Thứ Sáu, 1 tháng 6, 2012

Mat Zain: Kenyataan Musa Buktikan Tiada Bukti Kukuh

Malaysiakini

Mantan Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah (CID) Kuala Lumpur, Mat Zain Ibrahim membidas kenyataan mantan Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Musa Hassan berkaitan kes ‘Liwat I’ yang dikaitkan dengan ketua pembangkang.

Mat Zaid menyifatkan perkara itu sebagai perkara tambahan yang baru sahaja difikirkan (afterthought).

Beliau yang juga pegawai penyiasat dalam kes mata lebam Anwar pada 1998 menegaskan, Musa sepatutnya merujuk beberapa kenyataan berkaitan.

Ia antaranya kenyataannya dalam perbicaraan itu, kenyataannya kepada ketua pasukan penyiasat CID Kuala Lumpur, dakwaan Musa sendiri terhadap Anwar dan kenyataan yang diberikan Mohd Rodwan Yusof.

Menurutnya, sampel darah untuk ujian HIV itu diambil doktor pakar Hospital Kuala Lumpur pada 28 September 1998 sewaktu Anwar ditahan polis dan beliau sendiri memberi kebenaran untuk itu.

Menurut Mat Zain, sampel itu diambil dan diberi berdasarkan prosedur. Namun, sampel yang sama diambil tanpa kebenaran doktor pada 15 Oktober 1998 untuk ujian DNA.

“Doktor menegaskan sampel darah untuk ujian HIV itu tidak sesuai untuk ujian DNA kerana prosedur untuk sampel DNA perlu mematuhi beberapa protokol.

“Apabila Musa mengaku menggunakan darah itu untuk ujian DNA ke atas tilam, ia secara tak langsung bermakna beliau mengakui tidak mempunyai bukti kukuh sewaktu beliau memberi penerangan kepada perdana menteri pada masa itu Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“Jika tidak, kenapa Musa perlu curi sampel darah itu dari HKL dan melakukan ujian DNA ke atas tilam jika siasatannya lengkap sewaktu bertemu Mahathir,” kata Mat Zain.


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Datuk Seri Syed Zainal’s parting words to Proton

In the six odd years that Datuk Seri Syed Zainal has been at the helm of the national car company Proton, he’s definitely gained quite a number of fans who not only admire his work in leading Proton to producing better and better models with each launch, but the inspiring public speeches that he gives. Just for nostalgia sake, we’ve dug up our archive video of the Proton Exora launch.

We’ve also got a hold of an email that he’s sent out to all Proton staff, announcing that yesterday was his physical last day at Proton, after you exclude leave days from his last day which is on the 4th of July 2012.

The original Bahasa Malaysia version would of course hold the original message that Datuk Seri intended to deliver, but if you want an English translation, Proton Edar Dealers Association president Armin Baniaz Pahamin has a translation on his blog.

Assalamualaikum, Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1 Malaysia pada seluruh warga PROTON yang saya kasihi.

Semoga warkah saya ini bertemu saudara saudari dalam keadaan sihat sejahtera, ceria dan bersemangat tinggi dalam menjalankan tugas-tugas harian.
Seperti yang semua sedia maklum, saya telah pun melepaskan jawatan saya sebagai Pengarah Urusan Kumpulan PROTON berkuatkuasa 4hb Julai, 2012. Dengan mengambil kira cuti yang saya perlu habiskan, hari ini yakni Khamis 31hb Mei, 2012 adalah merupakan hari terakhir saya berada di PROTON secara fizikal.

Saudara saudari yang saya kasihi,

Terlalu berat untuk saya menulis surat ini sebagai penutup tirai kepada lebih enam (6) tahun perkhidmatan saya di PROTON. Berhari-hari saya mengadap skrin komputer yang kosong kerana ternyata tidak ada perkataan yang dapat menterjemahkan apa yang ada di lubuk hati saya. Bagaimana mungkin dapat saya melepas perginya sesuatu yang telah memberi impak yang dalam dan bermakna kepada kehidupan saya? Bagaimana mungkin dapat saya berjabat tangan dan mengucapkan selamat tinggal pada rakan-rakan yang sudah saya anggap sebagai ahli keluarga sendiri? Tiada ucapan yang dapat saya ungkapkan untuk mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih saya kepada setiap individu yang telah berusaha bersungguh-sungguh dalam membantu saya menjalankan tugas saya sekian lama. Tiada mampu dalam diri saya yang kerdil ini untuk membalas pengorbanan, kegigihan dan masa yang telah di curahkan oleh semua pihak dalam usaha merealisasikan impian PROTON tanpa mengenal lelah dan jemu.

