Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: avanza review
Lancerzone Forums - Lancer Grand Touring Club Malaysia > General > Paddock Area
Pages: 1, 2
onslaught
The Toyota Avanza. Where do I begin. Maybe I shouldn't as its totally rubbish. Only people who do not like cars buy this supposedly mini MPV. It looks like it was styled by a 1 ton truck designer and it shows. It is not very nice to look at due to the design specs for interior space and for the lower end of the market. But the main point is, supposed motoring enthusiasts should not buy this Van. If you enjoy the thrill of driving, what in the world made you buy an ugly looking van in the first place?

The worst reason that you'd give is that "I bought it 'cause its a Toyota". I'd rather take the bus.

The most irritating fact about Avanza owners is that they must have bought the van without really test driving it or realizing that it is crap. Its a Toyota means that its something good."Good" isn't the correct word here. It is rubbish, but it is a form of transport. That is the only reason to buy anr Avanza.

Another strange fact about Avanza owners is that I always read in a Sunday motoring pullout of a local daily that posts SMS questions for the editor or the tech advisor for the paper to answer. Questions like the following are usually posted for people to laugh at the bad decision the Avanza buyers make.

1. My Avanza is uncomfortable to drive. It rides too hard. Is there any way to soften its ride?

Let me answer this question for them. You bought the wrong car you fool. Can't you tell that it is a van in the first place? It was designed with a budget in mind and for people with limited budgets. What do you expect? Multi-link suspensions in the rear? Air suspension? Self Leveling? The ride of a Lexus? For Godssake its a car designed for the Indonesian mass market. That should tell you how competent the ride is. Stop posting SMSs like these on that newspaper okay? It's as pointless as flapping your hands and trying to fly.
..
2. I want to improve the performance of the Avanza. What can I do to make it better? Its a mini MPV. Do not bother, you should be following the same speed limits are busses on PLUS highways. If you wanted to act least think like you're driving a Subaru Impreza then you should do like what some Proton Saga owners, add Subaru Wrx Sti scoops to their ride. Maybe you should sell your supposedly 'better status than a Proton' Toyota for a Proton. At least they now make a proper proportionate looking MPV for the same price.

3. I want to put a DVD player in my Avanza. Will it affect the power of my Avanza?

This was the stupidest question I've ever read about Avanzas anywhere. I suppose anyone adding a small DVD player stereo head unit would make any vehicle lose 200bhp. If that were so, no one would be selling or buying aftermarket sound systems for their automobiles. Where did people like these crawl out from? I really pity the people editing that daily sometimes.

In conclusion, I may sound like a person who does not respect other peoples choices. But making wrong choices sometimes allow people like me to seem mean. It's their idiocity that needs helping. Do not buy Avanzas. You may be as clever as the people who posted the examples above.

quoted from this blog http://motoring-malaysia.blogspot.com/2010/01/crap.html
shah25
The writer himself is an idiot. Firstly, let me put on record, i'm not a fan of avanza myself. But my dislike towards something doesn't give me the power to harshly criticise other people's choices. They purchase avanza for many reasons. Budget is one of them. bigger space than a normal sedan is another. Respect other people's choices is the theme here.

In conclusion, I may sound like a person who does not respect other peoples choices. But making wrong choices sometimes allow people like me to seem mean. It's their idiocity that needs helping. Do not buy Avanzas. You may be as clever as the people who posted the examples above.

Nevertheless, Toyota made the right choice to role-out Avanza in 2004. I've never seen a queue so long to buy a car. Only see that in shopping malls paying for the groceries. To the writer, GET A LIFE!
onslaught
hahaha...you should post your comment in his blog...lalalala...for me wat he say is quite true...people buy from their own budget...but at least get the best car that you wouldn't regret later own...and the above said FAQ by avanza owners speak for itself...i won't blame the author for given such sarcastic comment...coz we need to be open on giving opinion abt a car...and not everyone love Jeremy clarkson when he blow up the kelisa during a top gear series long time ago...but i love his presentation on an issue...ever wonder why the top gear crowds was so massive at every top gear show? and why the show still relevant until today...it abt honesty...and sometimes the truth is hard to swallow...get a chill pills if one can not get hold of the truth that been told...


if some one walk to me and said that my lancer is not good in some aspect...i would accepted it with an open mind...there is no car in the world is perfect...just my 2 cent...
shah25
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 20 2010, 12:48 PM) *
if some one walk to me and said that my lancer is not good in some aspect...i would accepted it with an open mind...there is no car in the world is perfect...just my 2 cent...

