The all-new Honda City unveiled

The all-new Honda City unveiled

Posted by: Andy Mervin George

Honda Malaysia today unveiled the third-generation Honda City compact sedan in Kuala Lumpur.

The all-new City comes with numerous firsts in its class, combining style, performance and practicality, but more on that as you read on.

Not just the regular City car for the ladies here

There are two variants available, these being tagged Grade E and Grade S. The Grade E comes with additional paddle shifters, rear reclining seats with an underseat tray and 16-inch sport alloy wheels.

Exterior style-wise, the City adopts what Honda calls an ‘Arrowshot Form’ design outlook from end-to-end. Strikingly, the front end resembles a transformable robot from an animated movie, whilst the tail lamps look very much like those found on the BMW 3-Series.

The i-DSI block is history, so the new City goes about its business with a single powerplant choice, this being a newly-developed four-cylinder 1.5l i-VTEC engine which pushes out 120bhp at 6,000rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Compliant with Euro 4 level emission standards, the City is deemed the most powerful compact sedan in the market to date.

The advanced i-VTEC engine is now mated with a five-speed automatic transmission with Shift Hold Control and is the first in its class. Gone too is the CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) gearbox, an omission brought about by the rougher style of driving encountered here, according to surveys carried out by Honda Japan’s R&D division.

Compensating for the absence of a manual transmission gearbox (a five-speed manual is available in both Thailand and Singapore) are the paddle shifters in the Grade E, which provides the driver with a sportier means of changing gears.

Functional minus the clutter, and it brings out a gutsy feeling in you

The steering wheel is now of the tilt and telescopic type, and the footrest is now wider as the accelerator and brake pedals have been shifted more to the right. The car comes with EPS (Electric Power Steering), and safety comes in the form of dual SRS airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Stopping power is reinforced with ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), while BA (Brake Assist) amplifies the driver’s foot force with minimal pedal input.

Entertainment for the occupants inside the City is provided by an advanced audio system that is compatible with MP3 players, iPod, USB memory or a mobile hard disk drive. In the Grade E variant, you get a six-speaker system with steering wheel audio controls, while the Grade S makes do with a four-speaker arrangement.

The all-new City does not compromise in rear passenger convenience with a fold-down armrest that also houses integrated cup holders.

Another first in its class, the City’s rear trunk is able to contain a whopping 506l of cargo, which is equivalent to being able to store four nine-inch-wide golf bags.

As mentioned, the Grade E’s rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split configuration for extended luggage carrying capacity, and is fitted with an underseat tray to stow away wet umbrellas or footwear.

There are a total of five colours to choose from – Alabaster Silver Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, and new colours Crystal Black Pearl and Deep Lapis Blue Metallic. Unfortunately, a striking signature colour called Habanero Red Pearl, as well as a very pretty Tafetta White, is not available.

The Honda City is manufactured in Malaysia, with 30% of the parts sourced locally, including the seats and instrument panel, while the rest are from Japan.

Get into the City and it makes you happy

According to Atsushi Fujimoto, managing director of Honda Malaysia, the previous City was still doing quite well into the end of its run, having registered a total sales volume of 8,000 units from Jan to Nov this year. With the arrival of the new one, Honda Malaysia is targeting to sell about 1,500 units of the new City on a monthly basis, and pre-launch bookings have been brisk, with more than 1,500 orders to date - as of launch time, the waiting period is a month, though that is surely to change if more orders come about.

The City rolls in at RM84,980 for the Grade S and RM89,980 for the Grade E (both on the road, with insurance) and comes with a three-year warranty or 100,000km and six months free service or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

A Modulo accessories package is available to spruce up the City’s exterior, and this consists of front, side, rear and trunk spoilers, all for an additional RM4,750.


SOURCE: THE STAR ONLINE

Time out for timing belt

Time out for timing belt

THE timing belt is one essential car part that has to be replaced regularly and motorists are advised to strictly conform to the recommendations listed in the owners manual, according to Germany’s automobile association ADAC.

Most car makers list a certain amount of kilometres or the age of the vehicle when the timing belt needs replacing.

Normally, the timing belt has reached the end of its tether after the car has clocked between 100,000km and 120,000km.

But Maximilian Maurer, an ADAC expert, points out that even if an older car has low mileage, the timing belt could need replacing.

"A timing belt is made of rubber and rubber simply has a limited life span," Maurer points out, warning that it can even be dangerous to neglect a replacement.

"The timing belt can tear suddenly causing the engine to stop working immediately. That could lead to really tricky situations or even an accident," he says.

Not only that. If a timing belt breaks, it normally means that the engine needs a complete replacement. The belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft of a combustion engine which, in turn, regulates the opening and closing of the valves.

If the system suddenly stops working, a piston can slam into an opened valve, causing much damage.



SOURCE: http://www.thesundaily.com

VOLKSWAGEN'S

Volkswagen’s Tiguan arrives

Posted by: Andy Mervin George

Volkswagen Group Malaysia has launched the Tiguan 2.0 TSI compact SUV.

MD of VGM, Mr. Andreas Prinz is proud of the new Tiguan

After capturing the lead in the German SUV market, the Tiguan is making its debut inMalaysia with its full-spec Track & Field variant, one of the three variants available worldwide.

 

The Tiguan name comes from combining a mixture of two animal names - tiger, which reflects quickness, power and elegance, and leguan (or iguana), which indicates a capability of surviving in harsh habitats.

 

The Track & Field Tiguan comes equipped with a new four-cylinder 2.0l turbocharged direct injection petrol engine. Effectively, this is known as the 147TSI version in some markets, and the block kicks up a wholesome 200bhp at 5,000rpm and maximum torque of 280Nm on the initial 1,700rpm, so the compact SUV has a lot of muscles to flex, be it for city or off-road driving.  

Vibrant ambience, good for crusing or offroading

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic, and drives on a 4MOTION full-time four-wheel drive system.   

