Opinion on cars will change as I become more well versed with these vehicles.
Car model - Version - (Year) - Owner
- Audi A4 1.8T B6- Test Drive Unit(EON)
- Audi A6 2.0 C4- Goh Wen Loong
- BMW 318i (E46) A - Michelle Tse
- BMW 328i (E36) A - Tan Beng Ghi
- BMW 520i E60 - Tan Beng Ghi
- BMW 530i E60 - Christopher Tock
- BMW 735i E 32 - Gary Murrell
- Daihatsu Charade 1.0M - Chow Ming Foong
- Daihatsu Grand Move - Leong Pik Lee, Sara
- Ford Fiesta 1.4M (6th Gen) - Test drive unit
- Ford Focus 1.8m (1st Gen) - Aswan Yap
- Ford Focus TDCi (2nd Gen) - Test drive unit
- Honda Accord 2.0 (3rd Generation) - Foong Chee Yan, Joshua
- Honda Accord 2.3A (6th Generation) - Chow Wai Meng
- Honda Accord 2.0 A (7th Generation) - Chong Tin Chuai
- Honda Accord 2.3 A (7th Generation) - Tan Tai Chiew
- Honda City 1.3M SX8 - Tan Yee Hou
- Honda City 1.5M SX8 - Tan Yee Hou
- Honda City 1.5 VTEC (4th Generation)- Evelyn Chiang
- Honda City 1.5 iVTEC (5G) - Eugene Chee
The car felt solid on the overall, and the interior didn't feel cheap. Comfortable over the bumps and power delivery felt smooth, which made the car feel like half a million bucks(see E60 530i), which is alot more than what it actually costs.
- Honda Civic 1.8 (8th Generation) -
- Honda Civic EK9 - How Cheng Hong
- Honda Civic ES 1.7 - Sourced through Nicholas Chay
- Honda Civic EX (1993) M - Mrs. Chong Tin Chuai
- Honda CR-V (First Generation) - Christopher Tock
- Honda Insight (2nd gen) - Lim Huei Jean
- Honda Jazz 1.4 IDSI CVT - Yap Mun Hoong
- Hyundai Atos 1.0 M - Rental Unit
- Inokom Atos 1.0 A - Lai Tong Jiun
- Kia Carens 1.8 - Jolene Lai
- Kia Sorento 2.5D (1st Gen)- Loong Joo Lee
- Mazda 6 2.0 - Tan Lin Lou
- Mercedes 300E W124 A - Lee Yau Fei
- Mercedes CLK200 C209 - Chan Leng Wai
- Mercedes E280 W124 A - Tan Peng Sam
- Mercedes E280 W210 - Chan Leng Wai
- Mercedes S320 W220 - Koh Kian Hong
- Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo - Gareth Davies
- Mitsubishi Grandis 2.4 - Leslie Yeo Choon Hsien
- Mitsubishi Lancer 1.4 - Liew Chun Ching
- Nissan Sentra 1.5 A - Tan Lin Lou
- Nissan Sunny 1.3 B11 - Chan Wai Yeen
- Nissan X-Trail 2.5 - Tan Wei Fang
- Peugeot 308 Turbo - Thum Ying Chee
- Perodua Kancil 850 Ezi (1st Generation) A - Tan Yee Wei
- Perodua Kancil 850 (M) (2nd Generation) - Kimberly Lim Sook Teng
- Perodua Kelisa 1.0A - Thum Yuet Lai
- Perodua Kelisa 1.0M - Rikman
- Perodua Kembara 1.3A - Chow Yuet Sim
- Perodua Myvi 1.3A - Nicholas Chay
- Perodua Myvi 1.3 M - Natalie
- Perodua Myvi 1.3 M (2nd Gen) - Chooi Wai Ken
- Perodua Myvi 1.5 Extreme - Test Drive Unit
- Proton Gen2 1.6 A - Chew Kian Aun, Andrew
- Proton Inspira 1.8 M - Tan Yee Wei
- Proton Iswara 1.5 M - Ng Soo Guan
- Proton Saga BLM (A) - Leong Sook Yan
- Proton Saga BLM (M) - Kenneth Tang
- Proton Saga 1.3M - Lee Chan Bond
- Proton Satria GTi - Mellissa Lee
- Proton Satria SE 1.5 A - Ng Li Juan
- Proton Satria 1.6 A - Chong Shieh May
- Proton Satria Neo CPS - Proton Edar
Chassis is good; engine and build quality, not so.
