Car Review:Toyota Vios 1.5G

You have probably read a review of Toyota Vios before. I am very privileged because my father bought me a new Vios. When I first test drove a Vios a few years back (1st edition) I didn't quite like how it handle because of the extra body roll and simplicity. I don't know if Toyota improved the car's suspension settings but it feels sturdier and more agile. Bending through corner need not be "moments before suicide" because of the minimal body roll. Power is adequate. While acceleration is good, the VVTi engine did not struggle to bring the car up to speeds, the RPM (revolutions per minute) the engine churns was kept low to improve fuel consumption and noise and vibration. One can be sure that the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) is kept very low. So low that this car is good for love birds to exchange mushy words without noticing the world peering into the car through the windows. The brakes are responsive and a safe bet for safety as it comes with ABS (anti brake-locking system) and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution). Toyota also threw in 2 SRS (supplemental restraint systems) airbags for the driver and his co. It keeps the love birds safe. Not to mention Toyota's GOA (global outstanding assessment) body. As I know, Toyota's body frame can channel impact forces around the body to the back of the car instead of allowing it to enter the cabin and injure or kill the occupants. Which in lay man's term-safe. Lastly, it has all round disc breaks.

Car looks elegant and simple. Minimalist design with enough details to make it stand out. Design fast becoming dated. Next generation Vios will be launched this year.

A simple and thoughtful addition. The addition of Velcro (TM) to the floor mat is simple but it solved the problem of slipping floor mat previously experienced while driving a Proton Waja or other cars.
Another smart addition. Though a little too small for a size 10 slipper if a pair is in it.
Now back seat passengers need not worry about rolling those bottles or carbonated tins.


Pros: Smooth delivery of power
Quiet
Low fuel consumption
Agile
Good suspension
Passive and Active safety aplenty

Cons: Minimal head room for back passengers
Plain interior
Lack of lumbar support for driver

Chinese New Year!

So it is the time of the year again for us, Chinese to celebrate the lunar new year. Another year, the year 2006 have passed and it has been a good one for me. I hope it has been a good year for you too. Here are some pictures to share regarding how my family celebrate Chinese New Year. It would not be a full representation of our celebration but at least a glimpse of the joy involved.

Here you see my cousin Janelle Lee. She does not look that happy receiving her "ang pau". It was probably not big enough. They say the economy is not doing really well.Hmmm...will 9Malaysian Plan kick start something?
CNY has always got to do with firecrackers. It is believed that the sound will ward of the evil spirits. I say, it is fun and the name of Jesus will.And...a mini casino in the making? This is a yearly CNY tradition in my family. That is to gamble and have fun. I've not gamble for 5-6 years. This year I decided to join in the fun and I won some. Not much. The best part of CNY would be the food. Oh, this is the time of the year where we all sin and sin in abundance. Gambling, playing firecrackers and glutony. Fish maw (kor row/kor du/kor loo) is a must on the table of every Foochow family. I think. At least ours do. It is fish maw (floats) cooked in a thick, starchy soup that has chili as its base. Looks like a orange colour, spicy shark's fin soup but so much better. See the picture below. This year our family decided to have our dinner and lunch outside my house sprawled across the badminton court. This is solely due to the size of my family. My dad has 17 siblings and this has contributed to the size of the family. Not to mention their overgrown size.
Lastly, a very Blessed Chinese New Year to all my friends and readers of this blog. May the Good Lord bless you in all your undertakings this year. Peace and joy shall follow you where ever you go and what ever you do. God bless...Cheers to another great year..

It is the time of the year again

And I say it with mix emotions. It could have been better celebrating Chinese New Year together with EstherC. But this shall not stop me from carrying on with life. Friends, who have sms me out of deep and honest concern, thank you but don't worry I'm doing very well. Esther, your trip to the land Down Under is only a long trip but the journey we embark is a long and enriching one, I believe. Anyways, personal issue aside.

Blessed Chinese New Year!
Wishing every Chinese reader and those who celebrate this auspicious celebration.
Especially to my family, Esther and her family and all my friends.
God bless! Eat and be merry...