Spot on. Then why the comments made? I rest my case.
onslaught
to spice things up la...if we all stick to the "there is no car perfect in the world" motto...semua orang tak berusaha la untuk kemajuan...critics and comments must be taken into positive way...barulah berdaya saing...don't just ignore them...

and the car industry won't improve lor...same goes with our life...if we ever get criticize by others...it shows that at least got some people concern abt wat we do...and we can improve on that...well nobody is perfect either...lalalalala...cheers....

slander is different thing...and we should treat it differently...must be able to see between slander and critic...just my 2 cent...
madon
avanza sucks... so does nissan syphilis..oops sylphy...
onslaught
QUOTE(madon @ May 20 2010, 02:23 PM) *
avanza sucks... so does nissan syphilis..oops sylphy...


...lol...STD... doh.gif
tant
There are many other ways to lay the words properly even if one loathes the car that much.

In this instance, I think the writer fails to project his professionalism but instead he managed to convince readers like me on his infantility behaviour.

I also believe there is no need to condemn about the people who wish to buy Avanza, after all, what has that got to do with him? Be it a van or a bicycle, we should pay respect to the people as long as the money earned and spent is all halal.

If the purpose of writing the article is to draw attention from the crowds, I despise on such foolish act; if the writer thinks he owns a better car than Avanza and thus permits him to disrespect others, I doubt that's the wish of his parents.
otobott
Why that writer so hate Avanza???
Maybe her Ex wife or GF drive avanza kot.. huh.gif
khusyairi
Avanza maybe suxx for guyz like us who like sport car/ sedan car, most of us care about look & performance.

Avanza has it's own target group. That's why Avanza production & marketing soo successful.
To be frank, it's a practical car as it's big (7 seaters) and convenience for big family. It price also reasonable & any middle income family can easily buy it.
Somemore bcoz it's a Toyota ( Can easily service anywhere U want & cheaper spare part/ maintainaince cost compare to continental etc).
It cant run like ferrari or evoX of course, but it can be counted to take U from A to B destination in time.
It's not a really bad car afterall.
poknik
How do you define a good car?

Answer: Designed by the Germans, technology by the Japanese, Styling by the Italians, manufactured by the Germans, furnishing by the British, and marketed by the Americans...

Malaysia was never a MPV market, we are more on sedan/saloon segment. Thailand is the champian for pick-up truck, and Indonesia is the number one market for MPV.

Even AIM had no segment for MPV before 2005, everything was lumped as passenger vehicle. When Toyota launched the Avanva, the market share controlled by Toyota was way off the chart! A big chunk on the TIV (Total Industry Volume).

After the Avanva case, then AIM decided to pull MPV into a new segment diffrent from passenger vehicle.

Even if you can brag about technical know how of the vehicle, it does not stop there! You have to be sound on economics, both micro and macro levels before a good strategy can be made. Not to mention the limited resouces you have to achieve the highest return.

Malaysia experience was diffrent, our TIV on average is about 500,000 per year. Still our market has grown to be very matured with income per capita improve tremendously after mid 90s. Consumers perception on cars as just another 'mode of transportation' into a 'lifestyle' product has given a new life to the industry as a whole. Accessories, Tuning, after sales are all catered to this new breed of consumers.

Basically, income is not a big factor for automotive purchase in Malaysia. Malaysian has abundance of money! The banks are ever willing to give them loans. To prove this statement, the percentage of household in Malaysia with more than a car has increased!
(I BET MOST OF THE MEMBERS HERE OWNS MORE THAN ONE CAR, ONE FOR THE HUBBY THE LANCER AND ANOTHER CAR FOR THE WIFEY)

Currently, the affordable MPVs in Malaysia are, Toyota Avanva, Proton Exora, and Perodua Alza. These sub RM100,000 mpv competing in a very competitive market. The consumers in this segment are categorized as working levels, big family and with limited budget. Promoting on the specification alone will not induce sales for this group, monetary incentive is the key factor. Even safety is the least of their considerations.


shah25
Finally, somebody with a clear mind shares my view. Tant, I couldn't agree with you more. If one reads back my first comment, I DID NOT in any way condemn about the car. Again for the record, Avanza is not my type of car. However, condemning others who purchase it is really lame and despicable. Whoever wants to buy Avanza, Pajero, Lancer or even a Lumbo for that matter, it's their choice and their money. No need to condemn. That writer is plain....phissssshhhh.

