Hyundai Elantra X20

Kah Bintang car service

2012-02-01T16:04:00.003+08:00

Yet again, its time for car service. The boot switch is not working, rear brake light is fused. RM 149.10 only, with my own engine oil @ 66.3km. They couldnt't fix my boot :(

Anyone can recommend a good service location besides Kah Bintang?

This blog is not dead...

2011-07-18T22:53:00.005+08:00

Last Sunday I cleaned up the junk in my car. Got rid of all the rubbish in the boot, organized the trunk and had a car wash. After that, changed the cabin filter:

This cabin filter was "imported" by a fellow X20 driver, and active Team Hyundai Malaysia member, Steven Chen. Thank you, buddy.

This is a pic of the used and new cabin filter. Yucks...

Overdue service...

2011-01-02T18:18:00.004+08:00

Overdue service and blog post:
- more than 12k black oil and filter change
- been driving with one headlight only for like a month
- spark plug change

Eneos synth engline oil. Gonna try out Osram's Nightbreaker headlights, only coz the other brands don't have H7 size in stock. Same for the Iridium plugs. This service is gonna cost a bomb :(

Hmm... Should I change the wipers? And why does my left headlight always blow? Started with china made hid, piaa and now the philips crystal vision... Hmm...

Garage Sale!

2010-03-14T19:35:00.010+08:00

Updated with Price list:

I've been busy shifting into my new place. No time and inspiration to blog. Since I've kinda settled down in my new place, I've got some stuff to let go off. I haven't set the prices yet, need to survey around for the price. If you're interested, just drop me a mail at alfee29 at yahoo dot com:

HOME STUFF:
RM10 Cup holder

4 folding tables. 2 big and 2 small. Dimensions:
RM30 BIG: 76cm(H) x 90(W) x 90(D)
RM20 SMALL: 77cm(H) x 91(W) x 61(D)

RM300 National fridge, model number NR-B27FB. Bought for more than 1k, been using for 6yrs, and now upgraded to bigger fridge. No problems with this one.
Size: 146cm(W) x 57(H) x 63(D)

A small crack on the lower tray:

RM30 Foldable Wall Shelf - It can be folded ;) Its really convenient and I used this by my bedside.

RM40 IKEA ANATOL microwave/oven bracket. This is a solid wall mounted bracket for your dry/wet kitchen. Can also be used to place small TVs and other appliances.

RM35 Keyboard stand. Can also be used with a plank of wood as a display/banquet table :)

RM80 Study pull-down table. Normal wear and tear:
Size: 152.5cm(H) x 91.5(W) x 44(D)
Size: 152.5cm(H) x 91.5(W) x 76(D) - pulled down table

RM50 Finewood study/computer table with extension cable on rollers:
Size: 90cm(H) x 90(W) x 63(D)
Extension cable around 9 feet long

COMPUTER STUFF:
RM50 NEW Classic Phone with Caller ID and speaker phone:

RM25 USED ICmic phone:

RM5 Mouse pad with gel:

RM50 Original HP Laptop Bag, inspired by Targus (huh?). My wife bought a HP laptop, but using another bag:

RM10 Clip on mic

RM4 Power cables:

RM2 2xPS2 mouse, 2 USB cable extender (Long RM8 & Short RM5),

34 DVD-R (RM20) and 8 CDR (RM4):

RM30 Balun (Black Box). A communication converter from BNC (coaxial) to RJ-45.

OTHER STUFF:
RM35 for 2 Race Tin Gen-3 remote controlled cars. Good gift for young kids. Includes 4 rechargeable GP batteries.

First e-mail, first served.

Sightings in Melbourne!

2009-12-03T11:47:00.001+08:00

I was so excited to spot a white X20 in Melbourne. There is a fair distribution of cars here, you'll see Ford, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Holden and some Hyundai, VW & BMW. Holden is an Aussie brand. I found it strange to see so many Fords and Mazdas on the road. The Mazda 3 is quite common here. Btw I've only seen 2 Mercs so far (a new C200 and a new C180) and no volvos.

I also saw a Proton Putra without its badge. Immediately my aunt said that they are probably prizes from lucky draws or contests. Sad but funny at the same time.

Nice Avante Photos... Club Hyundai member

2009-11-29T01:46:00.002+08:00

Beautiful:

- 18" beautiful rims
- M&S V2 bodykit (droooool)
- Upgraded 2 tone leather seats
- etc

Go to his Flickr site for more pics!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44964768@N07/

- Yu Sri from Club Hyundai forums

Cold and Hot

2009-11-25T14:48:00.005+08:00

The weather has been wonderful the last 2 weeks due to daily showers. I haven't turned on the bedroom aircond in a while now.

Suddenly...

Today is strangely hot. It drizzled in the morning, but by afternoon, the sun was blazing and temperatures rose up to 36 degrees.

From my house, the sky was clear without any sign of rain clouds. However, spotted some rain clouds on the way to office. Hopefully it'll rain in the evening.

Its a good thing that I'm using V-kool elite in the X20. The UV blocking is superb compared to some other tints that I've tested:

Don't realise how hot the sun is, until I stepped out of the car... :)

More and more sightings

2009-11-23T20:05:00.001+08:00

This guy was spotted at PJ between Sea Park and SS2.

This one was spotted in Ikanao:

Short Stories and Sightings in the rain...

2009-11-20T16:13:00.005+08:00

I had a dream, X20's front right tire and rear left tire was punctured. A hole was found on both tire's side wall. My wife and I had to carry the 2 tires looking for a tire shop on a Sunday evening.

Today I helped my colleague change tires on his Proton Wira aeroback. He hit a pot hole in Sec 17, PJ. The sport rim was slightly bengkok. Freaky...

Saw a SG Avante driving in front of my office. Didn't get a good shot, as I was turning left, and it was raining:

More sightings!

2009-11-20T00:53:00.003+08:00

This one is contributed:

This one was spotted coming out of IKEA and going to TTDI (so was I):

Driving the BMW 530i e60

2009-11-15T03:34:00.006+08:00

Can't sleep in the morning due to some unexpected issues. It has been a crazy week, and an even crazier weekend.

The highlight of the day is being appointed the wedding driver for Mr & Mrs Lee. The bridal car was the new 530i.

1. This is a huge car. Its monstrous. OK, maybe its not monstrous, but from the drivers seat, the bonet looks super long. I was thinking that parking this car is going to be a headache... and I was right...

2. I found it difficult to even drive OUT of my house, thanks to the cars parked outside my house. Had to repark the X20 for the BMW to drive out. *noob*

3. Took the BMW for a spin the night before, kinda like a get-to-know-you session with the car. So many buttons, sticks and features! The car has an EXTERNAL reverse sensor & display (weird, whats wrong with the in-built one?). Too bad the GPS doesn't work. Dunno how to turn the wiper on permanently. *NoOb*

- The car is beautiful. Few will disagree on this point. It looks super sporty, yet maintaining the elegance of BMWs. It comes with a sun roof, great sound system with subwoofer, sport rims, smoked headlights with projectors, and ofcoz the bridal car deco.

- The car handles superbly. It really is a driver's car. Suspension, handling, horsepower, there is absolutely nothing lacking in these areas. The car is torque-y, with no lag when flooring the accelerator (compared to the BMW 325i e46 that I drove for MY wedding).

4. While parking at the lunch reception @ bangsar seafood, the owner of the 530i was watching me park HIS car. *tension* Even with the parking valet's instructions, I failed miserably at the parking attempt. After the few failed attempts, the parking valet guy (who looks like a night club bouncer) took over and parked it in a few seconds. *NOOB*

5. After picking the bride, the wedding ceremony, the lunch reception, 2 tea ceremonies, I finally returned the car, and I got back into my X20. Phew! I was so relieved.