- Proton Waja 1.6 M - Woo Soon Wai
- Proton Wira 1.3 M Aeroback - Tan Ken Seong
- Proton Wira 1.3 M Saloon - Kenneth Tang
- Proton Wira 1.5 A Saloon - Lee Jo Kien
- Proton Wira 1.6 A Aeroback - Cheryl Lim
- Proton Wira 1.6 A Saloon - Tan Teng Sen
- Proton Wira 1.6 MIVEC A - Cheng Heng Teng
- Proton Tiara M - Soon Zhiyang
- Renault Megane RS 250 Cup - Media Unit
- Ssangyoong Chairman - Ng Soo Guan
- Suzuki Swift A - Jestina Goon
- Toyota Altis 1.6E (2001) A - Tan Keow Chai
- Toyota Camry 2.2 Fourth Generation - Chung Lern
- Toyota Camry 2.4 Fifth Generation - Lee Bee Eng
- Toyota Celica T230 (7G) Manual - Choo Heng Horng
- Toyota Corolla S.E. 1.6 A (1990) -Woo Soon Kit
- Toyota Corona - Asyraf Lee
- Toyota Harrier First Generation 3.0 V6 A - Sabrina Chow
- Toyota Innova 2.0G (A) - Woo Low Cheng
- Toyota Landcruiser 4.2D (FJ80) - Yeo Yee Chong
- Toyota MR2 Second Generation - Teoh Kar Yeong
- Toyota Prado 2.7 M (1997) - Woo Low Cheng
- Toyota Vios 1.5E - Evelyn Lee
- Toyota Vios 1.5G - Joanna Ng
- Toyota Vios 1.5G Second Generation - Thum Yuet Lai
- Toyota Wish 1.8G - Hee Jin Chong
- Toyota Wish 2.0Q (Thai Version) - Sourced from Lee Yau Fei (not his)
- Volvo S70 - Chow Zhi Sheng
- Volkswagen Beetle Type 1, 1300c.c. - Chaw Chan
- Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI - Nicholas Chay
- Volkswagen Polo 6R 1.2 TSi - Test drive unit
- Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TSI - Tee Wee Keat
A fabulous mixture of class and power. Gearbox fabulous. A shame AWD cannot be turned off.
Electronics a little trashed up. Lacking in power, but chassis is comfortable though.
The gearshift was very smooth though the engine lacked torque. The gearbox tiptronic(?) shifter works in the right direction (pull upshift; push downshift), which interestingly doesn't seem to be available on a local car I rode in.
The compact size and the large engine meant that it was really fun to drive.
Would be near perfection if it wasn't for its dismal engine displacement.
In many ways superior to the 520i, with the gadgety gearshift being the one true letdown. This, is how a proper car should feel like, like a million bucks.
Interior quite beaten up, though the stance of a 7-series is still present, which meant the car was firm and comfortable without compromising on its driving dynamics. ABS shot to bits, but the brakes bite strongly and can be quite potent with proper control.
This car was badly maintained and didn't invoke any positive emotions.
This car is quite funny and deserves an extended write up. A FUBAR-ed auto gearbox means that the driver would have to manually shift from 1-2-3-4 to get the gearbox to shift accordingly. Also, top speed is limited to 100km/h as a consequence of the gearbox problem. Quite charismatic in spite of the silly problems.
Chassis, engine and gearbox felt good, but the whole package was just ruined by electric steering-assist and throttle-by-wire.
The engine didn't feel like it belonged, but the control blade suspension was firm and communicative through the curves. I finally understood the hype behind this car.
Torquey and economical diesel engine. Ford's Powershift® is not as smooth as VW's DSG. Throwing both of them together seems to make a lot of sense if you're lazy with clutches. Didn't get to put the Control Blade suspension to the test but this car felt really good.
Age shows itself in 'bells and whistles' electronics. Otherwise car just as brilliant as new. Wonderful handling.
Very comfortable car. Vehicle can be driven hastily without occupants' knowledge, but still lacks what is commonly known as the 'conti-car-feel', which roughly translates to 'soul'.
An upgrade of the 2.0 model
Extremely economical without skimping on the power; handling nowhere as good as a Civic though. The last generation of proper Hondas with independent suspension all round.
The engine had an interesting double torque surge both about 2,500rpm and 4,500rpm.
Loads more power compared to the 1.3. Having a stock muffler meant it was more economical, but its quite a surprise that this handles slightly better than its 1.3 little brother. Perhaps its the absorbers that are in better condition than the 1.3.
CVT gearbox was very impressive. Kept the engine at 5,000rpm while under hard acceleration. 7 speed mode should be avoided as it doesn't really add value to the drive.