Khus, you took the words out of my mouth man. thumbsup.gif

Poknik....none by Protong??? Oooopsss...sorry, everything by Protong sucks big time.....
weiking
No complains about Avanza means that it is a good vehicle. Van or MPV or whatever you wanna call it. Not sure what else to complain about.
Jaguarah
I believe the sales of a vehicle alone tells everything.....if it's such a horrible car why the sales so good? whistling.gif
onslaught
QUOTE(Jaguarah @ May 20 2010, 07:35 PM) *
I believe the sales of a vehicle alone tells everything.....if it's such a horrible car why the sales so good? whistling.gif


i think is not abt the sales la...its abt choice...the people forces to buy this car...period...with the new NAP coming next year...you will see we are more force to buy a value for money car...which lack in safety aspect...even our lancer also lacking in safety aspect...airbag only 2 at front...while SG got full spec...even for 1.5 lancer...WTF... mad.gif
silverbone78
QUOTE(tant @ May 20 2010, 03:53 PM) *
There are many other ways to lay the words properly even if one loathes the car that much.

In this instance, I think the writer fails to project his professionalism but instead he managed to convince readers like me on his infantility behaviour.

I also believe there is no need to condemn about the people who wish to buy Avanza, after all, what has that got to do with him? Be it a van or a bicycle, we should pay respect to the people as long as the money earned and spent is all halal.

If the purpose of writing the article is to draw attention from the crowds, I despise on such foolish act; if the writer thinks he owns a better car than Avanza and thus permits him to disrespect others, I doubt that's the wish of his parents.


totally agreed with ur statement..RESPECT
shah25
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 21 2010, 08:27 AM) *
i think is not abt the sales la...its abt choice...the people forces to buy this car...period...with the new NAP coming next year...you will see we are more force to buy a value for money car...which lack in safety aspect...even our lancer also lacking in safety aspect...airbag only 2 at front...while SG got full spec...even for 1.5 lancer...WTF... mad.gif

Let's not get into the pricing comparison again here. We have gone thru that many moons ago in other thread. Comparing car prices in Malaysia with other parts of the world will not solve everything. Aggravates your ill feelings...yes it will. Moreover, it has been discussed in great lengths. No point barking if your bark is not loud enuf, and your fangs are not sharp enuf.

We talk avanza here.... biggrin.gif
onslaught
QUOTE(shah25 @ May 21 2010, 08:50 AM) *
Let's not get into the pricing comparison again here. We have gone thru that many moons ago in other thread. Comparing car prices in Malaysia with other parts of the world will not solve everything. Aggravates your ill feelings...yes it will. Moreover, it has been discussed in great lengths. No point barking if your bark is not loud enuf, and your fangs are not sharp enuf.

We talk avanza here.... biggrin.gif


me just giving an example...lol...jag said sales tell it was a good cars...well proton also got good sales too...but it never got COTY award in malaysia...why? avanza won COTY for mini MPV section ke? lalalala...pls enlighten me...
tant
What car we drive will not tell what type of person we are.

As for the writer who wrote that article,
pls feel free to give comments about the car but pls let's not condemn about the people who buy it, including those he perceived to be 'stupid' for asking questions. 'No Questions are Stupid Questions'.
shah25
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 21 2010, 09:11 AM) *
me just giving an example...lol...jag said sales tell it was a good cars...well proton also got good sales too...but it never got COTY award in malaysia...why? avanza won COTY for mini MPV section ke? lalalala...pls enlighten me...

I am merely preventing people from diverting into something which has been discussed before...lol. some people are prone to OT. So let's just stay on track. I have mentioned this before, studies have shown that the most important factor that influence Malaysians to purchase a car is THE price. The rest is secondary. Again, sorry i don't have the thesis at hand. If I do, I'll post it up here.

COTY or no COTY, Proton or Toyota...it does not matter to me. What matters is the blog writer's attitude. I'm no professional when talking about the automotive industry, unlike some people. No pun intended.

QUOTE(tant @ May 21 2010, 09:14 AM) *
What car we drive will not tell what type of person we are.

As for the writer who wrote that article,
pls feel free to give comments about the car but pls let's not condemn about the people who buy it, including those he perceived to be 'stupid' for asking questions. 'No Questions are Stupid Questions'.

True bro. When i was little, people always say this...if you say someone stupid, your are double stupid...lol.
khusyairi
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 21 2010, 09:11 AM) *
me just giving an example...lol...jag said sales tell it was a good cars...well proton also got good sales too...but it never got COTY award in malaysia...why? avanza won COTY for mini MPV section ke? lalalala...pls enlighten me...