Driving the 5-series is so stressful. I love the compact sedan, and I LOVE THE X20!

Constributed Sightings...

2009-11-11T22:47:00.003+08:00

Oh my poor neglected blog. Too bad, as life is busy busy busy...

Spotted by a Honda driver near Kelana Jaya stadium in PJ. Nice number plate:

Update and Sightings

2009-11-06T13:46:00.002+08:00

I haven't updated the blog in a while now. The visitor count is dropping. Ofcoz, no one visits a blog that isn't updated. I've been busy with work and overseeing some renovations.

The X20 has not undergone any changes. My wife is currently washing the car now, taking some initiative to care for my "mistress" ;)

Some sightings coming up next.

THM X20 Spotted

2009-10-29T23:04:00.003+08:00

A grey X20 spotted on Jln Sg. Besi after lunch. I was on the way back to office after a sumptuous Fish Head noodles lunch and spotted this guy. Ok now, whose THM X20 number plate starts with N..

The white THM sticker is on the right corner.

Sightings @ TTDI

2009-10-21T01:01:00.004+08:00

This is the road where the old IBM building is located. Its exactly in front of Nasi Kandar Penang, and opposite Pizza Hut @ TTDI. Silver X20 with Incus bodykit and Eastmax rims.

Have you been spotted?

2009-10-14T13:25:00.002+08:00

Spotted on the way to work at Mont Kiara:

Have you been spotted yet?

My X20 doesn't have...

2009-10-10T23:28:00.002+08:00

...the following:
- side and curtain air-bags
- folding rear seats
- sun roof
- cruise control
- average fuel consumption display (km/liter)
- low tire pressure indicator (TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
- vanity mirror lamp
- luggage net (holder) in boot
- glass antenna (who uses those old metal antenna's nowadays?!)
- illuminated ignition switch
- engine cover
- child seat lower anchors (for child restraint system)

They're stated in the owners manual, but noted with an asterisk (* if applicable).

GAHHHH... missing rim hub cap

2009-10-10T22:59:00.002+08:00

1 of my rim's hub cap is missing! GRRRRRrrrRRRrrrr...

When I bought the rims, the sport rim shop boss told me it cost RM 200 for an ori OZ Racing hub cap. GRRRRRrrrRRRrrrr...

Its a sad sad day for my X20.

:(

Sightings @ TTDI

2009-10-10T00:35:00.004+08:00

In the last few days, I've spotted about 7 X20's. I've only managed to snap 1 guy at TTDI. This Sapphire Silver X20 has a 3-digit number plate, an interesting bodykit, which I suspect is from Air Master without the dodgy spoiler (my old blog post HERE!, Air Master X20 website HERE!) was parked outside Maybank TTDI.

I snapped this pic sneakily, and you can see my right shoulder and my black lanyard in the picture.

Nuffnang really works!

2009-10-07T01:03:00.005+08:00

I started displaying Nuffnang ads on my blog on 22nd June 2008. After 1 year and 2 months, I've got a cheque in the mail for RM 49.26. It really works! People like you, visit my site, click (or don't click) on the Nuffnang ads that display Mr. Potato, Toyota Vios, McDonalds etc. and I get paid. Interesting concept.

Now all I need to do, is setup 2,000 blogs and I can quit my day job :P

X20 Sightings (no picture)

2009-10-06T23:14:00.000+08:00

I saw 3 X20's over the weekend, 2 of them were with a triangular sticker. Do you know whats up with these X20's? Are they company cars? Or out for an event? Eg. treasure hunt, etc?

hmm...

Avante Face Lift on SG roads. How abt M'sia?

2009-10-03T15:00:00.003+08:00

Saw this post on Club Hyundai. Avante's first pics of the Face Lift model in Singapore.

Source: SG My Car Forum

Bridgestone Thailand, Michelin France, Pirelli Germany on Korean X20, in Malaysia

2009-09-29T00:10:00.007+08:00

In my previous post, I mentioned that my front Bridgestone Potenza Adrenaline (RE001) tyres have been "eaten" on the inside VERY badly. I had to change those 2 tyres ASAP, however, the tyre dealer quoted Hyundai Svc Center RM 5++ per tyre, so I decided to try to look around first.

My Bridgstone tyres are 1 year 6 months old, with 27k mileage. Two tyres are still good, and have maybe 30-50% tyre thread left. I'm not gonna buy a full set of 4 new tyres just because 2 tyres need to be changed.

At the current prices, to buy 2 new 215/45/17 tyres would cost RM 800-1,000. Instead, I moved the pair of good condition Bridgestones to the front, and got 2nd hand tyres for the rear. Priced at RM 110 a piece, with 40% thread left, they're wider (225/45/17) and of different brands ("yin yong" in cantonese):

1. Michelin Pilot Sport - rear right

2. Pirelli P6000 Powergy - rear left

Hopefully they last me for at least another 1 year. Then will go for a more economical set of tyres.

Car service @ Hyundai Jln. Ipoh (Updated)

2009-09-28T12:10:00.004+08:00

Dropped car off at 11:50pm at the Svc. Center after explaining to them:
- use own engine oil
- steering alignment check (GDS)
- rotate tyres, balancing & alignment
- petrol smell in cabin after refueling
- center console creaking
- don't change air filter

They have a cafeteria which serves Chinese food (not sure if its halal). Noticed that their lunch time is at 12-1pm, but there is another service shift from 1-2pm that's working on my car.

I changed the coolant and standard NGK spark plugs. Notice the coolant is for Honda cars!

When the car was lifted up, I noticed both my front tyres were "eaten" on the inside VERY badly. More about this in the next post.

Spotted some Incus stuff in the workshop area:

Spotted a black X20 here for service too. Mr. Shahril from Seremban, drove all the way to HQ to fix his trunk release button. Both the cabin button and remote cannot release the trunk. He's been using the spare key to open the trunk since he bought the car (1 year and 7 months ago). The service center in Seremban didn't know how to fix it, so he came all the way to Jln. Ipoh HQ. However, he left without getting it fixed, as HQ people also doesn't know what's wrong. If I were him, I'ld be FURIOUS!

He's got nice 17" rims on his ride:

At the service center, spotted 2 other X20s:
1. At the car park, most probably one of the staff working there:

2. I saw this black X20 when I was leaving, so I didn't manage to meet the Chinese driver:

On an unrelated note, I spotted a silver X20 at IKEA at night:

TT @ Aman Suria with THM and CH (Avante07)

2009-09-27T01:09:00.005+08:00

Avante07 from Club Hyundai was coming to KL on 26th Sept for a visit. I was very sad, as I had made plans for a pot-luck on that night, and didn't think I could make it for the TT. However, it turned out that the pot-luck was in Aman Suria (Mutiara Oriental Condo) and I left by 9+pm =)

Its great to hang out with fella's that share the same passion as you. Many thanks to the THM forummers for making this a "meriah" TT.

The only red Avante in SG, the owner also wearing red:

The ride is lowered with TEIN adjustables. Only 1 finger spacing!

Why Avante 1.6 comes with engine cover and X20 doesn't? Grrr...

CHAN: Guess who's car is this?

So many X20 with Incus bodykit. *sniff* =(

A comparison with my ride, STOCK bodykit =((

Other Cars... and X20 sightings (no pics)

2009-09-19T17:23:00.002+08:00

Work has been crazy. I finally have some free time to blog! :)

Sightings
I saw 2 X20s this week, but no time to take photo:
- Yesterday, on the way to work
- Today, in Selayang traffic lights

Other Cars
I love what this guy did to the black Neo bodykit. I'm not sure if this is stock, but the greyish-brownish bodykit looks awesome.

