Sunday, January 31, 2010

KIA soul-Review 2009 KIA Soul 1.6 CRDi VGT Diva


2009 KIA Soul 1.6 CRDi VGT Diva

Maximum speed (km / h) - 182
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s) - 11.3
Urban consumption (l/100 km) - 6.3
Extra consumption (l/100 km) - 4.6
Average consumption (l/100 km) - 5.2
CO 2 (g / km) - 137
RT - 4.75%



2009 KIA Soul 1.6 CRDi VGT Diva

Size, weight, capacity

Body Type - Van
Number of doors - 5
Length / width / height (mm) - 4105 / 1785 / 1660
Wheelbase / Front track - rear (mm) - 2550 / 1570 - 1575
Weight (kg) - 1345
Fuel Tank Capacity (l) - 48
Number of seats - five



2009 KIA Soul 1.6 CRDi VGT Diva

Motor

Fuel - diesel
Maximum power HP - kW / rpm - 128 - 94 / 4000
Maximum torque Nm / rpm - 260 / 1900-2750
Location - Front transverse
Number of cylinders - 4
Material block / butt - cast iron / aluminum
Bore x stroke (mm) - 77.2 x 84.5
Displacement (cm3) - 1582
Compression ratio - 17.3
Distribution - 4 valves per cylinder. Two camshafts in the cylinder head.


2009 KIA Soul 1.6 CRDi VGT Diva

Transmission

Traction - front
Gearbox - Manual five-speed
Developments (km / ha 1000 rpm):
1st - 8.1
2nd - 15
3rd - 24.8
4th - 34.9
5th - 44.6


2009 Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi VGT Diva Chassis Front suspension - independent. McPherson. Helical. Stabilizer. Rear Suspension - Semi-independent. Shoulder throw. Transverse torsion beam. Helical. Stabilizer. Brakes front (mm) - ventilated discs (280 mm) rear (mm) - Plates (262 mm) wheel speed over buffer - 2.69 tires - 195/65 R15 wheels - 6.0 x 15

KIA soul-Review


2009 KIA Soul 1.6 DOHC Diva

Maximum speed (km / h) - 177
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s) - 11
Urban consumption (l/100 km) - 7.9
Extra consumption (l/100 km) - 5.7
Average consumption (l/100 km) - 6.5
CO 2 (g / km) - 153
RT - 4.75%



2009 KIA Soul 1.6 DOHC Diva

Size, weight, capacity

Body Type - Van
Number of doors - 5
Length / width / height (mm) - 4105 / 1785 / 1660
Wheelbase / Front track - rear (mm) - 2550 / 1570 - 1575
Weight (kg) - 1245
Fuel Tank Capacity (l) - 48
Number of seats - five



2009 KIA Soul 1.6 DOHC Diva

Motor

Fuel - Gasoline
Maximum power HP - kW / rpm - 124 - 91.2 / 6300
Maximum torque Nm / rpm - 156 / 4200
Location - Front transverse
Number of cylinders - 4
Material block / butt - aluminum / aluminum
Bore x stroke (mm) - 77 x 85.44
Displacement (cm3) - 1591
Compression ratio - 10.5
Distribution - 4 valves per cylinder. Two camshafts in the cylinder head. Variable Distribution



2009 KIA Soul 1.6 DOHC Diva

Transmission

Traction - front
Gearbox - Manual five-speed
Developments (km / ha 1000 rpm):
1st - 7.5
2nd - 13.9
3rd - 21.2
4th - 28
5th - 32.4



2009 Kia Soul Diva 1.6 DOHC Chassis Front suspension - independent. McPherson. Helical. Stabilizer. Rear Suspension - Semi-independent. Shoulder throw. Transverse torsion beam. Helical. Stabilizer. Brakes front (mm) - ventilated discs (280 mm) rear (mm) - Plates (262 mm) wheel speed over buffer - 2.69 tires - 195/65 R15 wheels - 6.0 x 15

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Honda Civic 2006


The future becomes a reality. 2006 Honda Civic debuted in the market for gasoline engine 1.4 i-DSI and 1.8 i-VTEC 2.2 i-CTDi Turbo 140 hp. High-tech performance and efficiency in consumption, but also practically and without compromise.

