Holland Automobile (Thailand) Co. Ltd. launched its Honda Freed on 18^th November. The Honda Freed is a stylish, compact and spacious multi utility vehicle (MUV) designed specifically for today’s trendy and active people who lead urban lifestyles. The Freed makes its public appearance on Thailand roads from January 2010 as the first model in the MUV segment, offering top of the class comfort, utility and spaciousness.

Measuring 4215 mm in length (with a  wheelbase of 2740 mm), 1700 mm in width, and a height of 1735 mm (interior cabin height is 1265 mm), the all new freed incorporates a striking design. It uniquely combines a ‘triangle’ (giving it a stylish and dynamic front) and ‘square’ (offering ample interior space) concept, optimizing the benefit from both forms.

Mr. Atsushi Jujimoto, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand) said, “The all new Freed is user-friendly and gives its owners the freedom to create new lifestyles based on their daily urban activities and driving needs. This latest model by Honda is essentially new in terms of design, functions, and vehicle; its debut will generate a lot of excitement and interest in this new segment.”

The premium urban MUV, which comfortably seats up to seven people in three rows, has ample cabin interior and height for a ‘free walk through’ layout that allows its occupants to move easily from front to back. The second row features two ‘Captain Seats’ for exclusive comfort; the third seat can be folded up sideways when additional cargo space is needed.

When the third row seat is folded up, an ample cargo area of over 670 liters is created thanks to the Freed’s low-and-flat-floor layout. Four large golf bags can be stored, making it an ideal vehicle to round up golfing buddies to tee-off at their favorite golf course. For active families spending the weekend together, the cargo area can be used to store thee large suitcases or essential camping items or a mid-sized bicycle (without having to remove the seat, tires or handlebars) or even a modern baby pram (unfolded).

The Freed features automated sliding rear doors on both sides, opening up to 600 mm in width. The wide entry allows occupants to board and disembark easily including children and the elderly. Getting in and out of the vehicle can be easily achieved in just one step since the height is only 410 mm from the ground.

Another attractive feature inside the cabin is the double-layered dashboard incorporating a futuristic Open Café table-type design. The design purpose is to reinforce the sense of roomy spaciousness and serve practical uses such as placing food and drinks.

The Honda Freed S version, which comes with a five speed automatic transmission, Grade Logic Control, Direct Control and Shift Hold Control. ASB Breaks, Mc Pherson strut and H-shape torsion beam, is priced at Bht. 894,500.

The top-range Honda Freed E version comes with special features including sliding rear doors with remote control, and electronic side mirror. It is priced at p9744,500 baht.

The Honda Freed E Sport version, with its additional sporty design grill and spoiler, is priced at 1,01,500 baht. The Honda Freed E Navi Sport version, with its navigation system, DVD players, rear camera, sporty grill and spoiler, is priced at 1,074,500.

The Freed S and E versions come in a choice of four colors – Silver Alabaster, Metal Polished Grey, Crystal Black, and White Brilliant.

In Japan, the all new Freed has been given the ‘Best Value’ award in Japan Car of the Year 2008 – 2009, one of the most prestigious awards in recognition of the best design, performance and features in cars.

The all new Honda Freed will be launched for the general public at the upcoming Thailand International Motor Show Expo 2009 from 2009 from 2 – 13 December.

For further information please contact Bangkok Public Relations Ltd.

Apsorn Bejrajati, Pairoj Pachanapreeda or Panta Poonsapmanee at telephone 00022 664 9500, ext. 112, 115 or 116.

Fax: 02 664 9515.

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Launch of all-new Honda Freed creates new market segment for MUVs – multi utility vehicles

Roughly one in five Lexus RX crossover SUVs sold is a hybrid, and with the debut of the third-generation RX -the second-generation RX hybrid -company officials expect that percentage to remain about the same. Overall, the new RX represents a careful evolu­tion of what is, after all, the brand’s most popular model, and the hybrid model com­mendably moves a bit more in the direction of fuel efficiency.

