Petaling Jaya, 1^st December 2009 – Honda has clocked another milestone by crossing its 200,000 customers mark!

In conjunction with the special announcement, Mr. Toru Takahashi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “Since its establishment in 2001, Honda Malaysia has progressed and improved relentlessly in order to fulfill the evolving needs and demands of the Malaysian public.  And thanks to the support and trust we garnered from our loyal customers, business partners and associates, Honda has grown to be one of the most preferred choices among the Malaysians.”

Striving for continued excellence, Mr. Takahashi emphasized that, “With this 200,000 passing mark, we are even more committed to strive further in providing products, sales and after-sales services of highest quality yet at a reasonable price to our customers. It is also our utmost priority to contribute back to society wherever we operate through our Corporate Social Responsibility projects such as Honda Dreams Fund and Save Our Sumatran Rhino. Ultimately, we aim to become a company that society wants to exist.”

Based on its statistics, Honda was serving 1,591 customers in its debut in 2001. And the number grew impressively to more than 17,000 customers in less than 3 years. In 2006, the company recorded its first 100,000 customers.

Honda Malaysia currently offers a wide array of line up including four complete knock down units (CKD), namely City, Civic, Accord, CR-V, which contributed 40%, 21%, 18%, 12% respectively to the 200,000 sales. The other five complete built up (CBU) models offered in the lineup are (CBU) Jazz, Stream, Civic Hybrid, Civic Type R and Odyssey.

In the year 2009, despite the tough and challenging economic situation, Honda Malaysia still managed an upward sales performance, which was attributed to the staples City and Civic. Total sales now stand at 36,096 units (as of 30 November 2009), which sees 17% growth year-on-year. Folllowing the overwhelming response received from the market, Honda Malaysia has revised its sales target of 35,000 units to 38,000 units recently.

Strongly supported by a network of 58 authorized dealers in 12 states, Honda Malaysia aims to provide products, sales and after sales services of highest quality at reasonable prices to the Malaysian public.

For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit www.honda.com.my.

Stream RSZ is well known for its performance and drivability, versatility as well as dynamic exterior design. Built for families, styled for singles, Stream RSZ has since expounded the subliminal meaning of MPV ownership.

Since its official launch in November 2007, Honda Malaysia has sold more than 2,000 units of the 2^nd Generation Stream, of which 352 units were Stream RSZ.

Runs on a 1.8 i-VTEC engine with Drive-by-Wire (DBW) and a 5-speed automatic transmission (5AT), the new Stream RSZ guarantees a powerful and smooth driving performance, which gives responsive acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia remarked that: “Contrary to public perception, the 7-seater is not only made for families who desire the extra space and practicality. The sporty curves, the superb driving performance are meant to define singles, whose outward sporty character is their second nature.”

“Stylised with a string of bold and dynamic designs on the body, the refined 7-seater now presents a fresh façade that is sporty, bold, and energetic,” he added.

Now fitted with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), the new Stream RSZ offers better stability, thus improving the overall safety of the car. With the enhanced safety feature, drivers are able to drive more confidently in any weather condition.

On the exterior, the new Stream RSZ presents a new honey comb front grille (with chrome floating garnish), a newly designed bumper and side skirts, thus unveiling a bolder and more dynamic appearance.

Now fitted with a rear bumper with diffuser and a tailgate spoiler, the overall aerodynamics of the car is improved. With the new 17-inch alloy wheels design, the sporty look is now more edgy and energetic than before.

The taillight design with black garnish is added to improve driver’s visibility for tailing motorist. The side mirror with turn light and new fog lamps design have been added to improve the car’s illumination, especially during night driving.

In the interior, the refinements incorporated include a leather gear knob, leather steering wheel that is now with audio control, as well as sporty alloy pedals. The leather gear knob and steering wheel are with red stitching.

The strokes of red added across the entire instrument panel, cup holders, and upholstery in the interior, give a distinctive racing feel.

In conclusion, the overall refinement clearly resembles a new urbane and stylish façade.  Appealed aptly to both singles and families, the new Stream RSZ aspires to satiate their appetite for design, space, practicality and a characteristical drive.

The new Stream RSZ comes with 4 trendy shades: Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and New Passion Red Pearl.

Families and singles alike, the new Stream RSZ is here to give you a more characteristic drive. Everyone is welcome to check out the new introduction at any authorised Honda showroom. For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my for more details.

Petaling Jaya, 19 October 2009 – Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. today announced the introduction of the Taffeta White colour variant for the 8^th Generation Civic, adding into the list of vibrant colours currently available. The well received model has recently crossed the mark of 30,000 units in Malaysia.

The 8^th Generation Civic 1.8L and Civic 2.0L were given a facelift in March 2009 which now comes with an edgier look to cater to the high demands of Malaysians. The Taffeta White color, which received overwhelming response when it was introduced for the Accord and CR-V model recently is added into the colour variant for the Civic to continue captivating more Civic fans in Malaysia.

With this new addition, Honda Malaysia aims to sell 600 units of Civic per month, with the Taffeta White colour comprising 30% of the sales. Capturing 40% market share in the non-national mid-size sedan segment year-to-date, this ever-popular model continues to maintain No.1 position in its segment for the 3^rd consecutive years.
Honda Malaysia also forecasts that the 8^th Generation Civic model will contribute close to 20% of total sales for 2009, having recently achieved accumulated sales of 30,000 units in Malaysia. With this achievement, there are now more than 40,000 units of Honda Civic (7^th & 8^th Generation) sold by Honda Malaysia since 2001.

Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia remarked about the new colour variant, “After conducting research and analyzing customer feedback, coupled with the positive response from the introduction of the colour for Honda Accord and Honda CR-V, we decided to incorporate the Taffeta White in the Honda Civic 1.8L and 2.0L as well. At Honda, we constantly seek to understand and meet the expectations of our customers wherever we operate in our aim to achieve Customer Satisfaction No.1”.

“On a separate note, I am also pleased to announce that the other two siblings of the 8^th Generation Civic, the Civic Hybrid and Civic Type-R has recently surpassed the sales of 200 units each in Malaysia,” added Mr. Takahashi.

“Through the years, the Honda Civic is known for its performance as well as advanced and dynamic appearance. We are confident that this iconic model will continue to appeal to people who constantly seek for progression and is passionate about life. These people are in search of a vehicle that enhances their image and reflects their personality. I am delighted at this achievement and this is largely attributed to the support and confidence our customers have in our products and services”, Mr. Takahashi stated while commenting on the achievement.