The construction of the Honda Civic, which has its premiere at the Honda dealer in January 2006, faithfully reflects the main theme of the Honda Make Dreams , which does not mean hand to new ideas, but the determination to implement it in the practical to implement.

Honda Civic combines excellent handling and performance levels of the previous generation with a spacious interior has an almost seamless continuity is confirmed, the compact dimensions and a large cockpit and roomy for comfortable driving and reduced fuel consumption

Honda Civic has always been that the Honda Civic Honda traveled different paths, new standards and better value for its customers. At a time when the Honda Civic of the market still produced samples are similar, with the eighth generation of the Honda Civic and would like an original interpretation of the auto segment suggests C.

To create a key position on European roads and improve the quality of design in this market, Honda, Honda Civic car and an individual should be characterized in general by a vigorous style. It was completely different from other vehicles in traffic, which now seems completely outdated.

In a situation where the general trend in the automotive industry that each new generation of more than one generation who did not know before his surprising perhaps that the size of the interior Honda Civic much more compact than the current model.

The amount length lives 4250 mm and top of 1460 millimeter, both bluer than 35 mm equated with the former car. The information may look even a lot storming is that the interior dimensions are not feigned at all. Altho it has contracted the distance and elevation, on the other give, Honda has expanded the overall breadth of the Honda civil 65 mm, broadening to 1760 mm, and track breast and rear, severally, to 1,504 mm (addition of 34 mm) and 1510 mm (growth of 45 mm), to create a more active and bigger manoeuvrability


May at first glance to think of a new interior limited practicality, but the Honda Civic is redefining the standards for an area, the futuristic design, versatility, functionality and benefits of their combination were transferred to a new level will be implemented.

Honda Civic Dash introduces the term dual-link that the area of the bridge in two different functional areas: one for the provision of visual information for the driver and another separated for individual commands

2006 Honda Civic in the Dual Link dashboard is integrated into the dashboard multiplexing technology, appears in the important information on driving, including driving speed, the upper part of the tools displayed all the other information in the lower zone.

2006 Honda Civic impressive electronic display, which takes the upper, middle is gaining momentum, pointer speed (the reference is the torque)) on the left side and the ratio Eco to his right (showing instant fuel consumption.

The lower section is a multi-information display with miles of full or partial double-temperature indicator, automatic climate control (consumption, independence, speed and diameter shown), and numerous stories and indicators.

2006 Honda Civic The materials are soft to the touch on top of the dashboard and door panels, while covering the lower part of the instrument panel, center console and door panels with the lower skin effect.

The current Honda Civic is widely credited for the area within and yet, despite the compact exterior dimensions, the new model offers even clearer evidence of progress in the interior.

2006 Honda Civic For practicality, the rear seats can be raised at the meeting to create the second largest in the rear cargo area for your personal use. The rear seats are also equipped with an innovative system jump-down , which allows them to completely disappear into the ground killing of a single movement, instantly creates a completely flat load floor

2006 Honda Civic Trunk capacity 485 l there is substantial excess capacity, and D-segment car, is setting new standards in segment C. In addition, the soil can be increased, disclosed by the department.

Space reserved for port-space objects is defined by large, multi-use and better usability. There is a door, lit places 14 liters, and capable of large central pocket (1 liter), detachable ash tray, double portabibite high capacity (6.9 liters) with a sliding-(double-up, with the ) head first, and all four doors are equipped with an ideal space contains one bottle (500 ml)) and maps (front doors.

There are three engines: 1339 cc 61 hp kW/83 petrol, 1798 ccm kW/140 hp from 103 petrol and diesel, 2204 cc of 103 kW/140 hp. All engines are equipped with the 6-speed customized reports, and this makes the Honda Civic the first car, the C-segment, the proposed amendment 6-speed transmissions for the entire series. Gasoline engines will be able to meet the specific exchange of Honda i-SHIFT transmission with manual 6-speed robot adapted

2006 Honda Civic All three engines that her debut in scope and Honda Civic 1.8 liter i-VTEC engine is completely new. Make sure that all levels of driveability, efficiency in consumption, emissions and performance, which confirms the excellent reputation as a modern Honda engine technology and its role as the largest manufacturer of engines in the world.

