Trapo Classic Mark III and Trapo Classic Mark II Malaysia: What's new?

2021-12-06 09:35:36 By : Mr. William Yue

It has been a few months since I last reviewed the Trapo Classic Mark II foot pad for my 2011 Perodua Myvi. Since then, Trapo Malaysia has launched an upgraded version of their Classic cushion, so if you buy one according to my recommendation, I apologize for your loss. Now you know exactly how every Redmi smartphone user feels shortly after purchasing a brand new smartphone.

However, this is not an apology post. On the contrary, I wrote this article because Trapo just sent me a brand new Classic Mark III foot pad. I think it’s a good idea to see what has changed and what has not changed.

From the photos, you can probably see that there is not much change. What I mean is that the most obvious and clearly visible thing that is different from the front of the mat must be that the sturdy mat is now slightly larger than the previous version.

One of my main complaints about the Classic Mark II is that the sturdy cushion is a bit too low for the way I usually put my feet when driving. So, when I found out that the patch was bigger this time, I was very excited. Then I noticed that despite the larger surface area, on the Classic Mark III, the entire pad is now actually lower.

This means that the gap between the position where my heel sits comfortably and the actual position of the mat is larger. Since my initial review, I actually managed to adjust the position of my feet and the floor mat so that my heel rests comfortably on the hard mat. But it now appears that more adjustments are needed. However, considering the current gap, this may be a bit far-fetched.

Other than that, the rest of the top of the mat looks the same. You will still see the beautiful uniform diamond pattern, and I have to admit that it has grown on me over time. It can also catch dirt well, and you won't lose the small pebbles and things in the coil forest like using the coil pad.

The cushion is also made of EVA foam, which retains many of the things in Classic Mark II that I like. It is still super light and very easy to clean, and Trapo said it is still coated with antibacterial technology, which has earned Trapo the title of "Malaysia's Most Hygienic Car Foot Pad".

There is no obvious smell, but it is clear that these new cushion sleeves have an extra trump card. Not only does it not emit any inherent unpleasant odors, but the classic Mark III can also absorb unpleasant odors. The company claims that these cushions can "reduce the unpleasant odors in the car by 99%."

Honestly, this sounds great. I am not a person who likes to put scented air fresheners in my car. I prefer the neutral, odorless scent, or the new car scent I smelled when I reviewed the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line. So, something that can absorb the smell of my CKT and/or fart sounds like a dream come true.

However, I really cannot test this. I'm not sure in what time frame the mat needs to absorb the unpleasant odor, and I don't know what happens when the mat absorbs the odor, but my car smells the same so far.

Of course, this is not a bad thing, because the previous Trapo cushion made my car smell free with occasional ventilation. I haven't used these mats for a long time, so it will be interesting to see how it develops over time.

However, in terms of foam, Trapo claims that the Classic Mark III is now 3 times more durable than its predecessor, making it 6 times more durable than traditional PVC or rubber pads.

For reference, I have been using the Classic Mark II for about half a year, except for some dirt, the mat looks very original. None of the foam bridges showed any signs of wear or degradation, which is a promising sign.

However, I can't really verify Trapo's statement now, because the service life of the mat is usually in years. However, the fact that the mat has not been worn out for several months is definitely a good sign for future development. In other words, I will notice that their warranty period is only one year.

As far as I am concerned, the biggest difference between Classic Mark II and Classic Mark III is what is under the mat. When I reviewed the Classic Mark II, Trapo had not yet launched their new Trapo Fix technology. Instead, my Mark II cushion has small Velcro tags along the perimeter.

For starters, Trapo Fix is ​​the latest method used by Trapo to fix the mat to the car floor. The entire bottom of the cushion is lined with these Velcro-like fibers. The idea here is that it should make the cushion safer (because of the larger surface area) without damaging your car carpet (not as abrasive as Velcro).

An exception to this non-Velcro function is the small cushion located between the two rear floor cushions. This piece has both Velcro tags and Trapo Fix. I guess it is because this location is too unstable for Trapo Fix to guarantee its safety. However, it is pleasing that this piece still retains the wire lining in the seams, which helps the piece maintain its shape when wrapped around the small hump.

At first, I was a little skeptical, because I put the Classic Mark III in Myvi and it didn't seem to stick well to the carpet below. This allows me to lift and reposition the mat very easily. However, I later noticed: Although it is really easy to lift and reposition, the mats don’t actually slide or move when they are in full contact with the carpet.

Believe me, I tried to step on the floor mats with my feet, just like you kick your car with a clutch and let your car slip off the hairpin, but the mats didn’t move at all. So, as far as security is concerned, it has got two thumbs up from me so far.

I can also guarantee the abrasion resistance of the Trapo Fix lining and Velcro label. Using Velcro to remove the Classic Mark II sounds more violent than the Classic Mark II. Not only is it more difficult to remove, but when you tear it off the carpet, it also makes the classic velcro tearing sound.

Although I don't see any visible traces, I can't imagine this is better than the Trapo Fix alternative.

Well, it's time for me to confess: I am not completely transparent to you. I'm not sure how many of you will actually notice, but I believe that the eagle eyes among you have discovered that there is a difference between the two mats that I haven't mentioned.

Looking closely at the Classic Mark III, you may notice that it now uses this new brown color scheme. I know, I know, I should discuss it in the appearance section, but it's okay, let's start now.

When Trapo Malaysia initially asked me which color I wanted to see, I thought, of course, send me the new brown! Judging from the initial photos, I think the other black interiors of my car will look good, and it may even be better because it should better hide mud stains-perfect for the current ongoing rainy season.

But now that I have seen it with my own eyes, I am beginning to regret my decision. This color is not it. I think it's too light to match the black interior well, and it doesn't actually hide urban dirt well—the kind of dirt I bring into the car the most.

Dust and other things usually range from gray to black, and actually show up more clearly on the brown mat. It does this in a way that is not subtle at all. In addition, if you also choose brown lining, it looks worse.

But I thought, well, maybe this is more of a personal preference. So I conducted a poll on my Instagram account, and up to 73% of respondents also didn't like it. When my boss, Amin, said it looks high-end, there is a silver lining here, especially if you pair it with some brown Nappa leather.

I...I think this is the only situation where I would choose brown cushions, but in that case, I think if brown Nappa leather seats become a distinctive color in the deep black ocean, I would like it more. Again, everyone around me told me that I am not particularly fashionable, so how much do I know about colors?

However, what I know is that Trapo Classic Mark III is more expensive than its predecessor. Although you can buy a full set of Classic Mark II for my 2011 Perodua Myvi at the price of RM219.90, the price of the same car of Classic Mark III starts from RM249.90... and this is adding Trapo Fix or Trapo starter combination.

Now, I admit that Classic Mark III is an upgrade to its predecessor, but I would rather not be asked to pay an additional RM30 for what I hope is a generation upgrade. Nonetheless, if you really want to buy these or any of Trapo's new mats, please make sure to use promo code SOYACINCAU10 to get a 10% discount on Trapo Malaysia.