Peugeot 308 Turbo COTY 2009 inauguration at Nasim
2010-08-26 14:03:47 Author: admin Source:
The NST-Maybank Car of the Year Awards (COTY) 2010 took place at Nasim Sdn Bhd's Peugeot Blue Box Headquarters at Glenmarie in Shah Alam yesterday to honor the previous year's Car of the Year, the Peugeot 308 Turbo. In its ninth edition, the COTY is the country's first motoring award which started back in 2002 to recognize achievements within the motoring industry. The COTY is also endorsed by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).
The Peugeot 308 Turbo or GTi was selected as the 2009 Car of the Year amongst 60 new and substantially facelifted models by merit of its exterior aesthetics and combination of modern synthesis of versatility and driveability. A sporty hatchback that is suitable for an enjoyable day to day drive and even more adventurous driving endeavors.
The 308 GTi has a sporty nature that is in tune with our current times with its well-heeled athleticism and a high level of onboard comfort at all engine speeds. Fitted with a 1.6 litre THP 147 kW (200 bhp) engine, the vehicle is capable of maximizing efficiency through a number of innovative technologies such as, THP (Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection), and VTi (variable valve lift and valve timing). The Malaysia 308 GTi version has a four-speed gearbox instead of the global 6-speed gearbox offered due to cost reasons, otherwise the car would offer further high levels of driveability.
On its fuel and environmental friendliness, the 308 Turbo is believed to combine good levels of performance with fuel consumption of only 6.9 litres/100 km for 159 g/km of CO2.
Encik S.M. Nasaruddin (above), Joint Group Executive Chairman of Naza Group of Companies, commented, "We are very grafetful that the Peugeot 308 Turbo was selected as last year's Car of the Year by a prestigious Malaysian bank along with an established media group. We will continue to strive and produce more Car of the Year candidates in the future."
"We at Nasim Sdn Bhd are targeting 3,900 units of the Peugeot range of vehicles for the current year. In the fourth quarter of the year, we will unveil several new line-ups for the Malaysian market as well,: he added.
Also present at the Car of the Year Award were Maybank's Consumer Finance Chief En. Ashraf Ali Abdul Kadir, MAA President Datuk Aishah Ahmad and NST's Group Editor Datuk Syed Harun. .
In conjunction with the Car of the Year Award 2010, a Car of the Year 2U Carnival has been scheduled from 20 - 21 November to present the general public the full line-up of the 60 COTY nominated cars. "It is targeted to bring Malaysian motorists, nominated car models, distributors and manufacturers together in a celebration of passion for motoring.Among the fun-filled family activities to expect at the Car-nival are test drives, defensive driving courses, mini-workshops, In-Car Entertainment systems and Security Rating Awards," Datuk Syed Harun said.
On the 308 Turbo COTY '09 selection, Datuk Syed Harun added, "The Peugeot 308 had unanimously impressed the panel of judges with its competitive price and build quality and the performance of the 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine."
"Nasim has also been recognized as a good potent for Malaysia with the organization's regional automotive hub initiative, supported by Peugeot, to build Right Hand Drive Peugeot models; 3008 and T33 notchback, at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah."
The pinnacle event for the COTY 2010 will conclude at the Gala Awards Night to be held at the Saujana KL on 26 November. Some 150 top automotive figureheads are expected to grace the event.