2006 Honda Civic top priorities, which began to develop to 1.8-liter engine was an engine capable of better performance at low and medium-sized programs with surprising rapidity of reaction created.

2006 Honda Civic System electronically controlled DBW (drive-by-wire) provides precise control of gas while changing the timing and offers good service and the union which it imperceptible to the driver torque fluctuations.

2006 Honda Civic With acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.6 seconds and fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100 km (combined in a way), 1.8-liter engine sets new expectations for all drivers familiar with the performance, the standard engine of equal size on the market today.

2006 Honda Civic Honda Civic The eighth-generation debut sees the introduction of the diesel engine Honda 2.2 i-CTDi 140 hp at 4,000 rpm / min and a maximum torque of 340 Nm at just 2000 rpm, the entire series. Thanks to its excellent properties in terms of performance, fuel economy and driveability, sets a new standard in this segment. Outstanding quality engine is complemented in the combined cycle consumption of 5.1 l/100 km.

2006 Honda Civic motor 1,4 i-DSI (intelligent Dual and Sequential Ignition), a control valve drive-by-wire system and a new intake manifold with a compact variety of resin intake and a new exhaust system with linear oxygen sensors.

2006 Honda Civic fuel consumption 6,1 l/100 km (5.7 l/100 km for the automatic gearbox), which leads the production of CO2 to 143g/km.

New speed manual 6-speed has the same structure of the previous 5-speed manual gearbox, but the features are the change in the shorter sleeve travel has improved, the synchronization is for variable selection and shoulder specific exchange to improve coupling Devices of 3 in 6.a. Time has been reduced to improve closer relations between the races and the overall performance.

Manual transmission is also the basic robotic gearbox, the first in the Honda brand new. So-called. \ "I-Shift \" drive system takes over the clutch and change management ensures that higher fuel consumption, and of course the driver to switch between an automatic mode, which can ensure a relaxed, driving a manual mode, helps choose which change management will be sequential with other sports equipment.

2006 Honda Civic Honda system "i-SHIFT for petrol engines, 1.4 and 1.8 la combines fuel efficiency changes for sweets available. 2006 Honda Civic Stability Control has been further improved optimization of the attacks and shock rifle, and the overall performance is improved by sophisticated design of the shock.

2006 Honda Civic Later torsion bar configuration is designed to create a virtual arm length, which optimizes the position of the role of Wednesday. The suspension geometry has been carefully calculated to achieve excellent speed stability.

2006 Honda Civic electrical compressor provides the best handling class, higher yield, lower inertia, higher stiffness, reduced friction, improved handling and fuel economy are some of the main advantages over hydraulic system.

Honda Civic is one of the safest cars in its class. The whole series is equipped with ABS and ensure optimum performance, EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Brake Force Distribution), give to get the maximum brake pressure for maximum stability.

Developed Honda Civic over a wide range of support systems for vehicle stability (VSA) to the driver control during cornering, acceleration and sudden stop with the wheels on the right, or as necessary and appropriate management of throttle and brake on the left.

2006 Honda Civic Passive safety has always been a top priority for Honda and Honda Civic has an innovative early warning system for the connection of the rear passenger seat belts.

2006 Honda Civic Special attention was also paid to the passengers sitting in the front seat and both front seat belts are equipped with two belts. Active front headrests have a decisive role in protecting the public from dangerous whip in an accident.

2006 Honda Civic for the Euro NCAP test Honda Civic Honda expects and rated 5 stars for safety in frontal and side impact safety, 3 stars for pedestrian protection and 4 stars in child safety, which one of the safest cars in its class and is an outstanding result for the front overhang of the contents of the segment is C.

Compared to Honda Civic Hybrid



Increased compared to previous Honda Civic Hybrid, updated 4-door has in many cases, a 1.3-liter gasoline engine is now 95 hp (12 hp), electric power is 20 horses are now more than doubled.