I saw this white BMW X6 on Jalan Tun Razak last week. Its so menacing and screams intimidation. So far, I've seen 3 on the road already. Btw, I think the X6 looks like the 3-series on top, with a huge A$$.

On an unrelated note, I dreamt that I crashed a Porsche Cayanne, by parking it on a high gradient slope, and it toppled over... *weird*

Finally a sighting!

2009-09-16T20:08:00.001+08:00

I haven't been seeing X20's on the road since this post on 14th August '09. Finally, spotted 1 on the way to work yesterday morning:

The New Tucson and Sonata (ii)

2009-09-09T15:30:00.008+08:00

More and more pics surface, affirming their good looks:

1. C-class, eat your heart out!

2. "The all-new four-door sedan embodies Hyundais so-called “fluidic” design language..."

3. The tail lights look like a stretched X20 lights :) NICE! Love the shark fin antenna too. At least Hyundai knows what works.

4. Simple and stylish. Is that an animation of a car taking a left bend in 1.6km?

Reported sites:
Motoring Sky
Hyundai-Blog 1
Hyundai-Blog 2
SGCarMart <- More pics here!

I can't upload the Tucson pics due to copy-write reasons, but you MUST go this website to view them:
http://www.slrclub.com/bbs/vx2.php?id=theme_gallery&no=1143784

Avante Facelift in SG (ii)

2009-09-08T07:09:00.008+08:00

6. Metal foot pedals looks so sporty. Adds 1,000,000 cool factor points and +25 HP too :P

7. Metal gear shift, USB/IPOD input, a button that I suspect is for ECO/SPORT mode.

8. Engine Start button, and alarm with funny hook. Anyone know what is this? My guess is an immobilizer, but the funny hook?

[edit] Kumar confirmed my suspicion that its a hidden key in case the alarm fails to unlock, etc.

9. A reverse camera right above the number plate. Would be great to snap pics of idiots who tail gate for fun.

10. Enhanced rear-view mirror with reverse camera display.

11. Super Advanced rear-view mirror Light sensor, autodimmer, bluetooth, +60 HP :P

12. Darker looking interior.

13. A brighter picture shows a black and grey interior. Notice the chrome door handles, but using the old dashboard meters.

Car PC in X20!

2009-09-08T06:17:00.003+08:00

In THM forums, we have our in-house DIY car PC, but installed in a Proton Waja.

However, this guy (freehand) from http://mp3car.com has got a :

Screen: CarTFT CTF700-SH - VGA 7" TFT
CPU: Dual-core 1.6Ghz Intel Atom
Motherboard: Intel D945GCLF2 Mini-ITX MB
PSU: Mini Box M4-ATX 250W 6Vto30V Power Supply
GPS: Globalsat BU-353 SiRF star III USB Mouse GPS Receiver
Memory: 1GB OCZ
Hard Drive: 3.5" 80GB SATA Western Digital
Other: Griffin Powermate

More pics, HERE!

* actually, the google website is powered from his laptop. The in-car PC was still being assembled, and proof whether it worked or not.

Avante Face Lift in SG

2009-09-08T05:25:00.009+08:00

Posted by erykool from Club Hyundai (CH)Avante Forum (Link HERE!)

1. Outline smoked headlights. I wish the inner portion is also smoked, like in this post.

2. The rear lights fitted with 10 LED lights. Its perfect!

3. The new grill has got 3 vertical lines, instead of 5. I think it looks like the Merc C class grill. I like it, but incus/roadruns still win.

Original grill:

4. Signal lamps on the side mirror.

5. This is the biggest change, the dashboard. Most CH forummers like it, but I prefer the original design. There's something wrong about the new design. Its trying to look modern and traditional at the same time, and doesn't work for me. However the GEAR indicator is a good addition. Also note the "ECO" mode, which means there is a "SPORTS" mode somwhere :)

However, I prefer this dash below from the Elantra Touring. Its symmetrical, has a proper trip meter, shows you which door is not shut tight, looks cooler and more up to date, etc:

More pics from the Hyundai Korea Website:

Additional observation:
- Another view of the new grill
- 4 reverse sensors
- Chrome door handles
- Suspension looks lower

20% Touch & Go Rebate

2009-09-08T04:19:00.006+08:00

Its 4:30am, and I can't sleep coz of a bloated stomach and caffeine overdose (tea and coke during dinner). I was reading Paul Tan's article on the touch&go rebates, and got inspired to rant. Read at your own risk.

<"rant">

M'sians and Singaporeans love sales and rebates. I don't deny that I do. My favourite 4-letter word is SALE. My favourite 2 words are "Warehouse SALE" and favourite number is 7 because always looking for 70% discount. Well, in fact, my favourite number is 7 coz of a few reasons, not to be elaborated here.

So an announcement of rebates will get us (chinese fellas) all worked up, informing our entire network of kiasu fellas to start lining up to redeem the rebate. "Better be the first to get the rebate, after the gomen change their mind, then how?"... "The early bird catches the worm." DISCLAIMER: This is a flawed sweeping statement that may contain inaccuracies as it is my own personal opinion based on personal observation and experience, and it may not apply to you, fellow chinese reader, if you don't fit into this category. (In case I get sued by a slighted chinese lawyer for sedition or inciting racial slurs. With great freedom (of speech) comes great responsibilities!)

Anyway, back to the T&G rebate. I think the whole system is silly. Read the excerpt below, blatantly copied from Paul Tan, for context:

"Claiming your rebate is not automatic. Each calendar month, you will have to bring your card to the Touch ‘n Go center at Faber Towers or KL Sentral, or selected highway sales centres. If you qualify for a rebate, the 20% rebate will be credited into your card on the spot. You can only start collecting your rebates beginning 5th October 2009."

1. I agree with Mr. Tan that the rebate should be based on total amount, and not the frequency of the amount. That would give customers more incentive to spend more. Now I'm thinking about all the available cheap tolls to get to work.

2. I definitely won't purposely drive to Faber tower or KL Sentral to get a RM 35.20 rebate. Parking, jam and wasted time (during office hours) will kill me. The toll booths that I may use (not on my daily route to work) are:
Jalan Duta
• Damansara - to go holidaying (maybe twice a year)
• Batu Tiga - when I visit my relatives (which is about twice a year)
• Subang - when I'm in a rush (maybe twice a year too)

Paying a RM2.00 toll + RM4.00 petrol + 20 minutes time to redeem RM 35.20 seems like a better deal than going to Faber Tower/KL Sentral.

3. On my way to work, I've calculated the the frequency & amount of toll CAN be at:
a) Max - 110 times, total of RM 176 monthly
b) Min - 44 times, total of RM 66 monthly *this is what I'm paying

I can save about 15-30 minutes a day by using Max tolls in (a). This is max 11 hours a month.

Therefore, factoring my rebates for Max tolls in (a), I should be paying RM 140.80 a month if I want to "redeem" T&G rebates.

So the final question is... should I pay RM 74.80 more, to save 11 hours in a month?

<"/rant">

3 Contributed Sightings

2009-09-08T04:14:00.003+08:00

3 sightings from 1 contributor:

1. Spotted an Avante on North South Highway near Melaka:

2. Spotted at DJ area, outside the Dim Sum place (the posh one with aircond):

3. A blur shot, of a silver X20 at SS2:

Steven Chen's X20 also was spotted at Puncak Seri Kelana again... I assume for badminton... :)

RON 95 Petrol at Shell

2009-08-29T07:06:00.002+08:00

Its yellow in color, priced at RM 1.75 per liter. First day of using RON 95 fuel.

The New Tucson and Sonata (leaked)

2009-08-28T02:42:00.005+08:00

Tucson

The Sexy Utility Vehicle. It reminds me of a Nissan Murano mixed with an Hyundai i10.