Bkn ke Proton dah dapat byk COTY award especially in small car/ small sedan/ entry level/ family car categories? For example, New Saga model which hav good sale already get few awards. Mesti Ons xbaca newpaper atau tgk TV nie. lalala...
onslaught
QUOTE(khusyairi @ May 21 2010, 09:47 AM) *
Bkn ke Proton dah dapat byk COTY award especially in small car/ small sedan/ entry level/ family car categories? For example, New Saga model which hav good sale already get few awards. Mesti Ons xbaca newpaper atau tgk TV nie. lalala...


errr bro...if they ever won any award...should they be proud of it...and put it on their car and advertisement...like our mitsu car last time when we won the COTY award...put there big2...honda even put it at their bonnet when they won the award last time...dun blame me for not noticing abt it...maybe they won COTY award on local car category which is no competition at all...and pointless award too...award mau jaga hati some people higher ups in malaysia...lalalalala...
khusyairi
Proton did put in it on their advertisement. Few times already in local newspaper especially in NST and the star. They also mention about it in Rancangan Ronda-Ronda Bersama Proton in TV3.

An example:
For ASEAN Autocar COTY award, Proton New Saga compete wt Hyundai i10 & Naza Forza in Mini/Small Sedan Category. Proton won it.
For NST COTY award, Proton New Saga compete wt Chevrolet Aveo Notchback, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai i10, Naza Forza & Toyota Vios 1.5J in Entry level car category. Proton won it too.

It's not national car award la. I think most our member here already know it too. Proton compete wt fair and square. It's judge by 3rd party.
Aiyo, dont blame Proton becoz U not read enough la.. Kesian Proton..
onslaught
ASEAN? NST COTY...hahahaha...you must be joking me la...all of that awards is no contest la actually...i thought abt the world acclaimed award...with some REAL auto journalist commenting on every car without bias...not just some political gimmick promo...i'm not buying it la...how often you see on the automagazine in malaysia the proton car got bashed? maybe i dun read enuff auto magz...coz in TG malaysia magz also the chief editor (donald cheah) ady mentioned that he can't fully "honestly" comment on malaysian car...or else his publication license gonna get revoked...
Economist
to me writer is more of picking fun of ppl who bought a VAN but wanted to or expected it to be something else i.e. sedan or sportscar....etc
khusyairi
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 21 2010, 09:11 AM) *
me just giving an example...lol...jag said sales tell it was a good cars...well proton also got good sales too...but it never got COTY award in malaysia... why? avanza won COTY for mini MPV section ke? lalalala...pls enlighten me...


Dont change topic la.. At 1st U said Proton never get COTY award in Malaysia. Then change to world acclaimed award.
How about The latest award Proton get Asia Pasific Frost & Sullivan Excellency Award 2010 for their new Saga & Exora? It's a global firm award.

Then what next? want Proton get Universe recognize award?
Back to avanza plz..
onslaught
QUOTE(khusyairi @ May 21 2010, 11:22 AM) *
Dont change topic la.. At 1st U said Proton never get COTY award in Malaysia. Then change to world acclaimed award.
How about The latest award Proton get Asia Pasific Frost & Sullivan Excellency Award 2010 for their new Saga & Exora? It's a global firm award.

Then what next? want Proton get Universe recognize award?
Back to avanza plz..


bro. yup award in malaysia i never knew they won ady...maybe i'm just noob in this...yeah asia pacific bla2...award...i won't say anymore...since i'm no fan of protong at 1st place...so forgive me if i'm just to naive...and avanza do won award too? pls list down the awards won by avanza...lalala...since i'm not too aware of this awards thingy...especially the local and asia regions award...

the only awards that i do care was the TG cool walls...period...if ain't listed there...it's not good enuff...lalalalala...forgive me for being such a fool...because i'm can not be cured petrol heads...when a car is rubbish...i will say it is a rubbish...i dun pretend to make other people happy...coz when there is no critic...that is kinda show wat kind of society we are living in...just my 2 cent...this avanza thingy i posted here is just to spice up the forum...

i'm truly glad that we share our own opinion in this...eventhough we drive different brand...lol...keep on posting and commenting...lalalalala...there is no right and wrong in an open discussion...throw wats in your mind...so that we can learn...pls continue putting input...
WhiteSurfer
Interesting topis this..... popcorn.gif popcorn.gif popcorn.gif
shah25
QUOTE(WhiteSurfer @ May 21 2010, 11:38 AM) *
Interesting topis this..... popcorn.gif popcorn.gif popcorn.gif

Indeed.... biggrin.gif

When one feels hatred at something, it's very difficult to reverse the feeling eventhough that thing has improved tremendously. That's normal. Human nature.

