New BMW M5 Limited Competition Edition

BMW has just released the new M5 Competition Edition has been released in celebration of the F10-generation M5, which first went on sale at the end of 2011. It is limited to just 200 models worldwide.

The car is powered by a twin-turbo V8 found in the standard BMW M5. While retaining the M TwinPower Turbo technology and twin-scroll turbochargers of the standard M5, the Competition Edition runs more boost due to a recalibrated engine control unit. Both power and torque have increased - making it one of the most powerful cars ever produced by BMW - with peak power output standing at 600hp (560hp in the standard BMW M5) and torque output reaching 700Nm (680Nm in the standard BMW M5). As a result the car goes from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds.

According to BMW, fuel consumption remains low at  28.5mpg despite its extreme performance, while CO2 emissions are 231g/km, no doubt thanks to their seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and EfficientDynamics technology,which incldues engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration. 

There are still three Drive Control settings to choose from, namely, Comfort (for normal road use), Sport (for a dynamic driving style) and Sport Plus (for extreme driving, such as on a racetrack).

The BMW M5 Competition Edition extensive range of extra features include: Adaptive LED headlights, Reversing Assist camera, powered boot lid operation, Comfort Access, sun protection glass, front and rear heated seats, electrically operated rear sunblind, and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced audio system.

The Competition edition really looks sexy with the carbon fibre BMW M Performance Parts, gloss black kidney grille and six-piston caliper brakes mounted on high gloss Jet Black 20-inch M Double-spoke 601M light alloy wheels.

Only two exterior colours are available: Mineral White and Carbon Black.

Interior features, include full Black Merino leather upholstery with Opal White contrast stitching, the 'M5' logo on the head rests of the M Sport multi-function seats, and an 'M5 Competition' logo and '1/200' engraving on the M Performance interior trim.

The BMW M5 is now selling for £100,995 OTR in the UK. Not sure about Malaysian prices yet.

Launch of the new Audi A4

VW reviews vs customer comments

I was a VW fan for a long time. First it was the VW Beetle (old model) influenced no doubt by the Herbie movies. Then it was the VW Hippie camper van. They were so cool, they still are. In the UK, I took a ride on my friend's Golf and was quite impressed by the power and handling. I have also taken part in a few of their social media advertising campaigns in the UK.

Once I got back to Malaysia, I was seriously considering the VW Jetta. However, the news of the emissions scandal suddenly came out. I was shocked that this reputable German company had acted unethically. Though they have admitted cheating, they have left consumers with many unanswered questions. And this included not just the Volkswagen diesels models but their sister brands, Audi and Porsche as well.

Talking to other VW owners here in Malaysia, they were not that concerned with the emission scandal as it did not really affect them. However, I started hearing accounts of bad service, new cars breaking down, faulty parts and expensive parts and service. Some even told me never to buy a VW car. This was really surprising for me as I thought the brand had a good reputation in Malaysia.

I noticed that they have opened up a new big VW 3S centre in Semenyih, on my way to work. The reviews of the new Vento Turbo on various car blogs and sites have generally been positive and I was considering giving it a test drive. I wonder whether the Vento is assembled here in Malaysia or is imported from India where they are now produced.

Anyway, I was curious to see what the visitors to their Facebook page had to say about the new car. There were hardly any positive comments though I must say that who ever is in charge of their Facebook book page is very patient and is doing a good job of replying to the comments.

Take a look:

I have not given up hope but I am going to have to give them a pass for now.

Toyota ranks highest in overall service satisfaction in Malaysia

According to the latest J.D. Power 2016 Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI) Study released today. This is the 14th annual survey and based on the findings Toyota ranks highest in overall service satisfaction (score of 763). They are followed by Mazda which ranks second (760) and Mitsubishi which ranks third (758).

The survey measures overall service satisfaction among car owners who took their vehicle to an authorized service center and is based on responses from 3,257 new-vehicle owners who purchased their mass market brand vehicle between February 2014 and May 2015. It examines dealership performance in five factors (in order of importance),viz., 1. service quality (32%); 2. service initiation (22%); 3. vehicle pick-up (18%); 4. service advisor (15%); and 5. service facility (13%). Brand service performance is measured on a 1,000-point scale.

 Click the link to read the press release.

Launch of the Perodua Bezza

Live coverage of the launch on the 21st of July 2016 was provided by Paul Tan on their You Tube page:

 

Besides Perodua's good reputation among Malaysians, the Bezza also has achieved five stars in the ASEAN NCAP safety assessment for the 1.3L Advance variant (first Perodua car to get 5 stars) and four stars for the other variants.

 No wonder Perodua has reportedly received more than 4000 orders in first five days.

Proton Wira upgrade - progress update June 2016

I had made several plans but as they say, the best of plans of mice and men often go awry.

First of all, there was an issue with my hand brake. It was getting loose and so I went to my nearby Proton service centre, Senaxis Sdn Bhd and got it fixed. They changed a few things including the brake pump (RM79.50) and brake fluid (RM10.60)as well - I was not sure why they needed to do that. They also replaced a faulty brake lights (RM21.20). All together it cost me RM111.30 including GST.

Anyway, I later discovered that the brake was still not working and decided to go to my favourite mechanic - Paul who owns Pusat Perkhidmatan Kereta Pelangi  at Sunway Damansara Technology Park. He fixed the brake in a couple of minutes and I also changed the radiator cap.

While I was there, I talked to Paul about the terrible vibrations when ever the car as at the traffic lights or idling anywhere. According to him I needed to change the engine mounting. So I decided to leave the car and get it done.

When I picked it up two days later, the car was so quiet it felt just like a new car. The damage was RM461. This includes RM285 for the mounting set and RM150 for  labour. Bloody GST was RM26.10.

I then got the power window fixed as well - one issue that has plagued Proton cars for a long time.

Also realised that the two rear tyres were nearly bald and replaced them at a nearby tyre shop - Wah Hoe Tyre services. 2 Continental tyres + balancing and alignment cost me a total of RM339.20. Was a bit annoyed as they changed me more because I used my credit card. Apparently if you  pay cash, I can get it about 10% cheaper. I wish they had told me earlier.

In total I have spent a total of around RM1000 on my car alone, so all the upgrades I had planned have to be pushed forward to the next month,

New restyled Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati has launched additional choice of two unique trims options of their Quattroporte model. The two models are the GranLusso and GranSport.

The two distinct trims are available as an upgrade for all Quattroporte V6 powertrain versions (Quattroporte diesel, Quattroporte, Quattroporte S, Quattroporte S Q4) with same price levels.

The GranLusso or GranSport trims will be included exclusively as part of the standard equipment for the Quattroporte GTS powered by  the twin-turbo V8.

The GranLusso features bespoke silk interiors designed by Ermenegildo Zegna as well as wood and leather steering wheel, wood trim, power foot pedals, a power rear sunblind, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats.

GranLusso 

The GranSport features carbon fibres trims for both exterior and interior including a carbon fibre steering wheel.

GranSport.

Restyled Maserati grille 

Go over to the Quattroporte site for more info.