 

Among the equipment spec levels on the Tiguana are off-road mode, electronic stabilisation program (ESP), ABS with Brake Assist system, six airbags, an electronic differential lock (EDL) and traction control system (TCS), as well as 17-inch Boston alloy wheels wrapped with Michelin rubbers.

 

Also offered on the Tiguan is Park Assist, which as the name suggests, helps to park the car using its onboard Park Pilot function for parallel parking spots, hands-free. The driver just needs to work on the pedals to move and stop the vehicle. This feature comes as standard fitment.

It's a crossover, apparently

To keep passengers entertained, there’s an integrated 6-disc changer with touch-screen feature and a total of eight front and rear loudspeakers. Unfortunately, there is no GPS on the Tiguan for now.

 

Fully imported from Germany, the Tiguan is available in seven metallic colours and two solid colours. To match these colours, the Tiguan’s Vienna leather upholstery comes in two colour options – Brown or Titanium Black. The vehicle is priced at RM251,121 (on-the-road, without insurance).

For more pictures of the Tiguan, check out our Gallery.

SOURCE:   http://star-motoring.com/

GEN 2

Better driving with Gen 2
by Y.S. Khong

THE Cam Profiling System, or CPS, is the latest development by Proton and the 1.6-litre Gen 2 CPS is the first of the Protons to get this improved engine.

The CPS engine produces 125PS at 6,500rpm, and 150Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, compared to the previous generation engine which only had 110PS at 6,000rpm, and 148Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Note that the power figures for the CPS are developed at a higher-engine revolution than the previous engine – this is simply because the CPS allows the engine to breathe better, and thus make better power.

The basis of the CPS is that it allows cam timing to be varied, much like a variable valve timing system.

The older engine was tuned for power but what it gained on the straights, it lost on the roundabouts. It necessitated a ‘sporty’ cam profile to give the 110 horses, which also meant the low-end torque had to be sacrificed – the result was an engine that was ‘racy’ and happy at higher revolutions, but gutless at the mid and lower ranges.

Now with the CPS, the same engine is able to provide better low and mid end torque, while not running out of breath at the higher end.

The Gen 2 CPS also comes with some interior improvements that give it more value for money. The seat design has been changed, together with the colour scheme.

The test car we got was the H-Line, with two-tone seats that have contours on the sides to give it a more ‘bucket’ effect, and a new dashboard design that does not have the little clock in the centre of the dash, and there is a glove box now.

The rear hatch opening mechanism is better now, thanks to the addition of a stronger air/hydraulic cylinder that helps to raise the boot-lid.

Wheel design also has been changed to a fresh design. Some minor changes have also been made to the front grille and bumper.

On the road, the Gen 2 CPS drives better, with the mid-range power drop not evident any more, while the engine seems happier at higher revolutions.

The suspension remains an all-wheel independent set-up, something that is getting harder to find in cars of this price range and size, nowadays.

While I won’t write off cars with beam axles at the rear, an independent rear actually represents better value for money as it costs more to produce.

Fuel economy appears to have improved about 10%, with the on-board information system telling 

me that my overall fuel consumption was 7.2 litres per 100km, whereas with the previous engine’s consumption figure (as indicated by the same onboard system), it was anything between 8.5 to 10.5 litres per 100km.

As with the new-generation Protons, the handling of the Gen 2 is remarkably good, a happy result of the Proton-Lotus relationship. Driving the Gen 2 CPS is a more pleasurable experience now.

With the advent of time, the overall build quality has seen some progress, and the car is put together quite well.

Prices range from RM53k to RM60k, and that said, the Gen 2 CPS makes a good-value proposition.

SOURCE:  THE SUN ONLINE

Chevrolet Volt

Production version of Chevy Volt unveiled

Posted by: Anthony Lim

General Motors has unveiled the much-anticipated production version of its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. The design of the Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

Volt's up, you say?

Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle however endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more.

Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features expected in a four-passenger sedan, with a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a touch-sensitive infotainment center with integrated shifter will distinguish the Volt's interior from other vehicles in the market.

The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) uses electricity to move the wheels (which feature specially developed low rolling-resistance tires sitting on 17-inch forged aluminium alloys) at all times and speeds.

Spiffy interior should win friends.

For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16kWh, lithium-ion battery; more than 220 lithium-ion cells are contained within the Volt's battery pack. The electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150bhp of power and 370Nm of instant torque, and a top speed of 160kph.

When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle's battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.

Volt a lot of promise, for sure.

The Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle's intelligent charging technology enables the Volt's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted.

The Volt is expected to be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States.

SOURCE: http://star-motoring.com

D.I.Y LAPTOP REPAIR

DIY Laptop Repair: More Costly in the End

Author: Anthony Williams Sr.




We all cringe when our computers start showing noticeable glitches; software programs that don't run right or a screen that starts to fade in and out. You want these issues fixed fast and for as cheap as possible. The simplest solution seems to be on the 'net: diagnose, repair and restart your laptop yourself.

For many of these problems handy solutions can be found online with step-by-step manuals written in plain English and with photographic guides that can be easily followed. However, for hardware problems and especially for Dell laptops in particular, these tutorials can get you into a whole mess of trouble if you are not experienced with laptop repair.

It is very easy to destroy your Dell laptop computer while attempting a little DIY.

Software

If the source of your Dell laptop issues appears to be entirely software based then you can realistically diagnose and fix the issue with help from forums and Internet guides.

If the worst happens you can always restore your computer to factory settings and start from scratch (this is why you should always backup your data religiously!).

Dell laptops come with a great little step-by-step procedure for restoring the operating system or the entire computer in case of major problems. Of course if your computer has been infected with a particularly nasty virus then you still may need the help of a professional to revive it.