But then again, back to topic la. Dari tadi aku dah cakap jgn OT. Dah terlebih-lebih dah ni. Dari Avanza sampai ke COTY la apa la. Any further OTs will be self deleted by the Mods biggrin.gif
onslaught
QUOTE(shah25 @ May 21 2010, 11:47 AM) *
Indeed.... biggrin.gif

When one feels hatred at something, it's very difficult to reverse the feeling eventhough that thing has improved tremendously. That's normal. Human nature.

But then again, back to topic la. Dari tadi aku dah cakap jgn OT. Dah terlebih-lebih dah ni. Dari Avanza sampai ke COTY la apa la. Any further OTs will be self deleted by the Mods biggrin.gif


hahaha...good to see all active mods in here...lol...OT ni...cabut..... nervous.gif
suresh
Obviously that writer just posing his 10 sen on Avanza..well..he in a way has gained much fame and attention here in our forum despite all the negativety...go figure.. down.gif ..well..for me..its all down to the individual choice as the saying goes " One man's meat is another man's poison " obviously the case of that whats his name wiriter here..he should get a life a stick his opinions where the sun dont shine.. wink.gif
Jaguarah
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 21 2010, 08:27 AM) *
i think is not abt the sales la...its abt choice...the people forces to buy this car...period...with the new NAP coming next year...you will see we are more force to buy a value for money car...which lack in safety aspect...even our lancer also lacking in safety aspect...airbag only 2 at front...while SG got full spec...even for 1.5 lancer...WTF... mad.gif


That is true...but if Avanza really performs (as a family car) badly, the sales will not be so good...
even though it's a relatively 'cheap' car in its category bear in mind when someone buys a car it's probably the 2nd most expensive 'investment' after property investment....when u spend so much u would not want to buy a car that falls apart after 6 months ninja.gif
onslaught
QUOTE(Jaguarah @ May 21 2010, 12:08 PM) *
That is true...but if Avanza really performs (as a family car) badly, the sales will not be so good...
even though it's a relatively 'cheap' car in its category bear in mind when someone buys a car it's probably the 2nd most expensive 'investment' after property investment....when u spend so much u would not want to buy a car that falls apart after 6 months ninja.gif


kekeke...toyota got high reliability and the car can last for ages...and got high 2nd hand value too...that's wat most people think when investing their money on cars...but for petrol heads...they think differently...dun think much abt 2nd hand value...wat on their mind was, speed,handling and looks when buying a car...


this blogger is a petrol head (drive a 1.6 impreza)...and he hated MPV so much...you can read it through his posting in the blog...lol...i'm quite interested to see his style of writing which is quite similar to JC of TG UK...maybe he got influence from there too...who aren't if you call yourself a petrol head...lalalalala...

wat he do is...just speak his mind out...and really don't mind wat others think...go to the link i posted...and read the posting there...btw, he was civic fans...lol...i try to look for his comment on lancer...wat i got onli comment on evo X....which he compared it with an airplane airbus A308...
khusyairi
Ala.. Top Gear UK pun bias juga especially when make review of UK made car. Dorg xberani pun nak condemn too much about their car. British will support British no matter what.

For example they alwayz say nice thing about Jaguar or Lotus as an example (Obvious both company British Heritage). They said good thing about Jaguar as if Jaguar still good as their competitor like Merz or BMW. The truth is it lack in technology and design to stay competitive in market. Lastly sale drop and they bankrupt, then be bought by Tata (Indian Company). Same wt Lotus. Every time they review Lotus, they said good thing. The truth is Lotus cant even make their own engine like the old good days, they had to buy engine from Toyota for their new car. They also cant sell Lotus cars well until Malaysian company, Proton buy it. After Proton management took over, they turn red loss to green profit.
One by one automotive UK company being take over by foreigners.