Saudara saudari yang saya kasihi,

Apabila saya imbas kembali detik-detik perjalanan saya di PROTON, saya menganggap sayalah yang sebenarnya beruntung. Saya beruntung kerana dapat menerajui sekumpulan tenaga pekerja yang saya anggap permata-permata yang amat bernilai. Saya bersyukur kerana dipertemukan dengan sekumpulan warga Malaysia yang kental semangatnya. Tatkala masyarakat umum memberi persepsi negatif pada PROTON, saudara saudari masih bangun dinihari untuk ke kilang dengan penuh rasa bangga. Tatkala kita ditertawakan atas kesilapan lalu, saudara saudari menerima kritikan dengan sikap terbuka. Tatkala kita berada di bawah, saudara saudari bangkit dan menyahut cabaran perubahan. Semangat saudara saudari lah yang membakar semangat saya untuk terus berjuang memulihkan PROTON. Kematangan saudara saudari jualah yang telah mematangkan diri saya untuk berani mengambil pendekatan baru demi melonjakkan nama PROTON. Saya yakin berdiri di atas pentas kerana saya berdiri di atas keyakinan saudara saudari. Ternyata hari ini, saya lah yang kehilangan sesuatu yang besar nilainya. Bukan saudara saudari.

Saudara saudari yang saya kasihi,

Saya yakin saudara saudari akan meneruskan perjuangan ini dan mampu membawa nama PROTON ke tahap yang lebih tinggi. Saya percaya saudara saudari akan terus memberikan sokongan yang mampan walau dalam apa jua keadaan sekali pun. Segalanya tidak mustahil jika kita tanam keyakinan yang tinggi pada setiap sesuatu. Di mana ada kemahuan, disitu pasti ada jalan, Saya telah melihat kehebatan saudara saudari, jadi saya menyeru agar di teruskan kegigihan ini. Percayalah pada diri sendiri, kejayaan pasti memihak kepada saudara saudari dengan izinNya. Saya yakin dengan suntikan dan anjakan paradigma pengurusan baru, di bawah pimpinan YBhg Dato Sri Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil, PROTON akan terus meraih namanya di persada automotif, insyaallah.

Saudara saudari yang saya kasihi,

Sebagai manusia yang dhaif dan lemah dalam pelbagai aspek, saya menyusun sepuluh jari memohon kemaafan dari setiap warga PROTON atas segala keterlanjuran bahasa, tingkahlaku, makan minum, hak-hak saudara saudari yang tidak dapat saya sempurnakan sepanjang perkhidmatan saya di PROTON. Saya pasti terdapat banyak kekhilafan dan serba kekurangan dalam pentadbiran dan pengurusan saya, Yang baik itu datang dariNya, yang buruk itu adalah kelemahan saya sendiri. Saya mohon juga disampaikan kemaafan dan salam saya pada keluarga saudara saudari sekelian. Walaupun saya mungkin tidak berkesempatan bertemu dengan mereka, doa saya akan sentiasa mengiringi mereka.

Hukum alam menetapkan, setiap yang bermula pasti akan berakhir. Setiap pertemuan, pasti ada perpisahan. Walapun jauh dimata, PROTON akan tetap di hati saya. Saya akan sematkan ingatan dan pengalaman berharga ini jauh di lubuk hati saya. Semuga takdir mempertemukan kita semula dilain tempat, dilain masa, insyaallah.

Akhir kalam, saya memetik lirik dari nyanyian Faith Hill dari lakun layar Pearl Harbour dan kata-kata ini saya tujukan khas kepada semua warga kerja PROTON.