It looks much better in the video than in the pics:

Sonata

These are leaked pics, courtesy of Paul Tan:

Fellow X20 Sport Rims

2009-08-24T22:51:00.000+08:00

GO HERE TO VIEW PICS!

Nice!

New Elantra Website

2009-08-22T22:57:00.001+08:00

Saw this link on the Club Hyundai forums... so I clicked on it.

http://elantramore.hyundai.com/

Can ANYONE tell me whats this about?

Old Post, New Looks... from Lowyat Forums

2009-08-21T02:19:00.006+08:00

Spotted this posting at an old thread in the Lowyat forums. I believe its hand-sketched by the poster, ydingo.

The front reminds me of a Proton Gen2, maybe due to the blue colour and the similar looking lights. But the bodykit is quite unique.

The back looks to futuristic for this car.

The centered exhaust reminds me of the lambo's:

Original link:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/615298/+79

Argh, poisoned again...

2009-08-14T22:47:00.005+08:00

Thanks to cK, who brought up CCFL Projector Headlights on the Club Hyundai - Avante Club forum.

Installed on a Gen2:

Depending on whether choosing the Hi/Lo projector or Single beam projector and installation costs:

Projector Headlights + CCFL Rings + Smoked base = RM 630 - RM 930

Go to the poison website at your own peril:
CSB-PRO MOTORSPORT TRADING

The projectors and CCFL have 1 year warranty.

Black Hummer H3

2009-08-14T22:24:00.002+08:00

This THING is HUGE! You can't imagine how big these rims are, coz there's nothing to compare it to. I was driving wife's kancil when I spotted this fella. The tyres are almost the height of the kancil.

Spotted near Jln Tun Razak.

Sightings @ TTDI

2009-08-14T01:36:00.002+08:00

While driving back from KL, spotted this Silver X20 coming out of TTDI traffic lights, turning towards LDP (D'sara Utama). He/She was driving kinda fast, but I don't blame him/her... as the roads were clear to utilize the 2.0 engine well:

No plate: BKK xxxx (sorry for poor quality, using nokia E63 without night mode)

Self Poison 3

2009-08-11T04:59:00.005+08:00

OMG, this is crazy. First it was the grills, then smoked headlights, and now, a Lumma-Design kit. The original pic is here.

1. Incus

2. Roadruns

Self Poison 2

2009-08-11T03:02:00.002+08:00

Downloaded a free cool software called Paint.NET, and did some photo editing.

I can't decide on the Incus or the Roadruns. Help!

INCUS:

ROADRUNS:

Self Poison

2009-08-11T01:02:00.006+08:00

I've self-poisoned myself (again) wanting to change the X20 grill and replace the headlights.

After hours of searching the internet for aftermarket headlights, like these Civic lights below, I've come to conclusion that there are no aftermarket headlights for the X20 at the moment:

My black car and gun-metal rims look so UGLY with the chrome grill and shiny silver headlights... :`(

I need a new grill (Incus or Roadruns) and SMOKED headlights:
1. M&S Grill, Eyelids, Smoked Headlights... *drool*

2. When it comes to the grill, I would prefer the Roadruns...

3. ...or the Incus over the M&S.

4. ANGEL eyes (taken from ManCanDo website)! Some calls it angle eyes.

Sightings Down South

2009-08-10T00:46:00.005+08:00

Went to Tiara Beach Resort in Port Dickson over the weekend. Spotted 5 X20/Avantes throughout the journey. Managed to shoot the 3 below:

These 2 dark blue Avantes, one with RED number plate.

This is a pathetic attempt. I have another shot of this Avante in my friends phone:

Btw, the resort is a 3-star place, which looks better in the website...

Driving long distance in the X20 is super comfortable. All my friends agree...

Cabin Filter Replacement Tutorial (Aircond Filter)

2009-08-08T17:43:00.017+08:00

The air con/cabin filters are recommended to be changed every 15,000 km. I bet most of you didn't know this, until Steven Chen brought this up in the THM forums.

Take a look at your glove compartment:

This is what happens when you don't change your cabin filters for 40,000 km. Bugs, leaves and dirt is trapped, and you and your passengers will be breathing the air.

What you will need:
* cabin filters (buy HERE!)
* (-) screwdriver
* maybe a plier
* adequate lighting (torch light if installing at night)

1. Remove everything from your glove compartment.

2. Remove Left Clip:

3. Remove Right Clip

4. Remove Glove Compartment Rubber band
(a) Here it is

(b) You can't use your finger

(c) Use a screwdriver and gently remove the rubber band

5. The Glove Compartment is out

6. These are the cabin filters:

7. Remove the cabin filter cover using 2 thumbs, applying pressure downwards to remove the clips.

Cover out:

Cabin filters exposed. Only the right filter is visible.

8. Remove the Right filter by its "handle"

Pull the right filter "handle" towards you. There maybe some resistance (eg. stuck), but be gentle and try to "wiggle" out the filter.

If its really stuck, a long nose plier helps to get the job done.

Be careful not to pull too hard or risk breaking the handle.

Its out :)

The empty slot which the right filter came out of:

9. Remove the Left filter
(a) Using the "handle", slide the left filter to the RIGHT.

(b) Make sure it goes all the way to the right:

(c) Pull it out gently...

By the "handle"...

Its out! :)

10. Replace with the new cabin filters:
- The left cabin filter has a groove on the bottom right so you can differentiate them. Make sure the "handles" are FACING YOU when inserting the new filters.

Ensure that the left filter is pushed ALL THE WAY to the left, use a long screwdriver to make sure its snug in place.

11. Replace the right filter.
- You may need to use a little force and wiggle the right filter back into the casing.
- Make sure it sits back all the way in

12. Replace the Filter Cover

13. Hook up the Glove Compartment rubber band

14. Replace the Left and Right Clips

15 Test the Glove Compartment:

16. Test the air-con and feel good about the fresh air you're breathing! :)

This tutorial is dedicated to Steven Chen, who is my sifu.

Sightings on the way to work

2009-08-07T13:18:00.003+08:00

This morning spotted a silver X20 on Tun Razak on the way to work:

Btw, I've changed the aircond filter last Saturday evening. Pics and tutorial to come...

Sightings @ DJ

2009-08-04T21:42:00.002+08:00

I went for an interesting training organized by MDEC/Deloitte entitled Apollo 13. Sending my colleague home, I spotted this X20 near his house, in D'sara Jaya.

Toyota Vios Guy

2009-08-01T13:05:00.003+08:00

I was at the Shell petrol station in Section 17 the other day, waiting for my turn to pump some gas into my tyres. Using the pump was a young dude, with a silver vios. Now, the vios is a nice car. The original vios styling was superb, and topped the original honda city's design FLAT! But today the tables are turned (IMHO) Anyway, back to my story...

So this guy is taking his own sweet time to pump his tyres. I wasn't in a rush or anything, so I was just observing this fella going around his car. He finally finished and backed up, while I took his spot. But that chinese fella came out and asked me the funniest question...

"Actually... how to pump air for tyre one ah?" - LOL

I gave him some tips and told him the standard pressure is around 200 kPa or 29 psi. And then he asked me "how you know?"...

Anyway, check out the Toyota Vios ad here ->

I'm RM 2.09 away from getting my first payment via online advertising XD

Contributed Sightings (x2)

2009-08-01T12:58:00.004+08:00

My wife spotted an Avante S at SS2:

And Walton's wife sent me a pic via e-mail: (Spotted) At the roundabout towards Sri KL School in Subang Jaya. It was terribly jammed up cos it rained just a little bit, and the drivers do not how to drive when it rains !!

Dang, that ass looks good!

Contributed Sightings 2 - MTUC Strikes Again!

2009-07-25T18:01:00.003+08:00

Spotted at Jalan Ipoh by MTUC... a rare sighting indeed! I think its the same as this sighting of mine.

