NEW AVEO NOTCHBACK

This is the new Chevy Aveo Notchback. It was launched by the newly established joint venture company between DRB-Hicom and GM Asia Pacific recently.

Having priced it at between RM71,000 and RM75,000, this car isn't any better than the Aveo Hatchback, that was quite popular several years ago.

But this new joint venture company believes it can capitalise in the small car segment with this 1.4-litre car.

The Notchback isn't exactly a pretty car. The front looks identical to the earlier model, with the only difference being the sedan rear. There is also a sports package that consists of full leather seats including door trims and steering wrap, bodykit, 14-inch alloy wheels and V-Kool, which would put you back by between RM6,000 and RM7,680, depending on trim level of the car. There are two trim levels.

But I still find it hard to accept that this car would in fact make it in the Malaysian market, especially when there are so many choices in that segment now. There is just nothing to really excite Malaysians. A Toyota Vios or Honda City would undoubtedly be a lot better to drive and own.

Unless, of course, the new company springs a surprise and brings in far better products into the market. -- Dinesh Kumar

IT ISN'T ALL THAT BAD

The M3, dare I say, isn't all that bad. What we need to analyse here is the market it has begun to appeal. In the 'old days' when an M car was appealing to European drivers, it has now captured the hearts of the yankees. They have finally liked something like an M3, which is why this car is rather different from its predecessor.

According to BMW engineers, the six-speed manual gearbox is one dearly loved by the Americans. Unlike the predecessing model, this one sounds far more refined and ably handles as well.

Just because it doesn't have that brute sound and characteristics, doesn't mean the car isn't equally as good. What would expect from a V8 motor from BMW? Obviously refinement. Its not just about the sound and all, but more to sheer belief of achieving a 50:50 weight distribution, getting the more than 400bhp on the road without much hassle, unlike those blokes at AMG who make perfectly good 'sports' cars. But they seem to have forgotten the mechanics of getting that power to stick on the road at corners.

The M3, I would think, is different. Drive it sanely and it rewards with a comfortable and pleasant drive. Jam the accelerator pedal down the metal, above 4,000 revs, and it becomes a a fire-breathing beast.

This means that the new M3 can be driven by practically any kind of driver. The husband, who makes the millions, can drive it, and so can his midlife-crisis-struck wife. Hell, even his old-age mother could and still look good at it.

Thus, the only worry now would be the price. The M3 is supposed to be a borderline supercar, performance of a supercar but with the humble pricing of a normal, premium car. But whatever said and done, the M3 has made its mark and still, pretty much one of the most desirable sports cars around, even if one can't exactly afford one. Cheers!