Since its introduction, the Honda Civic has been well received with acknowledgements in multiple awards and categories. The Civic was named Car of the Year by NST Ambank Group year 2006 in the Overall Car and Family Car category and Car of the Year award by Autocar Asean year 2005/2006 in the Overall and Midsize Sedan / Hatchback. The Honda Civic has also won many other awards for its stylishness, performance and fuel efficiency.

The new Taffeta White variant joins the color line-up already available for the Civic, which includes the Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Sparkle Gray Pearl and Bold Beige Metallic.

Check out the 8^th Generation Honda Civic in its new Taffeta White colour at any authorised Honda Dealers nationwide! For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit www.passionforlife.com.my.

（吉隆坡2009年10月6日讯）马来西亚蚬壳今日揭晓最具节能效率的方程式–蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded。这个方程式协助驾驶人士，每一缸汽油都能节省1公升的汽油。新的蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded 备有RON 95 与 RON 97，是蚬壳在汽油研发的最新改革。

新的蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded RON 95与RON 97，于今日在吉隆坡由马来西亚蚬壳贸易有限公司与东部蚬壳有限公司的董事经理拿督莫扎尼（Dato’ Mohzani Abdul Wahab）推介，并同步传播至槟城、关丹与新山三地。

拿督莫扎尼表示，“我们很光荣宣布，马来西亚是亚洲首个，也是全球第三个推介这个突破性汽油的国家。我们新汽油的方程式，是通过减少引擎的能量流失。来协助驾驶人士在每缸汽油节省１公升汽油，让节省变得更容易。新的蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded方程式拥有即时效应，只要注满第一缸汽油就开始发挥节能效用。新的蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded汽油目前已在马来西亚半岛所有的蚬壳油站出售，我们邀请驾车人士赏试使用，体验立即节省的效果”。

蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded RON 95与RON 97所含有的Efficiency Improver特别配方，专门设计以减少引擎的能量流失，并润滑一般引擎油无法轻易接触的部分。这将让引擎内的部件更加顺利运作，进而把更多的汽油能量用于推动轮胎前进。

此外，蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded汽油拥有特别清洁剂，专门设计以保持进气阀的干净，避免足以减低里数的污迹积存在引擎内，协助驾驶人士节省汽油。

新的蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded的效率，超过早前的Fuel Economy Formula高达两倍，让马来西亚的驾驶人士能够行驶得更远。

蚬壳FuelSave 大使法林（Fahrin Ahmad）也出席这项推介礼，庆祝新车油的推出，并分享他使用新汽油的经验。

“当新汽油在今年5月于欧洲推出时，我非常幸运成为首个使用这个新汽油的大马人。我也感到光荣，能够赢得在欧洲主办的1公升挑战，我使用1公升的蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded行驶了21.3公里，超越其他蚬壳FuelSave大使”，法林这么表示。

蚬壳的汽油科学家与蚬壳的汽车科学家通力合作，设计出一系列日常驾驶的示范路况。在一系列超过5000英里的驾驶示范中，汽油的节能效用在各种路况上都获得证明，一些甚至超越预期成绩，节省超过每缸1公升的汽油。

以每缸最低50公升为准。比较是根据有无汽油节能方程式的标准汽油来进行。实际上的节省程度可能因汽车、驾驶情况与风格的不同而改变。

新的蚬壳FuelSave Unleaded 95 与 97是蚬壳FuelSave计划的一部分，协助驾驶人士节省更多汽油与金钱。欲知如何从您的汽油中获得更多，请浏览www.shell.com.my.

Kuala Lumpur, 6 October  2009: The Mercedes-Benz Actros enters its third generation with a firm focus on economy, comfort, safety and environmentally friendliness. A fresh and powerful design has further enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the new Mercedes-Benz flag­ship series. With approximately 600,000 units sold in more than 100 countries, the Actros family is acknowledged to be the world’s best-selling heavy-duty truck.

The new Actros is a further improvement on this success story, with 37 individual measures for vehicle operators by virtue of lower fuel costs and increased availability. This is decisively aided by the 16-speed Telligent® Gearshift 2, which is standard equipment in a roadgoing truck for the first time and represents a real milestone in terms of economy, comfort and safety.

On the basis of the success of the heavy-duty truck Mercedes-Benz Actros in the commercial  sector – the vehicle was brought to Malaysia in 2004 and rapidly got recognized by its strength, robustness, resistance and state of the art technology. Mercedes-Benz brings now to the country a new generation model of this product line.   Especially up-to-date assistance systems like the Telligent®-Braking System with ABS and ASR provide the driver with effective support for more safety and efficiency.

The Actros has always been a trailblazer when it comes to design. The front of the new Actros exudes eye-catching dynamics and simultaneously projects composure and a commanding presence. In contrast to its predecessor, the lateral sides of the V of the radiator grille are now curved and continue harmoniously with a slight curvature up to the sun visor. At the same time, the fins of the decorative grid in front of the radiator are more markedly accentuated, have been configured more “airily” and have a dynamic contour with their upward pointing “wings” at the tips.

Brand pledge “Trucks you can trust” creates confidence

The pledge of “Trucks you can trust” is derived from the high quality synonymous with Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and is a source of motivation for the more than 40,000 people employed by the Mercedes-Benz Trucks organization worldwide. The accuracy of the claim is demonstrated day after day by the reliability and quality of the approximately 600,000 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks on the road in more than 100 countries around the world. The pledge is also kept by the many other types of Mercedes-Benz trucks on the road, including the Atego and the Axor, all which continue to uphold the good reputation earned by legendary Mercedes-Benz vehicles during more than 110 years of truck history.

The “Trucks you can trust” pledge is underscored by market research results in Europe, which show, for example, that of all truck models in its competitive field, the Mercedes-Benz Actros is the least likely to break down on the road. Internal assessments also confirm customer statements that Mercedes-Benz trucks also are frontrunners when it comes to vehicle availability.

In the last Commercial Vehicles International Show of Hanover, Germany – IAA – it was elected “The Truck of the year 2009”.  This title is the result of an election carried out among specialized journalists of the transportation sector that includes 21 countries in Europe that acknowledged the achievements in economy, environmental friendliness, safety and comfort offered by its innovative technology.

Each of the three generations of Actros was, at their launching, appointed as Truck of the Year. “In each generation Actros offers more benefits for the customers, ensuring more productivity in the transport and, mainly, more operational profitability for the fleet owner”.