Contributed Sightings

2009-07-19T11:13:00.002+08:00

This comes from mtuc, THM forum. Spotted it at plus highway near tapah yesterday @337.5km.

Moar sightings today!

2009-07-14T23:05:00.003+08:00

One taken from my wife at Jalan Gasing, near La Salle school. It looks like a THM member with the sticker on the number plate:

An elderly couple got into this silver X20 parked at SS2:

Finally... a sighting.

2009-07-14T14:26:00.002+08:00

Haven't seen X20 on the road since 2 weeks ago. Finally get the lovely car on the road:

Service time...

2009-07-12T22:04:00.005+08:00

Quick, go to Tesco and buy Shell Helix Ultra FULLY synthetic engine oil at RM 135 only. Some say retail price is RM 199, some say RM 209. Online selling around RM 140-150.

So happens its also time for servicing my X20. Will be jumping from Eneos 5W-50 to Shell 5W-40.

Links:
BMW discussion forum
88db.com
Lowyat

EDIT: Hmm... I opened the bottle today, and found there is no tamper-proof aluminum foil. No wonder there was 1 bottle leaking oil at Tesco...

Sime takes back All Hyundai Distributorship

2009-07-06T13:02:00.004+08:00

This is actually old news, but I didn't cover it before.

Sources:
Sime Darby to distribute all Hyundai models
The Difference between Hyumal and Kah Bintang

Forums:
Motor Trader
Team Hyundai Malaysia

"Sime Darby’s Motor Group, through its Hyumal subsidiary, will fully acquire Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd (OHSB), a joint-venture between Hyumal and the Oriental Group involved in the distribution and sale of locally-assembled Hyundai models. According to statements made to Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Hyumal will be offered Oriental’s 60% share in OHSB for RM19.8 million, as specified in the conditional Share Purchase Agreement between the two parties."

Some history:
1992: Berjaya established Hyumal Sdn Bhd representing Hyundai in M'sia to sell CBU cars through leniently applied APs, with the intention of setting up Hyundai CKD cars.
1997: Hyundai Motor, Renault & Hyumal had a JV in Inokom Sdn Bhd.
2001: Hyumal & Oriental Holdings had a JV called Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd (OHSB). There was no investment by Hyundai Motor in OHSB. OHSB setup Kah Bintang to sell Hyundai CKD cars (Accent, Elantra & Sonata).
2004: Sime Darby buys Hyumal (CBU) and Inokom (CKD)
2005: Sime bought Hyumal & Inokom from Berjaya. Hyundai-Berjaya Sdn Bhd is now known as Hyundai-Sime Darby motors. Sime also inherits OHSB from this purchase.
2009: Sime fully aquires OHSB.

However, the warning to journalist as below is ridiculous:
OHSB warned that 'Hyundai Motor, is extremely sensitive to negative write-ups'; in one instance in 2005, a journalist who had made some negative comments about one of the models in his test report received a serious note from a marketing guy on OHSB telling him that Hyundai would take legal action against him for such comments!

What does this mean to Hyundai car owners? Will we have more service centers? Better and more professional service? Improved technical competency? Faster warranty claims processes? We'll have to wait to find out.

How to check ATF level by MTUC

2009-07-04T20:51:00.002+08:00

Step1
Park your car on level ground and start the engine, leaving the gear in neutral or park. Wait for the engine to warm up. Unless your owner's manual directs otherwise, allow the engine to continue running throughout this procedure.

Step2
Find the ATF dipstick, located at the back of the engine. The ATF dipstick is often shorter than the engine oil dipstick but otherwise looks similar. If you're lucky, it will be labeled.

Step3
Pull on the dipstick and completely remove it. It may be very long.

Step4
Wipe the dipstick with a rag, replace it in the engine, push it all the way in and remove it again.

Step5
Look at the dipstick's tip. Observe whether there are two different full markings: one for cold readings and one for warm readings. If so, read the one for 'Warm.' If the ATF does not come up to the line marked 'Full,' add ATF.

Step6
Add ATF (see Tips) into the hole that the dipstick came out of (yes, that little tiny hole). Use a funnel with a long, narrow neck. Add only a little at a time, and check the level with the dipstick after each time. It's easy to add ATF but fairly difficult to take it out if you add too much.

Step7
Put the dipstick all the way back in when you are done.

Visit the THM forum thread HERE!

Mud Guard III & Car wash

2009-07-04T19:55:00.005+08:00

I'm not going to drive to work (in KL) with X20 anymore. Parking beside the construction area is bad for X20's paint. Just washing the car took 2 hours this morning. *sigh*

The mud guards are INSTALLED! It was harder than I expected, maybe coz of 17" and wider rims. Also didn't have the right tools (right-angle screwdriver), so I used a small adjustable wrench and IKEAs screwdriver "head". Anyway, here are some pics:

1. Without mud guards, you can see the dirt below the bumper.

2. Left mud guard, rear view.

3. Left mud guard, inner view.

4. Two screws on the left into the bumper, 1 nut on the inside secures the mud guard to the car body.

Mud Guard II

2009-07-03T23:17:00.004+08:00

Thanks MTUC for passing me the mud guards. These are original hyundai parts from Korea. Now just need to install them tomorrow morning =)

Interesting No. Plate

2009-06-27T11:52:00.003+08:00

Saw this X-trail on Jalan Tun Razak with an interesting no. plate. It reminded me of a car I saw in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (in front of Jasima) which was PEN 15.

What the duck?

2009-06-26T11:31:00.000+08:00

Black X20 WSD 9612 spotted at CIMB TTDI now! Too slow to take pic.

Mud Guards

2009-06-24T13:22:00.003+08:00

I park beside a construction site near my office. This is why I need mud guards.

Mobile sightings

2009-06-20T18:43:00.000+08:00

In the last 30 minutes, I spotted 2 grey x20s, too slow to take a picture. Anyway, this is posted from my new toy, nokia e63.

New toy - Nokia E63

2009-06-20T02:40:00.002+08:00

This is quite off topic, but I don't wanna start a blog for my Nokia E63 handphone.

I have been using a Nokia E65 since Oct '07. Bought the business-styled slide phone at SS2, for RM 1,400. Original full box Avaxx set with screen protector. I knew little about push mail, but hoped to be able to download my e-mails using my handphone.

The phone served me very well, like my previous Nokia phones, which are amazingly reliable. Nokia introduced Mail For Exhcange, which provided push mail service to Nokia phones. However, the phone slowed down tremendously, as the number of SMSses and E-mails kept coming in. Also, I failed to configure the certificate on my device. That was really really stressul.

More to come tomorrow... ;)

I spy with my eye... two X20s...

2009-06-16T00:39:00.002+08:00

Had lunch at Pudu area in KL, spotted this fella parked by the road side. The first time i saw this guy, was also around this area, but the driver was in the car:

On the way home, saw a grey one on D'sara Highway, going to Taman Tun Dr. Ismail:

TWO sightings in ONE day.

Avante in Hotel Istana

2009-06-14T00:52:00.002+08:00

Saw a black avante with black rims parked in Hotel Istana car park:

Hyundai Elantra 2009 vs. Toyota Prius 2009

2009-06-14T00:51:00.002+08:00

Just stay out of the way:

Alamanda Putrajaya X20

2009-06-09T20:40:00.002+08:00

Contributed from a stressed Honda City driver:

WRC Plate - Petaling Garden

2009-06-06T15:49:00.002+08:00

My wife saw a Silver X20 with WRC plate, nice number plate too, in Petaling Garden:

Antenna Stolen...

2009-06-05T23:10:00.002+08:00

My antenna was stolen last week, parked in Petaling Garden. I hope the person who stole it had a great time using it, for whatever purpose.

