Perodua MYVI - Malaysian Modification

I've seen and heard of many strange things in all my years. You know that our highways are no stranger to being the final resting place for many dead mammals and reptiles, but have you ever seen a fish? Yes, a fish. I once saw a tilapia on the side of the road on the way to work; if I were in a comic strip there'd be "WTF" written all over my face.

Then a week after my encounter with the dead tilapia on Jalan Kuching, the boss tells me over a cigarette that he saw a monkeyummm "doing the Lambada" with a dog on his way in. Hrrmmm. It would be cool to see what a dog and monkey cross breed would look like.

But even that couldn't prepare me for what I was about to encounter with the pink Myvi being featured here: smiley face tyre valve caps. I bet the girls would LOVE these.

Another strange thing is that I'm writing this feature about an undeniably feminine looking car, Slipknot is going full blast on my headphones. (Can't have heavy metal blasting on the speakers at the office now, can we?) Heavy metal and a pink car just do not go together. Not at all.

When I first laid eyes on this Myvi from Redzone Motorsports, I was shocked. I was told it was a pink car, but I was not expecting a shade of pink as shocking as this. I'm not saying that I don't like the car, oh no, far from it. This is one of the best looking Myvis I've seen so far.

(The rest of the article can be found in Hypertune Vol. 59)
Text: Mark
Photos: Kenny Yeoh

Perodua Myvi 1.3(A) Specification

Engine K3-VE, 1.3 litre, DVVT, 4-cylinder, Redline air filter, SQV NA air compressor, Hurricane cold air intake, D1 VSD 16 volt boost up unit, D1 grounding cables and volt stabilizer, titanium and carbon exhaust muffler
Transmission Stock 4-speed automatic
Electronics Pivot Turbo Timer, 60mm black faced vacuum, RPM, and voltage gauges

Proton Savvy - Malaysian Moods.

"Size does not matter. It's how you move it. It's how it follows your moves".

The demands of average drivers compared to those who are more serious are expectedly different. At a pure business standpoint, volume will always take precedence over niche demands to rake in the profits, if not for statistical benefits. Comparisons of Proton's Savvy to Perodua's Myvi have been going on for quite a while with each camp throwing their points on the table. Debate is still on though at a lesser degree and i still can't believe people are wasting time with the issue. Of course the Savvy wins hands down!

In one of my correspondences with a Hypertune reader, he described the other car “is for aunties” and he was right. What's not to love about Savvy's brilliant handling? The engine might be a little too lightweight for most drivers liking but that's what the rigid chassis is for, max out the engine speed and take a corner like a roadrunner possessed. The Campro engine just makes the sure the driver won't too easily overpower the car itself, sort of like a built-in safety mechanism.

Unfortunately, the same Campro engine, or any Campro engine for that matter is practically impossible to tune. Average Sunway tuners might be interested to try but they are probably too busy fixing bolt-ons and finding more space to store their carbon fiber. So i guess it all depends on R3 then, which in a way prompted for a feature on this ride.

Not to say that its' powerplant has been tinkered with but also bear in mind that the motorsports division is known to keep a tight-lip on their R&D efforts, especially when the public is not asking. In an interview i had with them published some issues back, they are indeed looking at ways to wring more performance from the Neo. Let's not forget about their Gen.2s in rally and track cars too.

This car actually belongs to R3's media manager, Amin and does prove a point that it does not take much to turn the standard Savvy to a groovy Savvy. Their in-house bodykit is an instant and effective method in bringing out the true character of the car. The Zerokit body appendages makes the profile lower while at the same time accentuates the flared wheel arches tellingly. What i love most about it is the front part with a forward pointing lower lip that gives the 'plouging ahead' term a whole new meaning. A Zerokitted Savvy should really be featured in the coming 'Transformers' movie but probably my suggestion to the production house came in a little too late.

Proton Savvy Specs:

Engine: Standard 1.2 kiter, 4-cylinder 16-valve D4F

Performance: Maximum Power: 74 hp (55 kW) / 5,500 rpm

Maximum Torque: 105 Nm / 4,250 rpm

Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection

Suspension : Front: MacPherson strut coil spring & stabilizer bar

Rear: Torsion beam axle

Brakes: Front: 13" ventilated disc Rear: Drum

Tires : Yokohama AVS Sport 195/45/15

Alloys : Enkei RS Class M

Car of the Year 2009: Insignia wins by one point

In the very closest of contests, the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia emerged victorious as Car of the Year 2009 with 321 points against the 320 for the Ford Fiesta. The Volkswagen Golf took third place with 223 points.(See the Voting Grid)

OPEL/VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

The Insignia is the first Opel to win in 22 years but General Motors’ European company has been runner-up four times – and in 2007 the Opel Corsa lost by just two points to the Ford S-Max. Ford has won the award five times but this is the second occasion it has lost by one point.

