LUXURIOUS, COMFORT SEDAN UNDER Rp.100M

My definition for the above subject is a comfort, fun to drive, enough engine power, automatic transmission, strong brand image and “low maintenance” secondhand car which can buy in Indonesia with price less than Rp. 100.000.000. Fuel consumption is not in the first consideration at this point, all cars need at least Ron 92 unleaded fuel. Fuel consumption ranging from 1 ltr for 5 to 8 km for big engine (2500cc above) and 1 ltr for 7 to 12 km for small engine (less than 2500cc). Here the list:

Audi A4, V6, 2.6 Tiptronic. Production year 1999-2001. Price range Rp. 70M – 100M. Even though the exterior is look average medium class sedan, however the interior and engine capability are superb for its price. Audi has its own class that can sit in the same level with Merc C240 (elegance trim) or even better than BMW 318. The interior quality is high, the tiptronic gear box is fun to use, car handling and steering respond is good. The 2.6 V6 engine is bullet proof than produce 170 hp.

BMW 523/528 E39, Tiptronic, 170 hp (523), 193 hp (528), 1996 – 1998. Price range Rp. 75M – 105M. BMW E39 is the one of BMW’s most successful car. The Inline 6 engine running smoothly and strong enough to haul its 1568 kg body. Interior is tidy and luxurious. Driving position and car respond is very good.

Mazda Cronos 2.0 and 2.5, 1998 – 2000. Price range Rp. 40M – 70M. Nothing wrong with this car. Only because of poor image of Mazda brand in Indonesia. Both car (especially the 2.5 ltr with 200 hp engine) is fun and comfort to drive. The interior quality and facilities are good.

Mercedes C180/C200 AT, 120 hp (C180) – 134 hp (C200), 1995 – 1997, Price range Rp. 75M – 105M. Every body knows about Merc quality and comfortable, bullet proof engine, low maintenance, and easy spare parts. Some people complain for C180 performance, but its enough for normal city driving. Elegance trim is the good choice.

Toyota Crown Royal Saloon 3.0 AT, 1996 – 2000. Price range Rp. 65 – 100M. This one is Japanese Mercedes. Very comfort and have a lot of facilities. Huge passenger and baggage space. The 3.0 powerful engine produce 220hp. Cooling box, climate control are standard.

Volvo 850, S/V 70, 2.5 AT, 170 hp. 1995 – 2000. Price range Rp. 50M – 100M. Volvo 850 it’s a mid size luxury car, equipped wit almost all facilities that you need, including a high class sound system and luxurious leather sit. The inline 5 cylinders engine is very reliable, low maintenance and powerful. Driving position and steering respond is excellent.

Volvo S40, 2.0 T, AT, 167 hp. 2000 – 2002. Price range Rp. 90M – 110M. This medium size car is comfort to drive with volvo’s safety quality. The 2.0 engine with low compression turbo is responsive and fast. The interior is not very impressive, lack of cup holder. An additional front strut brace will improve the body rigidity.

Other choice are Toyota Camry 3.0 AT , Peugeot 406, Honda Accord VTil, Mitsubishi Galant V6 24v. All of the above cars mention above have used for 6 to 10 years, a problem in electrical wire or air condition normally occur, however its not too difficult to fix.

KIA Carens

Overview
Kia's Carens, first launched in the in Indonesia in 2000, looked like a bargain alternative to the popular Suzuki Aerio, Toyota Kijang, Opel Zavira and so on - but that early version had a number of design flaws that meant it wasn't nearly as multi-purpose and practical as it should have been. But Kia has taken note of all the criticisms, gone back to its engineers and cabin designers, and come back with a new version that really does do what it should. Add in much-improved refinement, improved cabin quality, an upgraded specification and rear seats which actually split and fold (a notable omission in the first-generation car) and the Carens really is an attractive proposition - at a very competitive price. The only downside is that it now only comes in five-seat form, the six-seat option having been dropped. At 2002 KIA launched Carens II, the car with a “style” at that time. The exterior looks very attractive.