“There You’ll Be”
When I think back
On these times
And the dreams
We left behind
I’ll be glad ’cause
I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
When I look back
On these days
I’ll look and see your face
You were right there for me
In my dreams
I’ll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I’ll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be
Well you showed me
How it feels
To feel the sky
Within my reach
And I always
Will remember all
The strength you
Gave to me
Your love made me
Make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me
‘Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I want to thank you
Now for all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always

Salam hormat dari saya,
Syed Zainal

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 01 Jun 12 09:42:48 +0000.

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Sime Darby bringing full arsenal of brands to Super GT – Alfa, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Land Rover, MINI, Porsche

Sime Darby Motors Division (SDMD) will be bringing its full arsenal of brands to the Super GT race in Sepang this June 9-10. The seven guns are Alfa Romeo, Ford, Hyundai, Land Rover, Porsche, BMW and MINI – the latter two under Auto Bavaria. It will be the first time SDMD is gathering all of its brands in one exhibition.

“Visitors to the Super GT 2012 can look forward to a preview of the many new models by brands under SDMD, some of which have not been launched in Malaysia. This event is definitely a good opportunity for visitors to check out what’s new as well as what’s coming up next,” said Dennis Ho, MD, Malaysia Region, Sime Darby Motors Division.

Vehicles on show include the just launched Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the BMW S1000 RR superbike, MINI Cooper S Countryman, BMW Z4, Ford Fiesta, new Ford Ranger, upcoming Hyundai Veloster, Range Rover, the new Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet and a GT3 Racing Cup car.

There will be activities and contests in most of the booths, with prizes of course. Alfa has a “history quiz” while Auto Bavaria has a Tyre Changing Competition and Spin the Wheel, as well as merchandise promotions. Over at Ford, a Voice Control game and “How Many People Can You Fit Into the all-new Ford Ranger” will entertain guests. The Hyundai Veloster HD challenge is an iPad challenge.

Tickets to Super GT 2012 is sold at RM100 a piece, which gives access to the grandstand and pit walkabout area. Upon purchase, a Super GT 2012 Touch ‘n Go card will be given to the visitor. Top ups or credit cards are required to make transactions, which will all be cashless.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 01 Jun 12 08:56:10 +0000.

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It’s Proof Of No Concrete Evidence Against Anwar

Malaysiakini

Former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan’s statements made in yesterday’s interview with Malaysiakini on the Sodomy I case against former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim are seen “as an afterthought”.

On this issue, Musa should have stuck to his evidence given in the trial, his statement to the KL CID investigating team, his own suit against Anwar and the statement given by Mohd Rodwan Yusof, former Kuala Lumpur CID chief Mat Zain Ibrahim said.

Mat Zain, who was the investigating officer in Anwar Ibrahim’s black eye case in 1998, said Anwar while in police custody gave his consent for his blood sample to be taken on Sept 28, 1998, for a HIV test by a Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) doctor.

Mat Zain said the sample was taken and given according to procedures. However, the sample taken for HIV test was taken away, without the doctor’s consent on Oct 15, 1998, for DNA tests as well.

“The doctor should have insisted that the blood sample taken for the HIV test is not suitable for the DNA test, since the procedure for DNA test samples must follow certain protocol,” he said.

Now that Musa had admitted to having used the blood sample for DNA tests with samples taken from the mattress, “then it is as good as him (Musa) admitting that he did not have concrete evidence” when he briefed the then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“Otherwise, why would Musa want to steal the blood sample from HKL and do the DNA tests on the mattress if he had all the evidence when he briefed Dr Mahathir?” Mat Zain asked.

Mat Zain said it should be remembered that the DNA test was already done at that time and Anwar had already been charged and trial was about to begin in less than a month.

He also noted that the DNA evidence gathered from the mattress was eventually expunged when chemist Lim Kong Boon acknowledged that the evidence could be planted.

In the Malaysiakini interview yesterday, Musa admitted that he took blood samples to conduct the HIV test and it was also used for DNA testing.

This was because, the former IGP said, he had to conduct a full investigation as there were many allegations made in the book “50 reasons why Anwar cannot be PM”.