Hardware

If all you want to do with your laptop is upgrade your memory then this too can be accomplished through a little DIY. However, there are specific steps involved and you must be able to complete these steps exactly as written to ensure your computer will still fire up afterwards.

One of the major issues when replacing memory or any computer part is static electricity. One little zap and the components are destroyed. That is why professionals use devices to remove static from their work area so this kind of accident isn't possible. For the home user you will have to make sure you keep the new memory board in its packaging until the very last moment. You will also have to ground yourself so that you can't transfer a shock to the inside of your computer. Handling these parts also takes precision work to ensure they don't become damaged on install.

For All Other Issues and Repairs

While many people on the Internet make laptop home repair appear easy, the reality is that it isn't. One of the main issues regarding laptop repair is that you have crack open the casing on your laptop to get to any faulty parts.

Just opening the case is a difficult thing. For Dell laptops you have pry out the rubber pads underneath in order to expose the screws that hold your computer together. This sounds easy but the fact that most people give up home repair in this stage should give you an indication of the difficulty. Also some manufacturers apply glue to these screws to keep them from loosening.

If you manage to remove the screws then you are faced with unsnapping the plastic bezel from the body without breaking it. Once inside you need to be able to diagnose the issue and replace any defective parts, all without accidentally damaging or frying any of the fragile components.

Most people try DIY laptop repair to save money. However, if done improperly you could be looking at not just a repair bill but also a whole new computer. In the long run it works out cheaper to let the experts handle your Dell laptop repair.


SOURCE: http://www.articlesbase.com

HYUNDAI EPSILON

When small is beautiful
by Angela Sargunan

HYUNDAI Motor Company launched its all-new i10 five-door hatchback recently. This feature-packed runabout answers the needs of motorists in combining safety and functionality with emphasis on minimal operating costs.

It runs on the enhanced Epsilon 1.1-litre engine which gives more power through improved air intake and exhaust system, delivering excellent handling with a maximum torque of 99.1Nm/2,800rpm.

The vehicle also passes today’s stringent safety regulation with a reinforced body structure incorporating high-tensil steel against frontal crash and side impact.

It has a high mounted stop lamp integrated into the rear roof spoiler for enhanced visibility, ABS, dual air bags and a battery saver.

The i10 comes with front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes, actuated by a master servo unit which ensures safe and immediate stops.

Front suspension is MacPherson strut with coil spring while back is coupled torsion beam axle with coil spring.

Wide tracts and a long wheelbase further contribute to the high speed and cornering stability of the i10, which runs on 14in alloy wheels.

A functional and attractive dashboard with logically-located controls makes driving a real pleasure. Even the transmission shift lever is located next to the dashboard for unbeatable convenience.

There’s a choice of manual or automatic transmission. The five-speed manual is ergonomically placed and precise to operate while the smooth and thrifty advanced four-speed automatic transmission adds big-car city convenience to the i10.

Both are located in the lower centre fascia and have a short stroke gearshift lever for easier and cosier driving.

Its unprecedented spacious interior can match that of cars in the larger engine capacity class. Figure-hugging seats offer a comfortable experience for the whole family while foldable rear seats enable the extension of luggage space in a jiffy.

“We are excited about our latest model and addition to our wide range of quality vehicles,” said Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors chief operating officer Dennis Ho at the launch.

“The i10 raises the benchmark for minis the world over in general and Malaysia in particular.”

The i10 is priced at RM48,999.80 (on the road) for the four-speed automatic and is available for bookings now.

SOURCE: http://www.sun2surf.com

ALL JAZZ-ED UP

All Jazz-ed up


THE premium All-New Jazz was unveiled recently in an exclusive ‘fashionable’ presentation on a specially-made ‘car-size’ runway.

Models paraded in clothes created by Malaysia’s top fashion designers and stylists Melinda Looi, Jonathan Cheng, Khoon Hooi and Cris Yong that were inspired by the car’s features and image.

But the star of the show was, without doubt, the All-New Jazz.

First introduced in 2001, the first-generation Jazz appealed to consumers as an unconventional car that exceeds their expectations of a compact car in terms of stylish design, reliability, practicality, fuel efficiency and drivability.

The global Honda model made an impressive cumulative sale of 2.3 million units worldwide with Japan, and the Asia and Oceania region accounting for half of its sales.

It also opened a new five-door hatchback segment in the region’s automotive markets, and bagged numerous awards from acclaimed research houses and automotive media in Europe, South Africa, Japan and Southeast Asia.

"The second-generation Jazz presents one of the toughest challenges in the development of a car of its kind as its predecessor had set such a high benchmark in the compact five-door hatchback segment," said Atsushi Fujimoto, Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer at the unconventional launch of the All-New Jazz.

He described the All-New Jazz development as an ‘evolution’ that took the award-winning elements of the first generation and improved on them within the limits of price and size.

"This is much more challenging than changing a car’s total design; it pushes us to innovate further so that our customers get even more value out of the similarly compact All-New Jazz," he said.

Also at the launch event was Kohei Hitomi, chief engineer from Honda R&D in Japan, whose team took on the task of developing the second-generation Jazz.

He explained that the development concept was focused on three areas: to develop a model that can be placed in the centre of the compact car category; to offer strong product competitiveness; and to deliver new values to customers.

The result is a premium compact five-door hatchback with further improvements from the first-generation Jazz, which includes its design, utility, drivability and fuel consumption.

Fujimoto added that the All-New Jazz will continue to appeal to determined young singles, both males and females, and discerning families who seek to be unconventional yet enjoy a car that is highly practical and reliable.

Key highlights of the second-generation Jazz are its dynamic exterior styling, best-in-class spaciousness and comfort, class-leading performance and drivability with good fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features.

Externally, the advanced super-forward form enhances the aerodynamic and energetic appearance of the car.

Internally, the cabin features an ingenious layout that increases spaciousness equivalent to an average medium-sized sedan, providing passengers a natural feeling of comfort.