Lexus engineers describe the brand’s hybrid philosophy as standing on four pillars: per­formance; refinement; quiet, low emissions; and fuel economy. Lexus has been criti­cized that its hybrid models emphasize the first pillar too strongly – Lexus hybrid mod­els are typically the fastest and most powerful version in the lineup -and therefore underachieving in the last pillar, which arguably is the quality that’s most important to hybrid buyers.

While the architects of the new, 2010 Lexus RX still maintain the importance of all four pillars, we’re happy to report that it is fuel economy that has made the biggest advancement over the outgoing car. The front-wheel-drive Lexus RX is up by 1 mpg city and 3 mpg highway, to 28 mpg city, 27 mpg highway. With all-wheel drive, the increase is 2 mpg city and 2 mpg highway, to 28 mpg city, 26 mpg highway.

Whereas the standard RX350’s engine is little changed, the RX450h got a whole new gasoline engine. The 3.5-liter V-6 is an Atkinson-cycle powerplant, which is a highly efficient variant on the internal combustion theme, but one that’s rarely seen. (Its best-known ap­plication was in the 1993-2003 Mazda Millenia S.)

The engine, while economical, doesn’t produce much in the way of low-end torque, but that actually dovetails well with the elec­tric motors in a hybrid application, because electric motors make their maximum torque at the very bottom of their rev range. Here, the combo puts out 295 hp, which again makes the hybrid the most powerful RX and produces strong, seamless acceleration.

As in most hybrids, however, there is a faint surging as the power-train switches between draining and recharging the batteries dur­ing steady-state driving on flat roads. In all-wheel-drive models, the rear wheels are driven only by an electric motor-generator; there is no driveshaft running from the gasoline engine to the rear wheels.

Outside of its powertrain, the redesigned RX400h, like the RX350, is treated to sev­eral bits of new technology. The optional rear-view camera (now available with or without purchasing the navigation system) can be supplemented with a curb-view camera, which is mounted in the right-side mirror, to help with parallel parking.

The navigation system boasts new features, like XM NavTraffic and weather, and is controlled by a new mouse-type controller. It looks like an iDrive-style device but works like a joystick, with several surrounding buttons with dedicated functions. There’s also an available heads-up display, automatic high beams, and remote start.

As before, the RX400h interior is plush and comfortable. The exterior is a refine­ment of the shape introduced with the previous generation. Even with the new car’s higher fuel economy, buying the hybrid is a decision made more for love (of effi­ciency and the environment) than money (saved at the gas pump).

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Lexus RX450h: A Swift Evolution

German Motor Work will bring the new Audi Q5 onto the Thai mar­ket equipped with sporty engine 2.0 liter turbo FSI gasoline version which is a state-of-the-art unit fea­turing turbocharging and direct fuel injection. The perfect interplay of this technol­ogy paves the way for downsizing, which involves using supercharging as a means of trimming en­gine capacity. This enables the Q5 to achieve CO2 emissions of less than 200 grams per kilometer.

The new 2.0 TFSI, the successor to the engine that was voted “Engine of the Year” four times in a row, is an object lesson in efficiency. The perform­ance of this four-cylinder engine, which develops 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque, puts it in the same league as conventional six-cylinder engines. Yet its fuel consumption averages only 11.76 kilometers per liter – giving it a clear advantage over its competitors.

Audi has yet again made huge advances in gasoline direct injection, which it supplies badged as FSI. The Audi valvelift system (AVS) regulates the valve lift in two stages, gives torque an extra boost and improves fuel efficiency by around five percent. The 2.0 TFSI has fea­tured this technology ever since being launched.

The high torque values at low revs have allowed the engineers to select slightly higher transmission ratios without undermining dy­namic performance. The peak torque is achieved at a very early point on all engines in the Audi Q5 – the 2.0 TFSI, for instance, already achieves its 350 Nm at 1,500 rpm, barely above idle speed. The Q5 thus handles supremely well at low revs – with correspondingly good fuel efficiency.

Audi is forging ahead with its efficiency strategy in every area of the vehicle.

The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI fits the new seven-speed S tronic – a state-of­the-art dual-clutch transmission. With its lightning-fast, ultra-con­venient gearshifts it is extremely sporty in response but also highly effective, with a broad spread of ratios from the lowest to the highest gear. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is currently the most efficient transmission technology.