Pressed Honda Civic Hybrid with a fuel consumption from 4.9 to 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers Motorline was the first trip and with greater determination than road. There are also differences in the circuit that has IMA with a conventional five-speed manual gearbox is now equipped hybrid 3-phase training, which is very well suited for hybrid drives.

Honda Civic Hybrid Acceleration values are in a vehicle, not a decision criterion number one with 12.1 seconds to 100 km / h takes the Japanese, but do not hide too.

Honda Civic Hybrid still marked contrast to his predecessor in the acceleration from 80 to 120 km / h S 9 seconds is good, that not less than 12 seconds faster than the old IMA

Honda Civic Hybrid has also enhanced security features, head curtain airbags, in addition to VSA (name Honda ESP), in the same row as the cruise control and CD changer. Also extended warranty circuit, for example, the skeptics that the Honda hybrids eight years or 160,000 kilometers warranty

Honda Civic Hybrid speaks of hybrid components, electronics and batteries are behind the rear seat back, accommodation, and thus also the biggest drawback of the Honda Civic Hybrid. First, it is only because of the constant mountable charger would be no possibility exists, on the other hand, strain 350 liters, with a rather modest.

In addition, Honda Civic Hybrid Honda Civic Hybrid, but the whole car with a large room on the second row, Honda, Austria is accessing the younger customers. 2006 100 pieces are sold. Value of 24,300 - a perfectly realistic that ultimately the cost of a hybrid is not much more than five comparable diesel engine.



Internal combustion engine operates under the control valves for low speed and is assisted by an electric motor. Work under the control valves for high speed with an electric motor. Of all cylinder valves closed and combustion engine fuel supply is switched off.Electric cars only. The motor operates under control valves for low speed and driving alone. Of all cylinder valves closed and combustion engine fuel supply is switched off. The electric motor acts as a generator and back of the energy stored in the battery.

Monday, January 25, 2010

'New' Naza (KIA) Picanto: only for the fairer sex?


With an unorthodox tagline like "Guys love cars, girls love Picanto" I found myself warming up to the new Picanto facelift model a little warm and fuzzy inside, perhaps even a tad blushy....or have I even gotten myself in touch with my feminine side? I know, I shudder at that thought too.





But truth be told, this Naza reabged Kia is pretty (no pun intended) decent. Though having to make do with just a tiny 1.1 litre 4-pot with old-tech port fuel injection, common distributor coil-to-spark-plug-cables spark ignition system and regular throttle cable for fuel metering, this little hatch feels quite peppy on the move from the word go (till about 100km/h). Decent enough for town driving. The chassis also felt surprisingly solid, while the liquid-filled dampers gives very pliant ride around the city and suburbs, where it intended range of commuting are mostly destined for. Of course, like its i1o cousin, uphill task can be a bit of a chore, after slowing down to pick up pace again.





I can't give you the fuel consumption figure since I had hardly burned off past the fuel tank's half way mark. Sorry about that. But I reckon it would be as economical as the Hyundai i10 since both are 'blood' cousins in more ways than one. Supermini these days also feels more well screwed/bolted together. Such a feeling of solidity on the road can be appreciated by way of nicer planted agility (granted, the suspension setting is still on the soft side) and somewhat tighter body control. Even the steering feels okay with a nice weighting to it. Inside, you don't even feel cramped like you do in an old Perodua Kancil anymore. Shoulder room and elbow room are acceptable here in the Picanto and I am no horse-riding jockey.


The Koreans have indeed come a long way. This 'new' Picanto is a potentially viable alternative to the rather pricey (relatively speaking, of course) 'local' Perodua Viva. For a fact, that was mainly why the Hyundai i10 walked away with NST-Maybank Car of the Year 2009 Award in the entry-level car category.


Interestingly, my wife initially liked this car for its affordability, being a brand new car with manufacturer's warranty, less worry about costly unscheduled maintenance et al. For those with no hang-ups about Korean automotive brand or badge snobbery issues, imagine paying off for this car in four, maybe five years instead of seven. And for whatever the residual's worth after that hire-purchase period, the average damage in depreciation is say, a more manageable RM5k per year? Kinda makes great food-for-thought, financially speaking, yes?