It also makes way for an extended and larger wind shield which provides better visibility for the driver.

Another noteworthy achievement is its enhanced utility. It provides a variety of seating and trunk utilities that maximise seating flexibility and cargo space.

This includes extension of space and usage via the enhanced Ultra Seat, which operates in the Utility, Long and Tall modes.

These three modes enable car owners to load objects of different sizes into the car, enhancing the practicality of the car for today’s car owners and drivers.

The Jazz is powered by Honda’s newly-enhanced 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, which combines with the five-speed automatic transmission (5AT) to offer excellent drivability, performance and fuel efficiency.

It comes in the 1.5-litre i-VTEC Grade S and Grade V variants, both of which command a power output of 120PS, which is the most powerful in its class.

While the Grade S offers all the essential features of the All-New Jazz, the Grade V variant offers additional features such as paddle shift, and exclusive fittings that gives the car a sportier look.

In terms of environmental friendliness, all variants have been designed to meet the Euro 4 emission level.

The safety performance of the All-New Jazz comes with the revolutionary G-CON technology with a body structure designed to spread out and disperse collision impact so as to limit cabin intrusion to effectively minimise driver and passengers as well as pedestrian injuries.

It is also fitted with dual SRS airbags and ABS system.

In Malaysia, the All-New Jazz is available in four colours: cerulean blue metallic; alabaster silver metallic; taffeta white; and crystal black pearl (available from November onwards).

To reward the first 300 customers of the All-New Jazz, Honda Malaysia has also commissioned the three designers to come out with the designs for 300 pieces of exclusive polo T-shirts, with each piece having its own unique design.

The All-New Jazz model 1.5S is priced at RM104,800 while the 1.5V goes for RM109,800, inclusive of insurance.

SOURCE: http://www.sun2surf.com

PAY PER CLICK

What Are Pay Per Click Reports?

by: Derek Rogers

A pay per click report will inform you of how many visitors you have had to your website, what keyword they used to get there, and some monitor how long they were there. These reports can be daily, weekly, or monthly. There are free pay per click services however they do not give you all the information that you can get from a paid service.


Companies mainly use a monthly report on the traffic to their websites. In order to utilize the pay per click service to it’s utmost ability, they must report data from web marketing as well as other crucial information. This will allow the user to examine their marketing strategies to decide if they are working.

Some pay per click companies put a tracking code in your website to monitor sales. How many customers have signed in and what they are interested in is also tracked. Most will prepare a report that is easy to understand. It will contain information about the sales generated by the people using pay per click, visitor breakdown, and anything else they think is of particular interest to the website owner.


The benefits of using pay per click are invaluable to companies that want to use their website to generate more income for the company. With so many people having access to the internet, it is the number one way that customers seek and find the company that they want to use for their needs. These reports will allow you to see how well your company is doing by how many internet visitors you have each day.


One of the benefits of using a pay per click report is the tracking of keyword use. When advertising your business, keywords are used to direct traffic to your website. When you use pay per click the reports you get will show which keywords worked the best and which ones you need to replace. A good keyword will have more hits on it and the keywords with the least hits means you need to find another. By doing this you will know the difference.


The reports can show you how to optimise your initial web site page to get more visitors. There are certain items that people look for when going to a web page. With the reports from pay per click, the ones that work the best will be suggested so you can get the most from your website.


Pay per click reports can help you to know for sure how many people have logged into your website. It is the best way to be aware of just how well your advertising is doing. You could advertise in the newspaper, on a billboard, or by direct mail but how are you going to know the number of people who have seen your advertisement? Plain and simply, you are not.


By using pay per click you will know the exact number of visits to your website. This report will become an important tool to help you make the most of your web page and give you the knowledge you need to optimise the site you use for generating income.


SOURCE: http://www.articlecity.com

BMW X6

Thursday, August 21, 2008

BMW Malaysia launches the X6

Posted by: Anthony Lim

BMW Malaysia launched its X6 Sports Activity Coupé earlier today. For the moment, only a single variant form – the xDrive35i – is available, though other models in the range are to follow next year.

X marks the new spot.

The X6 xDrive35i is powered by the N54B30 3.0l six-cylinder twin turbo engine which made its debut in the 335i Coupé, and this one offers 306bhp and 400Nm, as well as a 0-100kmh time of 6.7secs and a top speed of 240kmh for numbers. The block drives a six-speed automatic transmission, with gearshifts via the electronic gear selector lever or via steering wheel paddle shifters.

The four-seater’s exterior sports a striking front end, with large air intakes, a stretched side-line and high waistline, and though the rear end initially takes some getting used to, the overall lines don’t run too far from the X scheme of things.

Likewise the interior, which will be familiar territory to anoraks of the marque, and one of the highlights of the cabin is the highly adjustable luggage compartment on what the company calls a four-door coupe; load carrying volumetric space starts at 570l and goes up to 1,450l with everything at the back folded down.

Familiar, for sure.

The Spartanburg-assembled vehicle comes equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive, Dynamic Stability Control, Active Steering and Dynamic Performance Control. The last is essentially a mechatronic system serving to distribute drive forces infinitely to the rear wheels regardless of engine output. To obtain this, the final drive is combined with two superimposed gearsets and two electronically controlled multiple-plate brakes serving to infinitely vary the otherwise symmetrical distribution of drive forces when driving in a straight line.

As such, variable distribution of drive power is ensured not just between the front and rear axle via xDrive, but also by means of Dynamic Performance Control between the two rear wheels; effectively, the system is able to actively distribute drive forces even in the overrun mode and with the clutch disengaged.

The DSC system in the X6, tagged DCS III, offers a host of TLA functions as part and parcel of its inventory; these include ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Trailer Stability Control (TSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) automatically maximising brake pressure when required in the interest of minimum stopping distances, Automatic Differential Brake (ADB), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and finally standard cruise control with its own brake application function.