The Audi Q5, the sports model in the SUV category, also redefines the benchmark for handling. The new reduced rolling resistance tires play a major part in its dynamic handling. They are virtually indis­tinguishable from conventional tires when it comes to lateral stability and stopping distance, but significantly reduce roll­ing resistance and therefore fuel consumption.

The exterior is another decisive factor. The basic version of the new Audi Q5 achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.33 – the best in its field of competitors. This is due not only to its basic aerodynamic form but also to technical features such as the underbody panel. The frontal area measures just 2.65 m2, ow­ing to the relatively low body; this, too, promotes a favorable airflow around the car. Although this is scarcely noticeable in consumption figures calculated on the test rig, it has a major effect when driving down the freeway.

Audi relies on a concept of holistic optimization of energy and has already proved on multiple occasions that efficiency and sportiness are not mutually exclusive. This was most re­cently evident in the impressive third victory of the R8 TFSI and the R10 TDI at the Le Mans 24 Hours. In the toughest en­durance race in the world, every drop of fuel matters – and as Audi once again demonstrated, whoever uses less will come out in front.

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The New Audi Q5 Grand Premier

To serve all driving needs, the Captiva is available in two engine types – a 2.4­litre gasoline engine and a 2.0-litre tur­bo diesel engine. Each engine is avail­able with all-wheel-drive (on-demand) and front-wheel-drive transmissions.

The Captiva offers a combination of the best characteristics of a comfortable, dynamic sedan with the toughness of a SUV. This makes the vehicle perfectly suited for con­gested urban driving, long highway journeys and fun adventures on rough terrain. The Captiva has proven itself over five million kilometers of tests under different road conditions and different weather conditions all over the globe.

Luxurious and Sporty

The Captiva is the result of collaboration among 11 GM research and development centers around the world. As many as 450 prototypes were developed and tested before the final model was ap­proved for production. Its premium features evoke the same feelings one gets from luxurious, pow­erful and sporty SUVs.

The Captiva has a strong character with thoroughly modern proportions. The bold, handsome front grill is designed to be timeless and modern. The headlamps are aggressive with double-rounded bulbs, complementing the round-shaped fog lamps. The lower section looks very robust, and the body features bold lines and taut surfaces that combine to give a sporty muscular appearance with stylish elegance. The front bumper looks very robust and features bold lines that give the SUV a sporty muscular appearance with stylish elegance.

The dynamic side character line rises up toward the rear, highlighting the roomy passenger space and the wheelbase of 2,707 millimeters. The wheels featured are sporty, multi-spoke alloys. The roof curve line inte­grates well with the front part of the vehicle, giving the Captiva a very aerodynamic profile.

The rear of the Captiva was designed to be distinctive. The rear window can be opened independently from the rear door, making accessing the cargo space more convenient. A rear wiper aids in better visibility and the back-up lamps are integrated within the transpar­ent rear lamp covers, providing strong contrast against the shiny red lamps. The rear bumper is augmented with aggressive aluminum-color protection and dual exhausts add just the right touch of sportiness.

A Calming, Well Thought out Interior

In addition to being roomy, the Captiva’s interior – from the side door to the console – was thoughtfully designed to emphasize its serious and calming nature. The seats are made of high quality leather consistent with the materials used in premium European cars.

At the top of the center console, the Driver Informa­tion Center (DIC) reports useful information such as fuel consumption, distance traveled, available fuel, out­side temperature, climate control details and compass. The speedometer and tachometer dials are sporty and highlighted with aluminum consistent with Chevrolet’s style.

Storage in front of the passenger seat uses cool air from the air conditioner to keep refreshments chilled throughout long drives.

The design of the gear shift is modern with aluminum accents. The automatic transmission is a 5-speed Tip­tronic, providing drivers with the convenience of an automatic with the sporty precision of a stick shift.

Even with seating for seven, every passenger will be able to ride in comfort. Third row seats are equipped with their own air conditioner vents, ensuring that even rear passengers travel in comfort. The second and third row seats can be folded down to create more cargo space. With only the third row folded, storage ca­pacity is a spacious 465 litres and with both the second and third rows folded, capacity increases to an impres­sive 930 litres.

