Trip to Singapore (Fuel Consumption)

Went to Little India in Singapore. The Ipsum was refilled few days before this last working day of the week. Because of H1N1 alert, the kids and me waited in the Ipsum for about 45 minutes (engine idling - with air-cond on). The next day before we proceed to Muar, we re-fuel and the reading was 8km/litre.

During entry, the traffic was smooth. No bottleneck or jam, but slight jam on the way of Singapore.

The not so detergent

I washed the air filter with water mixed with a little of this and then with clean warm water.

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Air Filter Wash

I washed the 'reserve' air filter just now. Hope it'll be dry by tomorrow morning.

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80,XXX km minor service

Last Sunday I gave the Ipsum a wash and sent it for a minor service. This time, I purchased a full synthetic Toyota Motor Oil (TMO) from CT Auto at Larkin (RM150) and went to City Tyre (Michelin shop at Taman Pelangi, JB). The oil filter was original Toyota and supplied by City Tyre (RM25) and the labour cost was RM15. Total spent was RM190.

This was my first experience with TMO. All this while, we used M7 engine oil. I was a bit sceptical at first because TMO is locally made for UMW Toyota, the local Toyota authorised distributor. Boy was I'm in for a surprise. TMO is a weightier oil if compared to M7. The Ipsum is a bit reluctant when accelerating with TMO. It is by no mean slow. However, once the Ipsum met the required speed, the Ipsum felt more stable. My wife who was seating at the middle row did also complemented the same.

This was my first time with Toyota Oil Filter too. Before this mostly with M7 oil filter.

This may cause us to stick to Toyota original products. The engine oil is cheaper than M7, more suitable for the engine and last longer (10,000 km). M7 lasted 5,000 km despite being a fully synthetic.

Another thing which I realise is that the front bonnet is less hot to touch after drives. Less heat should be a good thing for the engine.

I was more than happy after this service.

6,000 km ago, the Ipsum was sent to Mutiara Motor's new outlet at Larkin for service. I purposefully did not post about it to wait for this service to compare with.

The new outlet was a clean and of a high standard. There was a waiting lounge with air-conditioner, coffee, astro and LCD TV. The workshop floor is a shiny clean and I've never seen such a standard before. With all this, I was prepared for a premium pricing.

For a start, there was no longer M7 free oil filter with the purchase of the M7 engine oil. This was the first cause of a higher service. Apart from the free oil filter, I usually also get a free t-shirt which is a nice one for daily home wear.

The service was fast. My Ipsum was attended to by 3 personnels.

During the service, I was inform that my Greddy air filter is old and should be replaced. I was told that Mutiara Motor no longer have them in stock and I was recommended M7 filter which was not cheap. I asked whether I can wash my Greddy filter since it is a washable type (I have never washed the filter prior to that - overlooked the matter). The lady went to ask the mechanic and informed me that the air filter's life should have come to an end. It should be replaced.

Since I already have another clean filter at home, I went home later and install the other set. Mutiara was right that my Ipsum improved tremendeously after the other air filter was replaced. However, I have washed the dirty filter and re-fit the same to the Ipsum and it is still in good shape. I smelled somebody was trying to gain some commission from the air filter sale.

I think the labour costs was high and I cannot accept it as reasonable because -

i. It was a normal service ;
ii. They identified 1 bulb which needed replacement but in actual fact there was 2 which needed replacement ;
iii. The bulbs were not changed because they did not have them in stock;
iv. The engine oil was costly but I think not that good for the Ipsum and not long lasting as the cheaper TMO.

I find it hard to accept the above. Thus, that may be my final visit to Mutiara for service.

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RON 92 is finished, RON 97 tonite

Went to Caltex Taman Pelangi, JB and the one near Taat House (no longer in business) and the one near Puteri Specialist. They all have run out of RON92. We filled with RON 97.

The calculation came to 9.7km/liter. Partly town drive and partly long distance cruising.

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Caltex RON 92 re-fill

Less idle engine, slightly better fuel consumption. Town drive 100%, 8.2km/litre.

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Caltex RON 92 Town Drive

Re-fill 2 nights ago. 7.7km/litre - with Caltex RON 92.

Ipsum 240's Owner's Manual

The Owner Manual and Service Schedule Maintenance Book can be purchased here.

Test

This is a manual version. The middle seats are individual seats, cannot be stowed flat to the floor. Left hand drive.

Avensis Verso

Can be found here.

Practical and roomy - that's what the Toyota Avensis Verso is. The Toyota Avensis Verso is a very nice sized MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) for its class. This is large when compared with a number of its competitors. It is in room and practicality that the Toyota Avensis Verso takes the lead. High levels of comfort and safety make this almost untouchable. The Avensis Verso is capable of carrying seven passengers in pure comfort. The elegant exterior looks surprisingly roomy and, once inside, you can see for yourself that the Toyota Avensis Verso lives up to its spacious smooth looks.

The amount of passenger space, even for the tallest occupants, is outstanding. The very supportive cloth seats, adjustable steering column, air conditioning, adjustable driver's seat, intermittent windscreen wipes, power windows, locks and steering, audio system and CD player, and a split folding third row seat make this vehicle a joy to own. For those prospective buyers who like things a little more luxurious, then the Ultima provides ultimate luxury. But both models boast climate control, power windows (front & rear), power steering, a six speaker MP3 compatible CD player, cruise control, power mirrors, central locking & keyless entry, driver & front passenger SRS airbags, front seat side curtain and front seat side impact airbags (Ultima only), ABS with BA (Brake Assist) & EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), the Toyota designed Safe-T-Cell, and a three year/100,000km warranty (whichever comes first). One of the main endeavours that the Avensis design team wanted to achieve was maximum packaging, efficiency and interior space. There are 18 different seating and load carrying configurations. I think they succeeded.

The Toyota Avensis Verso's engine is well suited to the vehicle. The 2.4 litre petrol engine is an in-line dual overhead cam 4-cylinder motor that is sprightly in its action. With 118 kW, you are always equipped with grunty acceleration when you need it. I like the smooth refined delivery of power. It suits the purpose of the vehicle right down to a tee - and that purpose is to carry large groups of people quietly and smoothly. The engine is excellent for a large family who needs to perform transport duty for the local footy team. The relaxed on-road performance is complemented by the exceptional four-speed automatic gearbox that changes up and down the gears unhindered and unnoticed. The Toyota Avensis Verso has the power to climb steep hills or comfortably cruise down the highway at speed. The driver will enjoy the way the car handles well for this MPV type vehicle, and the way the brakes are powerful and effective.

Safety isn't compromised. Every Avensis is fitted with driver and front passenger two-stage Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags for added protection. The Ultima also features front seat mounted side airbags for even more comprehensive safety. Dynamic safety features onboard the Avensis are many. ABS brakes are standard on every model. ABS brakes prevent the wheels from locking up and sliding under heavy braking. Wheel lockup is a major cause of accidents because steering control is lost once the front wheels skid. The Avensis's ABS braking system also features Brake Assist (BA) (which helps you apply optimum braking force during an emergency stop) and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) which dynamically distributes braking force based upon the load inside the vehicle.

The Avensis not only gives Toyota a much more modern and more efficient entry into the people mover (or family wagon) class; it also provides a cheaper alternative to the larger eight-seater Tarago. With a sizable list of features and options, and the ability to carry seven passengers, the Toyota Avensis Verso is the right multi-purpose vehicle for you!

Muar Trip

Went back to my home town in Muar last Saturday. Came back yesterday.

12km+/litre was achieved.