The Prime Mover Actros 2640LS 6×2 and Actros 2640S 6×4 are equipped with the powerful electronic OM 501 LA V6 engine This engine has optimum performance with savings in fuel consumption as well as reduced emission rates.  The design of the new Actros generation gives to the truck a visual aspect that stresses its strong and robust appearance.

The Prime Mover Actros 2640LS 6×2 and Actros 2640S 6×4 are equipped with a 16 speed transmission with semi-automated gear shifting system. This system, the Telligent®, makes the shifting operations more rapid, smooth, precise and safe, making the work of the driver easier, because he may keep his hand on the steering wheel for a longer time, this way he is able to concentrate in driving the truck.

“Truck of the Year 2009”

The new Mercedes-Benz flagship won through against competitors with its outstanding economy, cab comfort, security safety concept and fascinating design. The acknowledgement “Truck of the Year” has been conferred since 1977 by the Association of Commercial Vehicle Editors (ACE) for “the best contribution to the further development of the carriage of goods by road”. The award impressively confirms the outstanding status of the Actros: all three generations of this vehicle became “Truck of the Year” in Germany.

Moving forward, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is a picture of beauty, power and supremacy, an image that leads striking emphasis to its inner values of comfort and economy.  With its key attributes, this just goes to show that it is perfectly possible to both look good and move economically out on the road.  For more information, log on to www.mercedes-benz.com.my.

The breadth of Efficient Dynamics offering features four new diesel models which include the BMW 320d Sports, the BMW 520d Sports Edition, the BMW X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition and the flagship BMW 730Ld –– anchoring BMW as the leader in the movement towards more fuel efficient and emission reduced vehicles.

BMW EfficientDynamics is a continuous strategy by the carmaker for the reduction of fuel consumption and emission levels, while at the same time enhancing the vehicle’s performance and driving pleasure – qualities that are distinct to the BMW brand.

“The Efficient Dynamics concept has been at the core of the BMW Group for more than a decade and plays a significant role in our long-term strategy for corporate sustenance. We strongly believe in the responsibility of producing fuel-saving and alternative vehicle concepts through clean production processes. In doing so, we have dedicated the concept of Efficient Dynamics as a standard for all our product lines instead of having it exclusive to a single model or series,” said Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Malaysia.

He added that the concept of BMW EfficientDynamics engineers BMW cars to get the best performances with lower fuel consumption and lower emission capabilities, an engineering feat that would be deemed contradictory in nature.

Launched as a standard technology fitted into the entire model range, over one million cars with Efficient Dynamics features are already on the roads around the world. The initiative that is deeply entrenched in the company’s day-to-day operations has won BMW multiple awards, including the most fuel efficient premium brand by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority earlier in the year, The Paul Pietsch Award for special innovative developments in the automobile sector, the British What Car? Awards and the coveted World Green Car of the Year in 2008.

Other accolades garnered over the years for BMW EfficientDynamics include being the first winner of the “Green Steering Wheel 2007” award by Bild am Sonntag (Germany’s biggest Sunday Newspaper) for the best environmental innovation of the year, AutoScout24’s CAROLINA Internet Auto Award 2007 and the innovation prize at the Great Austrian Automobile Award’ ceremony.

The move for BMW EfficientDynamics in Malaysia comes shortly after the announcement of the BMW Group as the most sustainable automobile company worldwide for the fifth consecutive year by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI). The award is given to companies that adopt strategies that harness the market’s potential for sustainability products and services while meeting economic, environmental and social demands.

The range of Efficient Dynamics technologies now available in Malaysia includes High Precision Injection, BMW Advanced Diesel, Electric Power Steering, Brake Energy Regeneration, aerodynamic design, and lightweight construction.

The High Precision Injection (HPI), one of the main Efficient Dynamics technologies, has Piezo injectors well-positioned between the valves to enable a high-efficient lean-burn process. This allows the engine to work with more air and less petrol over a broad engine speed range, which reduces fuel consumption considerably.

Electric Power Steering, conceptualized as a fuel saving mechanism, is where the steering is supported by an electric motor instead of a conventional hydraulic system. As a result, energy is only consumed during the actual steering process and not when the steering wheel is in a fixed position.

Another main feature within the Efficient Dynamics technology is Brake Energy Regeneration, where the vehicle’s battery is charged using kinetic energy generated when the driver releases the accelerator or brakes the vehicle. With less energy being drawn from the engine to charge the battery, this results in a noticeable reduction in fuel consumption with an increase boost in performance.

In addition to this, BMW vehicles are also tested for optimum aerodynamics to minimize wind resistance that are then combined with weight savings through the use of innovative light materials, such as aluminium and magnesium, resulting in improved power delivery and greater agility. These characteristics are achieved with the fuel saving properties associated to the design.

Through managing the economics of energy consumption and emissions to get maximum performance, BMW EfficientDynamics has also created a harmony in vehicle efficiency and dynamism, which is supported by the introduction of diesel models in Malaysia.

The new models of the BMW 320d Sports, BMW 520d Sports Edition and BMW X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition features the latest generation BMW Advanced Diesel four-cylinder turbo diesel engines with an all-aluminium engine block that is capable of delivering an output of 130kW/177 hp and brings a weight saving of 20kg – resulting in increased power, and lowered fuel consumption by over 10 percent. Such fuel-saving designs transcend into facts as the BMW 320d, BMW 520d and BMW X3 xDrive20d have EU fuel consumption capabilities which surpasses its competitors, at 6.0, 6.1, and 7.0 litre/100 km respectively.

The powerful BMW Advanced Diesel engine gives the BMW 320d best of class max torque at 350 Nm and just 8 seconds in 0 to 100 km/h acceleration. Running on similar power plant, the BMW 520d also delivers 350 Nm max torque, and 8.4 seconds in 0 to 100 km/h acceleration.

The flagship BMW 730Ld, meanwhile, features the new in-line six cylinder BMW Advanced Diesel engine which is capable of churning out 180kw/ 245hp in terms of maximum output with 540Nm of maximum torque. Having the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds, the BMW 730Ld only utilises a mere 6.9l/ 100km in fuel consumption and only emits 180g/km in terms of CO₂ emissions. This makes the new BMW 730Ld the most efficient sedan in the luxury car market.

In unveiling the new BMW EfficientDynamics cars, Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director, BMW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. said, “Diesel-powered engines provide 75 percent better torque and 15 percent more horsepower. However, what is more impressive is that in comparison to petrol engines, diesel engines are up to 30 percent lower in fuel consumption and 20 percent lower in carbon monoxide emissions. Our new BMW EfficientDynamics cars enable our cars to travel up 1000 km on a single tank of fuel. For the layman, this means that for every six days of travel, two days are considered free of fuel cost and most importantly, it is better for the environment.”