In the early 90s, some friends were into stealing car tyre metal nuts, for our bicycles. We would gate-crash high-end condos and make away with a few sets, especially from expensive cars with nice sport rims. I guess its payback time.

I was thinking about the bosch in-car antenna (about RM100 including installation) or getting a motorised one (RM 180-200 : including relays and installation). After some consultation, I got a Waja replacement antenna from Elegance Auto, for less than 20 bucks.

Should I superglue the antenna? hmm...

Red X20 Sighted!

2009-06-01T22:53:00.000+08:00

A X20 is not a car u can see everyday (well, except your own). A red X20 is even more rare than ever. There were test drive cars that came in red, and I also understand that these test drive cars were sold below market value. Enjoy:

Coerced to post...

2009-05-26T11:50:00.003+08:00

Due to an anonymous comment in the last post, I've decided to blog again.

This time, a view of a nice Pioneer player in an Avante with matching colours. Looks very nice!

Photo 'stolen' from Club Hyundai yktan9 signature.

EDIT: Btw, I blogged about this head unit before HERE!

Sighting @ Sect 17

2009-05-06T16:25:00.002+08:00

Saw this car near the makan stalls in Sect 17, at the old (burnt down) cinema.

Black X20 Sightings at Pudu, KL

2009-04-28T23:36:00.004+08:00

I just had the best lunch at a Chinese corner restaurant called "Wong Kee" in Pudu. Its the best (and expensive & unhealthy) roast meat in town.

There are SO MANY printers (shops that print stuff for you, not laserjet or inkjet printers) in that area.

And there was a Black X20 with a nice number plate, waiting for something/someone. With my stealthy phone cam, although the driver was in the car, I managed to take a shot, directly in front of him... heheh...

Contributed Sightings

2009-04-23T21:19:00.003+08:00

A super clean black X20 was spotted.

Please send your contributed sightings to alfee29 [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Interesting Number Plate

2009-04-21T13:33:00.002+08:00

The owner of this car should be a resident of Kelana Jaya, or a young politician aspirant.

Protectionism... and our local car makers

2009-04-21T13:08:00.004+08:00

Proton (PeRusahaan OTOmobil Nasional) Holdings Berhad, established in 1983 was the brain child of former prime minister Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad. The first production car, Proton Saga was manufactured in September 1985. Back then, Proton was at least 20% cheaper than non-national makes in the same 1.3 to 1.5 litre class. By 1988, Proton had overtaken all other makes and grabbed 73% of the passenger car market.

[READ more here]

Perodua (Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua) Berhad, established in 1983, with shareholders:
- UMW Corporation Sdn Bhd (38%)
- Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. (20%)
- MBM Resources Bhd (20%)
- PNB Equity Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd (10%)
- Mitsui & Co. Ltd (7%)
- Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (5%)

The first production car, Perodua Kancil was launched in late 1994. Perodua mainly produces small-compact cars and therefore does not actually compete with Proton for the same market niche. Perodua does not actually produce any in house designs or engineering for the main components (i.e engine, transmission). All Perodua cars are badge engineered from Daihatsu. Perodua cars have won multiple awards (here).

[READ more here]

=============================================

I used to drive a Perodua Kenari, my wife owns a Kancil and my brother just ordered a Myvi. Perodua has good cars. Proton is government backed. However, that is not enough:

Banks set to increase interest on borrowings for non-national car buyers [source]

Problem: The current reasoning for the hike in loan rates for non-national cars is to make up for provisions set aside for losses and administrative costs. (that means, loans that are not serviced)

Solution: Increase the interest rate for non-national cars.

Genius...

Sightings at LDP

2009-04-21T13:05:00.003+08:00

Thanks Mae for the small pic. Ang moh driving a sapphire silver X20:

Caption:
"So what if its 2.0, u still get stucked in a jam."

Black X20 Sightings on LDP

2009-04-20T01:15:00.004+08:00

I was going for my sunday evening badminton exercise, when a group of 5 people, I assume a family, was spotted at LDP around 8pm. The driver looked like a middle aged guy, with 3 teenagers in the backseat. Penang plated PHU XXXX.

I aggressively cut into his lane, to make sure he saw me. Here's some 'offensive' driving for you! =)

OZ Racing Record on Mini

2009-04-18T18:18:00.004+08:00

Who would buy overpriced Italian (OZ Racing) rims? Only old skool fellas like me and this Mini Cooper driver, using a 4-nut Oz Racing Record:

Photo taken without permission at Ikea car park :)

Btw, the Cooper S is one of the cars mentioned on the OZ UK website:
http://www.ozracing.co.uk/record.htm

1utama X20 Sighting & Spoiler

2009-04-17T22:58:00.004+08:00

A Black X20 in 1u on a Friday afternoon. So happened that I parked right behind him.

On another note, boot lips with exposed third brake lights tend to fade. The top red portion is faded away.

I guess this is the reason the X20's bootlip (that comes with the Incus bodykit), tucks away the LEDs in a safe tunnel.

Cheap DIY mini-project

2009-04-13T17:18:00.005+08:00

Met DrD at Racing Fit this morning. Their workshop is full, so I won't be installing the security system today. Maybe next week.

1. Do you notice anything different here:

2. Maybe not, but what about this one? Answer: carbon fibre B-pillars stickers. Bought at Brothers for RM 18.50, enough for the B- and C-pillars.

3. Clean the B-pillars. I didn't have alcohol, so its tissue and water. Get the measurements.

4. Cutting out the sticker to size was the most difficult part of this DIY. Sticking it on was easy.

5. The finished product... ta-dah!

Conclusion:
- If you wanna do this, please get good quality carbon-fibre stickers. The ones I got from brothers are not so good quality = will not last long, and has smudges.
- For best aesthetic look, make sure the carbon fibre boxes line up. Mine is slightly off :(
- Get the measurements right. However, when sticking it on, it may stretch, so compensate a little.

For more ideas, check out Korean Auto Imports.

Car Security

2009-04-11T22:06:00.008+08:00

This is my first car security posting.

The original X20 car alarm module is pretty decent. These are some of its specs:
- Arm (lock), disarm (unlock)
- Trunk release (some X20s takes about 4 seconds, mine is immediate)
- Auto lock when car speed reaches 20km/h or when brake is pressed
- Signal lights blink when the car door or boot is opened

What I don't like about the alarm:
- The trunk release button can be accidentally pressed, which triggers the alarm
- There is no panic button
- Silent disarm
- No vibration/shock sensor
- No engine auto-start

Today, Steven Chen from THM organized a TT with Kelvin Chia from Global Autotech, at Racing Fit, Sunway. Kelvin is the Sales and Technical Manager, based in Singapore. The purpose of the TT is to demo their 2-way alarm system called Signca. The product is made in Korea, using Samsung electronics, and is marketed in the US as Zenesis Electronics Group ZN-502. Global Autotech (formerly known as Mod My Ride) is the exclusive distributor in Singapore.

The product has loads of features, where the ones I like are:
- Remote start with Timer (eg. Start at 7.30 am)
- Windscreen Security Touchpad:

This nifty touchpad is stuck on the inside of the windscreen. Its touch sensitive, and by entering a code, you can Arm (lock), disarm (unlock) your alarm (car). The blue LEDs just adds to the cool factor.