Back to my better half again, she subsequently complained of lack of power after the few days of joint sampling of this tester, and also of bumpier ride than her Mitsu Colt Ralliart. Hmmm....so "Girls love Picanto"? Probably not all girls, especially women...



Related posts:
Perodua Viva Elite
Driven: Hyundai i10

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Opel releases new images of the small MPV Meriva 2010, including the first recordings of the Interior



It last won't be long before we see the new Opel Meriva with its rear doors suicide in the body, like the Geneva Motor Show 2010 is just around the corner, but lead to the consumer and media interest, such as cooking, went Opel and published before the new series of photographs of small MPV, which includes the first photographs of the interior.

f you've ever seen or even sat in the cockpit of the new Opel Astra or alias Insignia 2011 Buick Regal in North America, the Meriva's design of the instrument panel looks very good.

As a model, which is aimed at slightly younger audience, get Meriva more trendy colors and designs, upholstery options, as well as some unique design features, like the style of ventilation holes, but feel differently than the Astra driver at home.

When the rear hinged door that is open at the back almost 90 degrees, mounted the second-generation Meriva will also receive FlexSpace rear bench seat system makes it possible to regain more independent boot legs or arms, tilt, or fully optimal cargo-carrying flexibility.

For the new Meriva is a so-called FlexRail bottom center console between the seats, a concept which can be the repository for a wide range of everyday objects from handbags and magazines for iPod, CD, and tissue boxes for the front and rear passengers.

Other new features include the optional panoramic roof, full of 's making for almost two meters long and bicycles FlexFix carrier, slides and the rear bumper like a drawer

The new Meriva will be offered with a total of six turbo-charged diesel and petrol units with a capacity between 75 to 140 hp.

Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI in Malaysian showrooms now!


Barely a couple of months after the E300 debut representing the saloon form of the all-new E-Class in Malaysia, the bread-&-butter E200 CGI has quietly crept into M-B showrooms locally.

Priced at a more realistic - but no less lofty - RM366,888 this is the E-Class that's set to push the bulk of the W212s to be sold officially (and not-so-officially a few years down the road). Not some fancy looking coupe that's more cramped internally - based on the W204 chassis - yet ridiculously overpriced, with a set of more Nissan Slyphy-ish rear lights.

The basic block of its 1.8l engine is carried over from the W211, displacing a remarkably similar 1796cc, reworked with a new top cam, pistons and con-rods to take up the higher stresses of direct gasoline injection plus turbocharging. Hence the acronym Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI).

Rated at astonishingly similar output of the last E200K's 184hp but with a higher maximum torque of 270Nm (+10Nm), initial drive has revealed a more punchier powerplant with perhaps the old school 5 A/T somewhat gagging the true potential of Daimler's reincarnated 4-pot modernised for the new decade.

With this in mind, perhaps the E250 CGI coming soon may not be the 'killer' E-Class that will snub out the real 2.5 V6 powered E230 W211 in drivetrain finesse seeing that the latter had 7G-Tronic, while the E250 CGI will make do with Merc's low cost (likely armortised, production cost-wise) 5 A/T. Once again, I am not referring to the silly E250 CGI Coupe. I'd be foolish not to consider the latest facelift Porsche Cayman 2.9 with PDK at that price segment.

Related posts:
New E-Class E200 CGI & E250 CGI
W212 E-Class launched in Malaysia
Mercedes E200K vs E200K!

Honda Malaysia's new Freed MPV to be launched soon....pricing expected to be nudging slightly under RM120k!


Although a certain top official from Honda Malaysia was so evasive and tight-lipped about their new Freed mini/compact MPV when enquired upon recently, their dealers' sales representatives are currently busy undergoing product raining at their Melaka plant office.

Details are still sketchy about the actual date of launch (expected sometime April 2010), but prices are expected to be steep with the higher grade to be tagged closed to RM120,000! Imagine a Honda City SW (that's stationwagon in plain speak) with a third row of seats thrown in. Heck, it even carries over the ubiquitous, mass-produced 1.5 i-VTEC lump found in the Jazz/City duo. Sourced from Indonesia - with AFTA/CEPT and whatever tariff breaks bullshit factored in - and yet this one is expected to hover dangerously close to an imported Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GTS Ralliart (fully CBU from Japan, 2.0L class)!