Top Gear UK hardly say nice thing about Proton or Tata. As British, of course they feel uncomfortable when countries which once a time is belong to them like Malaysia or India. Countries where they are lord, and we are slave. But now we are better than them especially in automotive industry management.
poknik
wah all hebat hebat with facts and what not...

very intelectual discussion going on here...habis lah consulant semua tak boleh cari makan...hahahah
onslaught
dear bro khus...british motor don't have any british owned auto maker nowadays...they even say nice thing abt british most hated rival of all time the germans...you need to watch the show 1st before commenting more...and read more on JC ranting in the times newspaper... click here for further knowing mind of the auto journalist who people love to hate http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/

wat they say inside the TV programme is from their heart as a motor/petrol head...they even bought ford car which they tend to criticize so much in the show (JC bought a ford GT500 which didn't start(flat battery) upon arrival from the state)...its not abt the technology that drive behind the car that counts...its more abt the soul of the car...which only petrol head will understand...lalalalala...
poknik
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 21 2010, 02:35 PM) *
dear bro khus...british motor don't have any british owned auto maker nowadays...they even say nice thing abt british most hated rival of all time the germans...you need to watch the show 1st before commenting more...and read more on JC ranting in the times newspaper... click here for further knowing mind of the auto journalist who people love to hate http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/

wat they say inside the TV programme is from their heart as a motor/petrol head...they even bought ford car which they tend to criticize so much in the show (JC bought a ford GT500 which didn't start(flat battery) upon arrival from the state)...its not abt the technology that drive behind the car that counts...its more abt the soul of the car...which only petrol head will understand...lalalalala...


wah very impressive...

bro i think you're in wrong industry...why care about IP lah bro...go work in automotive lah...register you own IP lah...kakakakak

come come...give me CV hahahah
onslaught
QUOTE(poknik @ May 21 2010, 02:40 PM) *
wah very impressive...

bro i think you're in wrong industry...why care about IP lah bro...go work in automotive lah...register you own IP lah...kakakakak

come come...give me CV hahahah


wakakaka...i'm resigning soon...hehehe...would love to join the automotive industry...but have no qualification...cuma ada SPM je bro...huhuhu...i would love to paste wat jeremy wrote on the new toyota RAV4...just food for thought to all of us...

quoted from times online:

Sometimes, I wonder how the human race has risen to the top of the evolutionary pile when almost every single decision we ever make is bonkers. You do not see blackbirds smoking cigarettes or beavers riding motorcycles. You don’t see pigeons ignoring non-organic seeds or bison at the shops buying something they know they can’t afford. You do, of course, see elephants on unicycles, but only because we think it is funny.

Let’s look at the simple decisions I’ve made today. First of all, I hit the snooze button on the alarm clock even though I knew full well that I had to get up and go to work or I wouldn’t be finished till midnight. Then I went downstairs and had a cup of coffee, which I know will make my teeth all brown. And then I read The Guardian, which always makes me angry.

And then, instead of going to work, I put my new cabinet for drinks and guns in the back of the Range Rover. It’s an exquisite piece of furniture, this: hand-made in Yorkshire from American walnut, with brushed aluminium handles, it takes 16 shot glasses and 16 flutes, and there are cutaway compartments for champagne, sloe gin, soup, whisky, 500 cartridges and two Beretta shotguns.

I will use it probably twice a year and the rest of the time it will render the car bootless and consequently unable to take dogs, wellies or even light shopping. So it’s mad. So’s my new quad bike. And so is everything I’ve ever bought. I look at all the things on my desk and I wonder: what on earth was going on in my head when I chose them? The paperweight with the globe inside, the catapult, the Bugatti Veyron cufflinks, the Insanity chilli sauce and the Sony Rolly, which so far as I can tell is specifically designed to do absolutely nothing at all.

I must have said to someone in a shop, “What does this do?”, and he must have said, “Absolutely nothing at all”, and then I must have said, “Oh good. Here’s my credit card.” How mad’s that?

What makes this state of affairs so alarming is that stupidity isn’t simply restricted to the dull masses. Those in power can’t make a sensible decision either.

You have had very senior politicians standing up and telling us that they know Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. And now you have Bob Ainsworth, who has deliberately chosen to grow that moustache.

You may remember a few years ago when Britain’s transport secretary was very fat and had no 11-plus. He made the mistake of digging up the outside lane of the M4 and turning it into a bus lane. This made not just him but the whole government a laughing stock, so you’d imagine no one would make the same mistake again ...

But they have. Only more so. For the past two years my journeys to and from London have been fraught by roadworks near where the A40 crosses the North Circular. It’s been h*ll and has wasted many hours of my life. But I figured it would be worthwhile because, plainly, those in charge had decided to widen the road.