He added that in the past, diesel technology has always been misunderstood in being more unfriendly to environment and this is not the case.

“Our new BMW EfficientDynamics cars are capable of being efficient and safer to the environment with whatever quality grade of diesel. However, the better the quality of diesel which is utilised, the more fuel and CO₂ efficient our cars will be. We certainly look forward to bring in more models to help accelerate the awareness of this kind of clean technology to Malaysian consumers” said Briscoe.

The four new diesel models and the concepts behind BMW EfficientDynamics will be prominently featured in all 14 showrooms across the nation starting 3^rd October, 2009. This initiative is part of BMW Malaysia’s ongoing effort in achieving greater fuel efficient engineering.

The retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive 3 years/60,000km + Repair) for the new BMW EfficientDynamics cars are as follow:

BMW 320d Sports – RM 255,800.00

BMW 520d Sports Edition – RM 379,800.00

BMW X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition – RM 333,800.00

BMW 730Ld – RM 698,800.00

###

About BMW EfficientDynamics

BMW EfficientDynamics was coined by BMW more than a decade ago to define the company’s long term sustainable strategy to produce fuel-saving and alternative vehicle concepts through clean production processes. It is an array of technologies that are already fitted as standard across practically the whole model range. As the manufacturer with the most comprehensive programme for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, BMW EfficientDynamics are designed to enhance the performance and driving pleasure of the vehicles at the same time. In 2007, BMW was awarded a “Green Steering Wheel” for outstanding environmental innovation for its BMW EfficientDynamics technology.

Snap away with the leisure of Multiple Choices

Setting a new standard for ease of use, Advanced Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection technology allows the camera to intelligently select the best mode settings out of 22 possible scenes. Moreover, the Smart Auto mode now includes Servo AF/AE which can also recognise a subject in motion, continuously keeping it in focus while prioritising exposure settings for the subject. As a result, getting beautiful, correctly exposed photos has never been easier; on half pressed of the shutter, users only have to keep the subject in frame while the camera takes care of everything else.

Image quality has also been significantly improved by Canon’s latest Dual Anti-Noise System which comprises a new high sensitiviy CCD and Canon’s proprietory DIGIG 4 imaging processor. By maximizing the size of each photodiode in the CCD to capture more light, noise is reduced while dynamic range is expanded, while the use of the DIGIG 4 imaging processor further reduces noise. As a result, photographers can now choose to take pictures at higher ISO speed settings to reduce blur, without worrying about excessive noise, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

PowerShot SX20 IS & SX120 IS

Users who require high zoom performance in a compact formfactor will delight in the PowerShot SX20 IS which offers top zoom performance, and the PowerShot SX120 IS which is outstanding for its zoom capabilities.

Equipped with a 12.1 megapixels CCD with sensitvity range up to ISO1600 and stabilized lens offering an astounding 20x optical zoom (28-560mm), the PowerShot SX20 IS can capture images from afar, to macro shots as near as 0cm. It is also a very capable video camera, recording movies in HD resolution (1280 x 720 pixels, 30 fps) with stereo sound. The zoom can be used while recording movies, and stills can even be shot simultaneously at full resolution.

Used as a point-and-shoot, the PowerShot SX120 IS’s 10 megapixel CCD with sensitivity up to ISO1600, stabilised lens offering 10x optical zoom (36-360mm) and built-in flash ensure sharp images in a wide range of situations including inadequate lighting and camera shake. There is even a Easy mode where only the shutter and zoom control lever are operational – the only buttons required to take great pictures on this camera. However, should one choose to, full manual mode is also available.

Both PowerShot SX20 IS & SX120 IS have the added convenience of being powered by AA-size batteries, which are readily, and cheaply available when users are on the move.

IXUS 200 IS- Stunning Colors for Glitz & Glamour

Beautifully designed with a curvy metallic body in a choice of four colours (silver, purple, brown and blue), the IXUS 200 IS is a stunning camera for the glitzy, glamorous set. With 3-inch wide angle touch-sensitive screen and scroll wheel, the camera is intuitive and such a pleasure: to select on your subject interest, simply touch it on the LCD screen and the IXUS 200 IS will not only focus but tracks the subject keeping it in focus even if it is moving.

In addition, one can also scroll through images with a glide of the finger. Equipped with a 12 megapixel CCD and a 5x optical zoom lens, the IXUS 200 IS is capable of ultra-wide angle shots at 24mm for glorious vistas and group shots in confined spaces. It offers telephoto performance up to 120mm in a very compact camera body. Add to this HD movie recording and the Creative Light Effects which turns background light source into stars, hearts or music notes, the IXUS 200 IS is the ideal camera when out having fun.

IXUS 120 IS

Measuring just 20mm in thickness, the IXUS 120 IS with 2.7-inch PureColor LCD II screen is the sleekest offering in Canon’s latest line-up, this compact of compacts, in a metal body, has everything one needs to take great pictures. Intelligent scene and face detect takes care of camera settings, while the 12.1 megapixel CCD and 4x Optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle (28-112mm) will handle most shooting requirements. Offering yet more convenience in a tiny package, the IXUS 120 IS can also record movies in HD (1280 x 720) resolution.

SELPHY ES40

The SELPHY ES40 is the best companion for Canon’s compact digital cameras, being very compact itself, while offering stunning performance with great ease of use. Its dye-sublimation technology can produce sharp prints at 300 x 600 dpi, and photos are smudge-proof and retain their vivid colour for up to 100 years if stored in a photo album.

Canon’s face detect technology is also incorporated here, correcting colour cast and brightness of faces and removing red-eye so that every print is perfect. Creative projects like special effects and calendars are a breeze, aided along by voice guidance instructions from its large 3.5-inch LCD screen, and voice guidance, in seven languages! The SELPHY ES40 can print directly from over 20 types of memory cards or Pictbridge compatible cameras, or wirelessly through an optional Bluetooth adaptor.

Pricing & Availability

PowerShot SX20 IS, PowerShot SX 120 IS, IXUS 200 IS, IXUS 120 IS and SELPHY ES40 will be available at all of Canon’s Authorised Dealers immediately. Recommended Retail Pricing (RRP)  are as below:

About Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd is a leading provider of cutting edge imaging and information technology solutions for the home and office environments. Established since 1987, Canon employs more than 500 staff who deliver products and service support to Malaysian users directly and through its nationwide network of channel partners. Its parent company, Canon Inc., a Fortune 500 Global company, is dedicated to the advancement in technology and innovation and commits 10% of its total revenue each year to R & D. Canon’s operations globally is guided by its Kyosei philosophy, which focuses on living and working together for the common good.