Other features are:
* Bright backlit liquid crystal display (LCD)
* Starter Kill - disabled the starter when the alarm has been activated. It also disables the starter if you have already started your car (remotely or manually). This is to prevent user from accidentally cranking their engine again. Runs on Alternator / Tachcometer Sensing Technology. This Feature is not found in other competitors.
* Alarm clock feature on remote.
* Panic mode - activates alarm, kills engine, prevents cranking.
* Remote Start Engine run time - Remote start can be programmed to run from 5 mins – 25 mins.
* Valet mode - useful if your vehicle is sent for servicing / washing which you do not want the alarm to trigger off. Valet mode can be enabled by Remote and Keys.
* 2 x Aux outputs - control window or mirror module once activated.
* Dual Shock Sensor - option to set the warning sensitivity and alarm trigger sensitivity seperately.
* 1 x Additional Input module - for microwave / ultrasonic sensor. Once activated it will trigger the alarm. The Dual Shock Sensor is an example of an input module. A motion sensor is also a common optional input.
* Active / Passive Arming - the vehicle may autolock the door when the Remote is accidentally pressed while no doors are opened and autolook the door when the last door is closed but user did not arm the vehicle in 25 secs. The vehicle will beep with flashing parking lights every 5 secs and on the 5th occurrence, the system will auto lock the vehicle and arm it.
* Remote Lock - "Hold" all buttons to prevent any accidentally pressed command. Its like handphone's keypad lock.
* Built in turbo timer - Variable running time.
* Long/Dual Pulse of Lock/Unlock - door lock and unlocking time pulse can be set ranging from 0.3 secs to 3.5 secs when Remote is pressed.
* Temperature Display indicator (Fahrenheit/Celsius)
* 6000 ft. (open range)
* RS232 data port – FORTIN / CANbus Module
- The system is fully compatible with Fortin CAN and Immobilizer bypass module. More Information HERE.
* Clock Display indicator
* Transmitter battery level indicator - uses 1 x AAA battery
* Alarm notification - chime or vibrated mode
* Comes with a 1-way remote:

Now, the PRICING is very attractive. The introductory price is lower than the Zenesis price of USD$350. The lowest I saw online is USD$250 at a group buy.

So far, 3 buyers, with 2 installations done today. DrD will be installing it on Monday. I'm still considering this purchase and may install it on Monday. My concerns are:
- reliability, dun play play with car security
- touchpad may not work with V-cool elite tinting. May require to cut front windscreen tinting to install the Security Touchpad.

Pics from our TT today here, courtesy of Kumar and Steven Chen.

UPDATE:
This is from the Zenesis User Manual. Assume that its the same with Signca:

Sightings

2009-04-11T21:11:00.003+08:00

This X20 was spotted by my wife in Section 14, PJ. Took a sneaky shot from inside the car, and later walked closer for a better view:

BMW Sightings

2009-04-09T13:58:00.005+08:00

Having Sapura Auto (BMW distributor) opposite my office, I get to see more than a few BMWs. Yesterday morning was a BMW 740 Li, code named E66 LWB (Long Wheel Base).

This car is super long and naturally a super long wheel base:

Some more wiki specs:
- V8 4.0 L (4000 cc/244 in³) heart
- 306 hp @ 6300 rpm
- 390 N·m (288 ft·lbf) @ 3500

Check it out HERE.

Sightings (Walton and I)

2009-04-09T13:45:00.004+08:00

This post is very interesting, as Walton (X20 owner) spotted an X20 at LDP, near SS2, and e-mailed it to me (through a friend) yesterday. Here it is:

And on the way home, at Jalan University, just outside UIA (Section 17), there was a Sapphire Silver X20 on the other side of the road. Was too slow to take a pic.

Lastly, at Mosin, TTDI, mamak session, saw a Malay family come out of the car below:

Please send in your sightings, but remember to be safe on the road.

BMW 1-series Sighting

2009-04-04T13:17:00.005+08:00

The 1-series has a butt? I thought BMW only had 1-series hatchbacks. Anyway, this one is a 135i Coupe brought to M'sia by Sapura Motors (Jln Tun Razak).

Some online information reveals that this relatively small car has:
- A 2979 cc twin turbo v6 petrol heart.
- 6-speed manual/auto
- Only 300 HP
- About 1.5 tonnes in weight, 41 kg less than the 335i Coupe, making it a power-to-weight ratio beast
- 0-to-100km/h in 4.7s (Auto) and 4.8s (Manual)
- torque at 306 PS (302 hp/225 kW)
- a limited top speed of only 250km/h (*sigh*)
- Fuel efficiency of 7.66 L/100 km
- M-sport kit (Click "M-sports Package" tab)

This is the PERFECT COUPE!

The only thing that I don't like, point out by Paul Tan, is the droopy line at the bottom.

Visit this link to view a digital plastic surgery on the droopy line.

Info taken from Wiki.

Another sighting

2009-04-02T14:21:00.003+08:00

Black X20 spotted by a friend today, near the MAS building at Kelana Jaya.

If you happen to get a shot of a X20 sighting, do drop me an e-mail at alfee29 -at- yahoo -dot- com.

Sightings... and no kissing

2009-04-01T23:18:00.006+08:00

Saw 3 Elantra's in the last week. Managed to capture 2 of them on camera. Sorry for the poor quality:

1. 26 March: Two guys in a Silver X20, probably after work, around 7pm at Sprint Highway, coming from Eastin Hotel.

2. 28 March: A red Avante (Singapore) in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail.

3. Saphire Silver X20 with PHP number plate in SS2. No pics.

...and a random sign that I saw at lunch today at Kwan Cafe Ice Cream and Coffee:

MC Again

2009-03-23T23:49:00.002+08:00

I somehow scratched my right eye last Tuesday morning, and couldn't go to work. My good eye specialist, Dr. Dunstan Fernandez wasn't in that day, so I could only make an appointment on Wednesday morning. Thank God I had some spare antibiotic ointment and 1 final eye patch. By Tuesday evening, the eye patch was out, but I'm not taking any chances, so visited the Doc the next morning. So last week I was on MC on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This Monday morning, I woke up to a call from work, and went back to snooze a little. But the pain came back. I thought sleeping it out would work, but by noon, it was still lingering, and I had to patch myself into a pirate again. Or as my mom calls it, a one-eyed-monster. My wife says its coz I was too tired from washing the car. Haha...

Its Monday night, I'm feeling much better, but everyone said to see the doctor tomorrow. Well, we'll see.

Car Wash 3 - Wax & Polish

2009-03-22T18:21:00.008+08:00

Saturday evening: Car wash. No time for polish & wax.

Sunday afternoon: Rinse + dry. Polish. Clay. Wax.

Total time spent: About 8 hours.

1. Car Wash - My car wash speed is improving. Managed to wash & dry within an hour.

2. Polish - Polished the entire car using a tiny sponge provided with the Soft99 metaclean. Wipe dry after 10 minutes.

3. Clay - Where normal washing/polishing fails, a clay bar removes particles that are stuck to the paint. You may not even see the particles, but you can feel little dots if you glide your hand on the paint. Here's an intro to the clay bar by Meguiar's Mike Phillips:

(a) Obviously Meguiar's clay detailing kit would cost a bomb, so I'm using Soft99 clay bar with Eneos car shampoo. According to Mr. Albert, the only clay bar factories are in Japan, so they're all the same.

(b) The clay bar is actually white in color, wrapped in a blue plastic.

(c) Tear and use only half. It feels like plasticine. Keep the other half in the fridge or an air tight container. Use again in 6 months.

(d) Flatten it out, around 4 inches in diameter, like in the picture.

(e) Wet surface and clay bar with shampoo and clay-away!

(f) The dirt always looks brown in color. Don't ask me why.

(g) I only clayed the grey area, to make a comparison for my own records.

4. Wax - I'm using "Super Hard Shell" Turtle Wax, which comes as a green color paste. Its very easy to apply, but I made a huge mistake. After applying, I came inside to blog and spent about 50 minutes before I wiped the wax off. The paste had already hardened and it was VERY TIRING to wipe the excess wax off. Lesson learned.

Because I was too tired, I only waxed the front half of the car :(

The result? I love to view water beading on the car after a good polish & wax. In the picture below, the right door panel has been polished and waxed, while the left door only has been polished. Is there a difference? :)

Two videos of claying to come, in the next post.