They have, too. But, amazingly, the new lanes — in both directions — are for bicycles only. I am not making this up. All that time. All that expense. And all for the benefit of a few idiots who can’t afford a car.

To make matters worse, no provision is made for bicycles at either end of the new lanes. It’s highway, then bike lane, then highway. So you can’t try them out without being killed on the way.

When you look at something like this you stop wondering how the human being has climbed to the top of the evolutionary pile. And wonder instead how it’s survived at all. Bicycle lanes on the main road from Oxford to London. Whoever came up with that sits on the Darwinian waterfall of change alongside the housefly. Seriously, my dishwasher has a bigger brain.

Of course, this collective stupidity is particularly noticeable when it comes to buying cars because only a tiny minority ever buys anything even remotely sensible. For sure, some people try. They read What Car?. And they study the findings in Which?. And they take test drives and they haggle with salesmen. And then as often as not they end up with a Peugeot. Which is like studying all the travel brochures and going on holiday to Latvia.

Style is the main problem. It gets in the way of clear thinking. We know we should have a Golf. We know it does everything we want at a reasonable price but we think it’s a bit boring to look at. So we buy a Mazda MX-5 instead.

What possible reason is there for buying a convertible? We get extra noise, a small boot, generally less safety and for what? So that on one or two days of the year we can screw up our hairdos.

Why buy a sports car? It’ll just be uncomfortable. Why buy a big car? You won’t be able to park it. Why buy an exotic car? You know you’re only paying for the badge. Why buy an SUV? It’s only going to make bicyclists bang on your roof and be angry. And why buy something made in France? Or Italy? Or Britain? Or America? You know it’s going to explode sooner or later.

This brings me on to the Toyota RAV4 that’s been sitting in my drive for the past week.

When the RAV4 first came onto the scene, it was, for sure, a pretty little thing — a slightly more grown-up Suzuki jeep — but it made very little sense at all. I mean, it was a four-wheel-drive car for the town. Graham Norton bought one, and that says it all.

I’ve probably driven lots of RAV4s over the years but none sticks in my mind. And that’s why I kept ignoring the new one, even though I knew it was the first RAV4 to be available with a diesel engine and an automatic gearbox. Wow.

Eventually I did take it for a drive, and overall, I have to say, it was pretty nasty. The seats were a bit hard. The diesel engine was a bit unrefined, and while the little television screen in the rear-view mirror that lights up when you are reversing was novel, it was too small to be of any use.

However, while it may not be a particularly inspiring car to drive, or look at, it is a remarkably competent tool to own.

While the rear door opens sideways rather than upwards, which might be a nuisance in tight parking spaces, there’s no denying there are many treats in store for the dull and the practical. Instead of fiddling about for hours to get the back seats down and ending up with broken fingernails, and them still in place, you simply pull two levers and, plop, they fold down flat. Then you have a van.

Up front, you get leather upholstery, Bluetooth, air-conditioning, automatic wipers and headlights and heated front seats. About what you’d expect for £25,000.

Yes, you can have more style and panache from a Ford Kuga or a Honda CR-V but they aren’t really designed to go off road and, these days, the RAV4 is. It has a device that stops you rolling back down hills — for when you can’t be bothered to use the handbrake — and another that keeps your speed down on steep descents. There’s even a locking differential.

In other words, this is a car that can be used on the farm and on the road and on the school run and for trips to the megastore. It does what a small off-road car is supposed to do, and it was made in Japan so it will last ages.

In short, it is the sort of car you would buy with your head. Which is why no one will buy it at all.

doh.gif doh.gif doh.gif


khusyairi
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 21 2010, 02:35 PM) *
dear bro khus...british motor don't have any british owned auto maker nowadays...they even say nice thing abt british most hated rival of all time the germans...you need to watch the show 1st before commenting more...and read more on JC ranting in the times newspaper... click here for further knowing mind of the auto journalist who people love to hate http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/

wat they say inside the TV programme is from their heart as a motor/petrol head...they even bought ford car which they tend to criticize so much in the show (JC bought a ford GT500 which didn't start(flat battery) upon arrival from the state)...its not abt the technology that drive behind the car that counts...its more abt the soul of the car...which only petrol head will understand...lalalalala...