Good drama script

Without mincing his words, Mat Zain also described Musa’s warning to his (Musa’s) younger brother Fuad not to interfere in the police investigations as “a good drama script”

“If Musa really would arrest his own brother, then he should have arrested present attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail and HKL doctor Dr Abdul Rahman Yusof for fabricating evidence on the black eye investigation.”

The fabricated reports are easily accessible as they are in the public domain.

Mat Zain also said if Musa was honest to himself and the police, he should have supported calls for a tribunal to investigate the allegations made against him and Gani to clear the long-standing disputes.

“The guilty ones must be punished, no matter who they are. Musa knows the various PMs and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong personally. He should not be afraid if he is totally clear of any wrongdoing,” the former KL CID chief challenged.

Absolving himself, Gani and Najib

After having read Musa’s statement on the Altantuya murder case as well, Mat Zain said, it was now more clear that Musa’s willingness to speak to Malaysiakini on various ‘subjects’, and published in parts, was to clear himself, Gani and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak through the media in view of the coming general election – and possibly revive his younger brother Fuad’s political profile and ambition as well.

He said, Musa brought up Fuad’s name “out of the blue”, when speaking about his role in Sodomy I. Fuad was a former Hulu Kelang assemblyperson and in the 1990s was considered a rising star and possibly, a Selangor menteri besar in the making.

“However, Fuad’s dream of becoming at least an state executive councillor was shattered when he lost to Azmin Ali in the 1999 general election, garnering just 8,039 votes against Azmin’s 9,185. After that defeat Fuad never recovered politically.

“I can’t say whether there is any correlation between Musa suddenly bringing up his brother’s name at this point in time and the resurfacing of Azmin Ali’s 17-year-old corruption case, which has been reopened by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. But the facts are there and I leave it to the people to make their own assessment,” Mat Zain said.

Musa’s statement that the HKL doctor, Abdul Rahman, was appointed by former attorney-general, the late Mohtar Abdullah, was another distortion of facts, he added.

He said Abdul Rahman was appointed on Oct 26, 1998, by Gani, who was then a senior deputy public prosecutor in the AG’s Chambers.

“This fact is clearly stated in Dr Abdul Rahman’s first expert report prepared on Abdul Gani’s instructions. The doctor’s appointment was made despite my objections.

“I have discovered that Dr Abdul Rahman was under police investigation for ‘criminal intimidation’, based on a report lodged against him by another doctor who prepared Anwar’s official medical report.”

“Mohtar then ‘reappointed’ Dr Abdul Rahman on Dec 1, 1998, to cover up the first appointment that was made by Gani. Dr Abdul Rahman, then went on to prepare another two more expert reports which contradict each other, making three expert reports in all, including the one instructed by Gani, although the doctor appointed by the AG did not make any physical examination on Anwar,” Mat Zain revealed.

Abdul Rahman, the former top cop said, went on to give his evidence in the Royal Commission of Inquiry, which contradicted not only his expert report but his statement to the police as well.

This, Mat Zain said, was a clear cut perjury but no action was taken against Abdul Rahman.

Musa, he added, also claimed the AG Chambers did not have any intention of fabricating evidence in the black-eye investigation and that it had the right to call its own experts.

“To this I must say that if Gani did not have any intention of fabricating evidence, then he would not have arm-twisted Dr Abdul Rahman into preparing those three expert reports. Gani knew Dr Abdul Rahman was under police investigations as I told him.

“Musa also cannot deny the fact that he and Gani were present at the 30th floor of the Bukit Aman police headquarters on the night of the black-eye incident and they would have known what exactly happened in the lock-up that night.

“They must realise that any attempt to change the true facts which they both knew as the truth is mere distortion of facts.

“Again, I would suggest that Musa insists that Najib seeks the Agong’s consent to have a tribunal set to investigate this matter and see whether Gani and Musa himself can be cleared or otherwise,” Mat Zain added.


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Trailer : “Bohsia 2 – Jalan Kembali” Ke Pawagam Jun Ini

Sudah pertengahan tahun, mungkin sebab itulah tiba-tiba pawagam dipenuhi kembali dengan filem-filem tempatan.