Riding in Comfort & Safety

The Chevrolet Captiva is designed not only as a bal­anced vehicle but also to maximize comfort and safety.

The Rain Sensor wipers adjust the speed of the blades automatically to match the volume of rain hitting the windshield. The front headlamps turn on automatically when the light sensor detects insufficient sunlight as a result of nightfall, tunnels, or indoor parking lots and turn off again when it detects more light. As an added convenience, the headlamps also shut off automatically moments after the engine is turned off and the key is removed, and turn on again when the doors are un­locked by remote control.

The Captiva’s Cruise Control system helps motorists concentrate on steering during long drives or when maintaining a constant speed is a priority. Au­tomatic turn signal mode eliminates the need for the driver to worry about turning off his turn signal when overtaking another vehicle. Normal mode is available for ordinary driving.

Most possibly Captiva’s most innovative technology is its “Self-Levelizer” suspension that automatically adjust the rear shock absorbers when weighed down by heavy loads or on certain road conditions. By raising or lowering the rear, this feature helps maintain the vehicle’s normal ride height, improv­ing handling, ride comfort and safety.

Maximum Performance for Gasoline and Diesel Engines
Because the Captiva was designed to be the perfect vehicle solution for multiple purposes from everyday commuting, family recreation as well as outdoor fun, it was important for performance to be flexible to meet every driving requirement.

The power plant in the gasoline Captiva is a 2,405cc or 2.4-litre, 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine generating maximum power of 136 BHP at 5,000 rpm and 220 nm at 2,200 rpm of torque for a powerful yet smooth ride.
The common rail diesel Captiva has a 1,991cc or 2.4-litre, SOHC 16W en­gine with a turbo intercooler, with maximum output of 150 BHP at 4,000 rpm and 320nm at 2,000 rpm of torque.

The automatic transmission is a 5-speed Tiptronic. This “manual-shift” of­fers both the performance of a manual when precise control is required and the convenience of an automatic. Even in automatic mode the transmission allows for fast kick-downs for immediate acceleration when passing power is urgently required.

In addition to the efficient powertrain, the Captiva’s suspension set-up fea­tures MacPherson struts up front and an independent four-link design in the rear, giving the vehicle excellent road handling as well as a smooth ride.

Driving Safely with On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive

The weakness of 4WD is increased fuel consumption but not in the Captiva. In normal road conditions, Captiva operates with only the two front wheels. But when the system identifies a situation where four wheels would be better than two, such as in wet road conditions or rough terrain, the all-wheel­drive system will transfer power to the rear wheels in proportions ranging from 50:50, 60:40, or 70:30 depending on the situation. The benefit of this is that Captiva gets much better fuel economy without the trade-off of safety or flexibility when compared to other 4WD vehicles.

Self Balancing Integration Technology

Self Balancing Integration Technology is included in the diesel-engine Cap­tiva to maximize its safety attributes. This technology differentiates the Cap­tiva from all other SUVs with respect to safety.

European-styling, tough suspension, on-demand all-wheel-drive and Self Balancing Integration Technology all work together to make the Captiva truly a safe vehicle to drive. As a result, Captiva was awarded a four-star quality rating for occupant protection in its category by Euro NCAP (www. euroncap.com), one of the highest regarded safety organizations.

Excellent after-sales service on par with global standards is available through Chevrolet’s nationwide dealer network. Customers can be confident with the knowledge that Chevrolet’s warranty package of three years or 100,000 kil­ometers, 24-hour Roadside Assistance and quality service at 103 Chevro­let dealers throughout Thailand are protecting them every kilometer they drive. Drive it, and feel the balance of your life.

For further information, please contact:

Public Relations for GM Thailand/ASEAN
General Motors (Thailand) Ltd. and Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Ltd.
Tel: 02-791-3400  Fax: 02-937-0171

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Chevrolet Captiva: A Balanced Vehicle to Fit All Lifestyles

With CO2 emissions reduced by more than 20 percent and a more than 50 percent reduction in operating costs, the Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT has been available since the spring of 2004. As well as making it one of the most cost-effective models in the Mercedes range, the 120-kW/163-hp four cylinder engine under the bonnet of the bi fuel E 200 NGT also makes it the most powerful natural-gas-driven saloon currently in production. Natural-gas-powered vehicles are a key element of DaimlerChrysler’s overall concept for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and for safeguarding a sustainable form of mobility.

The E 200 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) was developed at the Mercedes-Benz Tech­nology Center on the platform of the E 200 KOMPRESSOR. The four-cylinder power-plant has a power rating of 120 kW/163 hp and generates a peak torque of 240 Newton metres. Thanks to the elaborate solutions which have been used to integrate the additional technical components, power delivery, comfort, quality and safety have not been compromised in any way aboard the E 200 NGT.

The E 200 NGT with its bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas power unit complies with the same stringent EU 4 emissions lim­its met by the petrol-powered E 200 KOMPRESSOR. In natural-gas operating mode, emissions of carbon dioxide are cut by over 20 percent compared to petrol operation.

Operating mode can be switched con­veniently at the touch of a button

The E 200 NGT can be run on either natural gas or pre­mium unleaded petrol, with the driver being free to decide which of the two drive sources should be deployed. The buttons in the multifunction steering wheel and the cen­tral display in the instrument cluster can be used to switch between natural-gas and petrol operation as required. Ensuring a smooth, jolt-free switch between modes is the task of a special electronic control circuit which or­chestrates the changeover for each cylinder individually. A gauge in the instrument cluster’s central display keeps the driver informed of the current level of gas in the res­ervoirs. Once the supply of gas has been exhausted, the system automatically switches back to petrol operation, so smoothly that the change is imperceptible to the vehicle’s occupants. As soon as the reservoirs are refuelled with natural gas, the journey is automatically resumed in the gas operating mode.

Specific modifications to the supercharged TWINPULSEengine

The supercharged TWINPULSE engine was modified by the addition of injector nozzles on the underside of the intake manifold. A pressure regulator with sensor and electromagnetic shut-off valve is fitted near the engine to regulate the supply of natural gas and maintain the required system pressure at a constant level. The reprogrammed engine electronics ensure seamless operation in both drive modes. The E 200 NGT distinguishes itself from comparable models, which often deliver poorer performance in natural-gas mode, by matching the sophisticated four cylin­der power unit’s exemplary power and torque characteristics even when running on natural gas. This makes the E 200 NGT the most powerful saloon with a bi-fuel drive unit currently in series production.

This environmentally friendly variant of the E-Class is available in Germany, Aus­tria, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland among other markets, and in a right hand drive version for Thailand and Singapore.

Comprehensive crash testing to ensure trademark Mer-cedes safety

The two fuel sources are stored in a petrol tank with a capacity of 65 litres and four gas reservoirs with a total storage capacity of 18 kilograms respectively. The reser­voirs are located in the spare wheel well in the boot, and behind the rear bulkhead. A comprehensive programme of crash testing has been carried out to ensure the high standards of safety that Mercedes is renowned for. The leak tightness of the gas res­ervoirs was subject to particularly rigorous scrutiny – after all, the natural gas that is pumped into the reservoirs during refuelling is compressed to a pressure of 200 bar.

When its fuel reservoirs are fully replenished, the total range of the E 200 NGT -based on the NEDC fuel consumption figures – is around 1000 kilometres, of which just under 300 kilometres are covered with the natural-gas drive and the remaining 700 kilometres with conventional petrol power. The saloon may also be equipped with an 80-litre petrol tank as an option, extending the maximum range to nearly 1200 kilometres.

Large boot capacity and the same high pay­load

With the gas reservoirs fitted, the boot has a load capacity of 400 litres (measured in accordance with the VDA method). In practi­cal terms, this means sufficient storage space for two jumbo suit­cases plus two smaller travel cases. The payload capacity of the saloon with its five-speed automatic transmission is 510 kilograms
– virtually the same as in the E 200 KOMPRESSOR.

When seen from the outside, the E 200 NGT with bi-fuel drive looks just the same as any other series-production E-Class saloon. The only difference is that the fuel filler flap is somewhat larger, concealing as it does not only the familiar filler neck for the petrol tank but also a special filler connection for the natural gas, which has been purpose-designed to ensure safe and convenient refuel­ling.