But the rear will offer a fresh take on things ...

Passive safety equipment includes three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, and crash-activated headrests at the front. Other safety measures include bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime light function, fog lamps, two-stage brake lights, and runflat tyres.

Standard equipment include iDrive with personalised favourite buttons, a MP3-capable CD-player with an AUX-in socket, multi-channel hi-fi audio system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, back-up camera, navigation system, Head-up Display (HUD), Adaptive Headlights, Bluetooth, Comfort access, electric glass roof, automatic tailgate operation, and sports seats and sports steering wheel.

Finally, the price. The X6 xDrive35i is priced at RM698,800, on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair.

SOURCE: http://star-motoring.com

BMW 650i

BMW 650i Pros And Cons

Autor: admin

The BMW 6 series was relaunched in 2004 with the BMW 645i. This car was a two door, four passenger luxury sports car. This car is ideal for a sports car enthusiast who would prefer a larger, more practical car compared to the 650's 2 passenger, lighter peers. In 2006, BMW upgraded the 645i to a 650i by increasing the engine a little. When including options and taxes, the 650i tends to run at about $80,000, so it's not exactly cheap. Here are the pros and cons of the car:

Pros

Amazing handling: The car is amazing to drive. When you drive the car, you feel as if you have total control over the vehicle. A car such as the Mercedes CLS (also priced near $80k) just cannot match this car's handling. The BMW 650i definitely has the handling one would expect from a German-made luxury sports car.

Gadgets: The BMW 650i comes with BMW's Idrive, an all-encompassing electronic system. The Idrive controls the navigation system, music, air conditioning, as well as communication system. The Idrive also has voice command, making it easy to use when driving. Some believe the Idrive is a bit difficult to operate. That's hogwash. Within two weeks of owning the car, anyone competent enough to use a computer or a DVD should be able to operate the Idrive flawlessly. The Idrive is the gadget-lover's ultimate car toy.

Interior: The interior of the 650i is beautiful. It has modern, classy feel to it. Your taller passengers will certainly appreciate being seated in the front though, as the back is not exactly spacious.

Acceleration: With a V8 and 360 hp, the car isn't exactly going to be outrun by a Civic. The acceleration and amazing breaks can also help you get out of accidents that other cars wouldn't be able to avoid.

Cons

Reliability: Expect to make stops at the service center every now and then. While it is a wonderful car, it is prone to electronic and tire issues.

Price: At about $80,000, it's not exactly in the everyman's budget. But if you are willing to spend this much money on a car, the 650i is definitely a good one to check out.

ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.articlecircle.com

D.I.Y WEBSITE PROMOTION TRICKS

The Do-it-Yourself Website Promotion Tricks


Autor: mahoney01



Website promotion suggests that submitting your site to directories first is more important than submitting to search engines. These two are different in such a way that sites submitted to directories are only approved if it has high quality and useful content, whereas search engines just simply accept submissions of sites or pages.


In submitting a website to the directory, make sure that you read and follow the directory’s rules and instructions. Keep in mind that the editors will be very discerning of your web content.Submitting to search engines definitely helps in website promotion but this takes quite a while, usually around 3-6 months.


There are things to consider when submitting to search engines, you must prepare your website. Also, you will need to learn SEO or search engine optimization. You may do this by optimizing your website by improving the elements of web design like loading time, browser compatibility, etc. Another is keyword optimization wherein you make use of appropriate keywords; these would greatly help in your website.


Other website promotion techniques are:


• Link popularity - wherein you let people link your site to theirs. In this way, you can generate more new visitors and at the same time improve your ranking in search engines.


• Write articles – that are useful to your website and let other people publish these like in article directories. You may also opt for email newsletters that include a link to your website. In this way, your subscribers are informed and updated on what’s going on in your website promotion.


• Post to a forum or discussion boards. Forums are greatly increasing their popularity and this is a good way to spread the word about your website promotion.


• In line with posting a forum, you may also want to use a signature file, a text that is appended at the end of your every post.


• Improve website promotion through banner ads displayed in other websites related to your content. But be sure that your ad is well-designed.



• Write a press release – this can definitely help in website promotion. You have to write an article about your website and submit it to different publications and you’ll get new visitors in no time at all!Now you know what to do, know what you have to avoid as well. One of the common mistakes made is relying on free web hosting service.


It’s harder for search engines to detect your website if it is hosted on a free host. If you mean serious business and eyeing it as long-term, then paid web hosting is the way to go. There are some companies that promise to submit your website to thousands of search engines at a very low price, do not be fooled.

Majority of these directories and engines have very minimal traffic. Website promotion can be tricky but with good research, you and your business will succeed before you know it.


Source: Free Articles

MAKE MONEY WITH GOOGLE ADSENSE

Make Money With Google Adsense

- Ten Step System to Make Top Google Adsense Money

Autor: Andrew Bell


1. Keywords and Competition To make money with Google Adsense it all starts here by choosing high paying Google Adsense keywords to make more money. Look for keywords that are searched for frequently, but have little competition and build web pages around these keywords. Your pages will still display the high paying Adsense ads to make you more money.



2. Good Domain Name Register keyword rich appealing names.


3. Interesting and Unique Content Creating unique and interesting content for your visitors so they return will make you even more money with Google Adsense. Your own content is best, or you can go to the article sites and use their content (as long as you abide by their rules), but add an introduction and a summary to make it unique.


4. Professional Looking Website Many quality templates are available for you to produce Google Adsense websites. Use images sparingly to avoid distracting visitors from your content and clicking on your Adsense ads. Professional looking sites make money; don´t build a website that looks like your dog created it.


