Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV

500th post, presenting: CLOSE UP: Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV

In this blog entry, I'm covering the Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV 7 seater.  Why Eastar?


It all started with the ad I saw on today's Star Metro, new batch comes with Electric Sunroof, tinting, roof rack...  I call the PJ HQ at Jalan 51A/225, spoke with a Nice Sales Exec (more on him later) he said closing in 30 mins time.  I quickly jumped into my car and drove to the Showroom by 15 mins.

Yup, I have a SOFT SPOT for Electric Sunroof cars since I played with one back in 1983.  My dad said that time I played with my relative's BMW 7 series with this feature.  I was only 4 years old back then.  Also, while I was in Hong Kong, my dad owned "Acura Legend" 3.2 V6, this car also comes with Electric Sunroof.  Especially during Spring/Autumn Morning (around 22 deg celsius), ah!  the breeze of air coming in when I opened the sunroof.  Something I will never forget.  By the way, I spent 4 years in Hong Kong as dad transferred there (2 years GCE O' level and 2 years A-levels).

Okay back to the topic, besides the Electric Sunroof, another reason why I rushed to the showroom to see the car is "RM8,000 discount" promised by the sales executive on the phone (more on him later). 


MECHANICAL:


The Eastar's powered by 2.0 ACTECO (European designed) DOHC Fuel injection engine with a max power of 136hp@5750rpm and a torque of 180Nm@4400rpm mated with 4 speed shift-tronic automatic.  It has Compression ratio of 10:1.  The Suspension: Front is Independent MacPherson Struts, coil springs, damper and anti-roll bar.  REAR: MacPherson, semi-independent trailing-arms.  Braking power is assisted with 4 disc brakes (front Ventilated) with ABS+EBD.  It comes with 16" Alloy wheels + 205/55R16 tyres.

Safety features includes the afforementioned ABS+EBD, Dual Airbags, Electronic Headlamps levelling, front and rear foglights.

FEATURES:

This MPV's quite well specced at RM79,988 OTR (leather version).  These includes:

1) Fully Automatic digital climate control with "2nd and 3rd row" floor (?) blowers.
2) Steering wheel mounted Audio control and cruise control
3) Single CD+MP3, player with 6 speakers and USB.
4) Optional Electric Sunroof
5) Roof rack, reverse sensor
6) Front and rear map reading lights with lighted Vanity mirror.

7) Beige fabric seats (optional, synthetic leather seats like photo above) with 8 way Manually adjustable Driver's seat.
8) Others: Scuff plates, Door airpress, Tinting film, Alarm+central locking.

COLOUR CHOICES:

Solid white, Rich Gold, Sliver (photos below)

Metallic Black and brown (picture below)

OTHER INFORMATION:

Interest rate 2.75%, waiting lists 3 weeks for silver, other colour 1 week.  RM8000 discount, 3 years or 100,000 warranty whichever comes 1st with 5,000 OR 3 months service intervals.

MY HONEST OPINION:

I don't have the chance to test drive as the Showroom's closing and almost everyone (except 1 friendly and patience sales exec)  left the showroom.  Kit count is EXCELLENT, value for money at RM79,988 OTR.  But I can't get over the Poorly designed dashboard finished with Cheap plastics and fake wood (Optional).  Also, the 2nd and 3rd row seats' air cond vents located on the "Floor" (to cool the leg?), what a stupid idea... (see photo below)

In addition, to get to the 3rd row seats requires YOGA Skills as the 2nd row slide not front enough.  But guess what?  I can FIT into 3rd row seats with 3 inch headroom to the ceiling and decent legroom. Though I struggled ingress and outgress (going in and out) I'm 210lbs, 5 feet 9 mind you!  As a comparison, it's AS GOOD AS the Honda Stream 1.8, Slightly better legroom than Proton Exora, Livina and Toyota Wish and PAWNED Mazda 5 (the poorest 3rd row head and legroom IMHO).  It helps that the 2nd row seats can slide fore and aft (photo below is 2nd row seat slide WAY BACK yet still good legroom).

As for built quality, I spotted "uneven gap on passenger airbag's cover", uneven gap between front bumper, grille and headlamp, 90% HARD PLASTICS.  But then there's a saying "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY". Can't expect much for RM79,988 OTR (after RM8k discount) which I feel is a GOOD BUY!

That's all I can comment, I did not test drive the car so I can't comment on the Ride and Handling, pickup, performance, wind noise etc...

Any recommended sales executive.  A resounding YES!  If you want to buy this car, look for "DENNIS TAN" (picture above), he's a Friendly, patience, sincere sales executive.  His No 012-90777-06.  He's attached to Chery Alado HQ Showroom At Lot 13S, Jalan 51A/225, 46100, Petaling Jaya.

Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words, here are some photos:

 Above: Optional Bodykits (front quarter)

Above: 205/55R16 Goodyear NCT5 tyres with Alloy rims...  Below: Optional bodykits (back quarter view)

 Above: "BOOT SPACE" Limited with all 7 seats up.  Spare tyre is underneath the car.

 Side profile.  Design reminds me of Nissan Presage 2.5.

I CAN"T UPLOAD PIX at moment.  Time for dinner.  Will upload after dinner. Before 12am.  PICTURES UPLOADED 8.30pm.

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An Original Jeff Lim's production.  My original work.

ARTICLE: 900,000th MX-5 to set new record

900,000th MX-5 to set new record

 HIROSHIMA: The popularity of the MX-5 continues to grow, with Mazda producing 900,000 units on Friday.

The 900,000th Mazda MX-5 was a 2.0-litre softtop model in Germany.

This milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 started in April 1989.

The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's "Best selling two-seat sports car" when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000. Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units. Currently, Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring.

In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's global lineup.

Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager of the current MX-5, said, "Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades. Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5's spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people."
 

 

BMW Roadshow by Auto Bavaria

 I just cane back form Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC). Auto Bavaria displayed 5 BMWs and 2 Mini.  It consists of recently launched F25 BMW X3 Diesel, X1 Diesel, 320i Coupe, 528i, 325i Sport, Mini Cooper S and recently launched MINI Countryman.  The promotions includes 0.88% Interest rate by BMW Capital, discounts on BMW Merchandise etc...

MY top 2 FAVORITE BMW is the Latest (Just launched Mid-March 2011) F25 BMW X3 Xdrive20 diesel.  RM366,000 (RM348,000+18,000 Comfort package which consists of Panoramic Sunroof, Automatic tailgate, comfort access system..  Why?  I like the HUGE Boot, 40:20:40 split fold rear seats, Economical (Claimed 5.6ltr/100km) yet torquey (380Nm@1750rpm) diesel. 0-100km/h in 8.5 secs.  Very good for a All-wheel-drive SUV.  It also mated with 8 speed automatic with Steptronic.  The 2nd favourite is the BMW 320d Performance Edition, @ RM261,800 it's RM100k cheaper than the latest X3.  Sadly, it's not on display at the roadshow.  Wish I have the money...

Well there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words...  Here are 70+ photos taken by yours truly (Jeff Lim).  Enjoy:

Above: BMW X3 rim/tyre

 Above, the line-up of BMW cars on display.  Below, BMW X1 (RM239,000 petrol, RM298,800 diesel)

 Above: Mini Cooper S.  RM239,888 for this baby. 

 Above: BMW 320i Coupe RM290,000. One of the few CBU BMW..

 Above and below: BMW Merchandise at discounted price...

 Above: The Overpriced Mini Countryman (RM248,000 to RM286,000).  Below, Latest BMW X3 diesel (RM348k onwards)

 Above: BMW 325i Sport edition. RM309,000....

 Above and below, Interior of BMW X3 Diesel.

 Above and subsequent 6 photos below, BMW 528i...  RM449,800.

 Above and Below: BMW X1 Xdrive Diesel.  RM298,800.

 Above and subsequent 3 photos below, Interior of BMW 320i Coupe.

 Above and next 2 shots below, the Overpriced Mini Countryman.  Even the sales exec himself admitted priced too close to the More spacious BMW X1 petrol and Diesel.

 Above and next 8 shots below, interior and exterior shot of Mini Cooper S.

 Above and below, Mini Countryman's interior.

 Above: Minii Countryman's tiny boot, Below, Exterior shots of Mini Countryman.

 Above and below, BMW X1 Diesel interior...

 Above and below, BMW 325i sport rim and interior.

 Above: BMW 528i illuminated door handle.

 Above BMW X3 diesel engine, Below Mini Cooper S engine bay.

 Above: Spacious Latest BMW X3's HUGE Boot.  I was told it's AS BIG AS 5-series.

 Above: BMW 528i's boot.

 Above: Mini Countryman's engine bay.  Below, another angle of recently launched BMW X3 diesel.

Lastly, BMW Simulator PS3 drive...

Any recommended Sales exec.  There's an outstanding one.  He's a Chinese Looking Malay.  I don't remember his name as I misplaced his card but he's from Auto Bavaria Segambut  branch.  He used to work for Lexus Malaysia for 5 years and Audi for 1 year before joining Auto Bavaria.  That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry...