Three more days to go before the whole shebang ends. We are talking about the KL International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) that only comes around once every three years.

So if you haven’t already gone there to check out the latest on the local auto scene, now’s the time to do so before the show wraps up this Sunday.

Participating in the show are key brands such as Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Infiniti, Peugeot, Citroen, Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, Perodua, Isuzu, Subaru and Daihatsu.

The latest concepts and previews of models yet to come were also on display.










Let’s not forget that KLIMS has always been a show that caters to people from all walks of life.

Apart from cars and related accessories that get car fans all excited, it’s also family oriented with a series of games, contests and trivia challenges that make winning daily prizes one more reason to head to Putra World Trade Centre, where the show is being held.

KLIMS13 is organised by Malaysian Automotive Association and managed by Interexpo (M) Sdn Bhd. The Star is among the media partners of the show.

Toyota is previewing the Camry Hybrid and the seven-seat Previa MPV.

Distributor UMW Toyota Motor is hoping to locally assemble the 2.5-litre hybrid sedan by the second half of next year subject to what the Government has to offer in the revised NAP when it is announced in mid-January.

The fully imported Previa is a certainty as UMW Toyota Motor is accepting bookings at the motor show for the MPV, slated for a February sale at around RM270,000.

This year’s motor show line-up from Toyota includes the newly introduced Vios with TRD Sportivo kit, and concepts Fun-Vii and NS4 Plug-in Hybrid which represent two facets of its vision for future mobility with a focus on connectivity and the human interface.

The NS4 concept’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) provides a user interface built around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone.

The Fun Vii merges a car, a smartphone, an entertainment console: in an attempt to provide the ultimate driving experience.

The “Vii” stands for Vehicle, Interactive, Internet and its massive LED-screen exterior allow a personalised display on the outside.

On Toyota’s luxury arm, Lexus is displaying its existing model line-up such as the LS 460L, the IS 250 F Sport and the newly launched ES 250 Luxury.










Brought in to jazz up the Lexus booth was the LFA supercar which was instrumental in getting Lexus brand noticed in the niche ultra performance car sector.

On the “lighter” side, there is the Lexus F-Sport Roadbike bicycle if you want to a “zero emissions vehicle” whose frame is made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, the same material used in building the LFA supercar.

Honda Malaysia launched the new fifth-generation 2.4-litre Odyssey multi-purpose vehicle, featuring a continuous variable transmission and a seven-seater cabin.

The new Odyssey has six airbags, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor and Smart Parking Assist.

The standard grade Odyssey EX and high grade EXV are priced on-the-road at RM228,000 and RM248,000 respectively, with a five-year warranty and unlimited mileage package.

Also for viewing is latest “Advanced, Everyday, Efficient” technologies, with models on display including the EV-STER electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car, CR-Z Mugen RR and Accord Plug-in Hybrid, which are all being seen for the first time on Malaysian soil, as well as the Honda Malaysia Racing Team race machine.

Meanwhile, the Accord Plug-in Hybrid can be charged using an ordinary household electrical outlet and features a newly developed 2.0L i-VTEC Earth Dreams Technology engine.

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor, the distributor of Hyundai and Inokom brands, launched the new i40 nameplate in Malaysia and refreshed the Tucson model with a new 2.0-litre NU engine and enhanced features.

The i40, available in sedan and tourer variants, gets a six-speed automatic transmission and 2.0-litre NU GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine that delivers 178PS and 214Nm of torque, a performance similar to a larger 2.4-litre block.







Designed according to European standards, the i40 is luxuriously specified and provides generous legroom for both passengers and driver and high level of safety such as nine airbags.

Prices are RM159,888 for the sedan and RM178,888 for tourer.

The Tucson, meanwhile, now comes with a new pair of projection type headlamps with LED positioning lights as standard.

The higher 2.4-litre Executive Plus variant gets an additional new pair of LED rear lamp combination lights.

But the highlight of the show is easily the i-oniq concept car, designed and developed at Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Germany.













The i-oniq is an electric sports coupe hatchback propelled by an electric motor that uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine to charge its lithium-ion battery pack.

Ford used KLIMS13 to unveil its two important models slated for launch In Malaysia soon - the EcoSport urban sports utility vehicle and the Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost variant.

With B-segment practicality, spaciousness and agility of an SUV, the EcoSport offers a segment-leading package of quality, safety, value and fuel economy that benefits from a contemporary design, which is not only stylish, but aerodynamically efficient.

Powering the vehicle is a fuel-efficient 1.5-litre Ti-VCT engine that is used in the current Fiesta model.

The Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost, meanwhile, will further expand the recently launched new Fiesta line-up with a spirited 1.0-litre block that combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging, variable valve timing for up to 20% improvement in fuel economy and 15% reduction in CO2 emissions.

The smallest engine in its class, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is big on power, torque and refinement, producing 125PS and 170Nm of torque.

It delivers performance that rivals larger 1.6-litre petrol engine while consuming 21% less fuel at 4.3-litre per 100km.

Visitors to the Ford booth can also view a 1928 Ford classic Model A, the iconic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 muscle car, and a view of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Volkswagen Group Malaysia previewed its third locally assembled model, the 1.6-litre Polo hatchback which shares similar features with the recently launched Polo Sedan.

Though the price tag for the Polo hatchback was not announced, the car is expected to be affordable as it is aimed at young and design-oriented buyers.

Also on show is a “cut-out” model of the Golf, and a Beetle Fender Edition which has a premium eight-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, and a 400-watt amplifier and an interior inspired by the sunburst design of the iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar.

Also being exhibited is a special customised Polo Edition WRC, and a comprehensive portfolio of Volkswagen global models such as the Polo and Golf range, Jetta, Passat, Volkswagen CC, Scirocco, Cross Touran, Sharan, Tiguan and Touareg TDI.

A corner of the Volkswagen booth is dedicated to “Think Blue”, where Volkswagen ambassadors will share fuel saving tips to assist people in improving their driving habits.







Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor has finally introduced the all-electric vehicle Nissan LEAF after more than a year’s testing in Malaysia.

The LEAF is Malaysia’s second EV for sale to the public after the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

Also unveiled was the Nismo Performance Package for the best-selling Almera family sedan that costs RM13,000.

The package includes a five-piece aero kit consisting of a front and rear bumper, sideskirts and a rear boot lid as well as Nismo designed 16-inch alloy rims wrapped by 205/55 series Continental Max Contact MC5 tyres, a sports suspension and muffler.

Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti made its debut in KLIMS sporting a showcase that highlighted the company’s new naming convention of Q for sedans and coupes, and QX for crossovers and SUVs.

The company also displayed its upcoming cars for next year, among them the Q50 premium sports sedan whose development involved inputs from four-time Formula 1 world champion and Infiniti head of performance Sebastian Vettel.

The Q50 for 2014 will come equipped with a 3.7-litre V6 engine under the hood, along with a seven-speed automatic transmission, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), GPS Navigation with dual-screen system and a World’s first Direct Adapative Steering and Active Lane Control functionality.

Perodua is showcasing its latest concept sedan, the Perodua Buddyz.

Perodua said the GMS (global model sedan) Buddyz drew inspiration from its insights of the automotive industry and was guided by its technical and technology partner – Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan.

The concept sedan’s name was inspired by Buddy for generations Y and Z, and it offers a spacious interior with compact exterior dimensions.







This model is the next evolutionary step for Perodua as the Serendah-based carmaker is entering the stage where it can produce its own world-class upper body design.

Also on display is the GMA (global model A segment) Space concept, which hints at a next-generation Perodua Viva compact car replacement model.

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia, is presenting a special preview of the new 2008 urban SUV and the debut of the 408 Griffe upgrade package worth RM12,000.










Open for bookings at KLIMS13, the 2008 urban SUV has key features that include Smart Park Assist - complete with auto park and exit.

The 2008 urban SUV also has a panoramic glass roof, a seven-inch high-resolution colour touchscreen coupled with an Arkamys 3D sound audio system with six speakers, six airbags, and electronic stability programme which combines several functions: anti-skid regulation, stability control, emergency braking assistance and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Great savings are also up for grabs, such as the 508 Turbo S priced at RM145,000 and 408 2.0 at RM95,000. This on-going promotion is valid until Nov 30.

Citroen distributor, Naza Euro Motors, is presenting the local debut of the concept car Numero 9 and the latest addition to the DS line-up, the DS3.

The Citroen Numero 9 concept heralds the future of the DS line and signals the styling cues of the next three models in the line: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon.

Subtly combining the proportions of a coupe with an estate car, the Numero 9 gets 21-inch wheels, with a front end that features a grille in 3D relief, full-LED headlights and daytime-running lights.

Meanwhile, the DS3 is a radical take on the compact urban vehicle, with its razor sharp styling and a visually-arresting design.

Isuzu Malaysia pulled the sheets off its new limited edition D-Max X-Series pick-up truck.

Only 300 examples of the X-Series, each costing RM108,690 (OTR with insurance) will be available in either Magnum White or Stallion Black Metallic and gets centred racing stripes with new X-Series edition front grille, front and rear skirts, side steps, and new alloy wheels.

Within the cabin are dual red and black tone leather seats as well as a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS Navigation.

The D-Max was also picked by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association as its vehicle of the year after the model completed the eight-day Borneo Safari 2013 over punishing off-road terrain without any breakdowns while still in almost standard form.

Commercial vehicles are not left out with Daihatsu displaying its Gran Max in the Mobile Cafe customised version and Tan Chong Industrial Equipment showing off its new range of UD Quester trucks.

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