Haval H2 SUV launched in Malaysia

Haval, the most popular SUV in China is now here in Malaysia. The Haval H2 (1.5 Turbo) is distributed in Malaysia by Go Auto, the official distributor of Great Wall Motors in the country. The H2 is an upgrade to the M4 which was launched last year.

According to a press release, the new model is priced from RM89,950 per unit and is targeted to a slightly more mature and affluent market segment, between 30 and above and young families. Features include six-speed automatic gearbox, electric folding side mirrors with integrated puddle lamps, a sunroof, six way electrically adjustable driver�s seat, leather upholstery, 3.5-inch TFT color display trip computer and a multifunction steering wheel. A touch screen infotainment unit and dual-zone automatic air-conditioning are fitted as well.

As for safety features, the H2 comes with include six airbags (front passenger and driver, side curtain, front sides), Electronic Stability Program, and ABS with EPB (Electronic Parking Brake), FR-LH (Front Left Handside) Blind Spot Visual System, stylish headlamp with Day Running Light (DRL), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and anti-glare rear view mirror as well.

 The SUV is powered by a 1.5L Turbo petrol engine and the maximum power output in kilowatt/hp at 5600 is 110/147 and the maximum output of torque at 210Nm is 220RPM to 4500 RPM.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Land Rover will show off their the 2016 Model Year Range Rover Evoque at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, confirming rumours that the Range Rover Evoque Convertible will go into production.

A video was recently released which features the disguised prototype of the compact SUV exploring the underground tunnels of London�s crossrail, which are still under construction. Price of the new Evoque is expected to be around �40,000.

Mitsubishi ASX Designer Edition

The Mitsubishi ASX is one of the cheapest compact SUVs in Malaysia at RM114,743.50 (TR without insurance) for the 2WD version with 2.0-LITER 16-valve inline-4 DOHC MIVEC engine. This is because they assemble it in Malaysia.

They recently worked together with Malaysian designer Rizalman Ibrahim, to come up with the Mitsubishi ASX Designer Edition. The model only comes in "Titanium" grey with racing stripe running down the front and back of the car. It is only available in the 4WD version. The grey theme is carried in the interior as well with grey leather seats with yellow trims. Leather (grey and yellow) covered gear knobs and matte finished black alloy rims. The car also has a large rear spoiler and fin-type antenna as opposed to the bee-sting type antennas. Another unique feature is the panoramic tinted glass roof



Behind the scenes video:



The Designer Edition model is priced at RM131,801.50 (OTR without insurance).

Bentley launches new models, to build SUVs

According to a press release, Bentley Motors UK has confirmed that it will build the world�s fastest and most luxurious SUV - the first off-road vehicle in the marque�s history.

This was announced at the launch at its Crewe HQs, of three new Bentley models, namely, the Flying Spur sedan, the Continental 4.0 litre GT V8 S and the 6.0 litre Continental GT Speed Convertible. The later is considered the world�s fastest four-seat production convertible.

Bentley Flying Spur

Continental GT V8 S

Continental GT Speed Convertible

The production of the new model will create new 1,000 jobs at Bentley and its suppliers.

The company recorded strong sales increases through the first three quarters of 2013 (delivering a total of 6,516 cars against 5,969 in 2012) and opening of 23 international dealerships in locations from Bucharest, Lyon and Minsk through to Hanoi (Vietnam) and the famous Silk Road city of Urumqi.

Comparing Toyota models with other brands

When I ask people what comes to their mind when they think about Toyota cars, among the answers I get include "reliability", "quality" and "value for money". However, all these are perceptions of the brand in the minds of consumers and I was wondering whether these were actually true.

I was looking at the Highlander (known as the Toyota Kluger in Japan and Australia) which is one their  best-selling mid size SUVs. The 2011 model only has some minor cosmetic changes to the 2nd generation. They also have a Hybrid variant. I really like this model but the question was with regards to the Highlander cost of ownership.

2008-2010 Toyota Highlander

Well, I found this site which allows you to compare the Highlander with other brands. It was quite interesting because according to the site, the Highlander costs much less to own as compared to it's nearest competitors, namely, the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer.

The projected ownership costs include depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, state fees and repair and maintenance costs. This was based on 2012 model year study carried out by intellichoice (www.intellichoice.com) 

New Range Rover

The All-New Range Rover unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.

It's the first SUV to have an all-aluminium body structure. No information about emissions or prices have been released as yet.