For more information please visit www.canon.com.my

BlueHybrid

Kuala Lumpur, 27 August  2009:  As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz accepts responsibility for its future. The three core aspects of development work on sustainable mobility are the optimisation of vehicles with state-of-the-art internal combustion engines, further efficiency improvements with tailor-made hybridization and local emission-free driving with fuel cell and battery-powered vehicles.

With 58 extremely fuel-efficient and clean BlueEFFICIENCY models – Mercedes-Benz offers a broad-ranging selection of premium vehicles that combine economy and environmental responsibility with safety, comfort and refined driving pleasure.

BluetecHybrid

The automobile of today occupies an extremely challenging position, whereby the demands made on its technology are increasingly stringent, multi-faceted and, at times, conflicting. Customers expect safe, comfortable and powerful vehicles that are also fuel-efficient and environmentally compatible. On top of that, dynamic growth in the global demand for mobility is faced with declining oil reserves, increasing energy prices and an ever stricter, yet internationally inconsistent, regulatory framework. Examples of this include the environmental zones already established in many cities and legislated quotas for emission-free vehicles. It is against this background that the automobile must be made fit for the future, because no other form of transport offers so much individual freedom as the car.

Concept BlueZero

Concept BlueZero

Multi-faceted solutions for complex task
The task faced by vehicle makers it highly complex. This is why Daimler and Mercedes-Benz experts believe that no single technology will represent the main route to sustainable mobility in future. Instead, for these multi-faceted demands, the company is offering equally multi-faceted, tailor-made solutions. Each of these technologies presents its benefits in terms of optimum fuel consumption and emissions figures in specific fields of operation. The approach here is – vehicle concepts with modular drive technologies that ensure the focus at Mercedes-Benz always remains on customer benefits and environmental compatibility in equal measure.

Mercedes-Benz – way ahead on the road to emission-free mobility

Future meets history the F-CELL Roadster and the first Benz Patent Motor Car

How do vehicle makers want to tackle the issue of “CO2 emissions”? Which drive technology is best suited to reduce fuel-consumption? And how can all of this be reconciled with the desire for safety, comfort and driving fun? Mercedes-Benz already provided many convincing answers to these questions, sending a clear signal on the subject of sustainable mobility that has received a great deal of attention worldwide. However, the development of the technical foundation for highly efficient and environmentally compatible vehicles extends much farther back. Examples of the innovative power of Mercedes-Benz include:

• the 300 SL as the first series production vehicle with a four-stroke engine to use petrol   direct injection (1954)
• the first test vehicles to be powered by hydrogen (1975)
• the first hybrid bus – the Mercedes-Benz OE 305 with combined diesel/battery drive (1979)
• the first electric-powered passenger car test vehicle based on an E-Class estate (1982)
• the first fuel cell vehicle NECAR (New Electric Car) based on the MB 100 delivery van (1994)
• the introduction of CDI turbo diesel technology (1997)
• and the introduction of the first BlueTec commercial vehicle with the technology for the world’s cleanest diesel engines (2004)

Since then, Mercedes-Benz has been consistently pursuing the route to emission free mobility. All relevant technologies – from CDI and BLUETEC, through petrol direct injection (CGI) and hybridisation to battery and fuel cell drive – have been further developed and, in some cases, have already been in series production for years.
Diesels as clean as petrol engines, petrol engines as fuel-efficient as diesels
More Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC passenger cars are set to follow this year. All new BlueTEC models already fulfil the limits laid down in the EU-6 standard scheduled for 2014. Also in 2006, and in parallel to the optimisation of the diesel engine, Mercedes-Benz was the first vehicle maker to introduce extremely fuel-efficient piezo petrol direct injection with jet-guided combustion – in the CLS 350 CGI.

This technology represents a milestone in fuel efficiency and also brings considerable reductions in emissions. Mercedes-Benz has since introduced petrol direct injection into 4 and 6-cylinder engine versions of the C and E-Class. Progress is particularly evident in the newly introduced four-cylinder direct injection petrol engines in the latest E-Class. Despite their significantly smaller displacements, they generate more power than the preceding six-cylinder engines, yet consume up to 21 percent less fuel. This technology is being introduced successively across all petrol engines. Highly efficient CGI engines are now also available in the C-Class.

C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY

The results speak for themselves – the new C 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY boasts a fuel consumption of only 7.2 at a power output of 150 kW/204 hp. Diesel versions start with fuel consumption as low as 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY.  With a peak power output of 125 kW/170 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, the most frugal C-Class of all time sets a new benchmark in fuel efficiency.

The objective of making petrol engines as fuel-efficient as diesels and diesels as clean as petrol engines, has already been achieved in many models. The account balance of BlueEFFICIENCY models currently stands at twelve models with a CO2 value below 140 grams per kilometre, 24 vehicles emit less than 160 grams per kilometre and a total of 36 models come in beneath 180 grams per kilometre. The new, extremely frugal CGI engines and the highly efficient BlueTEC exhaust gas treatment system contribute considerably to this result. In particular, the technology for the world’s cleanest diesels has laid the foundation for the future of economical, high-torque diesel engines in the U.S. Right now, state-of-the-art diesel technology is delivering its best fuel-consumption figures in large saloon cars and non-hybrid SUVs in particular.

Mercedes-Benz has at its disposal all the necessary conceptual and technological means for the systematic electrification of vehicles. This means that diesel and petrol engines – combined with efficient transmissions – will remain, as they have been for many decades, the backbone of road-going mobility around the globe.

S 400 BlueHYBRID (W221) 2008

Smart Electric drive

The combustion engine is irreplaceable for the foreseeable future
The application of state-of-the-art internal combustion engines with and without hybridisation is an indispensable option for the future. In the first instance, they are needed if only because electric drivelines cannot be produced in the required numbers and at the costs necessary for the high-volume segment in the short term. Therefore, the quality of combustion engines will also be a decisive factor in determining how much fuel can actually be saved and the degree to which emissions can be avoided.
One thing is clear – all advances being made mean electric vehicles will not be able to replace vehicles with combustion engines in the short term. Modern diesel and petrol engines will also remain the driving force for the automobile in the longer term – in individual mobility with passenger cars, over long distances in particular, and especially in the transportation of goods with heavy trucks. As a consequence, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz engineers have developed a broadbased approach, in which the internal combustion engine continues to play an important role that is far from being that of an obsolescent model.
The outcome is a multi-faceted driveline mix – dependent on vehicle class, usage profile and customer preference, Mercedes-Benz is bringing to bear a range of different vehicle concepts with tailor-made drive solutions. In long-distance travel, the dominant force will continue to be modern combustion engines with and without hybrid modules, complemented by fuel cell vehicles. This scenario can be boosted by plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars for cross-country traffic. In city traffic – primarily in the increasing number of mega cities around the globe – the roads will be characterised largely by local emission-free vehicle concepts with battery and fuel cell drives.

For tomorrow and the day after – cars with electric drive
In parallel to the optimisation of vehicles with combustion engines, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz engineers are working intensively towards the company’s stated long-term goal – local emission-free driving with fuel cell and battery-powered vehicles. Mercedes-Benz and smart electric test vehicles have already proven themselves in far-reaching field trials, clocking up several million emission-free test kilometres under everyday driving conditions. The latest generation, equipped with close-to-production technology, is currently being tested within the scope of ongoing pilot projects.

The electric car – one of several options
In respect of the minimisation of CO2 emissions in road traffic, the electric car is currently being presented as the “favourite”. This has led to the impression among the general public that the age of the electric car is right around the corner. It is fair to say that, whether they run on fuel cells, battery power or range extenders, electric cars offer enormous potential when it comes to environmental friendliness.

They are, however, not yet ready for series production. Alongside insufficient production capacity for powerful and safe batteries, there is also no comprehensive infrastructure of charging facilities or of hydrogen fuel stations for fuel cell vehicles. Local emission-free, quiet and highly efficient driving is, in the first instance, most suited to major urban areas, where access restrictions and environment zones are now commonplace. A critical pre-requisite for all electric drive systems is a powerful, safe and reliable energy storage device. The performance of the overall electric system is dependent upon the battery, starting with its storage capacity. For this reason, Daimler is focusing its attention on the development of a powerful traction battery. Alongside the aforementioned characteristics, it must also have a long lifespan and a high level of crash safety and be suitable for recycling. All these prerequisites are offered by the new lithium-ion battery, which has already proven itself in hybrid applications. Its particular benefits lie in its compact dimensions combined with a considerably higher capacity compared with existing nickel metal-hydride batteries. Furthermore, thanks to the innovative cooling system and temperature management, it also possesses a high degree of reliability independent of climatic conditions and outstanding cold-start characteristics.

“We want to be the leader in green technologies, without neglecting typical Mercedes virtues like safety, comfort and refined driving pleasure. Our current models are already equipped with effective technologies for even greater efficiency, environmental compatibility and safety. In the first instance, we are achieving this with our BlueEFFICIENCY measures for vehicles with state-of-the-art combustion engines. These include downsizing, forced induction, direct injection and BLUETEC for the engines, as well as targeted optimisation measures on the vehicle in areas such as aerodynamics, lightweight design and energy management.”

In line with our continuous efforts to promote and support social and environmental initiatives towards sustainable mobility, this exhibition entitled “Road to the Future” will be held at the Concourse area of The Gardens Shopping Mall from 30 September till 4 October 2009 aimed at demonstrating the Mercedes-Benz’s competence in providing efficient mobility solutions covering current and future BlueEFFICIENCY technologies to the general public.  Due to the highly complex technologies incorporated the new C 250 CDI engine, the current minimum fuel requirement is EURO 4. Therefore the C 250 CDI will not be available for sale to the public immediately.

丰田CAMRY是马来西亚最受欢迎的执行人员级轿车，目前的车款自2006年10月推介至今（至2009年7月为止），销售量已超过28，000辆。最新的车款本月在丰田的汽车展销中心亮相，它的外型令人耳目一新，而所有使Camry在同级汽车中领导群伦的优秀特色都保持不变。

新的Camry继续以3种款式发行，即丰田Camry 2.0E、丰田Camry 2.0G和丰田Camry 2.4V；惟在颜色的选择方面，新车从现有的5种颜色，即云母黑（Black Mica）、金属银（Medium Silver Metallic）、金属米（Beige Metallic）和珍珠白（Pearl White）增加了今属灰色（Grey Metallic）。

新Camry车款的价格如下：

丰田Camry 2.0E  – RM144,990.00*

丰田Camry 2.0G  – RM154,990.00*

丰田Camry 2.4V  – RM174,990.00*

*大马半岛的上路价，包括车险保费

外型设计

这个最新的款式，在外型上所作的改良旨在展现Camry高级典雅的形象。它的设计师更以“充满动感而不失端庄”为主题来提升这部新车，让动感和高贵感的融合来加强它的吸引力。

车头的改变最为明显，贴上更大丰田标志的引擎冷却水箱保护栅已加宽，使车子的外型看起来更宽广，而且予人车身偏低的观感。重新设计的防撞杆表面更加精致，并跟水箱保护栅的下端结为一体，而形成向上延伸的线条。

左右重新设计的照明灯跟三栏式的冷却水箱保护栅搭配得更加相称。车头灯（Camry 2.0G和2.4V具备投射式）现在看起来更有立体感，并镶上镀铬的外框。整体的外观展现出新Camry的高级格调。

车尾的设计也有一些改变，以配合车头那种宽广的观感。尾灯灯罩的侧面拥有更广的面积，可增加灯光的扩散度，而加厚的灯罩外层镜片则进一步显现出立体感。

采用LED（二极光管）的尾灯比传统的灯泡具有更快和更强的发光效果，煞车时可让尾随车辆的司机更快察觉和反应。此外，二极光管也比传统的钨丝灯泡更加省电以及经久耐用。

新的Camry改用全新设计的合金轮辋。就像以往一样，Camry 2.0E和Camry 2.0G是采用16寸车轮，而Camry2.4V则采用17寸车轮。新的轮辋设计可明显地将不同款式的车子区分，2.4V辐条已改为纤细型，而条数也增加，看起来更有活力感。

内厢设计

Camry豪华舒适的乘客厢备受产赞赏。丰田的设计师尽力在新款Camry的内部缔造雅致、清新的乘驾环境。从仪表板的上端开始，而到车门和中央储物格，都装上了美观结实的覆盖材料，显现出乘客厢的宽敝感。一些部位更镶上高级木质饰层，突显出高贵、豪华的形象。

新款Camry 2.0E的座椅改用表面轻微浮凸的印染垫布，以增加舒适和优质感。另2种款式则继续采用高品质的刺孔真皮垫布。

以清晰易读见称的Optitron仪表板已换上重新设计的仪表，清晰程度更上一层楼。圆表环外添加同轴圈，令仪表板的外观更加出众。时速表和引擎转速表的度数也重新调整。

多元资讯显示幕（MID）提供行驶里数、车外温度、平均速度、尚存汽油可行里数、耗油率和行程时间等相关资讯。驾驶盘上也装有按键，让司机查阅上述资讯。

灵活实用的装备

由於考虑到当今人们生活所需，出门随身携带手提电话、PDA机和随身听唱机等配备，丰田的汽车内厢设计师为Camry设计了不少的储物空间，例如杯托、名片盒以及体积比较大而又可上锁的储物箱。

车尾的行李厢拥有504公升的宽大空间（根据VDA计算法），足以容纳4个行李箱或4个高尔夫球袋。若要装载超长的物件，则可将后座靠背中央手托的盖口打开即可装载。Camry的后备轮胎（215/60 R16）跟其他４个轮胎的同样体积。

舒适又方便

丰田尽力为新的Camry提供最舒适和方便的特色，让乘驾者感受到每一个车程都是那么地充满情趣。精明开门和启动系统是Camry 2.4V新添的装备，这是凌志的许多名贵车款所具备的特色。

在这套系统下，司机不必使用车匙开门或启动引擎，只要把遥控（RCU）带在身上，不论是收在口袋或手提袋里，司机位车门的把手一扳动，车内的保安系统便会接到遥控器的讯号而解开门锁和中止引擎截短系统的运作。启动和停熄引擎都采用按纽模式。下车离去之前，只需轻按车门把手上的小触纽即可把车门上锁和启动保安系统。在车尾，只需轻按行李厢盖上的按纽便可将它打开。

过去原本只安装在Camry 2.4V的等速巡航器（cruise control），现在也成为Camry2.0G的标准装备。此系统在时速超过40公里的情况下才能运作，操控杆附设在驾驶盘柱上。为了安全起见，只要司机踩动煞车板，等速巡航的功能便自动中止。

个别空制的双区式冷气控制系统装有Plasmacluster*产生器，能产生类似大量弥漫在森林里的空气离子。离子能够为车厢提供清新的空气，这是很重要的，因为许多驾车人士将冷气系统设定成内部空气循环，造成车内却少清新空气而令人感到困倦。Plasmacluster*也有助于减少空气里飘浮的细菌和臭味，而它的空气过滤器则可避免车外的尘埃传入车厢内。

它的冷气系统可根据车外的气温而自动调解车厢内的温度。就像许多名贵汽车一样，Camry也具备司机和前座乘客个别操控的冷气调节功能，而后座乘客则可通过设在中央储物格的风口获取冷气供应。

除了为手提电子器材供应辅助电力的12伏特电源插口之外，中央储物格也另设外接音源转换功能插空（AUX），以便将MP3唱机或iPod之类的手提音响器材连接到汽车的音响系统。

Camry 2.0G和Camry 2.4V的座垫都采用可通气的刺孔真皮垫布，即可减少车子在烈日下暴晒时座垫热烫的感觉，又能保持长途乘坐的凉爽。

在Camry 2.0G和Camry 2.4V，电动式前座椅是标准装备，可轻易通过座位旁的控制纽进行8种位置的调整。此外，司机位还有电动式的腰椎支撑度调节功能。

前乘客座椅座靠背的侧边设有2个额外纽键，以方便后座乘客将前座位推前或将靠背摺下。除了Camry 2.0G和Camry 2.4V，这是其它同级汽车所没有的特点。

为了方便和安全，司机可通过装设在驾驶盘上的相关纽键来操控音响系统、多元资讯显示幕和冷气系统。驾驶盘的斜度和伸缩度均可调节。

*注：Plasmacluster和Plusmacluster离子都是Sharp公司的注册商标。

驾驶功能

新的Camry仍然采用2.4公升排量的2AZ-FE和2.0公升排量的1AZ-FE引擎。两者都是全铝4缸、DOHC、16阀引擎，并具备强劲加速动力、省油及底排费功能的智慧型可变气门正时系统（VVT-i）。VVT-i系统可持续调节气门正时，在任何驾驶情况下都能让引擎发挥最佳的效能。

这两台引擎的输出功率和扭力是同级汽车中的佼佼者。2AZ-FE引擎在6000rpm可产生高达127kW/167 PS的输出功率，而在4000 rpm之下则可挥发224Nm的最强扭力；至於IAZ-FE引擎，可在6000 rpm产生最高108kW/147 PS输出功率，而在4000 rpm下则可发出190Nm的最强扭力。

排废系统的主要减音器具备可变功能，即通过机械活瓣控制废气的流向。当引擎低速运转时，这个系统可减底引擎的噪音，而在高速运转时，则让废气通畅无阻地排放。

Camry 2.4V采用5速段Super ECT自动变速传动系统。除了提供额外的前进速档和更平均的差速比分布之外，这套高效及反应敏捷的传运系统也具备手排顺序变速模式。

Camry 2.0E和2.0G则采用4速段自排变速系统，它同样反应敏捷、运作顺畅及省油，这都应归功於Super ECT工艺。

Camry的前轮悬挂系统采用麦弗臣支柱，而后轮是优秀特性备受验证的双连支柱概念架构。

采用齿轮齿条的动力辅助转向系统具备精准的转向输入感应，广泛的测试取得了精益求精的成效，从而在辅助动力和司机对前轮转向的真实感应达到平衡的配合。在泊车的过程中，动力辅助程度处於最高点，让司机轻易转动驾驶盘。最低的回转半径为5.5米。

安全设置

丰田专心致志于生产拥有至高动态和静态安全水准的高品质汽车。它以本身内部设定的全球杰出评估制（Global Outstanding Assessment,简称GOA）作为安全规格，其水准可匹比国际标准，在许多方面甚至还超越国际的要求。包括最新Camry在内的每一个丰田车款在推出市场发售之前都必须通过GOA验证。

Camry的前后轮都采用大型的制动功能。防锁死制动系统（ABS）是标准装备，以便让司机在滑湿的路面紧急煞车时保持稳定的方向控制。此外，它还具备额外的电子制动力分布（EBD）功能，以配合ABS单位同步运作，根据路况和车子的负荷，调整前后轮以及左右轮的制动力。

制动辅助（BA）也是这部车子的标准装备。当紧急煞车之际缺乏足够的制动力时，此系统就会投入运作，提供车子所需的额外制动力。

Camry 2.4V还具备配有牵引力控制功能的稳定行车控制系统（VSC）和循迹防滑控制系统（TRC），对提高行车安全很有帮助。这种先进的系统是由丰田本身开发，当车子高速转弯或在滑湿的路面转弯时，它能觉察前轮或后轮是否出现打滑，以便为相关的轮子提供适当的制动力，并将引擎动力减缓，使车子恢复稳定的行驶。

Camry 所具备的其他动态安全特色包括获得陆路交通局核准的高照明度HID车头灯（只限Camry 2.0G和Camry 2.4V款式）和高亮度的尾灯（增加LED光管）。

之前所提及的动态安全装备固然有助於避免公路意外的发生，但是公路上的不幸事件有时也难以意料。不管怎样，如果不幸发生意外，具备优秀静态的安全功能的GOA核证车壳可为车内的乘驾者提供保护作用。具备吸震设计的丰田车壳在发生碰撞时可以减缓冲击力，从而减低碰撞冲击导致乘客厢变形的程度。车身的一些关键部位采用高韧钢材，一旦发生侧撞，车身变形的情况可受到异地程度的控制。

座椅的设计注入了减少头部损伤的概念（Whiplash Injury Lessening或简称WIL），以便在车尾发生碰撞的时候，能减轻乘客头部的损伤程度。WIL概念的设计旨在对头部和颈部产生支撑作用，从而减轻受伤的程度。

防盗系统

这部Camry装上全面的防盗系统，包括引擎截停器、乘客厢感应器以及拥有后备电池的警报器。这套专为本款车子而设计的防盗系统已经过合顺丰田的全而测试。为了方便起见，这套系统的所有控制钮建都完全综合在同一支车匙。

保用期

新的Camry也像合顺丰田汽车私人有限公司所售卖的其他新车一样，附有3年或100，000公里的保用期（在新车注册后，视何者为先），惟须符合车主手册所例的条件。

欲知详情，请拨1-800-8-869682询问。

Petaling Jaya, August 20, 2009 — Alfa Romeo’s unique combination of style and performance is now available to a whole new market segment in Malaysia with the launch of the all-new Alfa Romeo MiTo, which brings together the convenience, economy and low emissions of a small car with the style, performance, and luxury of Alfa Romeo’s larger models.

The launch of the stylish and playful MiTo by Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (Auto ConneXion), which now manages the Alfa Romeo brand in Malaysia, means that Alfa enthusiasts in this country can now choose from a complete range of the latest Alfa Romeo models.

The model chosen for the Malaysian market is the MiTo 1.4T powered by a 155 bhp 1.4-litre turbo-charged petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.  It is priced at RM153,888 excluding insurance, registration and road tax.  The new MiTo is available for public viewing and test drive at the Auto ConneXion Alfa Romeo 3S Centre at Jalan 13/2 Petaling Jaya from tomorrow.

The MiTo is a unique compact performance car that sets new standards for style, performance and technology. It is inspired by Alfa Romeo’s fastest production car, the Alfa 8C Competizione, and shares a lavish level of equipment and technology with its larger siblings.  The name MiTo is a conjunction of the Italian abbreviations of the cities of Milan and Turin.

Although Alfa Romeo has had small cars in the past, most famously the AlfaSud which started a line of cars that lead to the Alfa 147 in today’s range, the MiTo is significantly different in its positioning from previous models. While the MiTo’s compact size means it is categorised below these two models, every element of the MiTo places it firmly at the premium prestige end of its market segment.

The fact that the MiTo has been designed to be exclusively a three-door car has provided the stylists at Alfa Romeo Centro Stile with the freedom to endow the MiTo with a new level of style, internally and externally, that has not been previously available in this market segment.

A good example is the way the MiTo tapers behind the B-pillar to provide not a just coupe style, but also shoulders over the rear wheels akin to those on the Alfa 8C sports car.

At the front, the shield-shaped grille is imposingly sited at the end of a sculpted V-shaped bonnet, flanked by clear lens and teardrop headlamps. In profile, the high waistline, flared wheel arches, disguised B-pillar and minimal rear overhang combine to communicate power, performance and agility.

At the rear, small circular tail lights are a clear nod to the Alfa 8C and the history of Alfa Romeo.

Inside the MiTo’s cabin, the high quality interior feels premium in every way with wraparound seats that invite the driver to grip the steering wheel. The sporty dials are hooded and the central console comes with a satin finish. Careful sound-proofing helps create a quiet and refined environment that optimises enjoyment of the sound system.

The MiTo delivers an engaging and rewarding driver experience. The turbo-charged 1.4-litre powerplant capable of 155bhp delivers the type of power normally associated with a significantly larger engine. It accelerates from 0-100 kmh in 8 seconds, and continues to a top speed of 215 kmh, yet offers a combined fuel figure of just 6.5 litres per100 km.

Alfa Romeo’s innovative DNA system in the MiTo is another first for its class. A three-position switch, situated beside the gearlever, alters the throttle response and steering set-up for different driving environments – Dynamic, Normal and All Weather.

In Dynamic mode, the throttle response is quicker, the steering is sharper and the handling is more direct. For loose surface environments, the All Weather mode provides a more gentle response. Alfa Romeo’s Electronic Q2 limited slip differential heads a list of dynamic driver aids, including a long list of safety systems.

The suspension system is configured for maximum safety and driving satisfaction. It uses coilover springs, combined with a McPherson configuration at the front and a torsion beam with semi-independent wheels at the back to provide unrivalled road-holding and sporting performance.

In addition to high levels of performance and handling, the MiTo also boasts top-notch safety. Designed and developed to achieve the highest possible scores in passive and active safety tests, the 5-star Euro NCAP-rated MiTo is one of the safest cars on the road, providing driver and passengers with a high level of protection.

In the MiTo, driver and occupant safety is paramount. Seven airbags including front airbags, window bags, side bags and driver’s kneebag, work with Alfa Romeo’s Self-aligning Head Restraint to protect occupants.  The innovative system moves the head restraints closer to the neck of the front seat occupants to lessen the effect of whiplash in the event of an impact.

During emergency braking, the MiTo automatically operates its hazard lights to alert other road users. LED lights replace conventional bulbs in the tail lights for greater visibility and safety.

Some of the premium features found in the well-equipped MiTo include cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, remote locking and boot release, steering wheel audio controls, front armrest with locker, leather steering wheel, VDC with hill holder, the Alfa Romeo DNA system and a premium six-speaker audio system.

For more information on the all-new MiTo and latest Alfa models, please call the Auto ConneXion Alfa Romeo 3S Centre at 03-7960 8833 or Auto ConneXion Voice hotline at 1 800 88 3181 or visit www.autoitalia.com.my .