My opinion (even without driving the 2.0 version) is that this car would be sufficient for most of your needs. Powerful and reasonably comfortable.
Contrary to popular belief, the screaming B-engine had sufficient low end torque for daily driving. Unfortunately I did not get the sample other aspects of the car, and will probably never as it has been sold off.
The power delivered gave us the impression that it was a 2.0 engine, until I took a peak at the road tax disc.
Excellent gearbox and handling.Brakes abit of a letdown though(I later found out that the brakes are typical of all Honda cars and takes some getting used to). This makes this version fo the Civic one of my all time favourites.
Lacking in speed. Engine was vibrating a fair bit, but could perhaps be nothing more than a bad tune.
Can't quite overcome how awesome the hybrid drivetrain is, mainly due to the torrents of low-end torque given by the motor.
The braking was a little odd, as the regenerative braking charged the batteries until the car decides you actually need (traditional friction) brakes.
Vehicle felt smooth, but it was a short and inconclusive drive.
Terribly maintained vehicle. Engine vibrates very badly at low revs (idle-town driving speeds) that oddly disappears around 4k rpm. Perhaps that explains the bad consumption when I drove it :p
Quite a contrast compared to the rental unit, but not a car that I would actually want to buy.
My first proper Korean drive. Interior was quite decent, no squeaky parts. Gave me a good impression. Ride was decent; though engine lacked power.
A typical 4x4 with a diesel engine, unresponsive throttle below 1,000rpm (perhaps turbo lag?) but anything above that, you'd know why would you want a turbodiesel.
Really, who cares about a bad chassis when you've got a diesel engine?
Car felt solid and powerful. Tiptronic(?) levers shifted in the right direction (pull for upshift, push for downshift).
Pretty beaten up. E280 trashes this car off the straight line.
Improperly designed paddle (buttons?) shifts, which are rocker switches giving you both up and down on the same button felt silly, but the chassis was great.
In the opinion of many, this generation represents some of the finest cars Mercedes Benz has ever build. The occasional electrical glitch costs us some money, but I find this car quite a joy to drive. Now if only it had a manual...
Throttle response is slightly better than the W124.
Car was very comfortable, but drive wasn't engaging. I felt like I was in a bubble and I didn't like it as much as I expected to.
To be fair, I am the kind who enjoys performance with a balance of comfort and car-driver communication so I'm way out of this car's buyer demographic range.
The first time I ever get close to touching the legendary 4G63 engine. Powerful and could be great in putting the ah bengs in their rightful places.
A very smooth and impressive drive. More suited to a relaxing, comfortable drive but I'm guessing when called upon, this MPV can deliver. Engine is impressive for a 2.4 unit.
Old school tank. Steering is way heavier than Asyraf's Corona (see below)
Pretty powerful engine. Others untested
For once a gearbox that intimidated me, though at the time I drove it I was slightly out of touch with manual boxes.
Excellent chassis and engine. Pedal feel was somewhat disappointing.
I had my first taste of turbo lag, as this car is slightly modified. Now if you've only experienced the turbo kicking in when you're in a traffic jam and stopping with inches to spare from the car in front.
Apart from that the car was comfortable and powerful.
Short wheelbase translates to fun on gravel traps
This version is better than the old version in just so many ways.
This car felt surprisingly entertaining. "Engineered for fun" wasn't just a marketing tagline I guess.
Parking lot test. Inconclusive, though I'd expect it to be better than the auto version (see above). Might be a hit-or-miss depending on the gearbox quality.
Malaysian 4x4, didn't feel all that great. Perhaps it was due to the fact that this was one of Perodua's earlier vehicles?
Brakes seemed over servo-ed, which made nose dips pretty common. Chassis is comfortable, though not suited for spirited driving. Makes me worried when ahbengs drive like madfucks in this car.
Lack of practise in handling a clutch makes accomodating for high clutch biting point difficult, thought I'll like to revisit this car to experience how a damped flywheel feels like.
Newer engine, while not much powerful than the outgoing one, is less bogged down by a hydraulic power steering. Interior feels solid, and I would buy this if it wasn't so squarish and high.
I expected this to be better, considering the RM11k price premium, but the steering mounted radio controls were so bad that I felt biased against it immediately. For something that you're going to be using all the time (volume controls), you'd expect them to have the decency to make something better. I'd go with the 1.3 and save some money.
Decent acceleration. Interior cluttered.
Absence of power steering means excellent feel at the wheel, but can be tiresome over the long run.
After driving this car, I would force myself to revisit the manual version (see below) which I thought was quite BS; or perhaps driving a manual gives me the expectation of decent performance. Either way this car is good as an A-B car, with decent comfort to boot!