5. Optimize Pages Well optimized pages rank well and will make good Adsense money: — Title: Your keyword and a few extra words — Meta Description: Use your keyword and make it appealing — Meta Keyword Tag: Only use your keyword and one or two related keywords. — Keyword Density: Aim for 3% - 5% keyword density — Internal Linking: Use keywords in links


6. Adsense Placement It´s well known that Google Adsense ads displayed at the top and middle of the page make more money than those down the side or at the bottom. Make your Google Adsense ads blend in with your page.



7. Blog Create blogs and add links to your site and to some of your posts. Blogs that have regularly posts rank higher and get listed faster than websites (any links get spidered too). Write at least two posts a week and use Google Adsense on your blogs to make more money.


8. Google Site Map Getting indexed fast will make you more Google Adsense money. Create a Google site map and send it to them and your site will get indexed fast.


9. Articles Few use this method of generating free traffic to make money from Google Adsense. Articles also give you quality one way links. For a new site write two to three articles a week.


10. External Links Nothing will improve your search engine rankings more than having quality one way links to your site. Good links will also give you more traffic to make even more money from your Adsense ads.


Source: Free Articles

CHINA PROMISES SAFE GAMES

China promises safe Games

August 06, 2008 Categories: World


BEIJING: China declared yesterday it could guarantee a safe Olympics, even as it announced that Islamic militants were trying to wage a holy war aimed at destroying the Beijing Games that begin in three days.

“Terrorists” from home and abroad seeking an independent Muslim State for China’s northwest Xinjiang region were involved, authorities said, as security was increased there after an attack on Monday that killed 16 policemen.


The terror alert came as athletes continued to arrive in Beijing ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony to launch the Games, which are being seen as a coming-of-age party for China after three decades of dramatic economic reforms.


“We can see clearly that these forces are trying to wage a psychological and violent battle against the Olympics,” said Shi Dagang, Communist Party secretary of Kashgar, a city in the Xinjiang region that borders Central Asia.

“They want to turn the year 2008 into a year of mourning for China.”

Shi said Xinjiang police had arrested 18 foreign “terrorists” this year and that a major threat came from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a UN-listed terror group that reportedly operates in Xinjiang and Afghanistan.


Nevertheless, Beijing Olympic organisers sought to reassure the 10,000 athletes and 500,000 other expected foreign visitors coming to China for the Games that they should not be concerned about security.

“We can guarantee a safe and peaceful Olympic Games,” organising committee spokesman Sun Weide said.


China has already employed intense security throughout Beijing and across the country in the lead-up to the Games, with some veteran sporting officials saying they had not seen such a show of force since the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

In Xinjiang, members of its Muslim Uighur ethnic group have complained for months of a massive security crackdown that has seen many people detained.


In Beijing, some athletes appeared more concerned that the final preparations for the biggest event of their lives were being hampered by the city’s poor air, which has persisted despite emergency clean-up measures.

Indonesian weightlifting team official Syafraidi Cut Ali said his squad were under strict instructions to stay in the open air as little as possible.

“We stay in our bedrooms and the dining rooms, not in the open,” Ali said.


Members of the US cycling team were also seen arriving at Beijing airport wearing masks.

However the International Olympic Committee’s medical commission chairman Arne Ljungqvist said pollution levels were not as bad as first feared and blamed the media for exaggerating the issue.


He said the media’s reporting had convinced such stars as Ethiopian greats Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele and British marathon runner Paula Radcliffe that competing here might damage their health.


More than one million of Beijing’s 3.3 million cars were taken off the roads last month and many heavily polluting factories were temporarily closed down in an effort to improve the city’s air quality. — AFP


ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.mmail.com.my

7 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR TRAFFIC

7 Surefire Ways To Increase Your Traffic Starting Yesterday


by: Terry Leslie


To help you out in generating more traffic for your site, here are some seven surefire ways to increase your traffic starting from yesterday.


1) Invest in good advertising with search engines Google’s Adwords and Yahoo’s Overture provide great advertising schemes that are very truly popular and assures great traffic. Although with this surefire way to increase your traffic would cost some money. While some would shy away from spending money to increase traffic, it is imperative in this case to do so because Adwords and Overture is the top surefire way to increase your traffic. You could see for yourself the success this search engine advertising methods have reaped rewards for so many companies. Lots of site feature these advertising system and many have signed on to reap the benefits. Do not be left behind. Every penny is worth it with using Google and Yahoo’s advertising.



2) Exchange or Trade Links with other sites With exchanging links with other sites, both of you will benefit from the efforts both of you do to enhance your sites traffic. When one site features another sites link, they could provide one another with the traffic one site generates. The efforts are doubly beneficial because it would seem like both of you are working to generate more traffic. The more links traded with more sites the more traffic could be expected.



3) Use Viral Marketing Viral marketing allows you to spread the word about your company and product without any costs or if ever low costs only. This is a marketing method that can be quite sneaky; you can attach your company’s name, product or link to a certain media such as a funny video, entertaining game, an interesting article or a gossip or buzz. With this method, people get infected with the creativity and entertainment of the medium that they will pass it on to many people.



4) Search and use proper keywords or keyword phrases for your sites content Search engines look for certain keywords that they would show in their results page. In doing so, having the right keyword and keyword phrase is a high requirement in ranking in high in search engine results. You could write your own content or you could hire someone to do it for you.



5) Write Articles that can lead traffic to your site Submit articles to sites that would contain the same subject that your site deals in. If you sell car parts write press releases and articles about cars and car parts. Attach your sites description and services at the end of the article as well as the link.



6) Join forums and form online communities Capture a market and show your expertise and credibility. When you found a good foundation for your site, people will trust you and your site and will pass on to many people their trust. Traffic will certainly increase because they know that you can provide what they need.


7) Lastly, Offer newsletters. If many people know what you are about and your existence is shared with many others, you will find a loyal traffic that can provide you with more traffic by recommendation. If you arouse the curiosity of your customers they would be pushed to help you with your traffic. In the mean time, Good Luck on your journey to success…

ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.articlecity.com

MERCEDES-BENZ E280 AMG

Luxury all the way


The Mercedes-Benz E280 AMG gives new meaning to power on the road and new perspective to sporty design
by Y.S. Khong



THE powerful Mercedes-Benz E280 is now available with a look-good AMG body kit, plus a sports suspension package for the more discerning and demanding buyers of this icon of success.

