ICE and Sightings

1. Finally a free Saturday to do car related stuff. Dropped by at 3 accessories shops today to look for a player for a friend. She finally settle on this one:


Its actually more of a Ipod controller than a CD/Radio player. From my initial observation:
- It looks good. Simple and elegant. Adds a taste of luxury to the otherwise conservative-boring interior. The blue lights would so look good in the X20.
- The sound quality is more balanced than the original built-in player. Btw, the original is manufactured by Alpine Electronics, China. I dunno if its the same "Alpine" that we know.
- The big volume dial is quite useful
- There are quite a bit of audio functions, including Low-pass, high-pass filters, 7-band EQ (2 customize), Sub phase, Built-in EQ settings, Bass related settings, etc.

However:
* Its not user-friendly. Takes a while to get the hang of the thing. The up down left right and press can get quite confusing.
* Although there is a "Mute" button, the "Pause" button is hidden deep in the "Function" menu somewhere. Why?!
* Its more an Ipod controller than a CD/Radio player. There are no buttons to preset the radio channels. For me, this is a MUST HAVE.
* Although there are A FEW Bass controls, theres no Subwoofer level output.

Installation done at Autogadget. These guys are well versed with the Honda City. I wish there are accessories shops out there very familiar with the X20. However, I think Amoi Siam may qualify! :D

2. While my friend was installing this, I spotted Steven driving pass. Thats all...

Breaking News - Petrol Price Down RM 0.10 (Midnight tonight)

Its official (from MalaysiaKini) that pump price is at RM 2.45

I just filled up on Monday evening. Dang! Could have saved RM 4-5 bucks.

I had dinner at the SS2 Indomie mamak where I ordered my favourite "Kum Heong Kai" dish (Its chicken with onions, dried prawns and black sauce). The price went up by 50 cents to RM 5.50 (sad)

Finally some good news, compared to the drama politics that we've been having.

Comment Reply

Before the comment reply, I saw a black X20 on the way to Jln Kuching, KL this morning! BJY xxxx. Rushing to work, didn't have time to snap pic.

Anyway, here's akt's comment, and following that, my reply (a short one, as work is calling out...)
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Hi, I wished I had read your input before doing a test-drive. Anyway, I had a test drive and as much as I love the car's interior (well, who doesn't? So luxurious and the driver is so pampered!) but while taking the car for a test drive on a highway, I can hear sounds like wind pushing against the side of the car, a little vibration on the seat (not much, just a little) and maybe it is just me, the blue lights were getting abit uneasy to look at. Mind you, the test drive was done while it was raining and it was really a test of one's driving! The handling of the steering was ok. However, it was difficult to get oneself used to the way the lights and wiper knobs/switched (sorry, dunno the right term to use) were designed.

By the way, since I drive a Waja, the gearbox is designed to have a straightforward path (is there a term to this design) but Elantra x20's gearbox has an up/down maneuvering path, is there a reason for such a design?
I also found out the engine used in the US is Beta engine, so what is the difference with our local Elantra x20's engine?

Thanking you, sifu, in advance!
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1. The sound proofing of the X20 is poor. The noise from the tires, high-engine rev, can be quite disappointing. I've done sound proofing on my front doors, rear seats & tires and full boot but still can hear road noises. However, I don't hear any significant wind noises.

2. The blue lights take a little to get used to. I prefer to dim it as it can be quite bright.

3. The gear design (i call it 'staggered') is a brilliant idea. It prevents you from shifting to a wrong gear. I've seen cars (eg. Honda City) at a traffic light shift from P to R! Maybe coz while shifting, they stopped too early. You won't have this problem on the X20. Just push slight left and pull the gear towards you, and it'll stop at D.

4. I don't think the US engine is different from ours. However, do google the GEMA engine on KIA cars if you're free. Too bad the X20 doesn't come with the GEMA heart. Oh well...

5. I'm not X20 sifu, "there is another". Did you watch Return of the Jedi? :D

ps - you can always test drive AGAIN!

Long Overdued Snippets

1. Just as petrol prices were dropping and in the low USD$90's, it had to take a hike recently. Paul Tan's take here. Btw, Jeff Ooi's blog has a oil price graph. I'm gonna copy it!

Well, the fuel price will be discussed tomorrow (Paul Tan again), and by the looks of it, I don't think anything good will come out of the discussion.


2. Sightings: There are more and more X20s on the road. I saw 1 last Saturday (13th Sept) afternoon, 2 on Sunday (14th Sept), my wife saw this one in Subang near Taylors College:


I saw a Silver Incus kitted X20 in KLCC parking today. But too slow to snap a pic.

My friend who went to SG for work was quite demoralised to see so many avante's on the road. Why? Cause the Hyundai X20 is a good car, however, she's driving a Honda City. This is a super cool number plate:



3. Paul Tan (Harvinder Singh Sidhu) Review on the Elantra
- The pics are awesome
- Its good points are stated
- Reviewer doesn't like:

## Blue lights - I love it! That was an attraction factor for me. It could be an 'age' thing, I dunno.

## 'Rubber' Climate control buttons may turn yellow over time - I think its hard plastic, not rubber, but I could be wrong. Again, its unconventional design and color was an attraction factor for me.

## Bad handling, going all over the place under pressure, drives like a cow - I think he might not be used to the light steering handling and lack of steering feedback. I felt the same way when I first pushed my car. But now, I'm quite confident on taking hard corners and maneuvering around town. However, I'm not on stock tires :). I do have to be fair that overall, there are many cars that can out-handle the X20, due to the suspension settings, center of gravity, etc.

## Soft suspension causing "floatiness" - Yeah, also to mention that the X20 has got a high center of gravity, compared to eg. a Wira.

## Not enough gear ratios - The reviewer is comparing the Hyundai X20 gearbox with a VW DSG gearbox. Well, I wish Hyundai and VW will co-op and work out a 7-speed DSG gearbox for the X20. Also this will cost 50k more? Anyway, I do agree that a 5-speed gearbox would be more attractive and definately kick the Toyota Altis' ass.

## Weak brakes - I have no idea what this is about. Maybe the test drive car has some braking problems. Please sit in my car and allow me to jam the brakes, and feel the ABS kick-in.

Anyway, its got 38 comments so far. Check it out.


4. What do you think of Incus kit with RoadRun Grill? Pics courtesy from Getz2Avante (ClubHyundai Forums). The bonnet is SGD$900 (including fenders and spraying).





5. I have a blog follower. Not sure how this works, but thanks for the visit and following, Ms. AKT

X20 is currently Away

Sorry for the poor updating. Been busy at work, training & reports, personal, etc.

Will blog about the following over the weekend:
- Petrol prices (world pricing dropped, M'sia pump prices? Goods prices?)
- Sightings - By my wife and friends
- Paul Tan's review on X20 and its 'poor' handling
- Incus bodykit and Road Run grill... *yummy*

Regards,
X20