Diego and wife Deborah posing with the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

KUALA LUMPUR: A shopping stint at the Mid Valley Megamall turned into an opportunity for an investor to check out the various cars on parade at the CarSifu Auto Show 2022.

Gavino Diego, 29, said he didn't even know a car show was going on at the time. Nevertheless, he seized the opportunity to size up the vehicular exhibits upon seeing them.

In particular, he found the Corolla Cross Hybrid at the Toyota booth to be appealing as an upgrade option.

Diego, 29, who was accompanied by his wife, Deborah Edgar, said he was drawn to the Toyota hybrid as the vehicle was bigger and has more cabin space than his Mazda CX-30.



"The Corolla Cross seems to be an attractive buy as the vehicle is a hybrid that delivers good fuel economy and has been upgraded with a better sound system this time," he said.

Aside from the CX-30, Gavino also has a Toyota Vios TRD.

However, he lamented that the majority of cars sold in Malaysia do not come with a sunroof.

"I must have a sunroof. I like the feel of having a good view above and spaciousness when I drive with the sunroof open," he said.

He said many people avoided cars with sunroofs as they were afraid of possible water leakage around the roof linings as their cars aged.

"But car technology and design have improved over the years and such leaking instances are rare."

He said more auto shows should be organised as interested car buyers were usually busy people who do not have time to go around and visit the showrooms of different car brands.

"At auto shows, it will be easy for car buyers to view many kinds of cars and brands under one roof," he said.



British retiree Martin Ryall, who is on a long-term social visit pass in Malaysia, and his wife Jeya, were checking out the Subaru XV.

He said it made more sense to get their own vehicle as the couple was going to be in Malaysia for long periods.

"Anyway, Grab prices are getting expensive," he said with a laugh.

Ryall, 73, said the couple was interested in a mid-size vehicle as parking bays in some locations in Kuala Lumpur could be narrow and tight.

Ryall said he drives a Nissan X-Trail whenever he is back in London.

The five-day CarSifu Auto Show 2022 at Mid Valley Megamall here is organised by Star Media Group and runs until Sunday.

Participating car companies are Volvo, Toyota, Subaru, Proton, Honda, Perodua and Nissan.

Also participating is local anti-bacterial car mat maker Trapo.

The auto show will also be appearing at The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Baru from Oct 26-30.

 

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