The E280 series is designed to cater to the higher-echelon customer who demands more power and is willing to pay for it. With a V6, 3.0-litre, 24-valve engine producing 231 horses and 300Nm of torque, the E280 can accelerate from zero to 100kph in 7.3 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 248kph.

The inclusion of an AMG Sports Package makes it even more potent on the road. The package consists of a body kit, larger wheels and tyres, and an up-rated suspension.

The AMG body kit consists of a re-styled front and rear apron, 18-inch alloy wheels – 8.5in wide at the front with 245/40R18 tyres, and 9in wide at the rear with 265/35R18 tyres.

Also included is an AMG exhaust system, tuned to give the engine better response and a more sporty exhaust note. The deep-throated roar of the V6 through this exhaust system is a head turner when you whiz by at high speed.

Other standard features for the E280 AMG include a sun-roof and an on-board navigation system. Drive is to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Paddle shifters on the AMG Sports steering wheel, sports pedals and foot rest in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs add to the sporty feel.

The AMG Sports handling package includes up-rated coil springs and dampers, plus newly-developed spring link bearings for more neutral handling around corners.

Safety is not forgotten with the anticipatory ‘Pre-safe’ system from the Mercedes S Class and the ‘Neck-pro’ head restraints, with sensors that will move the headrests forward within milliseconds during a rear impact to minimise whiplash injuries.

ABS, BA, and ESP are standard issue, with the addition of an adapting braking system adapted from the S Class. In wet conditions, the system automatically ‘applies’ minimal braking to keep the discs and pads dry, and it also ‘pre-engages’ the brake pads when it senses a sudden ‘lift-off’ on the accelerator to minimise the time it takes for the pads to ‘bite’.

On the road, the behaviour of the E280 AMG Sports is totally different from that of a standard E Class. Additional get-up-and-go makes the E280 AMG more responsive to throttle, and it actually becomes more fun to drive.

With its close ratio seven-speed transmission, it can out-accelerate most cars on the road, and overtaking is a cinch.

Taking the E280 AMG through the old Bentong road is a breeze. You forget that this is a two-ton, large sedan when you get such sporty and neutral handling.

The E280 AMG feels ‘planted’ all the time. Body roll is minimal, and the dampers soak up all the undulations without any problem. The sports suspension is firm, but not harsh; I was pleasantly surprised to find it was quite comfortable.

Fuel consumption is rated at 9.4-9.7 litres per 100km. In real world conditions, I got 440km from RM148 of fuel, (fuel tank capacity of 65 litres with eight litres reserve), and that was with some heavy-footed driving on some stretches.

Not that it would matter to those who can afford to shell out RM438,000+ for one of these cars.

articles source: http://www.sun2surf.com

AIR ASIA OFFERS

Friday August 1, 2008

AirAsia offers cheap fares at travel fair

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd will offer fares as low as RM15 from Johor Baru to Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the 10th Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (Matta) Fair to be held in Johor Baru from today to Sunday.

The company said fares would also be priced as low as RM40 from Johor Baru to Penang with two flights available daily while the Johor Baru-Kota Kinabalu daily flights would be priced as low as RM70.

AirAsia said it would also include several regional destinations as an added treat for travellers.

“A one-way flight to Jakarta or Surabaya is offered from as low as RM50 from JB with three flights a week for each route,” the statement added.

Daily flights to Macau would also be offered with fares from as low as RM100, it said.

The airline said it would also give away free return flights from Johor Baru to Macau, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta and from Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast, Banda Aceh and Vientiane.

Four free seats are allocated for each destination. AirAsia regional head of commercial Kathleen Tan said the fair gave the company an opportunity to reach out to the public. – Bernama

articles source: http://thestar.com.my

MAINTAIN A COMPUTER

Learning How to Maintain a Computer

Author: Benedict Yossarian




Computer maintenance, sounds like a dreadful task. It can well be frightful, but more terrifying than this are repair costs and hard drive crashes. Maintenance may not guarantee the blockage of each and every threat that surrounds the machine physically like dust and other elements as well as logically like internal bugs and glitches.



However, if proper maintenance is applied, one might actually form a long and lasting bond with little to no breakdowns, meltdowns, and crashes. Most people would only realize the importance of maintenance after a couple of crashed units and a few thousand dollars of repair bills. In our population, there are those who invest in formal training that offers intense hands-on sessions and in-depth reference materials.


However, these specialized classes may be quite expensive. See here, computer maintenance is not that identical to computer repair---meaning knowing how to actually maintain a desktop computer is not a quick trip to a sweet destination.


The topic at hand concerns more on keeping one's own computer in tiptop shape. A maintenance class may or may not incorporate hardware repairs and installation.


Hardware CleaningFirst of all, it is essential that the pieces of hardware be cleaned regularly, though this is easier said than done. Sometimes dust build-up can only be removed utilizing a spray or vacuum solely intended to remove any accumulation. And if possible, keep your computer, CPU, and every peripheral off the floor.


If a collection of dust (and oftentimes cobwebs) be tangled in the fan, then overheating is not far behind. And as we all know, overheating can be equated to crashing. If you are planning to wipe the dust off, do not use a damp cloth. This may come as an insult, but sometimes, common sense is not so common.


Shutting DownContinuing the tone in the previous paragraph, people seem to have a hard time following simple instructions. Admit it, we are all guilty of pressing the power button more often than we care to remember. May be because we are in a hurry or probably because hanging and logging are two frequent events that prompt our fingers to immediately press the power button instead of shutting it down properly.


