Nissan Pulsar five-door hatch launched in Thailand

The Nissan Pulsar five-door hatchback has been launched in Thailand. The Pulsar, which we first saw as thenew Nissan Tiida from Auto Shanghai 2011, is essentially a hatchback version of the new Nissan Sylphy. We covered the Thai launch of the new Sylphy last August – click here for full details and pics.

The C-segment hatchback is 320 mm shorter than its sedan sibling, but retains the long 2,700 mm wheelbase for lots of rear legroom. The Pulsar’s wheelbase length is 100 mm longer than the roomy old Latio hatch’s, and this should translate to superior cabin space over European hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

The Pulsar may look sportier than the Sylphy, but there’s no added firepower under the hood, no 1.6L turbofor the Thai market. Like the sedan, it can be had with either an improved HR16DE or the new MRA8DE.

The Twin C-VTC 1.6 litre unit makes 116 PS and 154 Nm of torque, while the 1.8 litre (with Twin C-VTC and a “diamond-like” carbon coating) pushes out 131 PS and 174 Nm of torque from a low 3,600 rpm. No basic manual option as per Sylphy – the Pulsar is CVT-only.

Billed as “the premium sports hatchback” in the Land of Smiles, the Pulsar is priced from 776,000 baht to 976,000 baht for the range topping 1.8V Sunroof Navi. Besides sunroof and sat-nav, the costliest Pulsar also comes with goodies like bi-xenon projector headlamps, 17-inch wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth, keyless entry and reverse camera.

Like what you see? How do you think the Nissan Pulsar will fare if it comes to Malaysia?

SPYSHOTS: BMW M4 Coupe pounding the ‘Ring

More spyshots from the Nurburgring, this time of the upcoming BMW M4. The folks at Munich are very busy with coupes these days, with the 2-Series and 4-Series coupes slated for launch in the near future. By the way, the 2-Series is the coupe version of the 1-Series, and the 4 is the two-door 3-Series.

You’ve already seen the regular BMW 4-Series and the M Sport kitted version on this website, now here’s a peek at the range topping BMW M4. Note that the test mule is not in black, which possibly means that BMW have gone to the next level of testing – more like pre-production cars then prototypes. This can only mean that we’re closer to launch.

Other notable hints include an aggressive front bumper with inverted V-shaped air intakes, quad exhausts, wider wheel arches, a small hump on the hood visible in the profile shot and big brakes. Speaking of brakes, this mule is testing out the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes with gold calipers.

It is expected that the rorty, rev-happy NA V8 of the current car will make way for a turbocharged inline-six. As a big fan of the outgoing E92 BMW M3, I’m a little worried that the new M4 won’t have character to match its undoubted speed. Prove me wrong, please!

The BMW 4-Series is a sleek and handsome coupe, and you can see it in the metal, without an inch of disguise here.

2013 Toyota Vios launched in Thailand – full details

We now have the full details of the 2013 Toyota Vios, which made it’s global debut in Thailand today. The new Toyota Vios will be on exhibit at the 2013 Bangkok Motor Show this week which we are covering live, so we’ll be back with more live photos soon.

For the 2013 model year, the new Toyota Vios comes with a fresh new exterior and interior. The new Vios looks sharper than the model it replaces, and the big gaping upside down V shaped mouth gives it’s an aggressive look. This brings the Vios in line with Toyota’s new design language for it’s sedans – we’ve also seen this look on the US market Avalon and the US market Camry.

On the front, you’ll notice that the Vios now gets projector headlamps instead of reflectors. Projector lenses are said to be better at focusing light, but most people also associate it with looking premium, which is probably the main reason Toyota gave the option for projectors on the Vios. It’s not standard on all models though – you only get the projector headlamps on the 1.5S and 1.5G models.

There’s also minimal air intake openings on the upper half of the face, presumably for aerodynamics. You can see most of the grille area between the headlamps have body coloured paint on it, with only small openings near the headlamps for air to pass thorugh. We are guessing most of the cooling will be done through the lower grille.