Terbaru dari pengarah filem KL Gangster ini, Syamsul telah kembali dengan filem berjudul “Bohsia 2 – Jalan Kembali”. Filem “Bohsia 2 – Jalan Kembali” menceritakan tentang gadis bernama Amy, seorang bekas bohsia yang sudah bertaubat dan tidak mahu mengulangi sejarah hitamnya dengan menjejakkan kaki ke sebuah pusat pemulihan.

Manakala Tasya, bekas rakan karibnya pula makin hanyut bergelumang dengan gejala haram dan tingkah lakunya dikawal ketat oleh Keting, teman lelakinya. Seperti Amy, Muz juga telah bertaubat dan tidak mahu lagi bergelumang dengan kehidupan yang pernah sia-sia itu namun Muz dan Ijan sentiasa mencuba untuk meraih kemenangan dalam setiap perlumbaan motor yang diadakan.

Akan tetapi, keputusan Amy untuk meninggalkan pusat pemulihan adalah peluang keemasan untuk Keting memesongkan Amy ke jalan hitam. Walau bagaimanapun, dengan pertolongan daripada Muz dan Ejan, Amy dan Tasha mencari jalan untuk memusnahkan segala hasrat Keting yang ingin merosakkan lebih ramai lagi gadis.

Filem ini akan ke pawagam di seluruh Malaysia pada 7 Jun ini. Jadi, jangan lepaskan peluang anda!

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Thứ Năm, 31 tháng 5, 2012

Toyota Camry XV50 launched – RM150k to RM181k

We’re here in Sepang, where UMW Toyota earlier launched two Toyota models at a go – the much-anticipated 86 and the seventh-generation XV50 Camry. You’ve read Danny’s piece on the 86, so here’s the one on the Camry.

The sedan makes its debut in three variant grades, these being the top-of-the-range 2.5V, followed by the 2.0G and the 2.0E. The 2.5V, as its moniker suggests, wears a 2AR-FE 2.5 litre Dual VVT-i mill, with 181 PS at 6,000 rpm and 231 Nm at 4,100 for output numbers, paired to a six-speed Super ECT automatic transmission with sequential shifter.

As for the 2.0E and 2.0G, they share the same engine, which is the 1AZ-FE 2.0 litre VVT-i offering 148 PS at 6,000 rpm and 190 Nm at 4,000 rpm, and the partnering gearbox for both variants is the tried and trusted four-speed Super ECT automatic transmission with sequential shifter.

The 2.5 litre unit is supposedly a bit more frugal than the outgoing 2.4 mill – unofficial fuel consumption figures are 7.85 km per litre (7.69 km per litre for the 2.4) in city mode, while highway driving returns 9.27 km per litre compared to the 2.4′s 8.22 km per litre, according to the Camry’s chief engineer. No figures were available for the 2.0 litre unit.

The car measures in at 4,825 mm long, 1,825 mm wide and 1,470 mm tall, with a 2,775 mm-long wheelbase. As for weight, the 2.5V tips the scales at 1,480 kg, while both 2.0 litre variants weigh in identically, at 1,445 kg.

Plenty of chrome to be found on the outside, with the radiator grille, hood moulding, fog lamp cover, door belt, rocker panel moulding, rear garnish and exhaust muffler tip featuring the shiny stuff.

All three models feature wood-grain trim, with the 2.5 V and the 2.0 G adding chrome finishing for the air-conditioning knob, inside door levers and door scuff plate. The 2.5V features a beige leather interior, while the 2.0G gets a black leather one, and the 2.0E’s cabin is also in beige, though the outfit is in fabric.

Common kit found on the trio include HID headlamps, Optitron meters, electric power steering, dual-zone automatic climate control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as a four-spoke, tilt and telescopic adjustment leather-wrapped steering (the 2.5V’s has additional wood grain trim). Both the 2.5V and 2.0G get cruise control and eight-way power adjustable front seats.