This negligence may prove to be damaging in the long run. Bear in mind that this disregard accounts for over seventy percent of the causes that trigger the development of errors leading to a computer breakdown.



Software UpdateThe software installed and the operating system itself must be regularly updated and evaluated. A weekly error check will facilitate to repair errors. Aside from this, virus check is also vital. Nowadays, virus is an ever present item.

Whether it is a virus, a worm, or a bug, all of these can infect our system. Discontinue DownloadingIf you are one of those individuals who cannot help but download everything in sight, then you are simply giving your computer a one-way ticket to the frozen recesses of the techno world.


Download is one of the few words that will initially provide delight and will eventually transform into dread and doom. From songs to movies and every byte of download in between, these may be a carrier of numerous Virus, Trojans, Spyware that will gnaw on your system.


So whether it is in maintaining the computer or its components, the best way to learn how is to actually carry it out. The best methods and points will make little or no difference if the users neither perform it nor acquire any hands-on experience from it.


ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.articlesbase.com

AFFILIATE PROGRAMS

5 Useful Tips For Participating In Affiliate Programs

It is essential to select the proper advantage of selection of the proper affiliate program to get the advantage of selection of proper program.

It is essential to properly get review of each plan and select the proper plan accordingly. It is important to select the suitable plan according to your needs. It is important to understand the proper affiliate program as per your needs.

It is important to get the proper advantage of the affiliate program as per your needs. It is important to get the proper advantage of the selection of affiliate program. There are five reality of participating in the affiliate programs.

Here are the tips to get the reality as per your needs:

1. It is important to select the proper affiliate program to get the advantage of participating in the suitable program. It is essential to get the suitable program to get the advantage of it.

2. You must have to see that you can get higher commission on the sale or point to get the idea about the commission you get from the affiliate program.

3. It is essential for you to participate with suitable energy. It is essential to maintain the better spirit to get the more business.

4. It is necessary to get the proper banners to get the proper advantage of addition to get the proper advantage of the Add banner.

5. Based on the plan you need to get the proper chance to take the advantage of the various benefits to take the advantage. It is essential to get the suitable advantage.

ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.easyarticles.com

EXTRA MONEY ONLINE

Ways To Make Extra Money Online: GPT Sites and More

by Meka Powers

There are several ways to earn extra money on the internet. Most of them are scams and some are actually legit. Then you have to determine if you want a program to use that is completely free or includes some kind of small upfront fee. I will be discussing the free methods of earning extra money online. This article will mainly focus on the get-paid-to field.

There are plenty of sites on the internet that pay you money for doing things. There are some that are legit and some that are not. Here are four of the most familiar types of programs you will notice on the internet.

GPT: This is really the main category of all the freebie sites. GPT stands for get-paid-to. You get paid to do common things like filling out offers, joining websites, and doing surveys. These are just to name a few.

PTC: This is a program that lets you earn cash by clicking on advertisements, emails, and similar links. PTC stands for paid-to-click. Very simple process. Most of these sites will pay you .01-.02 cents per ad you click.

PTR: This program pays you to read emails that will most likely consist of advertisements. PTR stands for paid-to-read. This program is similar to paid-to-click.

PPP: This program pays bloggers to post about various topics or products. PPP stand for pay-per-post. If you like to blog then this would be great for you.

Those were just a few of the different types of programs where you can actually make free money online. Other free programs includes getting paid to play games, post on forums, starting discussions, searching the internet, and more. The get-paid-to field is growing more popular and you will see more opportunities like the ones mentioned above, so look out for the scams. There are many websites that will list the scams in each of these fields.

I have discussed some of the free methods revolving around the get-paid-to industry. You should now have an idea of what types of free programs are out there that will pay you for doing simple things. Lots of people have discovered this to be a great way to make extra money online and you can too.

ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.goarticles.com

MAKE A WEBSITE

How To Make A Website On Your Own Domain

by Richard Adams

If you're wondering how to make a website on your own domain then you'll be pleased to know that it's a lot easier than you might initially think.

The first step of course is to buy your domain name and web hosting account. In some cases website owners opt to use two different companies, and in others they choose to use the same company.

The decision tends to come down to price in the end though I have generally found it most practical to have your domain and website registered with the same company.

Once you've set this up you will be able to start to make your own website on your own domain.

There are almost as many different ways to make a website as their are websites themselves, but let's take a closer look at the 3 most popular techniques.

To begin with there are a range of pieces of web design software currently available that range in specification (and price) from free up to several hundred dollars.

Examples of software to make websites are:

Nvu Front Page Dreamweaver

These are of course just a tiny selection of those available and the list goes up in cost.

These are what are known as WYSIWYG website software - which stands for What You See Is What You Get. They enable you to make a website much as you would a desktop publishing document. That is to say that you don't need to know any computer code, you just draw boxes, right words, stick on pictures and so on, and the software itself turns your designs into code.

It is also possible to get hold of premade website templates that you can edit with WYSIWYG website software to make them your own and such designs give you a head start in creating a really professional final site.

The second to make a website on your own domain is to actually learn the computer code that websites are made of. Known as HTML - which stands for Hypertext Markup Language - this code is reasonably easy to learn. I personally always recommend new web masters learn at least a little HTML as it can make building your site and getting it just right so much easier.

One final method is to use content management software, otherwise known as CMS. This CMS is particularly useful as it allows you to get the best of all worlds. There are plenty of free templates you can use (or edit) for a really professional look, yet it's super-simple to add your website content.

Personally speaking I favor the final option the choice really is yours. I would suggest you take a look at some of the free or low cost options and try them out to see which you get on with best and which results you like best.

Once you've beuilt your website using one of the techniques described, the final task so visitors can see it at your domain, is to upload to your web hosting account using a process known as FTP.

Using a free piece of FTP software you will move the files that make up your website from your computer to your web hosting account and as soon as that short process is done, you will have completed making a website on your own domain.

ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.goarticles.com