Fact:
Engine : 1.8 liter, 1794 cc petrol, four cylinder inline
Output : 124 hp at 6000 rpm
Torque : 162 Nm at 4900 rpm
Fuel consumtion : 1 ltr for 6 km for city driving, up to 1 ltr for 10-12 km for extra urban driving.
Facilities : ABS, disc brake at front and rear wheels, dual airbag, 6 seaters or 7 seaters.

Reliability and quality
Kia is gaining a reputation for making mechanically robust vehicles, and all the Carens' powertrain and underpinnings are based on tried and tested components and formulae. The cabin quality - plastics and materials - is much improved over the outgoing model; it's a pleasant environment visually, if not one that provides much tactile satisfaction. The seats are still obviously nylon, and the plastic fascia hard and grainy (no rubber-effect or silicone-enhanced surfaces here) and this might not wear well in the long-term. Some of the switchgear, and features such as the glovebox, storage compartments and hinged bits, are a bit flimsy.

Driving
The seating position has been improved, and whilst it is still not as high as in some rivals, the all-round vision is good. The instruments are all clearer to read. And there's still no intermittent setting for the rear wiper. MPVs like this are not meant to perform like sports cars - unless they're the turbo-charged Zafira GSI - but the Carens handles well enough to give a degree of satisfaction. Its suspension is quite agile, the fatter tyres have improved its grip, and the diesel engine is strong enough to push on hard. It's certainly not a frustrating experience for keen drivers.

Performance
With an improved version of the old 1.8-litre unit, the engine just enough to carry the weight. Its not a sport car anyway. The 1.8 engine that easily cruises on the motorway, has plenty of torque (pulling power) for overtaking and effectively nips around town. It is smooth at speed and would also work well for towing.

Comfort and Equipment
Refinement is much improved over the outgoing model, with better sound-proofing, suppression of engine vibrations and a smoother ride, though the Carens is still not quite as smooth and quiet as its European rivals. Not much in it now, though. The seats are supportive for long journeys, and the driver's seat has lumbar adjustment as standard. Air conditioning is standard too (climate control on SE models) and ventilation has been improved with rear ducts now fitted. With the five seats option, the Carens feels roomier than before, and there is generous luggage space and enough legroom for adults to travel happily in the rear. And yes, the rear seats do now split and fold properly, a large oversight in the last model's cabin, and you can now open the boot from the outside without using the key. Front legroom is a little limited though for tall passengers, and as the Carens is not as tall as some rivals and has quite a dark cabin, it doesn't feel particularly airy. The sunroof (not available in Indonesia) restricts headroom a bit, but does let in more light. Storage and stowage solutions are provided: an overhead console with sunglasses holder, centre console with double cupholder and underfloor storage with removable tray, so you can stash your oddments out of the way. A minimal stereo with six speakers and a radio/cassette is offered as standard; SE models gain an in-dash CD player. A six-CD stacker system is a option, and is fitted under the driver's seat: this should give acceptable sound quality

Running Cost
Kia dealers are generally cheap for servicing and maintenance; service intervals are at 10,000 km/12 months. Fuel consumption is average at 34.9 mpg from the petrol (31 mpg in auto form). Used Carens models should be both good value and dependable choices, though it will be a while before any of these improved versions filter onto the secondhand market. If you just want something cheap'n'cheerful, then the old model (without the split/folding seats or exterior boot handle and in petrol form only) will be much more affordable, but look out for ex-demonstrator examples of this new one, which is a much more appealing all-round package and worth paying extra for. Kia is also known for its helpful, friendly dealers, it gives a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty for both private and business users and the whole ownership experience should be hassle-free and happy.