On the rear, there’s a big chrome bar running between the two tail lamps. The tail lamps look like they’re lit up with a bulb instead of LED. Reflectors positioned at the very edges of the lower bumper area help the car look wider. There’s a very subtle spoiler integrated into the boot shape – you can see the shape of the boot rise up above the Toyota logo. We also don’t see any key hole for the boot.

The Toyota Vios goes on sale in Thailand with a few variants. The lower end E and J models get both 5-speed manual and 4-speed auto transmissions, while the higher end G and S models are only available with a 4-speed auto.

The interior now reverts to a layout which positions the meter panel behind the steering wheel, abandoning the centre dash mounted meter panel design of the last two generations. There are two interior colours available – a black version and a beige version, which various different trim levels ranging from piano black trim to a metal lookalike trim as well as flat black trim.

On the surface, the 4-speed auto looks to be the same as the outgoing Vios down to the gear ratios. We’ll only be able to confirm if there are any changes if we get to speak to a Toyota engineer eventually when the car is launched in Malaysia.

The engine is the same 1.5 litre 1NZ-FE as well, with a 10.5:1 compression ratio producing 109 PS at 6,000rpm and 141Nm of torque at 4,200rpm. As with the outgoing Vios, the new Toyota Vios uses an EPS power steering system to save on fuel consumption. As for the car’s platform, wheelbase is unchanged at 2,550mm, the same as the outgoing Vios. The suspension system are MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam with stabilizer at the rear.

The new Vios is 4,410mm long, 1,700mm wide (including wing mirrors) and 1,475mm tall. The S variant does get larger tyres now – 195/50R16 compared to the status quo 185/60R15 size of the rest of the new Vios range. It has a 45 litre fuel tank and 145mm ground clearance. It remains a pretty light car – topping the cales at 1,075kg for the 1.5S Auto model, with the lightest model being 1,020kg for the 1.5J Manual.

In terms of safety features, the 2013 Toyota Vios comes standard with 2 airbags for the front driver and passenger. There is no option for 4 or 6 airbags. ABS is standard on all variants except the 1.5J Auto and 1.5J Manual models. There is no option for ESP Stability Control, an important feature that more and more of its competitors are beginning to have.

Check out our comprehensive photo gallery for multiple studio images of the new Toyota Vios, including tables explaining the differences in specs. Some of them are in Thai language though so we apologize for that. You can also check out our live photo gallery of the 2013 Toyota Vios from the show floor at Bangkok Motor Show 2013.

2013 Toyota Vios Thailand Market Prices:

• Toyota Vios 1.5S Auto – 734,000 Thai baht (RM77,625)
• Toyota Vios 1.5G Auto – 699,000 Thai baht (RM74,028)
• Toyota Vios 1.5E Auto – 649,000 Thai baht (RM68,733)
• Toyota Vios 1.5E Manual – 614,000 Thai baht (RM64,933))
• Toyota Vios 1.5J Auto – 589,000 Thai baht (RM62,289)
• Toyota Vios 1.5J Manual – 559,000 Thai baht (RM59,117)

Malaysian Ringgit prices exchange rate converted on date published.

F32 BMW 4-Series Coupe – full details & gallery

The new F32 BMW 4-Series Coupe has been officially revealed by BMW, and when it hits the showroom floors it will replace the E92 3-Series Coupe. Like it’s four door sibling, it will come with various engines from a 420d all the way up to a 435i, and it will be joined later by a Convertible bodytype to replace the E93 as well as a new Gran Coupe variant.

The new 4-er Coupe has a wider track, a lower ride height and a longer wheelbase than the E92 Coupe that it replaces. The car’s widest point is the rear wheel arch, which helps with appearing athletic. The centre of gravity is said to be below 500mm, which is claimed to be the lowest centre of gravity of any BMW model currently on sale. It’s also on average lighter – up to 45kg lighter depending on the engine and equipment specified.