This year’s narrow victory emphasizes the high level of this year’s competition, which has 37 initial candidates and seven finalists. Of the 59 car of the Year jurors representing 23 European countries, 20 gave the Insignia top points, while 19 put the Fiesta in first place.

Opel has defined Insignia design as artistry with German precision: premium values at an affordable price. Many Jury members appreciated the looks and visual quality of this model but the new C/D car from Russelsheim is much more than style. Active and passive safety, comfort and a wide array of efficient engines characterize this model. The richness of equipment can be increased with sophisticated options such as the ‘Opel Eye’, that reads road signals, FlexRide suspension and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting.

Technical data of 2009 car of the year:
Body: 4/5-door saloons, Sports Tourer wagon
Size: 4.83 X 1.86 X 1.50 m.
Front and four wheel drive
Petrol engines: 1.6 to 2.8 V6 Turbo (115 - 280 hp)
Diesel engines: 2.0 Turbo (110 - 190 hp)

Hawaii Volcano Videos 2008

I guess today's post about the dramatic lava flow in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 2008 is overdue. We wrote a number of articles about a visit to Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island, like 'When is the best time time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park'? Basically, we told Big Island visitors then that there is no guaranty to see red lava flow, as the conditions always change. So believe me in the past there have been a number of disappointed visitors who were just not lucky to see real lava. OK Kilauea Visitor Center offers visitor information and exhibits, including films and videos throughout the day. And steam vents and the Thurston Lava Tubes are exciting to some point but what about the real thing? Red glowing hot lava...


Well, most Big Island visitors know by now that things are different this year at the park. Anybody who plans a visit to the volcano can be sure that Madame Pele, the Goddess of the Volcano, will put on a fascinating show of her powers. This is a short update for our Big Island visitors who are planning a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in these fall months of 2008.

The number of visitors to the Park has increased over the past few months significantly ever since the eruption in Halemaumau crater on March 11th, the first eruption at that location since 1982. The colors of the plume are constantly changing from white to gray and even pink. At night, the dramatic glow from the vent keeps visitors at awe. There are not many places on earth where visitors can watch safely an active volcano.

Visit our site for more information about lava flow update and viewing areas at Hawaii Volcanoes Park. In addition, you want to visit the County of Hawaii Kilauea Eruption Update Website plus in the FAQ you might just find the answer to your question about visiting the Park and Kilauea Volcano. Check our Big Island map for Park location and more.

It was really fun to put this post together for all our Hawaii visitors and especially those who do some Hawaii Island hopping over from Oahu, Maui or Kauai. I tried to not only find the most spectacular Hawaii volcano video but also those videos which provide Big Island visitors with some scientific information behind this amazing display by mother nature. I arranged the videos in a somewhat time order.

So enjoy and have fun with our Hawaii Volcano videos. Share your 2008 visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors. You did not never visit the Big Island? The 2008 year is not over yet. Volcano vacation rental hosts welcome you with special rates for November in Volcano. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii Volcano Video April 2008 by Written directed and produced by Donald B. MacGowan; Narrated by Frank Burgess; Original Musical Score by Donald B. MacGowan.



Hawaii Volcano Video by KITV March 25, 2008. Scientists on the Big Island are stunned by the mile high plume of ash that is erupting from the Halema'uma'u caldera of the Kilauea Volcano



Hawaii Vocano Video by SkyNews from July 10th 2008

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Sailing the Hawaiian Islands

Aloha to all our Best Hawaii Vacation visitors,
When we noticed that there is quite a number of visitors who want to get away to sunny Hawaii from rainy November weather on the Mainland, we decided to give these guys some help with our post 'Fly to Hawaii in November'. A few of our 'Best Places Hawaii Thanksgiving 2008' are still available. But remember restaurants and beaches are really busy during Thanksgiving week in Hawaii. But hey choose the other November weeks, and you will be king on the beach and other Hawaiian activities which book fast in advance like Whale watch or snorkel tours!

Today we welcome a new author to our Hawaii blog writers' guild of Hawaii lovers. It's Captain Howard from Kona 'Sail Holy Grail'. Everybody who loves sailing, whether himself being the sailing captain or going on a sailing cruise, might want to book a sailing charter boat after reading his 'Sailing the Hawaiian Islands' article.


Just a few words about Howard before going sailing with him. Sailing has been Captain Howard's passion since he was a teenager. Reading all the classic stories about crossing oceans in small boats inflamed his desire to do the same thing. Over the years, Howard has crossed the oceans a number of times. He holds a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer Master license for 50 tons, sail and power. I guess we've found us the expert about sailing in Hawaii:

"Ahoy Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,
It has happened! The first humpback whales of the season were spotted a little earlier than normal on October 9. The excitement took place in the afternoon offshore of Honokohau Harbor when sailing aboard Holy Grail, on our gentle and steady Kona breezes gliding through our calm waters.