Engine seemed decent, but the gearbox was a total piece of bullshit.
Rattly
Very nice, fuel consumption a little high-ish at RM50 / 200km.
Does not deserve a 'Special Edition' tag. Not much difference from standard Satria
Modified Satria. Fuel guzzler. Rumoured to be unreliable
Tail loose, but this can perhaps be attributed to the time when I didn't know how to drive an FF.
The brilliance of an undamaged gearbox is seen here. Engine slightly underpowered though
A highly polished vehicle. Engine surprisingly strong despite all the abuse.
Decently maintained. Needs a wiper change. Aircon wickedly cold.
Engine unresponsive. Shame
Another badly maintained unit. Shame on it or it might shine
Wolf in sheeps clothing. Tremendous amounts of power. Shame it runs on an autobox
Pedal position terrible, which is not entirely surprising in a small car. Engine rather lethargic.
While I do not have sufficient experience with performance vehicles to make a proper judgment, driving this car was an experience I'll remember. The clutch was heavy and did not suit my hypermiling driving methods (clutch on, zero throttle) and I constantly stalled the engine.
Very similar to the S-Class; though in essence, nowhere as near.
The chassis felt good, and handling was awesome but it definitely needs a better engine as I had to stand on the accelerator before it kept up with anything on the road.
Excellent chassis and engine let down by a laggy gearbox. The large engine bay meant that the car had tremendous modifying capabilities for those with an interest.
Chassis was standard Toyota bread-and-butter, which is pretty okay. Engine lacked the necessary torque to bring it up Genting in a relaxed manner though.
Car was powerful, it would have been a good drive had the braking curve not spike on depressing the brake pedal.
Truth is that I hate the looks of the car, but I would say the chassis was firm without being annoyingly intrusive. VVTi still has a long way to go before it beats a proper VTEC though.
Excellent grip and decent power. Could do without fluffy carpets inside though
Old school car, and driving it was an eye opener. It was embarrassing that I did not know how to open the door when it was time to come out.
Lacks character of continental cars and the manual shifter didn't work as well as it should, better to leave it in 'D'. Heavenly comfortable though.
Despite the initial scepticism, the car is pretty brilliant in a practical manner. Engine note is wondrous when the VVT-i kicks in.
An exaggeration of the Prado. Excellent economy from the diesel engine, which is rather sluggish.
Cramped footwell made heel-and-toe-ing difficult, and the clutch was a total bitch to operate.
In spite of that, I loved every moment I had in this car. Lift off the throttle mid-corner and you'll understand why do you need an MR car, and some driver's training.
Excellent low and midrange power. The gearbox is badly damaged mainly due to the little adventures Yee Wei and myself had in this car. Nonetheless, a very exciting drive, and it was where I build my driving foundations.
Alignment was off due to a hit and run accident which made heavy braking unstable and brought out a bit of fun.
Great daily driver with good economy (~6.5L/100km). Loads of low-end torque from the 1NZ-FE that shames my own Honda City's D15B (see above).
Didn't feel as sweet as the first one, oddly.
Engine was rattly. Vehicle was nice to drive on the overall.
Terrible misalignment to the wheels and the drive was inconclusive. Interior was classy with black leather seats
Chassis felt abit whacked, but the aircon and seats were wonderful. Aircon was cold without being penetrative which felt very much like a cool blanket at the end of a long day, and the seat was body hugging which makes you never want to leave.
Old school beetle which would be more suited to a relaxing drive. Gearbox a havoc to n00bs, while any enthusiastic driving would result in a loose tail.
Image credits: Asyraf Lee
A powerful and torquey small-block engine paired to a small car. Good handling manners, comfort and best of all it hits 220km/h with no problem at all! The sad bit after driving this car is that you realise that these cars, classified as luxury vehicles in Malaysia, are just common everyday cars in Europe. Thank you Malaysian tax structure.
Its really odd that the cheapest VW in Malaysia was my favourite. In spite of the short test-drive and the sparseness of the interior, I truly enjoyed the brief 10-minute drive.
Being the cheapest car, it was quite a surprise that the brilliantly managed (manage is the keyword) DSG that evenly matched the engine revs as you downshifted through the corners.
While this car was in many ways superior to the Golf 1.4 (see above), it didn't live up to my expectations with it being a sports car and all.
Make no misktake, the car felt good, but did not feel special, nor made the drive emotional. I won't pay a large premium for a car that doesn't feels much different than a RM150k Golf.
I would buy this if I want a daily runabout, but not as a sports car.
I have driven 92 cars.