One new design element that we’ve already seen on previously unveiled cars such as the 3-Series GT are the air breathers positioned on the fenders behind the front wheels. These are functional items which help reduce drag in that area. No halogen reflectors here – xenon headlamps are standard, but you can also upgrade to full-LED headlamps.

As per the 3-Series Sedan, there are three ‘Lines’ (Sport, Luxury and Modern) as well as an M Sport package to choose from, giving the 4-Series Coupe four distinct exterior and interior looks. The M Sport package comes with the M Sport suspension, which can also be ordered separately. The M Sport suspension offers a firmer spring/damper setup and anti-roll bars. Of course the top of the line choice would be the lowered adaptive suspension option which allows switching between comfort or sport biased modes.

The interior is an evolution of the 3-Series Sedan’s, with most of the differences being on the door cards. Just like the E92 before it, there are automatic belt feeders to you don’t have to kill your back trying to reach for your seat belts. The iDrive controller is now upgraded to the latest Touch Controller, allowing touch and handwriting input.

The top of the line until the new M4 is out is of course the 306hp/400Nm 435i Coupe, which is joined at launch time by a 245hp/350Nm 428i and a 184hp/380Nm 420d as well. The numbers for these engine options are pretty much the same as the car’s sedan counterpart, and these options will be joined by other options such as a 313hp/630Nm 435d, 258hp/560Nm 430d and 184hp/270Nm 420i sometime in the future. Gearbox options are either 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. The 428i and 435i can also be had with xDrive all wheel drive as an option.

Top 10 Best Base Models

An ode to the base model.

Black door handles and a seat that can't move up and down/
paying monthly for not a lot has me feeling like a clown.

Just because you might not be able to afford more than the very least in a car doesn't mean you have to sing the base-model blues. Automakers are adding more features to their lowliest trim levels to entice shoppers even if some are stuck in the stone ages before the USB port became a necessity.

Here are 10 models that we consider to be solid picks, even in their base-model version.

2013 Chevrolet Spark LS
Base price (MSRP + destination): $12,995
Standout Standard Features: 10 airbags, four-speaker stereo, power windows, 15-inch aluminum wheels, body-color mirrors, air conditioning

One of the least expensive new cars comes surprisingly well-equipped. Chevy's new Spark is small, inexpensive and bare in most respects such as upholstery quality; it certainly won't wow a first date. But you get essentials like air conditioning and power windows, which hasn't always been the case for bargain-basement models. Ten airbags are another standard feature that should help some buyers get over the small size of the Spark.

2013 Scion xB
Base price: $17,555
Standout Standard Features: two years of free service, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, six-speaker stereo with USB port

Need some cargo space but don't want to pay for a pricey crossover? Scion's xB remains one of the best cargo-for-the-dollar deals despite some misleading specs. Rated at 11.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, the xB falls behind the Kia Soul at 23.7 cubic feet with a wider floor. Scion only provides unofficial numbers for the amount of space with the second row folded, reporting 69.9 cubic feet, which trumps the Kia's 53.4 cubic feet number handily. The base version of the Scion hauler comes with standard USB integration and a six-speaker stereo. Cruise control is also included, helpful on those long cargo-hauling trips. That makes the xB a good pick for college students.

2013 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Base price: $18,995
Standout Standard Features: rearview camera, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, USB, Pandora compatibility

The 2013 version of the Civic received a number of upgrades that we've talked about (at length) with the addition of an LX model to Cars.com's long-term fleet. The inclusion of a rearview camera and Pandora compatibility make it stand out from a crowd of once-sparse compact sedans that are now getting a surprising amount of content. Even the automatic transmission isn't a huge hit to the wallet at an additional $800. Standard body-color mirrors and door handles also add a touch of class, even if the wheel covers are turnoffs.

2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sedan
Base price: $18,655
Standout Standard Features: all-wheel drive, four-speaker stereo with USB, Bluetooth phone and audio, body-color door handles, tilt-telescoping steering wheel with audio and hands-free controls, trip computer

The standard feature list could be a mile long but the one that seals the deal for the Impreza's inclusion on this list is the all-wheel drive: In sedan form the Impreza is the most affordable new car to feature it. There are also a few niceties like Bluetooth and USB integration to help offset the old-school looks of black side mirrors.

2013 Mazda Mazda5 Sport
Base price: $20,735
Standout Standard Features: auto-off headlights, body-color door handles, cruise control, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, six-speaker stereo with USB, satellite radio

Like the Impreza, the Mazda5 lands on the list more for what it is than what it has. It is the most affordable six-seat vehicle on the market. Dodge's Journey comes close but a third row of seats is an option. For a base Journey with seven seats, you'd be paying a base price of $21,240, and spending more in gas. The Mazda5 with either manual or automatic transmission is rated at 24 mpg combined, the Journey, 21 mpg. The Mazda5 isn't without other winning attributes, including a six-speaker stereo, cruise control and automatic headlights.

2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS
Base price: $21,990
Standout Standard Features: cruise control; Bluetooth; USB; tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls; heated mirrors

The Sonata recently finished fifth out of six in our $26,000 Midsize Sedan Challenge, so how come it's included here? Our experts scored the Sonata significantly higher than the similarly priced and equipped Nissan Altima. It may be a few dollars more, but that's why it's the base sedan of choice with standard automatic transmission and heated side mirrors.

2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1 LS
Base price: $24,245
Standout Standard Features: six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, spoiler, 18-inch heritage steel wheels, body-color mirrors and door handles, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, steering-wheel audio controls, cruise control

You could be a Ford Mustang fan through and through, but there's no denying the base Camaro is an attractive package. Yes, it has body-color door handles and mirrors, a spoiler, cruise control, Bluetooth and a few other features that are impressive but it's those black heritage steel wheels that steal our hearts. When you see a base Camaro roll down the street, it still looks cool, and knowing you didn't have to pay extra for the retro-look is hard to beat.

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Base price: $27,995
Standout Standard Features: dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rear air conditioning vents, MyKey, six-speaker stereo with Sync, USB, Bluetooth, 10-way power driver's seat, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels

Ford's "base" Fusion Hybrid is actually a well-equipped SE trim level, but it's the least-expensive version available and it trumps the lower-priced Sonata Hybrid on mileage and standard features. Items like Ford's Sync system, puddle lamps in the mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels and dual-zone climate control make this a car you won't want/need to add on to.

2013 Toyota Avalon
Base price: $31,785
Standout Standard Features: dual-zone climate control, 6.1-inch touch-screen, eight-speaker sound system, USB, Bluetooth, cruise control, heated front seats, eight-way power driver's seat, four-way power passenger's seat, push-button start, keyless entry, auto up-down on all windows

The large sedan segment is getting more competitive and more expensive. Enter the redesigned Avalon. Its price is close to the competition, but it delivers luxury-like features like dual-zone climate control and a 6.1-inch touch-screen along with push-button start and keyless entry. You'll seem overly sensible even in a car that might be bigger than you need.

2013 Volvo S60 T5
Base price: $32,795
Standout Standard Features: rain-sensing windshield wipers, 7-inch information screen, Bluetooth, USB, satellite radio, heated mirrors, headlight washers

As we move up the price spectrum, "standard features" might seem like an afterthought for more well-heeled buyers. But in the luxury realm some things you'd expect to be included can cost extra. That's why we continue to be impressed with Volvo's S60, which came in second in our recent$46,000 Sport Sedan Challenge. At a price well south of the competition, the S60 loads up on features and its standard spill-resistant cloth upholstery is a clumsy person's — or a family's — best friend.

18/6/2013

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