Unique to the 2.5V is a 6.1-inch touchscreen display with DVD player and reverse camera, sun shades for the rear and side windows as well as a push-start feature; the 2.0 litre variants continue on with a keyed ignition. Speaking of the interior, the company says that compared to its predecessor, the XV50 features significantly improved noise insulation, thus resulting in a quieter cabin.

As for remaining kit, the 2.5V also gets four airbags (front and front side), while the 2.0 litre models have two. It also features 17-inch alloys and 215/55 series tyres, while both the 2.0 litre variants wear 16-inch ones, wrapped with 215/60 rubbers. Interestingly, there’s no VSC on call across the entire model range – it would have been expected that the 2.5V would have had it.

Four colours are available for the locally-assembled car, and these are Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, White Pearl CS and a new shade called Attitude Black. Going for the White Pearl CS means forking out an additional premium of RM800, and the shade is not available for the 2.0E.

Pricing for the XV50 Camry is RM180,900 for the 2.5V, RM157,900 for the 2.0G and RM149,900 for the 2.0E, all on-the-road-with insurance. Chris Ng is having a go at the Camry as we write, so we’ll have the first drive impressions on the XV50 soon.
IMG_9045IMG_9043IMG_9042IMG_9039IMG_9007IMG_9008IMG_9009IMG_9010IMG_9012IMG_9013IMG_9014IMG_9002IMG_9006IMG_9015IMG_9016IMG_9017IMG_9018IMG_9019IMG_9021IMG_9023IMG_9024IMG_9028IMG_9032IMG_9034IMG_9037IMG_8986IMG_9011IMG_9047IMG_9053

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 01 Jun 12 06:48:02 +0000.

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Toyota 86 officially launched in Malaysia – manual goes for RM243k, auto RM249k, we try it!

UMW Toyota has officially launched in Malaysia one of the most anticipated sports cars in recent times, the Toyota 86. Known simply as the 86 here, as opposed to “GT86″ for Europe and “FT86″ for the concept, the car is a spiritual successor to the original AE86 hachi roku, the rear-wheel drive Corolla coupe of the 80s, made popular by drifting and Initial D.

Toyota says that two other iconic sports cars influenced the 86′s DNA – the tiny Sports 800 (FR layout, boxer engine) and the curvy 2000GT, which served as a starting point for the stylists. If you don’t already know, the 86 was co-developed with Subaru, which sells its twin sister the BRZ.

As mentioned in our BRZ test drive report, Toyota was in charge of the car’s styling and product planning, while Subaru handled engineering and production. The 2.0 litre four-cylinder boxer engine is Subaru’s trademark, enhanced with Toyota’s D-4S direct fuel injection system and VVT. The boxer engine is relatively compact and flat, with a low centre of gravity, which makes it very suitable for a sports car.

With a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, the 16-valve DOHC flat-four engine makes 200 PS at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm of torque available between 6,400 and 6,600 rpm. Redline is 7,450 rpm. Two gearboxes are available, a six-speed manual or a torque converter automatic with the same amount of forward ratios. The self shifter comes with steering paddles, sequential shift and Sport Mode.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited slip differential (LSD) and front-rear weight distribution is 53:47. The VSC system has a Sport mode that is less restraining, but the electronic nannies can be completely switched off for some sideways fun, an essential part of the 86 experience.

Should things go wrong, seven airbags are standard (front, side, curtain, driver’s knee), as are ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and VSC. ISOFIX mounts are included in the rear. With today’s crash and safety requirements, the 86 won’t be sub-1000 kg, but a kerb weight of 1,275 kg (1,298 kg for auto) is light for today’s standards. An aluminum bonnet and resin fuel tank, help the cause, among other things.

The suspension consists of front MacPherson struts and double wishbones for the rear. The steering is of the electric (EPS) variety with a “sporty” 13:1 ratio. Ventilated disc brakes can be found at all corners, along with 17-inch alloys and 215/45 Michelin Primacy HP tyres.

Eagle eyes out there will notice the smaller centre cap on the wheels – 49 mm vs the usual 60 mm. Apparently, this saves weight without any loss of rigidity, and makes the spokes appear longer, giving the illusion of bigger wheels.