Suddenly makes the national mini-MPV Perodua Alza 1.5 so much more an excellent buy...no?







Monday, January 18, 2010

Honda fact sheet on the HSV-10 GT Racer



Today, Honda officially his new all-HSV-010 GT, a racing car with which they compete in the GT500 class of Super GT series in Japan 2010,HSV-010 GT, which can accommodate Racing NSX will be variations, is all that remained was to get from Honda's drive V10 supercar project that at the end of 2008 due to the recession in cans.

Instead of wasting all the work that went into the development of Honda / Acura NSX \ 's intellectual exchange, decided to use the Japanese company to a supercar as the basis for its candidate for Super GT to.

Although HSV-10 GT has a work in progress model \ 's front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive layout, Honda \' s engineers dropped V10 engine in favor of the naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 unit that churns more-than 500 PS and 392Nm, and more than 289 foot-pounds of torque at the top.


Honda HSV-010 GT Spec Sheet

Specifications and performance characteristics

Length x Width x Height (m): 4.675 x 2.000 x (not disclosed)

Wheelbase (m): 2.700

Vehicle weight (kg): 1,100 or more

Engine name: HR10EG

Configuration: Liquid-cooled, naturally aspirated, longitudinal V8

V angle (°): 90

Valve train: Gear-driven DOHC: 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves per cylinder

Displacement (cm3): 3,397

Bore x stroke (mm): 93.0 x 62.5

Compression ratio: (Not disclosed)

Maximum output: 500 or more

Maximum torque(Nm): 392 or more

Throttle control system: Mechanical

Fuel supply system: Programmed fuel injection system (Honda PGM-FI)

Fuel: Lead-free premium gasoline

Lubrication: Dry sump

Transmission mechanism: Constant mesh

Transmission shifting method: Steering paddle shifter

Steering system mechanism: Rack and pinion system with electric power steering (EPS)

Tyres: Front 330/40R18, Rear 330/45R17

Brake type and mechanism: Hydraulic ventilated disc system

Suspension system: Double wishbone

Stabilizer: Torsion bar

Note: The letters "HSV" stand for Honda Sports Velocity

All-new Porsche Cayenne coming soon...


With only a few months to launch, the new Porsche Cayenne is creating an excited stir amongst Porsche fans. It is faster and smaller and judging by its specs, it packs a good punch.

It's sporty look and shorter over hangs as well as the very Panamera-esque taillights are some of the visual features that set this new Cayenne apart from the first generation Cayenne.

Another change that will be noticeable only once you have taken this Porsche for a drive is the weight, set to be lighter than the previous model despite the fact that the car will be keeping its petrol V8 engine, with an updated tune of course.

The V6 is going to be the supercharged with an Audi S4 derived direct fuel injection engine.
Porsche is also releasing an improved Diesel V6. It is expected that the 2nd generation Cayenne - and possibly the last since VW's board has axed this model from future Porsche line-up thereafter - will also have a Hybrid and the PDK, with flappy paddle shifters.


Source: Zeinews


Thursday, January 14, 2010

Volkswagen's 1.4 TSI tested: Best of both world (of forced induction) ?


In this age of downsizing, lowering emissions, minimising fuel consumption and a varieties of hybrid plus concept alternative electric/fuel cell powertrains, the engine that you see above is a current production marvel considering its diminutive size but high output, yet delivers decent kilometres to the litre. Being awarded "International Engine of the Year" in 2007, this is a rare powerplant that enjoys both supercharging AND turbocharging, all in one compact package. So does it drive better than a single turbo/supercharger, twin-turbo or a twin-scroll turbo or perhaps a variable geometry turbo? The answer was a resounding yes...for the first 15 minutes or so as you get newly acquainted with the powertrain - undoubtedly, VW's DSG is very much still excellent - but not unlike getting a new girlfriend, the relationship gets a wee bit too revealing (no pun intended) and jaded as you peel the onion by the layers...



Externally, the Jetta is beginning to show its age. It has a very clinical design that apes the big brother Passat (non-CC version mind you) which doesn't look very awe-inspiring when downsized to C-segment dimensions. The all-new replacement model is already on its way, due sometime 2011.