Sailing is ideal for Whale Watching as the gentle giants are not frightened by our approach. Kona is especially well suited for sailing as the waters are so protected from Hawaii’s sometimes boisterous trade winds, which generally blow from the northeast. Kona and Kohala are on the West side of the Big Island, so you can see that the fetch of ocean swells that roll across the pacific onto Hawaii’s shores break mainly onto the Hamakua (east) Coast, creating spectacular shoreline views.

During Whale season, which varies from as early as October to as late as April a whale encounter might occur at any time of the day. It is calmer in the mornings, though, which makes it a little easier to see whales in the water. They have a characteristic "footprint" on the water, as their great mass causes sort of a slick when they rest just below the surface. They may "breach," or hurtle nearly out of the water, or slap their tails one or more times, or you may just see the hump or a pectoral fin come up. Whatever you see, it is a great thrill as they are 50 feet or longer, about the length of our sailing boat.

We are often asked, “what if there are no whales that day. What will we see?” Kona has quite a bit of nature on view. Today, I dove right in the harbor to check our mooring chain and was greeted by a huge green sea "Honu," Hawaiian for turtle, visible right from the deck. You might see any of several varieties of dolphin, or pilot whales, or jumping schools of "Aku," skipjack tuna feeding on schools of small fish. You can be certain that the view of our island from just offshore will inspire and delight. Aloha and good sailing in Hawaii, Captain Howard and Admiral Stephanie, Sail Holy Grail"

Much mahalo Howard and Stephanie for sharing the fun of Hawaii whale watch from a sailing ship. A sailing charter seems like a great idea for a private family outing on a unique vacation in Hawaii. As usually we'd love to hear from visitors who sailed the Hawaiian Islands. Have you ever booked a Hawaiian sailing charter and how was it? Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Fly to Hawaii in November

Today, the 'Moku O Keawe' Hula Festival, one of Hawaii Big Island's big events to keep Hawaiian traditions like hula dance and slackkey guitar alive on the islands, has started at Waikoloa Beach Resort. We were happy to hear that Big Island vacation rental owners shared this information with their guests. As the hula festival lasts till November the 9th, we expect many Big Island visitors and residents to visit one of the festival events and feel the aloha spirit first hand.

If you are not on the Hawaiian Islands yet, but plan a last minute visit to Hawaii for November, remember Thanksgiving is a very busy week on all the islands and our highest season in Hawaii starts Christmas week on 12/20, including New Year's 2008 and ends January 3rd 2009. January and February are high season months generally.

Hotels and private vacation homes in Hawaii are quite booked for Christmas 2008. So, if you are looking for a bargain, then it's November to catch offers for special room rates (exception of Thanksgiving!) and believe it or not, Hawaii hotels and vacation rentals are normally slow at the beginning of December till 12/19. After that, things turn a little crazy. I personally love the peaceful time before Christmas. Hawaii visitors may enjoy still empty beaches and restaurants and the already set up Christmas decorations.

Well, if we got you hooked to check Hawaii flights and hotels for November 2008, our friends, Jeff and Rob, from Beat of Hawaii might have the flight information available you are looking for. They list flight specials from LAX to Honolulu for $242 RT, Denver to Honolulu for $111 one way, Chicago to Maui for $412 RT, Sacramento to Honolulu for $350 RT and more. Jeff wrote in his blog post from November 1st:

"This past week has been the very best we’ve seen in about a year for mainland to Hawaii airfares. In fact, when you consider inflation-adjusted price, some are the lowest ever offered historically.

To and from Los Angeles, the price has dropped an additional $20, since we posted it earlier in the week. American is now joined by Delta and Northwest, who are all battling in this heavily traveled and prized market. This is the best price imaginable. You can also choose to fly Hawaiian Air for just $25 more.

Check out the other fabulous Hawaii airfare offers as well. When I looked this morning, many are still available, in some cases with more availability and additional carriers joining, than earlier. I’ve updated each offer with today’s changes."

If you are interested in reading all the special flight details, keep reading Jeff's post LAX to Honolulu $233 RT all-inclusive You will find Hawaii flight specials by American Airlines, Delta and United, and a special Hotel - Flight vacation code by Orbitz. It doesn't hurt to check it out, when you are determined to fly to Hawaii in November.

Last but not least, we mentionend before that Hawaiian island hopping had become quite expensive with Hawaiian Airline's high prices for flying between the islands. Here is the good news. I just checked Hawaiian for Interisland flights and noticed their brand-new interisland special for Honolulu - Kona, Honolulu - Kahului, Honolulu - Lihue, Honolulu - Hilo is $61 starting 11/19/08. Looks like Mokulele's lower Interisland rates made its competitor to go lower as well.

Great news for Hawaii visitors who love island hopping on their Hawaii vacation. So fly to Hawaii in November and let's hop, island hop, again! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Our today's Hawaiian post girl, who makes dreaming of a Hawaii vacation very real, is Shannon from WahineStyle. If you like her and all our other beautiful Hawaiian girls, the 2009 WahineStyle calendar is now available.

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