It would be nice if you could be more specific on the so call "good, value for money and high spec" same kind of cars  currently available in Malaysia.

Ok let me do the job for you as a Xmas prezy.

1. Toyota Altis RM140K - Low spec aftermarket Navigation system with RM40k for the brand.

2. Honda Civic 2.0 Navi RM130K - same spec but RM30K more expensive.

3. Nissan Sylphy 1.8VL RM122K - no Navigation.

4. Hyundai Elantra 1.8 premium RM115K - Made in china Navigation. Ouch!

5. Kia Cerato 2.0 RM119K - Same as Hyundai with made in china Navigation system.

6. Proton Preve LE RM80K - Cheapest here. Not Xenon headlights and climate control with cheap build in Navigation. Build quality is an issue. You get what you pay for really.

7. Mazda 3 RM139K - Same as Toyota with RM40K premium just for the brand. But this is a very good car.

7. Peugeot & Citroen - I wouldn't even go there.

You got any suggestion?

my fluence is clocking 500km, so far no major issue. 1 minor issue is on the aircond sound. amazingly, fluence has 8 fan speed. the noise starts at speed 3 and above... so, just imagine when we use the auto button, the noise is loud enough until you can barely speak with the passenger. pressing the auto button will get you to max speed during noon. at night, it will set you at 4 or 5 for a short while.

on other note, I tried searching on the web on other reviews, although all reviews are positive but there aren't that many reviews about fluence. some negative review are due to "not following the standard", like:

1- why the front bonet and start button is on the left side instead of right, close to the driver?
2- why the cruise control button are located at the hand brake?

after using it for few weeks now, I don't find it troublesome at all. simply because it is still available for use. it like when you are moving into a new house, you have to change and adjust to it. you don't blame it for not being "old standard".

especially on the front bonet button, you only use it when you are having problem with the engine. I am pretty sure that you usually use it when your car is not moving.

even on the start button, it is not a trouble at all to find it.

so, I see the point but I don't mind at all... I am still a happy owner...

yup, if you think about it that way... but no, lazy isn't the right word.

I call it "why bother to putting it where the rest of the standard in minority world want to put it"? furthermore, this is cost avoidance and upholding real value for money of the car.

just imagine if Renault invite you to the design stage and ask you to choose between, what should stay on left and how much its going to cost vs. put it on the right and what value it bring... surely you will come to your senses.

just like when you decided to make a move to an apartment when all the while you were growing up in a terrace house. you are going for a change for sure...