Two new cars on the road
By Azlan Othman

The new Mitsubishi Lancer

Perodua Kelisa
Photo: Hj Mohd Said Arshad 

Two new car models, the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, and a compact car, Perodua Kelisa, were unveiled yesterday at the Beribi showrooms. Goh Hock Kee Motor Sdn Bhd introduced the1.6 litre sporty Mitsubishi Lancer. The 2003 version has a new exterior and interior styling, enhanced security and updated transmission technology. Exterior styling has been redesigned in direct response to user comments following its initial introduction and to emphasise the Lancer's sporty image while simultaneously adding elegant styling accents.

The obvious difference with the model it replaces is a black front grille with larger chrome-plated three-diamond logo prominently displayed up front, sporty halogen headlamps with clear lenses and rear combination lamps.

Interior styling boasts elegant as well as sporty colour themes. The new Lancer has a revised Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Engine rpm and speed are synchronised for a smoother kick down and better control. In the previous CVT, the engine rpm and speed were not linearly coordinated.

The Single-action Door locking System offers drivers an alternate method of locking their doors without using a key (in addition to the keyless entry system).

Locking the door using the double-action system requires locking the door before exiting the car, then pulling on the outer door handle while closing the door.

With the single-action door locking system, you can also lock the door before exiting, but then simply close the door without using the outer door handle, keeping your hands free. The on the road price (automatic) is $26,000. The manual car costs $24,800.

ECON Motors Sdn Bhd introduced a new compact car, Perodua Kelisa, powered by a newly developed 1000cc, 3-cylinder, 12-valve, electronic fuel injection, DOHC engine. The Perodua Kelisa comes with a built-in mobile phone hands-free kit for convenience, an extendable earpiece, and a built-in microphone and built-in mobile phone adaptor. There are also alloy rim, spoiler, air-cleaner (ironiser).

Showroom price for the automatic model is $15,700.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin