New BMW 1-Series

2007-07-13T13:06:00.000+08:00

The new BMW 1-Series which made its global debut at the Geneva Motorshow in March this year is now available at BMW showrooms in Malaysia. After chalking up sales of more than 200,000 units worldwide to date, the premium compact car now has Efficient Dynamics, courtesy of new powertrains, significant modifications to its exterior design as well as interior redesign. And for the first time, the 1-Series is also offered in a 3-door bodystyle.

“The BMW 1-Series was tremendously successful not only in terms of its worldwide sales figures but also for the fact that it still remains unique as the first and only rear wheel drive car in this segment,” said BMW Malaysia’s MD, Wolfgang Schlimme of the latest model from BMW, adding that the new 1-Series, with its new feature changes coupled with its new pricing strategy, is set to be more popular than its predecessor.

“A new BMW always raises the bar set by its predecessors and this is the same with the new 1-Series. Everything about this car exudes sportiness and agility – from the sophisticated materials and fresh colours utilized to create this car to its interior trimmings as well as from its concave and convex exterior looks right up to its performance capabilities”, said Mr Schlimme.

The new 1-Series has four engine variants. The top end variant, the 5-door 130i features a straight six petrol engine with double VANOS and Valvetronic (195 kW/265 bhp; 315 Nm). The 3-door 120i Sports has a new 4-cylinder engine with second generation direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) and produces 125 kW/170 bhp with 210 Nm of torque.

Next comes the 118i with an engine that has a fully-variable Valvetronic system as well as Bi-VANOS variable camshaft timing. This engine develops 100 kW/136 bhp and generates 190 Nm of torque. The lowest-priced version is the BMW 116i which has a 4-cylinder petrol engine petrol engine with double VANOS and churns out 85 kW/115 bhp and maximum torque of 150 Nm.

n the styling, prominent changes are very apparent in the front with a newly redesigned and larger kidney grille coupled with new headlight contours that have darker headlamp surrounds. Additionally, a wider air inlet in the front airdam as well as a horizontal trim strip and integrated rectangular fog lights gives the new 1-Series a particularly muscular outlook.

At the rear, horizontal lines with distinctive light contour uphold the car’s sporty and agile perspectives. Furthermore, a new taillight design with LED functionality now features on the new 1-Series to not only offer a homogeneous lighting effect at night but also making this BMW much more recognisable.

From the side view, the five door model shows superior variability whilst the three door version expresses the 1-Series focus on enhanced performance. Longer doors accentuated by a single-piece frameless window moving right to the back end of the car also give the three door body a balanced outlook.

The new 1-Series, like other BMWs, comes with special financing packages offered by BMW Credit and BMW Lease, which give BMW customers a truly unique one-stop solution from the company’s specialist financial arm. “With these new packages, owning the 1-Series can be a reality for many people because the attractive finance plans make the model a lot more accessible,” said Mr Schlimme.

Retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) are as follow:
BMW 130i – RM 329,800
BMW 120i Sports – RM 223,800
BMW 118i – RM 199,800
BMW 116i – RM 179,800

Isuzu D-MAX

2007-07-13T12:49:00.000+08:00

Pick-up truck platforms typically have a model cycle which is longer than passenger cars, sometimes as long as 10 years। In the past – when trucks were just for business use – an unchanged design was okay because the customers were more concerned about proven reliability than something fresh and new every couple of years। However, that has changed for manufacturers since trucks today are also being sold to people who treat them as an alternative to cars and therefore like to see change more often.

For this reason, the truck manufacturers have to put in extra time and effort to refresh their products regularly to sustain interest, more so if rivals do a model change and grab attention in the market with an entirely new generation.

Isuzu’s D-MAX, though not due for a complete model change, has undergone a substantial upgrade for 2007 which has involved more than just cosmetic changes but also sheet metal changes। The truck looks the same as before – and it is one of those trucks that does look like a truck – but a closer viewing will show that there is a bolder front end। The wheelarches are more distinctly flared and there’s a more unitary design with the grille cowling and bumper having an integral construction. This not only provides the new D-MAX with a more robust and stylish look but the reduced gaps also mean better aerodynamics.

Although aerodynamic concerns may not see necessary for a truck, Isuzu’s designers have nevertheless given some attention and this can be seen in the smooth steel sump-guard that not only protects the vulnerable parts under the vehicle but also acts as a wind deflector. The wheel arch too features its own deflectors to improve air flow around the wheels enhancing fuel efficiency by reducing drag and turbulence at high speeds.

At the rear, the new tailgate has revised accents and a more flowing design, complemented by a new bumper that features a step design, created to be more robust and easier to work with when loading items. The tail lights too have been updated with clear lenses that are in keeping with latest trends.

The new range is available in a choice of five colours: the two existing colours which are Starry Black Mica and Angelic White Solid, and three new metallic colours - Mercury Silver, Eclipse Blue and Gamma grey.

In the design brief for the 2007 upgrade, the aim was to take the D-MAX to a higher level in terms of image and this is very evident in the cabin. The trim and materials used are clearly of a higher grade. The original grey finish has given way to a classier ambience through the use of darker colours and accents that blend into each other. The seat and door material is a new ‘Raschel’ fabric and the angles and support padding of both the front and rear bench have been improved to provide greater comfort and support.

The darker-coloured dashboard features highlights on the air-conditioning vents and central console area. The vents themselves have been changed to a new round design that give the car a sportier outlook and these can be shut off completely if desired. For entertainment on the move, there’s a new integrated 2DIN audio system with built-in CD-player and MP3/WMA capability (3-litre version) with sound reproduction through a 4-speaker, 2-tweeter system.

My Dream Car

New BMW 1-Series

Isuzu D-MAX