Automotive

Mercedes Benz C Class

2010-01-31T07:52:00.000-08:00

“Refi nement, design, safety... the new C - Class
is a thoroughbred Mercedes. See for yourself ”

Grey asphalt may not be one of life’s most inspiring sights,
but for over 120 years now, our vehicles have shown that
it can give drivers a lot of fun. Reason enough, we thought,
to go a step further and off er a new interpretation of driving
pleasure. The result is the new C - Class. Available as
a Saloon or an Estate, it allows you to experience the road
as never before. Few cars can compete with its ability to
adjust so many facets of its character – from the interior to
the drive technology – so quickly and precisely in response
to external conditions and your own particular needs.
The advanced technology for the new model includes
the standard - fi t AGILITY CONTROL package with selective
damping as well as the optional dynamic handling package
with sports mode which allows you to adjust the vehicle’s
handling at the touch of a button. A wide range of engines
( including a number of uprated units ) means that the
C - Class can be specifi ed to meet just about any performance
requirements while the arrival of the new Estate off ers
the ideal combination of functionality and fl exibility. Both
models feature fi ne materials and a new design, creating
an even more compelling interior ambience ( whether this
refl ects a more sports - oriented character or a particular
emphasis on comfort is entirely up to you ). As you will see,
in terms of its external appearance, too, the new C - Class
has, quite literally, several faces.

The completely new design of the exterior and interior has
created a larger, wider and more spacious C - Class which
is available with an impressive new range of paint fi nishes
and upholstery patterns. What’s more, you can choose
which aspect of your C - Class you would like to highlight.
The AVANTGARDE design and equipment line emphasises
the car’s sporty side. The dominant star in the radiator
grille makes a powerful statement, while the chrome band
which runs right around the body accentuates the taut
lines of the new C - Class.

Toyota - Altis 2008

2010-01-31T06:55:00.000-08:00

Expect attention when you drive out in the All-New Corolla Altis. Every dynamic line and detail has been distinctively crafted to give it charismatic good looks that might cause you to lose your ability to blend into the surroundings.

The intelligent VVT-i engine, superb handling and suspension system provide you with the optimum balance of power, control and ride comfort. Expect nothing less than an exhilarating drive with road-hugging turns, easy maneuverability, improved fuel economy, and more.

A fascinating sharpness

2006-12-24T07:12:00.000-08:00

A fascinating sharpness

Toyota launched its five-door Blade hatchback into the Japanese market yesterday, making it the highest-end hatch model the company has in its inventory.

The company is hoping to pioneer a new vehicle market with the Blade, essentially fixing its aim at upper-market consumers who are looking at something like the Volkswagen Golf. Effectively, it's a higher-end variant of the Auris hatchback, which will be making its way into various markets around the globe next year.

The Blade, available in both front-wheel and 4WD versions and Standard and G variants, is equipped with a 2AZ-FE 2.4-litre pot - with Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) in attendance - and a seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic tranny. No specific power output figures were mentioned, but expect 160bhp or thereabouts on call.

Toyota Motor Corp president Katsuaki Watanabe launches the Blade in Tokyo. - AP Photo

The exterior, with its workings based on the Toyota-brand design philosophy "Vibrant Clarity," looks clean and elegant, but it's the interior where the luxury is, especially with the G version.

Among them, seats featuring a combination of real leather and Alcantara, an eight-way multi-adjustable power driver's seat and a smart keyless entry/push button ignition system.

Electronic wizardry is pasted on here like it's going out of fashion. Besides Vehicle Stability Control and TRC (traction control) systems, SRS side and curtain shield airbags and driver's seat SRS knee air bags, which come standard on all vehicles in the series, there's a HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) function and an Intelligent Parking Assist system in there too.

The latter, optional on G model vehicles equipped with a navigation system, supports steering operations when parallel parking and backing into a parking space. Ultrasonic sensors installed on the front of the vehicle detect other parked vehicles and based on the results estimate the physical dimensions of a vacant parking space and set the target parking position.

Retail prices in Japan start from 2.247mil yen (RM67,063) for the front-wheel drive, Standard version to 2.772mil yen (RM82,740) for the 4WD G model. Toyota is looking at selling 3,000 units of the Blade per month in Japan when retail begins next month.