Potential Problem
- Noisy brake pad
- Torn drive shaft rubber boot
- Weak suspension

Price
- Carens 1 MT (2000-2002) = Rp 55M – 65M
- Carens 1 AT (2000-2002) = Rp. 60M – 70M
- Carens II MT (2002-2006) = Rp. 80M – 100M
- Carens II AT (2002-2006) = Rp. 83M – 103M

Honda Jazz i-DSI and VTEC

Although the Honda Jazz or Honda Fit is now one of Honda’s global models, it experienced a very slow progression as it made its way around the world. The car first debuted in the June of 2001 in Japan and immediately became a big hit. It was then introduced to Europe (early 2002), Australia (late 2002), South America (early 2003), South-East Asia (mid 2003), China (mid 2004), and Mexico (late 2005). A production model for the United States and Canadian markets debuted on January 8, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car was released in Indonesia on early 2004 (iDSI) and mid/late 2005 (VTEC). Unlike most Honda models, which traditionally have 4 or 5-year model cycles, the current generation Fit will remain for a longer period of time due to its late release in North America.

Fact:
Body Style : 5 door hatch
Layout : front engine/front wheel drive
Transmission : 5 speed manual
5 peed automatic CVT
Wheelbase : 2450 mm (96.5 in)
Length : 3845 mm (157.4 in)
Width : 1675 mm (66.5 in)
Height : 1525 mm (60.0 in)
Curb weight : 1084 kg (2390 lb) for 1.4 L LS with manual transmission
Engine(s)* : 1.2 L L12A i-DSI I4
1.3 L L13A i-DSI I4
1.5 L L15A i-DSI I4
1.5 L L15A VTEC I4

*in Indonesia Honda Jazz only available in 1.5 i-DSI and 1.5 VTEC engine

Drivetrain
Depending on the region, the Fit is equipped with either a 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 liter i-DSI engine, or a 1.5 liter VTEC engine. All four engines are based on Honda’s L-series engine family. The 8-valve i-DSI (intelligent dual and sequential) engines use two spark plugs per cylinder, allowing gasoline to burn more completely; therefore, fuel consumption and emissions are reduced while maximum torque at mid-range rpm is maintained. The 1.5 L VTEC engine has the typical 16-valve configuration. The 1.5 iDSI can produce 87 hp, meanwhile the VTEC engine with same capacity produce 110 hp.

The engines are mated to a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, or Continuously Variable Transmission. Two forms of the CVT are offered: the regular, and the CVT-7. The CVT-7 has the traditional choice of gearless shifting, and a smooth, continuous flow of power with the added option of seven computer-controlled "gears" controlled by paddle shifters on the steering column.

Platform
The Jazz/Fit uses Honda's Global Small Car platform, which is also used by the Fit Aria/City (a sedan version of the Fit), the Airwave (a wagon version of the Fit Aria/City). One of the characteristics of the Fit, which is also present in the Fit Aria and Airwave, is the location of the fuel tank. Rather than placing it under the rear seats, it is located under the front seats, thereby freeing up valuable room in the back. It also allows for Honda’s "Magic Seat" system, called ULTR seat in Japan, which has five distinct seating modes, with the longest items can hold up to 2.4 m, and 1.28 m tall.

Driving and Fuel Consumption
Jazz is fun to drive, smooth engine, steering is light and accurate, however I feel a mild body roll when driving aggressively above 100 km/hr. For 0-100 km/hr the i-DSI engine required more than 13 seconds and the VTEC engine can reach 100km/hr 2 seconds faster. Top speed around 170 km/hr.

The i-DSI engine fuel consumption around 20-24 km/l for tol/extra urban and 14 km/ltr for city driving. The VTEC engine gave 14/km/ltr for extra urban and 10 km/ltr for city driving. This fuel consumption is depend on your driving style. Both engines need unleaded fuel (in Indonesia at least Premium TT, but for reaching the top performance and efficiency, Pertamax Ron 90 is recommended).

Rivals:

- Suzuki Swift: 1490cc, 110 hp, new model, stylish

- Toyota Yaris: 1497cc, 109 hp, stylish, strong brand image

-Hyundai Getz: 1314 cc, 82 hp, good interior, good fule consumption, good price, old model, brand image, 13 km/ltr.

- Chevrolet Aveo: 1498 cc, 86 hp, good suspension, lower price, poor handling, conventional engine

-Suzuki Aerio, 1500 cc, 110 hp, old model, more space, good interior, 13 km/ltr.

If you need a detail service manual of this type of vehicles, check at pdftown.