Costs halved in natural-gas operating mode

Natural gas represents a feasible alternative to petrol and diesel, both from an ecological and an economic point of view. The fact that it is a primary form of energy allows it to be used in its natu­ral state without any conversion losses. Non-toxic and odourless, natural gas is made up primarily of methane (CH4), meaning that it contains a lower proportion of carbon than any other fossil fuel. Consequently, CO2 emissions are cut by over 20 per cent com­pared to petrol.

Impeccable levels of comfort and safety, ex­tensive standard specification

The driver and fellow occupants of a Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT need not compromise on comfort or safety in any way. The stand­ard specification of the NGT saloons is, apart from just a few ex­ceptions, identical to that of the E 200 KOMPRESSOR model.

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Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT

The new 520d comes with a 1,995cc 4-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged common-rail diesel engine capable of producing 177 horsepower at 4,000rpm (up from 163 horsepower) and 350Nm of torque from 1,750-3,000rpm mated to an electrically-controlled 6-speed Steptronic transmission offering quick, seamless shifting and less pow­er loss. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 8.4 seconds and the car is capable of reaching a top speed of 226km/h. Average fuel consumption is only 16.4km/liter, bettering the previous model’s 14.5km/liter. With a full tank of fuel, the new 520d is capable of travelling as far as 1,150 kilometers.

Mr. Michael Kordys, president of BMW Group Thailand said, “BMW is aware of customers requirements for a car with excellent performance, but at the same time one with good fuel economy. BMW is confident that the new 520d will be as successful as the previous model. The new 520d is now powered by a third-generation common-rail diesel engine and BMW is the first company to bring in this type of engine to Thailand. This engine banks on an intelligent elec­tronic control unit offering precise fuel injection through the latest-generation Piezo injectors with 1,800 bars of pressure. This enables even finer fuel particles which are able to mix with air very well. The fuel system will also spray several pilot injections for a more continuous and com­plete combustion as well as improved engine perform­ance. In addition, this helps for a quieter combustion and lower carbon dioxide emission, making it more environ­mentally-friendly.”

The new electronic transmission is easy to use and looks great, while the latest version of the cruise control system works with the brakes in maintaining the desired speed during travelling downhill. The new 520d also comes with a Professional Logic 7 audio system while the ceiling is up­holstered with the black BMW Individual Headliner An­thracite for cars with brown and black leather interiors.

The 520d also features a Lights Package with courtesy lights from beneath the sideview mirrors and lower door seam illuminating the floor for easy and safe entry and exit. There are also automatic switching bi-xenon head­lights (both high and low beams) fog lights and white night lights at the side of the car. Comfort access unlocks the doors automatically and allows the driver to start the engine by pressing the start button without having a driver take out a key from his/her pocket. The PDC Park Dis­tance Control features both audio and visual display via the monitor screen while other features include automatic rain sensor, lightweight alloy wheels with 225/50R17 Run-Flat tires that can run for 250 kilometers (at speeds not over 80km/h) if punctured, as well as sports body kit.

The long wheelbase of the 520d results in a spacious cabin while the interior also features a sporty styling. Inside the car, there is a 3-spoke sport leather multi-func­tion steering wheel with Servotronic speed-sensitive power assist, onboard compu­ter displaying various information, i-Drive controller, ergonomic Dakota leather seats (electrically-powered with memory for the driver), high-quality wood trim, automatic dimming rearview and sideview mirrors, green-tinted glass, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, etc.

The new 520d also comes with a 5-year (100,000km) BMW Service Inclusive pro­gram with after-sales servicing being carried out by authorized BMW service cent­ers and genuine BMW parts for peace of mind in terms of maintenance.

The new 520d retails at 3,699,000 Baht – for more information please contact au­thorized BMW showrooms countrywide.

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BMW Now 520d

Shake the cobwebs from your hair and wipe the sleep from your eyes – for the 2009 Honda Civic has arrived.

The Body
The Civic is undoubtedly one Hondas’ best sell­ing global products and the latest boasts a cap­tivating, sportier look. The new model has rede­signed exterior styling, new front grille, striking front bumper design, new Smoked Chrome headlights, and octagonal rear lights to make it sportier. Inside, the sedan features a touch screen navigation system, the first of its kind in the compact car segment.

The Engines
The engine is both high performance and fuel efficient. The 2009 Civic offers drivers a choice of either a 1.8 liter (140 horsepower) or 2.0 liter (155 horsepower) i-VTEC engine that are gaso­hol E20-compatible, dynamic performance and low emissions.

The Interior
The new Honda Civic boasts an array of features designed to blend style with convenience. There is a touch screen navigation system. The DVD system assures entertainment on those long journeys. The self illuminating multiplex meters displayed close to the driving sight line allow the driver to access critical in­formation without taking his eyes off the road while driving. The audio remote control steering system al­lows the driver to access the in car entertainment sys­tems while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

All occupants of this sporty little monster enjoy ample headroom, legroom, and elbow room due to advanced packaging that maximizes space. The space saving measures in the Civic include lowering the floor and shrinking the advanced suspension down to extremely compact dimensions.

Suspension
The Civics suspension provides an ideal balance between riding comfort and sporty handling by way of rigid body construction and optimized suspension geometry. The Civics acclaimed reactive link double wishbone rear suspension enhances riding comfort while an advanced MacPherson strut front suspension enhances a straight run stability at high speed. This in turn gives the steering a more responsive feel, and makes the car nimble around corners and when parking.

Safety and Security
There are number of new safety features to assure driver safety. The rear parking sensors enable the driver to detect the proximity of external objects when parking. The Vehicle Stability System on slip pery and uneven roads with anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution. Added to this are state of the art airbags in the front and side, headrests to help reduce neck injuries by reduc ing the impact on an occupants head.

Summary
The magnificently designed, high performance 2009 Civic is truly a sporty sedan that captivates the heart and mind. It is the ultimate combination of styling, luxury and technology that appeal to all senses and I must advise you that it would be difficult to resist getting out of the car once you have started its engine.

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The 2009 Honda Civic Has Arrived

The body of the Pajero Sport is mounted on a new ladder purpose and safety. The spacious cabin is both durable and frame to realize high levels of durability and reliability, con-practical with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage sistent with the needs of its target market.

Mitsubishi’s all wheel control philosophy, forged through its participation in the Dakar Rally and other contests, informs all of the company’s 4WD sys­tems. The new model will use the Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero 4 SUV, which transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface. The body, frame and driveline not only give Pajero Sport outstanding off-road performance but allow it to deliver excellent drive dy­namics over all surfaces. Interested buyers should put their mettle on the peddle and test drive the all new Pajero Sport from October onwards.

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The New Pajero

The Phantom is the Rolls-Royce for the 21st Century. The design and en­gineering team took fours years to develop this break through model using the latest technology whilst drawing on the company’s rich heritage and have produce a car that is truly worthy of the famous Spirit of Ecstasy.

It was built at their a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at Goodwood in West Sussex, England. Ironically the ultimate motor car for the 21st century is being built in the shadows of the race track where their predecessors of the previous century once raced. The Phantom combines the spirit of its illustrious
forebears with ground-breaking technology and visionary en­gineering techniques.

It doesn’t matter from which angle you look this car even if the Spirit of Ecstasy or the famous grille could not be seen it is unquestionably a Rolls-Royce. The brand and its history were the inspiration of the design team a long bonnet, wide C-pillars and discrete windows classic Rolls-Royce ele­ments yet its combined with advanced features such as a unique aluminium spaceframe and pioneering direct petrol-injection. Unquestionably this car is at the cutting edge of technology.

Exactly the same can be said of the unique rear coach doors, which stand as testament to the sophisticated engineering to be found throughout the Phantom. Hinged at the back, they allow rear passengers to enter and exit the car gracefully, and can be closed at the press of a button.

The interior of the Phantom is clean and contemporary, the simplic­ity of the design belying the technology beneath. Any controls not needed for everyday driving are kept out of sight until required. The multi-media
screen, for example, is hidden behind a revolving panel in the centre of the dashboard that normally displays a round, analogue clock. This apparent simplicity extends to the operation of the controls as well: even the highly sophisticated audio system can be operated using just one button.