British do own auto makers (Fully British owner) such as Caterham, TVR. Morgan motors, Ascari etc.
How come U dont know this while UK Top gear usually review these car?
Come on la... I am big fan of Top gear. When malaysian top gear magazine on sale, I bought it from 1st issue until now (never miss). U can see the proof in my facebook. U cant lie me about Top gear.
You r the one who should watch and read Top gear b4 give comment.
onslaught
QUOTE(khusyairi @ May 21 2010, 03:19 PM) *
British do own auto makers (Fully British owner) such as Caterham, TVR. Morgan motors, Ascari etc.
How come U dont know this while UK Top gear usually review these car?
Come on la... I am big fan of Top gear. When malaysian top gear magazine on sale, I bought it from 1st issue until now (never miss). U can see the proof in my facebook. U cant lie me about Top gear.
You r the one who should watch and read Top gear b4 give comment.


automakers as if it was mass produce la bro...not just some hobby car maker which you need to assemble it yourself...some of name you mention above ady bankcrupt...i'm not saying british dun have any automaker before...i'm saying nowadays they dun have any automakers anymore that can be proudly said it was british...all of them had been bought by foreign company...pls do your check later...thanks...even lotus bought by protong...lalalalala...

i do watch it every season now and then...and keep track on TG malaysia...do you understand wat jeremy was talking abt on every issue? if you understand wat he wrote there and above as i posted here...you will know the different between motor/petrol head and just some one who owned a car as their daily ride...lalalala
otobott
owh, no wonder la
that blogger ; Jeremy Clerkson wanna be rupe nye..

this truly malaysian,
we have= evo wannabe , type R wannabe, all kind wannabe
onslaught
QUOTE(otobott @ May 21 2010, 03:48 PM) *
owh, no wonder la
that blogger ; Jeremy Clerkson wanna be rupe nye..

this truly malaysian,
we have= evo wannabe , type R wannabe, all kind wannabe


blame tat on our NAP policy...lol... biggrin.gif doh.gif
tant
Dear all,

if u all cannot stick to the topic and start talking from Avanza to Protong to airbus to JC etc, i'm afraid u will eventually end up debating Michael Jackson is still alive. I will not tolerate anymore OT or I shall close this topic without any prior notification & with immediate effect.

Thanking you in advance.

Regards,
Mod Team


OOPS...! hitsfan.gif run.gif
Hehehe... Go on, OT or not, I will still enjoy it biggrin.gif
onslaught
QUOTE(tant @ May 21 2010, 04:04 PM) *
Dear all,

if u all cannot stick to the topic and start talking from Avanza to Protong to airbus to JC etc, i'm afraid u will eventually end up debating Michael Jackson is still alive. I will not tolerate anymore OT or I shall close this topic without any prior notification & with immediate effect.

Thanking you in advance.

Regards,
Mod Team


OOPS...! hitsfan.gif run.gif
Hehehe... Go on, OT or not, I will still enjoy it biggrin.gif


hahaha...you forgot to put NAP in the OT list...lol...i think i posted this thread under Mamak section...wonder who moved it to paddock area...kekekeke...
Jaguarah
kutuk avanza so badly....how about innova? whistling.gif
shah25
QUOTE(otobott @ May 21 2010, 03:48 PM) *
owh, no wonder la
that blogger ; Jeremy Clerkson wanna be rupe nye..

this truly malaysian,
we have= evo wannabe , type R wannabe, all kind wannabe

right on bro...a wannabe.
i don't really watch TG but i guess JC only shits about
cars and not the people who buys the cars....unlike this
idiot. petrol head wannabe.
onslaught
shah read the post on toyota RAV4 by JC...i posted at the 2nd page...lalalalala...he shite both car and driver too...lol...
shah25
QUOTE(onslaught @ May 22 2010, 05:06 PM) *
shah read the post on toyota RAV4 by JC...i posted at the 2nd page...lalalalala...he shite both car and driver too...lol...

Then he's an idiot in my books too... down.gif
onslaught
QUOTE(shah25 @ May 23 2010, 12:02 AM) *
Then he's an idiot in my books too... down.gif


hahaha...everyone have their own opinion on something...we just have to live with it...so does you, me, the blog writer(JC wannabe), JC and everyone else...

and he just keep on writing same old script for every car he reviewed...which i found out rather interesting than the conventional auto journalist review...well...tepuk dada tanya selera.... biggrin.gif cheers...
eldiablo
doesnt it irritate you when:

people who watch/read topgear and think JC is god and hang on to his every word

people who watch/read topgear and think they're car experts

people who post nonsense just because they can


wonder what the blogger (or even JC) will say about the lancer
would it change how you feel about your car? biggrin.gif

p.s toyota doesnt become world no1 for being stupid...
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2012 Invision Power Services, Inc.