When Myvi makes its debut more than a decade ago, no one expected it stirred up the hatchback trend, filling our road with so many of them.  Then the Axia, giving better value than the Kancil it replaced, it quickly becomes the first car of many fresh graduates and the retire generation.  Now, the Bezza, could very well lures those that need a sedan, yet have only Saga as their choice in the past to put their signature in the order list.

Six colours are available, where the Ocean Blue above and Sugar Brown below are new.  If only the Brown could be more brown, it would be a perfect colour.  The Sugar Brown looks a bit grayish under sunlight.

Very soon, we will again see the road full of Bezza, and Perodua laughing to the bank.