But we're not here to dissect the Jetta's aesthetic exuberance or the lack of it. Though just rated with a maximum output of 140bhp, this Jetta felt noticeably livelier than the Jetta 2.0 FSI that I tested some years ago for TopGear Malaysia mag, if my memory serves me correct. As that 2.0 FSI had a usual torque converter which makes it less superb by default, drivetrain wise at the very least.




Internally, the Mk5 Golf interior could not be faulted, built and ergonomic wise, though a tad too much grey tend to make it a bit of a drab to be in for longer drives. The light shade, off-white headliner and top trim saves the day, thank goodness for that. With the meters in blue, once-glance legibility can still be an issue for at night since our eyes' retina cells aren't very much sensitive to blue being the colour for fine details, which in this case are the speedo & tachometer fonts and gradation scales. A simple white-on-black will do better.




Noise insulation will be top-notch for a car this class and size if not for the drumming road noise/tyre roars on harder tarmac sections of highway. Note to what extent VW chose to line the doors of their 'budget' sedan, it looks like they have no budget constraint even for a global volume seller like this Jetta.



I have also never seen such big door pockets for a sedan of this size. Mercedes-Benz, you've got a thing or two to learn from VW here. Porsche too - maybe this is more ammendable in the near future since Porsche is part of the ever expanding VW-Audi group now. The seats are also one of the best in business for snug bolstering and support, even though I found myself craving for a harder back-board on many occasions, for a more insulated ride from hyperactive kids knees-nudging into your seat from the back. That's just as irritating as hormones-raged adolescents kicking your chairs in a crowded cineplex.








With a humongous boot that both deep and wide, the Jetta has no luggage issues for all 5 occupants driving off to some secluded resort for a long weekend getaway. Makes for a great family sedan, without a doubt. Towards this goal, the suspension setting is more comfort-biased (read: soft) as well. Undeniably, the MK5 Golf chassis has excellent tracking around corners with the rear axle geometry very faithful to where the front wheels are turning.




Driving the 1.4 TSI can be a chore during the initial take-off since the compressor wheel of its supercharger very much taps off the crank. Much like taking one-step-back-before-two-steps-forward, the Jetta is eerily like a Mercedes E200K in low-end drive response. There's a little lack of grunt below 2,000 rpm. However the force-fed punch gets very real and palpable - along with quick succession of upshifts by the intelligent and responsive DSG 'box - as you climb quickly beyond 2000rpm.

Strangely too, the was a flat spot circa 120km/h where you'd find the power tapering off only to recover with a second tsunami wave by 150km/h or so, with nicely welcomed 'whoosh' of a punch, enabling cruising on a stretch of open, private roads a true joy. Perhaps the ECU mapping for this 140hp does not unleash the full, manic potential of this 1.4 TSI lump, which is 170bhp in the Golf GT. Fuel consumed for the Jetta 1.4 TSI over a 3-day period was RM100 or 48.78l for 425km, which worked out to be about 8.7km/l. I found myself pushing hard more than 50% of the times, working the engine mostly to its redline limit. I have also used RON 97 petrol in the hope of maximising forced-induced output even though VW claimed that a minimum RON95 is sufficient dietary requirements, even for their high-tech, more complex twincharged engine.





Looking very much like Golf R32 (or Golf GT?) in the mid-section of VW's typical goateed grille, the Jetta 1.4 TSI does command a little respect on the road should you decide to hurry things up with intentions to pass traffic ahead of you. Sadly, the mid range flexibility form say 110 km/h -140km/h was sorely lacking in this TSI lump. It makes me curious if a simple twin scroll turbocharger would be better and perhaps, more cost-effective in execution. Keep the excellent duo of direct injection and DSG. In the meantime, I'd take the 2.0 TSI in Golf GTI Mk6 anytime over this for better mid-range flexibility and higher top-end whack. Even my wife's single turboed Colt Ralliart has more linear punch and powertrain flexibility. That's my take for this 140bhp TSI twincharged marvel from Volkswagen. Sorry, this doesn't get my vote for green, lean and mean choice of purchase.






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