Comment

2009-03-22T15:37:00.006+08:00

An international comment deserves its own posting:
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STP said:
Hi I am kind of amazed at your enthusiasm over your Elantra (as well as your friends) I am in the US and also started a blog when I bought my Elantra...though I am not into pimping my ride or the car scene. The only thing I've bought for it was an iPod. I would love to get a spoiler, but rear visibility isn't that good already in my opinion. In San Francisco Bay Area there are very few Elantras that I see, maybe 2 or 3 a month, but in many parts of SF I can drive 4 blocks and see 8 Corollas(Altis). My Elantra is black too, and I haven't washed it in 4 months. I shall see how long I can resist.
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First of, thanks for visiting and posting! I love your blog, its easy reading and informative.

1. I'm not into "pimping my ride" too and I don't consider myself to be "in" the car scene. But am into little upgrades and minor improvements to the Elantra...

2. If visibility is an issue, go for the boot lip type. I'm still not convinced to get a spoiler yet.

3. Well, I just spotted 2 Elantra X20s yesterday, so I guess its more common here than San Francisco Bay Area. However, there are way more in Singapore. Its called Avante (1.6) in Singapore. Toyota Vios, Altis, Honda City, Civics are very common here too. Not to mention our own local cars (Proton and Perodua).

4. From the detailing workshop that I just went to, the detailing Guru, Mr. Albert said a car wash is compulsory, at once a week. I can imagine the condition of your car now (without a wash for 4 months!) Anyway, I'm washing my car right now... taking a break after a layer of wax. I'll post some pics soon!

Visit STP's blog here.

Cleaner Wax

2009-03-15T22:30:00.005+08:00

I've been looking for a polish to get rid of stubborn dirt on car. Mr. Albert from Pro Detailers recommended the Soft 99 polish that comes in a chrome can. I'm familiar with the blue can, but I've never seen the chrome one:

Found it at Tesco, Mutiara D'sara today for RM 24.90. The blue one is RM 13.90.

Apparently, the chrome can is for metallic paint, and the blue can is for solid paint. (Source: BMW forums) Some also mentioned that the soft99 polish is very abrasive and can eat into our clear coat, so use sparingly and only when necessary (don't use for the whole car).

Also, their Japanese website only shows the blue can (here), while the English version only shows the chrome can (here). I think the chrome one is newer.

I'll have to wait till next weekend to test it out. Hopefully it DOESN'T RAIN AGAIN!

Rims, Rims, Rims...

2009-03-14T02:31:00.004+08:00

Did you know that black ppl have an obsession for sport rims? A black man will put bling bling rims on anything... including a toaster, if they can. They won't think twice in spending 2 months salary to buy a set of chrome-spinning-rims.

Now, for your average M'sian dude, its down to a few choices:
- Local rims (JRD?)
- Thailand rims (Lenso)
- Taiwan rims (the Japanese alternative)
- Japan rims (Ooooo...)
- Italian rims (Yeah, baby!)

Most guys will go for local rims (heavy stuff) coz its cheap. The next budget imported rims are the taiwanese ones, which are not too bad stuff. The japanese rims are for the hardcore Jap fans, or another alternative is to buy 2nd hand Jap rims which are not too pricey. For me, Lenso impressed me with their designs, and I thought of getting a set. But they lack variety for the 5 or 10 hole designs.

Here are some Lenso rims:
1. Gold rims will sit nicely on a BLACK X20! Yummy...

2. Sporty 5 spoke, silver rim. Simple, sporty and tough look.

3. These are the first Lenso rims that I saw. It looked very interesting on a Putra. But I dunno whether it'll look good on the X20...

4. Did you know that I love 5-spoke rims? This one looks really macho.

5. White sporty rims, light weight too.

Some other rims on the X20:

And last, but not least, OZ Racing Record =D

Car Wash 2

2009-03-12T18:07:00.003+08:00

I was determined to wash my car every week. But last weekend, my wife took the X20 to Genting, so had to wait till next weekend.

I'm on leave today, so I started washing around 4.00pm. This time, it took less time to soap and dry. I took my time to clean up the rims of tar and grime. But as the week before, the sky became very cloudy. As I'm typing this, there's a thunderstorm outside. I guess polish and wax will have to wait till tomorrow.

Interesting... Sightings

2009-03-03T21:04:00.003+08:00

1. I spotted my own car (driven by my wife) on D'sara highway yesterday. This isn't really an X20 sighting.

2. I saw this accent this morning while on the way to work. In cantonese, this is a very crude phrase. Sorry I dunno how to explain it.

3. My friend spotted this someone in PJ

Sightings - By my wife

2009-02-27T10:29:00.002+08:00

I'm feeling better, thanks to my wife's care and the good doctor's medicine. My wife has some X20 sightings:

19/2 - Parked at section 8, PJ:

25/2 - Turning into LDP from 1 Utama:

I'm sick and tired...

2009-02-23T18:19:00.004+08:00

I really am sick and tired:

At the clinic near office, temperature was 37.9, now its at 38.1. These are my symptoms doctor:
- tired. Yawning alot today, even though had 7 hours sleep
- pain in the headm especially when I cough/any action that impacts the head
- gassy tummy... my wife had to endure this one. I drank some super KAU ginger juice and ate prunes yesterday. *poot*poot*
- loss of appetite. ate very little lunch today
- joints pain
- muscle pain
- Intermittant running nose. NEVER prolonged.
- Loss of focus on using the laptop.Thats strange, coz I still can type this blog post out! Maybe its only for work related matters =D

The extra-ordinarily nice and professional lady doctor checked my temperature, tummy and blood pressure. The usual viral fever with active gas in the tummy. No anti-biotics, but a return visit is scheduled on Wednesday morning, coz of the rising cases in DENGUE. I won't be surprised, as mosquitoes have been busy invading our house for the last few weeks. Btw, I had a friedn who died of DENGUE when we were only 15. A moment of silence for Maurice Kok. You are fondly remembered.

---------
moment

of

*silence*
---------

Driving home was more difficult than normal. Engine died at the traffic light once (don't worry, this is the Kancil). Anyway, i'm home safe, and waiting for my wife to pamper me tonight.

Do have a read on DENGUE and CHIKUNGUNYA.

Anyone of you who says I'm sick coz of the DIY car wash, will be virtually shot dead. Virtual killing is not a crime.

Car Wash

2009-02-22T19:08:00.006+08:00

Mr. Albert imparting alot of knowledge to the THM club members yesterday. Behind him are his tools of the detailling trade. Pic courtesy of Haremeow:

Today I was determined to wash, clay and polish/wax. However, the rain only stopped at 6pm, so only managed to wash. Here are some pics, courtesy of my wife:

The hand mit is such an amazing tool for car washes:

The result:

Next week: wash, clay, polish/wax!

One Eyed X20

2009-02-22T02:27:00.007+08:00

Good bye PIAA, welcome Phillips.

One of my PIAA H7 extreme (4700k) bulbs blew. The filamen "sudah pecah", as described by the Eneos mechanic. I blew RM 280 on a Phillips Crystal Vision. Now I have ONE working PIAA bulb for spare.

At least the crystal vision comes with the mini lamp. So I can retire my single Mini LEDs, as they are too "white". It went well with my old HIDs, but did not suit the white light from the PIAA or phillips bulbs.

All I need now is to:
- get white lamps for the fogs / projector HIDs?!
- white high beams? maybe not...
- smoke head lamps with angel eyes... mmm...

On the way home, I spotted an X20 with angel eyes outside 1utama. It was DrD, who coincidentally is my 'A'-levels coursemate. Coincidence?

Sorry for the blur pic.