The cabin features semi-bucket seats and a small diameter three-spoke wheel – at 365 mm, the 86 wheel is the smallest in any Toyota. There’s also a programmable shift indicator – 100 rpm increments from 2,000 to 7,400 rpm. Standard kit includes smart entry/start, a 2DIN audio system with six speakers (CD, AUX, USB) and auto air con.

We were given a very limited and brief sample of the 86 at Sepang (South Track, automatic version only, VSC on) and the 86 shows plenty of promise as a car that will delight the enthusiast.

The seating position is very low and all controls are perfectly placed, including the auto shift stick that mimics the design of a manual. The engine is enthusiastic and smooth revving, and although there’s no turbo style kick in the back, one gets the joy of a pushing a high-revving naturally aspirated engine to the max – an extremely rare pleasure these days.

There’s a relatively loud tone when the engine is extended, which is welcome, although I can’t quite extract “boxer notes” from the overall tune. The weight and feel of the steering and brakes are spot on, and the lightweight, agile feel of the 86 is apparent throughout.

Push hard and the tail will ease out, but with the VSC on standby, we couldn’t get the 86 to do what it’s famous for. Just a bit of rear end slip before we were brought in line again. Whatever drifting you see here was done by no other than Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer of the 86. It was quite painful to see the “demo session” done on a manual 86 and hear the tyres howl away – classic example of can see, cannot touch!

For more, read our first impressions of the Subaru BRZ. Not being lazy here, because both cars feel exactly the same in the limited wheel time I had.

Six colours are available, and they are Satin White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Sterling Silver Metallic, Lightning Red, Galaxy Blue Silica and Orange Metallic. The latter is an 86 exclusive colour, much like what WR Blue Mica is to the Subaru BRZ. Satin White Pearl is an RM800 premium.

The selling price is RM243,000 for the manual and RM249,000 for the automatic, as per initial estimates. 30 orders have been placed. As with all cars sold by UMW Toyota Motor, the 86 comes with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty, something one will never get from grey importers. The full spec sheet by UMWT has been online for quite some time – click here to see it.

Speaking of them, we won’t be expecting to see many grey units around – Toyota and Subaru can’t make enough of the 86/BRZ twins despite full throttle production and demand is clearly outstripping supply.

Ready, get set, go ahead and feast on the gallery below!

toyota-ft86-1toyota-ft86-2toyota-ft86-3toyota-ft86-4toyota-ft86-5toyota-ft86-6toyota-ft86-7toyota-ft86-8toyota-ft86-9toyota-ft86-10toyota-ft86-11toyota-ft86-12toyota-ft86-13toyota-ft86-14toyota-ft86-15toyota-ft86-16toyota-ft86-17toyota-ft86-18toyota-ft86-19toyota-ft86-20toyota-ft86-21toyota-ft86-22toyota-ft86-23toyota-ft86-24toyota-ft86-25toyota-ft86-26toyota-ft86-27toyota-ft86-28toyota-ft86-29toyota-ft86-30toyota-ft86-31toyota-ft86-32toyota-ft86-33toyota-ft86-34toyota-ft86-35toyota-ft86-36toyota-ft86-37toyota-ft86-38toyota-ft86-39toyota-ft86-40toyota-ft86-41toyota-ft86-42toyota-ft86-43toyota-ft86-44toyota-ft86-45toyota-ft86-46toyota-ft86-47toyota-ft86-48toyota-ft86-49toyota-ft86-50toyota-ft86-51toyota-ft86-52toyota-ft86-53toyota-ft86-54toyota-ft86-55toyota-ft86-56toyota-ft86-57toyota-ft86-58toyota-ft86-59toyota-ft86-60toyota-ft86-61toyota-ft86-62toyota-ft86-63toyota-ft86-64toyota-ft86-65toyota-ft86-66toyota-ft86-67toyota-ft86-68toyota-ft86-69toyota-ft86-70toyota-ft86-71toyota-ft86-72toyota-ft86-73toyota-ft86-74toyota-ft86-75toyota-ft86-76toyota-ft86-77toyota-ft86-78toyota-ft86-79ft86white

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 01 Jun 12 05:23:16 +0000.

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