While the lights had already been turned off at PWTC last Sunday evening, we were caught amazed by some of the highlights from this year’s Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS). Sure the missing marques were disappointing, but there are still positive points that can be taken from the show. Here are our 5 picks that we really like about KLIMS this year.
1. Lexus LFA
A Motor show won’t be the same without displays of exotic super cars and despite the usual suspects like Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Porsche are missing, the one super car from the East that impressed us is the showcase of the Lexus LFA.
The 500 unit only supercar is unique as Lexus carefully select their buyers so that the LFA will not end up spending 90% of its lifetime in garages. The exclusive LFA was made with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and technologies from aviation industry, making this the most expensive car from the land of the rising sun and almost twice more expensive than any super car crafted with either Italian passion or German efficiency. But what makes this special is that so far no one in Malaysia owns one yet, making the LFA a very exclusive beast to be displayed here.
2.Volkswagen Beetle Fender
Volkswagen Malaysia went full throttle with the biggest booth display showcasing a massive 19 car models, which includes a special ‘cut out’ model of the Golf. Where the Polo hatchback 1.6 official launch was the hallmark for Volkswagen at KLIMS, the one that stole the most attention is perhaps the guitarist with the black Beetle Fender Edition.
The Fender Beetle is what you get if an iconic car juxtaposed with an amazing sound system from renowned musical instruments and amplifier maker, Fender. The Fender Beetle comes with eight speakers, a subwoofer and a 400-watt amplifier, turning the Beetle into an ultimate mobile rock concert. The unique interior was inspired by Fender’s iconic Stratocaster guitar. With a charming guitarist that played electrifying rock tunes with his Fender’s electric guitar plugged from the Fender Beetle, making this one of the most memorable moments on KLIMS.
3. Honda EV-STER
Honda Malaysia came out with a healthy display of environmental friendly vehicles in KLIMS and EV-STER took center stage. The small electric sports car is the spiritual successor of the Honda’s cult classic small car, the Beat. In tune with the current times, the two seater roadster will be rear wheel driven and will be low on weight thanks to its carbon materials. The word stunning is an understatement to describe the EV-STER concept, hopefully this sparks an exciting yet environmentally friendly replacement of the iconic S2000.
4. American Classic Car Showcase
Although classic American cars do not associate with KLIMS’ theme of “efficiency in motion”, after all a majority of these American classic cars are crude powerful cars that don’t go well with fuel economy and CO2 emission figures. That however was not a concern, as RAINTREE has done a tremendous job of showcasing some of the best display of classic American cars in Hall 4, in which we did coverage here
5. Ford Display Booth
KLIMS really saved the best for last with Ford’s display booth at Dewan Merdeka. Despite not having any prototype vehicles unlike Honda, Toyota, Perodua and Hyundai, Ford has put on a good preview of the possible Ford models to reach in our shores. Visitors were teased with the new Ford models from the Ecosports SUV, Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost, Fusion Hybrid and Focus Graphite +. Visitors with smartphones, compact cameras and DSLRs will not leave the Ford’s booth without capturing images of the rare and iconic Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500.
But the one that stole the thunder of much of the Ford’s car display is the fair maidens from our northern neighbor. Basically, every visitor in this hall got a glimpse of how it feels to attend an International Motor Show in Bangkok.
With brilliant lighting, well placed products, great activities and the beauties that accompany the cars, this is easily our pick as the best in show for KLIMS this year.