A hallmark of Rolls-Royce, and of the Phantom in particular, is the way in which the most advanced technology combines with traditional handcraftsmanship to produce something extraordinary. The switches for the power windows and audio system are beautifully crafted ‘violin keys’, while the chrome air vents are operated by traditional ‘organ stops’. Together with the use of the finest leather and wood veneers, it is this fusion of high technology and hand-craftsmanship that gives the interior its unique and luxurious feel.
Without the need to provide structural support, the Phan­tom’s body panels are simply fastened to the spaceframe. Made from lightweight aluminium and composite materials, they add minimal weight to the car. Only the boot is formed of steel, en­gineered to aid the 50/50 weight distribution so desirable for perfect handling.

Enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the precision with which it can be placed on the road – but not at the expense of the ride, which is as serene and comfortable as one would expect of a Rolls-Royce. The spaceframe also helps to eliminate noise, vibration and harshness, contributing immensely to the calm and tranquillity of the Phantom’s interior. This is a thoroughbred motor car.

At the heart of the Phantom lies its naturally aspirated 6.75-litre V12 engine. On the road this car demonstrates its raw athlete muscular power, travelling from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, performance synonymous with the blue ribbon racehorse at Glorious Goodwood.

Anyone who questions the price tag has never enjoyed the Rolls-Royce motoring experience. From behind the driver’s seat the elevated view of the long sweep of bonnet to the Spirit of Ecstasy, while the beautifully crafted, thin-rimmed steering wheel is a pleasure to hold and provides instant feed­back from the wheels. Exhilarating yet supremely relaxing, it delivers a driv­ing experience of purity and precision.

Matching the beauty of its exterior design is the mirror-like lustre of the paintwork, five layers of paint and clear lacquer are applied to each Phan­tom – seven if it’s a two-tone car – and between each application the body has been hand sanded. After the final layer has been applied, the body is hand-polished for five hours to give a finish of unrivalled depth and sheen.

The timeless architecture of the Phantom’s interior combines with the finest natural materials to provide a luxurious social space in which passen­gers can relax. Cashmere and soft leathers give an air of sumptuous indulgence, while the very latest in audio­visual technology ensures that every journey is as pleasurable as possible.

The rear seats are elevated by 18 mm, giving rear passengers a peerless view out of the car as well as 979mm of headroom. Lounge seating with slightly curved outer edges allows passengers to turn towards one another comfortably.

The Lexicon audio system is unrivalled in the automotive world. Engi­neered to recording industry standard there are 15 speakers in the car giving the perfect, surround-sound listening experience from anywhere in the car.

For further entertainment there are two 12-inch monitors within the veneered picnic tables in the rear. These screens are linked to a six-DVD changer and also allow viewing of digital television. . In combination with the Lexicon audio system, any journey in the Phantom a truly cinematic experience.

It takes between 15 and 18 hides to upholster one Phantom each one comes from specially selected herds of cattle, and only the most supple mature bull hides are used. Each hide is checked meticulously by hand to identify any imperfections. The 450 individual leather parts are then cut out using a precision laser before being carefully stitched by hand.

Three different types of leather are used: natural grain for the seats and trims, pre-shrunk in sun-lit areas and tipped (embossed) on the centre console and door trims. The wood veneers used are sourced from sustainable forests and chosen for their richness and complexity of grain.

There are six standard veneers, including Burr Walnut and Bird’s Eye Maple. Craftsmen, many drawn from the yacht-build­ing and fine cabinet-making industries, carefully book-match every veneer used inside the Phantom. This highly skilled tech­nique ensures that the grain on the left-hand side of each panel is an
exact mirror image of that on the right.

As the founder of the company once said, “Strive for perfection in eve­rything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it doesn’t exist, design it”. It’s that founding ethos that makes the Rolls-
Royce Phantom the ultimate motor car – art on wheels.

Published by Traversing The Orient Magazine. You want to make an online travel business? Please go to www.web.com.

Striving For Perfection